Highlands Reserve - Orlando Area Courses

WBGolfer489 · July 11

Hello, long time browser first time poster. Highlands Reserve in Davenport, FL anyone on here ever play it in February and March? Planning our golf trip and going back to Orlando as a guys trip as opposed to MX when we took the wives.

We've done Reunion before, but looking to do a VRBO and play some more reasonable courses. We are a bunch of hacks just looking to get away for a few days and make some memories, drink some beer and play golf outdoor instead of a simulator when it is 20 degrees at home! Reunion is great and we've played Shingle Creek and Champions Gate International. We've also played Kissimmee Bay Country club and had a blast.

Highlands Reserve caught my eye due to the price and its proximity to Champions Gate if we want to play Country Club one of the 3 rounds or International or National, a lot of VRBO's in the vicinity as well. The reviews make me a little nervous, looks like they've recently renovated but the reviews still seem to be all over the place at times.

Our GHIN Index's range anywhere from 7 on the low end to 18+. Ages range from 36-66 so playable courses are preferred. Our home course is a Slope of 114 and CR of 68.6. It's a bit of a goat track at times, but its our goat track ya know!

Just curious as to who's played that course and of any others that may be worth looking at in the area to keep the cost down as we will be there in peak season.

Philfil · July 11

@WBGolfer489 Highlands Reserve is exactly what you want with your group.

Edited July 11 by Philfil

sabram · July 12

I play Highlands Reserve every month from September to June (I'm not in Florida most of July or August... it's too hot) Highlands Reserve is a very good choice. It used to fly under the radar of most tourists, but recently it's gotten more well known and green fees have increased, although it's still a really good value compared to most other courses in the area.

It's a very good design with lots of variety, lots of elevation changes, mostly generous fairways, good greens, and no water. It's built on a sandy site so drains well it is playable even a few hours after a storm and is never cart path only.

The first two holes are okay. The third is a neat shortish drop shot (i.e. steep downhill) par 3. The fourth is where the course gets really good and lots of fun. I'll give you a hole by hole description with playing tips if you'd like. Holes four through 18 are all very good with the only exception (IMO) being the par 5 ninth, which is a tight, dogleg left with a tough downhill approach shot.

They rebuilt the greens three years ago and the course has been in very good condition ever since. Click on the photo below to see photos of the course from several rounds over the last couple years.

PS- Most of the VRBO houses within the Championsgate Country Club community are very nice and well appointed.

PPS If you are looking for other good options convenient to Championsgate consider Southern Dunes. It's as good or better than anything you've played, but will be more than $100 for tee times in the morning during Winter. Also, take a look at Legends Clermont which is more budget friendly.