Golfing
The Pines is surrounded by over 30 golf courses, including the glorious championship course at Ridgewood Lakes Golf and Country Club just a few miles to the South. The closest is Champions Gate which is just a 5 minute drive away. Champions Gate has two 18 hole championship courses designed by Greg Norman. It is also the home of David Leadbetter's golf academy. It is already regarded as one of the top facilities in the United States.
For others, golf in Orlando starts and stops at Walt Disney World Resort with its 99 holes and location in the heart of the tourist district around 15 minutes drive from our villa. Those looking for games outside these high-profile venues will want to consider the courses that we have identified below which provide the maximum return for the least investment of time and money.
Mystic Dunes Golf Club
Opened in the summer of 2001, Mystic Dunes is located virtually across the street from Disney World's south entrance. The design is one of the most strategic and invigorating in Central Florida. The mind- boggling green complexes, the heart and soul of the course, are simply on another level. Green fees are as low as $48 in the summer but can climb into the $100's in peak season. (866) 311-1234.
North Shore Golf Club
North Shore is the closest golf course to Orlando International Airport, roughly six miles to its southeast. It's a thoughtful, Mike Dasher-designed layout that has something for everyone as the course wanders around wetlands, over old ranch land, into an oak grove, and then back to the clear again. Ever growing in popularity the green fees are still reasonable, ranging from the $40 to the $70. (407) 277-9277.
Orange County National
This 36-hole complex can be quickly accessed by taking county roads 535 or 545 in the back way. David Harman designed the Panther Lake and Crooked Cat courses on wonderfully rolling and scenic topography. OCN's complete isolation is a blessing and the rates are fair for the product, ranging from $50 to $100 per round. Advance scouting will usually yield package deals and special promotions. (407) 656-2626.
Highlands Reserve
Highlands Reserve is another delightful design by Mike Dasher that hits a perfect niche in the Orlando market. The open and hilly course is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Disney World off Highway 27 in a quiet development. Its best features are the innovative green complexes (check out the Biarritz green at No. 16) and the imminent walkability. Rates range from $37 to $65. (877) 508-4653.
Southern Dunes
Southern Dunes in Haines City is 15 minutes drive away belongs on this list since it's one of the most original and outstanding golf courses in Florida. The Steve Smyers design is awash in expressive bunkering and strategic options and there's enough going on between the ropes to keep your eyes off the tract housing lining many of the holes. (863) 421-4653.
MetroWest
Until the golf course explosion began in the mid-1990's MetroWest was considered by most to be the finest public access course in Orlando. It's a typically demanding Robert Trent Jones design that's highlighted by surprising elevations and a panoramic view of the downtown skyline on the second nine. Rates have risen recently to the $60 to $110 bracket (call for specials). (407) 299-1099.
Hawk's Landing
Hawk's Landing is probably the most centrally located golf course in the "tourist" part of town. Originally designed by Joe Lee, architect Bob Cupp gave the course a well-deserved face-lift several years ago. Wrapping around the grounds at the foot of the Marriott Orlando World Center Resort the course if a festival of hazards that demands a strong aerial game, with water in play on 15 holes. It's not cheap at $85 to $135. (407) 238-8660.
Diamond Players Club of Clermont
Deserves serious consideration because it's so much fun to play. This course is one of the most unique and adventurous in the state due to rapid elevation changes of 200 feet. Terry LaGree certainly didn't hold back in taking advantage of the exuberant if stark terrain. Rates range from $50 to $90 with specials available. (352) 243-1729.
Lake Orlando
Lake Orlando, a mature, flat course with glorious stands of cypress and oak along with plenty of water hazards, is old school Florida golf (1972). It's simple, centrally located off of I-4 north of downtown, and the $25 to $45 rates are next to impossible to beat. If you like tight older courses with character then Lake Orlando is a logical choice. (407) 298-1230.
Forest Lake of Ocoee
This is one of Orlando's best-kept secrets, a gorgeous, affordable, and engaging course with no homes in sight. Designed by the local firm of Clifton/Ezell/Clifton Forest Lake possesses rich green complexes and one of the finest stretches of holes in town, the marvelous run from 13 to 17. Best of all, the green fees top out at $55. (407) 654-4653.
The Legends at Orange Lake
The Legends at Orange Lake is another course that often gets overlooked when accolades are passed out but its design can compete with any in the area. The Legends Course, from Arnold Palmer Course Design, is adjacent to Disney World on the south side. It's exceedingly bold and chock full of visceral features and risk/reward shots, athoroughly macho golf course where the only downside are the rates, which can run into the mid-$100's. (407) 239-1050.