Orlando

[jibbs1082]

Anything worth playing nearby Bay Hill (meaning within 30-40 min drive) other than Isleworth? There's a few Digest top 50-florida's in the area but nothing jumps out to me and little knowledge other than those two courses. Looking for 1 more 18 to mix in somewhere in Feb.

 

Thanks!

[italianstallion]

On 9/10/2024 at 1:52 PM, jibbs1082 said:

Anything worth playing nearby Bay Hill (meaning within 30-40 min drive) other than Isleworth? There's a few Digest top 50-florida's in the area but nothing jumps out to me and little knowledge other than those two courses. Looking for 1 more 18 to mix in somewhere in Feb.

 

Thanks!

 

Do you have access to playing private courses? Only reason I ask is because you mentioned Isleworth.

[jibbs1082]

On 9/12/2024 at 9:37 AM, italianstallion said:

 

Do you have access to playing private courses? Only reason I ask is because you mentioned Isleworth.

 

Yes, they would be an option....

 

Assume Lake Nona would be a good choice as well?

 

Anything else in that Isleworth/Nona tier?

[italianstallion]

I’ve never played Iselworth but naturally I’ve never heard anything bad about it. If you can get out there do it. Lake Nona is a fun track with a lot of really interesting holes. I played it in February a few years ago and it was in fantastic shape, super tight greens. One thing to keep to keep in mind is there is an LPGA event there at the end of January/beginning of February so just be sure to not conflict with that. I played it a week after the tournament and there wasn’t any sign it was even there. 
 

Another option, although potentially a tough get, is Mountain Lake. A rare Seth Raynor design maybe an hour from the attractions side of town. If you’re an architecture nerd or appreciate golden age golf courses that should be top of your list. They don’t overseed however, so don’t expect the perfectly manicured conditions you’ll find at Nona, Bay Hill or Isleworth. To me this is preferred anyway because the golf course then plays how it’s supposed to, firm and fast
 

Next tier down from those are Interlachen in Winter Park and Country Club of Orlando. Although I believe they’re finally moving forward with a project at Interlachen to blow the whole place up and start over, so it may not be an option.  
 

As far as the public course options are concerned, the only courses remotely close to the private club tier you’re looking at would be the Ritz Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Evermore, and Four Seasons. Far below that are then places like the Disney courses, Orange County National, Southern Dunes, and Celebration. Truthfully none of these courses are architecturally interesting. 
 

Here’s some shots from Nona

 

 

And some from Mountain Lake

 

[sabram]

Mountain Lake is a great course but very difficult to get access without knowing a member or being a member of a highly exclusive club. It's at least a 90 minute drive from Bay Hill.

 

The best public options within 45 minutes of Bay Hill (depending on time of day in the horrible Orlando traffic) are  the course at Evermore( f/k/a Grand Cypress), Orange County National, Mission Inn El Campeon, Championsgate (Country club or International.) I like Southern Dunes a lot, but doubt you can get there in 45 minutes from Bay Hill.

[Tim_Gavrich]

If you can get on Mountain Lake, that's the play for sure. Lake Nona is very good; Mountain Lake is great.

[RichieHunt]

For private courses you have Windermere, Lake Nona, Orange Tree and Golden Bear Club (Keene's Point).  ChampionsGate Country Club (not the resort) is pretty close.

Other courses would be Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Carlton, Southern Dunes and Reunion (generally you need to stay at Reunion to get on there).



RH

[jjthomp2]

which course is more enjoyable at Evermore? I'm looking into playing a round on an upcoming trip.

 

Thank you!

[sabram]

The Links (f/k/a the New) is always fun. It's an homage to the Old Course at St Andrews and is different from most courses in the Orlando area as it has some linksy features. I haven't played the Cypress which was recently built on land that was the old 27 holes... North , South and East nines. The old 27 holes were not anything special, and the Cypress course is now $210 so I won't be playing it for awhile as there are other courses in the area that I'd prefer to play for a lower green fee.