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Golfing in Orlando

Take a swing at some of Central Florida's most well-designed courses.
February 2007

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words by > Dan Spiegel

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

*Throw the clubs in the backseat and embark on one of these golf day trips just outside Orlando.

Orlando’s golf courses are often associated with its theme parks. However, Central Florida has a number of well-designed courses outside of these areas that are attracting golfers with a range of skill levels. They can all provide the perfect day trip, with excellent dining establishments on site—in some cases they are located on the grounds of resorts with first-rate accommodations—but there

ROYAL ST. CLOUD GOLF CLUB

St. Cloud
The links course of Royal St. Cloud, located off the beaten path in the town of St. Cloud, provides a magnifi cent experience from the time the clubs come out of the car. Th e feathered sand traps, lack of houses and the “Deli Teli”—an authentic red English telephone booth for ordering lunch, found just aft er the 9th hole—combine to create an atmosphere similar to that found in golf ’s European homeland. Remarkably, you’ll never pay more than $64 at this outstanding course.

Short-hitters will be delighted to know that the smooth, rolling fairways will garner maximum distance off the tee, while long hitters will chomp at the bit, making a run at personal distance records. Although most fairways are generous in width for drives, don’t take it for granted. Hell Bunker awaits, as well as many other obstacles you’d see in a British Open. Th e smooth, hard, undulating greens will keep you on your toes. Rock bridges and sheep rock-lined tee boxes make this a course that rewards imagination, strategy and shot making. Don’t forget to pay homage to the statue of Hooken-Fächer, Th e God Of Long Drives, as you tee off on the 9th hole. www.stcloudgolfclub.com

WHERE TO EAT:
Charley’s Steakhouse and Seafood Grille Kissimmee
Approximately 30 minutes away from remote St. Cloud, Charley’s is one of the most famous steakhouses in the Orlando area. Small is not on the menu, with steak portions ranging from 12 to 45 ounces.

The seafood entrees are hearty as well, so make sure to work up a hearty appetite while exploring the course!

www.charleyssteakhouse.com

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB

Howey-In-The-Hills
Located approximately 40 minutes west of Orlando International Airport in the little-known town of Howey-In-Th e-Hills, the tranquil Mission Inn Resort & Club is the perfect getaway for relaxation and superb golf.

You will be welcomed by two excellent championship golf courses. El Campeon, Mission Inn’s signature course, was built in 1926 and has the character of a US Open venue. Th e par-5, 17th hole, is a double-dogleg that is one of golfi ng’s greatest challenges. Las Colinas, built in 1992, is the easier of the two, but this links-style course provides another solid test, pleasing for all skill levels. Th e spectacular rolling countryside, towering forests and sparkling lakes create a remarkable golf oasis. www.missioninnresort.com

WHERE TO EAT:
The Goblin Market Restaurant Mt. Dora Venturing off the property rewards you with this luxury. Th e town of Mt. Dora has the feel of an intimate, casually elegant Victorian village. Th ree book-lined dining rooms provide a truly unique setting for a cozy and sophisticated dining experience. A diverse wine list complements wonderful creations on the menu including crab bisque, fi let Napoleon and potato-crusted black grouper.

www.goblinmarketrestaurant.com

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION GOLF CLUB

Lake Mary
This course borders the Wekiva River wilderness area, with downtown Orlando 20 minutes away. Newly renovated and in tip-top condition, Magnolia Plantation provides challenges for both beginners and pros. Th e greens are some of the quickest in the Orlando area, and Head PGA Professional/Owner Timothy
J. Coolican has begun the process of making this course an eventual stop for professional and amateur events. Stunning sunsets through Magnolia’s thick foliage are majestic, and you might spot some of the area’s abundant wildlife, which includes red-shouldered hawks, wild turkeys, blue herons, foxes and deer.

All golf carts are furnished with GPS systems, which allows golfers to know how many yards away they are from each hole and where they are on the course. The most you will pay for a round is $50. www.magnoliaplantationgolfclub.com

WHERE TO EAT:
Seasons 52
Altamonte Springs
Seasons 52 is revolutionary in that it promises that all entrees are low calorie and healthy, yet you would never know it. All dishes are exquisite and delicious, with just as much eff ort spent on their presentation. Th e menu changes every week, making it easy for patrons to try something new and exciting. Over 140 wines are available, with 70 by the glass.

WALKABOUT GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Mims
The Atlantic Ocean can whip up strong winds. Add them to the secluded layout at Walkabout, and what results is one of the most challenging courses in Florida. Five sets of tees make the course manageable for all players, and with the course measuring almost 7,200 yards from the pro tees, each club will be needed.

Walkabout has the aura of an exclusive club, and its grounds are lush and rolling. Water comes into play on 15 of the 19 holes, and the par-3 19th hole is an island green in the shape of Australia—a clever fi nish for any round.

Perry Dye and former LPGA star Jan Stephenson combined visions on this spectacular land, infusing styles found in Australia, Canada, Scotland and North Carolina. Th e massive, quick, sloping greens require great touch and feel. PGA Tour players such as Chris DiMarco tee it up here, and, for only $40, so can you.

www.walkaboutgolf.com

WHERE TO EAT:
Durango Steakhouse
Titusville
Steaks, ribs and seafood selections are superbly prepared at this restaurant known for oak grilling. Its casual, yet lively atmosphere is a fantastic conclusion to a perfect day on Florida’s east coast. www.durangosteakhouse.com

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