[walksjoel]

Hey Fellas,

I'm a half frozen Canadian anxiously awaiting his rip to Florida, and looking for some places/guys to play with. I am going with my wife and kids and the in-laws, so I am definitely going to need some golf time. We'll be there the end of April, so any advice or suggestions you might have would be great. Even if there is no one to play with, if any one knows some good places to play that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks guys

[Carolina Golfer 2]

In my opinion one of the best courses in the state is about two hours away at World Woods in Brookville. It is a bit of a drive but would be worth it, they have 36 holes so you couldmake a day of it.

Closer to Orlando, I've enjoyed Metro West, Shingle Creek, Champions Gate, Orange County National and Mystic Dunes. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[bvmagic]

World Woods is a great place, as long as you are able to dedicate the whole day to play. Its way out in the middle of nowhere. Lake Jovita is another great course, but kind of expensive. If you find yourself between Tampa and Orlando, Eaglebrooke in Lakeland is another good one.

Orlando has a bunch of great courses depending on where you'll be staying at. Assuming you are going to be in the Disney or I drive part, you could try Grande Pines. Championsgate and Orange county are also great ones.

Most of the courses I listed are pretty expensive for my taste. I live right down the street from Winter Pines golf course, which is one of the busiest golf courses in the country. Its cheap and you will always find people to play with there. Perfect for my "college student" budget. Enjoy the trip to Florida! Bring some shorts, its getting hot down here!

[pitchmaster1224]

just got back from tampa couple weeks ago played tpc tampa, fox hollow and world woods all good...world woods is a little bit of a hike but w/ 70 m.p.h. highways only took about an hour from tampa to get there so not that bad

[Paka]

I will also second the World Woods recommendation.

Lake Jovita, though I haven't played there (I have played the cheap St. Leo course, The Abbey, right nearby, lol), I could also give a recommendation on as my dad lives there on hole 13 of the South course. It is beautiful. I will treat myself to a round one day.

With either, you'll have what is for FL hilly terrain. Which is not saying much, of course.

[sanddog28]

If you are looking to stay in the area and not commit a whole day to driving as well as the golf, i would suggest Orange County National this is a must play in the Orlando area. Shingle Creek and Mystic Dunes are both enjoyable rounds, as I am a local drop me a pm with where you are staying and i can help you find the courses that are closest to where you are staying if you want to try to squeeze in some rounds but don't have the time to travel that far...

[agevp]

Orlando area course to play:

1) Falcon's Fire - Wide open and gorgeous scenery...nicest staff in Orlando
2) Grand Cypress (New course and North/South) Expensive but very high end
3) Orange County National (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) Great courses and best practice range in the area
4) Celebration Golf Club - target golf and well manicured
5) All the Disney courses - but they are expensive and rounds are slow...tourist don't know any better

Check the Golf Channel site for Orlando reviews. I've played almost every course in the area and these are my favorites.

[Liquid]

I played Southern Dunes, not far from Disney. Very nice track. If you can only play one round at World Woods, make sure it's on the Pine Barrens track.

[ChrisM84]

Bridgewater just opened up about 2 years ago, great links style course about 20 minutes west of Orlando.

[jdkim24]

ill be out there in april too...does any one have any inputs on the following courses?

-forrest lake
-harbor hills
-magnolia gc
-stoney brook west/east
-wekiva (diamond club?)

[birdieba]

Depending on how long you are in town, I would also recommend World Woods.

In Orlando area:
1) Champions Gate
2) Orange County National
3) Southern Dunes (About 20 minutes from Disney, depending on traffic)

Bad thing is, right now the cost to play most them is double what it will be in another two months. Expect to pay over $100 a round.

In Tampa area:
1) TPC Tampa
2) Lake Jovita

The top courses in Tampa are private. If you are a member at a private club, your Pro or GM should be able to get you on them. My favorites are Avila & Tampa Palms.

[walksjoel]

Are the prices jacked up at the end of April, start of May? Thanks for all the replies guys, I have already started making plans....most of the courses look great!!!

[bvmagic]

I've played Stoneybrook East a bunch of times. It has a great layout and the greens are usually rolling pretty good. I'm waiting for the prices to go down once it the weather warms up. But from what I see from practicing on the greens and driving by the course seems to be in good shape.

[Husky18]

Don't forget Southern Hills Plantation in Brooksville
Belleview Biltmore in Largo is a GREAT Ross course