[shellzer61994mv]

Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that golfing in the Orlando area doesnt have to rattle the wallet. I just got back from a quick trip down to Florida to what I called a "recession golf trip". The flight from philly to orlando was $150 rt. I knew that it was high season in orlando and as I did my course review they all seemed to be very expensive (the Southern Dunes, disneys, Marriots, OCN's of the world). We were renting a car to meet a college buddy anyway and I did hear that courses 45 mins to an hour outside of Orlando were just as nice and much cheaper as the ones in and around Orlando, so we gave it a shot. We played three very nice courses for around $100.

1) Harmony Golf Preserve (Harmony Fl)- this one I believe is well known on this site, but it was an intreresting track with tons of wildlife (few gators) and couldnt beat the $33 after 12pm. WATER ON EVERY HOLE. http://www.harmonygolfpreserve.com/

2) Walkabout Golf club (Mims Fl)- very interesting course with a temporary clubhouse in a development that at first seemed to have failed but after talking to the pro shop it is a development just being started (some gorgeous homes on the course). The course was designed by LPGA pin up Jan Stephanson with a Dye signature (perry...whoever he is). Definetly worth the $30 plus the $20 replay.
http://www.walkaboutgolf.com/

3) The Deltona Club (Deltona Fl) - My favorite course of the three was awarded 2nd best redesign in Florida in 2007. The redesign was done by Bobby Weed (Cannon Ridge in Va, Glen Mills in PA and numerous TPC's on his resume), one of my favorite designers who most may not have heard of. The greens were pretty much immaculate and so well rolled. The only wierd thing was numerous sand traps in places that dont come into play, but it sure was pretty to look at. Definetly would play it again in a heartbeat. I think it was $45 to play. http://www.thedelton...e...&page=33321

If you guys have any questions, shoot me an PM and ill do my best to guide ya.

[parpar41]

Thanks for the good reviews of the Deltona Club. it is a course on my radar for my next florida golf trip: I like to find good courses at good prices.

the history of the complete renovation of the course is interesting: there are a number of good articles about the Deltona club posted on Bobby Weed's website: http://bobbyweed.com...=weed-clippings

[KMaren]

I played Harmony last year and it is a nice course. I would not recommend it however if you stay in the Clermont/Kissimmee area. The Harmony is about as far east as you would want to go and out of the way if you like having a few beers while you play. There are as nice if not nicer courses closer to the area mentioned. Just to clarify there is absolutely nothing wrong with the course and the service was fantastic. It made this years trip have an emphasis on how far the courses where compared to where we were staying.

[dewnami]

Another vote here for The Deltona Club. I played it today for this 1st time and I was VERY impressed. Im local in Daytona Beach area and The Deltona Club is my new favorite central Florida course. Ill take it over either of the LPGA courses (though the LPGA Legends is also a great track). The elevation changes are like nothing you will see anywhere in central Florida.

A must play if you are in the area!!