[parpar41]

Help me plan my Florida winter golf break

To deal with all of the snow outside and to cope with the brutally cold weather, I find it mentally and emotionally useful to spend time planning my next winter golf break to Florida.

I need your input to help me decide between two competing destinations: Brooksville or Deltona (North Orlando area) .

Based on a recent article in T&L Golf, I am thinking about visiting the rolling sandhills of Central Florida. Apparently not all Florida courses are flat and water-logged. I also love to get a good deal on a green fee.

In Brooksville, the core value course seems to be the Dunes, north of Brooksville.

• It was a hidden gem built by Arthur Hills back in 1988 and redone by Arthur Hills in 2007. It has gone by several names over the years: Seville G & CC or Seville North GC. In Golf Digest places to Play website, it is currently called the Dunes at Huntington Hammock. Golf Digest rated it 3.5 stars back in 1994 and 3 stars now and says the green fee is a modest $45 (the course website says the fee can be as much as $75).

Another interesting course in Brooksville is the Brooksville CC which, although historically a private course, is “currently open to public play” according to the course’s website. I have to phone them to get the green fee (and I haven’t done that yet). It was recently renovated by architect Bobby Weed and apparently has some spectacular quarry holes.

[If I choose Brooksville, I could break the bank to play at least one round at World Woods].

In Deltona, north of Orlando, the core value course seems to be the Deltona Club.

• Back in 1994, when it was known as the Deltona Hills G&CC, Golf Digest gave it 3.5 stars. It was recently extensively renovated and redesigned by architect Bobby Weed (interesting coincidence?) and all of the photos feature the extensive use of native sand. The green fee is a modest $45. Seems that a very good course has been overhauled into a great course?

Not far away, is the Victoria Hills GC. Golf Digest gives it 4.5 stars; the course website says green fees are $75. Like all of the above, it is supposed to feature nice elevation changes and abundant use of natural sand.

Any recommendations? I know lots of golfers have played at World Woods: This is not a post about World Woods. Have you played any of these other, less expensive, courses? Is the Dunes a great course or is it just lost in the middle of no-where? Are they hidden gems or not? Are there other good value courses in the same areas that you would recommend?

Should I fly into Orlando or Tampa?

All input welcomed.

[parpar41]

Deltona club v. The Dunes at Brooksville:

Note to self: really not a good idea to start a post in the middle of the final round of PGA tour event!!!


Looking for feedback on these Florida "sandhill" courses.

[67VIP]

Tampa's airport might actually be closer than Orlando's. If there's no cost difference, take Tampa as it will be an easier drive. I played The Dunes several times many years ago and it was a very nice course. However; just so you know, the prices you're quoting for The Dunes and some others will get you on World Woods. Right now you can get on Rolling Oaks for $45, probably play both courses for a c-note. If you only want to play one, though...play Pine barrens. Near Orlando are some great courses like Southern Dunes and Diamondback which are about 10 miles apart in Haines City.

[parpar41]

67VIP, on Feb 2 2009, 06:07 PM, said:

Tampa's airport might actually be closer than Orlando's. If there's no cost difference, take Tampa as it will be an easier drive. I played The Dunes several times many years ago and it was a very nice course. However; just so you know, the prices you're quoting for The Dunes and some others will get you on World Woods. Right now you can get on Rolling Oaks for $45, probably play both courses for a c-note. If you only want to play one, though...play Pine barrens. Near Orlando are some great courses like Southern Dunes and Diamondback which are about 10 miles apart in Haines City.

thanks for the tips; $45 for Rolling Oaks is about $100 off the "rack" rate, I gather.

I sense that you liked the Dunes; that is was really good, but not great ( or , how about, not worth driving all the way for Orlando to play )??

[iteachgolf]

I love Deltona Club and I actually like Victoria Hills more. Both are worth the money.

[67VIP]

parpar41,

I remember I liked the dunes, but it was so long ago i can't tell you much about it. There are so many courses around the orlando area that it might not be worth the drive over. It really depends on your interests...are you trying to get in as many rounds as possible, or are you trying to get on the best tracks available? Southern Dunes twilight rate is $69 and it's a fabulous track. Orange County national is another outstanding track that you can probably get a good deal on with a mid morning or twilight rate. Apparently rates are coming down all over as TPC Sawgrass is now down to $150, instead of the usual $325. Call some of these places up and see if you can negotiate a good deal. Alot of these courses are hurting, so take advantage.