Golfer's Guide Orlando Golf Courses Stories

Some renovations simply alter or spruce up a golf course. Other ones, however, can drastically change the personality, playability and challenge of a single layout much for the better. Five years removed from a renovation by Steve Smyers, Grande Pines Golf Club is most certainly far more the latter than the former.

Located in the shadow of Sea World in the heart of Orlando just off International Drive, Grande Pines was already one of the better regarded layouts in Central Florida before the renovation began. Following Smyers’ redesign, this 18-hole Marriott Golf facility is in the discussion as one of the finest courses in the area; a significant statement given the world-class golf that is found throughout the Orlando region. The reigning Marriott Golf property of the year, Grande Pines was originally designed by Joe Lee and opened as the International Golf Club in 1986. In 2003 the club shut down for the considerable redesign, and opened a year later with a fresh new look, a new name and a new designer of record in Smyers, whose work at the course more than justifies that honor.

Picture this: The breezes are blowing across Central Florida (aren’t they always?), but unlike other courses in the area, Eagle Creek is firm and fast, with Scottish-style revetted bunkers between you and the pin 40 yards away. You shape a bump and-run shot within three feet and drain the putt to get into your buddy’s wallet. You’ve just experienced something you’ll find nowhere else in the Orlando area, the true Scottish golf experience of Eagle Creek Golf Club, located just southeast of Orlando International Airport.

When Herbert Warren Wind coined the phrase “Amen Corner” in reference to holes 11, 12 and 13 at Augusta National Golf Club in 1958, he supplied what eventually would become the world’s most prestigious golf tournament with a distinctly unique three-hole enclave as synonymous with The Masters as the great Bobby Jones; a standalone experience within the overall body of work.

Closer to home, PGA National Golf Club has the “Bear Trap” and TPC Sawgrass has the infamous island green. Albeit without the national acclaim or PGA Tour status to provide it, Candler Hills Golf Club has a collection of golf holes so unique and challenging they deserve their own distinction 18 times over.

Overall, the Gordon Lewis-designed Candler Hills, located smack dab in the middle of Florida’s horse country in Ocala, is a stern test for the most accomplished golfers as evidenced by its status as host to some of the state’s top events such as the North Florida Senior Open, the Ocala Open and a Florida State Women’s Golf Association Tournament.