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Two of my favourites were Cypress Knoll and Matanzas Woods, designed by Gary Player and Arnold Palmer respectively.
Cypress Knoll is a memorable design, a tough challenge from the back but, for the strategically minded handicapper, rather more amiable from the forward tees. Reign in those drives, keep it straight off the tee and don't take chances on the approaches sums up one of the finest courses I've seen.
There's a diversity of holes, each one in isolation, that brings a lovely tempo to the round. Cypress Knoll looks a picture and is a joy to play.
Matanzas Woods is a big course offering a similar challenge but with multiple tee options. It has several holes you'll recall fondly, including a couple that may be unique. I'd give my gold tooth to have seen Arnie play this one in his pomp.
Owned by a consortium which has four courses in what is known as the Palm Coast, just north of Daytona Beach, Matanzas Woods is ranked 39th in Florida and is a former Tour School qualifying course. 'Nuff said.
Play it last, when your game is on-song. Water lurks on 10 holes and it dominates several, either from the tee or near the green. When the wind blows the targets shrink and the hazards expand. Two irons are popular here.
It begins relatively gently and, as it should, becomes progressively more demanding, with a knee-knocking finish.
Palmer devised his version of Amen Corner and here it begins on the 13th, a par-3 with the green front and left guarded by water.
Then comes a par-5 where the tee shot is to an island fairway, then over water again to an elevated green.
This is a genuine three shotter, as is the 18th, a spectacular hole of 510 yards with an island green in the center of a lake that runs along the length of the fairway.
It may be the most memorable hole in Daytona Beach, an area loaded with good golf.
THIS is merely a selection of the courses in or around Daytona Beach but even so you'll be spoiled for choice and whichever you choose you'll want to play them twice.
That's simple with a shared cart, obligatory and inexpensive, which will also provide a cooling breeze if you're there when it's warm.
All courses have total clubhouse facilities and lunch/drinks are not expensive. In addition, most courses have a mobile beverage cart that will find you every hour.
Of the courses reviewed, Matanzas Woods and Cypress Knoll are the furthest away, about 30 minutes' drive. Getting to golf is simple: the city is on a grid system and readily available maps are easy to follow. Your hotel will book your tee times.
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