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So expansive is the roll call of Florida courses, so keen is the competition, that something special is needed to make ripples in the pool and headlines in the market place.
Being new helps, for some, and a major architectural profile doesn't hurt, either. The course at Celebration, the newly founded town on 4,900 acres of Disney property just north of Orlando, meets both criteria.
It is the first course jointly designed by the father and son team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr., it has four sets of tees, each designed for a specific handicap band, and it ranges from 6,786 yards to 4,921. It also has beginners' tees which reduce every hole to par-3; the practice range is a lake, and there is a three hole course exclusive to juniors.
It opened four years ago and they didn't stint on the dollars. It is aptly named: it is a celebration of the game, friendly from the forward tees but challenging from the back, where tighter lines accentuate the psychology inherent in some cunningly-placed hazards.
But with eight par-4s under 400 yards this is essentially a second shot course, which adds spice for those using the more forward tees. It's a masterpiece of design that shouldn't be missed. The scenery is a bonus.
You could wander around the boundaries of Orlando for a week or more and find dozens of courses to suit your taste: World Woods has a huge reputation, for instance; Falcon's Fire is a must-play for some, while others wouldn't miss Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill, or Black Bear, the new P.B.Dye course, or The Club at Eaglebrook, by Ron Garl.
But there's also a rare collection of gems to the south that are an imperative for any golfer with soul. Which brings me to a suggestion: upon arrival at Orlando, stay for a few days at a city hotel to play those courses already reviewed. Then travel south down Interstate 4, turn left onto Highway 27 and follow the signs for Grenelefe. You have a special treat in store.
Listed among the leading golf resorts in the USA, the 1,000 acre Grenelefe estate has undergone a $6 million renovation in recent times, covering guest accommodations, restaurants, the myriad facilities and the three golf courses which will again host the US Tour Qualifying School in December.
It has a major tennis club and offers sailing and world class fishing on the adjacent 6,400 acre Lake Marion, but it is renowned for its golf.
The West course was for many years recognised as No.1 in Florida (it's still in the top 10) and consistently ranked in the top 25 in America. Designed by Trent Jones Senior in 1968, it's a muscular test of 7,325 yards from the championship tees, its undulating fairways are tree-lined and crooked, it has small, angled greens and steep-faced guarding bunkers. The type of course you dream about on winter nights!
The South course, designed by Ron Garl in 1983, has oodles of water but ample landing areas and generous greens. It's a character builder from the back (6,869 yards, par-71) but there are options for mere mortals from the forward blocks. Several memorable holes make this a favourite with many visitors.
The East course dates to 1979 when it was laid out by Ed Seay. Its tree-lined fairways might be described as claustrophobic,ie: tight, and then some! For good measure some strategically placed trees dominate the second shot, and there's water on several holes.
The Tour School players consider this too tough by far! Scenic, not too long (6,802, par-72) but challenging and rewarding for those who temper ambition.
Play Grenelefe South first, then the East and the West is sound advice and don't be too bashful to use the forward tees. It's meant to be fun!
With elegant villa-style accommodations ideal for the family, plus some fine dining and a host of alternative activities and a courtesy limo service, Grenelefe will be a revelation to first timers. A bonus, if you need one, comes in the form of two nearby courses.
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