These are three great Florida golf venues to check out
Here are some options for golfers who will be attending the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show Orlando. These range from the closest course to Orlando to an undiscovered bargain or a worthwhile destination a short drive away.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
The nearest golf course can be found at Rosen Shingle Creek Golf ClubIt is less than two kilometers from the Orange County Convention Center. This sprawling location hosts the event.
The Arnold Palmer Design Co. redesigned Shingle Creek a little over a year ago. It included a decrease in bunker size, an increase in par 4s and 5, and better sightlines. Although bunker sizes have been decreased, the placement of bunkers still determines which club is required off the tee.
Shingle Creek’s redones greens, which range in size between 3,500 and 9,500 sq. feet are the best.
Thad Layton from the Palmer Design Team said these words about them.
“Bold greens with character: A variety of green shapes and sizes with a relatively large amount of contour will distinguish this course. There is ALWAYS more than one way to get the ball close when off the green. The different slopes in and around the greens when combined with fairway mow-outs around the greens will promote creative recovery options.”
During the 2017 PGA Show, we found this to be true. You might be faced with a pitch of 40 yards from the green’s 10 yard line, but 30 yards will be on a green so undulating that it is almost impossible to hit a shot.
You’ll find it difficult to 2-putt from a distance of more than 30 feet.
Greens fees range from $119 to $149, include cart with GPS and range balls, as well as free valet parking.
Orlando’s Outskirts: A bargain
Rio Pinar Golf Course
Orlando has so much to offer that is new and standard-setting, it’s refreshing to see an Alabama writer and long-time golf friend, from Florence, Ala. find Rio Pinar Golf Club. This club brings back a time when Orlando was different.
Rio Pinar, located 22 miles northeast of Orlando Metro, is about 30 mins from the PGA Show. Rio Pinar has the feeling of an old-style Country Club in the 1950s. This course was built in 1957, and used to host the Citrus Open. The course was home to Julius Boros (An Arnold Palmer), Julius Boros (Lee Trevino), Hale Irwin (Jerry Heard) and Lee Trevino (Lee Trevino).
Rio Pinar winds through homes of similar vintage. There is plenty of water, plenty of mature trees and enough to make it difficult for you not to miss the fairway. Rio Pinar offers shade that helps to cool the Florida heat and was a joy when I tried it out in 2017.
The $40 greens fee 2018 is very affordable, but the friendly staff made me feel welcome and encouraged to return.
Long Drive, but worth it
Two hours from Port St. Lucie is PGA Village, located on the Florida Turnpike. Here the Dye and Wanamaker courses are joined by the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club. This club now operates under the auspices PGA Village.
PGA Village is a property that has multiple courses and is owned by the PGA of America. It is a retirement community that serves PGA professionals from across the country.
Port St. Lucie is one of the most popular golf destinations in Florida. It has a diverse community that attracts people from all walks of life. The population is skewed towards silver haired but the food here is exceptional, featuring fresh seafood and an international flair.
Although each course at PGA Village – Wanamaker Ryder and Dye – has been renovated in order to be up-to-date with technology, Dye Course is the one that really stands out since its renovation.
PGA Village Dye Course
Dye had the greens restored back to Dye’s original design. Bunkers were rebuilt with white beach sand and fairways, collars, and greens were regrassed using a wide variety of turf grasses. Each one has a unique strength such as shade resistance or drought tolerance.
It is an eye-catching display of different shades of green. The contours, wrinkles, and abundant bunkering make it a delight for the eyes. If you can recognize the Tif Eagle Bermuda grain effect on putts, putting is simple.
It was at the Dye that two locals solved the mystery of how to read the grain in a putt. The clean edge of the cup is the one the grain grows into, while the shaggy sides are the ones the grain runs to.
In a discussion last year with journalists, Superintendent Dick Gray said that he felt intimidated by Dye’s job. Dye had been in serious decline, and the grass was growing in bunkers. Poor maintenance also contributed to drainage issues.
Gray had worked with Gray decades before at Crooked Stick in Carmel (Ind.). Gray contacted Dye explaining his involvement in the restoration of the golf course. Dye was gracious and provided guidance.
Gray was no doubt the most successful superintendent in 2016 due to the Dye project.
Rounds at Dye Golf Course with range balls and cart cost $97 to $139. The club’s booking engine shows that most prime tee times are already booked. The nearby Hilton Garden Inn offers stay-and-play options and has a lot of condos available to rent for buddy’s groups.