Hole #1 – Par 4 – 352 yards (white tees)

I felt like a stalker. Hiding behind trees; peering over hedges; and cowardly standing behind all those protective screens. This is how I spent my time at Claremont Golf Club. I arrived late in the day, without any clubs, so I was too late to complete a round. I set out on foot (with permission) to walk the course and take a few notes. Read more →

Dude Ranch in the middle of Florida

Dude Ranch in the middle of Florida? Being from Colorado, this I need to see. It’s just northwest of Yeehaw Junction. Really – Yeehaw Junction? Westgate River Ranch is about one hour south of Orlando. However, I was coming from Cocoa Beach and it took me about two hours to go the 50+ miles to get there – but I did get to pass through Yeehaw Junction. I won’t bore you here but the website has a great explanation of the history of “Old Florida” and the birthplace of the American Cowboy. You learn something new everyday. Read more →

Hole #2 – Part of the square

This is the true “Circle in the Square” location (and you thought it was in New York). Glen Lakes Golf Course opens with an easy, straight par 4 – score 4. Holes 2, 3, 4, 5 – scores 4, 4, 4, 4. These first five holes play around the perimeter of the property (forming the “square”). Now it’s time to flex your muscles and let the big dog loose as you enter the center of the course and the last four holes. Read more →

Hole #5 – Risk/Reward Par 4

Driving south down the 101, our GPS directed us through a Post Office parking lot. It must have been the most direct route because we did find Crestview Golf Club with no issue. This course was plowed under and closed for the 2008 season, redesigned by Dan Hixson, and reopened in 2009. Read more →

Hole #4 – Par 4, 374 yards

This golf writer is a pretty sharp fellow. Bella Rosa Golf Course is one of the closest 9-hole (par 35) facilities to my home and I had never heard of it. Like I said – sharp! Read more →

Hole #3 – Par 4, 380 yards – Tree trouble both sides.

As I stood at the first tee on a busy Saturday, I was approached by a Blue Cypress regular. He was very informative, sharing some important subtleties about my journey today. “There are oak trees everywhere, so hit ’em straight; watch out for the creek here at #1; there are no bunkers, one of the few Florida courses without them; and you can just as easily shoot a 56 as a 36.”  Read more →