We took some time this morning, November 29th, to hit the links near our Kissimmee Florida home. We needed to get out doors and chase the little white ball around. It was around 40 degrees when we arrived a little before 7AM. The usual foursome of older gentlemen were the first to go off at 7AM and we were right on their heels at 7:10. Although chilly for us northerners, it was downright cold for those who live in Florida full-time. Within holes 1-9, it is best to play your tee shots to the middle of the fairways. This allows for better approach shots into the greens. The 3rd hole is a par 3 that requires a good shot to clear the pond. Watch for a resident alligator that likes to watch golfers 😉. The 4th hold is a longish par 4. It runs along a body of water pretty much from tee to green. I have always played this hole as a par 5 conceding a bogey. The best way to make par is to go up the left-hand side of the fairway (not getting into the water), which leave you a shorter shot into the green over the water. If left, it will play longer potentially causing a layup to the right front of the green. Hole 5 is a par 5 that runs along water right but should be a pretty easy par if you hit a good tee shot and second shot. This par 5 is followed by a long par 3, hole 6, that leads you parallel to par 5. The green here runs front to back, so the play is short not long of the green. Hole 7 is a dogleg right that seems to always play long. The green is elevated and is protected on the left by bunkers and right by a grass bunker. Long is no good as it is steep past the green onto the cart path and then deep weeds and water. Hole 8 is a great par 5 that goes initially left to right then right to left to the green. Hole 9 is a par 4 that has my number. It isn’t terribly long if you hit a good tee shot, but there is water left and a hill right about half way up the fairway. When making the turn to the back nine, you start off with a short par 4 dogleg to the left and a straight-away par 4 that again goes along water on the right. (Note: if you slice the ball, better to aim left and catch the fairway). Hole 12 is a par 3 that is straight with very little trouble, that is followed by hole 13 which is a par 4 dogleg to the right. Neither should give you any trouble. Hole 14 is a very well laid out par 5 that will leave you wondering why you did not get at least a birdie. Hole 15 is a tough little par 4 that goes a little left to right. Make sure to hit your tee shot to the left. If your tee shot goes to the right you will definitely find trouble as the fairway goes directly into the woods. Hole 16 is a long par 5 dogleg left at the beginning. Your tee shot needs to be middle of the fairway to allow for a good second shot to travel towards the hole. The green is elevated and there is trouble left, back, and right, so short is the conservative play. Hole 17 is a par 3 over water. The green runs initially front to back, but it does run middle to back downhill, so be careful if they put the flay middle back when you play. Hole 18 is my nemesis. As I hit a high cut (some might say slice), there are trees just off the tee box that I have to miss with a left to right shot. However, if you aim to far right with a left to right shot shape, you will lose your ball in the woods that are about 210 yards out. So, it is a tough finishing hole that shot shapers like me have a little trouble with. However, a good tee shot to the right side allows for a long iron or hybrid into the green. Note that the green is front to middle and middle to back, so depending on where they put the flag, but cautious and maybe a little conservative on your approach.
Additional notes: The greens were is great shape, although probably running a little slow at about a 9 to 10 on the stimpmeter, and the sand traps were in excellent condition, although I did not hit one, they looked good. Overall, the course was in fantastic shape, all ready for the winter play that it will endure.
Ryan, the cart guy was very nice and cordial. He even helped carry some of the items we had on the cart to our car. It wasn’t far, but he was more than willing to help us pack all of our items off of the cart and to our car. We gave him a small tip for helping out and being nice. Overall – I would definitely play it again, however, starting Friday 12/1 the prices go up, way up, for winter play. Cheers.
