We returned to Sawgrass for the first day of the Players Tournament having learned lessons from the previous day. This time we were suitably equipped with a small bag and travel size sunscreens, no camera as we now knew for certain we couldn’t take it in and our foldaway chairs without the carrying bags. This made them a bit awkward to carry but those are the rules!

We were there for about 9.30, parking was once again made very easy and it was  another beautiful sunny day. We picked our spot between the 16th green and the 17th hole and settled down to watch the tournament. We were in an ideal position on a hill, with a great view of the famous island hole. We had binoculars with us which were allowed.  We were also close to the players as they walked between the 16th and 17th. We knew that Tiger Woods was on the course and were looking forward to seeing him play. At that point he was 5 under and the next news we had was that he had withdrawn from  the competition and left.  That was a little bit disappointing but didn’t spoil our day in any way.

We saw Luke Donald and also the ultimate winner, KJ Choi as well as Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter. Our favourites to win were Luke Donald and Ricky Fowler from California, unfortunately, Ricky didn’t make the cut.

We stayed in the same place until the early afternoon then went to watch at some of the other holes. We eventually picked up Graeme McDowell, Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson on the 13th and followed them to the 15th. We then picked up Ricky Fowler on the 10th with Matteo Manassero Alvaro Quiros.

As a non golfer I learned a lot about the game and had a really enjoyable day, I would definitely go again and  it’s an experience I wouldn’t have missed. I have to say the Walmart chairs were worth every dollar.

My son and I decided to visit to play in the Twilight hours and the prices are very reasonable.

As with most of you that own your own Florida Home there is very little opportunity to get the benefits that many of the Florida Residents do.

However, I thought I would chance my arm at Highlands Reserve and asked if they would let me play at Forida Resident rate if I was able to produce evidence that I had a property and paid the bills. So along we went with my electic bill in hand and asked the question.

The guy in the Pro shop asked a lady in the office who immediately gave him the nod for us to play at the reduced rate. What a great place.

We then tee’d off and the course is nice and open and gives you the chance to still recover after that hooked or sliced shot. The fairways are very good and you are event up on a ridge and get fantastic views of the large villas and woods. You’ll even see the sunset.

The day we played there was a nice breeze as we went round and didn’t suffer too much from the great sunshine.

Give it a go and don’t forget to ask for the residents discount!

One of the courses I play regularly is Remington at St Cloud, set amongst a housing development, it is a well laid out course with plenty of challenge for the better golfers (not me!) It has a particularly good package which includes a breakfast sandwich, a hot dog half way round,  and a substantial snack at the end. The staff are friendly and obliging and there is a nice clubhouse with a pro shop, bar and dining area. The course is located about 4 miles outside Old Kissimmee Town, just off the 192.

Another good course is Kissimmee Oaks which is on the 17/92 near Poiciana. Again set amongst a housing complex it is a picturesque course and you may get the odd sighting of a Gator in one of the many lakes and ponds.

I haven’t yet played at Reunion which is off Ronald Reagan Parkway, a relatively new course but with the character of a more established golf course. It is a beautifully set out course of championship standard with beautiful fairways and greens and has been the venue for many high profile Ladies tournaments, it can only get better with age. It can be a bit pricey depending on the time of year, golf tends to be more expensive in Florida in the winter due to the influx of Snowbirds.

Now is the weather to hone your skills in Florida. The Daimond back Golf Course is East on the 544 from Highway 27 in Haines City.

I tred it out for the first time this year. I was one of the only people on the course because of the heat.

We were advised to keep to the Fairways and not ventrue into the trees to look for the wayward golf ball. Rattlers are known to be around.

Good price especially in the afternoon. A challenging course - give it a go!

Have you ever tried the putting green at Fantansia Golf on your way to the Boardwalk or Disney Downtown?

You will not be disappointed. We visited there during the summer and found that whilst the price was about $13 you certainly got your moneys worth. You can either choose from the normal type putting greens or take the Fantasia course for a fun time. There are eighteen holes and the purring surface is immaculate.

Once you finish, to our surprise, you are given a souvenir golf ball.

More than FORE out of ten!!!

Fore!

If you fancy playing some golf at Disney then look no further than Oaktrail just on the other side of the entrnace to Magic Kingdom.

Last year we decided to purchse a 5 day Hopper pass for Disney and that gave us Free rounds of Golf at Oak Trail. It is a walking course but is great for a knock around. They do not have too many rules and it is well worth the visit.

If you take the family there is a pool nearby and a small refreshment hut whilst you hits some balls around the course.

Mind you it is not an easy course. Whilst you are there you can check out the Palm Trees and Mgnolia Course which is a bit more expensive.

Even if you do not have a 5 day disney pass giving you free rounds it was only $38. Great Value. So check it out.

This is not your typical Florida golf course! Highlands Reserve offers remarkable scenery along with a course designed for great golf. This championship Mike Dasher design gives you pine tree-lined fairways reminiscent of the Carolinas, open spacious fairways likened to the great Scottish courses, and a bit of old Florida with citrus trees along the countryside. Large, fast, undulating greens make this course challenging and fun for all levels of golfers. Conveniently located just minutes from Disney and all major attractions, Highlands Reserve Golf Club is a Central Florida favourite! 

Mystic Dunes Golf Club at The Palms - For Tee Times Call - (407) 787-5678

PGA Tour player and NBC golf analyst Gary Koch designed this scenic challenging course located at the Wyndham Palms Resort, just minutes from Walt Disney World. The “low country” front nine is reminiscent of classic Carolina courses, meandering through wetlands and marsh; the Scottish links-style back nine features extensive mounding, large pot bunkers and expansive waste areas. The club also boasts an expansive driving range, exquisite clubhouse, and the GPS Par View system on all carts.

 Legends Golf & Country Club - For Tee Times Call (352) 243-1118

The Legends golf course is one of the finest accomplishments of famous course designer Lloyd Clifton. This beautifully manicured Clifton-Ezell-Clifton 18 hole course stretches 6911 yards from the gold tees and is a test of any golfer’s skills at a par 72 with a Slope Rating of 130 and a Course Rating of 72.9. 

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge - For Tee Times Call (407) 656-2626

You do not have to be a great player to enjoy Orange County National; you just have to Love Golf! A Lot of golf! Orange County National has 45 fabulous holes, on 922 beautiful acres of unspoiled rolling terrain. Pure Golf, the way it was meant to be played, in peace and tranquillity with nothing to distract your game except the rugged natural beauty of your surroundings. You will feel a million miles from anywhere; yet will be just a few miles from Disney, the convention centre and all the entertainment Orlando has to offer.

Make sure you have a go if you are an avid golfer

If playing in the summer months we recommend booking and early Tee time and take plenty of water, as the heat can get very intense. Most courses do have plenty of water stations and many also have a club cart going around with cold drinks for sale.

Below you will find details of 3 courses for players of all abilities.

Kissimmee Golf Club - For Tee Times Call - (407) 847-2816
Kissimmee Golf Club (KGC) provides the best golfing value year-round in Central Florida. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy a challenging, beautifully conditioned golf course unobstructed by any houses or hotels lining the fairways. Reasonable rates and convenient location make KGC the perfect destination for the local and international golfer.

Diamond Back Golf Club - For Tee Times Call - Toll Free (800) 222-5629
Diamondback Golf Club offers a native setting where you can challenge yourself to Florida’s most preserved 18-holes of golf. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect, Joe Lee, the Par 72 championship course was carved out of 240 acres of virgin Florida forest. Diamondback’s rolling tree-lined fairways, undulating greens and preserved wetlands create the ultimate atmosphere for all golf enthusiasts. Diamondback is a non-residential development dedicated to providing members and guests with a high-level of quality and services found only at the most exclusive private clubs. From the minute you arrive, the staff will welcome you and help prepare everything you need for a day of golf and relaxation.

Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club - For Tee Times Call (800) 632-6400
Opened in 1993, Southern Dunes is an upscale daily fee facility that has received numerous awards from the golf industry. The charm and appeal of the club comes from the friendly staff and unique characteristics of the course. The course offers players of all abilities the opportunity to play and enjoy one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in Central Florida.