central Streamsong Resort, Red Course Streamsong On land rescued from an old phosphate mine, the Streamsong Resort emerged in December 2012 with the most striking new courses in Florida since, well, maybe ever. The design team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw shifted the sand and land available and carved out a course novel in its elevation changes and contouring and unexpected at most every turn. Following his own vision, Tom Doak did the same to impressive reviews on his Blue course. Nearly immediately, Red shot up near the top of the various “Best Course” lists and has remained there. Depending on the time of day (and the time of year), the resort encourages walking the course. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,148 Streamsong Resort Notable Mentions ChampionsGate, International Course ChampionsGate Course designer Greg Norman is throwing a challenge your way here. After undergoing a rejuvenation in 2016, this course maintains its original links style, including out-and-back loops for the front and back nines. It's hard, fast and long, with the requisite grassy dunes, pot bunkers and a few water hazards. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,363 and guard the greens. There’s plenty of water here, but it doesn't always affect play. This course is accessible and fun. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,006 MetroWest Golf Club Orlando A little loose with your driver, but more accurate with your irons? This layout by Robert Trent Jones Sr. winds through and around gentle hills and a collection of scenic natural lakes and streams. Wide open fairways provide decent chances to score, especially early. Greens and bunkers were renovated in 2013 to positive reviews. PAR: 72, YARDS: 7,051 Falcon’s Fire Golf Club Kissimmee It's a welcome respite of greenery away from the nearby theme park bustle. Rees Jones’ design here is straightforward– bunkers dot the mostly level fairways Mission Inn Resort & Club, El Campeón Course Howey-in-the-Hills Originally constructed in 1917, this charming and historic layout has been enhanced along the way but retains its key characteristics. It incorporates elevation changes (in one of the rare 40 | OFFICIAL FLORIDA GOLF GUIDE
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