Golfing in Florida is like no other destination to play. Here you can travel from outer space to the depths of the oceans in a day, bask in the sun or play in the surf. You could catch your own dinner and have it served to you in a world-class restaurant. All this in a place where the sun shines almost every day of the year (southern Florida is on the same latitude as the Bahamas).
Many Golf resorts are a short transfer from the major airports, so you can arrive in the appropriately named Sunshine State without feeling too jet-lagged. Check into your golf resort and look forward to enjoying an unforgettable golfing vacation on some of the most pristine golf courses in the world.
Naturally, Golf in Florida is not the only reason to perhaps visit the state. The prominent attractions are world-famous sites such as Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Centre and the state’s magnificent beaches and warm blue Atlantic waters. Still, you should take time to explore lesser-known corners of Florida too.
Amongst these are warm springs where you can dive and snorkel. Wildlife refuges where you may observe manatees, sea turtles and alligators. Cycle and hiking trails which take you through unspoiled forests and marshlands. Perhaps Visit the massive Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake in the USA. It’s just a case of having the energy to fit it all in! And when you do need to recharge your batteries, what more beautiful way could there be than relaxing beneath a palm tree, wafted by warm Gulf Coast breezes while beside you the ice melts slowly in a long refreshing drink?
Fancy playing Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill?
It’s a rare occasion indeed when you have the opportunity to play one of the most popular courses on the PGA Tour. And more unusual still to play where Arnold Palmer plays and lives. You will have that opportunity, only at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is your retreat for unforgettable tour-level golf…with private club pampering. The championship Bay Hill course sweeps across 270 acres along the shores of the Butler Chain of Lakes. It features 27 holes of unmatched golf, the 18 hole Championship track is showcased each spring as one of the most popular stops for the PGA TOUR with international television bringing the event into the homes of millions. It’s a demanding test of golf for pros and amateurs alike, but eminently fair.
This is a private course – ranked among the world’s very best – is open only to Club members and their guests staying in the cosy 70-room Lodge. When you stay at the Lodge, you’re a member of the Club, sharing its membership privileges… golf, dining, full-service salon & spa, and recreation facilities.
Here are just a few tasters of the challenges:
Description of the 1st hole:
On this tough starting hole, large bunkers right and left await the first shot of the day. Look for the left of the fairway for the best angle to the green. Avoid the greenside bunkers for an opportunity to make par.
Description of the 10th hole:
The back nine starts with this relatively short par 4. Fairway bunkers pose a severe threat to an errant tee shot. Long hitters will be tempted to carry the bunker on the right. Take half a club more as you approach the slightly elevated, two-tiered green.
Description of the 18th hole:
Tee shots on this great finishing hole must find the fairway to give you a chance to get home in two. From the tee, look to the fairway’s left side. Then take enough Club to carry the lake. Shots hit over or left of this green will find a bunker or dense grass. Take a deep breath and fire away.
Toughest Hole: #18
Best Chance for a Birdie: #16
Most Distinctive Course Feature: Devil’s Bathtub #18
Speed of Play: 4 hours 10 minutes
Best Season/time to Play: Year-Round
Best Local Restaurants: Christini’s, Morton’s, Charley’s Steakhouse, Chatham’s
Nicest Touch: Seeing Mr Palmer on the course and in the dining rooms
Don’t Miss: A visit to the Salon & Spa
Important Information: Must be a lodge guest to have access to the golf course
For more information on visiting Florida click here.
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