Between Orlando and The Space Coast (Melbourne / Coca)

CDMackFisher · May 2, 2017

I've got an afternoon free at the front end of a 2-1/2 day work trip to Florida's "Space Coast" early next week and I'm interested if there is any "must play" between Orlando and the Melbourne area. I've combed the Google map a bit already, but nothing public seems particularly compelling. Baytree National in Melbourne seems like a possibility, but I suspect I'm missing a highlight option or three. I've yet to focus on the airport area of Orlando, but is there anything off the beaten track along the way to Melbourne?

Thanks, golf!

Clark55810 · May 4, 2017

Harmony is really nice although the greens are a little "hard" due to being rebuilt last year.

Baytree is also nice, but I prefer Duran in that area. I would avoid The Majors since the conditions have been bad for some time.

Viera East is an enjoyable course, but not as nice as Duran.

Clark

CDMackFisher · May 5, 2017

Harmony is really nice although the greens are a little "hard" due to being rebuilt last year.

Baytree is also nice, but I prefer Duran in that area. I would avoid The Majors since the conditions have been bad for some time.

Viera East is an enjoyable course, but not as nice as Duran.

Clark

Thank you, Clark.

You are the second to recommend Duran...consensus!

OffTheDole · May 5, 2017

Third vote for Duran. I played there a little while ago and it was a very solid layout with some nice rollout on drives that hit the fairway :)

RichieHunt · May 8, 2017

Baytree is so-so. Duran is a better course. Harmony is really good, but the lack of rain has probably made the course too firm. I've always heard good things about Habitat in Malabar although from the outside it doesn't look like much.

Avoid the Majors...it's just a course that will never get back into shape. I haven't played Viera East since they renovated the greens, but have heard good things. For the right price, it's a quality course to play.

You can always take a trip up to Daytona and play LPGA International. I recommend the Hills course.

Or you can take the hike to Port St. Lucie and play at PGA Village.

RH

markheardjr · May 16, 2017

Harmony is the toughest IMO, long and firm greens.

Duran is pricey and sees a lot of play, so lots of ball marks, thin fairways, but is forgiving off the tee IMO.

Baytree is decent shape right now. has a few tricked up holes, highly suggest you have a GPS app with aerial views. You can hit a decent 3/5w off the tee and end up in a pond or waste area you couldn't even see off the tee.

Highly suggest Habitat south of Palm Bay. Course layout also has a few gimmicky spots, also thin fairways like Duran but geens are the best in the county IMO for public access. Smooth, green, receptive.

Do not play Mallards Landing or Crane Creek in Melbourne city. Both are lack luster. If you must, or can squeeze in an afternoon, I like Crane Creek more but it gets busy with leagues.

FYI, if you're not local, just know, yes there are gators on every course listed. Be cautions near ponds, its late mating season but they can be aggressive. Most are just lazy bums that pay you no attention but just watch out.