Orlando Guys Trip - Bay Hill + ??

[jibbs1082]

Hi all, we are running our 7th annual boys trip and looking at Bay Hill in Feb. 2021. We try to knock out a "tour" course and another fun round. Greens Fees are less of a concern as is conditions, atmosphere and service - most guys have memberships at home, and are admittingly somewhat golf snobs.

 

18 Friday, 27 at Bay Hill on Saturday (staying at Bay Hill both nights).

 

We've done Cypress & OCN so want to stay away from those. Also because of the fly in Friday morning, and checking into the Bay Hill resort Friday night, would prefer a course around either by the airport, or west of the city near Bay Hill - ubers are preferred transportation.

 

Kind have settled on:

Waldorf

Disney Magnolia (not too keen on a disney track for this crew)

Tranquillo - any option to get on here not being a member?

Any other ideas?

How keen are Isleworth, Bear, Nona with out of area reciprocals? Realize this is a long shot.

 

Also, suggestions for restaurant/bar scene? We usually venture off campus one night for good food and some drinks. For example, 1000 North in Jupiter last year was perfect.

 

Many thanks!

 

 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2020 by jibbs1082

[sabram]

The Disney courses and Waldorf are good choices and convenient to Bay Hill. I like Waldorf but don't love it. The two other courses I'd consider based on proximity and drive time from the airport and then to Bay Hill would be: 

Shingle Creek - 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes to Bay Hill

Ritz Carlton - 20 minutes from airport and 20 minutes to Bay Hill

 

Shingle Creek Photo tour

 

Ritz Carlton Photo Tour

 

 

Edited October 6, 2020 by sabram

[RichieHunt]

Always worth a shot, but I would be surprised if Nona and Isleworth would provide a reciprocol.  Keene's point is more likely.  

You could also look at Orange Tree and Legacy Club for reciprocation.

 

Reunion is really good, but you have to stay there to play there.

 

Public wise, Ritz Carlton is a good bet particularly for its conditions.  

 

Waldorf is usually in great condition and I enjoy the course quite a bit.

 

Southern Dunes is a good bet as well.  I'm not a fan of Shingle Creek.  They ruined that course with their re-design.

 

ChampionsGate CC (not the resort) is really good as well.

 

Lastly, you may want to consider RedTail.

 

 

 

 

HoC

[Tim_Gavrich]

As the Orlando resort courses go, I think Shingle Creek is terrific. And if at all possible, venture up to play the Winter Park 9 one afternoon and then have dinner at one of the restaurants nearby (as in walking distance from the course).

[jjthomp2]

another vote for WP9 and there are some great spots up in Winter Park to dine at

[txeconomist]

Played the Ritz course recently on vacation and thought it was total crap. My pro got us on Isleworth and Bay hill and liked both.

[jarederco]

I hear The country club of Orlando recently did a very nice renovation and is accommodating for reciprocal play if your home club pro calls. 

[takito24]

Go to southern dunes. Best public course in the Orlando area. 

[Hybrid]

FYI, Championsgate CC. Great course, but do your homework first. The members have specific aiming points they use to keep the ball out of trouble. The course is mostly straight forward, but local knowledge really helps. For example, #10 par 5 second shot, #15 short par 4 off the tee and #18 par 5 second shot, if you’re not going for it in 2. I highly recommend riding ahead on those holes when time permits and determine your landing areas. 

[half lung]

Just got back from a Orlando trip.  Played Southern Dunes, Bay Hill, and World Woods.   Bay Hill was a great experience and you will enjoy the course.  

 

I would definitely consider Southern Dunes Golf course in Haines City.  Greens rolled at 11+ and were fantastic.  This course has elevation changes, beautiful bunkering, and more!  For $60 (December price), it is the best bang for your buck.  I can't wait to go back just to play this course again!!

 

For restaurants: Sofrito Latin restaurant is minutes away from Bay Hill.  We enjoyed the food.  Currently, Bay Hill restaurant will allow you to dine in for breakfast before the round, but will only be available for take out in the afternoons.  I recommend going somewhere else for Dinner.  The breakfast was good, and a great start to a fun day.  When you check in at the lodge, you will receive a membership card for the duration of your stay.  You use this card for everything while you are on the property.  However, caddy fees are paid by cash/ venmo and you pay the caddy separately from all other charges.  

[Fairway14]

Is the food supposed to be good at Tiger Woods restaurant ?

[half lung]

30 minutes ago, Fairway14 said:

Is the food supposed to be good at Tiger Woods restaurant ?

 

The Woods restaurant is located in Jupiter/ West Palm area.  

Edited December 14, 2020 by half lung

[RichieHunt]

Tiger's restaurant, as half lung mentioned, is in Jupiter. That's about a 2.5 hour drive from Orlando.  I have heard that it is really great though.

 

 

 

RH

[Thommo335]

On 11/13/2020 at 3:02 PM, Hybrid said:

FYI, Championsgate CC. Great course, but do your homework first. The members have specific aiming points they use to keep the ball out of trouble. The course is mostly straight forward, but local knowledge really helps. For example, #10 par 5 second shot, #15 short par 4 off the tee and #18 par 5 second shot, if you’re not going for it in 2. I highly recommend riding ahead on those holes when time permits and determine your landing areas. 

I agree with No. 10 on CGCC. Blind 2nd shot to a landing area that isn't visible with a waste area to the left you can be in if you hit even straight. Poor piece of design esp with no GPS on the carts.

Nona Blue would be a good place for food/drinks, Gmac's place at Lake Nona with decent food, Guiness and lots of golf memorabilia. 

[kgolf07]

I’m also a fan of Shingle Creek, and I also enjoy both tracks at Orange County National (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat)