Orlando Course Conditions

[Trugravity]

I'm heading to Orlando 16 - 20 April and wondered about the condition of the following courses. Anyone have any recent feedback?

 

 

Victoria Hills

 

Walkabout

 

Sugarloaf Mt

 

Magnolia Plantation

 

FYI - I know there are better courses in the area but our main focus is taking some lessons while in town. That said, just wondered if any of these layouts is in such poor condition we should consider other options.

 

 

Thanks,

 

bk

[Arizonalefty59]

Marriott Faldo Golf Institute I have a timeshare there, it's a pretty sweet 9 hole track and theyre known for their lesson and golf packages.

[CJP1012]

I go to Orlando every February, for an industry trade show, for the last 13 years. We play golf for 5 days. And this year the courses were in great shape because they had a good winter. In January it can get down to 28 degrees in the mornings in Orlando. This year the weather has been warm and dry and the courses we played were in great shape.

[sabram]

[quote name='Trugravity' timestamp='1333235365' post='4620919']
I know there are better courses in the area ... That said, just wondered if any of these layouts is in such poor condition we should consider other options.
[/quote]

Don't short change Sugarloaf and Victoria. They [u][b]are [/b][/u]two of the better layouts in the Orlando area. You are wise to inquire about conditions at Sugarloaf as they are not always the best. I'd suggest calling the courses to inquire if no one posts here about current conditions. Even if conditions are just okay, the course is worth playing IMO.

[Bill2e]

I am playing V hills in about two hours. I'll let you know later tonight.

[Bill2e]

Well I played Victoria Hills today, wish I could say I played it well........

the conditions were fine. the greens rolled tru, the course is in good condition. Little difference from the fairway to the rough. go play it and have a good time. Check GoldNow.com for a rate because there rack rate is high, but there are deals to be found.

Have fun!

[mizunogolf74]

Heard from some buddies Sugarloaf is struggling a bit, this was a couple weeks ago.
Have not played many courses here lately but can say it has been warm for this time of year. The overseed is dying and the bermuda has not come in yet. Not a big deal, happens every year but don't expect most couses to be overly green.
I have not been a big fan of Magnolia, not sure if you have played there before. You may want to check out the courses at LPGA in Daytona, maybe even Timacuan if all the "action" slows down.

[Cookahlookah]

I played Sugarloaf Mtn roughly 2 weeks ago, and the course was in very poor condition. With that said the greens were healthy and smooth but very slow (maybe a 7 on the stimp). The fairways and tee boxes were covered with weeds. They don't charge much, and the layout is great. I recommend it if you can put aside very poor conditions.

mizunogolf74 is exactly correct about the early transition period that is going on for many courses in the area. If the course has tif dwarf bermuda greens and overseeds with either rye or poa triv, odds are the overseed is dying off and the greens might seem a little bare in spots at some courses. Many courses have lowered their rates already, so there is definetly a lot of good value to be found out there. I personally recommend Harmony Golf Preserve. I played there last week and the greens are transitioning a little, but the course as a whole is still in great shape. It's located about 40 mins southeast of Orlando Disney area. I think rates are right around $50 right now, which is a great deal for a quality layout.

[mwmgolfx]

Is your interest in lessons or playing golf? I'm a bit confused because the courses you named are not known for their lessons and I most assuredly would NOT recommend Sugarloaf for lessons nor Victoria Hills.

For lessons, obviously you've got Faldo's place at the Marriott. Ledbetter at Champion's Gate, Sorenstam at Reunion. Not counting the instruction with Ritter at Orange County National. And all of which are associated with some pretty strong courses.

Sugarloaf track is good but conditions are spotty at best. The ratings seem to ignore the lousy conditions. Victoria Hills has also been having some management problems over the last few years and the conditions have been up and down at times.

[money mike]

I thought the two courses at Orange County were great when I played there. A little bit of a drive from Downtown though.