Hit The Links On Your Central Florida Vacation eBook by Jessica Roberts

Hit the Links in Central Florida!

Everything You Need To Plan The Perfect Golf

Experience

Plan A Perfect Central Florida Golf Experience Travelers looking to plan the perfect golf getaway have many factors to consider before booking. Individual player abilities, weather conditions, course layout, where to stay and a wide range of other details must all be addressed to ensure optimal golfing (and outing enjoyment) for all. If you're ready to book the ultimate golf excursion, it's time to think about planning a Central Florida vacation. No matter who you have in your golfing party, a trip to Central Florida's breathtaking Polk County is sure to complement everyone's skill level and help make your time on the links a memorable one

Bartow Golf Course P: 863-534-0155 150 Idlewood Ave. Bartow FL, 33830

Golf Opportunity Abounds As One Of The Many Fun (And Affordable!) Things To Do In Central Florida When thinking about Central Florida, people often conjure up images of a certain famous mouse. However, this destination caters to people of all interests, including avid golfers! Planning a Central Florida vacation instantly grants you access to 34 public courses for a whopping total of 648 holes to experience. No matter how long your Central Florida vacation is, you'll easily be able to fill up your travel itinerary playing at the many different venues found here.

Naturally, quality always trumps quantity, especially when it comes to golfing. Fortunately, the region's courses delivers on this front as well. Some of the most renowned designers in the game have designed courses here. Steve Smyers, Ron Garl, Donald Ross; and now Tom Doak and the dynamic duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have all created distinctive, signature courses in Polk County. Best of all, these courses created by the game's elite architects can prove extremely budget friendly -‐ even during peak season!

Bramble Ridge Golf Course P: 863-667-1988 2505 Bramble Ridge Dr. Lakeland FL, 33809

Cleveland Heights Golf Course P: 863-682-3277 2900 Buckingham Ave. Lakeland FL, 33803

Club at Eaglebrooke P: 863-701-0101 1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd. Lakeland FL, 33813

Enjoy The Picturesque Views And Scenery During Every Outing Beyond the extensive range of features and stylistic details, every course also delivers a vast and unique assortment of picturesque backdrops. Unlike some of the flatland regions that Florida is often known for, Polk County is rich with geographic diversity that has been seamlessly incorporated into many of the area's gorgeous courses. With naturally occurring peaks and valleys throughout, golfers will swear that they've left the Sunshine State and headed north for a round! In addition to the many elevation changes, there are numerous other naturally occurring, scenic features that help round out the entire experience. Many courses use some of the region's 554 lakes, native trees and forests to deliver visual appeal. When coupled with sightings of the indigenous wildlife here such as foxes, sandhill cranes, deer and even bald eagles, you'll not only enjoy an amazing golf outing, but also embrace a total sensory experience.

Cypresswood Golf & Country Club P: 863-324-6174 1099 Clubhouse Rd. Winter Haven FL, 33884

Diamondback Golf Club P: 863-421-0437 Toll Free: 800-222-5629 6501 State Road 544 East Haines City FL, 33844

Highlands Reserve Golf Club P: 863-420-1724 500 Highlands Reserve Blvd. Davenport FL, 33837

Providence Golf & Country Club P: 863-420-2652 1518 Clubhouse Blvd. Davenport FL, 33837

Get In The Know: Understand Some Of The Specific Features And Distinctions Of Polk County Courses Making the decision to plan a Central Florida vacation for your next golf getaway is the easy part. Deciding which courses to visit can take a little more time. While there are many options to choose from, understanding some of the area's most prominent and popular layouts available here can help ensure that you and your partners select the right location for optimal enjoyment! A few popular locations to consider include: Southern Dunes: Located in Haines City, Southern Dunes is an award-‐winning design that has been ranked #6 in Golf Digests "Best Courses in the State." This course allows some room for error, but predominately caters to serious golfers. The Club At Eaglebrooke: Lakeland locals (as well as Golf Digest) recognize this semi-‐private club as one that truly offers an experience for virtually every skill level. Providence Golf Club: This Davenport championship course seamlessly blends technical demands with visually appealing scenery for a perfect golfing experience. Diamondback Golf Club: Diamondback Golf Club, located in Haines City offers a unique architectural design that will stimulate players of every handicap. Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club: With 4 and 5 par holes, as well as designated par 3 or executive courses, Ridgewood Lakes is a course that prides itself on offering gimmick free golf. It's no wonder that this has become a fan favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Highlands Reserve: Just 10 minutes from Disney World, this unique layout offers affordability and accessibility, while remaining challenging and fun.

Schalamar Creek Golf & Country Club P: 863-666-1623 4500 Hwy. 92 E. Lakeland FL, 33801

Willowbrook Golf Course P: 863-291-5899 4200 S.R. 544 E. Winter Haven FL, 33881

Grenelefe Golf and Tennis Resort P: 863-422-7511 3200 S.R. 546 Haines City FL, 33844

Hamptons Golf Club P: 863-666-8442 900 S. Hampton Blvd. Auburndale FL, 33823

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club P: 863-859-3689 2626 Duff Rd. Lakeland FL, 33810

Huntington Hills: This 18-‐hole course not only delivers challenging conditions for golfers, but also sits on a North Lakeland community of over 400 homes that offers an assortment of other things to do in Central Florida. Renters here can hit the links in the morning and spend the rest of the day playing tennis, swimming or even dining at the on-‐premise full service restaurant! Cleveland Heights: As part of the Lakeland, Florida Parks and Recreation Department, Cleveland Heights offers guests 27 well-‐appointed holes to help every player feel technically challenged, but successful.

Imperial Lakes Golf & Country Club P: 863-425-1153 6 Country Club Ln. Mulberry FL, 33860

Lekarica Hills Golf Course P: 863-679-9478 1650 Highland Park Dr. Lake Wales FL, 33853

Bartow Golf Course: Located in Bartow, these greens prove welcoming and inviting for all skill levels and abilities. With a full service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch as well as a pro shop, visitors can play, eat and shop -‐ all in one spot.

Streamsong® Resort: Offering A One Of A Kind Golfing Experience Although not slated to officially open its doors until December 2012, the Streamsong® Resort is already generating buzz as being poised to truly redefine and revamp the golf resort genre. The

But golf is not the only activity that this property will offer. Streamsong will also feature more than 200 guest rooms, three restaurants, spa, swimming pool and grants

vision of legendary course architects Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Doak, this Polk County layout truly is all about the big, the bold and the beautiful. The two unprecedented 18-‐hole designs that incorporate sprawling lakes and

guests direct access to bass fishing, hiking trails and a host of other outdoor activities. There will be so much to do at Streamsong Resort and Spa that visitors will virtually always be able to enjoy an exciting and

lagoons, ambling landscapes, swells and vast sand dunes offer players a visually stunning, challenging round unlike anything else they've ever experienced. You have to see it to believe it!

different day -‐ all without ever leaving the resort property.

Oakwood Golf Club P: 863-676-8558 3301 Old Wailes Rd. Lake Wales FL, 33853

Sandpiper Golf & Country Club P: 859-5461 6001 Sandpiper Dr. Lakeland FL, 33809

Stonegate Golf Club At Solivita P: 863-427-7150 404 Village Dr. Poinciana FL, 33844

Pre-Outing Ways To Get To Know The Clubs And Courses That Interest You Of course, even the most seasoned player can feel a little intimidated when checking out an unfamiliar layout. Not sure that you have what it takes to hold your own at any of the region's dozens of greens? No problem! There are some key (and fun) tactics to employ to get a pre-‐outing look at the demands of the course before you go. First, many of the clubs in this region offer lessons with seasoned and reputable pros. Call before you arrive to find out rates and schedule a time. It's a great way to get a closer look at the course and decide if you want to play through at a later date. Additionally, many of the locations also offer activities besides golf itself. Shops, boutiques, lounges and restaurants are just some of the other amenities opened to the public. Checking out a course as a diner or shopper is an excellent way to get a feel for what you're in for when you tee off!

After Your Round: Indulge In Some Of The Many Things To Do In Central Florida

ssard Catfish Allen David Brou er ve Creek State Pres

Even the most avid golfers need to take a break every now and then. Fortunately, with so many things to do in Central Florida, you'll never have to worry about finding something for everyone in the travel party in between rounds. This centrally located hotspot offers easy access to adventure parks like Disney World, SeaWorld and more. Rich with lush scenery and indigenous wildlife, nature lovers will enjoy checking out the district's many land and water guided tours. Want to experience Mother Nature on your own? No problem! This destination has extensive hiking and nature trails. Best of all, with more than 550 lakes, a Central Florida vacation offers plenty of outdoor water enjoyment for travelers of all ages. No matter what you want to do when you're not going for par, you'll find it all in Polk County.

Lovely Weather Year Round Makes Polk County The Perfect Spot For Your Next Golf Outing All set and ready to book, but wondering when the best time to plan your Central Florida vacation is? Make no mistake -‐ Florida has more than earned its nickname as the Sunshine State for a reason. With gorgeous weather year-‐round, anytime is a great time to travel to Polk County. Looking to really maximize value? It's important to note that traveling to the region during off-‐peak times increases travel savings. From hotels, flights, rental cars and even the golf courses themselves, you'll be able to tap into some of the deepest discounts possible during your Central Florida vacation.

Useful Resources Bartow Golf Course: This public course offers an assortment of tournaments, 18 holes, a full-‐service restaurant and pro-‐shop to meet every golfing need. Cleveland Heights Golf Course: Offering three separate courses for 27 holes of golfing, Cleveland Heights is sure to please players of every skill level and ability. The Club at Eaglebrooke: Renowned architect Ron Carl designed this distinctive course in 1996. This nationally recognized course is a must-‐play. Diamondback Golf Club: Design artist Joe Lee created this championship design using the Florida landscape as its backdrop for a unique sensory experience. Great for rookies and seasoned players alike. Highlands Reserve: This unique course perches itself on the edge of Green Swamp Ridge and offers players various elevations for a challenging round.

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club: This first rate course not only provides an exciting layout for players, but also boasts on-‐course residences as well as a host of other features and amenities. Providence Golf Club: When creating Providence Golf Club, Mike Dasher seamlessly combined a challenging layout with Florida's gorgeous scenery for the ultimate golfing experience. Ridgewood Lakes Golf & Country Club: This Ted McAnlis creation is a must amongst avid golfers in the Central Florida region. Come see for yourself why this course demands attention of even the most seasoned players. Streamsong Resort: The Streamsong Resort incorporates natural landscape in an unprecedented way to deliver a new definition of what visitors can expect in a round of golf. Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club: This heavily awarded and highly-‐recognized course caters to champions. Come find out why Southern Dunes is one of the most popular courses in the state.