2 minute read

golf course

winter parkgolf course

The Winter Park Golf Course re-opened to rave reviews after a $1.2 million renovation project. Built in 1914, the historic course underwent some much needed repairs in 2016. New fairways, rough and greens, combined with a state-of-the-art irrigation system and a redesign by Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns of Integrative Golf, brought this second oldest course in Orlando back to its glory days as a central Florida gem. So much so that The Golf Channel® and Golf Advisor® both named it the “5th Best Short Course” in the entire country. The course will also be featured in The Finest Nines, a new book from author Anthony Pioppi and Sky Horse Publications. It celebrates the best nine hole golf courses in North America and is scheduled for release in February 2018. The course itself is unique in many ways. It is a nine hole walking course topping out at around 2500 yards from the tips. Although there are a few electric carts available for senior and disabled players, most players prefer to take a pull cart and stroll the fairways while enjoying the surroundings. It is the true definition of urban golf as road traffic and the occasional train are very common sights during a round, but seem to blend seamlessly with the majestic oaks, two churches and cemetery that also envelop the property. Golfers will even cross the street six times during their nine hole trek. The golf shop has a wide variety of merchandise to choose from as well as plenty of snacks and beverages for you to enjoy during or after a round. In it’s first year after re-opening, the course launched the City Amateur Golf Championship. In May, close to 60 golfers, young and old, participated in the inaugural event with a two-round, 18-hole gross play competition. The response to the event was fantastic and will be a feather in the cap of the city for many years to come. The course also experienced a resurgence of glow golf by investing in the newest state-of-the-art equipment to play golf at night. Private groups, non-profits and corporations hosted fundraisers, team building events, and holiday parties under the stars at the course, offering their guests a unique experience in the heart of Winter Park. Night golf was so popular, the course started hosting WP9 After Dark every Tuesday night, November through March. The course is open every day except Christmas and a few periodic maintenance days. Start times can be made up to three days in advance for the general public. Members can make start times up to seven days in advance. Rates range from $12 to $19 per round, annual memberships start at $900, and the course is available to rent for private events including WP9 After Dark. For more information, please contact the pro shop at 407-599-3419.

Golf Program Manager Gregg Pascale 407-599-3418

gpascale@cityofwinterpark.org