Vero Beach Golf Course by Shane Sharp

challenging three-shotter requires a short carry over a small lagoon to a landing area framed by native areas.

The sheer amount of sand Garl employs throughout the course would be overwhelming if not for the track’s enormous landing areas. For golfers who enjoy picking a line and pulling driver, Indian River is pure, unadulterated fun.

Indian River places a premium on approach shots, which much find the proper green quadrant for any chance at rolling a makeable birdie putt. Greens are also generously proportioned to receive shots, and subtle contours provide the perfect blend of challenge and fairness.

Florida is full of hit-and-giggle retirement courses – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But Indian River isn’t one of them. The course tips out at 7,000 yards from the Championship tees with a slope rating of 140 and a 73-course rating.

Garl was one of the early proponents of ensuring that golfers with lower swing speeds and higher handicaps had ample tee choices. While five sets are the norm at most venues, Garl has provided seven at Indian River, including multiple sets rated for women starting at 4,747 yards.

For more information about golf packages, membership and real estate at Indian River Golf Club, visit www.indianriverclub.com.

Traveling golfers in search of a few extra rounds in the Vero area would be well-served to check out Sandridge Golf Club, about 25 minutes north of Indian River. Owned and operated by Indian River County, it is easily one of the best municipal facilities in the state.

Sandridge boasts two, regulation 18-hole Garl designed courses, the Dunes and Lakes. Dunes opened in 1987 and winds around a preexisting ridge that runs along a huge swath of the state’s eastern shore and was once used for mining.

The Lakes Course, opened in 1992, is known for the island green on its par 4 14th hole. The other 17 holes are just as solid, if not spectacular. Sandridge is an incredible value any time of year, but the late summer, early fall months see green fees (with cart) as low as $20. Junior golfers play for $1 (not a type-o) with a paying adult.

For more info and tee times, visit www.sandridgegc.com.

Vero’s convenient Treasure Coast location means numerous golf destinations are a short drive away. The three nationally-ranked courses of PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie to the south are quick 25-minute jaunt down I-95.

Owned and operated by the PGA of America, golfers are greeted with world-class service, sublime conditions and a brisk but enjoyable pace of play. If time permits, sample all three layouts: the Wanamaker, Dye and Ryder.

Pressed for time? The Wanamaker, designed by Tom Fazio and named for PGA founder Rodman Wanamaker, is the ideal representation of PGA Golf Club’s superior offering. The course is set against a backdrop wetlands, palms and palmettos and features many of Fazio’s finest design trademarks.

PGA Golf Club’s six-hole Short Course is a total delight and ideal for golf-loving families. The Short Course is complementary for guests and offers holes 35 to 60 yards in length. Junior rates are also available on the three regulation layouts, just ask when contacting the golf shop.

For more information or to book tee times, visit www.pgavillage.com.