AMcC
Journeyman Pro
Whilst on holiday in Florida I was extremely lucky to be asked along for a game at this course. I found out later that you cannot just turn up and pay for a game, you have to be invited by a member. One of my clients / friend spends the winter out there with his wife ( nice gig if you can get it )
He had to notify security at the gatehouse that I was coming and I was required to show photo ID before I was allowed to pass, even though I had been vouched for. The course is set within a residential development and has many golfers in residence. It was like a golfers who's who. My friends next door neighbour is GMac and he pointed out the houses belonging to Ian Poulter, Retief Goosen and others.
After getting the buggies loaded with clubs, drinks etc we went to the driving range, it was massive and roped off so you were hitting from pristine grass. They had two chipping greens and a putting green, with practice bunkers as well, all beautifully manicured. Unlimited use of the balls as well.
Pretty much the first thing my pal told me, was to a apologise for the state of the greens !! Thought he as joking as I had arrived at this magnificent place and the greens are not right
When we arrived at the first green you could see they had been damaged, but sanded with green sand to make it look less obvious. Most of the pins were positioned in good areas. This however was a minor issue, the rest of the course was in immaculate condition. Most of the pros are playing elsewhere just now and the Tavistock Cup was played at Isleworth instead. I played reasonably well over the round and felt off the gents tees it was a decent test of golf without being ridiculously long or difficult. Being a course in Florida there is plenty of water about to gobble up the errant shot. No alligators were spotted, thankfully. Only one ball in the water so not bad, and was able to retrieve it - that's the Scotsman in me lol.
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/showthread.php?56119-Lake-Nona
http://www.lakenona.com/golf/
This is a link to the photos I posted previously along with the website of the course.
On returning to the clubhouse we met Gregor Jamieson, head of golf at Lake Nona and coach to Retief Goosen. We had a good bleather with him, catching up about Ayrshire golf. He was the pro at Turnberry along with his dad before going to Florida.
For me it was an unbelievable opportunity to play golf at an amazing venue, and was really appreciative of the invite.
He had to notify security at the gatehouse that I was coming and I was required to show photo ID before I was allowed to pass, even though I had been vouched for. The course is set within a residential development and has many golfers in residence. It was like a golfers who's who. My friends next door neighbour is GMac and he pointed out the houses belonging to Ian Poulter, Retief Goosen and others.
After getting the buggies loaded with clubs, drinks etc we went to the driving range, it was massive and roped off so you were hitting from pristine grass. They had two chipping greens and a putting green, with practice bunkers as well, all beautifully manicured. Unlimited use of the balls as well.
Pretty much the first thing my pal told me, was to a apologise for the state of the greens !! Thought he as joking as I had arrived at this magnificent place and the greens are not right
When we arrived at the first green you could see they had been damaged, but sanded with green sand to make it look less obvious. Most of the pins were positioned in good areas. This however was a minor issue, the rest of the course was in immaculate condition. Most of the pros are playing elsewhere just now and the Tavistock Cup was played at Isleworth instead. I played reasonably well over the round and felt off the gents tees it was a decent test of golf without being ridiculously long or difficult. Being a course in Florida there is plenty of water about to gobble up the errant shot. No alligators were spotted, thankfully. Only one ball in the water so not bad, and was able to retrieve it - that's the Scotsman in me lol.
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/showthread.php?56119-Lake-Nona
http://www.lakenona.com/golf/
This is a link to the photos I posted previously along with the website of the course.
On returning to the clubhouse we met Gregor Jamieson, head of golf at Lake Nona and coach to Retief Goosen. We had a good bleather with him, catching up about Ayrshire golf. He was the pro at Turnberry along with his dad before going to Florida.
For me it was an unbelievable opportunity to play golf at an amazing venue, and was really appreciative of the invite.
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