We’re back on the trail of testing out Orlando’s golf course selections. My buddy Josh and I decided to get out this Sunday and hit up Windermere Country Club. He had never played it. This was my 2nd time playing it. We checked GolfNow.com and found a smokin’ deal. $28 (round, cart and driving range) each.
Our tee time was 1:06. Perfect. Getting out on the course on a hot, afternoon, out-of-season is perfect. There’s no waiting and its cheap golf.
And let me tell you, the course was in great shape. Here’s a quick background from their website:
Our Ward Northrup designed 18-hole championship course is aimed at fun and playability, regardless of your handicap. Stretching to 6,558 yards from the back tees, the undulating fairways and challenging greens offer even the most experienced player a solid test. With 13 holes bordering lakes and 63 bunkers strategically placed throughout the course, combined with the unparalleled beauty of pine and oak tree lined fairways and greens, keeping your mind on golf can be challenging.
Windermere isn’t easy to get to from downtown. We meandered our way but arrived with plenty of time. We parked since no one was waiting at bag drop, but soon someone drove to our car with a cart. The guy was friendly and reminded us to ‘tuck in our shirts’. This surprised me on two fronts: A) I’m glad he told me, I usually tuck it in. I’m a fan of ‘classy’ clubs that abide by the rules. I wasn’t reminded the time I played before. B) I guess we were so damn hot that we just didn’t mind keeping them un-tucked. We wore proper clothing – but we were reminded to tuck in the shirts. No harm, no foul. Again, I like classy clubs that play by the rules. So, shame on us.
It was a hot round. New greens were added to this course in September 2010, so they were in great shape. But they were hard as a rock. But I didn’t mind. The best thing about this course is it’s forgiving layout, and very manicured tee boxes and fairways. You can tell the staff pays particular attention to the finer details. They have Isleworth CC in their neighborhood – but Windermere wants to be the gem that people can actually pay and afford (we’re not all Tiger Woods or CEOs.) Ha.
Josh had great reviews for the course having never played it. We battled some holes, but I played very well considering the heat. I’ll start posting my scores (good or bad!) so you can see the yardages and slope according to each course.
Golf Stop Summary:
Recommendation: Try checking GolfNow.com before you go. You may find a great deal. If you can handle the heat, set up a 1:00 tee time. There’s no one out. We played 18 holes in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Blasted through. And that was with a 15 minute break for a hot dog at the turn.
Don’t dress like a slob, or you’ll be called out for it (and possible told you can not play) Wear dressy golf shorts and a golf shirt and TUCK IT IN! We were reminded at the turn to tuck the shirts back in. Again, I like the attention to detail.
Downfall: It was hot, but not painfully hot – but I was surprised to see no beverage cart out the entire round. That was the worst part of the day. We were hungry and had no options. So it took a long time for them to prepare the food at the turn. And we grab a few beers for the back nine. They did give us a nice cooler to keep em’ cold. So that was a nice bonus.
Enjoy the new greens!
Great round; you are getting more consistent which is exactly what you want; start shooting 82 to 85 consistently, then you will throw in an ocassional 78 or 79 and go from there. gn