By Jeff
Hello friends. I hope you���ve all enjoyed our excursion out west to Arizona. We���ll return there in the future as I have more outstanding golf properties to share with you. But for now, are you looking for something new and exciting? For those considering traveling to the Sunshine state of Florida, this time of year is usually the best time to visit Orlando as it isn���t too hot, or drenched with afternoon showers, or overcrowded. (Well, unless you count Memorial Day weekend.) We all know this is home to Tiger Woods, Mickey Mouse (Disneyworld), Universal Studios, a plethora of water parks, and, if you���re a fan, the NBA���s Orlando Magic. There are many activities to be enjoyed whether you���re a golfer, or, you���ve brought your family and friends for a getaway. Either way, I���m the mayor this week, and I���m presenting you with keys to the citrus golf city! Here we go.
Approximately 35 miles north of downtown Orlando in DeLand, Florida, there is a hidden gem by the name of Victoria Hills. This golf course is a rollercoaster of mental agility. Ron Garl, a well versed Florida based designer, has created something rarely seen in courses in this state. Florida golf courses tend to be flat in nature but Garl moved a lot of land to create varying elevation changes of up to 80 feet! Creating elevated tee boxes, greens, and majestic, sweeping
undulations in the fairways. In Florida? Yes, in Florida. This course garnered a Golf Magazine ���Top 10 you can play��� accolade in 2003. Indeed, from the time you exit off Interstate 4 until you enter the clubhouse, the setting is serene. As you���ll soon see, Victoria Hills is a local, as well as visitors��� favorite.
The clubhouse looks like it has been transplanted from the fine state of Georgia; especially as it is colonial in design, complete with columns. And to complete the picture, there is pristine white paint with black accents on the doors, roof, and windows, and old station clocks are everywhere. If you let your imagination run, you can almost see Robert E. Lee rocking on the porch with a lit pipe in his mouth. This clubhouse is the gateway to southern hospitality! Your starter for the day has all the aforementioned charm despite being originally from elsewhere.
You will immediately notice that the tee box markers offer a variety of choices based on your skill level. Everyone will have an equal chance to enjoy this creation. You start off with a par 4, 429 yards from an elevated tee, to an elevated green. Oh boy! We���re wasting no time today getting started. You know you are in for a good time when your reaction after playing the 1st hole is ���exhilarating!���
For a Florida course, you would think there would be more holes with water hazards on them, but there are only 3. ???? But there is no need with a course this good. To occupy your sightlines, Garl has framed several holes with tall pines and red straw to guide you, or, test you - if you find yourself hitting a shot from in between them. To be fair, there are just as many wide fairways on some holes - in case you happen to hit your shots wayward. I can best describe your balls on the greens as marbles in a taco salad bowl. The four par 5 holes seem toget longer from hole to hole. Why do I feel like I���m being stretched out? By the time you���ve played 18 holes, you feel like you���ve visited a golf theme park. You will want to play again. But for now, you���re done.
For a Florida course, you would think there would be more holes with water hazards on them, but there are only 3. ???? But there is no need with a course this good. To occupy your sightlines, Garl has framed several holes with tall pines and red straw to guide you, or, test you - if you find yourself hitting a shot from in between them. To be fair, there are just as many wide fairways on some holes - in case you happen to hit your shots wayward. I can best describe your balls on the greens as marbles in a taco salad bowl. The four par 5 holes seem toget longer from hole to hole. Why do I feel like I���m being stretched out? By the time you���ve played 18 holes, you feel like you���ve visited a golf theme park. You will want to play again. But for now, you���re done.
Not so fast! The restaurant in the clubhouse is so down to earth; with great southern fare, you���ll want to relax for a minute or two. So, breathe and have an Arnold Palmer (1/2 iced tea, �� lemonade). Everyone is extremely friendly and loves to share stories from their course experiences. So come down to Orlando and have some fun, sun and golf! I���m ready to go back now. Hey! Remember���.play it as it lies!
Recommendation: 4 Stars
Recommendation: 4 Stars
Current Price: Week $59; Weekend $65
Par 72 Slope 73.5 Rating 142 Yardage 6854
Address: 300 Spalding Way DeLand, FL 32724
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