DEER ISLAND GOLF CLUB (352-343-7550)
Florida Golf Course Review 1/14/06
Deer Island Golf Club presents one of the most unique golf experiences in Central Florida. Located about 1 hour
from the Orlando International Airport, this island retreat features an impeccably maintained championship layout
designed by renowned architect Joe Lee. The 400 acre island is surrounded by Lake Dora and Lake Beauclair,
with majestic magnolias, towering oaks and nature preserves that are home to abundant wildlife including blue herons, egrets and bald eagles.
The ride onto the island is a prelude to a wonderful golf experience, on a property that Joe Lee has called his
most unique. Each of the 18 holes has water in play in some shape or form, and the four par threes are
especially beautiful and challenging, with daunting carries over lakes or wetlands on three of the holes. The front
nine presents tightly wound fairways bordered by a lake and natural areas, and the back side is a bit more open
but nonetheless challenging. Numerous wooden bridges supplement the cart path routes, with some scenic routes between green and tee.
Most of the green complexes are raised and sloped, with putting surfaces that are small to medium in size and
quite undulating. Golfers will find that the fairways have fairly generous landing zones - but approaches to the
tight green complexes, which are usually well bunkered, demand an accurate iron game. There are over 60 soft sand bunkers situated along the fairways or greenside.
On property is a full scale practice facility with putting green, targeted grass range and sand bunker. The
clubhouse includes a well stocked pro shop plus a beautiful restaurant/lounge (Blue Heron Grill) with outdoor
patio that also can be used for outings and special events. The burgers here are great! Weather covers and ball
and club washers are standard on all carts, and the course is also well marked. 150 yard stakes are visible and
100, 150 and 200 yard markers (250 on par fives) are present on the fairways. Color coded flags indicate front, middle and back hole locations.
Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, Deer Island features four sets of tee boxes that play to distances
and slopes measuring 7029 yards/136 slope (the black tee areas were added recently), 6670 yards/135 slope,
6284 yards/132 slope, 5745 yards/119 slope and 5139 yards with a 118 slope from ladies playing from the
forward tees. We HIGHLY recommend a round of golf here. It is without question worth the ride from Orlando.
The scenic beauty and tranquility are hard to match, and the layout is outstanding. Rates including cart top out at
around $65 in 2006 - making this a wonderful value as well! For more information, visit our page for the course, with direct link to their website by clicking here.
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