HIGHLANDS RESERVE GOLF CLUB
(863-420-1724)
Florida Golf Course Review 10/23/04
Highlands Reserve in Davenport just west of the Disney Resort area, is a Mike Dasher design that is atypical in
the Orlando golf market. This mid-priced course features water in play on just 2 holes, as pine tree lined fairways
traverse past nature preserves and citrus groves, along a rolling terrain that features elevation changes of as
much as 120 feet. This Scottish highlands links style layout boasts panoramic views, immaculately maintained
playing surfaces, spacious landing areas and large, mildly undulating putting surfaces. The greens are often multi tiered, so paying attention to the day's pin placement is advice worth heeding.
The clubhouse at Highland Reserve features a small pro shop and snack bar area with sandwiches, snacks and
beverages available. There is a grass range with target areas plus a large practice green on property. The year
round affordable green fees here reflect the fact that players are paying to play golf here, minus the upscale
amenities that drive up prices at many Orlando area golf properties. On course, yardage blocks are provided at
100 and 200 on par fours, plus 250 yards on par fives. 150 yard stakes are visible on the fairways, and pin placement sheets are posted on each golf cart.
The front side opens with some fairly tight holes, lined by mature pines and highlighted by raised putting
complexes accentuated with greenside collection areas and depressions. Greenside bunkering is absent until
the fourth hole, when a small but deep sand trap fronts an elevated green. On five, a deep grass depression
guards the green, creating some tough recoveries on approaches hit short There are huge sand waste areas to
the left and past the green on the right on the par three sixth, though neither is readily visible from the tee. From
here on, sand becomes a formidable obstacle. Waste areas define the landing zones on holes 7, 8 and 9, and greenside bunkers also come into play.
The terrain on the back side is similar to the final four holes of the front...with waste bunkers in play on nearly
every hole. Though the fairways are usually ample, the landing zones off the tee are sometimes squeezed by
these hazards. Like the front, the back side features large, double tiered and multi ridged putting surfaces. The
green on number 16 is quite unique. The depression that cuts through the center of the putting surface is so
pronounced, that it almost seems like two separate greens! Holes thirteen through fifteen are also interesting, as
they provide panoramic vistas from the highland tee areas. All three begin from elevated tees, play into valley
fairways that are dotted with numerous bunkers, and play back uphill to raised putting complexes. Number 18 is
an interesting finishing hole - a 507 yard dogleg left par five which encourages a tee shot that cuts across a large
sand waste area on the short side. The approach is downhill to a challenging green complex, flanked by sand left and deep collection areas right.
Highlands Reserve is conveniently located off Hwy 27 about 15 minutes from Disney. It is a pleasant golf
experience and, as the slope ratings and yardages indicate, it can be enjoyed by all levels of golfers. Three sets
of tees play to: 6649 yards/118 slope, 6010 yards/115 slope, and 4073 yards/107 slope. For more info, visit our page for Highlands Reserve with a direct link to their website by clicking here.
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