METRO WEST GOLF CLUB (407-299-8800)
Florida Golf Course Review 12/31/03 - Photos updated November, 2006
Metro West is a Robert Trent Jones Signature design that is annually recognized as one of Florida's premier
golf experiences. Rated 4 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, Metro West has also been voted as the
area's # 1 public course by readers of the Orlando Magazine! The Two Guys Who Golf can see why - this is a
wonderful facility and a great day of golf.With upscale conditioning and amenities, this property has been able to
host events such as the Florida State Amateur, Oldsmobile National Scramble Finals, Senior PGA Qualifying
School - and also has served as the U. S. Open Qualifier (1999-2003). The course is defined by spring fed
lakes and mature trees that border wide, rolling fairways - with putting complexes defined by sculpted bunkers
and undulating greens. The greens at Metro West have been recognized as the "best in the state of Florida" by Golf Digest!
A beautiful 27,000 square foot clubhouse houses a fully stocked pro shop (with club-fitting available) that has
made the "Top 100 Golf Shop" list 3 years in a row (pictured here behind the 18th green). Free valet parking and
spacious men's and women's locker rooms (with sitting areas and showers) add to the list of amenities, which
includes Westerly's Restaurant - offering lunch, light snacks and liquid refreshments 7 days a week, with brunch
on Sundays. Tournaments, banquets, weddings and special events can be comfortably hosted with service that
can cover events end-to-end. The practice facilities include a complete grass range, short game area and an expansive putting green.
On course players will find ample marking systems with yardage blocks posted at 100/150/200 yards (250 on
par fives) plus 150 yard stakes. The GPS on all carts provides accurate information from the tees right to the flag
. At 7051 yards with a top slope rating of 132, Metro West will demand a good effort to score well. The blue tees
measure 6467, the white's 5978 and the forward red tees 5325 with 122 slope rating. As mid-handicappers, we found the blues to be a good test but fair - with the longest par four measuring 388 yards.
The first hole is a great opener as the 13th ranked handicap, a short par four featuring a wide fairway and a triad
of bunkers guarding the putting surface. Aim at the 150 stake on number two, and be aware that a hidden pond
lurks past the trees on the left. The approach to a heart shaped green must carry a grass valley. The pretty par
three third is well bunkered, but like holes one and two, presents a good scoring opportunity. Warm up and try
to get off to a good start on these first three holes, as a challenging stretch follows. The long par five 4th (610
from the tips) doglegs right around a lake that is situated past the fairway bunker complex on that side. Long
hitters may hug the right center and try to reach in two, while those playing this as a 3-shot hole should stay left
center all the way. Avoid all the fairway and green-side traps, and this number one handicap can be had. Aim
over the left corner of the mid fairway bunker or towards the 150 stake on five, for the most opportune approach
to a well bunkered green complex - another short but interesting par four. The left side is best on six, and golfers
able to fly the bunker on that side will be rewarded with an easy second shot, which leads over another deep
sand trap to an elevated green. The seventh fairway is tree lined, but with ample landing room - a good scoring
hole. After a short par three players will find an interesting finishing hole on the front. Nine bends to the left along
the water line to a narrow fairway. Lay up past the 150 and approach with a mid or short iron, or attempt a long
drive over the corner of the lake - leaving an easy wedge shot to the green. Be forewarned - if the wind is in your face - this is a difficult carry off the tee.
There is a wide fairway with an intricate bunker complex along the right side on ten. The second shot will head
downhill, then back up again near the 100 yard marker. Another large bunker complex guards the right side from
140 yards in. On eleven, be aware that there is very little room for error on the left. Lay up to the 150 or rip one
over the center edge of the left fairway trap. The approach is demanding, as it plays uphill to a putting surface
guarded in front and back by more sand traps. Left of the fairway bunker towards the 150 marker is the place to
be off the tee on 12, which plays to a triple tiered green with a palms and a gorgeous residence in the
background. From the back of the 13th tee you can see Orlando behind, and in front of you sits an ample fairway
with a lone bunker along the left. This ends a trio of perhaps the most score-able par fours on the course.
Fourteen is a mid range par five with a wide fairway, tempting long hitters to attempt to reach in two. The second
shot plays down a hill to a putting surface with water left and also just 15 yards past the green. Played as a 3-shot
par five, good scores can be had. The par three 15th plays over water with bail out room short right and also
past the putting surface. The rolling fairway on 16 is flanked by bunkers left and trees right, with the undulating
green raised above the fairway. Seventeen is a gorgeous par three - and the longest of the group. There is lots
of room, if you can avoid one of the bunkers forming a triangle around the green. The closing hole is challenging
par four that doglegs slightly to the left with a water hazard short right and two bunkers protecting the left side.
Metro West is indeed worthy of the many honors bestowed upon it. Some friends of our gave it their highest
recommendation - and we are passing this on to you - Play Metro West! It was one of our most fun rounds and
one of the most beautiful courses we have had the opportunity to experience in Florida. Metro West is a
complete golf and banquet facility - set in a very aesthetically pleasing environment, and close to all the
attractions near Disney. Even better, we experienced little of the congestion and traffic coming or going, that is standard in the Orlando area.
You can view our informational page for Metro West, with a link to their web site - by clicking here.
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