 TIMACUAN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB (407-321-0010)
Florida Golf Course Review
Originally designed by Ron Garl in 1987, Timacuan was renovated by Bobby Weed and opened to rave reviews in 1996. With key elements of the course
being redesigned, the addition of a lighted driving range, and a magnificent 24,000 square foot clubhouse, Timacuan now features a facility that is popular
for play as well as for social functions. The golf course is situated in a beautiful and natural Florida environment, with abundant wetlands and wildlife.
Some of the honors bestowed upon this property include: One of the Top Fairways for Women (Women Magazine 1997), ranking as the # 14 best course
in the state (Golfweek), Seminole County's Most Popular Course to Play (Orlando Sentinel Readers Poll), and 4-star rating by Golf digest Places to Play.
The course features two distinctive nines, with the front similar to a links design, featuring a rolling terrain with deep swales, waste areas and pot bunkers.
The back side harbors towering pines and stately oaks, with holes demanding shot shapes both to the left and right. Throughout, one will find formidable
water hazards - with paths often connected by bridges, as the layout meanders through an upscale residential community.
Timacuan features 5 sets of tee boxes, with the tips playing to 7047 yards and a 127 slope rating. The blues measure 6531 (122 slope), the whites 6001
(119 slope for men/137 slope for women), the greens 5343 (113 slope for men and 125 slope for women) and the reds 4693 (109 slope for men & 112
slope for women). The forward tees provide a considerable break from the many hazards - making this course quite playable - even for the junior or
beginning golfer. From the two back tees, good golfers will have all they can handle. The Kirby marking system is in place, with yardage blocks every 25
yards from 200-75 in. 150-yard stakes double as directional aids, and pin placements are rotated with 3 holes locations diagramed on the scorecards.
The front nine begins with a short par four to an open but rolling fairway, with the right side providing the most even lies. The approach is uphill,
demanding 1 extra club to reach. Number two features a carry over water with placement right of the 150 yard stake the desired location off the tee. Lay up
to this plateau of a fairway - as long shots may reach the hazards on either side. Water also fronts the green from about 100 yards in. This is a very
difficult hole - and the course's number 1 handicap. The water hazard left runs the length of the hole on three, which is followed by an uphill par three with
bunkers surrounding the putting surface. Take an extra club off the tee here. The fifth is a mid range par five with bunkers left and mounding right
challenging the approach to the green. The fairway is undulating and the approach uphill on six, which precedes an interesting 3 par. The green complex
on seven is nearly surrounded by sand - a sand island - with a huge waste area waiting for shots hit shy of the putting surface. After a simple par four that
is best played to the 150 yard stake off the tee, the front side closes with a tight par four that features a considerable natural area, and bends left near the 150.
The back nine plays a little tougher, with more length and numerous holes with water hazards. The tenth is tight off the tee and on the approach. Aim past
the 150 and avoid the water to the right of the green. There is a huge sand waste area to the right on eleven, but the fairway left of it is quite generous.
Twelve requires a tee shot over a natural area that lays up neatly near the 200-220 yard zone on the fairway - a pretty precise landing area. The green is
small but bowl shaped, funneling shots hit slightly left or right towards the center. Cypress trees left and bunkers right make 13 a tightly designed 3 par -
but as the # 18 handicap - one that must be managed. There is water along the right on 14 - with the 150 yard stake again defining a great landing zone.
Another peninsula fairway awaits on 15 - the tee shot must carry a hazard and water also lurks on either side. The route to the smallish green turns left
near the 150 marker. The 16th is a beautiful par three over water with room for error long. These aesthetically pleasing wooden walled tee boxes are just a
few of many unique features one will encounter at Timacuan. A shot placed over the fairway bunker or at the 150 yard stake will leave an easy approach
on the score-able par four 17th. Number 18 is a challenging finishing hole however - particularly from the tips at 450 yards. It doglegs left near the 200
yard marker and features a tight approach.
With nearly all Florida courses featuring Bermuda greens - that are sometimes on the slow scale - one will have to adjust to the quickness of the putting
surfaces here. The greens are generally of medium size and undulation - and are kept short to roll quick and true. After an enjoyable round, one can
experience the great facilities which include a nice restaurant/lounge, pro shop, and locker rooms with card tables, social areas and showers. A huge grass
range is lit for night practice for those staying nearby - and an ample putting green is also on property. Great course, wonderful facilities and a friendly
staff - a highly recommended golfing experience!
Click here to visit the Two Guys Who Golf Detailed Information page with a link to this course's web page (if available).
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