SANCTUARY RIDGE GOLF CLUB (352-243-0411)
Florida Golf Course Review
Never a dull moment...is a phrase that aptly describes an experience at the Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club. Located in Clermont, just northeast of the Disney resort area, this property
boasts one of the most unique golfing experiences in central Florida. The terrain is reminiscent of a links highlands topography, with abundant fairway and greenside bunkering,
wide fairways and landing areas, and dramatic elevation changes. On our busy October 2004 schedule, we did not bring our clubs and did not have the opportunity to golf on any of
the courses we reviewed - but we really regretted missing an opportunity to play Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club!
To ease our pain we decided to stay for Sunday Brunch - which was priced at an unbelievable $7.99. Our hats off to the chef - who somehow managed to make a simple menu
seem like gourmet food. If you are planning on playing DPC on a Sunday, you would be remiss to not schedule time for the brunch - which is one of the best food values we ever
experienced. There is a great variety, and everything was absolutely delicious. The restaurant/lounge at DPC is wonderfully appointed - in fact all the furnishings seem new...There
are 11 televisions, including a large screen - and the walls are adorned with signature paraphernalia from sports celebrities in many of the sports of our culture. The locker rooms
with showers are small but beautiful, and a nice pro shop is also on property. Breakfast is served from 6 AM all days except Sunday, and lunch and dinner are also available.
Amenities for golfers include a grass range with putting green and short game area for lessons, and comfortable Club Carts that are equipped with club covers, ball and club
washers. And hole diagram booklets. Pin placements are indicated on the scorecards, and 150 yard stakes double as directional devices (and sometimes indicate landing areas)
on all par fours and fives. There also are yardage blocks posted at 100 and 200 yards, and sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green. Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club
plays to 7005 yards with a formidable slope of 137 from the black tees. Alternate sets play to 6571/130 slope, 6243 124 slope, 5695/118 slope and 5035 yards with a slope of 114.
The front nine is the shorter of the two, with the par four second gaining recognition as the course's most difficult hole. This sharp dogleg left four par is best played towards the
sand bunkers deep of the fairway. From the 150 yard area the approach is simple. Number nine is also a very interesting golf hole. The rolling fairway on this long par four is well
bunkered, as is the green complex. There is water to the right off the tee, and the 150 yard marker is a good stretch, as the fairway plays uphill all the way. The initial 6 holes are
quite open with gradual elevation changes, and the remaining 12 holes play though a residential community. On the back side the initial two holes will grab your attention. A shot
aimed to the left side off the tee on 10 will find the slope and funnel back to the center of the fairway which slopes noticeably from left to right. The approach drops off to a lower
level, where the green is situated next to a lake. Short is better tan long here. Eleven is also interesting - as this par four begins from an elevated tee area, then drops of
dramatically past the 150. Mounding and bunkers, along with a lake situated to the right make for a challenging approached, that is best played to the left of the putting surface.
Thirteen doglegs to the right with the fairway ending at a water hazard past the 150 stake, and number fifteen begins from a hillside tee, with the green situated to the left on a
perch that is fronted by a plethora of deep greenside bunkers - resembling a mine field. This well protected green complex is pretty to look at, but tough to reach. Number 16 is
also memorable, as this long par four slopes right to left towards the fairway traps, with a challenging approach over a grass ravine. The 17th and 18th holes lead back uphill
towards the clubhouse.
A round at Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club is heartily recommended. You will not find another layout in the area that matches this terrain. It certainly will keep golfers on their toes. With
the wonderful dining opportunities and fine facilities - this is a wonderful value for the Orlando area. For more info, visit our page which provides a direct link to the DPC website by clicking here.
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