Eagle Creek Golf Course Review

Take a virtual tour of Eagle Creek!

When I first learned that Eagle Creek Golf Club, one of the newest additions to Orlando’s thriving golf scene, was being positioned as having a European-inspired links style design, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. I’ve played a lot of fine courses in my two years living in Florida, but “links” and “European” are certainly among the last words I would use to describe Florida golf.

Don’t get me wrong, Florida has rightly earned its reputation as golf capital of the world, with a seemingly unending list of championship golf courses, most of which I, or any other weekend warrior, would feel fortunate to step foot on. But a links-style course in sunny and green Orlando, Florida? This I had to see for myself.

Despite my skepticism, I was very much looking forward to experiencing first- hand what has become an often talked about new course within golf circles here in Florida. As my playing partners and I drove through the entrance of Eagle Creek, my skepticism was already disappearing. Perhaps this was aided by a not so typical cloudy, windy and somewhat raw January afternoon in Florida, but upon reflection, I’m confident that it had more to do with my surroundings than with the weather.

From the minute I stepped onto the property of Eagle Creek, it became apparent that this is not just another Florida resort course. From sandy waste areas and pot bunkers, to the hint of the creative hole layouts to come, it is was very easy to forget that we were still in Central Florida.

The golf itself did not disappoint. Eagle Creek boasts a challenging, yet miraculously conditioned, par-73 layout with five par 5s. While likely a true challenge for even the scratch golfer, the course provides 5 sets of tees, making it an enjoyable round for golfers of any ability. The tees stretch from a “healthy” 7,198 yards from the tips to a more “friendly” 6,407 from the front (Yellow) tees. It is the only course in Central Florida to use Mini-Verde grass on its greens, and my playing partners and I loved the true feel you get from this grass.

It doesn’t take long to truly see what Eagle Creek is all about. The third hole is a reasonably lengthed Par 4 (375 yards from the Championship tees). But any confidence you might feel due to the manageable length of the hole quickly dissipates upon noticing the daunting waste area you must avoid on your tee shot. If you successfully find the fairway, your approach shot is equally as challenging, as you’ll be hitting into a bowl shaped green which is surrounded by bunkers that you’d be best served by avoiding as if your life depended on it.

My personal favorite hole was the 184 yard Par 3 11th, a place where you are most likely to forget that you are still in Central Florida, not Northern Europe. The longest par-3 on the course, this hole was defined by the treacherous sandy waste area which runs down virtually all of the right side of the hole, and some deep pot bunkers which ominously guard the green.

The four finishing holes at Eagle Creek are generally the most widely talked about, and they did not disappoint. They provide a spectacular finish, culminating in the 18th, a challenging par-5 which brings water into play on the approach shot, and requires you to make several tough decisions along the way. But no matter how poorly you might play this hole, with the stunning clubhouse as the backdrop, your surroundings will make you truly appreciate what you are experiencing.

The bottom line is that Eagle Creek pulls off the European style links concept quite well. While challenging, my playing partners and I found it to be manageable, which is all any weekend warrior can ask for. The course forces you to play smart golf at times, take risks at times and hit straight shots almost all the time. It will no doubt prove to be a truly memorable experience for anyone looking for an alternative to the Florida resort-style courses we’ve become accustomed to.

It is also worth pointing out that Eagle Creek has a 120 seat restaurant in the clubhouse, with a unique menu, great service and food that my playing partners and I found to be much better than at most courses we play. The restaurant, coupled with a fully stocked pro shop, makes it worthwhile to plan an extra hour or so to grab a bite to eat and stop in and get a souvenir.

Conveniently located just minutes Orlando International Airport, Eagle Creek is, in my judgment, a must for any Orlando-based golf vacation. But it is also within reasonable driving distance from other popular Florida destinations, such as Tampa and Daytona. Eagle Creek’s originality, fine playing conditions, overall golf value and exemplary service make it worth the drive if you’re staying outside of Orlando and are looking for a golf experience worth remembering.

Eagle Creek Golf Club
Orlando, FL
1-866-EAGLECC
www.eaglecreekgolf.info