On the prowl at Panther Lake...
Written: Aug 07 '01 (Updated Aug 08 '01)
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Pros: Superb course, very good test of golf in great surroundings.
Cons: A little far out of downtown Orlando but relatively convenient for downtown Disney.
The Bottom Line: Pamper yourself, play this superb course and enjoy the incredible facilities, while challenging all your golfing skills.
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| PALWalrus's Full Review: Panther Lake Golf Course |
Where does the Panther prowl?...
On the usual family vacation to the Orlando area this year I was out driving with my lovely wife and sometimes wonderful children looking for a riding stable. We happened to notice a sign on a corner announcing the presence of Orange County National Golf Center. I usually never get to golf during family vacations, but dispensation had been granted and I took a mental note of this sign and would return to track the Panther later. After dropping said family members at the stable I went in pursuit of the Panther. Tracking this beast proved to be a real challenge, it turned and ran along streams, down side streets, through deep brush...just as I was about to lose hope I emerged into the sunlight, and found myself standing in the midst of a vast golfing Mecca...
What does the Panther look like?...
The Panther is one of two courses housed at the Orange County National golf complex. When driving up to the clubhouse there is nothing overly inspiring about the place but as you drive past the bag drop you see all the other facilities spread out before you. A golf lodge where you can stay and play. One of the largest driving ranges that I have ever seen is located next to that. The forty-two acres of range is arranged with different practice tee locations around the entire outside of the range. The tees themselves are in superb condition, like hitting off a beautiful lush fairway. Located next to the practice area is the Phil Ritson Academy. I did not use this facility but it appeared to have a lot of activity so I assume that it is very popular. The two courses are laid out in every direction as far as the eye could see...a very impressive sight. But I was here on a mission..I was hunting Panther...
Let the hunt begin!!!...
I dropped my clubs at the bag drop, the staff were extremely helpful and attentive. They directed me to the pro shop and told me where I could meet my clubs. After changing shoes I entered the clubhouse. I must admit that the clubhouse did not look overly impressive from the outside, but inside the pro shop was extremely large and well stocked. I paid my green fees (a very modest off season rate of $23) and bought a 'trophy' hat for $16, giving me change from $40...very good value indeed. I was recommended to play the Panther Lake course so proceeded on my hunt...the starter paired me with another gentleman who was also chasing Panther and we proceeded to the tee...
Taking aim at the big cat...
Panther Lake has three men’s tee positions staggered around its par 72 frame ranging from Tour with an incredible 75.7 course rating and a slope rating of 137 over 7,295 yards, enough to give even the most confident second thoughts. to the Member tees at a still respectable 70.7 rating, 128 slope and 6,298 yards. We wanted a big cat, but not that big. We opted for the Championship tees at 73.2 rating, 132 slope and 6,816 yards.
Teeing up on the first tee was such a pleasure. After playing in Naples most of the year it was so pleasant to see the clever use of the landscape that wasn't absolutely flat!!. The natural changes in height with the use of native swampland gave the hole a very pleasing appearance. The tee boxes are immaculate. Before hitting a ball you feel at one with nature and at ease...this big cat is supposed to be threatening but all I feel is tranquility.
The cat that purred....
Playing this course was an ultimate pleasure. The greens were large and inviting, but they had teeth. Place the ball in the wrong zone and three putts were definitely in play. The fairways felt wide and inviting after my narrow home course, but beware, place the ball in the wrong location and you would often bring water and sand into immediate play.
The overall condition of the course was superior to all but a very few that I have played. The manicured conditions pampered every well hit shot. The course challenged you to plan your way around it, and punished impetuosity.
If you want a pleasurable round of golf in superb conditions that will challenge your every golfing skill I can heartily recommend Panther Lake at Orange County National, this is one cool cat that will receive regular petting on my next pilgrimage to Orlando...
Parting note...
There are also other facilities that I viewed but did not try myself, like the Tooth course, a short 9 hole course primarily used to encourage playing with juniors, and a 36 hole putting course. This is a superb facility.
Recommended:
Yes
Green Fees Paid (US$): 23
Speed of Play (typical weekend): 3 to 4 Hours
Look Out For: Sand
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PALWalrus
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Location: Alachua, FL
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