Orange County National (Orlando, Fl)

The entire golfing experience at Orange County National is well worth it. As the sight of Q-School for a variety of years, both courses at Orange County National can provide a challenge for any golfer, depending on which tees are chosen. The shorter tees will result is a nice, enjoyable round while a longer set can cause havoc. The caddies are very attentive to help when you pull up as is the staff in the pro shop. The restaurant is a great place to pick up a burger before or after the round.

The practice facility is one of the nicest in the world. A fully circular range is always off of grass, and was the sight of the famous Tiger Woods ball bouncing commercial. Flags allow for easy targets to hone your accuracy. A huge practice green in playing condition allows for individual practice, even with a bit of a crowd. There are many chipping, pitching and sand areas while the Tooth Short Course allows for you to try out your game before or after playing on one of the two championship courses. Many golf schools run out of Orange County National, but I recommended Paradise Golf Academy. Ray Thorp and his crew will improve any swing, and it will reflect on your scors at either Panther Lake or Crooked Cat.

Crooked Cat plays as the easier of the two, despite a harder course rating. Set up as a links course, there are less hazards and much more room for error. At 7,493 yards, Crooked Cat is a fairly long track. The back nine is longer than the front, not allowing for a lapse in concentration. A 544 yard, par 5 is a nice start to the round. The par 4 ninth hole sets up as the most memorable on the course, at 400 yards, this hole appears to be drivable, and is depending on the golfer. Due to its set up, a pitch is all that is required into the green. Panther Lake is a fair test at 76.6 rating and 139 slope and is worth a round.

Panther Lake is the harder, more memorable course of the two. Water comes into play on many holes with the par 4 ninth being the most memorable. At 428 yards and with water all along the right, this is a beautiful hole into an elevated green. A 570 yard, par 5 eighteenth allows for matches to swing on the final hole. With all of the natural beauty, Panther Lake is an challenge at 76 and 139 slope. Don't be deceived by the easier rating, and short 7, 350 yard length.

The Lodge decent. Everything needed for a short stay is there and it is clean. There is nothing to complain about and the putting green is located right outside. The rooms are doubles with two twin beds and an option for an inflatable cot.

With the courses in immaculate condition and design, Orange County National is a great course to spend a few days at. Be warned if you stay in the lodge, there is nothing but golf. There is not even a hot tub or pool, and OCN is in the middle of nowhere. Don't be alarmed, the golf makes up for it. At $39- $85 for non- residents at Panther Lake, and $39- $79 at Crooked Cat, Orange County National is a great deal.

Value: 10
Difficulty: 9
Pricing: 10
Variability: 8