Heathrow Country Club, Heathrow, FL

Although best known for its world-class theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios, the Orlando area is home to some of the best golf courses in the state of Florida, including one that hosts a PGA TOUR event every year. Many of these courses are accessible to the public and for the most part, they are in great shape and extremely playable year-round.

One area of Orlando that is often overlooked for golf is Seminole County, north and west of downtown. After a recent visit to the area and the opportunity to play both some public and private courses, I find that hard to believe. The topography of the land is not what you typic see in Florida – flat and boring; it has some roll and undulation to it – naturally! That can make for some interesting golf shots, especially the dreaded uneven lie.

Heathrow Country Club is a private country club that is two clubs in one: Heathrow Country Club and The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. Heathrow was designed by Lakeland, Florida native Ron Garl and plays to a par of 71. By today’s standards, it’s not long - the White Tees play less than 6,200 yards – but you better be able to hit accurate approach shots into small greens if you want to score well. The first hole is a picturesque dogleg left par 4 with bunkers that frame the landing area off the tee. Your approach shot is uphill to a large, well-undulated green. Once you hit the second tee, water takes center stage and comes into play on 16 of the final 17 holes. The par 3, 12th hole with its island green is the signature piece of this water jigsaw puzzle. The hole plays 117 yards with a pot bunker on the left side of the green. On the 17th hole, Garl has used the water to create an island fairway. Anything left or right off the tee will most likely find the water; hit it too far straight and your fate is either sand or water. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll still have to cross over the water on your approach. It’s one of the more challenging holes on the course.

After your round at Heathrow, stop by the Heathrow Grill for a good meal in casual surroundings. The menus at Heathrow and Legacy Club are almost identical simply means great food is available at both! Both Heathrow and The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes are managed by Concert Golf Properties. Becoming a member at one of these clubs not only gives you membership at both Heathrow and Legacy Club but also gives you reciprocity at all 21 properties around the country.

When you’re not on one of Seminole County’s fine golf courses, there is plenty to do in the area without hitting one of the nearby theme parks! Eat, drink, and shop in Historic Sanford, visit the Central Florida Zoo, go kayaking in search of manatees or just sit outside and soak up that Florida sun. Seminole County is flush with restaurants too, offering just about every cuisine imaginable.

For more information on the great golf opportunities and a lot of other activities in Seminole County, Florida, visit the tourism department’s website