The Legacy Club At Alaqua Lakes, Longwood, 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.

The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes was designed by one of golf’s most decorated architects, Tom Fazio, who considers this to be “one of his best efforts.” There are six sets of tees and the course can be played anywhere from 5,055 – 7,160 yards. The course is cut out of a dense forest and the trees tend to create a few narrow corridors on several holes. There is also a good bit of roll in the topography of the land out here. Pretty impressive for this part of Florida! The Legacy Club is often the site of US Open Qualifiers and the course has several PGA TOUR members. Number 11 was my favorite hole, a gentle dogleg right par 4 that plays 495 yards from the Blue Tees. Trees line both sides of the fairways and the bunkers on the left side can come into play off the tee. You’ll want to play your tee shot down the left side as the trees tend to block out shots from the right side. The green has some good undulation to it and is protected by several bunkers. Finishing with the same ball you teed off with on Number 1 is somewhat of an accomplishment at the Legacy Club!

The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes and her sister club down the street, Heathrow, 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.

After your round at The Legacy Club, stop by the Legacy 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!

When you’re not on one of the fine golf courses in Seminole County, 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