Golf in Orlando: Mystic Dunes

Author: Susanne Parcher
Publisher: Travel and Transitions
Date: November 30, 2005
Rights: Parcher, Susanne

The phenomenal Mystic Dunes Golf Club opened its greens summer of 2001 and is located just 2 miles south of the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort on Old Lake Wilson Road/CR545 at the Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club.

Carved from rolling orange groves and native, protected wetlands, Mystic Dunes Golf Club sits on the edge of the premier travel destination in the world yet offers a feeling of escape from it all. Neighboring some of the most thrilling and engrossing attractions found anywhere, it only seems fitting that Mystic Dunes be designed with some of those attributes in mind. Champions Tour Player and NBC Lead Golf Analyst Gary Koch has created a masterpiece of blended philosophies and unrivaled challenges that is certain to go down as one of the most unique in all of Florida.

Greens reminiscent of Augusta National, par fours that rival in length to some of the longest seen in Professional Major Championships, and a diabolical quartet of par threes that seem to get more intense as the round progresses are just some of the outstanding features on this 7,012 yard, Par 71 track. Meticulous course conditioning guarantees superior playing conditions year-round with special attention given to the greens complexes that feature at least fifty yards of tiff-dwarf grass surrounds, allowing for an unlimited variety of shot types and strategies. Five sets of tee boxes offer every level of golfer the ability to play from the distance that makes a round of golf enjoyable and with just enough challenge to keep the player's interest piqued. Back tees (Black) are reserved for the professional or low-single digit handicap amateur only.

The "low country-style" eastern, front nine is reminiscent of classic Carolina-style courses, meandering through native wetlands and marsh areas, bordering oak and cypress forests. The western, back nine has the characteristics of a British Isles links course, with extensive perimeter mounding and pot bunkers as well as large, expansive, sandy waste areas bordering lush green, rolling, sweeping and perfectly manicured fairways. Water comes into play on just one hole - the extremely scenic and challenging par three #11 waterfall hole. Holes 15 through 18 have been called "four of the best finishing holes you'll find anywhere," according to Golf & Leisure Magazine.

Koch designed the course to be player-friendly, yet rewarding to the strategic golfer. Almost every green is accessible with run-up shots: instead of bunker-infested greens, the special feature being collection areas characterized by unique "bumps and humps."

Amenities

• Driving range, putting and chipping greens
• ParView GPS System
• 20,000-sq./ft. clubhouse with restaurant and full bar
• Beverage cart service, carts equipped with rake, coolers, sand buckets, towels and tees, two relief stations (#5 and #14), four ice water stations on the course, Red Cross certified staff, club storage, locker rooms
• AVAILABLE FOR OUTINGS, MEETINGS AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

Driving up to the clubhouse on the brick drive, fountains and gardens set off the main entrance of the clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop. Etched glass windows from floor to ceiling and doors set the mood. The 3,000 sq. ft. pro shop has over 90 degrees of windows overlooking the practice complex and first hole.

Ladies and mens locker rooms feature marble countertops, black enameled sinks, flagstone tile floors and upholstered benches.

The restaurant has stone tile floors and cherry and stone planters. The semi-circular bar is welcoming, with cherry and stone accouterments and full-length windows overlooking the driving range. Lighting in the bar and restaurant emanates from stately burnished bronze fixtures. Airwalls transform the area from three intimate rooms to a larger area that seats up to 300 people.

The adjacent flagstone verandah, with umbrellas, tables and chairs, wraps around the back of the clubhouse and offers a spectacular view across the range to the 18th green.

Various Views of Mystic Dunes Golf Club

About the Author

Susanne Parcher - Creator of www.travelandtransitions.com, a popular web portal about unconventional travel, interesting life-journeys and cross-cultural connections. Her 600+ articles and interviews are syndicated globally, and Susanne is in the process of publishing a series of entertaining and useful FREE E-BOOKS about her international travels.

Read more articles on what to do and see in Florida.