HitTheStick

Another vote for Sandestin . Played The Raven and Baytowne earlier this year and enjoyed them both. Raven was definitely my favorite of the two, but as mentioned is the most difficult as well.

I scratched #1 a month ago at Pebble Beach. It was quickly replaced by Cypress Point after I drove by their entrance...

Another Donald Ross fan. Following some of his style I like Rees Jones also. Both of them seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to approach shots...miss this greens, and you'll pay the price....

Great review...I just returned from Pebble Beach and it was great reliving the memories through your own. I can totally relate to that feeling on #1 tee. All I kept thinking was "For the love of God, don't top it off #1 tee at Pebble Beach." Put it right down the middle... Of course, the golf Gods got one back... my 2nd shot on #18 went into the cypress tree in the middle of the fairway and never came out.... Let's hope we both get back!

I recently did an interview with designer Rees Jones , which I thought you all might enjoy. Great insight on his approach to different courses, and how us as golfer should approach them as well. Certainly helped out in my visit to Waldorf Astoria Orlando!

I stood over it a solid 5 minutes thinking about it. My concern was the incline to the green. I was afraid I'd chunk it into the bank and have it roll back into the water... And I'm all too familiar with the weather. Central Florida is home:)

To illustrate how close I was on 16....

Ha...you would ask that! 3 of my worst holes of the day:) Finished Bogey, Bogey, Double... 16 I went for it in 2 with 230 to go (I was 8 over par...dreams of breaking 80), and tugged it a hair left, which added about 15 yards to the carry...splashed right on the edge of the pond. Probably could have played it, but decided against it. 17 I chunked a 5 iron and couldn't get up and down out of the trap. 18 I hit my drive up the right, pin was front left and I chunked a 7 iron. About half the ball was exposed in the water and I played it. Blasted it over green into a bunker. Couldn't get up and down... Needless to say it wasn't the way I hoped to finish an otherwise decent round. Yes, you have to stay at the lodge. Awesome place. If you're a fan of Mr. Palmer, visit....

Grand Cypress has two great tracks also, and Reunion has 3. If you're willing to drive, you could head toward tampa to play Copperhead at Innisbrook. Hosts the Transitions Championship each year. The thing about Orlando is great golf is in no short supply, and you can never really get to them all!

Came close to breaking 80 at Bay Hill . Every golfer's famous last words.....

Thanks for the invite, but I'll be working on Saturday. Hit em straight...greens were a little slow the other day. At least, slower than normal for Muni...

I live in Ocala also, and played Muni on Tuesday:) I basically grew up on that course... Heading to Waldorf in two weeks...

Awesome! Well done!

Awesome! Thank you for sharing that story. I'll be seeing my granddad tomorrow an will be sure to share. If it was in Ocala it would have been Joe Jr..

Yup...same guy:) Small world... I've heard service at WA is great...looking forward to that round...

Heading here in two weeks to play the Palmer...I'll let you know how it goes:)

His name is Joe Lopez...He and his dad (Joe Lopez Sr) were lifelong club pros in South Florida (Doral, Key West Country Club).

Thanks for the input all...I used to visit PGA National quite often as a kid, as my granddad competed in the Sr PGA every year. It has been well over a decade since I've been there, so I look forward to seeing how much the area has changed, and of course, the great golf...I'll keep you posted!

Been an exciting few weeks for this golfer. Hitting 6 great resorts around Florida, 3 of which host the tour. So far I've hit Sandestin, Reunion, and Bay Hill. Innisbrook, Waldorf Astoria, and PGA National still to come. I'm calling it Deej's Florida Swing . Any tips for the upcoming courses?

You'll be happy at Champions Gate. I've played them both, and prefer the international. If you're not locked in to there, give some thought to Reunion right next door. Played the Palmer course last weekend and it was in great condition...

Yes you can't beat Sawgrass...Played it twice and can't wait to go back. Nearby is also Amelia Island and a little further south is Ocean Hammock. All top notch!

Well I can't tell you how to fix a slice cause I've been blessed with a draw. However, from time to time things go a little haywire and I get a wicked banana on my driver. When that happens I usually try to stay behind the ball a little longer and start my downswing before my body. Do not aim left...you'll only make it worse!