Photography by Tina Sargeant
Seven of the most scenic and interesting holes found at local golf courses
THE CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE
863.701.0101 // 1300 Eaglebrooke Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33813 // eaglebrooke.com
Nestled among the oaks of South Lakeland, the Club at Eaglebrooke is a gem awaiting discovery. From the lush, rolling fairways to the meticulously manicured greens, you know you’ve found a treasure as soon as you approach the first tee at this semi-private club. Undulating fairways meander along bunkers and scenic lakes to multi-leveled greens giving this championship golf course a challenging yet forgiving appeal. With six sets of tees, every level of golfer from the beginner to the more experienced player will find just the right challenge.
How To Play It
Hole 18 // Par4
426 | 401 | 378 | 367 | 350 | 293
Depending on the length, use a driver or three wood off the tee. Then use a mid iron onto the green — can’t miss right
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
Bridgestone Tour B series // $44.99
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LINKS OF SANDPIPER
863.859.5461 // 6001 Sandpipers Drive Lakeland, FL 33809 // linksofsandpiper.com
The Links of Sandpiper golf course is a par 72 course offering four sets of tees ranging from the blue tees over 6,000 yards to the forward gold tees at 5,000 yards. The golf course is a Links style course with rolling terrain, setting up some blind shots and doglegs. The undulating greens are protected by bunkers, and the fairways are lined with oaks and pines. Water can come into play with an errant shot on most of the back nine holes.
How To Play It
Hole 11 // Par4
270
This is a short par 4 with water across the entire fairway and a pond protecting the front of the green. The green has minimal slope, so the best tee shot is with a middle iron to the left side of the fairway for a short iron approach to the green over the water. Fairway bunkers should be avoided or a difficult second shot will result.
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
Callaway Maverick Fairway Woods// From $299
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SCHALAMAR CREEK
863.665.0185 // 4500 US Highway 92 East Lakeland, FL 33801 // schalamar.com/golf
Located alongside the 750-acre Saddle Creek Park (a protected bird sanctuary), Schalamar Creek is one of Lakeland’s finest courses where players can enjoy seeing many different varieties of birds during a round. The 18-hole championship course can challenge even the most experienced golfer, as well as introduce someone new to the game.
How To Play It
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Hole 15 // Par 3
224 | 208 | 187 | 151 | 140
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Hole 16 // Par 5
500 | 481 | 452 | 401 | 365
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These two holes are named the “Gator’s Jaw.” Cross over the bridge to play both 15 and 16, and then cross back over the other bridge when you’re done.
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
Taylor Made SIM Driver // $549
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LONE PALM
863.499.5480 // 800 Lone Palm Drive Lakeland, FL 33815 // lonepalmgc.com
Golf members at Lone Palm enjoy a relaxed and private club experience, with an excellent pace play. There are no tee times. The course winds through a serene natural Florida landscape and is home to an abundance of bird life. With practically no homes on the course, and no parallel fairways, each hole at Lone Palm provides an escape from the business of life.
How To Play It
Hole 15 // Par 3
210 | 195 | 175 | 164 | 153
You don’t want to miss it left since your ball will most likely end up in Lake Charles with its beautiful bird island. If you are lucky, your ball may be saved from going into the water by a large greenside bunker from where you are faced with a challenging shot over a steep face. Most golfers “bail” out safely to the right, but that is no bargain either since the massive collection area leaves golfers with a difficult flop shot if they have any chance of getting up and down. Golfers who hit the green are rewarded with a very makeable chance for birdie.
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
Bushnell Phantom GPS // $129.99
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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
863.834.2377 // 2900 Buckingham Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 // clevelandheightsgolf.com
Known locally as the “Heights,” the 27-hole facility is run by a division of the Parks & Recreation department for the City of Lakeland and offers golfers of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the sport. Cleveland Heights offers a number of golf-related amenities, including a full-service pro-shop, golf instruction, a driving range, short-game practice area, a designated putting green skill enhancement service, and food and beverage services at 1916 Irish Pub.
How To Play It
Hole 9a // Par 3
188 | 174 | 164
This signature hole is considered one of the most difficult Par 3s in Central Florida — ask any Polk County golfer. It plays slightly uphill and is protected by a deep bunker (sandtrap) in front of the green. Depending on what tee markers you are playing from, the hole can be played anywhere between 100 yards to 195 yards.
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
Odyssey Triple Track Putters // $249.99
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GRASSLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
863.680.1600 // 1600 Grasslands Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803 // grasslandsgcc.com
Traditional golf set in a modern atmosphere, Grasslands is located just minutes from downtown and includes a beautiful clubhouse, a junior Olympic size pool, children’s pool, the Deckside Cafe restaurant, and locker rooms. There are also five har-tru soft tennis courts, two hard courts, and two pickleball courts all lit for night play.
How To Play It
Hole 14 // Par 3
224 | 122
Number 14 is a par 3 ranging from 122 yards from the forward tees to 224 yards from the championship tees. This well-bunkered green with elements of water penalty areas is a demanding challenge for any skill level.
GOLF ETC. RECOMMENDS
UL63-s 7 Club DV3 Stand Set, Navy/Grey Bag // $339.99
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