During our annual trip to Florida in January 2021, we had the opportunity to play three public golf courses, in the Orlando area and thoroughly enjoyed each one.
Dubsdread
Winter Park is a bustling suburb just north of downtown Orlando and the home of Rollins College. We found two wonderful historic courses there, Dubsdread and the Winter Park 9.
Dubsdread was designed by Tom Bendelow and opened for play in 1924. Golf courses in Florida must have water hazards and the low areas at Dubsdread are environmental necessities for nearby I-95, as they provide adequate runoff areas for heavy rains in the area.
Side note: Dubsdread is derived from the intent of instilling dread in “dubs,” or novice golfers as they were called in Scotland.
In the 1940s, Pete Dye played Dubsdread, while attending nearby Rollins College, where he was captain of the golf team. He would later become one of Golf’s most noted golf designers and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. During his time at the course, he happened to meet Alice O’Neal, who was on the Rollins Women’s Golf Team. She later became his wife and actively worked with Pete on his famous golf creations.
Dye said of his time at Rollins,
“I wasn’t the greatest student, but I met my bride there and played some good golf.”
We won’t guarantee that you will meet the girl of your dreams at Dubsdread, but we can guarantee you will have an enjoyable day on the links.
Winter Park 9
I first played the Winter Park 9 (WP9) in 2018 and couldn’t wait to return. It opened for play in 1918 and was one of the first courses in the Orlando area. On this trip my wife and grandson accompanied me and we had a great day on the course.
The WP9 is nestled in a quiet residential area with homes bordering the course. One of the unique features is the cemetery that borders the left side of the fourth hole, a dogleg par 5. Any pull, or hook may come to rest beside a grave maker.
Holes No. 5, 6 and 7 play along a nearby railroad, plus walking the entire nine holes requires crossing neighborhood streets at least five times.
Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb were commissioned by the city to redesign and renovate the old course. They introduced new fairways, roughs, greens, plus additional playing strategies. They totally enhanced the charm and aesthetic appeal of the course, while preserving its dual-purpose as community park and golf course.
WP9 reopened in 2016 and the 40-acre course has become the model for public municipal golf courses. The greens are some of the best that you can play. The course promotes walking, but golf carts are available for golfers, who are physically unable to walk.
One of my top criteria for rating a golf course is the ‘Fun-Factor’ for juniors and women. The WP9 rates a solid 10 for both these requirements. Moms and kids can have a great time joining dad and the rest of the family for a round at the WP9.
This is one of the best public facilities to be found. The PGA, USGA and PGA Tour through the World Golf Foundation, should study and recreate this plan in every urban area in the country.
Shake Shack Burger Joint
When you are done with your round at either Dubsdread, or the Winter Park 9, I suggest you visit the Shake Shack on Orlando Avenue in Winter Park. Their delicious burgers and fries are best washed down with a creamy chocolate shake. The perfect repast after an enjoyable day on the links.
Rockledge Country Club
Rockledge Country Club, near Cocoa Beach, is a mere 50-minute drive from Orlando. It was a private club for most of its 100-plus years, but recently opened to daily fee play.
This par-71 with a slope of 126, opened in 1924. It features Bermuda throughout and plays to a maximum of 6,436 yards. Its proximity to the Atlantic guarantees sufficient ocean breezes to make one feel the course is actually much longer.
A driving range and practice facility will get you tuned for your round.
This is a typical country club style course, accommodating fairways and large greens make for an enjoyable round that won’t leave you completely exhausted.
We would suggest dining in the massive clubhouse after your round. The food and service are top shelf with a variety of delectable options on their menu.
Relaxing on the nearby beaches at Cocoa Beach, or a side trip to Kennedy Space Center could round out your day on the Space Coast.
Summary
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy golf in Orlando, or Central Florida. The city and the area have done a wonderful job of preserving their public facilities and keeping them affordable for everyone to enjoy.
