Motor Heads will also enjoy nearby Sebring Int’l Raceway
By Dave Daubert
Known as the ‘Value Golf Capital of America,’ Sebring, Florida’s collection of golf courses offer the best service, and an extraordinary golf experience at a great value. Located in the center of the state along Highway 27 (the same road that starts in the U.P.), these hidden gems are just 60 miles south of the theme parks in Orlando.
The Citrus Golf Trail courses are well maintained and provide an excellent assortment of styles that will challenge the best players while the different distance tees allow for high handicappers to enjoy their round as well. With a selection of seven courses at five locations, the Citrus Golf Trail has all the golf needed to enjoy a year-round stay and play at very reasonable prices:
Sebring International Golf Resort (formerly Spring Lake Resort) is an expansive resort offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the new 12-hole short course along with a reworked 27 holes of championship golf. The new ownership is making substantial improvements throughout. Stay & plays in lovely on-site condos and suites are available, with the Sebring International Raceway, home of the 12 Hours of Sebring, a few miles away. Call 863-655-5555 or visit SIResort.com. 
Sebring Municipal Golf Course is a prime example of an old Florida track that opened in 1928. With small push-up greens, four sets of tees, and 6204 yards in length, the flat muni is a great walk. In 2009, Ron Garl, Mr. Florida Golf, came in and spruced up the golf course to make it an up-to-date challenge for golfers who like a great value and a well-maintained place to play. Sebring Municipal is near Inn on the Lakes just off Highway 27. Call-863-314-5919 or VisitSebring.com/Sebring-Municipal-Golf-Course.
Sun-N-Lake Golf Club is a semi-private community club home to two outstanding golf courses, Deer Run & Turtle Run. Deer Run is the longest and most challenging of the duo. Ron Garl was asked to give the closing 18th hole a dramatic new look and changed it to a fabulous risk-reward par 3 about 10 years ago. Turtle Run was carved out of a Scrub Jay Preservation area by Charles Ankrom in 1999 which plays tighter and shorter to smallish greens. Visit SunLakeGolfClub.com or call 863-385-5483.
Pinecrest Golf Club is a 1926 Donald Ross design that took full advantage of the topography near Avon Park, Florida, just north of Sebring. The traditional layout of the 6,719-yard course winds its way through forests and orange groves in a natural setting. There are 5 sets of tees to ensure all who play enjoy their round with great mounded TifEagle greens with false fronts. In the 1950’s the club hosted the first televised PGA event, The World Championship of Golf, won by Dr. Carey Middlecoff. Give them a call at 863-453-7555 or visit GolfPinecrest.com.
River Greens Golf Club is also located in Avon Park. There is no river but there is a fair share of water to avoid. The golf club has been owned by the Davis family since 1969 who take great pride in the condition of the course, and the warm hospitality of the staff. The 6400-yard course has a drivable par four, a par five with two greens (1 for duffers and 1 for single handicappers) on the front, and three par fives on the backside. A fun place to play. Visit RGreens.com or call 863-453-5210.
Inn on the Lakes is a lovely privately owned stay and play venue rated the No. 1 Hotel in Sebring. Its 155 rooms and suites, lakeside pool and famous Chicanes restaurant serving three meals daily provide visitors and Citrus Golf Trail groups with the utmost comfort and convenience. Packages starting as low as $99. For reservations or further information call 800-531-5253 or visit InnontheLakes.com.
More area information at: VisitSebring.com/Citrus-Golf-Trail.
