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Indian Lake Estates
Indian Lake Estates Golf & Country Club
In the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s,
the money from the NY Teamster’s Union was used to purchase land in Central Florida on the banks of Lake Weohyakapka and developed as a recreational community with 8100 1/2 acre platts, 18-hole golf course, marina, beach, pier, sprawling Clubhouse, 100 miles of road, and plans for more recreational parks and another 18-hole golf course. Eager investors from New York and DC bought the platts and enjoyed a piece of paradise. Typical of many “land scams” during that time, the colorful history of this community is too long to detail here, but after 3 bankruptcies and 3 changes of name and organization, a “hayday” and a “depression” era all its own, the Indian Lake Estates Golf & Country Club is looking better than ever. Lake Weohyakapka is the largest lake in Polk County spanning 7528 acres and flanks the western edge of the
Community. A small marina and the longest fresh water pier in Florida can be found at the end of Park Avenue. Residents enjoy fishing and boating year-round as well as the small pavilion for parties and social gatherings. Large mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and other fish are abundant targets for the avid angler! The wooden pier is the longest fresh water pier in Florida and the site of beautiful sunsets, and fishing tournaments. The jewel in the crown of this community is the Indian Lake Estates Golf & Country Club with an 18-hole golf course designed by George Cobb circa 1958. This 6584 yard course is wide and forgiving for amateurs but challenging enough for the pros. Situated behind the Clubhouse and around Lake Leon is a smaller 9-Hole Par 3 course that is free to residents and available to outsiders for a small fee. Superintendent Danny Lunceford is coming down the home stretch of a 5-Year improvement plan that has yielded a better irrigation system, larger and smoother greens, and a beautiful course that is a joy to play! The small Pro Shop is kept busy with local golfers and leagues 7 days/ week. Robin Samson, Pro Shop Manager, has been busy organizing tournaments and league play for nearby communities: Lakeshore, Nalcrest, Walden Shores, Saddlebag Resort, and neighboring Canopy Oaks. The local WGA and MGA enjoy weekly league play and are open to anyone wishing to join the leagues. With reasonable prices, a challenging course, and beautiful weather, the season is attracting more golfers daily! The Pro Shop will be offering Golf Lessons by a teaching professional on the first Saturday and third Saturday in the month of January. For more information, contact the Pro Shop at 863-692-1514. A 300 seat ballroom is available for tournament banquets; a dining room is available for smaller groups and a great place to gather after a round of golf; and the 19th Hole Bar & Grill offers pizza, beer, and refreshments for residents and golfers alike. To make reservations for a round of golf or a tournament, contact the Pro Shop or the Office (863-692-1433). Located on SR60E just 17 miles east of Lake Wales and 62 miles from Vero Beach, Indian Lake Estates is a well-kept secret. The Community is enjoying a growth spurt similar to all of Florida, but on a smaller scale. With only 1/10 of the platts developed, there are many opportunities to own a piece of paradise. Signature Realty Associates is located at the entrance of the Community and can be contacted at 863-412-7121.