Central Florida
The Hidden Gem of Florida Golf Golfers who live in Central Florida already know, and more visitors are beginning to learn, some truly fantastic golf opportunities abound throughout Central Florida’s Polk County. With more than 40 public access courses offering 612 holes of golf, Central Florida’s Polk County boasts one of the top collections of golf courses in the United States. Golf groups traveling to the area will find a wide range of course options and unforgettable off-course activities that will make your Central Florida trip one to remember. UNIQUE COURSE OFFERINGS With so many course offerings it is very difficult to pick our favorites, but when it comes to distinctive course design, one has to begin the conversation with Streamsong Resort. Streamsong Resort’s Red Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the Blue Course designed by Tom Doak and the Black Course designed by Gil Hanse, utilize the natural contours, sand dunes and native grasses to offer a golf experience that is reminiscent of the links-style courses of the British Isles. Built upon reclaimed phosphate mining land, Streamsong’s courses are atypical of most Florida golf courses.
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Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club stretches out to more than 7,200 yards from the championship tees and this demanding layout features high ornamental grasses and decorative plantings, paired with 180 distinctively colored bunkers that provide spectacular visual appeal throughout your round of golf. The Club at Eaglebrooke provides a challenging, but fair test of golf for players of all ability levels. Oak trees, numerous lakes and strategically placed mounding define the lush rolling fairways, and visually frame each hole as from the tee. BREWS, BLUES AND BARBEQUE Once the golf clubs have been put away, and the side bets settled, your group can then explore some of the great local dining and entertainment offerings that are available throughout Central Florida’s Polk County. With more than 550 lakes dotting Polk County, locals and visitors alike all have their favorite lakeside dining spot. In Winter Haven, with full length windows and a lakeside patio, Harborside Restaurant is a modern American steakhouse, seafood and oyster bar featuring the finest cuts of dry aged meat and daily
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delivered fresh fish. Also in Winter Haven, with its neighborhood restaurant feel and its location on the shores of Lake Ned, no place epitomizes casual lakefront dining more than Harry’s Old Place. Situated on the shores of scenic Lake Pierce. Lakeland’s Lake Mirror is best known for its large events and being a perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset over downtown Lakeland, the lake also serves as the backdrop for Texas Cattle Company, the place for those that have a craving for a nice juicy steak cooked over a specially built open-pit mesquite wood fire. A trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without fresh seafood. Gary’s Oyster Bar & Seafood House in Lake Alfred is known for its eclectic décor, friendly service and fresh seafood. Crazy Fish Bar and Grill is well worth the drive to Lake Wales. For a little taste of Louisiana, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille in Lakeland, serves up some good ‘ole down home Cajun favorites. Mojo Federal Swine and Spirits has transformed Lakeland’s Federal Building into the newest culinary and entertainment experience. Mojo Federal is a premier barbecue, southern food, and craft cocktail destination.
