James6826503

I’ve played GO several times and it was always a hidden gem. Sadly it’s in pretty bad shape right now. Due to shut down for a few months in May as I understand it. But the greens were really not too bad and the staff could not have been friendlier. So would I play again? Only if I could confirm that there was no league in front of me because man that was some serious SLOW play.

So we showed up about 45 minutes prior to our tee time only to find out that the range was closed. Hate going out cold but I guess they got some rain. Now going into this round I had read some reviews and went into things not knowing what to expect. While some reviewers were kind and gentle others basically made it sound like this course was a goat track. I went in with an open mind and, as usual, will review founded on the Pros, the Cons and a Summary.

First the Pros:

Nice layout. There are some really challenging holes and the par 3 holes really use the terrain to make it interesting, including the 7th which is essentially an island green.

Pace of play was decent but not anything special.

The course is well marked and easy to navigate.

The ranger was extremely friendly and provided us with a pencil as we left hole 8. (more on that in Cons)

Now the Cons:

The range was closed with no forewarning.

The cart had no pencil, something we didn't realize until we had already finished the first hole. On the second we ran into the drink cart and asked her if she had one - nope. But she said she'd bring one out. She never did. Now mind you I usually have like ten in my bag but had just moved into a new one and didn't move them over. Thankfully we were able to remember out scores and the ranger gladly provided one, apologized for the inconvenience and we were able to go on from there feeling better about our gambling. : )

The tee boxes were a train wreck. Anything but level and a LOT of dirt without grass. Just sad. Those that had grass also had a LOT of weeds in the mix.

The fairways were decent but were also in need of some love.

The greens were terrible. Just bumpy. Good luck making any putts, long or short. On one putt I was 3 feet away and it was dead straight. I hit a great putt only to have it jump off of some sort of a grass mound and land left of the target completely missing the hole. Putts made were pure luck and nothing more.

When we went into the bar/restaurant after our round we were pretty much ignored. Had we not asked if there was table service we'd have never known and the bartender wasn't too busy and could have easily said something to us.

The value given the conditions just isn't there. For less money you can play Wedgefield, just east of Twin Rivers by about 10 miles or so, and it is in FAR better condition. Granted winter golf in Florida is always more expensive but there is a local course about 10 miles from my home that is the exact same price and the condition in comparison would make the local course PGA quality.

Summary:

My pard and I are always looking for new places to play. We wanted to spend the first day of 2024 some place special. Twin Rivers is in sad condition and it's almost at that point where they simply won't be able to bring it back into shape. It is a wonderful layout with SO much potential I sincerely hope that they put some work and money into the course and get it back into better condition. I'd gladly take it on again if they were to do that.

As with every review that I do I will provide the pros, the cons and a summary.

First the pros:

Great price for this time of year. Near Orlando at under $50 is a bargain this time of year in Florida.
The course conditions were decent. The overseed made the fairways pretty nice and the greens were smooth and receptive. Tee boxes were also fairly decent. Overall on a 1 to 5 I’d give the condition a 3.75.
The food in the restaurant was great and Desire’ was an awesome server.
The pace of play wasn’t bad at about 3.5 hours for the round.
The layout was challenging but fair. You could definitely get into trouble but could get back out with some smart play.

Now the cons:

The range was not marked at all. I wasn’t sure where I was supposed to hit from.
There were no flags or anything on the range to give you an idea of distances.
The restaurant didn’t open until 4. No hot dogs or anything else to snack on.
NO water to drink on the course. Better bring something because there is no drink cart and no fountains or jugs. For a Florida course this is bad. Fortunately I had my water with me. But my Pard didn’t and he was hurting by the end of the front.

Overall Summary:

I’d play here again in a heartbeat and would definitely recommend this course. But just come in prepared with your own water or purchase before you go out. This course is convenient from the beaches or Orlando and they are putting money into it.

At nearly $100 this was an expensive golf outing but this time of year higher prices are going to be expected. Course was in good shape and we finished in 4.5 hours. Staff were all very friendly and overall was a nice day of golf. Restaurant was closed but hot dog was available at snack shack so all good.

This was the finishing round for a birthday trip from Florida out to Colorado. From the moment we entered the clubhouse to check-in to the completion of the round this was the perfect cap to a wonderful golf trip. When weather interrupted our round the staff member insisted that we go ahead and get a bite to eat and come on back - he'll send us back out. We did just that. Talk about taking care of customers. This gentleman set the bar by which other courses will be measured.

Pros:
Staff members. All friendly, professional, welcoming, knowledgeable and even funny. They truly enjoy their jobs and don't mind kidding around with customers. Really made us feel completely welcome and appreciated.
Course layout and views. Just amazing.
Course condition - wonderful! Like nearly perfect from tee to green.
Elevations were amazing also. Just a blast to drive the ball with a little wind helping and down into a valley knowing you are going to get a little extra distance. Just pure fun!
Level of fun was off the charts.

Cons:
A couple of areas got a little confusing regarding where to go next.
Not a lot of water jugs on the course. Need to add a couple of more of them.

Summary:
This was the perfect course to finish a wonderful week of golf at. The staff really made my birthday visit a memorable and special one. Clearly they take pride in their course and want visitors to get the most bang for their buck. It is conveniently located near Royal Gorge and is really easy to find.
This course earns my highest marks and rest assured - I WILL DEFINITELY be back!!!

Went to DT to celebrate my birthday and it did not disappoint. From wild antelope wondering around all over the place to the beautiful views and forgiving layout, this is just a fun track meant to allow golfers of all levels to come on in to challenge and enjoy.

Pros:
Staff. They were, in a word, perfect. From beginning to end. All of them.
Layout was amazing. Views 360 degrees. It was a bit windy which added to the challenge but no worries - the course will forgive the occasional bad shot.
Course condition - exceptional. From tees to greens. This course was pristine.
Level of fun. Off the charts!

Cons:
As odd as it might sound both my partner and I ended up with mud stains all over our legs and pants. Not sure how or why. But when we got back to the hotel it was dried clay. Hard to scrub off. Had to have come off of the cart seat.
Smallish range. There were people waiting for slots.

Summary:
This course is a must play. I had to really stretch this out to even come up with cons frankly. Talk about "first world problems".
Come to DT, enjoy the views, have a hot dog at the turn and just take it all in. This is one of those courses that is an experience not just a round of golf. And I highly recommend it.

First played this course almost 20 years ago. Came back to celebrate another birthday and, while the course layout and conditions did not disappoint it just seemed that the staff members were not happy to be there. From the moment we asked if we were up next on the tee to when we went inside at the turn to get a drink, the staff just didn't seem happy. Job satisfaction in a recreational environment is critical to the overall experience. I'm afraid the employees we encountered just didn't leave the impression that they were glad that we were there - or that they were.

Pros:
Course layout, views and condition.
Couple we were paired up with. Calvin and Susan were just fun to be with for the day.
Ease of finding your way around the course.
The combo tees is something every course should offer.

Cons:
Staff members seem unhappy. Wasn't just my impression. My partner and Calvin/Susan said the same thing.
Pace of play was a little slow. And it wasn't helped when they allowed a fivesome in front of us to continue. The Marshal even said he "had told them to speed up" but they were a hole behind the group in front of them. But they were members so....(Could tell because they had their own carts)
Cost.

Summary:
I'd visit this course again. But frankly only an hour away there is another course, Devil's Thumb, that is half the price, filled with friendly staff members and is just about as beautiful. Plus it is FAR more quiet!
I'd recommend this course for the views and condition. But just go into things knowing it's going to cost you unless you are a local, there may be members playing as fivesomes or whatever they feel, the staff may not make you feel like you are appreciated and the pace is going to be a slow one.

My friend and I had played this course some years back and were eager to take it on again. It did not disappoint!
Pros:
Friendly staff - every single member of the staff we encountered were friendly and cordial. To an extreme. We were left with the impression that they enjoyed their jobs and their customers.
Food - delish. Try the tuna salad - nothing short of amazing!
Bar staff - just a pleasure to be around. Funny, knowledgeable about their food and drinks and willing to go the extra distance to make the visit pleasant.
Course views, layout and condition - just amazing. From the first hole driving the ball off of a mountain and into a valley to the par 3 holes that challenge and delight, the greens were nearly perfect and you would be hard pressed to find a bad tee box or fairway.
Carts - powerful and no governor.

Cons:
Hole 18 is just a hard hole.
The rough was long and just ate your balls. I know, my bad shots should not count against the course.
Need more restroom facilities as opposed to porto potties.

Summary:
If in the area this course is a MUST PLAY!!!! From the greeting you will get on arrival to the meal at the end of the round and everything inbetween, this is a VERY special track. And best of all the prices are amazing!

If there were 10 stars I'd give Lakota all 10 and then some. Do yourself a favor and pay this special track a visit. Just be sure to stop during the round a couple of times and look around to truly appreciate the beauty of this amazing golf course.

Surpassed our expectations. From tee to green this course is perfect. Wonderful practice facility. Friendly staff. Highly recommend this course to anyone in the area.

Having played this course many times I looked forward to its unique layout and serene atmosphere. Sadly they have lost their tee boxes and fairways. It was truly tragic. A combo of weeds, bare dirt along with grass sick with a fungal disease.
I fear that if they don’t put time, work and money into this once incredible course it will be lost.

Played in just over 3 hours. Course was in great shape except for a couple of tee boxes. Staff all really friendly and welcoming. Just a great day of golf.

From the friendly staff to the lightning fast greens this little gem is just an amazing and fun place to play. Pace of play was great, conditions from tee to green were exceptional and the overall experience was memorable.
I highly recommend this course. Just bring something to drink and some dollar bills...

Anytime you play a Disney course you arrive anticipating three things:
1. Crowded conditions - it was
2. Really great course conditions - yup it was
3. Friendly staff - yes, as always.

In addition there is the true Disney atmosphere. Monorails running, train whistles, screams of joy on thrill rides and lots of people enjoying a Central Florida vacation.

The parking lots were empty. The monorails parked. The trains silent. The rides closed.

For the first time ever I enjoyed Disney's Palm in quiet. The peace that simply isn't ever possible at Disney because of the enormous popularity and crowds.

They had just aerated and things were a little rough. But it was still a Disney experience. Surreal. But Disney.

I have played every Disney course several times. The Palm is just an amazing track and I highly recommend it.

Definitely have had some work done. Really good shape. Great pace of play. Friendly staff. Watch the speeds of the greens!

Pace of play was incredible. Course was in good shape. Staff could not have been friendlier.

A great course to get in some iron practice.

The last time I played this course it was pathetic. No grass, weeds everywhere, no sand - just mud. Overall it was a sad semblance of a once nice course.
I read the reviews on here recently and decided to give it another try. I am definitely glad I did.
They have obviously put a lot of money into the course. From new carts to the course conditions - everything screams "We are coming back!"
The layout is fun, the price is awesome, the staff were all amazing and overall the pace of play was unbeatable.
I will definitely be back and highly recommend Links of Sandpiper. Kudos to the new owners for bringing this little jewel back to life - please keep it up!

Started with nice, friendly staff and a welcoming greeting. Then off to the range which goes slightly uphill - this will give you an idea of what you are in for. And finally to the course.
Just an awesome and fun track. Well maintained, beautiful layout, awesome views, and best of all - quiet. Very serene. Nothing but the sounds of golf.

Nothing not to love about this course and it really is a hidden gem. Definitely off the so-called beaten path but worth the journey!

Had played this course about a year ago or so and it was starting to fall apart. Weeds everywhere, tee boxes nothing but sand, greens a real mess and overall just badly in need of some TLC.

Kudos to whoever on staff recognized this and did something about it! The course was in awesome condition - almost perfect. The pace of play was fairly smooth. The staff could not have been more friendly. And overall I will DEFINITELY be playing this course again.

The only downside is that there is no range but you can chip and putt a bit to get a little warmed up and it is more than made up for by the course conditions, the price paid, and the pace of play.

Overall if you are in the area this one's definitely worth a visit.

Thoroughly enjoyed my round. Wasn't my first here but was my first in a long time. Apparently management changed since last time I played and the whole experience was much better this time around.
There is trouble but not too much. The greens are perfect as are the hazards. And even though the course was a bit crowded the pace of play wasn't all that bad for a Saturday afternoon.
Overall would definitely recommend this one!

Have played this course many times. They have finally completed all of their work on the greens. They are all perfect. The tees and fairways are also in wonderful condition.
Every single staff member we encountered was accommodating and friendly.
The pace of play was exceptional.
Overall this hidden little jewel in Eastern Lakeland area should be a must visit. It's a shorter course but this just means it will test every aspect of your game.