davidmooney

Mayfair has plenty of good things going for it but there are areas for improvement too. We used to play this course periodically years ago and it has improved since. The fairways aren't to write home about but the greens are better than they once were. Like reviews before mine have attested to, weekday rounds in the afternoon can be a bit frustrating because they sometimes start sending people out on the back 9. I played here two weeks in a row (once Tuesday at 2:57 and once Wednesday at 10:30) and both times there were some slow downs because of this. I would call before booking to ask about what they have going on that particular day or afternoon. As long as you are not in a rush though it is a small price to pay for playing a historic Ross course. Two things I don't understand however are rough tee boxes and poor cart paths. The former is an easy fix that most courses get right and the latter seems to be the last thing golf clubs want to invest in. They fail to realize that many golfers in our area, unlike me, are seniors who appreciate smooth sailing as opposed to heart jolting bumps or mysteriously disappearing pathways.

I arrived to the course about an hour early for my Sunday 11:56 tee time. The parking lot was packed and I think I got the last spot but I would eventually learn one of the reasons why. I walked into the pro shop with my printed Golf Now confirmation, was asked to show an I.D. (fair enough) and was checked in. When I asked about the included range balls, I was told abruptly that the range was closed because a wedding was being held. Although disappointed I did not mind in the least because of the reason, I just wish the message would have been delivered a bit more apologetically. Quick aside... as others have said before me, the free bucket is minuscule so really there was no big loss.

After walking back outside I noticed that no carts were to be had so I walked back in the pro shop and asked if I needed to wait until tee time for a cart and if I might have a bucket of range balls to chip and hit in the short game area. A "yes" to waiting and a more friendly "yes" to some balls. I mentioned that my car was at the back of the far lot and the attendant told me that if he had someone free he would have them run me to my car for my clubs but that was not currently the case. He also explained that some carts were broken and that the wedding party required some as well. I was further told that over a hundred carts were in use. Some details could have been spared but I was neither angry nor disappointed.

After practicing for a bit I returned to the starter area ( about 15 minutes prior to tee time) and was asked my name. I replied and mentioned that I should be listed for 11:56. I was told I must still wait for a cart so I headed to the putting green for just a few minutes. When I got back to the starter there seemed to be a little confusion and a group of three started petitioning for me to play with a twosome. The starter took the bait and matched me up with two guys that were just arriving. The starter directed us to the 1st and it wasn't until a few minutes after my drive that I realized I was starting on the White course (9). My reservation was to play Red/White. No big deal but this would later comeback to bite me. I fault the starter for not keeping the parties properly aligned with their reservations. If you are a first timer like I was, keep an eye on this and make sure you get to play what you booked.

Despite all of the initial derailments I must say that the view from the first tee box (played the "whites" per my playing partners) quickly made me feel relaxed and eager. Links style golf works for my intermediate level game. As we proceded we realized that there would be some very muddy fairway areas to contend with but they were not overly abundant. The greens played nicely and occasionally offer some multi-tier challenges. They roll pretty true and fairly fast. The cup on the White course's par 3 - #3 (named Little Poison) was in the middle right side of the green and proved a fun challenge. The traps showed evidence of a healthy dose of rain but later in the afternoon one could tell that they were drying and thus they became much more appealing/playable. There were a few bunkers with puddles of water and I neglected to mention standing water as well in some of the fairways. Florida summers are like this though so I don't fault the course. I saw adequate drainage but we have had above average rainfall this year.

Now onto pace of play. After booking my round the day before I began to read much more deeply into the pages of reviews here on Golf Now. The first page, for the most part is complimentary but as you go back in time you consistently read about pace issues. On our way "out" this was the case until about the 5th. The group ahead of us informed that there were a few groups of "kids" further ahead and that they were playing slowly. Not once did I see a course ranger but for whatever reason things did pick up and we wound up finishing the front in about 2 and a half hours. Not so good but at one point we felt like it might take much longer. I get the feeling that the starters direct people at the start regardless of their reservations so at any given point any of the three 9 hole tracks get unnecessarily jammed up. I'm not sure what logistics they are trying to use to avoid this but things are a little chaotic. I give a little of a pass because it was the weekend but other 3 x 9 courses get it right regardless of heavy traffic.

In regards to this traffic, one of my playing partners was a bit antsy and at times seemed in a hurry so at one point he did call the pro shop to inquire about the backup. As we finished up on the White course he also proceeded to the pro shop to discuss our options for faster play. It was at this point that I really realized that I wouldn't be getting in my intended Red/White round. The pro shop attendant suggested we either play Blue with traffic or go back on White. You see... I was mismatched from the beginning. I should have been playing Red/White with that threesome (mentioned earlier) but was instead now faced with a choice to either play Blue solo or join my two new friends for a White replay. Rather than part ways and after having been overruled on my preference to move on to Blue collectively, we moseyed back to White #1. It all worked out and I did shoot better on the second go but I also left a little disappointed as I had really been looking forward to some variety. As a side note though we did finish White this time in about 1 hour and 45 minutes

On a few other side notes... water coolers were dry or low at the beginning of our day but were replenished in time for the second half of the round. One of my playing partners attempted to use the restroom/port o' pot which was in between White #6 and #7 but he was disgusted to learn that it was full to nearly overflowing. I guess what surprises me so much about courses throughout Central Florida is that with all of the competition why won't a great place like Royal St. Cloud turn things up a notch. Class it up just a little bit more please. It's such a fun and enjoyable track (well at least the little I got to see.) You would think that reasonable pace, full water coolers, a tidy potty and a sense of order at the start are all easily achievable objectives. I'm certainly not going to let the flaws in this golf outing detract from my return but I certainly hope that management begins to take heed of our reviews and turn Royal St. Cloud into a bit more of a professional establishment. It's not so far from being there.

I arrived to the course midday on a Monday. I was greeted by an attendant as I approached the pro shop and he followed me to kindly open the door. After checking in quite early I asked another attendant/starter if I might be able to tee off sooner as I was playing as a single and wanted to get in a fairly quick round before the rain came in. The schedule (I learned) had me paired with two other players (also Golf Now reservations) but I was told that I was welcome to begin whenever I might like to. After about 10 minutes on the putting green I made my way to the first.

In rating this course as easy, I made my choice because as a golfer with a high handicap, I found it to be an ideal stomping ground for any beginner or intermediate player looking to have a fun round of golf without any menacing challenges. The rough is extremely tame and the water hazards barely come into play, with the exception of 13 which requires a tee shot across a decent sized "pond". I was playing from the "whites" and even with my recently nagging slice I cleared it. The only other obstacles I met up with were the out of bounds areas. Thanks in part to the fore mentioned slice and especially because some fairways offer little forgiveness in relation to property lines.

The course is physically in nice shape and the greens are holding up well. One can tell that they were aerated not too long ago but they have bounced back since and don't present a "now under maintenance" challenge. I found them to be a bit varied in speed but mostly medium. Definitely beware of downhill puts though as they will get away from you quickly here. As mentioned in other reviews, Ventura is not a championship length course by any means, which makes it another reason why it is an ideal place for someone wanting to improve or learning the game. It's very easy to keep the ball in play and stray shots are easily found.

Other than passing through the pro shop and using the clubhouse restroom post round, I didn't take the time to really check out the facilities. The patio area was bustling and the pool seemed well patronized but I didn't check out food or beverage options. Not once did I see a beverage cart during my round. There are bathrooms and water fountains sporadically (on the course) but I would recommend bringing along a water bottle on especially humid days. As others have said, a minimal detractor is the lack of a driving range. True... there is an independent one across the street from the community entrance off Curry Ford Rd. but I opted to stop at a course closer to home to warm up first. The community as a whole (main road Woodgate Blvd.) can be accessed from either Curry Ford Rd. or Pershing Ave. (the "back entrance".) In leaving out the back I noticed a range on the right (inside the community and before the guard gate.) There were flags and uncollected balls, which lead me to believe that it must be a members only range. Next time out I'll be sure to ask.

For years I have lived in the community of Tuscawilla and not once had I taken the time to drive 10 minutes to the public course nearest to my home. When I ask myself why, in retrospect I'd have to say that it was because whenever I asked a fellow golfer about Deer Run, I always received negative feedback. If you have too, its time that you put the past in the past and negative sentiments you've heard out of mind. For many reasons Deer Run had a bad reputation but I can truly say that this should no longer be a stigma that holds you back from booking a round. This place is light years away from being anything like that other Casselberry track. You will not be disappointed.

I arrived at the course for a 12pm Sunday tee time. With plenty of time to spare I picked up a $6 bucket of balls (smaller buckets available for $4) and headed to the driving range. A simple but adequate range (behind the clubhouse to the right) where you hit into a large pond/small lake. It's well marked for 100, 150 and 200 yards. As for the putting green, it is to the left of the clubhouse and shows off the real nice greens that you will soon be meeting up with.

Deer Run is very well maintained from the fairways to the sand traps to the putting surfaces. Roughs are not very challenging. You won't find a lot of water hazards on the course but be mindful of where they are because they are not always immediately visible. If you can't always keep it in the fairway you may find unexpected water on the other side of blind shots. To elaborate more on the greens, I'd say they have a medium speed and roll very true. I don't recall any blemishes on the greens at all. For some this course may play short. Regardless, you will find that it still delivers and challenges. The front slightly more so than the back in my opinion. Bottom line though... it's a great course for all levels of play.

Onto the clubhouse... it is clean and classy and offers outdoor seating. The ladies behind the bar are very attentive and gracious. As fore-mentioned in another review, sadly there are no fountains or coolers on the course so grab a cup of ice water at the bar before the round and before hitting the back 9. I must say that this is a distraction and although not a major one, it seems like such a minor expense for Deer Run to construct a few cooler stations. 2 on the front and two on the back would do the trick. It's just too hot and humid to be without any water and on this particular day I saw no beverage cart either.

None the less, I can't tell you enough how happy I was to finally play here. Deer Run is a splendid public course to be played at a super fair price and for both reasons I will now consider it my home track. Don't listen to the naysayers.

As a side note, lessons are available and can be arranged through the pro shop. You won't find this mentioned on Deer Run's website.

I booked through Golf Now for a 1:30 Sunday tee time. Turned my reservation in to Joey who was upbeat and kind enough to ask whether I had played the course recently. When I said "no" and definitely not since the renovation, he handed me a well put together, full color "course guide." One might even call it a yardage book. There I was with a remarkably inexpensive round paid for and an amenity one seldom sees even at top dollar tracks. I paid for a $6 bucket of balls and headed off to the well kept range near the 10th tee. There is also a short game "practice hole" nearby. The small but nice putting green is by the clubhouse and closer to #1.

The fairways are in nice shape and the greens are in fairly good summer shape. Not perfect but well taken care of and green. Generally speaking slow to medium. As others before me have said, Deltona Club features real nice elevation changes. There are no water hazards. The course is quick to point out that all traps or bunkers are to be played as waste areas. You will see virtually no rakes except in a few areas that appear to be more traditional sand traps. I've done a tiny bit of research on waste areas and from the best I can tell, waste areas allow for practice swings and grounding of the club. Don't quote me though as I suggest you check the internet and make your own determination. As for play, keep your eye on the ball and have your playing partner(s) help. If you don't have the straightest shot off the tee, you will find that there are some challenging roughs and some deep "second fringes" surrounding some greens. With a wealth of sand, sometimes running hundreds of yards per hole, paying real close attention to ball flight is a must. Because of the great elevation changes there are also a good amount of blind shots. The driveable par 4 gives novice/intermediate golfers a sense of hope for their game. I played from the second tees and although these play 6,517 yards (per the scorecard) the course seems longer. Some of the par fives were especially intimidating and the wind was in our face at times so my playing partner suggested that we tee off from the third tee on a few holes. Particularly #13 which has a fairly large waste area in front of the first and second tee box.

As fore mentioned the staff is especially gracious. In follow up to another's review the clubhouse is very simple but hardly shabby. More of a diner style snack bar with stools and a few high top tables. Deltona Club covers all of the basics/necessities within so for the extreme value, the clubhouse deserves a pass for it's modest accommodations. Service and course condition matter most in my opinion and you will find that Deltona Club delivers both on a level that far exceeds your expectations.

I should also mention that I was impressed for two additional reasons... check out their full website for a You Tube course "fly over." Also, while playing you can use Deltona Club's mobile site to access their course GPS.

I played this course on a Monday morning (11:30am) through a Golf Now booking. This is one of those places where you feel slightly guilty for paying so little to play. I think Deer Island is more of a 3.5 - 3.75 on the rating scale but it gets a 4 from me anyway because it should not be overlooked. It's a solid 4 as far as very public courses go.

Don't let the putting green scare you, the greens are in good summer shape with only a few rare, very minor and small rough spots. These can only be found on less than a handful of the greens. Medium speed I would say. Aside from the greens the maintenance is of a higher quality. If I were to make one suggestion it would be to maintain more sandy sand traps. Although we had been going through a rainy spell the week before my round, it seemed to me that the compacted moist dirt had much less to do with the weather. On another note, I've always enjoyed the seclusion and connection to nature on this course. Although not house free, you get caught up in the surroundings and the fact that water comes into play more often than not.

As is typically the case on a weekday, there was very little traffic on the course. I was able to play the round relaxed, without rush and without any hold ups. Pro shop representative was very cordial, only $5 for a bucket of balls and the starter was kind. Very nice clubhouse facility, full bar and nice decor. There was not a beverage cart but I am not sure if that is always the case.

I live in Seminole County (Winter Springs) so the trip took about an hour and 15 minutes. A very pleasant back road route mostly on 46 and 441.

Deer Island will stand out to you as a course you would enjoy playing regularly or at least on a periodic rotation.