ericcarpent

The reviews pretty much have it right – extremely dry course and not very well maintained. The greens had recently been punched, which I knew in advance (and they provide a coupon for a discounted future round), but that doesn’t excuse the unraked bunkers, really bad tee boxes, horrible fairways and ridiculously weedy rough. It was clear that it hadn’t been mowed in a while. Contrary to other reviews, there was water out – but no beverage cart. The clubhouse is beautiful, and the service was fine.

There was no beverage cart probably because nobody was playing – at 8:00 in the morning. I teed off as a single at my designated time, there was no marshal so I went on my own initiative. I didn’t see another player until I hit the 14th hole, at which point the very nice gentlemen in front of me offered to let me play though, but said it was stacked in front of them. I thanked them, and bailed because conditions were just that bad. I had chatted with a few residents out walking and each of them told a similar story of the downward trend of the course since a somewhat recent sale (?). I was also told the focus is on the new Foley Golf Academy, and they’ve let the course go. I’ll give it another go later in the year when conditions improve, and report back.

Dubsdread is by far the nicest of the four courses in the Orlando area I’ve played so far – and that includes Disney’s Magnolia. I have to give a special shout-out to Herman in the pro shop, who quickly realized I was new to the area and gave me the lowdown on the course and its amenities. Super nice guy, who also loaned me a towel when I realized I had forgotten mine. The cost of the round was reasonable, and the practice areas are well maintained. While the driving range was off matts – really, a big carpet spread across the ground – it was actually ideal since every other range I’ve been to has basically been dead grass and dirt. I enjoyed hitting over a short distance of water and onto island targets. There are also lights, so you can hit balls after work. I’d go back just for the range.

The course itself was in shockingly good condition as compared to every other course I’ve played in the area (this is FL offseason). The greens were in pretty good shape, and would hold an accurate shot into them. Fairways and tee boxes were well maintained, and while I wouldn’t call the sand “fluffy”, it wasn’t horrible. Many of the fairways are narrow, and generally required an accurate tee shot – but it doesn’t play particularly long so I rarely picked up my driver from the blues.

The course had plenty of water and clean bathrooms, and the pace of play was excellent. The beverage cart came by twice during our round. After the round I ate lunch in the Dubsdread Tap Room, which I would highly recommend. Really, really good food and service. The guy next to me at the bar said it was the best tuna he had ever had, and my burger was unreal. I’ll be playing this course a lot.

Played there yesterday with my golfing buddy, first time at this course but had heard good things from my father. Ended up being paired with a men's club twosome, which was helpful to learn placement on some of the more difficult holes. Greens were consistent, but difficult - not many straight putts! Fairways and tee boxes also in great shape, though for the first day of the season I would have though tee markers would be out - they weren't. Practice was off matts, and couldn't hit driver, but hopefully that is a seasonal thing. Overall great experience and we will be back - great value for the $$!