DRAMExpert

Mt. Dora Golf Club offers elevation changes and side-hill lies, both rare in Florida. The fairways were spotty with lots of bare areas, but the greens were terrific--fast but fair. The layout squeezes the maximum number of holes into a confined space.

Pros:
Beautiful layout
Cons:
Too many players on the course
Distances on the scorecard don't match signs at tees or on my GPS
Grass in fairways very short, grass on greens even shorter

The layout is challenging and varied. Greens were cut very short and were FAST. The fairways were just OK; lots of unintended gulleys and bare spots. Considering the amount of rain we have had, I expected lush fairways. They were not.

I have now played both El Campeon and Las Colinas. While El Campeon is superb in both layout and condition, I prefer Las Colinas. The layout is less predictable and therefore more interesting. Both feature large, rolling and very fast greens. Getting to the green is only half the fun! Las Colinas is not for walkers, as the distance between holes is very long.

No easy holes here. Every shot can find trouble. Several fairways were under repair, but overall the course was well groomed. Slow foursome was a problem, but that can happen anywhere.

Mallard's Landing is flat and pretty wide open. Sand is the main hazard, but is reasonably placed. Water comes into play on several holes, especially in front of a few greens. The fairways are in good shape, but many of the greens suffer from bare spots and crabgrass. We encountered a thunderstorm right after we completed 9 holes, but this is Florida in the summertime! After about 30 minutes, we were able to start on the back nine, and completed it with no further delays.

Foxfire-Gray Fox is a moderately difficult course (they are all hard for me), but very enjoyable to play. The greens were apparently aerated recently, as they are slow and bumpy. But there are no dead spots on either the greens or fairways. Overall, condition was very good. There is a problem with ants--small ant hills are everywhere except on the greens.

At least 15 of the 18 holes have water in play. The setting between two lakes is beautiful and the holes are challenging. Wildlife (including snakes and alligators) are all around, along with hundreds of birds of all kinds. Fairways are in excellent shape for a Florida course in winter; greens are fast and undulating; and the rough is punishing.

The course is well off the beaten path, so be ready for an adventure to get there.

Crane's Roost circles a swampy area, and about 2/3 of the holes are dogleg left. Condition is above average for a Florida course at this time of year (February), with watered fairways and greens and short, mostly dead rough. Both the fairways and greens are contoured, with few level areas on the entire course. Overall, it is an interesting and playable course.

Viera East is beautiful but quite challenging. Fairways and greens are in excellent condition, but well-placed hazards penalize the wayward shot. There is a lot of water, but most of it adds to the beauty without impacting play (with a few exceptions!). I would definitely play there again.

Spessard Holland is a short course (par 67) with just one par 5, but there are plenty of sand traps and water hazards to keep it interesting. It is between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, with several holes on the river. Although the parking lot was full, we were neither held-up nor pushed. Overall an enjoyable round on a bright, sunny warm day!