Since opening in December 2003, Shingle Creek Golf Club has been voted one of Golfweek Magazine's "Top 40 Best New Golf Courses in the US", which goes a long way to justifying its claim as Orlando's newest and most spectacular state of the art golf facility. It sits just east of the Orange County Convention Centre expansion and, for me, it's one of those Orlando rounds that delivers proper golf without any fuss.
Built across land in the Shingle Creek watershed, often described as the start of the Everglades system, the course makes the most of Florida's wetlands and mature cypress. Off the tee you'll see generous landing areas in places, but the better line is often tighter, so low handicappers can take it on while everyone else can keep it in play. Greens are shaped to reward a solid iron shot rather than simply punishing misses, and the routing throws in a few risk-reward moments where you can dial up the aggression if the swing is behaving.
Practice facilities are a real plus if you're travelling with a group, with a large range plus short-game and putting areas. Conditioning is typically very good and it's a straightforward venue to fit into an Orlando itinerary when you want quality golf away from the theme-park crowds. If you're building an Orlando golf break, Shingle Creek is an easy one to include for a quality round without the tourist rush.
Who is this for?
Golfers visiting Orlando who want a high-quality pay-and-play round with genuine Florida scenery and a modern, well-kept feel.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers who enjoy strategy, plus mixed-ability groups who want something playable that still asks a few questions.
