Had the pleasure to stay at Bay Hill Club & Lodge while attending the annual PGA Show in late January. Was able to get in a few rounds between/with a few rain-drops on the non-tournament Charger 9 ($6... Continue »

Had the pleasure to stay at Bay Hill Club & Lodge while attending the annual PGA Show in late January. Was able to get in a few rounds between/with a few rain-drops on the non-tournament Charger 9 ($65, includes cart, all-day practice on the range, very nice putting green, chipping green and sand trap).

There really were very few groups on the Charger course, and was able to play through a 4some each day, and the 9-holes typically only took 75 minutes or so. Was able to get in a few extra holes each day before sunset.

The other two nines, Challenger/Champion ($270/18 holes), were over-seeded for the winter and are much, much greener and in much more lush condition, ahead of the tournament taking place in March and was very busy.

Still, the 'short' 9-hole course offers a good quality challenge, with it playing up to 3324 yards from the back Green (Palmer) tee markers, and was in very good condition overall, on par with The Crossings at Carlsbad right now, I'd say.

Immediately upon arrival at the pro shop, a friendly attendant takes your clubs and will put them on a cart or make other arrangements if playing with a caddie on the tournament course. Friendly and helpful staff in the pro shop, and the starter was very cheery, as well.

There is water in play on holes #s 2 (par3), 3, 5 and 7(par3). Tee boxes were well-covered, cut nicely, green, and very level.

Fairways had very good and consistent coverage. Never saw any bare-spots in the fairways nor rough. Medium-green color and decent roll off the driver. Always had a good lie. Rough was pretty dormant (as seen in a few pics added), about two inches longer than the fairways.

Bunkers were very consistent - was in 3 over my two rounds. Nice white sand, about 1" or so of medium-weight sand on a firmer base.

Greens were firm, but held shots well, putted very smooth and rolled true, at medium speed. Thinnish coverage reminded me of the PGA West greens of Nicklaus Tournament and the Stadium courses last summer.

The Charger course was fun to play and a good challenge. The course is well-maintained, and conditions were very good. My rating would very likely be 2 points higher for the other two nines, based on how lush everything was from what I saw. Just lovely. Wish I could've gotten out on it, but a combo of weather, time and physical factors conspired against me this trip.

Staying at Bay Hill was a treat, with so much memorabilia and pictures from Arnold's golfing life, and a few stories from staff members. I hadn't seen the "Arnie"/"Arnie & Me" documentary on Golf Channel previously, and it was nice to have it on a continuous play cycle whenever I turned on the TV in the room. Very heart-warming and inspirational. The 72 room hotel has a unique charm and I highly recommend a stay there when in the Orlando area!

Played right after the daily afternoon rain in Orlando. What you see on TV is what you get. So many greatly designed golf holes. Par 5's let you make a hero or zero out of yourself, par 3's are real g... Continue »

Played right after the daily afternoon rain in Orlando. What you see on TV is what you get. So many greatly designed golf holes. Par 5's let you make a hero or zero out of yourself, par 3's are real good, and #18 is such a great hole. I hit the best drive of my day from the tournament tees right next to the Robert Gomez plaque and then hit a 7 iron to the same pin he holed it to to beat Greg Norman, I didn't make two, but 4 is still a good score on that hole. Had a great day.

Bay Hill Club & Lodge Review
Orlando Florida Golf Course Reviews