Orange County National, Panther Lake

Winter Garden, Florida

Panther Lake is everything you could want in a golf course. Playing over rolling meadows, through native pines, around and over wetlands, lakes, and up and down elevation changes of up to 60 feet, it is first and foremost a visual delight, reminding you that natural beauty is one of the main reasons you play golf and a major factor in deciding which course to play. Panther Lake offers some of the best examples of natural beauty that Orlando area golf courses have to offer. One of the highlights is that there is no development on or around the course " a Florida golf course with no homes! You will likely encounter many native species of birds and wildlife during your round, which will be enjoyed in the most tranquil of settings. Every hole on Panther Lake is unique and requires something different from your shot making repertoire. This is another feature that makes this Central Florida golf course so special; when you finish your round you will likely be able to recall each hole very vividly as they are all very different in appearance as well as appealing in design to the eye. The variety in design is evident in the way no two holes play alike. There are no boring holes at Panther Lake, and each is as distinct and memorable as the last. The only characteristic the holes share is that each shot demands good thinking and precise execution. Off the tee, you will face gently sloping fairways guarded by strategically placed fairway bunkers, trees and water hazards that frame the holes and provide a clear line of play. From the fairway, you will hit many approaches into well-guarded elevated greens, which are large and have plenty of contours, so two-putting isn"t automatic. Our greens on Panther Lake are also Brand New. In 2011 we put down Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Grass. These greens will produce similar putting conditions to those of Bent grass from up north. We are very excited and want you to come out and try the same new greens that were played at the Atlanta Athletic Club for the PGA Championship. Simply put, good shots will be rewarded and bad shots penalized, the hallmark of great courses everywhere. If you"re looking for a bit more golf course, the tour tees provide as stern a test as you"ll find anywhere, with intimidating carries and risk-reward approaches that can lead to birdies or bogeys. From the three forward tees, you"ll face shorter carries, softer angles and wider landing areas, making Panther Lake more friendly but no less memorable. When you play #10, look at the shot from 150 yards to the green. That is the spot where Tiger Woods was told to "Get more forgiving irons, the Nike Pro-Combos" by his talking head cover, Frank, during the very popular commercial. Will you be able to hit the elevated green from there with your irons?