Getting there
British Airways has regular flights to Orlando from Gatwick (www.ba.com), as do Virgin airways (www.virgin-atlantic.com)
Where to play
Golf in Orlando varies from the obvious (the five courses at Disney) to the expensive (Arnold's Bay Hill). Because Orlando is home to Tiger Woods all those Nike ads need somewhere to film, and Orange County fits the bill. With two courses spread over a huge but peaceful site, it affords the world's number one plenty of space. Along with the 42-acre practice facility, named the "best range in America", Crooked Cat and Panther Lake offer a fair test.
Head east, and the "feel" of the courses change. Where Orlando can be described as arid, the coastal courses offer a "breeze" and the subsequent management of your bag of tricks comes into play. Although the courses can never be described as true "links", this area offers more then mere target practice golf.
Not only that, but travelling the I-95, towards the Space Coast, the booming hangers of Cape Canaveral come looming into view. From the immortal words of Neil Armstrong to the recent tragedies of the Space Shuttle programme, the world has watched this part of the American coastline and held its breath many times.
Play Baytree National. The signature hole, the 18th is a brute – the wind is always in your face. An island green, it's enough to make you feel homesick.
North in St Augustine, close to Ponte Verde Beach where the PGA Tour's headquarters are located lies TPC Sawgrass and the Stadium Course. Don't let the fact that over 120,000 balls are fished from the 17th or let the par-5 9th and the par-4 18th (ranked as the toughest holes on the PGA Tour) spoil your enjoyment.
And there's so much more. But don't think Florida is a Mickey Mouse state of the union. There are tough courses and there are easy courses. But they all have their unique selling points.
Where to stay
In Orlando, rent one of the many large and well-appointed villas that are within easy reach of all the courses. Florida Vacation Quest (www.floridavacationquest.com) have a large selection of properties to suit everyone. All the accomodation on offer is the ultimate in American living – huge fridges, en-suite bathrooms and acres of space. Many of the larger properties have pools.
In St Augustine the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort (www.wgv.com/accom/renaissance) is at the heart of the Golf Village and on the fringes of the Squire and Slammer course, to which guests have full privileges.
On the Space Coast Quality Suites (T: 001 (321) 732 4222) offer hotel-style, self-catering suites on Melborne Beach.
Off course
If you have children, Disney is the place to go. Feed the dolphins, get close and personal with sharks or take a ride on Kraken – the monster of all rollercoasters at SeaWorld Orlando.
Visit the Kennedy Space Centre Astronaut Hall of Fame or the Warbird Air Museum, a small, family-friendly working museum that aims to preserve America's aviation heritage.
For car hire, Dollar offer some of the best rates around, and their desk at Orlando airport is huge and well-staffed, so don't expect many queues.
Sam Snead's Tavern in the heart of the World Golf Village is the perfect end to an enjoyable round. It offers anything from basic burgers to a mouth-watering fish options. The World Famous Oasis was voted best overall restaurant in St Augustine.
Contacts Book
Orlando
Mystic Dunes
www.mysticdunesgolf.com
Orange County National
www.ocngolf.com
Champions Gate
www.championsgategolf.com
Forest Lake Golf Club of Ocoee
www.forestlakegolf.com
Space Coast
Bay Tree National Golf Links
www.golfbaytree.com
Viera East Golf Club
www.vieragolf.com
St Augustine
King and Bear
www.wgv.com
Slammer and Squire
www.wgv.com
TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course)
www.tpcsawgrass.com
Royal St Augustine Golf and Country Club
www.royalstaugustine.com
Visit www.flausa.com for comprehensive travel information on all regions of the state.
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