Staying here at the "Lodge" tonight after playing here this afternoon. Tomorrow we will play Black Bear in Eustis and head up to The Villages to see some relatives who have retired there. Then back to... Continue »

Staying here at the "Lodge" tonight after playing here this afternoon. Tomorrow we will play Black Bear in Eustis and head up to The Villages to see some relatives who have retired there. Then back to the "compound" to celebrate New Years before returning home. Bay Hill is a very nice course that is well known and it is a wonderful venue that is very welcoming to its guests. I suppose a lot of that comes from the long time ownership by Arnold Palmer. I started staying and playing here back in the late 80's and early 90's and have always loved to come back. Not as much fun these days w/o Mr Palmer being here who made it a habit to introduce himself to his guests. But the course is still a terrific place to play and it's great to play a course that one sees on TV each year. It makes me feel a little comfortable as the holes are very familiar after watching the tournament over these many years. We found the course in great shape all round and had great fun putting on the greens trying not to 3 putt. Fairways were just fine. Bunkers were some of the best I have encountered when playing golf. Lots of water to navigate as well. I would recommend staying at the Lodge if you are in the area, which is close to all Orlando has to offer. Great choice of rooms/suites and cottages (which we are staying in) and personally much better than any hotel. + you can take advantage of playing a great course as well. Great restaurant on site and many to chose from close by as well.

Played Sunday 5/5, 10:30 tee time, 4:45 pace. Sunny hot day. Orlando stop before hitting streamsong. Greens look like they were recently verticut, and they were a bit bumpy and slow as a result. R... Continue »

Played Sunday 5/5, 10:30 tee time, 4:45 pace. Sunny hot day. Orlando stop before hitting streamsong. Greens look like they were recently verticut, and they were a bit bumpy and slow as a result. Running a slow 10. Rest of the course in great shape. Bunkers were on the softer side, even the fairway bunkers, but true and consistent. The layout itself is not bad. It's not horrible, but it's Palm Springs golf... not my favorite. Lakes in play on many holes, including the famous par 5s. A nice course that I wouldn't make the centerpiece of my big golf vacation across the country. And you can't wear your hat anywhere indoors, and they will remind you nicely if you do. Not annoying at all.

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