I played Ocala Golf Club while in Florida last month. It was my last round in Florida on the trip.

I was paired with a couple members who gave me bits and pieces about the course's recent history. ... Continue »

I played Ocala Golf Club while in Florida last month. It was my last round in Florida on the trip.

I was paired with a couple members who gave me bits and pieces about the course's recent history. In recent years the course has been through some renovations. In 2009 Michael Beebe re-did the greens and the bunkers. Apparently, the greens were redone again in 2015. The course is a municipal course, and one of the better ones that you'll probably play.

What you end up with after all those changes is a layout that that looks stunning, complimented by mature trees and modern looking green complexes! Even though the course is smack dab in the middle of town with shopping and homes an iron shot away, the outside activity didn't take much away from the experience.

I played the orange tees which are 71.2/125/6552 and I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to get my rear kicked here! The fairways are large, there is lots of room off the fairways to find your ball, and there are five par 5's. Plus, there is very little water in play! At first glace, the course looks like one where you can go low. And for those low handicaps, Ocala GC shouldn't be too difficult.

For most amateur golfers though, the modern greens are going to be a huge challenge! A bit too much in my opinion :-) Most are slightly elevated and surrounded by bunkers or chipping areas. Because of their shapes and the surrounding bunkers, the greens need a very accurate iron shot. Shots short land into an upslope and shots long kick off a downhill slope. Whatever you do, do not miss over the back of these greens! My advice would be to putt from wherever you can, even from the fairway!

I paid $31, and for that price I expected average conditions. I'm pleased to report that everything was in solid shape! The course was firm with mostly tight lies, which was consistent with the other courses I played on the trip.The greens were full and rolled well, just a touch on the firm side from their recent renovation. I'd call them a medium speed. The tees and fairways were full and had the usual amount of divots that you'd expect from a plenty of play.

Ocala Golf Club is another good, local option if you aren't looking for the attraction courses like you'll find closer to Orlando. It has some good holes (the 12th and 14th are two) and is a good bang for your buck.

If you play here make sure to check out the awesome sculpture carved from a tree on the 4th. The tree was hit by lightning and is now a masterpiece!