Round 4 in Florida was at RedTail. Played here on 11/29/17 for ~$35.

There are a few value courses in in this area that I've wanted to try out in prior trips to Florida, but just never made it. Red... Continue »

Round 4 in Florida was at RedTail. Played here on 11/29/17 for ~$35.

There are a few value courses in in this area that I've wanted to try out in prior trips to Florida, but just never made it. RedTail was about 50 minutes from where I was staying is probably a half hour from Orlando. If staying near Disney it would be an easy ride up the 429 toll road.

This course isn't one you hear too much about as the attraction courses steal the show, and probably rightfully so. I was hoping that by playing north of Orlando that I could avoid the golf course crowds this time of year and it worked perfectly.

I had an early morning tee time during the week and was first off as a single. The parking lot was like a ghost town and I played at my own pace, about three hours. RedTail is designed by David Harman who did some other work in the Orlando area, notably the Orange County National courses. RedTail opened in 2004 and is a community course, like so many courses in Florida. The homes do take away from the design, but it is going to be hard not to like the course all things considered. It has a pretty good look to it with lots of sand features, a lake, and strategic trees.

I played the blue tees which are 6768/73.0/139 and from there it was an adequate challenge. I didn't feel the distance as the ball was flying, but there are plenty of par 4's over 400 yards from those tees. Big hitters might need to lay back as fairways do tend to run out. You don't have to drive the ball accurately, just bring your sand same if you don't. Bunkers catch drives and you have to be precise around the greens for a birdie putt. Once on the greens, you probably can run in a few putts as the greens don't have a significant amount of break.

The 10th is a quirky par 4 that doglegs right around some homes. I hit my drive by the cart path and could have tried to go over someone's home to get to the green. I bet they are glad I didn't! The left side leaves the best angle into the green. Probably best to layup on the 10th if you don't have a comfortable shot at the green. Overall, a few spots of trouble you cannot see at RedTail and visually tough. Holes 14 through 17 play around a lake and have a nice look to them.

The conditions, except for the 7th hole which sits in a low spot, were great. The greens were on the firm side, quick, and so so smooth! No idea how they were in such good shape for the price. Had to play for some release on the longer clubs. Fairways had some divots but looked great as the overseed was popping. Few spots of crabgrass in the rough. My compliments to the maintenance crew! This was a good find!