Located just west of Disney World and Universal Studios, along Rt. 27 in Davenport, you will find a challenging, off-the-beaten path,18-hole Championship golf course designed by noted golf architect Michael Dasher and opened in 1998.
The Highlands Reserve Golf Course offers a unique layout unlike anything you would expect in central Florida. It sits on the edge of a long sand shelf called the Green Swamp Ridge with elevations spanning 120 feet from top to bottom.
The clubhouse features a well stocked pro shop and snack bar area with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages available. A large grass driving range and practice putting green are directly behind the clubhouse. The affordable green fees are year-round here which is the exception rather than he rule especially in Central Florida.
Having a chance to visit with the General Manager Donnie Shallow, he was quick to tell me about one of the many renovations to the course. “We replaced all our greens two years ago and put in Diamond Zoysia grass, we are one of only four courses located coast to coast in Central Florida that has this particular grass.”
Highlands Reserve has 4 sets of tees. The Black Tees are 6702 yards, the White Tees are 6152 yards, the Gold Tees are 5675 yards, and the Jade Tees are 4532 yards. Today’s round was played from the Gold Tees.
Hole No. 1 (par 4) has pine trees lining the right side of the fairway and one large Live Oak tree stands in the landing area on the left side. If you’re lucky (or good) and clear the tree, a waste bunker stretches behind the tree all the way to a severely undulated and lightning fast two-tiered green. The right side of the fairway is your best bet here. More