Eagles, birdies and pars are filling the scorecards at the Orlando-area golf courses that are designed by famed architects such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones and Tom Watson. Signature holes designed by these pros ensure that you find just the right degree of challenge on Orlando's links. If you don't want to bring your clubs, don't worry. Orlando's award-winning pro shops can outfit you - from rental clubs to the latest golf fashions.



Here are a small selection of courses;

Hawks Landing Golf Club Par: 72 6,810 Yards

Robert E. Cupp. Jr. redesigned Joe Lee's original layout at the Orland World Center Marriott into the exquisite course now known as Hawk's Landing. At 6810 yards from the back tees, the course was stretched out another 500+ yards to meet championship length standards, while featuring large Tifdwarf Bermuda greens, water on 15 holes (including the entire back nine) and gently undulating fairways. The demanding 18th, a 565 yard par 5, has quickly become the signature of the course. The golf staff at Hawk's Landing has been consistently recognized for exemplary customer service.

Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club - Par: 72 7,227 Yards

A truly unique layout, this award-winning course has been ranked among the Top 100 Courses in America by Golfweek and awarded four stars by Golf Digest. Steve Smyer's design features imaginative bunkering and large sandy scrub areas that line dramatically rolling fairways. Unusual for Central Florida, the course has elevation changes of up to 100 feet and a series of huge dunes that give it even more character. Best of all, the Tidfward Bermuda greens are large, true and fast. This first-class club has added a great new golf shop.

Orange County National: Panther Lake - Par: 72 7,295 Yards

Panther Lake, voted Golf Magazine's Top 10 You Can Play in the United States in March 1998 and more recently awarded 4 Stars by Golf Digest's "Places to Play" for 2000, was designed to showcase the native beauty of the Florida landscape. This 7,295 yard masterpiece is the first course ever to feature 18 signature holes, incorporating rolling hills, including 60-foot elevation changes, as it winds through natural oak hammocks, pine forests, scenic wetlands and glistening freshwater lakes. In addition to its natural beauty, Panther Lake offers numerous strategic options in its design, thus allowing all players to be fairly challenged.

Orange County National: Crooked Cat - Par: 72 7,277 Yards

Joining Panther Lake is her sister course, Crooked Cat. Also recently awarded 4 Stars by Golf Digest's "Places to Play" for 2000, this 7,277 yard course has a distinct links flavor in its open, flowing design. This course features few trees, wide terraced fairways and native redtop heather grass in the rough giving it a Scottish feel. Although a slightly different breed from Panther Lakes, this course is just as dangerous and beautiful. Another must play while in Orlando!

Golden Bear Club - Par: 72 7,173 Yards

This Jack Nicklaus Signature course opened in July 1999 and has quickly proven that it belongs in the prestigious golfing community of Windermere. Not far from Walt Disney World, the course is located within the beautiful Keene's Point development and is bordered by numerous lakes and majestic oaks. The layout will test your mettle, challenge your skills and reward your prowess. The club also features a luxurious clubhouse facility offering great views of the finishing holes.

Whatever your level of skill, if you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, Orlando has a course to suit your needs.