The Legends at Orange Lake

The Legends at Orange Lake: Of the two 18-hole courses (Legends and Reserve) and two 9-hole courses (Crane's Bend and Legends Walk), at the well spread out resort of Orange Lake, the Legends course is generally rated the toughest test and most scenic layout.

Comprising two very contrasting nine hole loops, much of the front-nine of the Legends (known as the Links) takes its cue from the open, rolling links courses of Britain and Ireland. However, rather than dunes and seaside, many stretches of the layout are flanked by six-storey, pink condominium blocks. In this relatively treeless and open environment you'll be challenged by holes like the 610-yard par-5 4th.

A lengthy cart ride from the par-4-10th to the long straight par-5 11th brings you into the more tree-lined environment of the back-nine (the Pines). Here, with North Carolina more in mind than Northern Scotland, you will enjoy a natural and scenic journey through pine forest, with arguably better defined holes than on the front-nine.

There's more water on the back-nine with several rock-fronted ponds guarding the greens. The par-4 13th (Island Oak) is the Legend's feature hole. At one point (16th green/17th tee) you'll pass just 250 yds from the perimeter of Disney World's Animal Kingdom.

Maintenance and presentation are good, without hitting the pristine standards that you'll find on the top-end Orlando courses, while relatively light bunkering around many of the greens helps maintain the pace of play.

Stay&Play at Orange Lake: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.