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Timacuan Golf & Country Club's Second Hole Ranked Among Orlando's Toughest
By Mike Jamison
LAKE MARY, FL (November 23, 2004) – On yardage alone, the second hole at Timacuan Golf & Country Club isn't that intimidating. Ah, but there is so much more to a hole than length.
And that is why Timacuan's par-four second hole is ranked among Central Florida's 18 most difficult holes by Orlando Magazine in its October issue. The author, Michael Rowe, selected the holes based on his experience, calling them the holes "I sweat over even before I tee off."
No. 2 at Timacuan plays 423 from the back tees, 389 from the Blue Tees and up to 215 yards from the forward tees – decent length for a solid par four. But water creates the challenge. The tee shot AND the approach shot both must carry water. The tee shot carry is approximately 200 yards from the back tees to the fairway, which has water on all four sides. The approach shot ranges from a short iron to a fairway wood, depending upon how brave the golfer was on his or her tee shot. The green is guarded by a large bunker on the left and mounds on the right, and slopes severely from back to front.
The author said, "…this deceptively beautiful but sinister hole comes so early in the round that you are barely warmed up when you are asked to hit your drive to what is basically an island fairway."
"We get a lot of interesting comments about No. 2," said Timacuan General Manager Tony Johnson." It requires extreme concentration on every shot, even on the green. Clearing the water the first time is just the start. Now you have to be nearly perfect on your second shot as well. And the green is one of the most difficult to putt at our course. It is a memorable golf hole, for sure."
Timacuan has been one of Central Florida's most popular courses since opening in 1988. It has garnered many statewide awards, being ranked as high as No. 14 in Florida by The Florida Golf Reporter Magazine.
Prior to starting work on the layout, architect Ron Garl spent time in Scotland studying Links-style architecture, and the research is very evident on Timacuan's front nine. Sprawling bunkers, generous landing areas, oversized, undulating greens, and framing mounds combine to create a challenging and memorable nine holes.
The back nine has more of a Carolinas Low Country feel, with beautiful oak trees and tall pines providing the framing. One large body of water comes into play on 15, 16 and 17, demanding accuracy. Nearly every green complex has closely-mown fringe areas, allowing for a variety of shot selections when players miss the green. And speaking of the greens, they are consistently among the best conditioned putting surfaces in Central Florida.
The course underwent a renovation by designer Bobby Weed in 1996.
"Timacuan is a semi-private golf club with a private-club feel," said Johnson. "Our guests receive the same first-class treatment as our members. That's one of the reasons we see the same players return year after year during the season. They seem to love the service, and the uniqueness of the layout at Timacuan."
The course is located near Interstate 4, just minutes from downtown Orlando.
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For more information, reservations or tee times, please call toll free, 866-342-4782
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