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North Shore Golf Club
Serene Setting Provides Exciting Golf
By David Blondell
It's rare that a golf club becomes one of Orlando's elite courses as soon as it opens.
But that is exactly what has occurred at North Shore Golf Club. Opened in October 2001 and carved from a beautiful lakeside piece of property near Orlando International Airport, North Shore is very diverse. An excellent blend of short holes and long holes - with par 3's ranging from 140 yards to 235 yards - players must hit different types of shots and use a wide range of clubs throughout the round.
The diversity doesn't end with the length of holes. The first nine holes - titled the Modern - winds through native wetlands and natural areas, providing golfers with an open or "links" style; the Classic back nine weaves through beautiful 100-year-old oak trees.
Standing on the first tee, one sees a rather tame-looking 301-yard par 4 that can be driven. Glancing at the scorecard to verify the length, you also note the course is only 6,898 total yards from the 'tips. "Hey," you think, "looks like it'll be an easy day here." Good. Keep thinking that way. Because you'll soon come to realize this beautiful, serene place is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.
In fact, the course just gets better as you go. Which explains the comparatively tame start - it's just warming you up for a great round of exciting golf.
Located just south of Lake Nona Golf Club in southeast Orlando, the residential community of North Shore is being developed on 640 acres on the north shore of expansive Lake Hart - thus the name. North Shore is easily accessible, located at the intersection of the Greeneway (417) and Narcoossee Rd (CR 15), and is only 6 miles from Orlando International Airport - although under none of its flight paths and therefore very quiet. The best part, however (at least for the golfers,) is that there will be no housing development on the interior of the course.
Utilizing 140 acres of the 640 for the course itself, golf course architect Mike Dasher (Golf Club at Cypress Head, Highlands Reserve) has molded a dynamic string of holes together for golfers of all abilities. Moreover, North Shore's greens have the new TifEagle grass, which allows them to cut them down to a very fast speed. This will require even more skill with the undulating, multi-tiered surfaces.
Number 12 is a good example of the challenge here. It's beautiful from the tee, but will soon get ugly if the dogleg-right, Par 4 teeshot doesn't carry a wetland or fade down a relatively tight fairway. It will seem much uglier if the ball doesn't fade enough - or too much - where you will find yourself deep into a stand of tall, thick oak trees. A total of 417 yards, the second shot is to a relatively small, undulating and elevated green that is guarded by two pot bunkers. As is the case on most holes at North Shore, it is a high risk-and-reward scenario that confronts you. Birdies are plentiful, as are the big numbers.
North Shore's beautiful clubhouse is a spacious 5,500 square feet, and is ideal for hosting outings and tournaments. The friendly staff has hosted groups of all sizes, and will be happy to provide you with specialized tournament packages for your group. The club's locker room facilities are available, as well as a proshop with the latest in golf equipment and merchandise.
Another amenity offered at North Shore is world-class golf instruction at the Adrian Wadey Golf Academy. Adrian has an impressive clientele including PGA TOUR players such as Robert Gamez, Jonathan Kaye, Andy Bean and more; celebrity clients include Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Don Cheadle, to name a few. Whether you are looking for a quick tune-up or a series of lessons or clinics, the academy offers many options to fit your needs.
North Shore is a semi-private facility whose competitive pricing only adds to the great value of your golfing experience there. Play it, and you will find its beautiful and serene setting is only enhanced by the excitement and fun that greeted you on the course.
Indeed, North Shore is already among the area's elite. And we ain't cryin' wolf.
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For more information, reservations or tee times, please call toll free, 866-342-4782
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