Streamsong Golf Resort comes highly recommended by golf experts so it was a “must do” on my golfing travels. Steamsong consists of three highly rated resort courses (Red, Blue, and Black) open to the public. Situated in central Florida in a vast wilderness which was formerly a phosphate mining operation. The result of mining left huge sand dunes which were ideal resources for creative golf designers. This is not a resort that you happen across, you make a plan to drive through rural Florida areas to reach this golf oasis. The property is rich with wildlife including, birds, deer, gators, snakes, wild boar and bobcats.
Experiencing Streamsong is not “roughing it.” It has a beautiful lodge and excellent restaurants with expected amenities of a first class facility. The staff are friendly and efficient. They always seem to know where you are, where your golf bags are and where you are going next. The first class amenities are matched with excellent quality courses.
The greens are firm and fast and the fairways perfectly groomed. Wide fairways make it unlikely to lose golf balls, but the abundance of sand traps (played as waste areas) will elevate your score. There are a few water hazards. The beautiful clubhouses, lodging and courses are a stark contrast to the rustic nature of the surrounding area. On the course there are no paved cart paths to spoil the natural grounds. You walk or drive through sandy trails to the next tee.
Streamsong courses are designed to be walk-able and and they do provide caddies. In peak winter season golf carts are unused so caddies or pull carts are the only option. While walk-able, the courses do have changes in elevation in contrast to typically flat Florida course. From my experience, caddies are very helpful. The greens are challenging to read and a misread on speed or direction can yield another long putt. The wind blows easily across this tree less terrain. The wind is comforting on hot Florida days, but strong wind gusts tend to make the challenging courses even more difficult.
The three courses are all slightly different, designed by different people. Every one I talked to seems to have a different favorite. I liked the Black, the newest of the courses, perhaps since I played it the best. It is noted for its super large greens and wide fairways. The Blue course has more elevation, beautiful views and some iconic holes. The Red course has some very challenging holes and some moderately easy holes. That is the beauty of all of Steramsong, each hole is very different. This was certainly a memorable golf experience, a great contrast to the comfort of your home course.
