|
Date
Golf in Orlando: Hawk's Landing - Challenging Resort Golf
Wrapping around three sides of the Orlando World Center Marriott,
Hawk’s Landing Golf Club is open to the public and convenient
for both resort guests and golfing enthusiasts in the Orlando attractions
area. Recently redesigned by the firm of Cupp Design, the new course
features the latest in modern architectural technique and is fun
and challenging for all.
At just over 6800 yards and carrying a slope rating of 134, the
Hawk’s Landing layout differs markedly from its predecessor
designed by Joe Lee and opened in 1986.Water is in play on 15 of
its 18 holes and the entire back nine. Nestled amid the splendor
of the 2000 room Orlando World Center Marriott, the Hawk’s
Landing golf experience is only seconds away from your Marriott
guest room and only minutes from thousands more.
Winding around 200 acres and three sides of Florida’s largest
resort and convention center, The Orlando World Center Marriott
(which, while topographically ominous, never intrudes on the golf
course), Hawk’s Landing Golf Club offers a thoroughly enjoyable,
elegant and energizing golf experience.
The course was recently re-sculpted not only by the dictates of
Mother Nature but, more significantly, by the demands of a nurturing
team of dedicated golf aficionados. Following the re-design by Robert
E. Cupp II of the 1986 Joe Lee layout—the new Hawk’s
Landing provides challenges for all levels of golfers.
The landscape enhancements and natural details of this new course
are both impressive and ubiquitous: aquatic vegetation, tailored
teeboxes, native grasses, multifarious trees (Chinese tallow, palms,
oak, pine), manicured fairways, and “water, water everywhere…”.
At 6,810 yards from the back of four sets of tees (Championship),
the par-72 golf course features water in play on 15 holes, large
tifdwarf Bermuda grass greens, fairways without elevation but with
ample undulation, and enough wind to keep it interesting.
The 353-yard short par-4 8th hole is an early introduction to the
excitement. This hole requires strategy and accuracy. From the tee
box you look out at a groomed fairway (tight early in, then expansive
toward the green), three fairway bunkers on the left (easily within
range of a hooked tee shot), and a narrow green bordering plenty
of water on the right. The long green, as you approach, is 46 yards
from front-to-back, and if you hit it in low (despite the wind,
trees, bunkers and jitters), you still have a formidable (probably
long) putt.
The 432-yard 14th hole is the longest par-4 on the course. Wide,
brawny, handsome, and deceptive (wait till you see the “false
front” bunkers just before the green), this hole must be played
with subtlety and precision. The drive is safe shot, but the approach
must carry water and that diabolical bunker protecting the small
green.
A staff of PGA professionals provides instruction on the practice
facilities, which include a driving range and putting green.
Yours for better golf,
Bill Madonna, PGA
Director of Instruction
Hawk’s Landing Golf Club
|
