Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest Magazine, Mystic Dunes Golf Club is a hidden gem located just outside the Walt Disney World Area. Stretching over 7,000 yards with a rating of 75.0 and slope of 145, Mystic Dunes presents a challenge to golfers of top skill levels. With a total of 5 different tees, Mystic Dunes accommodates all skill levels.
The hidden gem may require a GPS or printed directions from MapQuest to locate as you exit the 429 or come up 192, but the battery drain in your GPS will be well worth it. In the middle of a two lane road with minimal development, a large entrance will appear acknowledging you have located Mystic Dunes. From the entrance you will make your way through the resort areas while catching glimpses of the golf course and making comments to your passengers on how challengingly beautiful the scenery appears. Upon arriving at the bag drop, you will be greeted by the Mystic Dunes staff adorned in knickers and caps which Payne Stewart would appreciate. The top rate staff extend throughout the facility from the bag drop, to the pro shop, starter, and food and beverage group. The staff are there to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable time at the course, but they can only take you to the tee. From the first tee to the 18th green, your demeanour will surely rely on your golf performance.
If bunkers and sand present a problem in your golf game, consider yourself warned. The website mentions a total of 36 bunkers (9 signature whiskey barrel bunkers) plus sandy waste areas. The sandy waste areas make up close to 30% of the golf course. For those that feel the tremors when water appears, do not fear as water is only in play on a handful of the holes. The course presents inviting landing areas for your tee shot, but the real fun begins as you approach and reach the green. What appears to be a burial ground for Ringling Bros. elephants, the greens at Mystic Dunes demonstrate architectural expertise in undulation. While the severity of the greens changes throughout the course, each green appears to have at least one buried elephant with a layer of Bermuda grass placed on top. The greens present rolling hills with changes in excess of 6 feet in height! These greens were designed with the inspirational breath of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the mastermind architect behind the greens at Augusta National. Yes, the same Augusta National which hosts The Masters tournament each year. Mystic Dunes arguably demonstrates the closest example of MacKenzie greens available in Florida.
After your round, make sure to check out the Kenzie's Restaurant and Lounge, named in honor of Dr. Alister MacKenzie. Kenzie's offers a full menu of drinks and food to meet your needs from a quick lunch to a full dinner. With outdoor seating available, you have the opportunity to watch the other golfers finish the 9th and watch them stumble into Kenzie's looking for a break.
Depending on how you played that day, lessons may be in order for your game. Mystic Dunes offers a full instructional programs available including one-on-one lessons with Class-A professionals to group lessons and packages.
Make sure to spend an upcoming weekend round at Mystic Dunes, and book a tee time be calling the Pro Shop at 407-787-5678. Tell them Gregory Drummonds from Examiner.com sent you.
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