I heard it said years ago that by the year 2016, the population of the state of Florida would surpass the population of the state of New York. Not only were they correct, but five years later, the margin continues to widen.
There are several reasons for this sudden influx of humanity, the climate is perhaps the biggest. Not having to pay state income tax has to rank up there as well. For golf enthusiasts, there’s no better place in the country to be, you can swing the sticks year-round if you don’t mind the heat and humidity of the summer. Take it from a golf lover who lived in Florida for 22 years, you can get used to it!
Now that you’ve decided to make the move and join the hordes that are heading to the Sunshine State, you’ll need to decide where to go, east coast or west coast. The further south you go – on either coast – the more expensive things get. The price goes up as you get closer to the water, too. Private golf communities are a great option if golf’s a key reason for your move; it’s like one-stop shopping.
There are some great values to be had inland on both real estate and recreation. Sebring is an area that’s often overlooked. The median home price is well below the national average and as far as golf goes, the area is referred to as “America’s Value Golf Capital.” It’s also home to The Citrus Golf Trail, a collection of five local courses.
One of the members of “The Trail” is Sun ‘N Lake, a golfing community. Sun ‘N Lake was once considered a retirement community but over the past few years, it has become a melting pot for both active adults and younger professionals. About 9,000 residents call Sun ‘N Lake home; many of them are snowbirds.
The community is home to two championship golf courses, which have been voted the number one golf course in Highlands County for four years running, Deer Run and Turtle Run.
Deer Run is considered the tougher of the two. The course was originally designed by Don Dyer in 1976; local golf course architect Ron Garl redesigned a couple of holes in 2003 and put his signature on it by converting the 18th hole to a par 3 with an island green. This championship layout plays host to qualifiers for the Web.com Tour, the Latin America Tour, and the Canadian Tour each year. Deer Run offers golfers 6 sets of tees with suitable yardages to fit every level of golfer. From the Black Tees, the course plays 7,202 yards with a slope of 134 and a course rating of 73.7. Ladies can play a manageable 5,046 yards; most members play from the White Tees which measures 6,170 yards (69.6/127). The greens are Champion Bermuda, and the fairways and roughs feature 419 Bermuda grass.
Deer Run’s final three holes can make or break a great round. Number 16 is a par 4, dogleg right that plays 352 yards from the white tees and requires you to at least hit your tee shot to the corner of the dogleg. If you favor the left side off the tees, you’ll take many of the trees out of play and have a good look into the green. Be wary of the water and sand that guard the green. Number 17 is the toughest hole on the back nine and certainly the most challenging. The hole plays 379 yards from the White tees with a large pond in the middle 
of the fairway. Most golfers will be able to hit driver off the tee and should favor the left side of the fairway or risk being blocked out by trees. A good drive is still going to leave a long to medium iron into an elevated green protected on either side by sand. As referenced earlier, Number 18 is truly a unique hole to end a round of golf; after all, not many courses end with a par 3! From the white tees, the hole plays 128 yards to an island green. Choose your club wisely, hit a good shot and success can be yours. Find the water and you’re just another statistic!
Turtle Run was designed by Charles Ankrom and opened in 1999. Golfers have 4 sets of tees to choose from: the back tees play 6,402 yards with a course rating of 70.7 and a slope of 127. The ladies’ tees play from 5,002 yards (64.3/114). Two other tee boxes offer yardages suitable for all levels of golfers. The greens are Tifdwarf Bermuda, and the fairways and roughs feature 419 Bermuda grass. The course is built in the middle of a Scrub Jay preservation area and provides safe shelter for this protected species; it’s also a beautiful setting for the golf course.
Distance off the tee is not as important on Turtle Run as it is on her sister course. In fact, leaving the driver in the bag may be your best move on many holes. At just over 6,400 yards the course is not going to overpower the majority of golfers, regardless of the tees you choose. Landing areas off the tees are generous, the greens are incredible, and the emphasis is on the short game. Some greens are open in front and receptive to the senior-friendly bump-and-run shot; the majority are elevated with bunkers in front and require you to carry your approach onto the green. Distance is also key as many greens have multiple tiers and being on the same tier as the hole can shave several strokes.
For me, the most memorable hole on Turtle Run is the par 5, 14th. At only 481 yards from the White Tees, it’s definitely not the longest par 5, but for many players, it’s going to take a driver out of your hand because of the stream that crosses the fairway about 250 yards out. If you play down the left side of the fairway you can get 260-280 yards before you get to the wet stuff. A good line off the tee is the bunker on the right. Keep to the right with your layup and you’ll keep the water on the left out of play and then hit your approach shot to a slightly elevated green but beware of the deep, large bunker in the front left.
Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club is a proud member of the Citrus Golf Trail, which has done a wonderful job of making the Sebring area a golf vacation destination. The Citrus Golf Trail offers a variety of stay and play golf packages that include rounds of golf at several local courses as well as accommodations at The Inn on the Lakes. Inn on the Lakes is a unique property; they have 155 spacious, beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites, and no two are the same. Their fine dining restaurant, Chicanes, offers delicious meals as well as a sumptuous breakfast menu. They are the preferred accommodations vendor of the Citrus Golf Trail.
Sun ‘N Lake is not what they call a bundled community, meaning that you don’t have to join the club if you buy a home there. It seems to me that if you live there and play golf a membership makes sense, especially at the ridiculously low prices they charge! They are offering an introductory membership at 50% off that includes unlimited play on both courses including a trail fee for your private cart, a $200 driving range credit discounts on merchandise in the pro shop, and many other benefits. The first year will set you back less than $2500 for a family! There are also special rates for seniors, super seniors, and seasonal golfers as well.
If you’re looking for an affordable golf vacation or somewhere in Florida that you can call home, check out Sun ’N Lake in Sebring. You can visit them online at www.sunlakegolfclub.com.
protection, and antimicrobial properties. Shaping details such as higher waistbands, princess seam lines, etc. are built into all their shorts, dresses, and jackets. KINONA has added several innovative features such as tee holders and back pockets. They cater to women who are 30+ years of age, not exactly supermodel material, yet are comfortable in their own skin. That said, their apparel looks good on just about any body type.
KINONA’s Swing and Swish Sleeveless Golf Dress is the perfect dress for just about anything; a day on the course, drinks at the 19th hole, or whatever else the club has to offer! It’s flattering, fun, and flirty. The Swing and Swish Sleeveless Dress features UPF 50+ sun protection and a 4-way stretch to get you completely through your golf swing without any pinching or binding. The zippered placket lets you decide how much sun you get. The dress comes with mesh undershorts with leg grippers, two on-seam pockets to help keep your golf balls and markers in place, as well as built-in tee holders. The Swing and Swish Sleeveless Golf Dress is available in Navy Blue, while the Swing and Swish Skort is available in the Mediterranean Floral print as well.
you to adjust the length of your dress, you can change your look as you choose. KINONA’s signature mesh undershorts are also included. It’s one of the most flattering and comfortable dresses you will find. The Rouched and Ready Sleeveless Golf Dress is available in Navy Blue and Foulard.
impression and the slits on the legs give added breathability and freedom of movement. The Tailored and Trim Golf Shorts are available in several solid colors and prints including the Foulard Print, Sand, Black, and Navy/Blue.
KINONA’s Apres 18 Hoodie was meant to be worn to and from the golf course. Or when you’re warming up on the range. Or out doing the grocery shopping. Or binge-watching your favorite show. Get the picture? The cozy fabric, great quality, and attention to detail are everything you would expect from KINONA. The thumbhole in the cuffs helps keep the sleeves in place for added warmth and comfort and the pockets in the front are big enough to carry whatever you need. The Apres 18 Hoodie is available in either Watermelon Red or Navy Blue.
Each year, the company seems to not only come out with new products but also continually expand on existing product lines. For example, their On-The-Go Pants may look – and feel – like your favorite pair of khakis from yesteryear, but these pants are packed with performance. The 55% cotton/32% nylon/13% Spandex fabric has a soft cotton-like hand feel and added stretch that moves with you through your golf swing. The stretchy interior waistband means you can make that extra run through the buffet line and your pants will forgive you. The hidden zipper and media pocket give you extra security while you’re on the move and the water-resistant fabric protects against unsuspecting spills. These pants
fit straight through the thigh and slightly taper to the ankle. The On-The-Go Pants are available in waist sizes 24 – 42 and in 7 colors: Stone, Khaki, Harbor, Jetty Red, Blue Blazer, Tide Blue, and Sage Olive.
The first pair of shorts Vineyard Vines brought to market was their Breaker Shorts and they’ve been making them better ever since. The 98% cotton/2% spandex fabric is super soft with just the right amount of stretch. These shorts are comfy, strong, and breathable. The slash pockets in front and button-through besom back pockets provide ample storage for all of your golf needs. These 9 Inch Breaker Shorts are available in sizes 28 -46 and in an embroidered design in Moonshine with embroidered fish heads. They look a lot better than they sound!
Soft, broken-in slub cotton lends its name to Vineyard Vines’ Island Garment-Dyed Long-Sleeve Slub Crewneck. It’s garment-dyed and washed down for a lived-in look and makes for a great three-season lightweight layer. It’s 100% cotton and keeps its shape after numerous washes. The Slub is available in sizes XS – XXL and in several colors including Sharkskin, Jetty Red, Sunny, Moonshine, Vineyard Blue, Andros Blue, or Bright Peach.
The Bloom Sankaty Margo Shirt Dress is sewn from Vineyard Vines’ signature Sankaty fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection. The fabric is lightweight and airy and looks amazing with its elbow-length sleeves, collar, and button-front placket. The Bloom Sankaty Margo Shirt Dress is available in sizes XS – XXXL and in Deep Bay/Marlin.
The 17 Inch (Seersucker) Scallop Skort is a preppy performer. The performance fit has added stretch for mobility and the moisture-wicking twill skirt keeps you dry and cool. The undershorts have gripper tape at the short hem to keep things where they should be. The two back pockets have seam zippers, and the scallop hem and pocket details add a feminine touch. There’s a whale embroidered above the back pocket to help you remember the brand! It’s perfect for the course or the clubhouse. The 17 Inch (Seersucker) Scallop Skort is available in sizes 00 – 16 and only in Cornflower. It will pair well with your favorite polo. It’s also available in a 17 Inch, 88% polyester/12% spandex fabric in the same sizes and several colors including Stone, Deep Bay, and White Cap.
Another great spring weather sweater is the Striped Heritage Cotton V-Neck Sweater. It too is 100% heritage cotton with a relaxed fit and a soft hand feel. In true classic golf sweater fashion, the collar, hemline, and sleeve openings are ribbed and the whale logo on the chest completes the look. The Heritage Cotton V-Neck Sweater is available in sizes XXS – XXXL and in White Cap/Deep Bay. It is truly a Vineyard Vines classic
Gadsden Country Club sits nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The clubhouse is situated at the peak of 110 rolling acres in an elegant residential area and is known for its spectacular view. Inside you’ll find a fine dining restaurant and some of the best banquet facilities in northeast Alabama. There’s a full tennis complex and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The pool is a popular family gathering place from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Members and guests enjoy exceptional service while experiencing the ambiance one would expect from a casually elegant southern club.
Gadsden Country Club offers members and their guests five sets of tees with yardages ranging from 6,657 yards from the Gold Tees (course rating 72.3/slope 130) to the Red Tees for Ladies and Seniors which plays 4,884 (65.7/121). At 6,101 yards (69.5/128), the Blue Tees offer a good challenge and still let you leave with a little bit of dignity.
Sixteen is a 352-yard par 4 that has one of the most intimidating and challenging tee shots on the golf course. The lake you see between you and the green is only about 230 yards away and when the fairways are hard, there is a lot of roll. If you’re hitting your driver well, take dead aim over the trees on the right side, up the narrow sliver of the fairway that leads to the green. Laying up short of the water will leave an approach shot of about 125 yards into a fairly level green. Another hole where a par is a good score.
Gadsden Country Club has some pretty impressive practice facilities including a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag, a separate chipping area, and two practice putting greens. The course is open year-round, weather permitting, but bad weather isn’t necessarily a game-changer. You can move your game indoors and play or practice on the club’s TrackMan system.
Gadsden Country Club is accepting new members and has a membership plan that will meet just about everyone’s needs and budget. Best of all, you don’t have to live in Gadsden to become a member, If you enjoy the social aspects of the club as well as the dining options and recreational opportunities they have, then this is the club for you. Gadsden Country Club offers several Membership categories including Resident, Non-Resident, Junior, Social, ad Corporate. There is typically a small initiation fee and quarterly F&B minimums but the low monthly membership dues will more than compensate. If you’re not quite sure about becoming a member, Gadsden offers a Trial Membership. For a $1,000 trial fee, you will receive 90 days of total access to the club including ALL of the amenities. Should you decide to join at the end of the trial period, your $1,000 fee will be credited o whichever program you choose.
Another great top from the Jim Nantz Collection is the Performance Jersey Polo. The 92% polyester/8% spandex fabric has some added stretch for a classic, relaxed fit. In addition to the quick drying and moisture wicking technology, there’s a UPF 30+ finish on the fabric for added protection from the sun. The 3-buttin placket and collar stand give this Jim Nantz Polo a classic golf look as does the all over print. The Performance Jersey Polo is available in sizes S – XXL and in either Chipin Geo White Cap, Capri Blue Palms, or White Cap Palms.
On those cool spring mornings, you need a garment that you can rely n to keep you warm and with the Grant ½ Zip Sweater from the Jim Nantz Collection, you can look good and keep warm. Made from 100% Merino wool, this exquisite ½ Zip Sweater features ribbed cuffs, hem and collar and a faux leather zipper puller. The wrinkle resistant fabric wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry. It’s one of the softest sweaters you’ll ever put on. The Grant ½ Zip is available in sizes XS – XXL and in 4 great colors: Blue Blazer, Condor, Wipeout, and Taupe. It’s also available in a full-zip design in the Blue Blazer color.
The naturally rolling terrain and pine tree-lined fairways are more reminiscent of Pinehurst, North Carolina than Florida. Trees line the fairways of many landing areas although there are ample landing areas off the tees. However, on a few holes, clusters of bunkers on either side seemingly shrink the landing area. Around the greens, you’ll find a variety of swales, collection areas, and deep bunkers guarding many of the elevated putting surfaces. Straight putts are a rarity at Victoria Hills. The majority of greens have a good deal of slope and undulation to them.
This beautiful 18-hole, par-72 golf course offers golfers five sets of tee boxes. The Champion(back) tees play 7149 yards with a course rating of 74.7 and a slope of 134. If you’re good enough to play from these tees you’ll face some formidable carries over the few water hazards that do exist, as well as ravines and sandy waste areas. Move up to the Challenge (Blue) tees (5967 yards/69.3/124) and most of these hazards are either not in play or out on the peripheries. Nonetheless, the course still offers a challenge for all who visit. The views are magnificent, and you’ll be tested with each shot you take!
The 8th hole is another picturesque hole with a landing area squeezed in by bunkers on either side. From the Challenge Tees, it plays 347 yards and from the tee box, it looks as if there is no landing area past the traps on the left. A good drive that finds the fairway is going to leave a short pitch shot into an elevated green with a false front. Bunkers protect either side and the one on the left is rather deep.
Wednesday – Saturday nights. There’s also a Sunday brunch. Sparrow’s isn’t limited to your regular clubhouse food. For lunch try something different like the Soy-Chili Glazed Pork Riblets or the Egg Salad BLT. For dinner, there’s the Blue Cheese-Crusted Filet Mignon. It doesn’t matter what you choose, it’s all delicious!
While there may not be a lot of bunkers on the course, the elevation changes and slope in the fairways and greens more than compensates. Narrow tree-lined ryegrass fairways that play along sloped hillsides produce those dreaded uneven lies and ultimately lead to fast, well-manicured Bentgrass greens. You’ll encounter numerous blind shots, so course knowledge is at a premium.
Number 6 is Tanglewood’s signature hole and rightfully so. At 494 yards, it’s a 3-shot par 5 for just about everyone. If I were naming holes, this one would be called “Layup,” because it’s all about the second shot. There’s a lake that sits about 140 yards in front of the green and forces the majority of players to hit a good layup shot which will leave anywhere from 130 – 150 yards into an elevated green that slopes back to front.
Holes 11, 12, and 13 define Tanglewood. Play these three holes at par or better and you’ll likely post a good score when all is said and done. You’ve probably played here before too! Number 11 is a 396-yard par 4 that is the course’s #1 handicap. It’s a very slight dogleg left, and the green is not the one you see in the distance; it sits below the second hill and behind the pond. A good drive will still leave a blind mid-iron shot into a green fronted by a small pond. The right side provides a bailout area and leaves a slightly uphill chip shot. The green slopes left to right and can make for some interesting putts.
I found Number 13 to be the most intimidating tee shot on the course. Off the tee, there appears to be little, if any, landing area. The fairway slopes dramatically left to right. If you’re a longball hitter, consider hitting your tee shot left and playing down the adjacent fairway. It’s not traditional but it worked for me! Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll need to play your layup shot to the left, again, to compensate for the sloping fairway. That will leave a short, slightly downhill chip shot into a large green that slopes modestly from back to front. Miss the green on your approach. Hard to believe it’s handicapped #7.
Tanglewood is centrally located and within two hours of three major metropolitan cities: Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Nashville. They offer tremendous stay and play packages with lodging overlooking the #10 fairway and either hotel-style or condo accommodations. Packages start at $220 for a hotel-style room and include 3 days of unlimited golf with a cart and 2 nights stay. Condos start at $250. Tanglewood offers all guests a $10 breakfast buffet as well as buffet-style meal plans that feed groups for $10 per night. Small appetizers are available in the full-liquor bar.
