The Rees Jones-designed Falcon’s Fire Golf Club has been recognized both regionally and nationally as one of the finest public golf courses in the Orlando area, and there are several reasons why. First off is the immaculately manicured golf course that challenges every level of golfer. Secondly has to be Falcon’s Nest, a restaurant with food that will challenge that of a private club. Thirdly is the staff; they are there to ensure that every golfer is treated professionally and that their business is truly appreciated at Falcon’s Fire.
Let’s start with the course. From the back tees Falcon’s Fire plays 7,006 yards with a course rating of 73.2 and a slope of 135. The Blue tees at 6,435 yards (71.0/130) will give most male golfers all they can handle. If you’re looking to just relax and have some fun, tee it up from the White tees (5,962/68.5/126).
Number 1: “Quick Start” Par 4, 373 yards. I love a course that names their holes – especially when the name befits the challenge. Play this hole right and you can indeed get off to a quick start. The challenge off the tee is to avoid the myriad of fairway bunkers strategically placed, no matter which tees you’re playing from. Success off the tee leaves a fairly short approach shot to a slightly elevated green surrounded by bunkers. Birdies are plentiful here.
Number 4: “Go for Broke” Par 5, 464 yards. Once again, fairway bunkers are in play on either side od the fairway off the tee, but many players will be able to drive past them. That will leave a long – but doable – approach shot. Sand guards the front left and entire right sides of the green. Another hole to score well on.
Number 8: “Falcon’s Pride” Par 3, 203 yards. This long par 3 is by no means a pushover; it’s handicapped number 7 on the front side. It’s all carry – first over water and then over sand – to a green surrounded by more sand. If you must, you can bail out left of the green. Take a par here and be happy.
Number 13: “Bunker Hill” Par 4, 382 yards. Number 13 is the start of my 3 favorite holes on the course. Bunker Hill winds around a large lake. You need to pick your line off the tee and have faith in it. Too far off the tee most likely puts you in a bunker or worse – behind it. With the water coming up almost to the green’s edge on the right, approach shots get somewhat dicey and require precision.
Number 14, “Falcon’s Lair” is a 521-yard par 5 with water 
down the right side. The water doesn’t come into play off the tee for most players however should you decide to go for it in two, it becomes fairly ominous. Playing down the left side of the is a safe way to matriculate down the fairway with a single bunker in front guarding the putting surface. The hole gets its name from the falcons’ nests in the cypress groves behind the green.
Number 15: “Watery Grave” Par 3, 144 yards. This par three always seems to play a club longer. Choosing the right club off the tee is critical. The green is shallow with a large bunker behind it and water that catches anything short. There is room left of the green if you feel the need to bailout and avoid the water.
Number 17: “Test of Courage” Par 4, 402 yards. This is the most challenging hole on the course. It requires your best drive of the day, preferably down the right side. That will leave a mid-iron to a green guarded on the left side by water and a large bunker on the right. Par is a good score here.
Last Word: While the golf at Falcon’s Fire is outstanding, the dining at the Falcon’s Nest restaurant is first rate. Their menu my look like typical clubhouse food – burgers, dogs, and sandwiches, but trust me, it is anything but typical. For example, how many courses offer an alligator gumbo – made with alligator tail and alligator sausage? Their three bean chili is pretty amazing too – just the right amount of spice. The dogs are no ordinary dogs either; Falcon’s Fire Specialty Dogs are more of a meal. There’s the Reuben Dog, Chili Chees Dog, Chicago Dog and the Alligator Dog, all served on a soft challah roll with your choice of side. Their burgers are as good as any you will find in the Orlando area – quite a compliment since there seems to be at east least one location of every restaurant in the world on I Drive.
All things considered, Falcon’s Fire offers the highest level of service and amenities, a championship golf course and a spacious clubhouse with great views of the course and an outstanding restaurant. This premier Florida golf destination is conveniently located just a short drive from the Walt Disney World Resort, the Orlando International Airport, and the Orange County Convention Center. Falcon’s Fire offers complimentary valet parking when you arrive, club cleaning when your done and a GPS system to guide you safely around the course. They also have special Florida golf vacation packages that are sure to meet anyone’s needs! For more information, you can visit their website at www.falconsfire.com or give them a call at (407) 239-5445.
