Falcon's Fire Golf Club Review

Falcon's Fire Golf Club is a very popular golf course in the Orlando, Florida area, and with good reason. This Rees Jones-designed facility has been recognized on both a regional and national level as one of the finest public golf courses around. Many aspects go in to creating a fine golf establishment and Falcon's Fire has them all!

First, you start with a world class golf course architect and Rees Jones certainly fits the bill. The key for Jones was to build a golf course that would be challenging yet playable for every level of golfer. Then, provide them with the highest caliber practice facility where they can stretch and warm up before playing a round, or they can make a day of it and hit balls to their heart's content and work on their short game and putting. Lastly, provide them a place where they can go after their round, have a drink and grab a bite to eat, all without breaking the bank. Feed them high quality food in a fun and friendly atmosphere and give them something to remember. Do all these things and you're bound to be successful.

Falcon's Fire has done all of this and have created a top-notch golf "experience." The moment you arrive at the course, you are greeted by a friendly cart attendant, who takes your bags out of the car, places it on a cart and directs you to the pro shop. The pro shop is a separate experience all its own; it's well-stocked with a lot of top name golf apparel and footwear as well as a bevy of logoed golf accessories and memorabilia to commemorate the experience. Then it's over to the full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. A quick stop by the putting green to get a feel for their speed and it's off to the first tee; once they call your name over the loudspeaker. Talk about feeling important!

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 and still leave with a little bit of dignity. If you're looking to just relax and have some fun, tee it up from the White tees (5,962/68.5/126).

Like most Florida golf courses, sand traps and water hazards are plentiful. In fact, Falcon's Fire boasts over 100 bunkers situated strategically throughout the course. The putting surfaces are medium size and feature modest undulations. Well-manicured collars surround each green and seniors will be delighted to know that there are many opportunities to play their favorite shot: the bump and run! It's definitely not the easiest course in the area, however generous landing areas off the tee make it playable and enjoyable for all.

Most Memorable Hole: Number 17, "Test of Courage", 402 yards. By far, 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 into a green guarded on the left side by water and a large bunker on the right. It will take two well executed shots to put up a good number; par is a good score here.

Favorite Par 3: Number 15, "Watery Grave" 144 yards. This par three always seems to play a club longer than the scorecard indicates. Choosing the right club off the tee is critical. The green is shallow with a large bunker behind it and the water catches anything short. If you feel the need to bailout and avoid the water, there is a little bit of room left of the green.

Favorite Par 4: Number 13, "Bunker Hill," 382 yards. Number 13 is the start of my 3 favorite holes on the course. Bunker Hill is a long dogleg right around a large lake. You need to pick your line off the tee and have faith in it. Hit the ball too far off the tee and you either in a bunker or worse - behind it. The water comes up to the edge of the green on the right, so your approach shots requires some precision and accuracy. Subtle undulations in the green can present a challenge, so take your time.

Favorite Par 5: Number 14, "Falcon's Lair," 521 yards. Number 14 gets its name from the falcons' nests in the cypress groves behind the green. The hole features water all the way down the right side, and, although it doesn't come into play off the tee for most players, it will definitely play a factor in deciding your next shot. Should you choose to go for the green in two, the water becomes a formidable adversary. Playing down the left side is a safe way to matriculate down the fairway with only a single bunker in front guarding the putting surface.

Last Word: After your round, be sure to stop by the Falcon's Nest restaurant. The beer is cold, and the food is outstanding. In fact, many locals come in just for the food. Their menu may look like typical clubhouse food - burgers, dogs, and sandwiches - but trust me, it is anything but. 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 hot dogs are no ordinary dogs either; Falcon's Fire Specialty Dogs are more of a meal. There's the Reuben Dog, Chili Cheese 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 an accomplishment since every restaurant in the world it seems can be found a short drive away on International Drive!

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.