The Palm Course flows naturally through its Florida woodland setting, giving you a beautiful sense of escape, which is quite an accomplishment given the destination. Joe Lee’s original design philosophy was always to present a fair but strategic test, and the Palmer team certainly dialed up the strategy, especially around the green complexes. The front nine is pretty traditional, weaving you through mature palm corridors, demanding accuracy off the tee to avoid the water that often hugs the left side of the fairways. You’ll find the greens are large but feature plenty of subtle slope, putting a real premium on your approach shots, particularly the second shots on those longer par fours.

Worth noting, the back nine is where the course really starts to show its teeth, especially the closing stretch. This is where the lakes come more dramatically into play, forcing you to think carefully before every swing. The signature 18th hole is arguably one of the toughest finishers in the area. It’s a lengthy par four requiring a great drive, followed by a demanding approach that must carry a water hazard that wraps right around the green. It’s a phenomenal, dramatic moment that you’ll remember long after you sink your final putt. The whole experience feels elevated, a pristine and enjoyable round that doesn’t compromise on challenge.