What immediately strikes you at Royal St. Cloud is the sheer openness. There are almost no trees in play, and that is very much by design. The entire 27 holes roll and heave across the central Florida plain, creating a wonderful canvas for true links golf. You’ll find expansive fairways bordered by native grasses, but miss too far and those characteristic deep pot bunkers or steep mounds really come into play. The design philosophy rewards the kind of bump and run creativity that American golfers don’t often get to practice.

The greens are quite large and move fast, putting a premium on finding the right section to avoid a three putt. Many guests love the variety offered by the three different nine hole loops; the Red Nine feels a little more traditional, while the White and Blue Nines really showcase the rolling terrain and deep hazards. A round here is a great test of your entire skillset, challenging your ability to manage the wind and think your way around a truly unique Florida course.