Southern Dunes

Southern Dunes is very different from the other golf courses found in Florida.  Located in Haines City, Southern Dunes was created by Steve Smyers and opened in 1993.  Smyers is well known for his course designs and has created a total of 34 different courses during his career.  An expert at what he does, Smyers managed to create holes that make use of the natural soil and take advantage of the wind patterns.  In addition, his holes can be approached from a variety of positions, making this course both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating to golfers at every level.  Not surprisingly, Southern Dunes has been placed in Golfweek’s 100 Greatest Modern Courses, with its highest ranking being 51.

From the championship makers, Southern Dunes is 7,227 yards.  There is, however, a 4,987 yard alternative.  With the fairways being prodigious, you can play from a number of different angles.  At the same time, the breadth appears tighter because the bunkers have been artistically shaped and sized in order to border and influence the shots.  While the open holes make a ground game seem natural, they are also capable of accepting aerial shots because the greens are large and open up pin positions.  But, don’t forget that wind is a factor and the contour of the green makes every putt a challenge. 

At the first hole, which is 426 yards, the bunkers are oddly configured.  In addition, the rest of the first nine are out and back in two loops.  This creates a variety of ways for the wind to flow and the naturally sloping land can also be a factor.  Altogether, the course contains 200 bunkers, including cross-bunkers and diagonal bunkers that will push you to make challenging decisions. 

The fourth hole is 55t yards and the fifth hole is 378 yards.  Both holes have clusters of bunkers that run diagonally from left to right.  For your second shot on hole four, you will need to play lay-up to the left since it is the most direct angle for reaching the green.  Or, you can choose to go directly over the top and to the right.  If you choose this option, you will run into a small patch of chipping fairway.

At hole 5, the most obvious play is to the unblocked field, which is to the right of the bunkers splitting the fairway.  The angle here creates a tough pitch over a pond, which guards the green.  If you get over the shortest bunker located on the left, you will find it opens up the fairway.

The 369 yard hole 15 is an enticing par 4 on a slightly elevated tee.  150 yards from the right, you will see a group of bunkers interjecting into the fairway.  These bunkers cut the width of the hole in half and cause most golfers to challenge the bunkers.  This usually is not a good idea.  Hitting a strong drive down the left will clear the bunkers and set you up for short chip to the tilted green.  Keep in mind that the gap is narrow and that trees do create a border to the left, which makes the short shot a bit tricky.

Southern Dunes is also known for its par 3s.  Although they play downhill, they all have distinctive wind patterns and contain some of the most interesting bunkering.  Although the green is large, missing it can become quite frustrating. 

Southern Dunes is a new experience each time it is played because of its changing wind conditions and pin placement.  To reach it, you will need to pass through a shopping plaza located east of Highway 27.  You will notice many holes as the road passes through a development.  Although there are many homes surrounding the course, they are set back from the course and are hidden by the dunes, pines, and bunkers.