Crooked Cat: Orange County National

Crooked Cat at Orange County National, one of two championship eighteens (plus a 9-hole par-29 executive course) at a revered golf facility in Winter Garden, has long been rated among Florida s top courses. Along with its sister course, Panther Lake at Orange County National, the two  Cats at Orange County National make up a dynamic one-two punch at an Orlando-area public facility that is so good and so well-maintained that it is not uncommon to see professionals playing and practicing there. On top of that, there are no houses around either. The links-style Crooked Cat at Orange County National provides a taste of the Scottish Highlands. Designed in 1998 by David Harman and Phil Ritson with input from legendary Japanese pro golfer Isao Aoki, the playing field rambles over an open landscape with wide terraced fairways, native heather grass rough, thick native vegetation (avoid the monkey grass at all costs), and large sloping greens. Water and wetlands enter the fray on about half of the holes. Also, in contrast to the steep-faced bunkering on Panther Lake, on Cooked Cat at Orange County National Harman and team etched the sand traps into the terrain. With very few trees and plenty of twists and turns in the routing, Crooked Cat at Orange County National provides a game highly influenced by wind. Skilled golfers rave about the challenge and the variety of shots they must play. The back nine is generally regarded as the toughest of any side at the property. When it comes to scoring, the toughest test of all may be the 12th hole, a par 4 that plays into the wind with water all the way up a narrowing fairway and hugging a two-tiered green. Crooked Cat at Orange County National can play as short as 5,052 yards and as long as 7,388 yards. Five sets of tee markers plus two additional combo options on the scorecard ensure that variously?skilled players can take on the course from a manageable distance.? Orange County National boasts world-class practice facilities. The famous Nike commercial of Tiger bouncing a ball on his wedge was filmed here. You ll find a 360-degree driving range that s billed as  The Largest Driving Range in the Nation, plus an immense short game area and expansive putting greens. The clubhouse features a full-service golf shop and a bar and grill. There s also a lodge onsite if you want to sample Orange County National s impressive golf in greater depth. Don t hesitate when making your tee time at Crooked Cat at Orange County National. It s still one of the most popular and fun courses you?can play in Orlando.