The Gordons weren't the greatest of archit Panther Lake was the first golf course to open at Orange County National (1997) and it was the result of collaboration between Phil Ritson, Isao Aoki and the late David Harman Write a review for Orange County National (Panther Lake). Reachable par five, but its uphill and will play longer. The main issue -- as with many Florida courses -- is the over reliance on the air game. Orange County has been the site for PGA TOUR qualifiers so the challenge of the course is certainly present. The green is tucked into the water hazard so gauge your preferred distance accordingly. They are quite varied with different locations to test the fullest range of players. It is the calm before the storm. There are a few interesting holes but if you have one round to play I'd definitely play the Cat. Was this review helpful? Off the tee drive over the swamp and favor the left side to give you a wider landing area on your second shot. Respond to above review Even though Orange County National Golf Center is a relatively short drive by car from Orlando, it feels as though you are heading into the boondocks. The course is not the typical Sunshine State layout whereby water is used to excess and where housing engulfs the course to the point of suffocation. Both courses feature plenty of rare Floridian elevation change and both can be stretched out beyond 7,200 yards from the tips. Fourteen is a monstrous par five, from the tips 624 yards. From the high opening tee, you drive a hill before heading back up to the elevated multi-tiered green. There's also a good degree of terrain movement -- not on a major scale -- but given the dead flat nature of what constitutes the majority of Florida it clearly makes for a difference when playing Panther Lake. Seventeen feels like recess as a short par three. But keep going, you are travelling in the right direction and eventually youll arrive at the property, which is set in more than 900 acres of pleasantly rolling ground that is completely devoid of housing. 0 people found this review helpful Visit Orange County National Golf Center for one reason and one reason only, golf. Orange County National near Orlando is a self-contained golf oasis, Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge: 45 holes of fun at enjoyable Orlando golf complex, Gallery: Tour Panther Lake at Orange County National, a top Orlando-area facility for serious golfers, Designed by: David Harman, Isao Aoki, Phil Ritson, Greens: Champion Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Grass, Rental carts: Yes - included in green fees, Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed. Favor the left side as to avoid the bunker complex in the right landing area. If you are looking for non-golfing frills then you are at the wrong place. Unless you a big hitter with a perfect lie, there is no sense going for it in two. This opener sets the scene for the thrilling Panther Lake ride that makes you glad youre alive and able to play the game of golf. Respond to above review Panther Lake is an excellent value and if you are in the Orlando area well worth the trip. The 15th is another long par three to over gunch with water on the left and a greenside bunker short and one long, as well. There's also plenty of movement in the routing so wind plays a varying role throughout the round. A potentially reachable par five, it has a boatload of bunkers. The course has some contour. The 8th is a long par 4 with ten bunkers. Take an extra club on your approach as it is slightly uphill. See other reviews from M. James Ward. Home of the PGA Show demo days so possibly the best practice facility around. The architect made good use of the rolling meadows, grasslands, wetlands and lakes. See other reviews from Doug Roberts. 0 people found this review helpful There is a stream on the left that crosses in front of the green about 20 yards away. A large sand trap is on the exterior elbow of this dogleg right. Go play it, it's a fun day out. Was this review helpful? The fairway is very narrow and to add insult to injury it slopes left to right into the water hazard. Water is in play but not so much as many Florida courses. Brooks Cruise ship landed at 0700. See other reviews from Colin Braithwaite. Respond to above review Orange County National is one of the best facilities in central FL. The 18th is a good finishing hole. The 11th is the number two handicap hole and is a 200+ yard par 3. Panther Lakes is the flashier of the two designs at Orange County National, most say, because no two holes are the same. The good news is they are pot bunkers as opposed to BABs. This course underwent a true transformation. It effectively has 3 carries. The Crooked Cat opened in 1999 and the same trio designed that course too. They are blessed with two courses. The playing surfaces are lush and the topography is so varied in some areas, some have a hard time believing they're in Florida. Panther Lake was the first course to open at Orange County National (1997) and it was the result of collaboration between Phil Ritson, Isao Aoki and the late David Harman, who left a number of tremendous legacies including Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. The conditioning is excellent. 0 people found this review helpful Classy. 0 people found this review helpful The green bends 90 degrees left about 50 yards out. Panther is definitely harder due to the fact that its more of a typical Florida course with homesites and ponds bordering fairways. Worth the trip from Tampa to Orlando. Was this review helpful? You almost want to aim at the bunkers on the right side, although you want to make sure you know the right yardage so as to not be in them. Super solid course, best at the 54 hole facility. The green complexes are very good. It plays over gunch with a huge bunker guarding the front of the green. Played July 2022. Was this review helpful? The par 5 2nd is an interesting hole. The green is tucked right in a water hazard that runs the entire right hand side of the hole. Even though Panther Lake is considered the "championship" course at Orange County, I definitely prefer Crooked Cat. Two 18-hole courses rest on the 900-acre retreat that is all about golf -- not condos or summer homes. See other reviews from Larry Jacobs. Just hit a good tee shot and you will be fine. I have been playing annually at Orange County for the last 20 or so years in concert with my attendance at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando each January. See other reviews from Donald Hudspeth. Was this review helpful? Favor the right side of the fairway on 5, but be aware that this is an extremely narrow green with gunch and hazard right. The 6th is a mid-range par 3 over prime FL swampland. In my opinion Panther Lake is the best of the two. Par is a good score. Number ten is a par 5 dogleg right with a large fairway with a well bunkered green complex. Panther Lake is the course that has quite rightly amassed the accolades because it is one of the most memorable courses in the whole of the Sunshine State. OCN Panther Lake is a dynamic golf course. The par 3 4th is a long par three with a forced carry. 0 people found this review helpful (Just another feather in your cap) Course is very nice, always busy. By the way it is 400+ yards. Respond to above review Respond to above review The best parts of any visit to Orange County comes with a superb practice area, a second course to enjoy and being away from the clutter and congestion that lies at the heart of Orlando for all those Disney bound. The Brickyard Golf Club is the most underrated private course in Middle Georgia. The opening hole is a long par four, slight dogleg right. With 45 holes (two 18-holers called Panther Lake and Crooked Cat and a 9-holer called Tooth), a 36-hole putting course called Whiskers, a 42-acre circular driving range which once received the Best Golf Driving Range in America accolade comfortable lodge rooms and a decent clubhouse, you might begin to get the idea that Orange County National is Floridas equivalent to Oregons Bandon Dunes but with some weird feline fetish. I was off and on my way to the golf course at 0805. Nine is a tough par 4. The greens are where the magic of Panther Lake shines. I think this is also used as a US Open qualifier course. From there, I advise caution. See other reviews from Brian Moran. Florida turf is generally quite "spongy" so players will not reap anything close to meaningful bounces of the ball. Was this review helpful? I have no idea how the par 5 7th is the 5th handicap hole. Large water hazard right and a fairway that gets real skinny as you get closer to the green. Visually rich elements saturate the 7,295-yard design. 0 people found this review helpful The 12th and 13th are almost twins, same look and feel bending left. Respond to above review The long par four third is the # 1 handicap.