With everything from bocce to billiards, Herons Glen Golf & Country Club is a full recreational destination. But the highlight, of course, is the 18-hole championship course, designed by Ron Garl in 1991 and redesigned by Gordon Lewis in 2006. Throughout the grounds, palm trees and flower beds surround ponds that shimmer in the Florida sun—and create a hefty challenge on several holes, including the tiny island green on the fourth hole.

The Golf

Measuring 6,468 yards from the back tees, the course at its toughest boasts a rating of 72.0 and a slope of 138. But don't be so intimidated as to tie wings to your golf balls—the grounds also provide plenty of opportunities to practice thanks to 27 Turf-Hound hitting stations and an 8,100-square-foot Bermuda-grass putting green.

The Amenities

Outside the fairways, Herons Glen keeps visitors active with six Har Tru tennis courts, a lakefront heated swimming pool, and courts for games such as bocce, pickleball, and shuffleboard and state of the art fitness center.

Dining

At the clubhouse, golfers can sit down to a meal at the Herons Nest Restaurant or Eagles Nest Lounge—where specials include Wednesday night Prime Rib specials, Friday fish fries and Sunday breakfast.