Going for Golf

Southern Dunes

Southern Dunes is memorable for its sand traps. However, these are a very different proposition to those found on most courses in Florida. Large, deep and plentiful, they gobble up every indiscretion. Achievable distances and wide open fairways tempt indiscretions, so a word of advice: exercise caution and if you are in between clubs, go up. If you can get round without finding a bunker you will be either very accurate or very lucky.

Southern Dunes is more park than parkland, neatly lined with trees and carefully tended shrubs. Everything is amply signposted and the buggies have GPS readings to the greens, which is handy, as the only marker posts are at 150 yards and the yardage stones set in the fairway may be a long way from where your ball comes to rest. A course guide is also advisable. In fact, it is essential.

The greens are large, fast and although with relatively few borrows, are not the simplest of propositions. That applies particularly to the 16th, which has a large valley in the middle that can prove difficult to putt through.

Florida offers golf of high quality at low prices for UK players. Expect to pay in the £20 to £35 range (a buggy can add another £15).

High season for golf is January to March, with an influx of players from the northern states. They usually spike the greens in May and June so the best favoured time is October to December.