DJTheoret - 9/12/23
Deer Island Country Club sits on 400 secluded acres of prime, Florida waterfront real estate, nestled amidst the Harris Chain of Lakes in Tavares, Florida. This semi-private, 18-hole championship golf course was designed by renowned golf architect Joe Lee and opened for play in 1994.

Deer Island Country Club is the only island golf course in Central Florida and is the island's main attraction!

Lee has often referred to Deer Island Country Club as the most unique design of his career. His courses typically feature undulating greens, strategically located hazards that are visible to the naked eye, and uniquely designed bunkers. Deer Island has all of these and then some!

There is a lot of rolling terrain in the fairways, and many can lead to trouble. The greens are small by Florida standards, and many are surrounded by large bunkers. There is water on all 18 holes although it comes into play - or at least should - on 16 of them.

Deer Island is home to an abundance of wildlife. The wetlands that surround Deer Island are home to over two dozen bird species including osprey, hawks, blue herons, and sandhill cranes. You may even come across some soft shell and snapping turtles, alligators, or the occasional bobcat. And be sure to keep your eyes open for the family of bald eagles that call Deer Island home. The club is close to acquiring its Audubon Society accreditation and has the potential to become one of the top five courses in central Florida.

As you would expect with a golf course with this much water, Deer Island Country has some very memorable holes. Number two is a 493-yard par 5 dogleg right that plays around a lake which can be an ominous site for golfers who slice the ball off the tee. If possible, play your tee shot towards the bunkers on the left with the fade. Find one of those bunkers and par gets a whole lot tougher! Water and sand protect the right side of the green as well as a bunker behind it.

The back nine features two par 3s that are the toughest and easiest hole on the golf course. The 163-yard par 4, 13th hole is rated the toughest, and no matter which tees you play from, it's all carry over water into a small green with two bunkers behind it. Take your par and run! Number 15 is a 125-yard par three that has its fair share of trouble. Thankfully, it's all on the left side. Choose the right club, hit it solid and you're sure to have good results.

The 18th hole is a great finishing hole. This par 4 plays 390 yards from the White Tees with a fairway bunker in the landing area on the right and water on the left that you cannot see from the tee. Anything that finds the left side of the fairway off the tee is going to require you to play an approach shot over the lake on your approach shot into another small green protected on the left side by sand.

Every round deserves a proper warm-up and Deer Island Country Club's six-acre driving range features two large tee areas at opposite ends of the range. There's a practice bunker adjacent to the West tee as well as a practice putting green. The staff at Deer Island CC can be booked for personal and group lessons by appointment. They offer learning programs for everyone, from beginners to aspiring Tour-level players.

For more information on everything Deer Island Country Club has to offer, give them a call to arrange a visit at (352) 343-7550 or go to their website.

  CW3HILL - 3/3/14
This golf course is not easy access from SR 441. It is a bit of a hike. Housing does not come into play and the lake views are great. Lots of water comes into play. Can stay wet after rains, does not drain all that well.

  MRMAW - 10/7/12
What a course, if you are in Orlando, make your way here, it is beautiful.

  drobdix - 4/10/12
Fun course. Very scenic with water on every hole, but mostly lateral. Also has good food for the turn or after round in clubhouse.

  hesser4 - 4/3/15

  yale - 11/20/13

  dlnigh - 10/10/13

  hkelsey - 8/11/13

  snakehead7 - 6/13/13

  paulmurray47@yahoo.com - 4/15/13