Southern Dunes at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club

Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club, set amidst the orange groves of Haines City, Florida, presents a stern test steeped in the traditions of target golf. Carved into dramatically rolling terrain rarely seen in central Florida, this Steve Smyers masterpiece plays longer than its yardage suggests, demanding strategic shot-making rather than brute force.

Smyers, known for his cerebral designs, transformed a former citrus grove into a visually arresting landscape dotted with over 180 bunkers, strategically placed to punish wayward shots. The undulating fairways and elevated greens favor a precise iron game, and the prevailing winds add another layer of complexity to club selection on this deceptively challenging layout. While Southern Dunes has not hosted professional tour events, its demanding nature makes it a popular proving ground for aspiring players and a worthy challenge for amateurs seeking to test their skills.

While not a nationally recognized championship venue, Southern Dunes has cultivated a loyal membership drawn to its uncompromising design and tranquil setting. The club embodies a community spirit, with golfers often lingering after their rounds to recount their triumphs and near misses over a shared meal at the clubhouse. And while the club doesn't have signature food, its location offers some of the best citrus in the country, so the club provides some of the freshest orange juice you can find.