Falcon’s Fire Golf Club

Since opening in 1993, Rees Jones's layout at Falcon's Fire has been regarded as one of the most desirable courses in the greater Orlando area. It's a classic Florida design in the best sense, plenty of shape off the tee, water to think about and greens that make you earn your score.

The upgrade to TifEagle greens in 2009 helped push the conditioning up another notch, with smoother, quicker surfaces that place a premium on tidy approach play and a decent touch on the putter. Off the tee, you'll find fairways that feel welcoming, but the better angles and the safer lines don't always match up, so course management matters as much as power.

Jones routed the course across gently rolling terrain, using water and bunkering to frame landing zones and guard greens. The layout asks you to shape shots rather than simply bomb away, and the greens are large, undulating targets that demand smart club selection and committed reads.

A few holes are real standouts, especially the par 3s, where Jones asks you to commit to your number and your line. The signature 14th plays across water to an island green, a Florida staple that never gets old. There's also a strong finish where water and bunkering add pressure if you're trying to protect a score or chase a late birdie.

Just as importantly for an Orlando trip, Falcon's Fire is handily located near the main tourist corridor, so it works brilliantly for groups mixing golf with theme parks, shopping and nightlife, or for anyone who wants a quality round without a long transfer from the hotels.

Who is this for? Orlando visitors who want a well-located, good-value round near the main hotel and theme park areas, especially groups trying to keep transfers short.

Who is it best for? Mid-handicappers and better players who enjoy plotting around water hazards and taking on quick greens, rather than simply hitting driver everywhere.