Highlands Reserve Golf Club

I make it a priority to play Highland Reserve every trip to Davenport. The staff is very accommodating and the course presents challenges that are fair to the average golfer. I'm a 14 handicap (moving towards 15 these days) and I appreciate a course that understands that not everyone can hit a 200+ drive and have pinpoint accuracy.

Highland Reserve doesn't have any water hazards so they make strategic placements of sand and sloping fairways to make you think about ball placement. Over the past 7 or 8 years the course has been modified to be friendlier to those of us who measure our landing zone in tens-of-yards rather than feet. For example, certain formerly treacherous waste bunkers have now been grown over with grass making them easier to escape, and the size of certain green-protecting bunkers has shrunk making them easier to avoid for those of us who don't hit a towering wedge shot. The course layout still offers plenty of challenges from the gold and white tees (I've never played from the reds or blues so I can't offer an opinion from there). The area offer some elevation changes that work their way into making strategic decision on several fairways that want to let gravity roll your drive towards bunkers or make you hit your approach shot from a tougher angle. This is a course that will leave you satisfied with your round because decent shots are rewarded, and if you play it once, you will be eager to come back to play certain holes a different way.

New greens were installed 2 years ago or so and they are fair. They may roll a bit slow for some, but I enjoy greens that allow you be aggressive and go after the hole. I estimate I've played this course 20 times in 8 years, and I even hosted 36 golfers the day before my oldest son's wedding in 2021. The staff was extremely helpful with that event, as they always are.

Important note for Florida golfers: ice cold water coolers are available every 3 or 4 holes making it easy to stay hydrated. Food and drinks are reasonably priced and available at the pro shop's food counter (accessible before you start a round and at the turn). You generally encounter a roving refreshment cart approximately 3 times during an average round of between 4 hours and 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Range balls are dispensed from a vending machine near the range, and the practice green and a separate chipping/sand trap green are located directly behind the pro shop making it easy to get loose before you tee off. No excuses for stepping onto the 1st tee unprepared.

Obviously I am a big fan of this course and it is always high on my list when thinking about where to play.

I really like the course. The staff on the first day I played it was fantastic. I paid full price that day. The second time I played it I got a hot deal and was treated second class by the staff. Not a great experience. Basically told me I was treated different because it was a hot deal and they made no money on it. I highly recommend the course, just pay full price.

Morning rain curtailed our round after 12 holes, but up to then things were perfect (the course, not our game). Great course. Drains well after rain so always a great round when not raining.

One of my go to courses. Great layout. Challenging in the wind. Easily accessible from the theme park area.

Greens in great condition. Great to be playing here again. Pleasant staff. Only issue was we were behind a four ball with only three sets of clubs which made for really slow play!

Haven't been leaving reviews to keep my local gems lowkey but was visiting the area and wanted to get a round in. Glad I chose this course. Conditions good. Layout very forgiving- no water hazards on the entire course, and not much OB. Greens are a nice mix of challenging undulations and straight forward putts. Scenic elevation changes which you don't see much in Florida. Played solo and finished in under 2 hours. Staff friendly. 5 stars all the way around.

Enjoyable elevation changes on all holes, decent to good course conditions. Would recommend.

A recent fertilization left the course stinky and messy, as the fertilizer pellets were melting in the hot weather, leaving black goo on clubs and balls. Need to give it time to dissolve and soak into the ground. Normally, it's a great course.

Highlands Reserve continues to be one of my favorite area courses. Friendly atmosphere. The cart attendant gentleman is always very cordial. The course is in very good condition. The pace of play (3.5 hours) and the nice guy we were paired with made it a great day.

From T to Green to layout of the course always enjoy playing this course

For the money it can’t be beat. Greens are very nice not to fast. Friendly staff, beer cart that actually comes around. Teas could be leveled but again for the money will play again.

A good layout, greens in good condition, friendly staff, recommended, lots of of fun, you will enjoy it

From checking in at the Club house to being given the cart. Everything was excellent. Course is nice to play and in good condition.