Water Oak Golf Club

Our weekly golf group heard about Water Oaks reopening after a few years of being closed and decided to give it a try. Apparently, it's a total make-over of the original course. We play at a variety of courses in central Florida and thought the condition of the Water Oaks was better than many of the other courses we've been playing during this unusually hot summer. The greens are especially in good shape and the fairways have plenty of grass so you didn't have to push your ball around to find a patch of grass like you have to do on some other courses. That may be because the fairways are well-irrigated, not dependent on rain. There are elevation changes, water, and routing features that add variety, and the bunkers have nice soft sand, not the hardpan dirt you find on some courses. The staff members at the course were incredibly friendly and helpful, as were the crew in the restaurant/bar overlooking the 18th green. We decided there were only a couple of very minor concerns. First, the course may be too short for some long-hitters. However, as a bunch of old retired guys, it worked great for us. Although, when we return (as everyone in our group wants to do!) even we probably will play from the back tees on some of the holes. The second issue was that the signage between holes could be posted a bit more visibly, although when we go back, it will be much easier finding our way from hole to hole. Finally, as other reviewers have mentioned, our golf watches didn't give us accurate yardage because they seem to be set to the original course that was bulldozed over to build the new layout. However, that may be corrected by simply updating our devices. These are very minor issues that didn't really impact our enjoyment of the course. Our entire group really liked playing the course and especially appreciated the friendliness of the staff. Water Oaks gets a big "thumbs up" from everyone !

Greens were the best in the area.The ball never bounced, smooth as silk.New configuration of the course was nice.

This was our first visit to Water Oaks. The course is in beautiful shape! We elected to play early (for us!) because of the heat. We played as a twosome so our pace was quick. We started behind a foursome who quickly skipped in front of a slower twosome. The starter stayed on top of things and was awesome! He asked us at one point to skip in front of the slower twosome. We ended up doing so and actually skipped 2 holes. We planned on going back to them at the end but it was TOO HOT!! Also as a note to those that use GPS in an app...the course is different and neither of the two apps I had on my phone worked. Do a little research first to make sure you have the correct layout or bring your range finder for yardage. We will definitely play this course again.

The new layout was fun. The greens were the best I've played in a long time. Rangers were friendly and helpful. I didn't see a drink cart. But one of the rangers offered us water.

Well done for the course and staff.

Played the course before the renovation and it was ok then but now the course has a much better overall layout. The course is also in excellent shape. Greens roll very nice. They have also recently adjusted their prices to attract more customers. Was truly a very good experience. Highly recommend.

Nice course. Staff friendly except for guy at register in pro shop who seemed to treat us rudely because we booked with GolfNow.

The fairways were not in the best shape they were Treating them with something tha kills a certain kind of worm they told me after the round it should be fine in 4 to 5 days greens were very nice

Good job on the remodel of the course. In good shape. Greens on the slow side. In a year when it fully comes in. It has potential to be real nice.

And staff always friendly

I had not seen Water Oaks on the GolfNow site before and after my round I found out why. I was told by an employee the former GM didn't like GN so he didn't use them. New management has now partnered with the site and I'm glad they did. The course was closed for a year (Dec. 2021-Dec. 2022) for renovation so if you played the course before Dec. 2021 and were less than happy, give it another shot. Greens, fairways, and tee boxes are all in good to very good condition.The layout is challenging but fair with more than normal (for Florida) elevation changes, some water, and a number of tight tree lined fairways. The greens have enough undulation to challenge your green reading skills. The staff is maybe the friendliest and most accommodating I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. I will definitely be back.

This course is getting ready for a complete Re Do!! Course is dead.. greens are gone.. no grass!!! Do not waste your time!!! When it’s completed it will hopefully be better then ever!!!

Very nice verity of holes, but a bit thin on the fairways..greens have a few to many low cut weeds,and from the staff ,the owners are going to shutdown the course for a complete rebuild. I only hope they don't increase the price after their done..it's the only course north of Leesburg, that's got some elevation changes, sort of like sanctuary ridge in Clermont. Staff is very nice & helpful..and the proshop is firstclass..

I wish it was a bit cheaper. Course layout is tight hole to hole not much buffer between the holes. Plenty of elevation made for a different course experience compared to the golf courses nearby. The greens are SUPER small, and over all they were in decent shape.