Sebring International Golf Resort - Panther Creek Course

We were the only people on this course and after playing it, I understand why. The front 9 greens were in fair condition but the back 9 greens were terrible. We quit after 15 holes because the fairways and greens were totally dormant on 16, 17 and 18. No grass anywhere.

Edd and Rita Vowels never dreamed of owning a golf course. The Louisville natives relocated to Florida to live in the Sunshine state and raise their three young children. Both went to work for the McDonald’s Corporation in Sarasota. After 11 years, working his way up the internal hierarchy of the company in nearly every facet of the organization, Edd an Rita had the opportunity to purchase their first franchise in Bradenton.

Fast forward to 2009 and the Vowel have just retired after 42 years with the McDonalds Corporation. Now it’s time to start traveling in their RV, visiting and exploring the Smoky Mountains. They also spent a lot of time in the Sebring area and frequented Spring Lake Resort.

In 2014 a local bank took over the resort with the intent to sell it. Spring Lake Resort remained on the market for a couple of years and in early 2016 the bank made a decision to shut it down in mi-May if there was no buyer lined up. Immediately residents could foresee their property values plummeting. The only thing that could prevent that from happening was for someone to step up to the plate and buy the property. Preferably someone with a knowledge of the resort. That someone was Edd and Rita Vowels. In April of 2016, successful business owners Edd and Rita Vowels took a leap of faith and became the new owners of Spring Lake Golf Resort.

Spring Lake Resort is located just outside of Sebring, FL and borders Lake Istokpoga, Florida's 2nd largest freshwater lake. A lot of the area around Spring Lake has remained largely undeveloped however you’re never too far from shopping, movies, a dinner theater, bowling, or the world famous Sebring International Raceway as well as other recreational activities.

The major attraction at Spring Lake Resort are the 45 holes of golf: Panther Creek and Cougar Trail are 18-hole championship layouts while Bobcat is an executive length 9-hole course. Bobcat is one of the most popular courses in the area and tee times can be tough to come by during the winter “Snowbird” months. All of Spring Lake’s courses have well-groomed fairways and greens which help keep them difficult yet friendly. Spring Lake’s friendly staff can offer tips on what you’ll need to do to play your best round.

Of the two regulation tracks, Panther Creek is much longer. In fact, at 6,757 yards from the back tees, Panther Creek plays over 1,300 yards longer than Cougar Trail. Back in the day, each course had its own distinctive trademark: Panther Creek’s 4th hole is a 758-yard par 6 (yes, 6) dogleg left. Outside of the length, the hole is further complicated by a couple of fairway bunkers on the left that can easily come into play off the tee and on your layup shot. About 250 yards from the green, a lake comes int play on the left side, while another greenside bunker on the right collects other errant approaches. For some it’s a driver, two 3-woods and a wedge to get there for others it’s a variety of combinations. Whatever your score, it’s a hole you’ll long remember. Panther Creek offers six different tees to choose from and water comes into play on all but one of the holes. There’s also a par 3 with an island green.

Once upon a time – before the course underwent some extensive remodeling – the green on the par three 9th hole on Cougar Trail was the largest putting surface in the world, visible from the moon! OK, I made that last part up. Actually, the green made the Guinness World Records for the World’s Largest Green at over 47,000 square feet; it was over 100 yards deep! Hitting the green was easy; two putting – now that’s another story. As maintenance costs began to skyrocket, the green was repurposed, one of which is the large practice green you now find behind the clubhouse. As you stand on the tee, look at the green and look at the practice green. Now imagine everything in between being part of the green as well. You get the picture!

Even though at first glance Cougar Trail is a short course (5,443 from the back tees) don’t let that fool you. First of all, it’s a par 70. Secondly, the course is full of doglegs. Third, there’s water on every hole and finally, the greens are much smaller – even Number 9! Oh, and there’s a lot more undulation in them too.

Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find Shanker’s Pub and Victoria’s Restaurant. Shanker’s offers a light daily menu including fresh deli and BBQ Sandwiches, hot dogs, danishes, muffins, and egg sandwiches. After your round, stick around and watch your favorite team on one of many big screen televisions; it’s the perfect place to be for relaxing with your friends.

Victoria’s is a full-service restaurant with a full bar and is open to the public. They feature “casually elegant dining” in a setting that overlooks the golf course and canals; there’s also a deck with outdoor dining. The menu ranges from pasta dishes, to steaks and seafood. Victoria’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great place to host your next wedding or event. It’s a great place to eat after a long day on the course.

One of the nicest aspects of Spring Lake Resort is the Stay and Play component and they have put together some really budget-friendly packages. Accommodations consist of spacious, privately owned villas that are all fully furnished with two or three-bedrooms. Many feature screened-in lanais, full kitchens, living rooms and laundry facilities. A variety of bedding configurations are available and some units are also pet friendly. Rates change every season so it’s best to call or email. Don’t worry, they’ll take good care of you.

Spring Lake Golf Resort Centrally located in the historic town of Sebring, you’ll find a combination of a great climate and small-town atmosphere.

Spring Lake Golf Resort in Sebring Florida is out to make a statement about what a Florida golf resort should be and offers some of the best lodging and golf package values in Florida.. If you’re not looking for the glitz and glam of a high end, posh golf resort, but instead are looking for accommodations that remind you of home, along with good golf and great food, then the Spring Lake Golf Resort should at least be on your list of resorts to consider this winter. And, if you’re looking for more of what Florida’s famous for, you’ll be within striking distance of the Orlando theme parks. It’s also a little over an hour from both the Gulf and Atlantic beaches.

If you enjoy nature this course is for you, lots of gators.the course conditions were above average. The staff is very friendly. good pace of play for a weekend during the season.

Slow play. Took 5.5 hrs 18 holes. However It was a beautiful day and enjoyed it!!

This course is in very poor condition. A lot of dead patches on most greens. Fairways are very dry and very weedy. Really need a marshal on the course to speed up play. Will not play this course again.

Fair way okay greens not well not pull up with right g.p.s. Would not recmend to any one I no

Liked the course will play it again. Weather was great.

This course was very nice , greens a bit patchy but fast.

Greens were OK, but the fairways and tee boxes were in very poor condition.

The 18th hole has to be one of the toughest par 5 finishing holes in Florida. To short, in the water, to long, in the water. Second shot layup, to the right water, left and you can't see the green, to long in the water. Then there,s the shot to green over the water to the green which has a severe incline to the water. I felt good with a 7.

You will enjoy Par 6 hole and island green. Over all it is a good course for the money.

Course has seen better days. I imagine if the community ever builds out, it could be quite the place. But the economy and the glut of courses in the area may have hurt those chances. Fairways were weedy in many places, greens were slow. It has lots of potential with lots of water in play ( a canal) and good bunkering. I would play here again.

great lay out with a good mix of holes. use all your clubs

excellent greens and fairways, you can play it moderate or very hard depending on the tee block color you choose.
I loved the challenge of the 18 hole..

course was in decent condition greens rolled fairly quick.Has a 800 yd. par six,which I parred from the tips.Good value and pace of play.

Course has been changed sense the last time we played. Holes where moved.

really the only good thing about this course is its par 6. the fairways were swampy, the greens were sandy, and the bunkers were in no way maintained. To top it off, the course was confusing because they changes holes around. At least two holes it took me some searching to see where i needed to hit my second shot.

The rough was thick due to heavy rains. The fairways were soggy, but the greens were very good except for the 16th. A lot of straight holes on a flat piece of property. It was basic golf, playable, but not too memorable other than the par 6 hole.

Enjoyed the course as greens were very receptive to iron shots. I used to play this course years ago and layout has changed quite a bit. Live 45 minutes away and club offered us a good discount on future plays.

The course is very well maintained. All of the staff are friendly and very considerate to the players.

Super way to be treated!