A tee time at Deer Island Country Club, located 40 miles northwest of Orlando in Lake County, is one of the most unique golf experiences in all of Florida. Set within a small gated community on a 400-acre island between Lake Dora and Lake Beauclair, it is Florida s only island golf course. Wildlife abounds at this beautiful playing field that is known for providing excellent bang for your buck. Designer Joe Lee, whose credits included the Blue Monster at Doral, Bay Hill in Orlando, and Cog Hill in suburban Chicago, called Deer Island Country Club the most unique design of his career. While holes 3 and 4 are right by the shores of Lake Dora, the rest of the playing field winds around smaller lakes and protected wetlands. At Deer Island Country Club, water is present on all 18 holes and it comes into play on 16 of them. Although Lee s design allows for a conservative way around the vast majority of penalty areas for those who wish to avoid direct forced carries, the hazards are intimidating. Deer Island Country Club is one of Central Florida s most challenging courses and it is particularly tough on higher handicap players. Sloping terrain leads balls toward trouble. Large bunkers seem ever present and the club s postage stamp-size greens provide tiny targets. On the signature par-3 13th hole, the putting surface is virtually an island. Although it is very easy to lose lots of golf balls at Deer Island Country Club, what a fun and thrilling challenge it is to play here. The views are awesome at this secluded, tranquil layout. During your round you re likely to see alligators and prolific birdlife, including bald eagles. In part because of the wildlife, walking is not permitted. The club's extensive practice facilities include a double-ended driving range, chipping area with a practice bunker, and a putting green. The Old Florida-style clubhouse is home to a small golf shop and a bar area with limited food primarily hotdogs and sandwiches that is available up until the early afternoon. For a truly unique golf experience in Central Florida about midway between Orlando and The Villages, make a tee time to play Deer Island Country Club.