Midwest Golf Magazine
  • Home
  • Issues
  • Subscribe
  • MGM/WCGT Golf Outings
  • News
  • Advertisers
  • Media Kit
    • Distribution
  • Contact
    • About
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest News
  • Middle America’s Golf Mecca – The Branson, Missouri Ozarks is Ready for Your Next Golf Trip
  • Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs Starts Lincolnshire Fields Country Club Bunker Project
  • Construction of Mapleton Golf Club in South Dakota Commences
  • BOYNE Golf Announces New Short Course Will be Named “Doon Brae”
  • SuperStroke Adds Five New NCAA Team Grips to Its Officially-Licensed Collection
  • Big Golf Nation News for Midwest Golfers
  • SuperStroke’s Premium-Quality Pantheon Golf Bags Debut with Stand, Hybrid and Cart Models
  • Holiday Golf Gifts They Won’t Want to Return
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Midwest Golf Magazine
  • Home
  • Issues
  • Subscribe
  • MGM/WCGT Golf Outings
  • News
  • Advertisers
  • Media Kit
    • Distribution
  • Contact
    • About
Midwest Golf Magazine
You are at:Home»Travel Articles»Spring Lake Golf Resort in Sebring, Florida – All the Trappings of Home and So Much More
Travel Articles

Spring Lake Golf Resort in Sebring, Florida – All the Trappings of Home and So Much More

David TheoretBy David TheoretFebruary 5, 2019No Comments6 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

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.

For more information or to book your next Spring Lake vacation, they can be reached toll free at (800) 635-7277. You can also drop them an email at groups@springlakegolfresort.com.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
David Theoret
  • Website

The Golfin’ Guy aka David (or Dave, but never Davey) Theoret grew up in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, where it was naturally assumed he would play hockey. Beginning at the age of 3 and continuing into his late 30's, he did just that. However, after one too many pucks to the head, he realized that golf was a lot easier on the body and took the game up. Whoever said hockey players were slow? Since that time, golf has become his passion – just ask Belinda. From 2003 until 2009, David ran the sales and marketing department of TravelGolf Media and took his team to over $1M in annual advertising revenue. While at TravelGolf, an editor told him he had a flair for writing and the lightbulb came on. He started writing articles about anything golf related: courses, destinations, resorts, shoes, apparel, equipment and training aids and sending them to websites and magazines. At first, his articles were picked up by a few golf websites and magazines, but the number steadily grew – enough that he could call it a career. Most days he’s on a course somewhere, either working or playing. Actually, to him playing IS work. Occasionally you’ll find him on the practice range reinforcing bad habits. David plays to a 12 handicap - unless there is money involved in which case it goes considerably higher. He currently resides in Lakeland, FL with his wife Belinda and their two "kids", Louie and Molly.

Related Posts

Marsh Landing Country Club in Florida – A Return to Prestige

Raven Rock Golf Club in Eastern Kentucky– A Fun Golf Course with Breathtaking Views

Chimney Oaks Golf Club – Great Golf and a Whole Lot More!

Comments are closed.

Current Issue

2023 Fall Issue Now Available

Receive Special Golf Offers By Email

Web Sponsor
Follow
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Subscription Program Courses

Subscribe to Midwest Golfing Magazine for only $50 and receive free rounds of golf. Cart not included with the free rounds and must be purchased. View Details >>
banner banner MajesticOaks-Blue banner bannerPlattevillebannerLakeWisconsintrappersturn Whispering Springsnorthernbayoldhickory northbrook banner banner bannerbannerbannerbanner

Follow
Tweets by MidwestGolfMag
Follow Us
Mission

Covering golf in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Copyright © Royle Publications - Greater Milwaukee Golf Show || Greater Madison Golf Show

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Go to mobile version