Streamsong Resort: What To Know Before You Go

Upon arrival for the first time to Streamsong Resort, most golfers can’t believe they’re in Florida. The soaring, exotic sand mounds that rise up to 75 feet conjure up more images of Ballybunion in Ireland than the palm-dotted Sunshine State.

While the word “unique” is overused these days, it certainly applies to Streamsong. There’s no other golf resort remotely like this central Florida wonderland of sand mounds, lakes and vegetation.

Set on terrain formerly used as a phosphate strip mine, Streamsong Resort has three 18-hole golf courses, a 216-room resort hotel, six  restaurants and lounges, two golf clubhouses, a European-style spa and activities like hiking, trap shooting and guided bass fishing.

Golf

The Red

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s team designed this linksy feeling gem. It has several expansive green complexes for roll-offs and many opportunities for bump and run shots. With just a few large trees, the wind comes into play often and you need a ground game similar to one you might use in Ireland or Scotland to be successful.

The Blue

Designed by Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design Group, the Blue has generous fairways, large greens and several very deep bunkers. The first thing you’ll notice is the gargantuan elevated first tee.

The Black

Opened in 2017, The Black, the newest course at Streamsong, is a Gil Hanse/Jim Wagner design that’s an easier walk and much flatter than the other two courses. It helps to be a good putter since the greens are huge with 11 acres of greens complexes. If you ever want to work on your putting, this is the place to do it. There’s even a putting course by the Black called “The Gauntlet.”

Caddies

It’s highly suggested to use a caddie to get a full appreciation of the terrain and setting at Streamsong. Most of the caddies are very experienced with backgrounds at exclusive resorts and private clubs.

Accommodations

The Lodge, a modern and sophisticated design, features 216 guest rooms with views of the surrounding lakes and wildlife habitat. Amenities include a swimming pool and grotto-style, full-service spa with 8 treatment rooms, six pool experiences and a hair and nail salon. The main golf clubhouse also has 12 guest rooms.

Dining

Restaurant Fifty-Nine – Specializes in USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.

Bone Valley Tavern – Located at The Black Clubhouse, it features beautiful views of the golf course with classic pub fare, an impressive beer list, multiple large screen TV’s and an oversized outdoor fire pit.

P2O5 – Offers all-day casual dining with classic American burgers, sandwiches and steaks as well as craft beers and wines by the glass.

Sottoterra Ristorante – An elegant Italian restaurant with entrees like Linguine Pesto & Scallops, Veal Ossobuco and Prosciutto Wrapped Pan Seared Filet Mignon.

Location

Streamsong Resort is situated between Tampa and Orlando near Lakeland. It takes between 75 to 90 minutes to drive from either Tampa International or Orlando International airports. The closest town to Streamsong is Fort Meade.

Special Experiences

– The halfway shacks on the courses go well beyond the traditional burgers and hot dogs with offerings like tacos, barbeque and smoked sausage.

– The outdoor terrace overlooking a lake and dramatic golf course terrain is a fabulous spot for an after-the-round celebratory drink.

– No homes anywhere on or within miles of the golf courses.

– The spectacular panoramas from the elevated tee boxes on no. 7 and no. 16 on the Red Course.

– There’s a bye hole, designed by Tom Doak, adjacent to the clubhouse, which is great for settling bets.

– If you don’t have time for a full round, the Red and Blue both have six-hole loops. They even supply 6-hole scorecards.

– The rooftop veranda at the hotel is an amazing spot for viewing sunsets and stargazing.

Meet the Author: Bill Hogan

Bill Hogan is based in Austin, TX and has over 35 years of experience in the luxury golf travel industry.

He has played golf in 57 different countries to date, is a long- time panelist for GOLF Magazine World & USA Top 100 courses, and on the ranking panel for Platinum Clubs of the World.