Mayfair Country Club

Although best known for its world-class theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios, the Orlando area is home to some of the best golf courses in the state of Florida, including one that hosts a PGA TOUR event every year. Many of these courses are accessible to the public and for the most part, they are in great shape and extremely playable year-round.

One area of Orlando that is often overlooked for golf is Seminole County, north and west of downtown. After a recent visit to the area and the opportunity to play both some public and private courses, I find that hard to believe. The topography of the land is not what you typic see in Florida – flat and boring; it has some roll and undulation to it – naturally! That can make for some interesting golf shots, especially the dreaded uneven lie.

Mayfair Country Club in Sanford is one of the oldest golf clubs in the area, dating back to 1922. It’s famous for being the site of Arnold Palmer’s first professional victory. There is a lot of speculation as to whether or not Mayfair is a Donald Ross design, the consensus seems to be that it is. Mayfair did host a professional tour event from 1958 to 1961 and attracted some of the top players of the day, including Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Julius Boros, Don January, Doug Ford, Tony Lema, Moe Norman, and Gene Littler. The great Moe Norman has been quoted as saying that “Hole #7 was the best par 3 in Central Florida.” At only 6,403 yards from the back tees, Mayfair isn’t going to overwhelm a lot of players and for the most part, the fairways off the tee are generous. Where Mayfair gets tough is on the approach shots into small, sometimes crowned greens – another Ross trademark. You’re sure to enjoy your round out here. Numbers 2 & 12 are short par 5s if you’re playing from the back tees; 443 and 430 yards respectfully

These are just a few of the courses you can play in Seminole County; there are several more listed under the golf tab on their website. You’ll also find that the greens fees at the public-accessible courses tend to be considerably less than what you’ll find at courses out near the theme parks.

When you’re not on one of Seminole County’s fine golf courses, there is plenty to do in the area without hitting one of the nearby theme parks! Eat, drink, and shop in Historic Sanford, visit the Central Florida Zoo, go kayaking in search of manatees or just sit outside and soak up that Florida sun. Seminole County is flush with restaurants too, offering just about every cuisine imaginable.

the overall condition of the course was terrible. I've played this course every year when I visit my sister and it seems to me that the conditions change every time I go there.

Golfer Beware! City of Sanford owns this course and recently hired Integrity Golf Services, LLC, . to run it. The previous management lessee died and the City initially stated that all memberships would be honored. However, on 10/23/13 members were "notified " via an unsigned, undated flyer available only at the pro shop that all memberships were being cancelled without cause, effective on 10/27/13. "Notified" on a Wednesday afternoon and cancelled on Sunday at 6PM. Less than 3 business days notice. Many members remain unaware that their membership is no longer honored and all members lost money -some had prepaid for several years. The City of Sanford via its management agent Integrity Golf Services,LLC. breached a contract with members with little notice and without cause. "Integrity " Golf, indeed. Watch out. You could be next.

good deal for the price.

Old PGA course from 40's--great old course and is in best condition it has been in for past couple of years! Well worth playing.