We’re lucky enough at Golf Aficionado to call our home course Heathrow Country Club. It’s the course we’ve played more than any other and the place where all the Golf Aficionados met. The overview, Heathrow Country Club located in Heathrow, FL opened in 1985 and was designed by Ron Garl. Originally Heathrow was a Par 72 course but later changed to Par 71 as the 9th hole was changed from a Par 4 to Par 3. I never had a chance to play it as a Par 72 but I heard number 9 was a real treat before the change.
Heathrow is probably known most for its abundance of water. 14 holes in total have water in play with number 12 the island hole being the signature hole. The course is usually in tip top condition and has a proper clubhouse, grill room, men’s card room, and pro shop.
Hole by Hole Review
Hole 1 starts you off easy it is also one of the four holes without water. A good drive over the sand bunker and you’re looking at an easy shot into a large green.
Hole 2 is a Par 5 that baits long hitters into going for the green in 2; if it wasn’t for it being the second hole more golfers might be tempted to carry the water and attack the green.
Hole 3 is a Par 4 and a nasty one at that. A good drive over water puts you in good shape but if you don’t hit the green with your second you’re sure to find trouble in all directions.
Hole 4 is the first of the Par 3’s. It only plays 174 from the tips and the green is wide.
Hole 5 is a Par 4 squeezed between to Par 3’s. If you can keep your drive left you’re in good shape. Watch out for the green it’s always the fastest on the course.
Hole 6 is a long Par 3 playing 230 from the tips. If you can keep it dry you be in good shape to get up and down on this one.
Hole 7 the hardest hole on the course. It’s a Par 4 that forces you to cross water twice. A good tee shot puts you in great position to score well on this hole just don’t let the water make you nervous on the approach.
Hole 8 a Par 5 playing 520 from the tips has a fairway so wide you could land a jumbo jet, however many golfers still miss to the left or right. If you can keep it in the fairway you’ll fare well on this one.
Hole 9 is the remodeled Par 3. The green is protected by a large greenside bunker but beyond that it’s a straight shot.
Hole 10 the easiest hole on the course. It’s a short par 4 and relatively a straight shot but it seems to always give me trouble for some reason.
Hole 11 another Par 5 this one is a challenge forcing you to carry water twice. A good drive puts you in great position but you need to keep right which can bring the water into play off the tee.
Hole 12 the island hole. Not much to this other than actually getting it on the green.
Hole 13 a short Par 4. If you can stay just left of the bunker off the tee you’re in great shape to get home in regulation.
Hole 14 ranked the 4th hardest hole, but a good drive makes this hole significantly easier.
Hole 15 the longest of the Par 3’s at 222 from the tips. A nice wide green if you pick the right club you should be in good shape.
Hole 16 The Longest of the Par 5’s at 587 from the tips. The 3 finishing holes at Heathrow are really outstanding and it all starts at 16. Hit a long drive and long second and you’re in business.
Hole 17 is probably my favorite hole on the course. To me it’s the hardest hole on the course having to cross water twice. Off the tee most hit a 3 wood trying to keep it left but dry for a better second shot into the green.
Hole 18 is all about risk reward. How much water do you think you can carry off the tee? Make the right choice and you’ll be in great shape to hit the green in regulation.