I guess I’m a glutton for punishment when it comes to golfing in the cold. After yesterday’s high temperature of about 45 degrees, today’s forecast was only a couple degrees warmer. Still, I braved the gloomy, cold morning for a round at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links – a course I haven’t played before.

Royal St. Cloud is a Central Florida course I’ve always wanted to play, but because of its out-of-the-way location I’ve just never made the drive from my parent’s house. The course is in St Cloud, which is about a half hour south of Orlando. For those not familiar with the area, St Cloud is surrounded by lakes and difficult to access. Happily, the course’s location is the only bad thing about it. I thought everything else was great.

Royal St. Cloud is a links-style course that opened in 2001. Originally there were 18 holes here, but the course was expanded to 27 holes in 2009. The three nines are called Blue, Red and White. I believe the original routing includes the Blue and White nines, but I’m not positive about that. From what I read prior to my round the Blue/White combo is the best so that is what I booked.

I was one of the first golfers out and made great time. It took me less than three hours to play. I played the White nine first and then as I was making the turn the proshop told me that a couple groups went out on Blue. So, instead of waiting around in the cold the proshop said I could go play the Red nine since no one was out there yet. A little disappointing, but hopefully I can get back to try the Blue nine.

Chip Powell – a new name in golf course design to me – designed Royal St. Cloud. The course is located in a wetlands area and mostly secluded from the nearby homes. The course is unique because of its links characteristics and interesting bunkering. There is a lot of sand here which makes things very pleasing to the eye, even on a cloudy day. The bunkers come in all shapes and sizes, including some church-pew style bunkers on one hole and waste area-style bunkers on others. One hole has a cool bridge while another has a square green. Interesting stuff.

I played the gold tees which are 70.9/126/6426. The White nine has wide fairways with the main challenge being a couple water hazards and tricky green complexes. The greens are large, however the edges fall off into chipping areas so everything kicks away from the surfaces. The Red nine has more narrow driving areas and also has those difficult greens.

Nothing really stood out to me as a signature hole, but at the same time there aren’t any weak holes. Each nine I played had a fun short par-3. The 3rd hole on the White nine is 134 yards and plays over water. The narrow green has two tiers and is built up, dropping off severely on each side. The 4th hole on the Red nine is only 120 yards, but its green is surrounded by sand with water to the right.

I paid about $60 which I thought was really reasonable as we get close to prime golf season in Orlando. The fairways were full – don’t think they were overseeded as most lies were tight. The greens were quick and rolled well. I hit way too many putts past the hole. The tees were chewed up and a little thin. The turf was soft and the course didn’t play like a links course, which is probably my only disappointment when it comes to the conditions.

Overall, I think Royal St. Cloud creeps into hidden gem status. However, there are spots that need some TLC. For example, the on-course bathrooms were nasty and the landscaping needs a refresh. I won’t go as far as saying the course is a must play in the golf-packed Orlando area, but I don’t think you’d be disappointed mixing it in on a golf trip when the price is considered. Personally, I look forward to returning on a warmer day.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):