Tom Watson Signature Golf Course at the Bear’s Den Resort Orlando
Classic Elegance & Strategic Play
If the Watson Course is a challenge, it is certainly a beautiful one. A traditional parkland layout with a windswept, native appearance, this 7,154-yard, par 72 beauty is framed by 15 varieties of native grasses, azaleas, hibiscus, camellias and other foliage. Says Watson: “Golf attracts more players than any other outdoor sport. No doubt there are almost as many reasons for this as there are players, but one reason is certainly shared by all. It’s the simple pleasure of being on a beautiful course.”
Tom Watson Course Details
Hole 1
Par 5
562–544–528–508–470 Yards
Strategically positioned bunkers and extensive landscaping will challenge your skills. Pay close attention to your approach shot, as you will encounter a large, two-tiered undulating green.
Hole 2
Par 4
364–353–319–303–267 Yards
This short par four consistently presents a formidable challenge. Decide whether to take a bold approach or play it safe on this risk-reward hole. A large collection area awaits shots missed to the left of the green.
Hole 3
Par 3
170–152–142–124–101 Yards
Choosing the right club is crucial for this challenging double-tiered green. Guarded by bunkers on the right and a steep collection area on the left, securing a par will be a respectable achievement.
Hole 4
Par 4
432–422–403–386–240 Yards
A well-executed tee shot on this dogleg right par 4 will set up a mid-length iron approach to the largest green on the front nine. The challenge continues as you navigate the expansive, undulating putting surface with skill.
Hole 5
Par 4
461–440–427–406–379 Yards
Drawing the ball on this hole takes advantage of the design feature that funnels shots toward the center of the fairway. Subtle breaks on the green will make chipping and putting challenging.
Hole 6
Par 4
366–340–317–301–237 Yards
The sixth hole provides two options off the tee. Avoid the bunkers on either side to set up a short iron approach. The well-guarded green demands careful attention to your distance.
Hole 7
Par 3
240–210–193–182–169 Yards
The seventh hole is a long and challenging par 3, with sand guarding the right side and a collection area to the left of the green. The safest spot to leave your approach shot is short of the green. Achieving par here is a commendable score.
Hole 8
Par 5
281–537–518–499–444 Yards
A long, straight drive sets the stage for a strategic decision on your second shot of this risk-reward par 5. Opting to lay up? Utilize the ample landing space on the right side of the fairway. Once on the putting surface, navigate the undulations of this rolling green with finesse.
Hole 9
Par 4
432–410–384–360–334 Yards
Don’t let the visually daunting tee shot unsettle you! The fairway appears narrower than it truly is, so stay calm and swing comfortably. A spacious green with two tiers emphasizes the importance of your lag putting.
Hole 10
Par 4
464–435–399–371–348 Yards
Bunkers flanking both sides of the fairway underscore the need for a solid drive. Aim for the left side of the green and steer clear of challenging back-right hole locations. Regardless of wind direction, this hole remains one of the most formidable on the course.
Hole 11
Par 4
385–356–333–307–280 Yards
Your longest club may not be necessary for the tee shot on this hole. Precision is key for your approach shot to the elevated green with multiple levels. While the greenside bunkers add visual interest, you’ll want to avoid finding yourself in them.
Hole 12
Par 3
202–185–175–170–150 Yards
Take in the panoramic view from the tee of this stunning par 3. With its lengthy green featuring three levels, be sure to carefully gauge the speed of your putt.
Hole 13
Par 4
394–358–335–306–277 Yards
Verify your yardage to the corner of this dogleg right hole. Optimal strategy from the tee involves aiming for the left side of the fairway to gain a clear view of the flagstick. The elevated green adds complexity to both depth perception and club selection.
Hole 14
Par 5
525–489–444–436–354 Yards
The opening par 5 on the back nine presents a genuine chance for birdie. A well-placed tee shot along the left side sets up a favorable view of the upcoming play. Employ your course management abilities around the green for a satisfying score.
Hole 15
Par 3
172–151–124–115–110 Yards
This medium-length par 3 demands a notably uphill shot, with prevailing winds typically working against the golfer, often resulting in shots falling short or finding the right front bunker. It’s advisable to consider an extra club. The undulating green emphasizes the importance of precision putting.
Hole 16
Par 4
419–396–376–368–347 Yards
Steer clear of the deep bunker positioned in the center of the landing zone. Opting for the right side of the fairway offers a wider target area, but brings the greenside bunkers into play during your approach. Consider the hole location when determining the length of your approach shot. Par may prove to be a challenging achievement.
Hole 17
Par 5
554–518–500–472–444 Yards
On the penultimate hole, precision is paramount. A straight-as-an-arrow shot steers clear of the numerous bunkers and native grasses framing this hole. The green, narrow and deep, presents numerous subtle breaks to navigate.
Hole 18
Par 4
431–401–383–368–344 Yards
This fantastic closing hole demands a powerful tee shot. Opting for the left side of the fairway sets up the best approach. Greenside bunkers pose a challenge for shots hit short and to the right. Securing a birdie finish will truly elevate your round on this course.
Tom Watson Course Score Card
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