Eastwood GC
Orlando, FL
1989, Lloyd Clifton
Blue 7176, 75.3, 133, 72
White 6503, 71.7, 131, 72
Fees: ~$65 Wknd Peak, ~$55 Wkdy Peak
Fat Guy's buddy Tracy used to live on this course and said it was a decent value and worth a round.
Golfcourse.com Review: This course is wide open, however, 17 lakes come into play. The greens are overseeded in the summer. The back 9 has an abundance of wildlife visible. Kenneth Ezell and George Clifton contributed to the design in 1989. There is a twilight rate available after 2 PM. A new clubhouse is planned, which will include other amenities such as swimming, tennis courts and restaurants.
Avg. Golfcourse.com Player Review: 4.3/5.0. Raved about conditions, one mentioned slow pace.
Best Bar Nearby, Orlando: Travel Channel recommends Big Bamboo Lounge (4849 W. Irlo Bronson Mem Pkwy behind Publix). A cross between kitschy diner and tiki bar, it's a theme bar by accident. Order the house drink "The Bamboozler" with rum, more rum, and other stuff. No food is served but it's B.Y.O.F., making the Chinese take-out across the street very popular. OR, T&L Golf says the trendy Eola Yacht Club in Downtown Orlando is great for cocktails. Live music at The Sapphire, pub atmosphere at Pine Street, or for martinis try Ybor's or Tanqueray's.
Best Bar Nearby, Disney Parks: Gil loves Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Universal City Walk. Buffet's laid-back party style meets Disney's theme-happy marketing folks, as Margaritaville features 3 bars with various themes and special effects taken from Buffet song lyrics. The kitchen serves up "Florribean" cuisine. Gil says it's a great indoor/outdoor spot to soak up the FL sunshine, sip a tasty blender drink, and watch the plentiful talent go by. OR, House of Blues (407-934-2583, Downtown Disney), or CityJazz @ Citywalk (407-224-2189) per T&L Golf. I once met a dancer who said she had worked at a high class Gentlemen's club named Rachel's in Orlando (401 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, 407-767-2977), but due to local ordinances, Orlando area table dances are very much hands off (as if one would expect anything more in Mickey's backyard).
T&L Golf says...
Where To Grub, In and Around the Parks:
Not surprisingly, this list is dominated by chain-style restaurants. If you're on the company expense account and planning ahead, hit Emeril's Restaurant Orlando (407-224-2424, Disney City Walk). Quality nouveau New Orleans food from the Food Network's celebrity chef, but call for a table at least 6 weeks in advance for weekdays, 14 weeks in advance for weekends. OR, California Grill @ The Contemporary Resort 15th Fl. Eclectic gourmet specializing in CA cuisine. OR, ESPN Club @ Disney's Boardwalk Inn, wingy, ribs, burgers, and sports. OR, 50's Prime Cafe @ MGM Studios, classic diner fare with sassy service, park admission required. OR, Flying Fish Cafe, @ Disney's Boardwalk Inn has new American seafood. OR, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, 1482 E. Buena Vista Dr, Downtown Disney West Side, everything from seafood to fusion. My buddy Tom likes Coral Reef at Epcot, gourmet dining in front of a 30,000 gallon aquarium. Great presentation of the food, massive portions, and a chart to identify all the fish.
Where To Grub, Orlando: Sam Snead's Tavern (2461 S. Hiawassee Rd). American-style grill with salads, pasta, seafood, steaks, and homemade soups served amid Sam Snead memorabilia, with regular sightings of the Golf Channel's on-air talent at the hopping bar. Jeff Sluman recommends Del Frisco's (729 Lee Rd, 407-645-4443) for steaks. T&L Golf says for Southern cooking, try Louis' Downtown. Great city view at Manuel's On The 28, order the ostrich and elk. OR, a strip of popular restaurants has sprung up on Sand Lake Dr, near I-4 and International Dr: Timpano Italian Chophouse (407-248-0429); Samba Room (407-226-0550); Morton's (407-248-3485); Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (407-226-3900); and Roy's (407-352-4844).
Where To Stay, Outside the Parks: Golf Magazine recommends the Hyatt Regency @ Grand Cypress Resort. Check out the grotto pool and Hemingway's Restaurant.
Further Diversions: You mean besides the 6 or 8 world-class theme parks? For a gem within the haystack, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park was named #1 in the country by The Travel Channel.
See also: Fat Guy's Disney Weekend.