Exploring Streamsong’s Newest Golf Addition
Imagine being blindfolded and driven to the Streamsong Golf Resort in central Florida. You’d have little clue of your location, as this expansive 16,000-acre resort is built on a former phosphate strip mine. It boasts four top-tier golf courses on the East Coast, with an anticipated fifth course designed by renowned architect David McLay-Kidd.
Recently, I had the privilege of walking the under-construction 5th course with McLay-Kidd himself. Set to debut next year, the course is taking shape beautifully, and it was enlightening to hear how golfers of all types can navigate each hole. His insights were reminiscent of discovering new dimensions in chess, opening my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered before.
Streamsong’s Reputation as the Leading East Coast Golf Destination
In modern golf architecture, a select few designers are making an impact, including McLay-Kidd, Tom Doak, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse. Those familiar with the industry know Bandon Dunes in Oregon is the top golf resort globally, with McLay-Kidd as its visionary. Following him, other great courses like Pacific Dunes and Old Macdonald have emerged, solidifying Bandon Dunes’ reputation.
Now we shift our focus to Streamsong, located over 3,000 miles southeast in Florida. This resort opened in 2012 with the acclaimed Red and Blue courses, followed by the Black course in 2017 and the newly introduced 19-hole short course named The Chain in 2024, designed for match play.
Details About the Fifth Course
The name of the new Streamsong 5th Golf Course remains a mystery, but it is expected to align thematically with existing courses. While its name is still unknown, speculation suggests it may continue the color theme established by its predecessors. Initially, logistics indicated a separate clubhouse was necessary, which posed a significant financial challenge. However, McLay-Kidd found a way for the 5th course to share a clubhouse with Streamsong Black, integrating both facilities effectively.
Layout and Design Insights
Looking at the layout, the 5th course’s first hole will be located near the practice range adjacent to the Black clubhouse. McLay-Kidd’s expertise in course design ensures that despite initial challenges, he successfully crafted a stunning routing for this course. As a native Floridian, wandering through the still-unspoiled landscape felt enriching, particularly in a state where development has rapidly increased.
The Future of Streamsong Golf
As this 5th course develops, Streamsong aims to expand its reputation as an elite golf destination. While an exact opening date isn’t confirmed, the intention to unveil it next year suggests an exciting future. With four distinct 18-hole courses and an innovative match-play course, Streamsong offers a unique experience for golfers. With luxurious accommodations and superior amenities, it’s hard to envision a more desirable setting for golf trips among friends.
Stay tuned as updates on the 5th Course at Streamsong become available in the coming months!
