October rain. Not a storm. Just a steady, sideways insistence, drumming on the awning while the course glistened under the lights like a freshly waxed bowling lane.
Hollis and I had made it through twelve holes before the sky lost patience. He was up two strokes, thanks to a lag putt on the ninth that rolled sixty feet across a double tier and died at the lip like it had run out of things to say. I am still not over it.
We retreated to the bar. Two stools. Wet jackets. Unfinished business.
The bartender set it down without ceremony, which is the only way a whiskey cocktail like this should arrive. Woodford Reserve, amber and warm, tasting of old libraries and leather armchairs. A dark cherry, glossy as a church pew. A curl of orange. A few dashes of bitters, the way a good story needs a villain. Simple syrup, just enough to keep the peace.
I swirled it. Hollis swirled his. Neither of us spoke for a while.
Then he nodded at the ping pong table in the corner, dry under the overhang, paddles waiting.
Best of five. I took it three games to two, the rain still falling, my glass still half full. The scorecard says he won. The scorecard does not know everything.
Customer reviews
Don’t take
our word
Came for the putting, stayed for the food. The double smash burger is unreal, crispy edges and that bacon jam. We ended up sitting on the patio for two hours after our round.
Jessica M.
Winter Garden
Ordered a round of BarTender's Choice cocktails from the course and they found us on the 11th. The Birdie Juice is dangerously good. Already planning our next visit.
Marcus T.
Nashville
The kids ran between the playground and our table the whole time. Tenders were hot and crispy, and they were thrilled with the chips. Easiest family night we've had in months.
Alicia R.
Dallas @ The Colony
Honestly didn't expect a golf spot to have food this good. The ahi tuna nachos and miso salmon were both a hit. The course itself is legit too, real breaks and tiers.
Dan P.
Palm Beach
Brunch on the patio before an early round is our new Sunday thing. Chicken and waffles with Mike's Hot Honey, a Hair of the Bird, and a lag putt I'm still bragging about.
Priya K.
Orlando
Lost at cornhole, won at ping pong, and the wings made up for both. Staff kept checking on us without hovering. Great spot for a group.
Chris L.
Tampa
The Tequila Creamsicle tastes like summer camp for adults. Paired it with the Korean steak tacos after our round and watched the sunset from the patio. Perfect night.
Morgan B.
Winter Garden
More from the bar
Play through
the menu
Coconut Espresso Martini
1800 Coconut tequila, coconut syrup, freshly brewed espresso, garnished with espresso beans and toasted coconut
$16
Birdie Juice
New Amsterdam gin, cucumber, basil, strawberry monin, simple syrup, lime juice, sprite
$13.50
The Island Chick
Bacardi Rum, Gosling's Dark Rum, Disaronno Amaretto, grenadine, mango monin, orange juice, pineapple juice
$15