Forest Lake Golf Club
Forest Lake Golf Club delivers a compelling 18-hole parkland-style layout with spacious fairways and large greens, set within a natural, residential-free environment. Its full practice facilities and the welcoming Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill make it a well-rounded destination for golfers of varying abilities.
Course Overview
Situated in Apopka, Florida, Forest Lake Golf Club offers an 18-hole layout designed to balance challenge and enjoyment amid a tranquil, natural setting. This public course presents a parkland-style experience defined by gently rolling fairways and generous greens, framed by mature trees that guide each tee shot while allowing enough breathing space for golfers to shape their game. The absence of surrounding homes or residential development adds to the sense of immersion, making it feel like a secluded retreat just outside Central Florida’s urban sprawl.
Players of all skill levels will find Forest Lake approachable yet engaging. The fairways provide room to swing freely, yet strategic bunkering and well-placed hazards demand thoughtful club selection, especially as you navigate the back nine. The course’s large greens reward precision but are forgiving enough for those working on their putting strokes, accommodating both novices and experienced players looking to lower their scores.
Forest Lake places a strong emphasis on practice facilities that complement the on-course challenge. The driving range features grass tees that invite warm-ups and long-game tuning, while dual chipping greens and a dedicated practice bunker provide opportunities to refine short-game skills. These amenities underline the club’s commitment to supporting players eager to improve.
After a round, the Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill awaits with a relaxed atmosphere and solid dining options, making it an ideal spot to review shots and plans for the next visit. Though some players have noted pace of play as a consideration on busy days, the club’s team is attentive, and early tee times often ensure a smooth pace.
The course’s maintenance shows consistent attention, particularly in the fairways and greens, though seasonal wear is a factor to keep in mind as it is with many Florida courses. Walking is permitted and enjoyable across the modest elevation changes, but comfortable shoes are recommended due to the course’s moderate length and sun exposure. Forest Lake Golf Club remains a compelling choice for locals and visitors seeking a well-rounded golf experience in Central Florida.
Course Highlights
Forest Lake distinguishes itself with wide, rolling fairways and large greens that cater to a variety of playing styles. The course’s lack of surrounding homes creates an uninterrupted natural feel. Its well-maintained practice areas, including two chipping greens and a grass tee driving range, provide comprehensive preparation for any round. The back nine is noted for slightly more challenging holes that test club selection and course management, particularly the recently redesigned 16th hole that introduces a fresh element to the closing stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Andrew Eberhard
The gents at the pro shop were great, and were able to accommodate getting on the tee sheet with short notice. The course offers a great grass tee driving range for warm up (extra charge), and an expansive chipping and practice green. The course itself, was in excellent condition and the back nine was a good challenge which included a newly re-designed hole 16 I believe. I see pace of play being a concern for other reviews, but we finished 18 in a reasonable 4 hr and 15 minute. Few times we waited on the front nine, other than that no problem.
Brandon Brown
The practice green and chipping facility are in good shape and gives a variety of different shot looks. The driving range is in very rough shape and would not recommend for a quick bucket. The pro shop guys were great and warned me about the possibility of slow play and while I appreciate that, I cut my round short at nine holes due to it taking just under three hours, I was playing as a single and would’ve preferred to be paired up to keep the pace of play consistent. The cart guy had an attitude and I’ll leave it at that. The course itself, I only saw the back nine but it was not in good shape. The greens had good coverage but were very slow which is expected during summer time. The fairways on a couple of the holes were almost unidentifiable and most were covered in goose grass and spurge weeds. To sum it up, the price at which I paid did not equal the value of the course conditions. At this time, I would recommend seeking other options for your next round.
dennis dragon
I’ve been a member here for many years. Forest Lake was always a good value but under the new ownership they seem to think that raising the prices without improving the quality of the course is a good idea. I’ve talked to a number of other members they don’t feel the increase in prices are justified. At least there are a lot more teetimes available. Hopefully management will listen.
Ted Pizio
Hit the driving range.
Kyle Newell
Got lessons from John and have found my time with him so valuable. He taught me proper form and how to read the ball once I hit it so I know where I may be going wrong in my swing. Highly recommend him!
Dale Hurlock
Forest Lake Golf Club in Central Florida is a true gem! The course boasts fantastic condition with rolling fairways, a grass driving range, and a practice area featuring two chipping greens. They also have a practice bunker and a practice green available. The course layout is pure golf—no homes in sight, just a scenic and meticulously maintained course that caters to golfers of all skill levels. After a satisfying round, Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill is the ideal spot to unwind and savor delicious, reasonably priced food. The welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service make it a perfect choice for relaxation. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Forest Lake is an absolute must-play!
Thomas Harris
Course was good... driving range shut down because the ran out of golf balls and the picker doesn't have a cage. They had a guy riding around with a motorcycle helmet. Then instead of picking enough to get the tournament out he picked the entire range for at least 45-1hr... bad customer service.
Chris Knobbe cknobbe@att.net
Played the course today for the first time and absolutely loved the layout. So challenging but yet it’s open enough to spray it. Greens had just been aerated in the last week but still some of them were rolling really nice. Once they grown in they will be perfect. Big greens so don’t need to be precise with shots in. Par 3’s are beautiful and scenic. Fairways were in pretty good shape so no complaints there. Course doesn’t have any houses around and it feels like you’re away from everything. Staff was fantastic from the pro shop to the cart girl. Will definitely be going back soon. Keep up the great work
dennis dragon
I’ve been a member here for many years. Forest Lake was always a good value but under the new ownership they seem to think that raising the prices without improving the quality of the course is a good idea. I’ve talked to a number of other members they don’t feel the increase in prices are justified. At least there are a lot more teetimes available. Hopefully management will listen.
Brandon Brown
The practice green and chipping facility are in good shape and gives a variety of different shot looks. The driving range is in very rough shape and would not recommend for a quick bucket. The pro shop guys were great and warned me about the possibility of slow play and while I appreciate that, I cut my round short at nine holes due to it taking just under three hours, I was playing as a single and would’ve preferred to be paired up to keep the pace of play consistent. The cart guy had an attitude and I’ll leave it at that. The course itself, I only saw the back nine but it was not in good shape. The greens had good coverage but were very slow which is expected during summer time. The fairways on a couple of the holes were almost unidentifiable and most were covered in goose grass and spurge weeds. To sum it up, the price at which I paid did not equal the value of the course conditions. At this time, I would recommend seeking other options for your next round.
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Course Details
Access & Location
10521 Clarcona Ocoee Rd, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill
Walking is permitted and offers an enjoyable way to experience the course’s subtle elevation changes. Comfortable, supportive shoes are advised because of sun exposure and walking distance.
Open daily; tee times recommended especially on weekends and holidays.
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