Forest Lake Golf Club
Forest Lake Golf Club delivers an approachable yet strategic 18-hole parkland experience in Apopka, Florida. Offering generous greens, scenic par-3s, and comprehensive practice facilities, it invites golfers of all levels to enjoy a quietly satisfying round away from city noise.
Course Overview
Forest Lake Golf Club in Apopka, Florida, presents an 18-hole challenge shaped by rolling fairways and generously sized greens, crafted to accommodate golfers across a range of skill levels. This public course offers a blend of openness and strategic design elements, with no residential developments edging the layout, allowing the natural Floridian landscape to take center stage. The course’s parkland style emphasizes wide landing areas, but subtle contours and thoughtfully placed bunkers create moments that demand precision, particularly on the back nine where the routing becomes more intricate.
The overall environment is calm and inviting, drawing players out of the urban hum and into a space where grass tees and well-maintained turf set the tone for each swing. The practice facilities are noteworthy, featuring a grass driving range, expansive chipping areas, two practice greens, and a dedicated bunker. These offerings provide ample opportunity to warm up and sharpen short and long game skills prior to round time.
Playability is a core strength here—while ambitious shots can be rewarded, the course remains approachable. Large greens lessen the punishment for imperfect approach shots, yet undulations ensure putting remains engaging. The par-3 holes stand out as particularly picturesque and test club selection with varying distances and water hazards adding complexity. One recent renovation of a back nine hole reflects ongoing effort to enhance challenge and interest without altering the fundamental character.
Amenities include the Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill, a relaxed spot to decompress after 18 holes with reasonably priced meals and friendly service. Walking is allowed and the gently rolling terrain suits those who prefer to experience the course on foot, though soft spikes or spikeless shoes are recommended for traction.
Forest Lake suits golfers seeking solid value with a well-conditioned course that balances challenge and enjoyment in Central Florida. Its lack of surrounding housing gives it a quiet ambience uncommon in this region, making it a destination for repeat rounds and local play alike.
Course Highlights
Noteworthy features include a recent redesign on the back nine that adds strategic interest without sacrificing flow, large greens that favor a variety of shot shapes, and serene par-3 holes set against open landscape. The absence of housing around the course enhances the feeling of isolation and immersion in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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.
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!
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.
Ted Pizio
Hit the driving range.
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.
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.
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!
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Course Details
Access & Location
10521 Clarcona Ocoee Rd, Apopka, FL 32703, USA
Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill offers dining and social space adjacent to the clubhouse.
Walking is permitted and encouraged. Terrain is gently rolling; comfortable walking shoes with soft spikes or spikeless soles advised.
Tee times available via online booking or phone. Early reservations recommended on weekends.
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