Candler Hills Golf Course
Candler Hills Golf Course in Ocala, Florida offers a well-maintained 18-hole public layout featuring smooth greens, strategic bunkering, and a natural Floridian landscape. Renovations underway promise an enhanced playing experience for a wide range of golfers seeking both challenge and enjoyment.
Course Overview
Located in the heart of Ocala, Florida, Candler Hills Golf Course offers players a compelling blend of challenge and charm across its 18 holes. This public course is laid out over a rolling landscape typical of Florida’s interior, featuring generous fairways bordered by natural wetlands, clusters of towering pines, and subtle elevation changes that invite strategic shot-making without overwhelming most skill levels. The course’s design encourages thoughtful play and rewards accuracy over sheer power, making it accessible for mid to higher handicaps while still engaging lower handicaps seeking to test precision.
Candler Hills stands out for its well-maintained fairways and consistently smooth greens, which remain a highlight even amid ongoing renovation efforts that aim to elevate playing conditions post-May 2024. The greens generally run true but can be slower at times, demanding careful reading and delicate putting strokes. Bunkers are strategically placed to influence club selection off the tee and around approaches, providing an added layer of complexity.
The layout’s natural Florida setting brings varied scenery and a quiet atmosphere throughout the round. Wetland areas frame several holes, offering visual contrast and opportunities for approach shots to carry carries careful calculation. Wildlife sightings, including birds and small mammals, add a peaceful dimension to the overall experience.
Players should be aware of course policies regarding beverages, as outside drinks are prohibited and on-site sales begin mid-morning. The course encourages walking, with paths for carts carefully routed to preserve turf quality and ambiance. After your round, the clubhouse provides indoor dining and a pleasant courtyard setting enclosed by protective walls and large umbrellas, making it a comfortable spot to unwind.
Candler Hills is currently undergoing renovations slated for completion by December 2024, indicating an imminent fresh chapter in its evolution. Visitors can expect a solid course that blends friendly playability with moments that require patience and precision, all set within a thoughtfully maintained Floridian landscape.
Course Highlights
Candler Hills features natural wetlands integrated into the course layout, strategic bunkering framing key holes, and elevation changes that add subtle complexity. The smooth, well-maintained greens stand out as a focal point, with renovations underway to improve overall conditions. The clubhouse courtyard offers a unique enclosed space for post-round relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Alex Davis
For $100 a round, apparently my expectations were too high. Greens were nice. Fairways were halfway decent. No outside beverages allowed, but they don’t sell beverages until 11. The sprinklers practically turned on in my face ON the green. The ranger constantly monitors to keep pace of play, which is fantastic, but how can they turn on sprinklers when they know you’re playing on the hole. Then greens were very nice, pin placements were a joke, but I’m not holding that against them. Apparently they’re just letting the course go due to upcoming renovations. Well, it shouldn’t be full price for half expectations.
geoff oldberg
Nopeers
I love this golf course! The fairways are immaculate and the bunkers well groomed. The greens are in wonderful condition but slower than usual. It has not been crowded and the staff truly do their best to make your visit a memorable and enjoyable experience. I definitely recommend this golf course.
Shane Waller
One of the most fun rounds I’ve had. Course is in great shape. The greens were very dry, but we were told it’s because the course is getting renovated after 5/11 and will be closed until December! Definitely a course I will have to play again one day!
Alex Davis
For $100 a round, apparently my expectations were too high. Greens were nice. Fairways were halfway decent. No outside beverages allowed, but they don’t sell beverages until 11. The sprinklers practically turned on in my face ON the green. The ranger constantly monitors to keep pace of play, which is fantastic, but how can they turn on sprinklers when they know you’re playing on the hole. Then greens were very nice, pin placements were a joke, but I’m not holding that against them. Apparently they’re just letting the course go due to upcoming renovations. Well, it shouldn’t be full price for half expectations.
fred blume
Solid 3.5+ in a well designed sheltered courtyard setting with low walls on 2 sides and masonry building walls on the other 2 sides plus large umbrellas over tables and a long golf course greenery view and landscape plantings providing pleasant eye relief and viewing. Good prrompt service and ample parking. Indoor dining is also available with the courtyard area a real treat.
Roger Kennedy
Course was in great shape. Enjoyed the round of golf with friends. Looking forward to the new renovated Course.
Roger Kennedy
Course was in great shape. Enjoyed the round of golf with friends. Looking forward to the new renovated Course.
Shane Waller
One of the most fun rounds I’ve had. Course is in great shape. The greens were very dry, but we were told it’s because the course is getting renovated after 5/11 and will be closed until December! Definitely a course I will have to play again one day!
Matias Maestri
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Course Details
Access & Location
8137 SW 90th Terrace Rd, Ocala, FL 34481, USA
Main clubhouse with indoor dining and courtyard seating
Walking is encouraged; paths available for carts. Comfortable walking shoes recommended due to natural terrain and occasional wet areas.
Tee times available to the public; booking recommended especially on weekends
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