High Grove
Lake Placid, FL
Panelists Score
High Grove
500 Cambria Rd
Lake Placid, FL 33852
United States
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Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
Reviews
Review
“The course is routed over the Lake Wales ridgeline, the 100-150 mile Ridgeline which acts as the sandy spine that runs through central Florida and ends in Venus FL. The course navigated on top of the Ridgeline and routes down the ridge and back up again and then back into the valley and back up again. This course features tremendous topographical changes with blind tee shots, blind approaches into greens and a variety of holes into, with, and across the prevailing winds. There is a good variety of uphill and downhill approaches and green complexes that generally feature fairway length approaches which can be approached from the ground or in the air. The tee shots landing areas are generous but the course is well defended through heavy contouring around and on the greens as well as on approaches. There are numerous shots where the golfer, despite being in the fairway, will find themselves with a lie with the ball above or below their feet which adds a challenge for the better player but also fair for the recreational golfer. The course runs thru an orange grove on all 18 holes. The front 9 is more open with views of several different holes from on top of the Ridgeline. The back 9 is more intimate and meanders more isolated from the other holes on the property. The short par 4 12th is drivable but features a heavily contoured green which can punish a too aggressive play with a challenging approach even from pitching distance. The short par 3 9th hole runs straight back up the Ridge and is a blind but heavily sloped green and visually appealing. And the par 5 6th hole has a double fairway which can be played to a different fairway depending on the pin position."
Read More2026
Review
“Great use of a long sandy ridge in the middle of Florida. Some holes feel like the Australian sand belt, some feel like the sand hills of Nebraska, and though I've only seen it on TV, a few of the holes through the orange groves gave me a sense of the cork trees around Valderrama. Very fun course to see and play."
Read More2026
Review
“High Grove feels like a tale of two nines, yet the architectural character remains consistent throughout. The contrast between the open stretches and holes framed by orange groves gives each side a distinct feel, even with expansive, generous fairways throughout. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner had a phenomenal piece of land to work with, and the rolling sandy terrain and dramatic elevation changes make it hard to believe you’re in Florida. Bold bunkering and distinctive green complexes tie everything together, giving the course plenty of character without feeling forced. There is plenty of room off the tee, but where you finish within that width matters. The wrong side of a fairway could leave a blind approach, though the green still felt reachable with a well-executed shot. Multiple ways to play the holes and recover around the greens keep things interesting and encourage creativity. With no water in play, excellent conditions and a layout that balances challenge with freedom to experiment, High Grove was simply a tremendous amount of fun."
Read More2026
Review
“High Grove feels like a tale of two nines, yet the architectural character remains consistent throughout. The contrast between the open stretches and holes framed by orange groves gives each side a distinct feel, even with expansive, generous fairways throughout. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner had a phenomenal piece of land to work with, and the rolling sandy terrain and dramatic elevation changes make it hard to believe you’re in Florida. Bold bunkering and distinctive green complexes tie everything together, giving the course plenty of character without feeling forced. There is plenty of room off the tee, but where you finish within that width matters. The wrong side of a fairway could leave a blind approach, though the green still felt reachable with a well-executed shot. Multiple ways to play the holes and recover around the greens keep things interesting and encourage creativity. With no water in play, excellent conditions, and a layout that balances challenge with freedom to experiment, High Grove was simply a tremendous amount of fun."
Read More2026
Review
“New Gil Hanse design using a ridge that runs through orange groves in the middle of florida (which is typically flat). Excellent variety between holes and using the ridge to play up, over, down and across the ridge. For the most part large greens with slope but with restraint, that Gil doesn't always have. I think this course will get better year over year."
Read More2026
Review
“Amazing place, definitely go if you get the chance. Might be the best golf course in Florida."
Read More2026
Review
“Amazing property with awesome views. Might be the best course in all of Florida, if not a close close second only maybe to Seminole."
Read More2026
Review
“This will be a very special place especially when all the amenities are finished. It was great that Golf Digest Panelists got to experience the facility. I clearly rate this very highly amongst Florida courses. The course variety was exceptional and the Hanse / Wagner design team utilized the natural land features very well."
Read More2026