Streamsong Resort: Blue
Bowling Green, FL • Public
Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Courtesy of Laurence Lambrecht
Overview
Although congenial rivals, Tom Doak and Bill Coore actually collaborated on Streamsong’s original 36-hole routing, walking the site and mentally weaving holes around stunning mounds, lagoons, sand spits, savannahs and swamp, all elements left after a strip-mining operation. Coore then gave Doak first choice on which 18 he wanted to build, so Doak’s Blue Course includes a few holes routed by Coore. (Coore and Crenshaw’s Red, ranked No. 127, contains some holes originally envisioned by Doak.) The Blue starts a bit more dramatically, with the back tee on hole one atop a 75-foot sand dune. It has more water carries off the tee, and it’s also a bit more compact, since it sits in the center with the Red Course looping around its outside edges. The Blue definitely has the bolder set of greens, some with massive shelves and dips. The new addition of No. 178 Streamsong (Black) by Gil Hanse only adds to the spirited competition among designers. The theme song at Streamsong seems to be: “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.”
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2015.
2023-'24 ranking: 151st.
Previous ranking: 148th.
Highest ranking: 120th, 2015-'16.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2015.
2023-'24 ranking: 24th.
Previous ranking: 26th.
Highest ranking: 22nd, 2017-'18.
Best in State: Ranked fifth, 2017-'18. Ranked sixth, 2015-'16. Ranked seventh, 2019-'22.
2023-'24 ranking: 8th.
Previous ranking: 7th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Streamsong Blue, designed by the renowned architect Tom Doak, is a standout golf experience that perfectly blends strategic design, stunning scenery, and challenging play. Situated in central Florida’s tranquil landscape, the course combines natural beauty with an exhilarating test of golf, making it a must-play destination for serious golfers. ## Course Difficulty The difficulty of Streamsong Blue is rooted in its strategic design and varied challenges, which demand precision and creativity. While the course plays to a par of 72 and stretches just over 7,200 yards from the back tees, the real challenge lies in its deceptive elements—wide fairways that lull you into a false sense of security, deep and penal bunkers, and undulating greens that test even the most skilled putters. There’s room for forgiveness off the tee, but navigating approach shots and mastering the short game are essential to scoring well. Streamsong Blue rewards players who can control ball flight and adapt to changing conditions, with constant wind adding to the complexity. Many holes offer multiple angles of attack, forcing players to choose between safer conservative routes or high-risk, high-reward options. ## Unique Nature of the Holes One of the highlights of Streamsong Blue is the diversity of its holes, each offering a unique challenge and aesthetic appeal. Unlike many Florida courses, it avoids the cliché of water-laden layouts and instead showcases a landscape reminiscent of links courses in Scotland. The routing takes players through dunes, sandy waste areas, and native grasses, providing a different atmosphere and challenge on each hole. ### Notable Holes - **Hole 7 (Par 3, 203 yards):** This long par 3 is one of the most visually striking holes on the course. Elevated tee boxes provide a stunning view of the green, which is surrounded by natural dunes and deep bunkers. The wind often plays a significant role, making club selection critical. - **Hole 13 (Par 4, 405 yards):** Known for its split fairway and strategic options, Hole 13 presents a classic risk-reward scenario. Golfers must decide whether to take an aggressive line to the narrow left fairway for a shorter approach or play safely to the right, facing a more challenging second shot. - **Hole 18 (Par 5, 540 yards):** The closing hole is a testament to Streamsong’s dramatic design. A long par 5 with a wide fairway, it features multiple bunkers and undulating terrain that demand careful navigation. The large, tiered green requires a precise approach to avoid a difficult two-putt. ## Routing and Flow of the Course Doak’s masterful routing ensures that no two consecutive holes feel repetitive. The course flows seamlessly across the natural terrain, utilizing elevation changes, dunes, and open expanses to create variety. Players are treated to a mix of long and short holes, par 3s with diverse green complexes, and par 5s that offer scoring opportunities for those willing to take risks. The transitions between holes are smooth, with ample time to take in the breathtaking views. ## Conditions of the Course The conditions at Streamsong Blue are consistently top-notch, with meticulously maintained fairways and greens that are known for their speed and firmness. The course’s firm and fast conditions mimic those of classic links courses, where the ground game can be as important as the aerial game. Greens are lightning-fast, and many feature subtle breaks and undulations that can leave golfers scratching their heads. Approach shots that aren’t properly controlled often lead to tricky recovery shots from tight lies or collection areas. Bunkers at Streamsong Blue are not only visually intimidating but also strategically placed. The variety includes expansive waste areas, deep pot bunkers, and sprawling sandy hazards that often dictate shot selection. The sandy terrain provides consistent lies, but escaping these bunkers requires precision and skill. ## Aesthetic Quality and Terrain Unlike the typical tropical aesthetic of many Florida courses, Streamsong Blue offers a distinctive experience with its rugged, links-style terrain. The course is set amidst rolling sand dunes, native grasses, and large waste areas, creating a raw and natural beauty that feels more like Scotland or Ireland than Florida. The remote setting further enhances the sense of tranquility, with no housing developments or urban noise to distract from the game. The minimalist approach to design highlights the natural contours of the land, with Doak allowing the terrain to dictate the layout rather than forcing it into conventional shapes. The result is a course with plenty of character—one where creativity and shot-making are rewarded. ## Green Complexes and Short Game Challenges The greens at Streamsong Blue are among its most defining features. Large and undulating, they offer countless pin placements that can dramatically change the nature of a hole. The challenge lies not just in reaching the green but in positioning the ball correctly to avoid difficult two-putts or demanding recovery shots. Around the greens, players will encounter tightly mown collection areas, slopes, and runoffs that require a deft touch with wedges. Chipping, pitching, and putting from off the green demand creativity and precision, as traditional flop shots are often not the best option. The ground game is critical, with bump-and-run shots frequently proving to be the most effective approach. ## Final Thoughts Streamsong Blue is a course that rewards thoughtful play and strategic decision-making. It offers an immersive experience that challenges golfers without feeling overly punitive. The combination of world-class design, impeccable conditions, and breathtaking scenery makes it a premier golfing destination. For those seeking a memorable round in an environment unlike any other in Florida, Streamsong Blue delivers in every way. Whether you’re marveling at the contours of the land, facing down a tough bunker shot, or navigating a tricky putt, the course leaves an indelible impression that will have you planning your return before you’ve even finished the round."
Read More2025
Review
“Streamsong really lives up to the billing of "being on the moon". Nothing like typical Florida golf with trees and houses everywhere. Many situations where the player needs to aim significantly left or right depending on sever contours around the greens"
Read More2024
Review
“Streamsong really lives up to the billing of "being on the moon". Nothing like typical Florida golf with trees and houses everywhere. Many situations where the player needs to aim significantly left or right depending on sever contours around the greens"
Read More2024
Review
“Interesting routing and beautiful scenery."
Read More2024
Review
“The routing and aesthetics of Streamsong Blue offer variety and beauty."
Read More2024
Review
“The Blue Course at Streamsong provides a great routing around the property with many distinct holes. It provides some shorter holes with some great risk/reward options. It opens up in some areas and in others it tricks you into thinking it does. If you have the time, you may want to drop a second ball on many shots as you can play them in a multitude of ways."
Read More2024
Review
“Given free range to build anything his imagination could conjure, anywhere on property, I have to say I was disappointed. With the exception of a few holes, many felt repetitive and frankly unfinished."
Read More2024
Review
“The Blue course features generous fairways allow for significant room for error, but the approach shots are a bit more delicate given some less receptive green complexes and some challenging pitching and chipping areas if the greens are missed to the wrong side. While not always obvious, the greens are generously sized and typically feature a decent sized safe areas for players to use in lieu of a more direct approach to the pin or middle of the green. Significant elevation changes within holes can create additional challenge given standard windy conditions. Large scale dunes create interesting hole framing and depth perception illusions, but do not come into play."
Read More2024
Review
“Having recently played Streamsong Blue Golf Course, I can attest to its standing as a premier golfing destination in Florida. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the course's stunning beauty and meticulous design. Designed by the acclaimed team of Tom Doak, Streamsong Blue offers a unique and memorable golfing experience. The layout seamlessly weaves through the natural landscape, presenting players with a variety of challenges and opportunities on each hole. One of the standout features of Streamsong Blue is its immaculate conditioning. The fairways are lush and perfectly manicured, providing an ideal surface for every shot. The greens are fast and true, rewarding well-struck putts and adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. What truly sets Streamsong Blue apart is its diverse range of holes. From expansive fairways to strategically placed hazards, each hole offers a new and exciting challenge. Whether you're navigating a dogleg or tackling a tricky approach shot, there's never a dull moment on this course. Beyond the golf, Streamsong Blue boasts breathtaking scenery that enhances the overall experience. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, it's easy to lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings as you focus on your game."
Read More2024
Review
“Fun course in good shape that is fair. Great multi day trip where you should play once in morning and once in afternoon."
Read More2024
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