Streamsong Resort - Red

Streamsong Red was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2012 on a former phosphate mining site in Polk County, Florida. The mining operations had inadvertently created dramatic sand ridges and rolling terrain unlike anything else in the flat Sunshine State, giving the architects raw material that resembled links land. Coore and Crenshaw routed 18 holes through the most dramatic dune formations on the property.

The course was an instant critical success, debuting in Golf Digest's Top 100 and ranking among the top public courses in America. Streamsong Red was the first of three courses at the resort — Tom Doak's Blue Course opened simultaneously in 2012, followed by Gil Hanse's Black Course in 2017. The Coore and Crenshaw design philosophy of minimalism is on full display, with the course feeling as though it has existed for decades rather than being carved from an industrial landscape.

Streamsong Red delivers a links-style experience unlike anything else in Florida. The former phosphate mine created towering sand ridges, rolling fairways, and a treeless landscape that feels more like the British Isles than Central Florida. Conditioning is excellent with firm, fast surfaces that encourage bump-and-run shots.

The greens are large, subtly contoured, and designed to accept running approaches. Wind is a significant factor on the exposed layout, adding an extra dimension to club selection and shot shaping.

Embrace the ground game at Streamsong Red. The firm conditions reward bump-and-run approaches, and many greens are designed to funnel shots from specific angles. The wind is a constant factor on this exposed layout, so bring your knockdown shots and plan for extra clubs into the breeze.

The Biarritz green on the 16th is a must-experience moment. Play from the appropriate tees to maximize enjoyment; the course plays longer than the yardage suggests due to wind.