World Woods Pine Barren vs. Mountain Lake

[Josh Tarble]

I'm headed down to Streamsong in about month and looks like we're going to have one extra morning.  For those of you that have played both, do you prefer Mountain Lake or Pine Barren?  And why?  I have my opinion but would like to hear some others chime in.  Thanks in advance.

[Joe Bausch]

Very hard to choose as they are quite different.  I'd be happy with such a dilemma!

[Simon Holt]

Josh,

I haven't played at World Woods but I am playing Mountain Lake the day before I go to Streamsong at the end of the month. 

I hear good reports about ML and it seems a lot closer to Streamsong than WW is.  Assuming there isn't too much between them in terms of GCA, it seemed more logical to me to slip Mountain Lake in.  Just my 2 cents though.

I'd be interested to hear opinions on Mountain Lake.

Simon

[John Butler]

Streamsong is much closer to Mountain Lake than Pine Barrens.  Mountain Lake is private, entering the park and playing the course are truly wonderful.  I enjoyed playing Pine Barrens, which is public, but in my view Mountain Lake is a much better overall experience.

[Mark Saltzman]

One is classic and one is modern. I'm not quite sure how they can be compared.

[Frank Sullivan]

I'm headed down to Streamsong in about month and looks like we're going to have one extra morning.  For those of you that have played both, do you prefer Mountain Lake or Pine Barren?  And why?  I have my opinion but would like to hear some others chime in.  Thanks in advance.

Josh,

Mountain Lake - about 1 hour from SS.  The experience is wonderful.  If you are planning on taking advantage of the "Stay & Play" package (lodging at The Colony House is required unless you are invited by a member), then be prepared to pay a very steep fee for the room.  If money isn't an issue, then I would recommend ML.  If you are a Raynor fan, you won't be disappointed.  From the minute you enter the property, you feel like you have traveled back to the 1930's.  The overall experience is superior to WW.

WW Pine Barrens - at least 2 hours from SS depending on traffic.  If you are on a budget, then this is the way to go.  PB is a wonderful design as well, and of the 30+ times I've played it, it never seems to get old.  That said, it will most likely be very busy, and it is a considerable drive from SS.  

All in all, you can't go wrong with either course.  My only other recommendation would be to not count out the other course at WW - Rolling Oaks...it isn't as good as PB, but it is still very interesting.  You could play 36 on PB and possibly sneak in 9 on RO.

[Mike Hendren]

Frank, so Mountain Lake is accessible if one stays at the lodge?

Bogey

[Josh Tarble]

That's the first I've heard that staying at the Colony House was required.  I knew it was quite private...so the question was asked assuming equal access.

I know they're on completely opposite ends of the spectrum and assuming we are able to get on we will definitely go the ML route.  We're staying in Tampa so that's about exactly between Streamsong and World Woods.  It seems like Streamsong may even be a combination of the two courses...the width and playability of ML and the more "modern" design of World Woods.  They're both some of the top courses I want to see in Florida so I'm not too concerned with choosing either way.

[Frank Sullivan]

Michael,

That is my understanding.  Since I have stayed there in the past for an event, they send me a newsletter and an offer once in a while. I don't think it is being highly publicized.  My guess is they want to generate more income without going public, so they require the lodging for outside play.

[Frank Sullivan]

That's the first I've heard that staying at the Colony House was required.  I knew it was quite private...so the question was asked assuming equal access.

I know they're on completely opposite ends of the spectrum and assuming we are able to get on we will definitely go the ML route.  We're staying in Tampa so that's about exactly between Streamsong and World Woods.  It seems like Streamsong may even be a combination of the two courses...the width and playability of ML and the more "modern" design of World Woods.  They're both some of the top courses I want to see in Florida so I'm not too concerned with choosing either way.

Unless you are invited by a member, I don't believe you can play without staying at the lodge...I could be wrong, but I do know that is the case for myself.  I called to inquire about playing 2 weeks ago and they reiterated the lodging requirement.  I did hear a rumor that SS and ML were going to forge some type of relationship.

[Kyle Harris]

I'm headed down to Streamsong in about month and looks like we're going to have one extra morning.  For those of you that have played both, do you prefer Mountain Lake or Pine Barren?  And why?  I have my opinion but would like to hear some others chime in.  Thanks in advance.

Josh,

Mountain Lake - about 1 hour from SS.  The experience is wonderful.  If you are planning on taking advantage of the "Stay & Play" package (lodging at The Colony House is required unless you are invited by a member), then be prepared to pay a very steep fee for the room.  If money isn't an issue, then I would recommend ML.  If you are a Raynor fan, you won't be disappointed.  From the minute you enter the property, you feel like you have traveled back to the 1930's.  The overall experience is superior to WW.

WW Pine Barrens - at least 2 hours from SS depending on traffic.  If you are on a budget, then this is the way to go.  PB is a wonderful design as well, and of the 30+ times I've played it, it never seems to get old.  That said, it will most likely be very busy, and it is a considerable drive from SS.  

All in all, you can't go wrong with either course.  My only other recommendation would be to not count out the other course at WW - Rolling Oaks...it isn't as good as PB, but it is still very interesting.  You could play 36 on PB and possibly sneak in 9 on RO.

Rolling Oaks is much better than Pine Barrens.

[jeffwarne]

I'm headed down to Streamsong in about month and looks like we're going to have one extra morning.  For those of you that have played both, do you prefer Mountain Lake or Pine Barren?  And why?  I have my opinion but would like to hear some others chime in.  Thanks in advance.

Josh,

Mountain Lake - about 1 hour from SS.  The experience is wonderful.  If you are planning on taking advantage of the "Stay & Play" package (lodging at The Colony House is required unless you are invited by a member), then be prepared to pay a very steep fee for the room.  If money isn't an issue, then I would recommend ML.  If you are a Raynor fan, you won't be disappointed.  From the minute you enter the property, you feel like you have traveled back to the 1930's.  The overall experience is superior to WW.

WW Pine Barrens - at least 2 hours from SS depending on traffic.  If you are on a budget, then this is the way to go.  PB is a wonderful design as well, and of the 30+ times I've played it, it never seems to get old.  That said, it will most likely be very busy, and it is a considerable drive from SS.  

All in all, you can't go wrong with either course.  My only other recommendation would be to not count out the other course at WW - Rolling Oaks...it isn't as good as PB, but it is still very interesting.  You could play 36 on PB and possibly sneak in 9 on RO.

Rolling Oaks is much better than Pine Barrens.

never understood the bad rap on Rolling oaks,
Always liked it as much as Pine Barrens, but it's a minority view

[Kyle Harris]

Jeff,

For me it is all about the routing and how the putting greens interface with what is going on through the green and Rolling Oaks is superior in both measures for my taste.

Pine Barrens has too much of the garden variety pick-a-duck/make-a-carry everyone's a winner strategic scheme coupled with a routing that seems to linger in the same corner of the property for too long.

[Rob_Waldron]

You cannot go wrong with either. However Mountain Lake is really something special. I love the Raynor template holes.

World Woods is best enjoyed by spending the day and playing both the Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks. Don't miss the three practice holes and the 9-hole short course. Best bang for your buck is playing 36 holes in one day. Play typically moves very well and 36 is easily achievable. I played Rolling Oaks three weeks ago and the conditioning is back to being very good again. The new greens are very good despite being a little slow for my taste. ENJOY!

[Bill_McBride]

Jeff,

For me it is all about the routing and how the putting greens interface with what is going on through the green and Rolling Oaks is superior in both measures for my taste.

Pine Barrens has too much of the garden variety pick-a-duck/make-a-carry everyone's a winner strategic scheme coupled with a routing that seems to linger in the same corner of the property for too long.

Kyle, how about the greens at Rolling Oaks that Rob mentions below?   Have you played on them?

I'll be there 2/2 for one round.  I've played PB several times so will pick RO this time. 

Thanks.   See you at SS in early March I hope.

[Bart Bradley]

I've played all 3 courses being discussed.  Mountain Lake would be my pick.  Solid walkable routing.  Great condition.  Bold features.  I will say that if you've had the chance to play Raynor's very best then you might choose WW to see something different. 

Bart