Bella Collina

Typically, the only hills one sees when visiting Orlando come at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It is interesting then to consider one’s tee shot on the first hole at Bella Collina, which features more than 50 feet of elevation change down to the green on this long par four. Although this and the rest of the rolling turf at Bella may seem unnatural for typically-flat Florida, it’s actually a gem of a property find for those operating the residential development within.

Steve Smyers and Nick Faldo may not have needed to do much with the hills, but they certainly went all-out with regards to sand. Huge expanses of waste hazard cover the property, along with more traditional white sand bunkers. The architects seem to be replacing Florida golf’s frequent use of ponds with sand instead.

The residential development underwent financial struggles immediately after the course opened during 2008 (no doubt tied to the financial crisis) but it has bounced back nicely. The state of the clubhouse speaks to Collina's brand; a $55 million-dollar golf manor, allegedly constructed with the thought to compete with the ultra-exclusive Isleworth.