The ultimate golf vacation is tackling courses on a golf trail. Below is an interview with Stephanie Frakes who shares some valuable information about playing golf along the Citrus Golf Trail.
Give our readers an overview of the golf trail.
The Citrus Golf Trail is a collection of five golf clubs and seven championship courses located throughout Sebring and Avon Park in Central Florida. While each course has its own personality, they're all within a short drive of one another, making it easy for golfers to play multiple rounds without constantly changing hotels or spending hours on the road.
Whether you're planning a weekend golf trip or a longer stay, the trail offers a mix of classic designs, modern layouts, and year-round playing conditions. Combined with affordable Stay & Play packages and a relaxed atmosphere, it's a destination that appeals to both traveling golf groups and golfers looking to discover a different side of Florida.
What golf courses make up the golf trail and why are they must plays?
The Citrus Golf Trail is made up of five distinct golf clubs, each offering its own style of play and reason to visit.
Pinecrest Golf Club is the trail's historic centerpiece. Designed by Donald Ross in 1926, it features classic architecture, tree-lined fairways, and a traditional layout that has stood the test of time.
Sun 'N Lake Golf Club offers two championship courses with very different personalities. Deer Run is known for its scenic setting and playable design, while Turtle Run challenges golfers with elevation changes, strategically placed hazards, and thoughtful shot-making.
Highlands Ridge Golf Club also features two 18-hole courses, giving golfers plenty of variety during their stay. Both courses are well maintained and provide an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.
River Greens Golf Course has become a favorite among visitors for its consistently excellent course conditions, scenic views, and layout that rewards smart course management without overwhelming the average golfer.
The Country Club of Sebring rounds out the trail with a Ron Garl-designed championship course that combines wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-maintained greens. Bordering Highlands Hammock State Park, it offers a peaceful setting and a layout that's both enjoyable and rewarding for golfers of all abilities.
Together, these clubs allow golfers to experience seven championship courses without traveling long distances between rounds.
What are the most talked about and the hidden gem courses on the trail?
Pinecrest Golf Club is often the first course golfers ask about because of its Donald Ross history. It's a course that has stood the test of time and remains one of the area's most recognizable layouts.
At the same time, many visitors leave talking about River Greens or Highlands Ridge. They may not receive the same level of recognition outside the region, but golfers are often surprised by the quality of the course conditions, thoughtful layouts, and overall experience. Those are the kinds of courses that exceed expectations and turn first-time visitors into repeat guests.
Is the trail designed to be conquered in one or several golf trips? Please provide itinerary or sample itineraries to complete the trail. (please group courses along with lodging recommendations)
Many golfers can experience the trail over a long weekend, but there's enough variety to make a longer trip worthwhile.
A popular three-day itinerary includes Pinecrest Golf Club, Deer Run at Sun 'N Lake, and River Greens Golf Course, with Inn on the Lakes serving as a convenient home base.
Golfers with four or five days often add Turtle Run, Highlands Ridge, and The Country Club of Sebring. Since every course is located within a reasonable drive, visitors can stay in one location while experiencing a different course each day.
What area tourist attractions might you recommend while doing the trail (golf or non-golf related)?
One of the advantages of visiting the Citrus Golf Trail is that there's plenty to enjoy once you leave the course. Downtown Sebring offers a walkable collection of locally owned restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and breweries, making it a great place to unwind after a day of golf. Throughout the year, the area also hosts festivals, farmers markets, and community events that give visitors a chance to experience the local culture.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Highlands Hammock State Park is one of Florida's oldest and most beautiful state parks, featuring hiking trails, scenic boardwalks, and abundant wildlife. The region's many lakes also provide opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and simply enjoying the peaceful Central Florida scenery.
Motorsports fans won't want to miss Sebring International Raceway, home of the world-famous Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and one of the country's most historic road racing venues. Whether you're visiting for a race weekend or taking a guided tour, it's a unique attraction that has become synonymous with the area.
The Citrus Golf Trail is also centrally located, making it easy for visitors to take day trips to both Florida coasts. In just over an hour, golfers can enjoy the Gulf beaches to the west or the Atlantic coastline to the east before returning for another round the next day. Whether you're planning a golf-focused getaway or traveling with family and friends who have different interests, the area offers plenty to experience beyond the fairways.
Provide an overview of the lodging accommodations?
The Citrus Golf Trail partners with Inn on the Lakes to offer convenient Stay & Play accommodations for golfers visiting the area. Located in Sebring, the hotel provides a comfortable home base that's just a short drive from each of the member courses, allowing guests to enjoy multiple rounds without the hassle of changing hotels or traveling long distances.
Guests can choose from a variety of Stay & Play packages that combine lodging and golf, making it easy to customize a trip based on the number of days, courses, and players. Inn on the Lakes also offers complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool overlooking Lake Jackson, and on-site dining at Chicanes Restaurant & Bar, giving golfers a relaxing place to unwind after a day on the course.
Any other fun facts or things we should know about the golf trail or destination?
One of the things golfers appreciate most about the Citrus Golf Trail is how easy it is to plan a trip. Whether you're organizing a buddies' getaway, an annual golf outing, or a larger group trip, the courses are all within a short drive of one another, making it easy to experience several different layouts during one stay.
Golfers can also take advantage of several planning resources available on the Citrus Golf Trail website. Visitors can download a complimentary Golf Guide to learn more about each member course, local attractions, lodging options, and trip planning tips. For groups looking for a customized golf vacation, the website also offers a Request a Custom Quote feature, making it easy to build a Stay & Play package tailored to their group size, preferred courses, and travel dates.
Where can a golfer go to get more information or book rounds/travel/lodging?
Golfers can visit www.CitrusGolfTrail.com to learn more about each of the member clubs, explore Stay & Play packages, and start planning their trip. The website includes course information, lodging details, local attractions, and a complimentary downloadable Golf Guide to help visitors make the most of their time in Highlands County.
Golf groups can also use the Request a Custom Quote feature to receive a personalized itinerary based on their travel dates, group size, and preferred courses. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day golf vacation, the Citrus Golf Trail team is available to help create a customized experience from start to finish.
Courses on Trail
Number of Course: 5 member golf clubs; 7 championship golf courses
Number of Holes: 126 holes
More Information
Citrus Golf Trail
501 S Commerce Ave
Sebring, Florida, 33870
(863) 402-6909
