After a return visit to sample the remembered joys of Florida’s Streamsong Resort and experience for themselves the new Gil Hanse-designed Black Course, “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch bring you an “Essential Streamsong” episode that discusses everything from the variety of golf to drinks atop the Lodge and mouthwatering meatballs downstairs.
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The duo begins their “Five Things We Love About Streamsong” episode with a discussion of the mind-blowing Lodge at Streamsong. You’ll find out why architect Alberto Alfonso’s vision and creativity has Mitch and Darin raving about every detail of what they consider the perfect combination of lodging, restaurants, bars and amenities. You’ll hear about Alfonso’s use of natural elements and Streamsong’s connection to its prehistoric past, which created the dunes left after years of phosphate mining that have now become the foundation of this unique landscape. You’ll want to head straight for the glorious Infinity Pool and spend hours in the grotto-like AcquaPietra Spa that includes a collection of different-temperature plunge pools and a power shower that will definitely revive you.
Next up are the perfectly appointed rooms — in which both hosts would consider living in full-time if they had the chance. Find out why they believe the Lodge has perhaps the best rooms in any golf hotel anywhere in the country (and maybe anywhere in the world).
Restaurants and bars at Streamsong? Yes and yes. The wide variety of eateries, from the casual P2O5 and the upscale Sotto Terra (oh, the meatball) in the Lodge to Clubhouse 59 at the stunning Streamsong Red and Black clubhouse to the new Bone Valley Tavern at Streamsong Black. Also, you can visualize yourself at the fabulous “hang spot” that is Fragmentary Blue on the 6th floor of the Lodge, with stunning views of the natural beauty that surrounds Streamsong. And the hosts also offer up helpful tips about the can’t-miss Halfway Houses on the Red and Blue courses.
However, the true revelation on this visit, for both Darin and Mitch, was the newly-opened Black Course from the mind and heart of golf architect Gil Hanse. You’ll hear how the sprawling, epic visual scope of the Black sets it apart from the other courses; why the green complexes, with their quirky humps and hollows, provide endless challenge and fun; and why the Punchbowl No. 9 green creates a golf hole you’ll want to play over and over to try to master all the different options it provides.
Finally, our hosts talk a bit about variety — the hallmark of the new generation of destination golf resorts popping up across the country. Now with 54 holes of championship golf (plus the Black’s huge Gauntlet putting green and the Roundabout short course practice area); a Lodge that both meets and anticipates visitors’ needs; and a Spa that can rejuvenate hardcore golfers’ legs, backs and more — Streamsong has created a tapestry on which golf travelers can paint any style getaway they desire, both on and off the golf course.
