Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
Legends Golf and Country Club re-opened in 2021. The Legends’ Homeowner’s Association purchased the golf course and restaurant from the previous owners with a plan to restore the facility to its prestigious glory. Since the purchase, the fairways and the greens have been updated with special certified TifEagle Bermuda Grass. The sand traps were rebuilt with Bunker and PGA Certified Sand.
Located on Highway 27, just north of Hartwood Marsh Road, Clermont, the Legends Golf Course community is known for its rolling hills and scenic views. The Legends family neighborhood has 867 homes encompassing 5 neighborhoods ad 450 homes have a beautiful scenic golf course view.
Legends Golf Course was originally designed by Lloyd Clifton and was previously ranked as one of the best courses in Florida. Down to Earth Golf has restored, managed and maximized the course back towards its championship condition. They now focus on more efficient pace control, including better tee time management while utilizing advances in state-of-the-art golf cart technology. With an innovative special new iPhone app, distances can be measured on each fairway. While addressing all of the prior water and maintenance issues, this golf course has continued to be revitalized, with plans to go forward with more improvements each year. For the current three peak months of January, February and March plans are to continue servicing an average of 1100 rounds of golf per week.
To honor the love of Legends golf course by a former employee, the 6th Legends hole was recently dedicated to honor James ‘Ernie’ Edmundson by his son Mike. Mike Edmundson shares, “My brothers and our father always loved playing this course together!”
There are currently 150 limited memberships for residents and local area golf enthusiasts. For residents of Legends neighborhood, members receive a 15% discount on all golf rates. The golf course, driving range and putting greens are available to the public.
Director of Golf, Chris Howell: With over 25 years of expert Florida golf course experience, golf pro Chris Howell was brought in last year as the Legends Director of Golf. He is leading the way for this golf club, while overseeing all professional golf lessons, group tournaments, charity events and special programs. A Florida native, Howell is from Jacksonville Beach. He was formerly Director of Golf Instructions at Marsh Landing and the Golf Pro at Stoneybrook Golf Course. Howell notes, Over the past year we have fortunately been very busy with happy golfers. We plan to keep investing back into the upkeep and upgrades for our Legends Golf Course. I want Legends to be proudly known for the best greens, views and fun golf course in Central Florida, while we want to keep it in near new condition.” The goal remains to be known as Clermont’s finest golf destination.
Legends Golf Club now has a full calendar of events with plans for numerous private, community groups and charity golf tournaments. Howell oversees all golf events each year. Twice a month, Legends hosts a group of at least 40 professional golfers who travel all over Florida and the USA to play together. Howell notes, “We really have a great staff. My primary goal remains to keep everyone happy throughout the year! I will continue to take care of all of our golf course products, the pro shop, services, events and private lessons. Community groups can now register to host fundraisers and sporting tournaments with 20 to 50 or more golfers. Those interested can now sign up for personalized golf instruction with me.” Call 352-717-1684 or email him at: CHowell@LegendsClermont.com
The Legends Restaurant will soon be under new management and will reopen as ‘Legends All Stars’.
For More Information, visit the Legends County Club Golf Course at 1700 Legendary Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34711 off of Highway 27 and a few miles south of Highway 50. Call 352-717-1684 for reservations or email: LegendsCommunityGolf@GMail.com.
