HARMONY GOLF PRESERVE/By Peter Blais
Located 45 minutes east of Orlando's theme park center toward Melbourne Beach, Harmony Golf Preserve is well worth the drive.
PGA Tour legend Johnny Miler designed the 18-hole course. Some might say he crafted it more for his fellow pros considering it stretches to more than 7,400 yards from the back tees. But the layout is very playable with a full complement of tees that shrink yardages down to an appropriate level.
Harmony also boasts a complete practice facility that hosts occasional ESPN golf schools. The 18,000-square-foot clubhouse features a fully equipped golf shop, men's and ladies' locker rooms, and banquet facilities.
But the focus is the course, set within an 11,000-acre green community of broad meadows, towering stands of southern pines and two 500-acre natural lakes. 
The course itself is set on a 260-acre wildlife preserve.
Miller used the wetlands to produce a visually appealing backdrop that rarely interferes with play. The most memorable hole is the 625-yard 5th. The double=dogleg is fairly inviting off the tee, with the only hazard a high-faced sand bunker along the left. But the second and third shots must stay clear of a water hazard menacing the right side of the fairway to the green. Laying up about 150 yards short on the second shot and then attacking the three-tiered putting surface is the preferred strategy.
Boomer Couples: Harmony has few forced carries and wide fairways, making it friendly for shorter and wilder ball strikers. The fact it is a green community affords the chance to view wildlife and some beautiful plant life between shots. The wide food selection at the Harmony Town Tavern and Greenside's Restaurant allows players to finish the day off with an excellent meal rather than race back to the city through rush-hour traffic.
Boomer Groups: Harmony caters to groups of all sizes. The facility can provide onsite or help secure nearby lodging. Transportation is available to and from the course in an array of vehicles including full-sized SUVs, mini-buses, motor coaches equipped with a chauffeur or anything in between. Harmony's banquet hall accommodates 200 people. More casual groups enjoy lunch on the veranda or a private dinner in the flag room. The club will even send its chef to the players' lodging for a more personal dinner.
Boomers With Children: The club offers junior golf programs in June and July. Juniors pay a maximum green fee of $25.
Click here to visit the Harmony Golf Preserve website.
