JUSTIN KRIEL
in America ’ s flattest state . Having come off of a blue-chip layout in Copperhead , I was expecting a gentler day for my final round . Then I met the starter on the Island Course ’ s practice green , who , before directing me to the opening tee , casually declares , “ Copperhead is a far more forgiving course .” He was right . Between Lake Innisbrook hugging the first six holes and the back nine ’ s wild elevation , the Island Course has some serious teeth . I also rewarded it with the prize for best hole on the 63-hole property at the par-3 fourth , where a hairy , lone Cypress tree acts as a fortress and flagstick gatekeeper in the middle of a greenside bunker .
While Innisbrook has something for everyone , its fairways and greens are its heartbeat , making for the ultimate golf trip . If you can , play all of its layouts , but just remember : “ What happens in the Snake Pit , Stays in the Snake Pit ” – unless you post a number , that is . In that case , broadcast your score for all to hear .
The imposing Snake Pit statue greets golfers before they take on one of the most challenging finishing holes in golf .
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