Watson's Independence Course

at Reunion Resort & Golf Club

Location: Orlando, Florida | Style: Parkland | Par: 72 | Designer (Opened): Tom Watson (2004)

Tom Watson’s Independence Course (often called the “Watson Course”) at Reunion Resort is an elegantly crafted test of shotmaking and strategy. Originally branded the “Independence,” this layout was Watson’s first signature course in Florida and opened in 2004.

Unlike many Florida courses that lean heavily on water features, the Watson Course instead emphasises dramatic bunkering, sweeping waste areas, and subtle elevation shifts.

Wide fairways provide breathing room off the tee, but strategically placed bunkers and large, sloping greens demand accuracy and finesse.

Signature Holes

While opinions vary, a few holes stand out on the Watson Course:

• Hole 5 (a long par-4): Tackles the player with length and well-guarded approach angles
• Hole 17 (par 5): A dramatic par-5 flanked by sand traps en route to a narrow, elevated green.
• Hole 18 (par 4): A tree-lined finishing hole, playing beneath the towering Reunion Grande resort structure - a fitting close to the test.

Post Round

Amenities include:

• Pro shop, locker rooms, food & beverage services
• Practice facilities, putting/chipping areas, and a coaching academy on site

Note: Guests and those staying in resort-affiliated rentals have priority access.

Did You Know?

In its composite routing for the LPGA Ginn Open, the tournament used the front nines of both Palmer and Watson courses.