Reunion Resort - Watson Course (Independence)

Tom Watson's 2004 Independence Course at Reunion Resort was Watson's first signature design in Florida, and a striking outlier among the state's resort courses because it deliberately avoids the water-hazard-everywhere default. Instead, Watson leaned into deep pot bunkers, expansive waste areas, and subtle elevation changes drawn from his deep UK roots (5-time British Open winner). 7,154 yards par-72 with fast, firm, wide rolling fairways, substantial bunkering, and large sloping greens that reward precision and touch. Elevation variations reach 45 feet from tee to green in spots, rare terrain for central Florida. The course distinctively feels more like a British heathland than a Florida parkland. One of the few destinations in the world with signature courses by Palmer, Nicklaus, and Watson all in one place. Peak green fee runs $115-200 for resort guests. Fits an Orlando trip as the British-feel counterpoint among the three Reunion championship cards.