The Grande Pines Golf Club, run by Marriott Golf and situated just off International Drive, south of Sea World in Orlando, has been given an important certification. That of an Audubon Society Cooperative Sanctuary which means that it has been recognized as a golf course that has a long term plan to maintain the course in a manner of environmental quality.

They have made improvements to the irrigation and drainage systems to attain this as well as renovations to the turf and the native Florida plant areas. All these things help Grande Pines to be a location that Florida wildlife enjoys inhabiting.

When I play golf I not only enjoy a great layout, but I love to see the birds and animals roaming the course as I play through. The USGA obviously feels the same way since they endorse the Audubon Co-op Sanctuary Program and its protection of natural habitats.

I've played Grande Pines in years past (it was known as The International Golf Club then) and I’ve recently stayed at the Parc Corniche condos that overlook a portion of the course and it looks wonderful. Plenty of wood storks, anhinga and ducks to see among the grassy and wooded areas around the lakes and ponds.

Designed by Steve Smyers in collaboration with famed golf champion Nick Faldo, the Grande Pines Golf Club offers a pleasant day of golfing through its naturally beautiful layout. Give it a try next time you are in Orlando. You can find out more on their web site at http://golf.marriott-vacations.com/leisure/golf-courses/grande-pines-golf-club/default.jsp.