RainDance National GC features 250 feet of elevation change, while Pelican Lakes Resort and Golf boasts more shoreline than any other course in the country.
That contrast is exactly what makes pairing the two in a single trip so compelling. At RainDance, the movement in the land is part of every decision you make—from choosing a club on a downhill par 3 to shaping a tee shot that can ride the contours and pick up extra yards. The views open up in multiple directions, and the routing leans into the site’s natural drama, creating moments where the fairway feels like it’s unfolding beneath you.
Pelican Lakes flips the script. Water is the defining character, not just as a hazard but as a visual thread that keeps showing up in different forms—lakeside carries, shoreline angles, and greens that ask you to decide how aggressive you want to be. It’s the kind of setting where the breeze becomes part of the architecture, and where the safest line isn’t always the smartest if you’re trying to set up an easier approach.
How the two courses play differently
Golfers who enjoy variety will appreciate that you’re not simply getting “more of the same.” You’re getting two distinct tests that reward different strengths.
- RainDance: elevation-driven shot values, big-picture strategy, and approaches where controlling trajectory matters as much as distance.
- Pelican Lakes: shoreline visuals, wind-aware club selection, and angles that make positioning off the tee feel especially important.
If you’re planning your rounds, it can be fun to start with one that matches your confidence level that day. Some players like opening at Pelican Lakes to settle into tempo and then taking on RainDance when they’re ready to lean into the bolder lines and elevation swings. Others prefer the opposite—playing RainDance first while energy is high, then enjoying a water-lined round where patience and rhythm tend to pay off.
What to pay attention to once you’re on property
The little details can shape the day as much as the scorecard. On an elevation-heavy layout, pace and hydration matter more than you expect, especially if the sun is out and the wind kicks up. On a water-dominant course, the same wind can shift your entire plan from hole to hole, and it’s worth committing to a target rather than steering the ball away from trouble.
- Bring a rangefinder or GPS: elevation changes and shoreline angles can make “feel” yardages misleading.
- Factor wind into every club: even a light breeze is amplified near open water and across exposed high points.
- Pick conservative targets early: both courses offer heroic options, but they’re best used when you’re swinging freely.
Making the most of a golf weekend
Because the experiences complement each other, it’s easy to build a simple itinerary that feels full without feeling rushed. A practice session and an evening round can set you up for a more competitive morning tee time the next day. If you’re traveling with a group, the diversity between the two layouts also helps keep everyone engaged—long hitters can chase advantage in certain spots, while precise players can lean into angles and smart positioning.
And if you’re the type who remembers a trip by its signature moments, these courses naturally provide them: a tee shot that hangs in the air over a dramatic drop, a shoreline approach that demands a committed strike, a stretch of holes where the scenery feels like it’s moving with you. That’s the appeal here—two distinctive settings, two different kinds of pressure, and plenty of chances to step up to a shot that you’ll still be talking about later.