It's a story that golfers will love. It's about a hidden gem in Avon Park, Florida.In 1926, Donald Ross, the nation's most respected and prolific golf course architect, visited Avon Park to oversee construction of his design for Pinecrest Lakes Golf Course. Ross took full advantage of the natural flow of the site's topography. With the lovely lake, wooded areas and a minimal amount of earthmoving, done with horses, Ross created a wonderfully natural course.The Pinecrest Lakes Golf Course complemented the adjacent, majestic Pinecrest Hotel and Resort, built on Lake Lotela.The course and hotel catered to wealthy residents of the midwest, especially Chicago. The guest list included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Burns & Allen, Grover Cleveland and FDR. It is even rumored that Al Capone frequented the resort to work on his tan and his golf game. He probably appreciated the fact it was a hidden gem.
