The Reflections course at Garland is considered by many to be the most playable of the four courses at the resort, and while this may be true, it should not be misinterpreted as an indication that the Reflections Course is 'easy,' a misconception easily perpetuated by the 6,407 yards on the scorecard. There is scant margin for error anywhere on the layout, and as the most open course at Garland, it is most susceptible to strong winds, which can wreak havoc on the need to play precise and accurate shots. The balance that the Reflections Course offers against the other three is a wonderful contrast, and it comes as no surprise that many cherish this little jewel as their favourite golf experience at Garland. As golf courses go, it is among the most accommodating; the 11th hole, which boasts a massive flower garden as the backdrop, is truly beautiful.

Four lovely opening holes wind their way through dense forest, and the course find its feet (and its teeth) at the 555-yard fifth, which is twice bisected by water. The tee shot must be kept short of the first hazard, while a lay-up between the two bunkers leaves a long third to a slightly elevated green set back in the trees. A play over the second hazard might run up onto the green, or leave a wedge shot that must guard against going over the green.

High praise goes to the sixth hole, which is often cited as the prettiest of the 72 holes at Garland. Playing over a large pond that is shared with the Monarch Course, an inlet juts between tee and green, making the 150-yard shot play entirely over water to a tiny green set on a shelf above the hazard. Bunkers long, and a stand of trees left, will discourage players from being especially cautious.

The 11th gets recognition for the flowers alone, but the 183-yard par three is not an automatic par. Three bunkers staggered like steps climb to the green's front edge, making it appear from the tee as though the pin is cut on a mound of rough. Center of the green is what is required, as the corner pins will sucker the golfer into a high score.

The second par three on the back nine, number 16, is also deserving of the heaps of praise paid to it. Measuring just 175 yards from the back tees, the green is protected by three bunkers short and trees and water long and right. The green is wide, but shallow, meaning a high soft approach is the best bet to hold the green. The hole is capable of disarming your with its beauty, but with all the trouble, par is tough to come by without sharp attention being paid. It is appropriate to ponder, walking off this, the last of the par threes, that a course of such benign length would find its highlights on its shortest holes.

Reflection offers the resort guest the option of a breather or warm-up course, though anyone willing to challenge the back tees better be ready for a stern test of golf. The course is most readily described as fun, and with six par threes, par fours and par fives, it is easy to see why every level can find something enjoyable about a round here.