Course: Senator Course at Don Shula’s Golf ClubNFL legend's hotel, steakhouse and golf resort

Location: 7601 Miami Lakes Drive, Miami Lakes, FL 33014. (305) 820-8088. www.shulasgolfclub.com.

Getting there: 15-20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale airport.

NFL coaching legend Don Shula is well known for the Miami Dolphins teams, the undefeated season and his chain of steakhouses. But, it’s his Don Shula’s Golf Club Senator Course in Miami Lakes, Florida that is becoming a buzz in the golf community.

The course provides even the most seasoned low handicapper a difficult back-nine of golf.

Positioned in a quint little town of Miami Lakes, the resort features a boutique hotel and spa, steakhouse and 18-holes of championship golf at The Senator Course.

The par-72 layout plays slightly less than 7,000 yards from the tips, which features a 73.9 rating and 132 slope. The design is the tail of two nines. The front side starts off with playable, comfortable holes with wide-ranging options off the tee. Although water can come into play three front-nine holes, the course challenges players with an H20-filled back nine that could have some tour professionals running for cover if the wind kicks up.

From No. 11 to the end, fairways tighten up with water hazards abundant. Players need their most accurate club to handle tee shots. There is also an alligator off the par-4 14th — a 454-yard challenge — so watch out. The greens tilt back to front throughout the Senator, so a player’s approach placement is key to lower scores.

18th hole at Senator Established in 1962, the Senator covers more than 500 acres and was originally designed by Bill Watts and updated in 1998 by Kipp Schulties.

Players even catch a glimpse of Shula’s home back in his coaching days off the par-5 16th tee. The finishing hole is one of the best in South Florida providing a risk-reward dogleg left tee shot cutting over a lake. A cut-the-corner drive can leave a wedge into the green, but a drive pushed too far right can find the rough and trees. Many matches are decided right here on the large 18th green.

Four sets of tee boxes offer a variety of challenges. The facility also includes a par-3 executive course.

The facility has valet and player-service staffers ready to help, which is a great touch. The property features a classic locker room, club storage and shoe shining — but still no yardage book. Food and beverage are available at the grille, but the clubhouse’s fine-dining stop is Shula’s Steakhouse, boasting the menu on a Miami Dolphins football.

Take what the course gives you. Score early and hang on late.

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