As one of three championship layouts at the Reunion Resort, Tom Watson's objective for The Independence was to "create a golf course of outstanding beauty, variety and challenge". Although lacking a single water hazard, and with more housing in view than on the Legacy or Tradition courses, Watson's objectives have been amply met. This very handsome layout benefits from nicely undulating terrain and an exquisite array of fairway and greenside bunkering. Small pot bunkers, larger sand traps and fairway hugging waste areas all play a considerable part in challenging your shot-making. The green surrounds contain a mix of slick run-offs and areas of deeper rough to test your short game, while large and prodigiously sloping greens will expose any weaknesses with the putter. The course maintains a nicely natural balance, especially on the front-nine, with several stretches flanked on one side by woodland, and a liberal scattering of handsome oaks defining some holes. The rolling fairways and attendant mounding give many holes an easy-on-the-eye profile, although don't be deceived into thinking that makes scoring on them any easier. On the closing stretch condos and houses become more evident, although the natural balance is restored with one or two enjoyable green-to-tee drives through areas of wooded swamp. The par-4 18th is also a wonderfully tree-lined hole, starting alongside the ANNIKA Academy and finishing beneath the towering Reunion Grande hotel.