If you like to play golf, you have picked the right city. With more than 170 golf courses, over
20 golf academies and some of the world's most prestigious tournaments, Orlando is a true golfer's paradise. In addition to being home to more pro golfers than any other city in the world, Orlando was voted the "North American Golf Destination of the Year" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators in 2010. And with a multitude of stunning courses designed by the likes of
Nicklaus, Dye, and Fazio, Orlando offers visitors an exclusive golfing experience not found anywhere else.
Grand Cypress - South/East
Jack Nicklaus designed the four 18-hole courses at Grand Cypress Resort. Three different nines are combined to create three of the courses. Low-handicappers will enjoy the South/East course for its unique challenges but its player-friendly qualities make it appealing to beginners as well.
Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando boasts four 18-hole championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. There is one 18-hole links course and three nines that are played in three different combinations. The South/East combination provides numerous challenges but it is also complemented by more player-friendly features. The South nine is one of the resort's original nines, the other being the North. The layout features terraced fairways and platform greens that are surrounded by contoured mounding and yawning bunkers. The East nine is more forgiving with generous landing areas and fewer bunkers, especially in front of the greens, which allows for more run-up shots.
Grand Cypress - East/North
Grand Cypress Resort features an 18-hole links course and three challenging nines that are played in three different 18-hole combinations. The East/North course is a test of accuracy rather than strength or distance with platform greens surrounded by generous bunkering and mounding.
There are three Jack Nicklaus-designed nines at Grand Cypress Resort that are played in three different 18-hole combinations. The East/North course presents an interesting set of challenges. The North nine was built in 1984 and underwent a complete renovation two decades later. The improved layout has terraced fairways, mounding, and platform greens with yawning bunkers. There are generous landing areas to provide some relief from the vigorous challenges. The East golf course is slightly more player friendly with fewer bunkers in front of the greens, allowing for more run-up shots. In addition to the three nines, Nicklaus also designed a traditional links course that is an homage to the renowned St. Andrews Old Course.
Grand Cypress - North/South
The North/South course is the original layout of Grand Cypress Resort's four Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. Built in 1984, the North and South nines were completely renovated in 2008, adding new challenges including terraced fairways and yawning bunkers that surround platform greens.
The North/South course is Grand Cypress Resort's original layout. Built in 1984, the golf course was later joined by the East nine in 1986 and the New Course, a traditional 18-hole links course, in 1988. All of the resort's courses were designed by Jack Nicklaus. Over 20 years after their debut, the North and South nines underwent a complete renovation.
The improved design now features terraced fairways and platform greens that are surrounded by yawning bunkers. There is also extensive mounding throughout the golf course. The course is definitely more of a mental challenge than a physical test, demanding accuracy and course-
management skills, rather than strength or distance.
Grand Cypress - New Course
With the addition of the New Course, Grand Cypress Resort offers a total of 45 championship holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. The New Course, an impressive homage to the famous St. Andrews course, features a challenging links design with more than 150 bunkers. The New Course was added in 1988 in addition to the North, South, and East nines for a total of four different 18-hole courses. Inspired by St. Andrews, well known as the birthplace of the game, Nicklaus designed the New Course as an homage to the renowned Old Course. He even created replicas of St. Andrews' most famous holes, including his own version of the infamous Road Hole. The traditional links design also features more than 150 bunkers, stone walls, and elevated tees. The greens are elevated as well and additionally, there are seven enormous double greens.
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Walt Disney World® Resort is a classic country club course with a distinctive atmosphere. In the words of architect Joe Lee, it is "exciting, challenging, yet fun to play."
Disney's Lake Buena Vista is a meandering golf course that winds its way through pastel villas, dense pine forests, palmettos and sparkling lakes. Lee's design is characterized by small, slightly elevated, well-protected bunkered greens that force the golfer to make accurate shots to score well. The beautiful seventh hole has an island green to shoot at that will challenge any golfer.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
The ancient creek that the course at Shingle Creek Golf Club takes its name from is part of the natural headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The creek winds through the golf course, adding beauty and an interesting element of challenge.
Stately oaks and pines are scattered throughout and accented by tropical landscaping. The course features wide, undulating fairways lined with trees and fast greens. The interconnected waterways present on the course form water hazards that come into play on nearly every hole. There are also strategically placed bunkers throughout, especially around the fairways. The Shingle Creek golf course also offers five sets of tees for a variety of different golfing options.
Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course
Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course was designed by Tom Fazio and has been recognized as one of the top courses in Florida by Golf Digest, receiving 4.5 stars out of 5. Disney's Osprey Ridge measures 7,110 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 73.9 and a slope rating of 135.
Fazio designed a contrasting extra-long links style golf course. Disney's Osprey Ridge features dramatically elevated greens and tees, nine water holes and more than 70 bunkers placed strategically throughout the course. The golf course's dramatic fairways cut through forests of scrub oak, pine, palmetto, cypress and bay trees.
Championsgate - National
The National Course at Championsgate is one of two courses at the facility, the other being the International Course. Championsgate is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Disney World Resorts and 15 from the Universal Hotel Resorts. The National Course is a challenging 18-hole round with a classic layout. It is done in a traditional American style with lush greens and long ranges. Water hazards and bunkers come into play on many holes. The Championsgate facility is also known for their digital GPS caddie system. This allows golfers to have a professional-style caddie and PGA-type scoring. The facility stays open year round.
Championsgate - International
Orlando's Championsgate golf facility possesses two regulation 18-hole courses, the National Course and the International Course. The golf courses share very few similarities regarding the layout but they both offer a challenging game.
The International Course has a links-style layout, reminiscent of traditional Scottish and Irish golf courses. The course does not mimic the traditions of any other course in the area; it is unique in that it is truly done in a European style. The Championsgate facility also boasts a convenient digital GPS caddie system that acts as a professional caddie and PGA-style scoring. Championsgate is only minutes away from popular resorts and stays open year round.
MetroWest Golf Club
Conveniently located just minutes away from the Universal Orlando Resort, the golf course at the Metrowest Golf Club is situated on a lush terrain of spring-fed lakes and native trees.
The meticulously maintained fairways are expansive and rolling with thick cuts of rough bordering them. The immaculate, undulating greens are large and lightning fast. Natural water hazards, in the form of canals, streams, and lakes, come into play on five holes on this long golf course. There are also sculpted bunkers surrounding many of the greens. Metrowest Golf Club's signature hole is the par-5 fourth, which requires an approach shot to an elevated green that is protected by strategically placed bunkers.
Disney's Magnolia Golf Course
Disney's Magnolia Golf Course is the longest of all the Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses. Lower-handicap golfers commonly favor it over the three other 18-hole courses at Disney for its championship pedigree. It's been a mainstay on the PGA Tour since it opened.
Joe Lee's design is classic, with very wide fairways, but 11 of the 18 holes have water, and there are 97 bunkers scattered around the scenic landscape and greens. The golf course gets its name from the more than 1,500 fragrant Magnolias. Elevated tees, spacious greens and tranquil water hazards make it a natural setting.
The challenging signature hole, the par-3 sixth with the Mickey Mouse-shaped bunker in front of the green, is nearly 200 yards from an elevated tee, over water to a shallow, elevated green. In all, Disney's Magnolia course measures 7,190 yards from the blue tees, with a course rating of 73.9 and a slope rating of 133.
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
The 18 hole Rees Jones-designed championship golf course follows the terrain's existing contours and blends respectfully with nature offering a challenging yet tranquil game. Designed with a five-tee system for all playing abilities, yet quite challenging, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club provides a truly exceptional setting for Orlando golf. Test your skill on the 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship course, winding through a large wetland preserve and measuring 7108 yards with a Par 72, Slope 139, and 74.6 rating from its Professional Tees. Holes are visually arresting from tee to green and require intelligent management of the game. Bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed on courses a century ago. Majestic stands of pine and cypress trees line the fairways. The style of this meticulous Orlando golf resort was dictated by the land's existing contours, which Jones then enhanced always mindful of the natural elements and environmental issues. Enjoy the convenience of a fully stocked Pro Shop with TaylorMade, Adidas, and Ashworth merchandise and TaylorMade club rentals. After a round of golf, relax in The Clubhouse Grille with refreshing drinks and traditional clubhouse dining.
The golf club is located adjacent to Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the first-ever newly built Waldorf Astoria outside of New York with 498 rooms and suites and luxurious amenities include European Spa and the legendary restaurants of the original such as Bull & Bear Steakhouse® and Sir Harry's. Located on 482 private acres and surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort, Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a private oasis with Orlando's exciting attractions just minutes away.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Championship
Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer and course designer, is closely connected to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Palmer first played the golf course in 1965 and then bought the facility in 1976. Bay Hill claims that Palmer still plays there often. The Championship Course at Bay Hill is a challenging course that is still suitable for players of all abilities. The golf course is straightforward with no hidden shots. There is also extensive mounding and bunkering throughout the course. Beautiful lakes are situated throughout the course adding some scenery and creating water hazards that come into play on a few holes.
Hunter's Creek Golf Club
Conveniently located just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando International Airport, Hunter's Creek Golf Club is truly an Orlando "must-play". This fun-filled Lloyd Clifton-design stretches to 7,268 yards and is highlighted by strategically placed bunkering, expansive TifEagle greens, and meandering fairways that carve around thirteen shimmering lakes.
Originally opened in 1986, Hunter's Creek has been decorated with accolades over the years. Most notably, Hunter's Creek was honored by Golf Digest as one of the "Top 75 Courses to Play" in 1990. Hunter's Creek has also a popular site of numerous tournaments and events including the US Open Qualifying, PGA Tour Qualifier and the 2008 FSGA Florida State Public Links Championship
Falcon's Fire Golf Club
With its convenient location near the Walt Disney World Resort, International Airport, and the Orlando Convention Center, Falcon's Fire Golf Club is one Florida's most popular golf destinations. Rees Jones designed this golf course, which stretches across 7,000 yards from the back tees. Although it is a challenging course there are four sets of tees to accommodate different skill levels and abilities. There are water hazards and over a hundred bunkers situated throughout the course's classic design. Golfers at the Falcon's Fire Golf Club can also enjoy complimentary club cleaning, carts equipped with a GPS navigation system, and practice facilities including a chipping area and putting green.
Dubsdread Golf Course
Historic Dubsdread Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located in Orlando, Florida about 5 minutes east of downtown in the community of College Park. The golf course, owned by the City of Orlando, has a long and popular history in Central Florida, and was host to a number of early professional golf tournaments and matches that included such golf greats as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Babe Zaharius.
Popular since its inception in 1924, Dubsdread continues to remain a favorite among locals and visitors to Central Florida. Local business entrepreneur, Carl Dann, built the course in 1924, and the par 71 layout offered a challenge to golfers of all skill levels with its narrow fairways and heavily bunkered, " postage stamp" style greens. The golf course was completely renovated in 2008 as part of the Little Lake Fairview Restoration and Dubsdread Golf Course Renovation Project.
As part of the golf course renovation, all 18 holes were redesigned and rebuilt to improve the environmental impact, course drainage, guest safety and playability. The facility includes a lighted driving range, large putting green and two chipping and bunker areas. The City of Orlando also completed improvements to the club house by upgrading the restroom and locker facilities, installing new flooring and ceiling tiles and transforming the snack shop into additional banquet space for tournament and Tap Room overflow. The Tap Room Restaurant at Dubsdread, which opened in the Fall season of 2001, has continued to be a destination point for the entire facility and community. Given golf course and club house facility improvements, Dubsdread is well on its way to become a national municipal golf success story for years to come.
Windermere Country Club
Windermere Country Club boasts a Ward Northrup-designed, 18-hole golf course that is aimed at fun and playability, regardless of your handicap. Stretching to 6,558 yards from the back tees, the undulating fairways and challenging greens offer even the most experienced player a solid test. With 13 holes bordering lakes and 63 bunkers strategically placed throughout the course, combined with the unparalleled beauty of pine and oak tree lined fairways and greens, keeping your mind on golf can be challenging.
Windermere Country Club's practice facility, putting green and well stocked golf shop will help keep you on top of your game. If your swing needs a little brushing up, Windermere's team of experienced PGA Professionals are available for both private lessons and clinics.
Orange Lake Resort - The Legends
The Legends is one of four golf courses at Orange Lake Resort. The golf course has a layout that is similar to traditional Scottish courses. This wide open golf course features several challenges that require a well-equipped bag of clubs. The Legends layout features winding fairways and strategically contoured greens, which call for well placed approach shots and precise putting. Towering pines and oaks provide shade and scenery, but they add another challenging element to the game. Tee shots often require strategy in order to cut through the trees. Water flows throughout the golf course, coming into play on a few holes. The signature hole of the course is the 13th, called the Island Oak.
Harmony Golf Preserve
Located between the major attractions of Orlando and the beaches of Melbourne, Harmony Golf Preserve is unique. Not only is it Central Florida's only Johnny Miller signature course, it's also designated as a "preserve", incorporating existing wetlands and wildlife. The result? A 4 and a half star rating from Golf Digest, Best Places to Play. Stretching an astounding 7428 yards from the back tees, this 18-hole, championship design is longer than average, yet with no forced carries it affords golfers of all ages and abilities a challenge and a good time.
Harmony is designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, achieved by courses that maintain the highest degree of environmental quality, and Harmony is ranked #45 in Golf World's 2010 Reader's Choice Top 50 Public US Golf Courses.
Harmony specializes in accommodating group outings and tournaments. From large fundraising events to intimate corporate retreats, the professionals at Harmony coordinate every detail guaranteeing the most personalized service available.
Open to the public, Harmony Golf Preserve is located within the Town of Harmony, on U.S. Rte. 192, 17 miles south of the new Lake Nona Medical City. Harmony Golf Preserve is managed by Troon Golf, the world's leader in upscale golf management.
Grande Pines Golf Club
Renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers has designed one of Central Florida's most dynamic new golf courses. In partnership with six-time major champion Nick Faldo, Smyers created each hole of Grande Pines Golf Club to be a strategic challenge that will bring out the best in each player's game.
Nestled among lakes, tall pines, oaks and palms, Grande Pines Golf Club peacefully coexists with the native flora and wetlands. The course is committed to environmental stewardship, and is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
Grande Pines Golf Club is ideally situated right off Orlando's International Drive, next to Marriott's Grande Vista Resort, and close to all the exciting attractions, finest restaurants and the Orlando Convention Center. Discover more about the elegant villa accommodations and recreational amenities of Marriott's Grande Vista Resort.