Golf Courses in Orlando Near Disney & Attractions
Golf Courses in Orlando Near Disney & Attractions
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you’ll almost certainly have your eyes set on one of our world class theme parks. But it’s not all about the mouse and the wizard. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world come to play on golf courses in Orlando and walk in the footsteps of legends.
Whether you’re looking for professional courses designed by world renowned architects and iconic legends, or just a casual game, there’s something for every level of player.
With 12 months of warm Florida weather and over 100 golf courses near Disney and the attractions, it’s pretty much tee time any time.
Swing Right In for the Best Golf Courses in Orlando & Kissimmee
Walt Disney World Golf
The rest of the family may have their sights set firmly on Mickey treats, princesses and parades, but Disney is also home to four golf courses in Orlando, all open to the public. It’s the happiest place on turf!
And this is no Mickey Mouse set up either, Disney golf courses are operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management.
There are three 18 hole championship courses that have all hosted the PGA TOUR, plus a 9 hole walking course. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Payne Stewart, Vijay Singh and Mark O’Meara have all won PGA TOUR events on Disney Golf Courses.
Each Disney course comes complete with a Mickey Bunker for that little bit of pixie dust during your game.
Magnolia: Opened in 1971, the PGA’s elite have walked this course for over 30 years. As the most challenging of the Disney golf courses, Magnolia features almost 100 bunkers, 11 holes with water hazards, elevated tees and greens and a rolling terrain. With over 1500 magnolia trees, this is the longest of the Disney golf courses with a yardage of 5,232 to 7,516.
The Palm: A challenging 18 hole course with 59 bunkers, strategically placed palms and water hazards at 9 holes. The Palm’s 18th hole has rated among the 10 toughest holes on the entire PGA Tour four times since 1986. There are shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees and sloping greens to create one of Disney’s toughest courses. This course was redesigned by Arnold Palmer Course Design in 2013.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course: Located right in the heart of Disney and a certified Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary. The PGA, LPGA, and USGA have all held events at this 18 hole course. Test your skills at the demanding 7th hole with its challenging island green. The course also offers a driving range and practice putting green.
Oak Trail: This family friendly 9 hole course has rolling greens offering challenges for more experienced golfers and junior tees for younger golfers. Set amongst 40 acres, the course features fairways lined with majestic oak trees. It’s a walking course only, with no carts allowed, but you can rent pull carts.
Oak Trail also offers an 18-Hole FootGolf course, certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL).
Where: 1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Book: 407 WDW-GOLF | 407 939 4653
Web: WDW Golf
PIN FOR LATER!
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Orange Lake Golf Club
If you are staying in one of our Vista vacation homes, Orange Lake is almost on your doorstep. It’s right next door! As well as 54 holes, there’s also a floodlit driving range, a putting green and two chipping greens.
The Legends: The pride and joy is the 18 hole Arnold Palmer signature design championship course. The course offers two distinct golfing experiences: A hint of traditional Scottish-style links on the first 9 holes. Pines and oaks with winding fairways on the back 9 that will remind you of the Carolinas.
The Reserve: This 18 hole course has perfectly manicured greens set in preserved wetlands giving you a natural Florida setting. It offers challenges for all levels of player and is one of the best value golf courses in Orlando.
Cranes Bend: This executive 9-hole course opened in 1982 and was renovated in 2003. The meandering rolling greens pay tribute to the diverse wildlife. Each hole is named after a species of bird, representing the abundance of wildlife you’ll experience during your game.
The Legends Walk: If you’re looking for a quick and exciting 9 holes, this Orlando golf course is the one for you. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this unique par-3 1581 yard walking course offers skill sets for all levels. PLUS, this is one of the few golf course in Orlando that offers lighting in the evening for night-time play.
Where: 8505 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Book: 407 239 1050
Web: Orange Lake Golf Club
Celebration Golf Club
This 18 hole golf course was created on the wetlands of the picturesque town of Celebration. The course offers beautiful scenery, strategic hazards and challenging greens.
The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, whose revolutionary work on golf courses earned him the reputation of the father of American golf architecture. There are only three courses in the world right now which hold the distinction of being sculpted by Jones and his son Robert Jones Jr., and it’s easy to see what makes their approach so special.
Celebration Golf Club is a championship-caliber course, but any skill level is welcome. If you have budding golfers in your family, Celebration Golf Academy has specialized junior clinics and also a 3-hole junior course created for children aged 3 to 9.
Celebration Town is a great spot to visit for all the family and this expansive, scenic golf course is just a bonus. There are lots of local restaurants in Celebration, unique boutiques and a large lake with rocking chairs where you can sit and watch the world go by. Or take one of the walking/biking trails through natural woodland or the beautiful neighborhood streets.
Where: 701 Golfpark Dr, Celebration, FL 34747
Book: 407 566 4653
Web: Celebration Golf
Mystic Dunes Golf Club
If you are staying in our 5 bedroom vacation home, this is the closest course to the house and is just 2 miles from Disney World.
Gary Koch, Champions Tour Player and NBC golf analyst, is the designer of this 18 hole, 7,012-yard championship course. One of the most unique golf courses in Orlando, it was designed to give players two distinctly different golfing experiences. A British Isles style links course has been created in nine holes, and a ‘low country’ style in the remaining 9. The 2nd is the signature hole, complete with a waterfall just off the green.
The course is set amongst 600 acres of sand dunes and wetlands, offering an abundance of natural beauty.
If you want to warm up before you hit the course, the practice facility offers 60,000 square foot of space with a driving range, chipping and putting greens and practice bunkers.
Where: 7850 Shadow Tree Ln., Celebration, FL 34747
Book: 407 787 5678
Web: Mystic Dunes
DubsDread Golf Course
As one of the oldest golf course in Central Florida, you’ll get a little bit of history with your golf game. DubsDread was built in 1924 and was one of the first public golf courses owned by the City of Orlando. It gets it’s name from the word Dub, which means golf novice.
DubsDread is perfect for beginners and intermediate golfers. It’s an 18-hole course, making it great for golfers who want the full experience, and it’s home to DubsDread Golf Learning Center.
It’s also got a hugely popular restaurant too. The Tap Room at DubsDread is an award winning local gem offering fresh fish daily, prime fillets, signature sandwiches, award winning burgers and more. The setting of the Tap Room is just beautiful.
Where: 549 W Par St, Orlando, FL 32804
Book: 407 246 2551
Web: Dubsdread Golf Club
Winter Park Golf Course
Another of the oldest golf courses in Orlando, this one actually dates back even further than DubsDread, having originally opened in 1900. In fact, in the late ‘90s it was added to the U.S National Register of Historic Places.
It’s a smaller course, with just 9 holes, as was common at the turn of the 20th Century. It makes it ideal for those looking for a relaxing experience.
Winter Park is a wonderful place for all the family to visit too. Unique boutique stores and award winning restaurants line the quaint sidewalk of the town center. Opposite, there’s a spacious central park shaded by trees draped in Spanish moss. Take a scenic boat tour around the linked lakes or explore the historic Morse Museum – home to the most comprehensive Tiffany collection in the world. There’s plenty for all ages to do in Winter Park.
Where: 761 Old England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789.
Book: 407 599 3419
Web: Winter Park Golf Club
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
The course at Falcon’s Fire was designed by the legendary Rees Jones. With well over 100 golf courses to his name, you could make a strong case for Falcon’s Fire being one of the finest.
The course offers a challenge for advanced players, but is also playable for novice golfers. It features over 100 bunkers and several natural water hazards set amongst an immaculate classic architecture. With 7,000 yards from the back tees, there are four sets of tees to choose from.
Falcon’s Fire is recognized both regionally and nationally as one of the finest public Golf Courses in Orlando. It’s also one of the most family friendly golf courses in Kissimmee, offering gentle walking for younger players.
With complimentary valet parking, club cleaning and golf carts equipped with GPS navigation, the service at Falcon’s Fire is on par with a top level golfing experience.
Enjoy a bite to eat before or after your game at Falcon’s Nest Restaurant. They serve breakfast seasonally and lunch/snacks year round.
Where: 3200 Seralago Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Book: 407 239 5445
Web: Falcon’s Fire
ChampionsGate Golf Club
ChampionsGate is home to two 18-hole courses, both of which were designed by the accomplished Australian golfer Greg Norman. This is the place to go if you want to soak in some natural beauty while getting in some solid, challenging golf.
The two courses are very distinct, but both are signature Norman designs and the intention of them was clear. To integrate the stunning, Florida natural habitat so that every hole is accompanied by a terrific view.
The International brings with it a flavor of Norman’s home country of Australia, which he effortlessly blends with the Orlando environment. There’s over 42,000 square foot of sprawling greens featuring 18 of the most challenging holes in Florida.
The National is about as authentic of an Orlando golf course as you can get, set in 200 acres of natural woodlands and former orange groves. There are challenging water hazards, especially on the 15th hole. Around 15,000 balls a year are lost in those wetlands. You can pretty much guarantee there’s a gator in there somewhere!
Champions 9 is a nine hole par 3 family friendly course. It’s also lit in the evenings for night time playing. For even more fun, Cranes is a miniature golf course with 18 themed holes the kids will love.
If you’re looking for world-class instruction, Championsgate is also home to the world headquarters of David Leadbetter Golf Academy. One hour, half day and full day sessions are available for groups or individuals.
Where: 1400 Masters Boulevard, Four Corners, FL 33896
Book: 407 390 6664
Web: ChampionsGate Golf Club
Orange County National Golf Center
Last on our list of golf courses in Orlando, but by no means least, is the Orange County National. There are two 18 hole championship courses and a 9 hole short course at this golfing Mecca.
The Orange County National can also claim bragging rights for being home to the largest practice facility and driving range in the USA. The 42-acre practice facility includes a 22,000 square foot 18 hole putting green that is lighted at night and a 25,000 square foot short game area.
Panther Lake: Each of the 18 holes at Panther Lake is unique. With rolling meadows, wetlands and 60 foot elevation changes, this championship course topped the Orlando Golf list as 2020 Best Public Course. The course is surrounded by natural Florida countryside and you won’t spot a house anywhere in sight.
Crooked Cat: This 18 hole course possibly offers the most versatility of any of the Orlando Golf courses. It features elevation changes, wider areas and few trees, providing golfers with more of a links-style experience. Crooked Cat is more exposed than Panther Lake, making the ever changing wind a challenge. Due to its length and challenge, the back 9 is the favorite of many low handicap golfers.
Tooth: This 9 hole walking course is perfect if you just want a quick game. You can complete the course in less than an hour. Plus, it’s perfect for junior golfers who want to try out their skills. Juniors play free when accompanied by a paying adult, making it one of the best value golf courses in Orlando. This course offers slightly gentler elevation changes than Panther Lake or Crooked Cat.
Golf Performance Village was created to give every level of player a one stop shop to improve their game. There are 12 world class resident teaching pros plus Golf Studio 360, an on site club fitter/builder.
The Golf Academy at Orange County National offers private and group sessions.
Where: 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Book: 407 656 2626
Web: Orange County National
TopGolf in Orlando
Although not a golf course, it would be remiss of us to omit Topgolf from our list of golf courses in Orlando. This high tech driving range offers a full-blown entertainment experience with 102 climate controlled bays set on 3 floors. Toptracer technology tracks the flight path of each golf ball you hit and displays its path in video. You are able to instantly see a replay of your golf shot on HDTV screens in your hitting bay.
But it’s not just about the game at TopGolf Orlando. It’s also a sprawling 60,000 square foot entertainment complex perfect for all ages. Experienced golfers and those with zero interest in golf can all enjoy live music, a rooftop terrace with fire-pit, dining and bars, entertainment and games.
If you want to improve your game, there are individual and group lessons and classes available for all skill sets.
Where: 9295 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Book: 407 218 7714
Web: TopGolf
We hope our guide to some of the best golf courses in Orlando covered all you needed to know. Let us know if you have a favorite course we should include. With around 1200 golf courses in the state of Florida, we’re pretty spoiled for choice!
If you are visiting to play golf courses in Orlando and looking for accommodation, we’d love to welcome you to one of our vacation homes.