Orlando - Course Suggestions

Break90

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Hi ,

I'm off to Orlando in September for a couple of weeks, have got the green light to play 3-4 times whilst we are there.

In the past i've played at Celebration, Falcons Fire, Championsgate National, this time I'm looking to play at least a couple of different ones, including Southern Dunes as we are staying in a villa overlooking the 3rd fairway.

No real restrictions in terms of green fees, but ideally within a 40 minute drive of where we are staying.

So who's been, where did you play, what condition was the course in and where would you suggest I have a look at?

Thanks
 
Hi ,

I'm off to Orlando in September for a couple of weeks, have got the green light to play 3-4 times whilst we are there.

In the past i've played at Celebration, Falcons Fire, Championsgate National, this time I'm looking to play at least a couple of different ones, including Southern Dunes as we are staying in a villa overlooking the 3rd fairway.

No real restrictions in terms of green fees, but ideally within a 40 minute drive of where we are staying.

So who's been, where did you play, what condition was the course in and where would you suggest I have a look at?

Thanks

grande pines and shingle creek are nice but bit high on the $'s. Two courses that I did enjoy that are a little but away from tourist trap are:

winderemere
provident

you could always have a stab at the championsgate international course too :) however don't plat St. Cloud as it's utter bobbins , it claims to be the only links course in Central Florida ( not sure where they get that from as it's all inland with virtually no water) but is cheap lol
 
Orange County national
Grand Cypress
Southern Dunes as you suggest - best greens in Central Florida
Grand pines
Ridge wood Lakes
Bella Colina
El Campion

I could name tonnes.

I'm in Orlando also in September, happy to meet for knock if dates match. I'm 4th to 18th
 
I stayed at Orange Lake resort and played the Legends course, apparently the only Arnie Palmer signature course open to the public in Florida. If that means anything. And it was a decent track if you are in the vicinity. Other course I played was Blue Monster at Doral. I knew a member, but if you can blag your way on then it's well worth it, but I wouldn't pay the ridiculous standard visitors fee.

You taking your sticks as the rental fees could mount up for 4 rounds?
 
A lot of very mediocre golf in Orlando. For my money, Orange County National (either course) is the best bet at reasonable money, and Southern Dunes is very good too. Grande Pines is nice but can be pricey, Grande Lakes (Faldo) is not very interesting at all. I also didn't rate Grand Cypress which I thought was OK but hideously expensive.

If you have some time on your hands, and a rental car, head to Streamsong, either course. That is going to be more than 40 mins drive, but will be easily as good as anything you can get on anywhere near.
 
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Try Warldorf Astoria GC. Only about 5 years old but a decent track and just across the road from Downtown Disney.
'
If you get the chance, book a night at Bay Hill Lodge and go and play Arnie's course. (Only a couple of miles from International Drive)
 
Ethan, Grand Cypress every time for under $40, that is outstanding value when you take in what it offers.

Can't disagree on Orange County National though.

Lots of courses for lots of money for daft people, there is a lot of mediocre golf without a doubt vastly over priced.
 
Ethan, Grand Cypress every time for under $40, that is outstanding value when you take in what it offers.

Can't disagree on Orange County National though.

Lots of courses for lots of money for daft people, there is a lot of mediocre golf without a doubt vastly over priced.

OK. That is a lot less than standard rate so is much better value. The St Andrews tribute hole is still laughable though.
 
Thanks all, some good suggestions so far, had been looking at some, but not all of these as possibilities.Hacker Khan - Always take my clubs, flying Club class with BA so loads of baggage allowance and no additional costs for golf clubs. I just never get on with hired clubs, especially different ones each round.Valentino - sounds like a great idea, pick your favourite course and let me know when you want to play, I'm there from 31st August - 12th Sep (3 days in New York first). I'm playing Southern Dunes on 1st September as they are treating the greens from 3rd September onwards, so anywhere apart from there.Green Bay Hacker - Waldorf Astoria is on the possible list, looks really nice there. Didn't realise you have to be staying to play Bay Hill, hoping to book a couple of nights there next year so will hopefully get to play it then.
 
Thanks all, some good suggestions so far, had been looking at some, but not all of these as possibilities.Hacker Khan - Always take my clubs, flying Club class with BA so loads of baggage allowance and no additional costs for golf clubs. I just never get on with hired clubs, especially different ones each round.Valentino - sounds like a great idea, pick your favourite course and let me know when you want to play, I'm there from 31st August - 12th Sep (3 days in New York first). I'm playing Southern Dunes on 1st September as they are treating the greens from 3rd September onwards, so anywhere apart from there.Green Bay Hacker - Waldorf Astoria is on the possible list, looks really nice there. Didn't realise you have to be staying to play Bay Hill, hoping to book a couple of nights there next year so will hopefully get to play it then.

Ok, worth staying in touch and sorting nearer he time, 6th suits me fine or the 8th and would suggest Panther Lake at Orange County National.
 
You will be spoilt for choice. My two favourites are Southern Dunes and I wouldn't miss taking a drive down 27 towards Haines City and playing Diamondback. An absolute gem, not expensive ( especially twilight after 2pm) and the last 3 are simply stunning. No houses on the course (a common feature in Orlando) and you can't see one hole from another. And the view from the veranda when taking that well earned beer is unforgettable.
Wherever you choose to play, you are going to have a great time.
 
Looking at the prices of the greens fees they have certainly gone down since I was there last 4 years ago. Diamond back was $80 for a round and now its way less than that. Falcons fire was also $80+ and that's now less than $50.

Hmmmm must wait for a flight sale :D
 
Diamond back is a quirky course but did enjoy playing it a few years a go. Get on golfnow website to book your cheap rounds though
 
Ok, worth staying in touch and sorting nearer he time, 6th suits me fine or the 8th and would suggest Panther Lake at Orange County National.

Sounds like a plan, I can do either of those days. I'll have a look on golf now etc and see what deals we can get for OCN Panther.
 
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