Recommendations for courses to play in Orlando area

[Canary_Yellow]

I have a mate heading for Orlando soon and he'd like some recommendations for some courses to play.

Any hidden gems etc? Any must play courses? I think his budget might be a little limited, so a range of suggestions would be great.

I've been to Orlando a couple of times but never played golf there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CliveW]

The best deals seem to be if you phone and book either the day before or on the actual day rather than booking in advance. The times when I was there (Ususaly in February) there wasn't any problems getting booked. Cheapest was probably Highland Reserve $16 each including buggy, but generally speaking, the golf is relatively inexpensive.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

You can pick up some really good deals on twilight rates, worth checking the club websites.

 

[smange]

Tell him to call into a few golf shops when he out and about and ask if they have any vouchers for local courses, and keep an eye on here http://www.golfnow.com

Last time I was out we got Championsgate for around $37 on golfnow and got a voucher for Grand Cypress for €40 I think it was. Both these prices include free range balls and a buggy.

Grand Cypress would be my first choice out of the courses I've played out there http://www.grandcypress.com/golf_club/orlando_golf_courses/

 

[matt71]

I second golf now website there is some great bargains on there, also check out there bargain website dealcaddy as they advertise special deals throughout the week/month but have a long expiry day on them


http://dealcaddy.golfnow.com

regarding courses I have played a few ( me and the missus played Florida the past two years ) and loved the following:

Championsgate (both courses)
shingle creek
celebration
windermere
provident

Also diamond back is a quirky little number and they even do club hire quite cheap too!


Finally don't forget to register for orlando Groupon as they do some good deals ( sometimes including lunch) and have a mosey at the orlando sentinel newspaper as courses are advertised in there too, for example we played celebration for $46 including lunch,range balls and of course buggies. That's less than £31 between us

 

[matt71]

Fao smange: we both loved Championsgate and got a similar type of deal the international course was a bit harder than the national but both great funWhen we played apparently some Tampa bay American footballers were in front of us, had no idea who they are but Sussed they where famous when they got hassled for pictures at the parking lot after the game , we was chatting to them every now and again on the course but too this day still had no idea what their names are lout they were super friendly

 

[Canary_Yellow]

Thanks everyone - some excellent tips that have duly been passed on.

 

[srixon 1]

I enjoyed Southern Dunes when I played it a few years ago. It always ranks high on Florida's public courses and was mint when I played it.

 

[monktonhallgc1882]

Ridgewood Lakes was voted best new course in the USA by Golf Digest in the 90s I was impressed but clubhouse seemed dead and course could be slightly better kept but exciting holes good callaway hire clubs and a good place to go

 

[Break90]

I'd second Celebration and Championsgate, played them last year.

I also enjoyed Falcons Fire last year.

This year I'm looking at playing Eagle's Creek, Orange County National and we're staying at Southern Dunes so will be playing there as well.

Bay Hill is a dream of mine, but you have to be staying there to play it.

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

I just want to put my marker here. And are the Disney courses worth bothering with?

 

[CliveW]

I have been to the Orlando area three times to play golf, and the guy who organises the trip has been going for years for family holidays so knows the area well. He has a single figure handicap, as do another three in our group, but he has always shied away from the Disney courses. Last year I didn't go with them, but they did play one of the Disney courses, and their verdict was that it was one of the best they have ever played.

 

[matt71]

I just want to put my marker here. And are the Disney courses worth bothering with?

Never played them but have heard mixed reviews. the main reason we have not as they are a bit on the expensive side and have found some belting courses for less than half tey price of Disney.

With that a side i still will like to give them a go (if the price is right)

 

[Duckster]

Heard mixed reviews myself about them. Some saying too long for a round, fairways and green not upto much then two weeks later some others saying they are some of the best resort golf course they've ever played.

All did mention that they didn't think the staff at the golf courses were up to the usual Disney standards, which you wouldn't expect for the price you have to pay and the fact they are run by Arnold Palmer Golf Management.

 

[daymond]

Never had anything but enjoyable rounds on the Disney courses. Ditto Orange County National and Champions Gate.
All of the other courses mentioned above are ok.
Get him to pick up a booklet at golf outlets (eg Edwin Watts) which covers most courses and gives all the information.