Orlando, known for its world-famous theme parks, is also a golfer’s paradise. The city is home to an astonishing variety of golf courses that cater to all skill levels and preferences. From public courses with exceptional designs to luxurious resort courses and exclusive private clubs, there’s something for everyone in Orlando’s golf scene.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the best golf courses in Orlando, showcasing the top public, resort, and private courses, as well as hidden gems worth discovering. As you read, you’ll gain valuable insights into each course’s unique features, challenges, and playing conditions, ensuring your next golfing adventure in Orlando is nothing short of memorable.
Discover premier golf courses in Orlando, including award-winning public and resort courses as well as exclusive private clubs.
Explore hidden gems for unique layouts and challenges amidst Florida’s natural beauty.
Maximize your experience with tips on planning during the off season, booking tee times in advance, and taking advantage of golf packages.
Orlando boasts a varied range of public golf courses, skillfully blending difficulty, aesthetics, and playability. Notably, Shingle Creek Golf Club, Orange County National, and Falcon’s Fire Golf Club are considered top choices among Florida golf courses. These courses are known for their exceptional design, challenging layouts, and excellent playing conditions, making them the ideal choice for golf enthusiasts seeking premier Florida golf experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to improve your game, these public courses in Orlando cater to all skill levels and offer a taste of the high-quality golfing experience that has made Orlando a popular golf destination.
Shingle Creek Golf Club exemplifies superior golf course design. With its distinctive layout and tournament-grade playing conditions, this award-winning course attracts golfers from all over the world. Designed by David Harman, a celebrated figure in the field, the course is characterized by its meandering creek, which adds both beauty and challenge to the playing experience.
The club’s rich history dates back to the early days of Central Florida settlers and cattle barons, when the area was known for its abundant wildlife, fishing, and cypress trees. Today, Shingle Creek Golf Club stands as a symbol of golf excellence, providing golfers with a world-class experience in a prime location near popular Orlando attractions.
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is a haven for golfers, offering 36 holes of championship golf and a nine-hole executive course. The Panther Lake course, known for its sloping fairways, elevated and undulating greens, and water hazards, presents a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned golfers.
The Crooked Cat Course is renowned for its concavities and elevations that bring a dramatic popular amusement. Rolling fairways outlined with piles of dirt add to the beauty of this golf course. Both courses offer a unique blend of challenges and breathtaking scenery, making Orange County National a must-play destination for golfers visiting the Orlando area.
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club, crafted by Rees Jones, is a highly acclaimed course that offers golfers a unique blend of classic architecture and challenging terrain. With its year-round playing conditions, white sand bunkers, grass mounds, and natural water hazards, it’s no wonder Falcon’s Fire Golf Club has been acknowledged as the Best Public Golf Course in Orlando 2019.
Located just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort in the heart of Orlando’s attractions district, Falcon’s Fire offers a visually aesthetic and picturesque setting, providing ample photographic opportunities and a memorable golfing experience for locals and visitors alike.
Orlando also offers several upscale resort golf courses for those desiring a luxury golfing experience. Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cypress Golf Club, and Waldorf Astoria Golf Club are among the most highly acclaimed options. These courses offer not only challenging layouts and picturesque settings but also a range of luxurious amenities that cater to the discerning golfer. In comparison to other Orlando golf courses, these clubs truly stand out for their exceptional quality and service.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a relaxing golf getaway or challenge yourself on some of the finest courses in the region, these resort golf courses in Orlando are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, crafted by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman, is a premium course that offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The course features fast greens, water hazards, and over 100 bunkers, demanding strategic thinking and skillful shot-making from golfers.
Navigating through a range of water hazards, strategically situated bunkers, and challenging greens complexes, players are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and a truly memorable golf experience. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club’s impeccable conditions and strategic layout make it a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Orlando.
Grand Cypress Golf Club is a golfer’s delight, offering:
36 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf
Consistently ranking among the top 10 golf courses in Orlando
Unique design featuring 45 holes of championship golf, with both links-style and parkland-style layouts
A tribute to the Old Course at St. Andrews
With its impressive layout and well-maintained course conditions, Grand Cypress Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience for players of all skill levels. The club provides a selection of amenities, including:
A championship golf course
Practice facilities
A pro shop
Dining options
Event spaces
These amenities make both Grand Cypress Golf Club and Celebration Golf Club popular choices for golfers visiting the Orlando area.
Set against the backdrop of the Florida Everglades, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club boasts an elegant design, offering a serene golfing experience unlike any other. The course, designed by Rees Jones, pays homage to golf’s Golden Age, featuring flanking bunkers and straightaway holes that challenge golfers to bring their best game.
Notable holes at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club include the 7th named Biarritz and the par-3 13th, which showcase the course’s classic design elements and natural beauty. With its pristine playing conditions, traditional course design, and superior service levels, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is an ideal destination for golfers seeking a tranquil and luxurious golf experience in Orlando.
Orlando hosts several outstanding private golf courses for those golfers craving exclusivity and status. Isleworth Country Club, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge are renowned for their immaculate conditioning, challenging layouts, and unparalleled golfing experiences.
These private courses offer a level of luxury and privacy that is unmatched, making them the perfect choice for discerning golfers who demand the very best. From the gated communities and famous residents to the meticulously maintained greens, these exceptional private golf courses in Orlando are the epitome of golfing excellence.
Isleworth Country Club, crafted by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Steve Smyers, is a distinguished course that offers a challenging and rewarding golfing experience. The course features beautifully landscaped fairways, challenging greens, and well-maintained conditions that have made it the home of many professional golfers.
The club’s rich history and exclusive membership make it a highly sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts. With its unique design, immaculate conditioning, and famous residents, including the likes of Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ken Griffey Jr., Isleworth Country Club is truly a golfer’s paradise.
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is a distinguished course that offers a unique golfing experience. Here are some features of the course:
The majority of its holes hug the water’s edge.
It was designed by Tom Fazio & Andy Banfield.
The course boasts a beautiful natural landscape with bodies of water such as Lake Nona, Buck Lake, and Red Lake.
It creates a serene and picturesque setting.
The club has hosted prestigious events such as the Solheim Cup and US Open qualifying, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier golf destination. With its challenging layout, stunning scenery, and exclusive membership, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is a must-visit for serious golfers seeking a truly exceptional golfing experience in Orlando.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge stands as a symbolic golf destination that offers three nine-hole courses, including the famous Champion and Challenger courses played on by the PGA Tour. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer himself, in collaboration with his designers Ed Seay and Harrison Minchew, the courses provide a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.
The club’s prestigious reputation and connection to the late Arnold Palmer make it an essential stop for any serious golfer visiting Orlando. With its challenging courses, immaculate playing conditions, and luxurious amenities, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a true testament to the legacy of one of golf’s greatest legends.
Beyond known for its top-tier golf courses, Orlando also harbors lesser-known treasures waiting to be found. Southern Dunes Golf Club, Harmony Golf Preserve, and Eagle Creek Golf Club are lesser-known courses that offer unique challenges, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences.
Exploring these hidden gems in Orlando can provide a refreshing change of pace, allowing golfers to experience new layouts and challenges while enjoying the natural beauty of Central Florida. So, if you’re looking to expand your golfing horizons, consider giving these lesser-known Orlando golf courses a try.
Southern Dunes Golf Club is a favored championship course that offers golfers a unique playing experience with its rolling fairways, well-groomed conditions, and award-winning greens layout. Designed by Steve Smyers, the course features strategic bunkering off the tee and around the greens, sloping greens, and water hazards, making it a challenging yet enjoyable course for golfers of all skill levels.
This hidden gem is not only a visually stunning course but also provides golfers with a challenging and rewarding round. With its exceptional course design and pristine playing conditions, Southern Dunes Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts looking to discover lesser-known courses in Orlando.
Harmony Golf Preserve is a scenic course set amidst Central Florida’s wetlands and wildlife, offering a serene golfing experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Designed by Johnny Miller, the course incorporates existing wetlands and wildlife habitats, providing golfers with a unique and challenging playing experience.
The course’s long layout and natural setting make it a haven for golfers seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s more popular courses. With its tranquil surroundings and challenging layout, Harmony Golf Preserve is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked, much like the Tranquilo Golf Club.
Eagle Creek Golf Club is a distinctive course that offers golfers a blend of Scottish and English design elements, providing a challenging golf experience in Orlando. Designed by Florida’s own Ron Garl and Englishman Howard Swan in 2004, the course features:
Five par 5’s
Five sets of tees
Over 90 bunkers
Dramatic bulkheads
The course’s combination of traditional design elements and modern challenges make it a must-play destination for golfers seeking a fresh experience on the greens. With its distinct design and well-maintained conditions, Eagle Creek Golf Club is a hidden gem that is sure to impress golfers of all skill levels.
As you plan your Orlando golfing trip, remember that the best time to visit falls in the off-season, between December and January. This period typically offers better rates and less crowded courses, allowing you to make the most of your golfing experience. Booking tee times in advance is also highly recommended, as popular courses can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Also, you might want to consider golf packages for extra value and convenience, as many resorts and clubs offer bundled deals that include accommodations, green fees, and other amenities.
Lastly, make sure to dress appropriately for Florida’s weather conditions with light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated during your game.
In conclusion, Orlando offers a wealth of golfing experiences for players of all skill levels, with a diverse array of public, resort, and private courses, as well as hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the challenging layouts and world-class designs of top courses like Shingle Creek Golf Club and Orange County National to the luxurious amenities and serene settings of resort courses like Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, there is truly something for everyone in Orlando’s golf scene.
So, whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking to challenge yourself on some of the finest courses in the region or a beginner seeking a memorable golfing experience in the Sunshine State, Orlando’s golf courses are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
There are a total of 200 golf courses located in or around Orlando, Florida, including 24 public and 35 private courses.
Golfing in Orlando is best enjoyed during the off-season between December and January when rates are lower and courses are less crowded.
To book tee times at Orlando golf courses, you can visit the course's official website, utilize a third-party booking site, or use a golf booking platform.
Yes, golf packages are widely available in Orlando, with many resorts and clubs offering bundled packages that include accommodations, green fees, and other amenities.
Light and breathable clothing is recommended to cope with the hot and humid climate in Florida, so make sure to stay hydrated throughout your round.
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