Where to play in Orlando???

Where will you be staying?

Orlando's a popular destination and that question comes up a lot......if you do a quick search on this forum you'll find a ton of recommendations.

Welcome to the forum! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk24 

Thanks for the welcome. I'll be staying at the Parc Soleil Suites. I'll make sure to search the forums for some ideas, too. Golfnow.com the best spot for lowest green fees? 

We will be in off-peak season by then - so if you avoid the tourist traps, you will be able to save some cash. A site like golfnow will also help keep you from paying those ugly *non-resident* rates.

Orlando area is a little oversaturated with courses/tee times, and GolfNow customers are indeed reaping the benefits.  If you're OK with risking not having reserved tee times prior to your arrival, you could easily just poach the best deals going on at the time each day by checking their web site.  Granted, not every course, and certainly not the premier exclusive courses will be on their site, but there are plenty of GREAT courses on there.  If you don't mind a little bif of a drive, there are a couple of facilities, three courses total, in the NW area of Orlando.  You're right on I4 so it wouldn't be too bad, barring heavy traffic, maybe  30 minute drive.  The courses are Bella Colina, and a two course Resort called Mission Inn(El Campeon is the better of the two courses, Las Colinas I think the other one). They're about 5-10 miles apart, but in the same area, which is unique for Florida and most of Orlando in that it has a lot of elevation, relatively speaking.  Both facilities are highly regarded and always in great shape.  Last I checked, you could get early bird and/or early afternoon deals at either facility for well under $50, whereas the "walkup" or standard call ahead rate is likely closer to $100 at either place, maybe a little less once May hits.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpgator33 

Orlando area is a little oversaturated with courses/tee times, and GolfNow customers are indeed reaping the benefits.  If you're OK with risking not having reserved tee times prior to your arrival, you could easily just poach the best deals going on at the time each day by checking their web site.  Granted, not every course, and certainly not the premier exclusive courses will be on their site, but there are plenty of GREAT courses on there.  If you don't mind a little bif of a drive, there are a couple of facilities, three courses total, in the NW area of Orlando.  You're right on I4 so it wouldn't be too bad, barring heavy traffic, maybe  30 minute drive.  The courses are Bella Colina, and a two course Resort called Mission Inn(El Campeon is the better of the two courses, Las Colinas I think the other one). They're about 5-10 miles apart, but in the same area, which is unique for Florida and most of Orlando in that it has a lot of elevation, relatively speaking.  Both facilities are highly regarded and always in great shape.  Last I checked, you could get early bird and/or early afternoon deals at either facility for well under $50, whereas the "walkup" or standard call ahead rate is likely closer to $100 at either place, maybe a little less once May hits.

I agree with maybe getting off the beaten path, so to speak. El Campion at Mission Inn is a great course. If you're near that area you may also want to check out Legends in Clermont. It's a Jack Niclaus design with some nice elevation changes.

Here's a link to favorite Orlando Courses with photos

http://golfcourses.weebly.com/orlando-fl.html

I don't know what it costs to play, but I imagine something like a quadrillion dollars. But I stayed at The Villas at Grand Cypress and I had a lesson there. I did not play a round, as we were there for theme parks.. but that course looked GORGEOUS. I still think about it. I need to get there and play.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David in FL 


You can get some good deals at Grand Cypress through Golf Now. They have 3 9's and last time I played there, maybe 4 months ago, we paid $45 for unlimited golf on a Friday. Decent track for a resort style course and condition is generally good.

Another vote for Grand Cypress.  Aside from the 3 nines, another 18-hole links style course is available on the property.  Right smack in the middle of everything, Grand Cypress could just as well be a million miles away from Disney due to great planning.  Very quiet, very golf-oriented.

What I like best about Grand Cypress is the practice facilities.  I believe they have 2 separate ranges, (unlimited balls available, tees, towels, water, etc and first class!) and probably a dozen or so practice greens strewn between courses/first tees.  Unlimited practice opportunities there.  Lastly, the also have a 3-hole practice course that you can play around to work on your game.  Par-5 followed by 4 and 3-par holes.  Another great practice oppty.

All courses are Jack Nicklaus design and fun to play.  I especially like the links-style 18 hole course.  The 2nd and 3rd nines are very nice as well.  Courses are always in top-notch shape, service at the resort (both golf and amenities) is also 1st rate.

dave 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave s 

 

Another vote for Grand Cypress.  Aside from the 3 nines, another 18-hole links style course is available on the property.  Right smack in the middle of everything, Grand Cypress could just as well be a million miles away from Disney due to great planning.  Very quiet, very golf-oriented.

 

What I like best about Grand Cypress is the practice facilities.  I believe they have 2 separate ranges, (unlimited balls available, tees, towels, water, etc and first class!) and probably a dozen or so practice greens strewn between courses/first tees.  Unlimited practice opportunities there.  Lastly, the also have a 3-hole practice course that you can play around to work on your game.  Par-5 followed by 4 and 3-par holes.  Another great practice oppty.

 

All courses are Jack Nicklaus design and fun to play.  I especially like the links-style 18 hole course.  The 2nd and 3rd nines are very nice as well.  Courses are always in top-notch shape, service at the resort (both golf and amenities) is also 1st rate.

 

dave 

I highly recommend the New Course with it's replica 1st and 18th holes fashioned after the Old Course. And the practice facility is wonderful. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk24 

Grand Cypress sounds like a good place to spend a day. The pictures of the course on the website look amazing.

One other must play is Orange County National. 

2 courses, Panther Lakes and Crooked Cat.  Panther is generally considered the better of the two, but don't necessarily believe it.  They're BOTH great tracks.   Home every other year to the final round of the PGA Tour Q-school.  One of the best practice facilities anywhere and both courses are always in great shape.  They'll treat you well too.

You won't find them on Golf Now, but don't let that deter you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David in FL 


Before playing any of these, please check for current course conditions. Of the 6 recommended here, I'd only recommend one, Bella Colina, due to poor condition.

Hi David,

Thanks a lot on your info so far. I go to the Orlando area myself once or twice a year and wonder how you would rate these courses I played. It will help me reference, cause to me they were on the 'most likely to play again list'. I am not looking into courses that will cost me more then 60 dollar including cart (on golfnow bargains).

1. Celebration

2. Magnolia (Disney course)

3. Deer island

4. Diamondback

5. World of woods

6. Pine Barrens (world of woods)

Will be back in october

Sorry, had to correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDutch 

 

Hi David,

 

Thanks a lot on your info so far. I go to the Orlando area myself once or twice a year and wonder how you would rate these courses I played. It will help me reference, cause to me they were on the 'most likely to play again list'. I am not looking into courses that will cost me more then 60 dollar including cart (on golfnow bargains).

 

1. Celebration

2. Magnolia (Disney course)

3. Deer island

4. Diamondback

5. Ridgewood Lakes

6. Pine Barrens (world of woods)

 

Will be back in october

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDutch 

 

Hi David,

 

Thanks a lot on your info so far. I go to the Orlando area myself once or twice a year and wonder how you would rate these courses I played. It will help me reference, cause to me they were on the 'most likely to play again list'. I am not looking into courses that will cost me more then 60 dollar including cart (on golfnow bargains).

 

1. Celebration

2. Magnolia (Disney course)

3. Deer island

4. Diamondback

5. Ridgewood Lakes

6. Pine Barrens (world of woods)

 

Will be back in october

1. Celebration:  Basic resort style course.  Always in good condition and a fun, if not overly imaginative layout.  Worth the time if you can get a good price through Golf Now.  I wouldn't pay the $100+ they want for non-residents now though.

2. Magnolia (Disney course):  What can I say, it's Disney.  Always in great shape and can play as long and hard as you like depending on the tees.  Again, tends to be pricey.  Consider the Palm course as an alternative if price and times aren't what you're looking for on the Magnolia.  They're sister courses sharing the same clubhouse and practice areas.  You can sometimes find one or the other on Golf Now but not always both.  Worth comparing the two.

3. Deer island:  Played 4 months ago and swore I'd never go back.  Horrible condition and BUGGY......even for FL.

4. Diamondback:  Never played.

5. Ridgewood Lakes:  Never played.

6. Pine Barrens (world of woods):  Outstanding.  Both courses at World of Woods are first rate and worth the drive and cost.  Times and discounts are available on Golf Now.