Orlando is home to many amazing attractions, parks and resorts including Universal Orlando Resort, Wet n’ Wild, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney World itself. These attractions plus many more made Orlando the most visited American city in 2009.
Orlando is filled with amusement parks, possibly more so than any other city in the United States, however, one of its other attractions should not be overlooked – golf courses. Some of the most prestigious courses in the world reside here at Walt Disney World Golf.
The four courses at Walt Disney World Resort have been earning national recognition for their unique design, impeccable service, and playability. Walt Disney World Golf was once home to the Walt Disney World Golf Classic and is now home to the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.
Walt Disney World Golf features four courses: Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail, all of which are operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, reflecting the true spirit of Arnold Palmer.
Magnolia
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course has a classic tour style design. It is the longest of the four courses and is named for its 1500 majestic magnolia trees. It is a challenging course thanks in part to numerous water hazards. Furthermore, it is a favorite among PGA Tour players. It’s the perfect course for serious golfers while still being accessible, but challenging for players of all abilities.
Magnolia is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest
Palm
The newly remodeled Palm course features 18 holes with shimmering lakes, beautifully tropical sands and a number of luscious palm trees.
The summer of 2013 was an important one for Disney’s Palm Golf Course because it underwent a complete redesign. Disney contracted Arnold Palmer Course Design to oversee and undergo the exciting renovation project that entailed new green complexes, reshaped tees, and a completely new bunker design that was able to modernize this historic course.
Also receiving 4 stars by Golf Digest, this Disney’s Palm Course promises to provide a number of challenges to both seasoned pros and newcomers.
Lake Buena Vista
The Lake Buena Vista Course features a classic country-club style design with sparkling lakes, pine forests, pastel villas and even palmettos. This may be one of the most talked about Disney courses thanks in part to the fact that it has hosted not just the PGA and LPGA Tours but also a USGA event. The Lake Buena Vista Course has graciously been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary due to the beautiful greens, lakes, flora and fauna.
This 4-star course designed by Joe Lee allows any type of player to test their skills, especially at the demanding 7th hole.
Oak Trail
Disney’s Oak Trail Course is unique, to say the least. This well designed, family-friendly walking course is home to 9 holes with a par of 36.
Also a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary, the beautiful course offers holes ranging from 132 to 517 yards from the white tees, some of which are situated around a deep canal and a scenic pond. This is a perfect, family-friendly course that features junior tees suitable for young golfers.
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, use Ship Sticks and travel light!