Walt Disney World is an expansive resort complex. Most guests are familiar with the gated theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney-MGM Studios. Less well known, however, is the extremely wide variety of entertainment options. From water parks to bicycles built for two, Walt Disney World offers a plethora of choices beyond the gated theme parks.
Walt Disney World offers some of the best golf courses in the world. Disney’s Magnolia and Palm golf courses are a regular stop on the PGA Tour. Known as the Disney Golf Classic, the 2007 event dates will be November 1-4. Tickets are available by calling 407-824-2250.
If you prefer to play rather than watch, you will be happy to know that all of Disney’s golf courses are open to the public. Greens fees vary according to course, season, time of day, and whether you qualify for any discounts such as Annual Passholder. Your fees include use of a golf cart, and in some cases, the use of pre-round practice balls. Annual memberships are also available, which will give you a discount.
Forty-five minute private lessons are available by appointment only. You are requested to arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson. You can also join in a group lesson at a significantly reduced charge. Equipment can be rented at the courses as well.
Eagle Pines is Walt Disney World’s newest golf course. Rated 4 ½ out of 5 stars by Golf Digest, Eagle Pines was designed by the legendary Pete Dye. The emphasis of this low-profile course is skill rather than power, where sand and water lie naturally along the contours of the land.
Eagle Pines’ golf carts now feature onboard GPS technology. This allows golfers to add another dimension to their game, calculating exact yardages, providing a 3D look at each hole, and even offering professional tips and tricks. Another nice feature of this technology is the ability to communicate with course management to report any emergencies that may arise.
Osprey Ridge was also rated 4 ½ out of 5 stars by Golf Digest. This course, designed by Tom Fazio, is visually stunning. The fairways seemingly appear out of nowhere in a dense wilderness setting of oak, cypress, bay, palmetto and pine trees. Osprey Ridge was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top courses in Florida.
Osprey Ridge also features golf carts with onboard GPS technology. Enhance your play as never before with 3D modeling, professional tips, and exact yardage calculations.
The Lake Buena Vista course is reminiscent of a traditional country club course. The course meanders past villas, palmetto trees, and stunningly beautiful lakes. Lake Buena Vista was rated 4 of 5 stars by Golf Digest.
The Oak Trail is Disney’s nine hole offering. Rated 3 ½ of 5 stars by Golf Digest, this is a perfect course for families. Both beginning golfers and those with more experience will find Oak Trail enjoyable, and the course length is perfect for teaching novices. Two par-5 holes here keep those with more experience from becoming bored.
The Palm is one of the two courses featured in the Disney Golf Classic portion of the PGA tour. The 18th hole is considered one of the most challenging on the tour, so be prepared for a tough time. The course is visually beautiful, blending sparkling lakes and palm trees. Designed by Joe Lee, and receiving 4 out of 5 stars from Golf Digest, the Palm is considered one of Disney’s toughest courses.
The Magnolia makes up the other half of the Disney Golf Classic. Rated 4 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest, the Magnolia was named for the abundance of magnolia trees throughout the course. This beautifully manicured course was designed by Joe Lee.
Both the Palm and the Magnolia feature golf carts with onboard GPS technology. Get 3D models of each hole, communicate with course management, and calculate yardage precisely with a range of new and exciting GPS features.
Each course offers a clubhouse with locker and shower facilities. The clubhouses are beautifully designed and appointed and are open to all. Additionally, each course offers full beverage cart service.
Three extensive pro shops are available offering everything from clubs and logo shirts to gift certificates. Be sure to stop by to pick up souvenirs and gifts. Four driving ranges and three practice putting greens are also available to help you perfect your game. There is no charge for club rental while using the practice facilities.
Dining facilities are available near each of the golf courses. Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines share The Sand Trap Bar and Grill, with an extensive menu and full bar. If you are golfing at Magnolia or Palm, be sure to visit the restaurants at the nearby Shades of Green Resort. At Lake Buena Vista course, Artist’s Palette is open all day and evening.
Wherever you decide to golf at Walt Disney World, you can feel confident in your choice. The golf courses at Walt Disney World are everything you would expect and more. The legendary Disney attention to detail shines through, with perfectly manicured courses and a variety of available themes. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your tee time, as the courses get quite busy during the more crowded seasons.
Beginners and families should choose the nine hole Oak Trail, or perhaps the eighteen hole Lake Buena Vista. Those seeking a challenge will love Palm and Magnolia, as well as the new Eagle Pines. Whatever your level of skill and interest, Walt Disney World has the perfect golf course for you.
