(That Aren’t Disney-Owned)
Orlando is famed for its incredible golf offerings, and if you’re staying near Disney World, you don’t need to limit yourself to Disney-owned courses. Many exceptional greens are just a short drive away, each offering unique layouts, challenges, and experiences. Here’s an expanded look at the top 10 golf courses near Disney World that promise unforgettable rounds of golf.
- Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Layout & Design: Arnold Palmer’s masterpiece is a 27-hole facility that includes the Champion, Challenger, and Charger nines. The Champion/Challenger routing is used for the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. The course is longer than it seems, owing to elevated greens and water hazards that demand precision. Its signature hole, the par-5 6th, features a sharp dogleg around a large lake.
Unique Features: Beyond its design, Bay Hill is steeped in history. Arnold Palmer’s personal touch is everywhere, from the immaculately maintained greens to the memorabilia inside the lodge.
Practice & Dining: A state-of-the-art practice facility complements your round. The onsite grill blends casual and refined dining, perfect for unwinding after a challenging day on the course.
Why Play Here? It’s a mix of championship caliber golf and an homage to one of the sport’s most beloved legends. The premium pricing is worth every penny for this one-of-a-kind experience.
- Shingle Creek Golf Club
Layout & Design: Redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, Shingle Creek’s par-72 layout spans over 7,200 yards. Low-profile greens are guarded by tightly mowed runoffs that make chips and pitches tricky. Water hazards come into play on several holes, including the challenging par-4 18th.
Signature Holes: The par-3 16th is a standout, requiring a precise mid-iron shot over water to a narrow green. The 18th finishes strong with a long dogleg left over water.
Amenities: Known for its luxurious clubhouse, Shingle Creek also boasts the Brad Brewer Golf Academy, where players can hone their skills with tour-quality instruction.
Why Play Here? It’s a picture-perfect resort course with challenges suited to golfers of all levels.
- Celebration Golf Club
Layout & Design: Designed by the legendary father-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr., Celebration Golf Club offers a strategic and scenic experience. The par-72 course mixes generous fairways with water hazards and bunkers that protect its pristine greens.
Signature Holes: The par-5 9th challenges golfers with a forced carry over water to a two-tiered green. The back nine has a few risk/reward par-4s, most notably the 13th.
Amenities: Set in a charming community, the course is near great dining options in the Celebration Town Center. Its welcoming atmosphere extends to its clubhouse and professional staff.
Why Play Here? Peaceful surroundings and a challenging design make Celebration a must-play.
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes
Layout & Design: Greg Norman brought his signature style to this Certified Audubon Sanctuary course. Its parkland-style design combines expansive fairways with strategically placed bunkers and multiple water hazards, offering a gratifying challenge for golfers.
Signature Holes: The par-5 18th is a particularly memorable hole, combining length, a sharp dogleg, and a water hazard to the right.
Amenities: Luxury extends beyond the course here. The Ritz-Carlton features five-star dining options, including Highball & Harvest, and private lessons led by PGA professionals.
Why Play Here? For a blend of championship golf and pampering luxury, this course is hard to beat.
- Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
Layout & Design: This Rees Jones-designed gem is a favorite for its player-friendly design that doesn’t skimp on challenges. Rolling fairways and sparkling water hazards define this par-72 layout, while generous landing zones make it accessible to all.
Signature Holes: The par-5 12th dares players to go for the green in two, crossing water to a narrow approach. The 18th is equally dramatic with its island-green design.
Amenities: The well-stocked pro shop and excellent practice range set the tone for a professional experience. Their restaurant is a great spot for casual post-round dining.
Why Play Here? It’s perfect for golfers seeking a balanced mix of challenge, scenery, and great service.
- Orange County National Golf Center (Panther Lake & Crooked Cat)
Layout & Design: Featuring two top-tier 18-hole courses, Panther Lake showcases dramatic elevation shifts and native wetlands. Crooked Cat offers a more links-inspired experience with wide fairways framed by wispy grass.
Signature Holes: Panther Lake’s par-4 11th offers gorgeous views as it snakes through dense pines. Crooked Cat’s finishing hole, a testing par-4, is a thrilling way to end your round.
Amenities: If you love practicing, this is the spot. It boasts a 360-degree range and expansive short-game area, plus a large putting green.
Why Play Here? The variety and immaculate conditions make it a haven for avid golfers.
- Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
Layout & Design: This course is a testament to precision golf, with Rees Jones incorporating water hazards, tight fairways, and finely-contoured greens into a strategic yet beautiful layout.
Signature Holes: The par-3 7th has a Biarritz green that creates a unique two-tiered putting experience, while the par-5 12th is a long brute requiring both power and precision.
Amenities: The award-winning service at the Waldorf Astoria extends to the course, making everything from tee-times to club rentals seamless.
Why Play Here? The luxurious ambiance is unparalleled, and the course offers strategic challenges in a lush, beautiful setting.
- Evermore Orlando Resort (Grand Cypress)
Layout & Design: Home to the Links and Cypress courses, Jack Nicklaus implemented one-of-a-kind challenges that cater to both traditionalists and modern golfers. The Links evokes Scotland’s famed St Andrews with double greens and pot bunkers, while Cypress feels like it belongs in a botanical garden.
Signature Holes: The Links’ 17th is a standout par-4 shaped by bunkers that punish poor tee shots. The Cypress’ island green on the par-3 15th is its defining feature.
Amenities: Guests enjoy access to an upscale resort featuring spa treatments, fine dining, and gorgeous accommodations.
Why Play Here? With two contrasting designs, Evermore offers a double dose of unique golf experiences in one location.
- Hawk’s Landing Golf Club
Layout & Design: This par-72 course stretches over 220 acres and incorporates a mix of water features and tree-lined holes. The course caters to golfers of all skill levels with its balanced design.
Signature Holes: The par-3 14th, surrounded by water, is as photogenic as it is nerve-wracking.
Amenities: The Marriott’s pool and spa provide superb relaxation, while the onsite restaurant serves up great post-golf meals.
Why Play Here? It’s a prime option for families looking to mix resort and golf experiences near Disney.
- Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Layout & Design: Play courses created by three golf legends. Nicklaus’ layout favors precision, Palmer’s is pleasantly forgiving with bold contours, and Watson’s offers links-style creativity.
Signature Holes: The Palmer Course’s par-3 2nd descends over 50 feet from tee to green. Nicklaus’ closing holes, lined by bunkers, demand precision.
Amenities: A training facility, luxurious accommodations, and several dining options make this resort a self-contained paradise.
Why Play Here? The chance to play distinctly styled courses by three icons is a rare opportunity.
Plan Your Golf Escape
With a mix of championship-level layouts, laid-back resort courses, and rich history, these 10 courses stand out for their quality and variety. Whether your goal is to sharpen your skills or simply unwind on the greens, these destinations offer unforgettable rounds tailored perfectly for your next Orlando getaway.
