Orlando is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, thanks to its year-round sunny weather and abundant courses to suit all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will find something to challenge and delight you in this golfing paradise. Here are some of the top golf courses in Orlando that you should not miss.
The Best Golf Courses in Orlando
Bay Hill Club and Lodge
If you want to play where the pros play, head to Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the home of the legendary Arnold Palmer. This 27-hole facility hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour.
You can test your skills on the 18-hole Championship Course, which features narrow fairways, water hazards, and fast greens. Or you can enjoy a more relaxed round on the 9-hole Charger Course, which offers scenic views of the Butler Chain of Lakes. Bay Hill Club and Lodge also has a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant for your post-golf relaxation.
Grand Cypress Golf Club
Grand Cypress Golf Club is located within Evermore Orlando Resort. It features two 18-hole courses–the Links and the Florida Course, both designed by Jack Nicklaus.
The classic courses of Scotland and England inspired the Links design. They feature rolling terrain, pot bunkers, and stone walls, a tribute to the Old Course at St. Andrews.
The Florida Course is a stunning Parkland-style course that combines visual appeal with a challenging architectural design. The course boasts breathtaking views of lush green grass, glistening lakes, and pristine white bunkers. Additionally, golfers can enjoy a thrilling island green par-3 hole.
The Grand Cypress Golf Club also has a golf academy, a practice facility, and a clubhouse with a pro shop and a restaurant.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
Shingle Creek Golf Club features a beautiful course that winds along the historic Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
The course was redesigned in 2016 by Arnold Palmer Design Company and features undulating fairways, interconnecting waterways, and large greens. It is suitable for all skill levels, with five sets of tees ranging from 5,085 to 7,213 yards.
Shingle Creek Golf Club also has a state-of-the-art practice facility, a golf academy, and a pro shop.
Its hotel is set on 255 lush acres, featuring 1,501 elegant guestrooms and suites, 524,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, and a 95,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom. The Spa at Shingle Creek has a full-service spa, fitness center and salon menu
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is a luxury course that is part of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort. Rees Jones designed the course, which features natural vegetation, wetlands, and wildlife.
The course is challenging but fair, with strategic bunkering, water hazards, and elevation changes. The course also has five sets of tees ranging from 5,198 to 7,108 yards. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club also has a practice facility, a golf academy, and a clubhouse with a pro shop and a restaurant.
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is a 45-hole facility that boasts two championship courses and a nine-hole short course.
The Panther Lake Course is the first course ever to feature 18 signature holes and offers stunning views of natural lakes and wetlands. The Crooked Cat Course is more open and links-style, with fewer trees and more sand traps. The Tooth Course is a fun and challenging par-3 course that is perfect for beginners or warm-ups.
The Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge also has a 42-acre circular driving range, a golf academy, and a lodge with comfortable rooms and amenities.
Reunion Resort
Reunion Resort is a premier golf destination that features three signature courses designed by three golf legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.
The Nicklaus Course is parkland-style that requires precision and accuracy. The Watson Course is a links-style course that features fast and firm fairways, large greens, and undulating terrain. The Palmer Course is scenic and blends natural beauty with strategic design elements.
Reunion Resort also has a water park, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options for your enjoyment.
Tranquilo Golf Course
This course, located at Four Seasons Resort in Central Florida is one-of-a-kind due to its diverse elevations, thriving wildlife, and safeguarded wetlands.
It’s a Certified Audubon Sanctuary that provides an exceptional golf experience where you can immerse yourself in nature and truly get away.
Designed by Tom Fazio, the 18-hole course is a par-71, with a length of 6,901 yards and four sets of tees to cater to all levels of expertise.
ChampionsGate Golf Club
Designed by Greg Norman, this club features two championship courses, the National and International, and has hosted various professional tournaments.
The longer of the two courses, the International Course is a coastal links-style course with generous fairways, littered with hundreds of pot bunkers, and water features on every hole.
The National Course at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers a traditional American-style design, providing golfers with an exciting challenge across 18 holes that meander through 200 acres of serene woodlands, wetlands, and former orange groves.
This course showcases gently undulating fairways, strategically placed 80 bunkers, meticulously maintained tour-quality greens, cleverly positioned doglegs, and picturesque water hazards.
While water plays a role on many holes, the layout allows players of all skill levels to navigate without overly demanding forced carries. The smaller greens, sharply framed by the golf holes, create an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate skillful shot-making.
These are just some of the top golf courses in Orlando that you can enjoy during your visit. Whether you are looking for a championship challenge or a leisurely round, you will find it in this golfing heaven.