Whether you’re a scratch player or a weekend golfer, the area’s premier golf clubs have lots to offer.

When the pandemic took over last spring, folks couldn’t wait to get out and about and find a slice of normality to life. Which is why it wasn’t surprising that the golf course became such a popular escape once restrictions were loosened and players were welcomed to return. With everyone from regular golfers to those showing an interest in the game clamoring for tee times, area courses have been busy. We reached out to several clubs, both private and public, from across the region and down the Shore to find out what’s new and notable. 

PUBLIC

CELEBRATION GOLF CLUB

Established in 1996, this course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son Robert Trent Jones Jr. It is one of only three courses—and the final one—that the pair worked on together and as such it combines several signature elements from other courses they have designed around the world. 

Fun fact: More than 70,000 golfers tee off at Celebration Golf Club each year.

FALCONS FIRE GOLF CLUB

This award-winning golf course designed by Reese Jones spans more than 7,000 yards from the back tees and is widely regarded in the upper echelon of public golf courses in the Orlando area. 

What’s new: The Falcon’s Nest Restaurant will be introducing a new menu in September with more selections, including a few specialty burgers and sandwiches.

METROWEST GOLF CLUB

The par-72 course debuted in 1987 and the well-maintained greens are surrounded by spring-fed lakes, thousands of trees and drastic elevation changes to challenge golfers of all skill levels. 

Starting young: The club puts a focus on golf instruction for kids and is a partner of EduKaytion Golf with Kay McMahon, a member of the LPGA Teaching Hall of Fame.

ORANGE COUNTY NATIONAL GOLF CENTER AND LODGE

This club boasts two championship courses (Crooked Cat and Panther Lake) along with a 9-hole executive course. It’s also home to the “largest driving range in the nation” and a 22,000-square-foot putting green so you can work on your game in between rounds.

Learn from the pros: Orange County National offers a dozen different academies catering to golfers of all ages and abilities.

Orange Lake Golf Course

ORANGE LAKE GOLF

Here you’ll find 54 holes of golf across two 18-hole courses and two 9-hole courses along with two practice facilities and three fully-stocked pro shops to outfit all your needs. 

What’s new: With Jimmy Bilsky III in place as general manager, the club has welcomed several new hires in recent months. Anthony Mastrangelo is the new head golf pro, while Tommy Izzo was promoted to assistant golf pro. Elsewhere, Master PGA Professional John Brown has been tapped to run the McCord-Brown Golf Teaching Academy.

RESORTS

ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE

Bay Hill’s history dates back to 1960, but it didn’t become the gem it is now until Arnold Palmer took over ownership in 1975. It remains the site of the PGA’s annual Arnold Palmer Invitational and has been home to some remarkable performances by the biggest names in the game over the years.

Fun fact: In 1977’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, Palmer hit a hole in one on the very first hole, a par 4 that measures 461 yards. 

BELLA COLLINA

Nick Faldo’s course is the centerpiece of this 1,900-acre gated community and it feels far removed from its surroundings. The open fairways and sweeping dunes further differentiate the course from its counterparts and it perfectly utilizes elevation, slopes and hills to test you at every opportunity. 

After the round: The 75,000-square-foot clubhouse includes dining options, a spa, a fitness center along with a wine cellar and humidor.

DISNEY’S LAKE BUENA VISTA GOLF COURSE

This Joe Lee-designed course is just a few years removed from completing a $300,000 renovation of all the bunkers and the addition of the famed Mickey-shaped sand trap on hole No. 9.

Stay and play: Members of the Disney Vacation Club and theme park annual passholders are afforded special discounts with greens fees.

DISNEY’S MAGNOLIA GOLF COURSE

This course is the longest of all the Disney World tracks and it’s known for its wide fairways, which seem inviting until you encounter one of the 97 bunkers or the many water hazards inhabiting 11 of the 18 holes.

One with nature: The course is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary and has newly installed purple martin nesting structures near the 10th tee box and 14th green.

DISNEY’S PALM GOLF COURSE

Mature woodlands and several waterways serve as the backdrop for this picturesque course designed by Joe Lee in 1971. The sizable fairways give way to large greens, but all the extra room is somewhat offset by the 6,780-yardage from the blue tees.

Helpful tools: The carts here feature GPS technology that shows images of hazards, yardages, hole diagrams, pin location and other tools to help you set up your next shot.

FOUR SEASONS GOLF AND SPORTS CLUB ORLANDO

This resort’s Tranquilo (Spanish for calm) course is highly coveted for its secluded setting and favorable playing conditions. And the 16-acre practice facility counts an 18-hole putting course and a double-ended range as some its highlights.

See the stars: The club has been home to the LPGA Tour’s Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions since it debuted in 2019 and will host the event again next January. 

HAWK’S LANDING GOLF CLUB

Spanning more than 220 acres at the Orlando World Center Marriott, this par 70, 6,200-plus yard course is highly regarded for its scenic backdrop, well-sculpted fairways and rolling greens noted for their speed and consistency.

What’s new: Robert Cupp Jr. redesigned three holes recently, including the new 204-yard, par 3 island green on hole No. 18., challenging players to hit their best shot to finish their day. 

MYSTIC DUNES

This Gary Koch design features uncommon undulations for the Orlando area and extremely challenging greens as the course mixes both classic Carolina style with characteristics of a links course in the British Isles. 

Keeping it local: Kenzie’s Restaurant and Lounge’s approachable menu is full of dishes that feature ingredients sourced from local farms within 100 miles of the club.

THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF CLUB, ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKES

The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando Grande Lakes

This Greg Norman track is surrounded by wetlands and other noticeable natural elements and the entire course was overseeded in 2020—the first time in nine years—and the result is lush grass from tee box to green. 

A family affair: Previous winners of Major Championships and members of their families will face off in the PNC Championship, being held once again at the club Dec. 16-19. 

REUNION RESORT

Reunion is also the only location in the world that can say it is home to three signature courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. What’s more, it also features 360 resort-style accommodations, six clay tennis courts, a spa, 10 community pools and a five-acre waterpark. 

On the menu: The resort’s newest fine dining option, 7593 Chophouse, offers a menu of signature steaks and other tantalizing entrees—as well as an elevated wine list—headed by executive chef Sabrina Greene.

SHINGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

Precision is key whenever playing this course that is surrounded by water and where the wind can make or break a shot as you navigate the fairways in search of the cup. 

Special offer: For $99, locals can join the Driver’s Club, an annual membership that includes a free round of golf, discounts on greens fees and other perks like receiving your USGA-GHIM handicap for the year. 

WORTH THE DRIVE

HAMMOCK BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA

With idyllic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this club features two courses designed by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus respectively.

What’s new: The club recently completed a renovation of all the bunkers and reduced the slope by 200,000 square feet on its Conservatory Course. Furthermore, Hammock Beach is preparing to start a $2 million renovation project this month to overhaul three of the property’s restaurants. 

TRUMP NATIONAL DORAL MIAMI

At this 800-acre suburban resort you’ll find 72 holes of championship golf across its four courses, including the signature Blue Monster which has hosted PGA Tour events for more than five decades.

More than golf: In addition to the four courses, the resort also is home to four Har-Tru tennis courts, boutique shopping and the Royal Palm Pool with 18 private cabanas and a 125-foot water slide.

STREAMSONG GOLF RESORT & SPA

This resort’s links-style courses aren’t just some of the most beloved in Florida, but across the country as well. The three highly rated courses are on many golfers’ wish list thanks to the standout holes and topography that make for one of the more unique golf experiences you’ll encounter.

What’s new: Two of Streamsong’s courses recently became the first in the world to showcase Mach 1—a new ultradwarf bermudagrass—on two 18-hole layouts. The resort has also opened The Glove at the Gauntlet, a bar serving signature cocktails and specialty beers.

THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF RESORT, NAPLES

Home to two Greg Norman courses, the Tiburón Golf Club annually plays host to the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout and the LPGA’s season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. 

What’s new: In addition to the hiring of new general manager Jenny Piccione, the resort will be expanding and redesigning its interiors. The hotel will feature 92 new luxury suites and a new lounge as well as the Reservoir, a 14,000-square-foot immersive outdoor and water experience with waterslides, poolside dining and private luxury cabanas.