A roundup of what’s new and notable at the region’s top golf clubs.

The game of golf continues to experience increased interest and with so many folks now enjoying the sport, Central Florida’s best golf clubs are working hard to meet the demand. From noticeable course renovations to added amenities that help to enhance the overall experience, there’s seemingly never been a better time to play a round. Here we take a closer look at what’s taking shape at golf clubs both public and private.

PUBLIC

Celebration Golf Club
The club is currently offering a junior summer camp through early August for golfers age 7-15. The Monday-Friday camp costs $200 and runs from 9 a.m. until noon, with lunch included. Celebration was also recently awarded the 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, which ranks the club among the “top 10% of things to do worldwide.”

Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
Designed by Rees Jones, this award-winning course stretches more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, providing players with plenty of challenges along the course of their round. For $99, golfers who are Florida residents can join the Flight Club, which offers one complimentary round of golf as well as discounts on merchandise, food, drinks and more.

Legends Golf & Country Club
The product of designer Lloyd Clifton, this course is 6,911 yards from the gold tees and a par 72 with a slope rating of 130 and a course rating of 72.9. Some of the holes are more challenging than others, but each one will test your skill and shot-making ability as you take in the picturesque surroundings.

Metrowest Golf Club
A par-72 course that debuted in 1987, MetroWest’s greens are well maintained and surrounded by thickets of trees and spring-fed lakes with plenty of drastic elevation changes to keep you on your game. It recently completed several course and clubhouse renovations, with the newly revamped Sunshine Tavern opening last month.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
There’s no shortage of ways to work on your game at this club that boats two championship courses, Crooked Cat and Panther Lake. The club is currently offering its Florida Elite Golf Card, which offers numerous benefits including complimentary lunch with all rounds before noon, swing analysis, loyalty rewards, guest privileges, discounts on private instruction and plenty more.

Orange Lake Golf
Bringing decades of experience to the job, Nelson de Sierra was recently installed as Orange Lake’s new director of golf course maintenance. Also new for 2024 is the Toptracer Range at the Legends, a golf entertainment venue that offers virtual courses, long-drive challenges and other games, not to mention food and beverage options.

RESORTS

Bella Collina
Bella Collina recently purchased a custom smoker, allowing its executive chef to prepare on-course barbecue menu items during signature club events. Meanwhile, the golf team is providing complimentary Spanish-speaking clinics each week for those members who don’t primarily speak English. And the club’s “New to the Game” program focuses on members and residents who do not play golf, but wish to understand the basic tenets of the game.

ChampionsGate Golf Resort
A few months back, the club unveiled its newest venue, Eagles Edge at ChampionsGate. The 6,000-square-foot open-air facility features 30 hitting bays powered by Toptracer Range technology. With newly expanded hours, the venue has also recently added a brunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Those teeing off at this Joe Lee-designed course will surely enjoy the Mickey Mouse-shaped sand trap on hole No. 9, part of a $300,000 renovation of all the bunkers that took place a handful of years back. Those who are members of the Disney Vacation Club as well as theme park passholders are able to enjoy special discounts with greens fees.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
The course’s ongoing improvement project is nearing completion but Magnolia is currently open for play as an 18-hole course with an amended par 71 routing. While the finishing touches are being handled, golfers are offered a 15% discount on greens fees.

Disney’s Palm Golf Course
On Sept. 28 and 29, the course will host the 2024 PGA Family Golf Championship, bringing together teams of two-to-four players who are related to compete over the weekend in one of four divisions based on both age and skill level.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes
Players love this Greg Norman track that is enhanced by surrounding wetlands and other noticeable natural elements. Later this year, the club will once again host previous winners of Major Championships and members of their families when the PNC Championship takes place Dec. 19-22. On the dining side, Chef John Tesar’s steak and seafood restaurant Knife & Spoon has twice been recognized with a coveted Michelin star for its culinary excellence.

Reunion Resort
Situated on 2,300 acres, Reunion Resort has lots to offer by way of its three signature courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, Golfzon Leadbetter World Headquarters as well as its resort-style accommodations, spa, 10 community pools and several dining options. The resort is now offering its “Taste of Summer,” where each day a new dining element at a different on-property restaurant, including build-your-own burgers and tapas tasting menus. Over at Traditions Grille, the food and cocktail menus have been revamped for the season as well.

WORTH THE DRIVE

Florida Sports Coast
There are countless ways to spend a leisurely day at this destination, and that includes teeing off at one of the many beloved golf courses in the area, including Saddlebrook Resort, Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, Fox Hollow Golf Club, Plantation Palms Golf Club and several more.

Hammock Beach Golf Resorts & Spa
Hammock Beach is home to two courses designed by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus and offers idyllic views of the Atlantic Ocean. On Sept. 7, Hammock Beach will host its second annual Food and Wine Classic.

The Palm Beaches
More than 160 golf courses are located throughout The Palm Beaches, so there’s always a place to get in a round (or two) every day. With many of the world’s top golfers residing in the area, one can expect to find outstanding courses that challenge even the most avid player.