Best Golf Courses in Orlando

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I took the entire family to Disney World in Orlando a couple years ago.  We had a great time, and the kids didn’t want to leave.  I’ll be honest though, after four days of Daffy Duck, cotton candy, and waiting in line, I needed a break.  You guessed it, I made sure to bring my sticks with me.  What followed was 54 holes of golf in two days.  My wife wasn’t too thrilled but hey, a guy has to do what a guy has to do.

This wasn’t the only time I played golf in Orlando, but it had certainly been a while.  With a little research, I was once again reminded just how much great golf there is to be played here.  Since I haven’t played many of the courses myself, I thought I’d hear what you guys thought the best public tracks were and why. 

Our collective thoughts are below.

 

 

Take shelter in the heart of Orlando, Eagle Creek Golf Club offers golfers an unparalleled championship experience amidst pristine surroundings and impressive views. Designed by Rees Jones, this 18-hole championship golf course provides a top-notch golfing adventure for players of all levels. The well-maintained fairways and greens, along with multiple tee options, make it an ideal destination for golf lovers. The club also offers rental services for golf carts and clubs, ensuring a hassle-free event.

With its unique design elements and strategic challenges, Eagle Creek Golf Club stands out as one of the best Orlando golf courses, providing an unforgettable golfing adventure. Immerse yourself in the meticulously crafted fairways and greens, designed to challenge and inspire your game. Take in the breathtaking surroundings, including stunning water features and natural landscapes, for an unforgettable golfing encounter. Enjoy the convenience of rental services and on-site pro shops, allowing you to focus on your game and make the most of your time at Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Eagle Creek Golf Club is a must-visit for golfers seeking an exceptional golfing event in Orlando.

 

As you explore the exceptional golfing experiences in Orlando, shift your focus to Falcons Fire Golf Club, where classic architecture and well-maintained conditions await to elevate your game to new heights.

Located in the Orlando area near Walt Disney World Resort, Falcons Fire Golf Club is a haven for golf enthusiasts. Renowned for its championship golf, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course offers an unforgettable adventure for players of all levels. The course features strategically placed bunkers, sand bunkers, lakes, and rolling fairways, providing both challenge and beauty.

Falcons Fire Golf Club has garnered recognition as the best public golf course in Orlando, a testament to its exceptional quality and appeal. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, securing tee times at Falcons Fire Golf Club promises an opportunity to immerse yourself in a top-notch golfing event.

With its recent rejuvenation and outstanding facilities, Falcons Fire Golf Club stands as a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and bold round of golf in the Orlando area.

 

Hawks Landing Golf Club welcomes golfers to its impeccably maintained fairways and comprehensive practice facilities, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding golfing adventure for players of all skill levels.

At Hawks Landing Golf Club, you can expect:

1. A Championship Course: The meticulously designed course offers a demanding yet enjoyable encounter for golfers seeking to test their skills.
2. Resort-Style Amenities: The club provides top-notch amenities, including rental equipment, a pro shop, and a friendly staff dedicated to enhancing your overall experience.
3. Stunning Surroundings: Nestled in the heart of Orlando, Hawks Landing Golf Club offers beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for a relaxing day on the greens.

Whether you’re a qualified golfer or a novice looking to improve your game, Hawks Landing Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, promises a top-tier golfing adventure that will leave you eager to return for another round.

With its 18-hole championship golf course and well-manicured fairways, Mystic Dunes Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, offers an exceptional golfing encounter for players of all skill levels. Designed by Rees Jones and nestled in the heart of Orlando, Mystic Dunes presents a picturesque setting for golf lovers.

The layout features strategic challenges, including water hazards and bunkers, providing an engaging round for both seasoned golfers and beginners. The driving range and practice facilities allow players to hone their skills, while the multiple tee options cater to varying abilities. Additionally, the club provides rental services for golf carts and clubs, ensuring convenience for visitors. The on-site pro shop offers a wide array of equipment and apparel, adding to the overall golfing experience.

Mystic Dunes Golf Club stands out for its unique design elements and meticulous course maintenance, making it a must-visit destination for golfers exploring the vibrant golf scene in Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from afar, Mystic Dunes promises a memorable and enjoyable round of golf.

Lie close to the heart of Orlando, Florida, the North Shore Golf Club offers an affordable and well-maintained 18-hole championship course designed to cater to various skill levels. Here are some reasons why the North Shore Golf Club is a must-visit for golf fans:

1. Practice Facilities: The club provides top-notch practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens, allowing you to hone your skills before hitting the course.
2. Rental Services: With convenient rental services for golf carts and clubs, the North Shore Golf Club ensures that you have everything you need for a seamless and enjoyable golfing adventure.
3. Immaculate Course: The well-manicured course at North Shore Golf Club sets the stage for a memorable round of golf, offering pleasant views and a demanding yet rewarding layout.

Whether you’re a local golfer or visiting Central Florida for a golf getaway, the North Shore Golf Club stands out as one of the top Orlando golf courses, providing a resort-like experience just a short drive from the Orange County Convention Center.

Come and experience this gem designed by Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio, offering a links-style course that captures the essence of golf in Orlando.

 

As you continue your exploration of top-notch golf courses in Orlando, the well-manicured fairways and greens of Panther Lake at Orange County National await, offering a pristine and rewarding golfing adventure. This championship golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is renowned for its difficult layout, featuring elevation changes and strategically placed hazards that will test your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a trained golfer, Panther Lake caters to all skill levels with multiple tee options available.

The recently renovated greens ensure a smooth and true roll, adding to the overall enjoyment of your game. Additionally, the comprehensive practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens, provide ample opportunities to fine-tune your skills before heading out onto the course.

After your round, you can relax and unwind at the resort, soaking in the beautiful surroundings and reflecting on your game. Be sure to secure your tee time in advance to guarantee your spot on this acclaimed golf course. With golf carts and clubs available for rental, as well as on-site pro shops for equipment and apparel, Panther Lake at Orange County National has everything you need for an exceptional golfing event in Orlando.

 

Rio Pinar has been a staple of Orlando golf for more than 50 years.  Formerly the home to both PGA and LPGA Tour events, this course’s timeless character can still be felt today.

Classic Florida design has this course’s fairways lined with pine trees.  The greens are protected by undulating mounds and penal bunkers. 

The locals will tell you this course is sneakily difficult and scoring well means firing on all parts of your game.

Steeped in history and tradition, Rio Pinar is a throwback that’s more than relevant today.

 

Less than 10 minutes from Universal Studios, you’ll find Metro West Golf Club.

The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened for play in 1987.

This is target golf.  Thousands of trees, water hazards, and dozens of bunkers mean that you’ll need to hit where you’re looking.

What I remember just as much as the spectacular golf course, is the level of customer service I received here.  Like nowhere else, the staff goes above and beyond to cater to your every need.  These folks are proud to be here and it shows.

Who wouldn’t want to play at a place called Celebration Golf Club?  Doesn’t it just sound happy?

Our readers say it’s all that, and a lot more.  Here, golf is meant to be experienced, not just played.

Designed by father and son, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr., this parkland course is all about the second shot.  Strategically placed bunkers and closely mown runoff areas present a challenge that allows you to play a variety of shots should you miss the green.

Known for being in excellent condition and moderately priced, expect to have a great day at Celebration Golf Club.

While my wife and kids pressed on with their grand Disney adventure, I broke away on our final afternoon and snuck in a round at Disney’s Magnolia Course.

Formerly home to a PGA Tour Event, the Magnolia is quintessential South Florida golf.  Large oak trees line the fairways and force you to move the ball both ways off the tee and into the greens.

White sand bunkers lurk throughout the course and are waiting to penalize poor shots.

Rated four stars by Golf Digest, the Magnolia Course is a great option for anyone away on vacation.

Conclusion

 

When you come to Orlando, one thing is certain.  You won’t run out of things to do.  What I love so much about this city is that there’s something for everybody.  While I certainly love spending time with my family checking out one ride after another, there comes a point where I need a break.  That would be golf.

Based on the feedback I got from our readers, Orlando’s identity as a golf town is alive and well.  With so many great courses to choose from, the hard part is narrowing down a list.

Many thanks to everyone that continues to chime in about the best public courses around the country.  If you have additional thoughts or questions, let us know in the comments.