The Legends at Orange Lake Resort

Reader Ratings / Reviews

• 
  by Tom Zink
  on April 01st, 2021 06:32

  course was good but our group paid over 1k for tee times and the cart girl came on hole 3 and said she aint coming back out we bought all she had a still had an aditude
• 
  by jim h
  on January 07th, 2019 13:51

  From what I've read - I played in the midst of a rebuilding of the quality of the golf course. The greens were a little shabby - but I like the overall layout and it play-ability. I would come again.
• 
  by Ron Scheske
  on April 18th, 2018 16:31

  Much improve from a year ago. I would recommend playing. Hope they will continue to work on the greens to get quality back to 4-5 rating.
• 
  by David Theoret
  on December 05th, 2017 07:59

  Odds are that Kemmons Wilson is not a household name or even a name that comes up every now and then in golf locker rooms around the country, but believe it or not, the man had a lot to do with the proliferation of professional golf in the US. Wilson is the founder of Holiday Inn and if you were to ask any professional golfer from the 50’s and 60’s, you’ll probably hear stories of how Holiday took them in and gave them a place to stay while they competed.
  
  On the other hand, the name Arnold Palmer is a household name; it’s probably safe to say that, because he dabbled in so many other things beside golf, his name is well-known outside of golf too. Arnold Palmer has arguably done as much for golf as anyone else.
  
  Put these two together and what do you get? The Legends Course at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Florida.
  
  Orange Lake Resort is known for upscale condo-style accommodations, villas and timeshares as well as a complete array of amenities that include swimming pools, tennis, miniature golf, a fitness center, lots of dining and meeting room options, 2 championship 18-hole golf courses and two executive courses; one that is lit for night play.
  
  Arnold Palmer Design Group built the Legends Course. There are five sets of tees to challenge men and women of all abilities. The Back Tees measure 7,072 yards with a slope rating of 132 and a course rating of 72.2. I found the Blue Tees at 6,263 yards (71.1/124) was the perfect length for my game and allowed me to leave with a little dignity still intact. Seniors will be challenged at 5,780 yards (68.7/120) while ladies will enjoy the Yellow Tees (5,188/92.3/120). Pick the tees that best match your game and you’re sure to have a good time.
  
  The Legends Course is a tale of two nines. The front side – sometimes referred to as the Links Nine – features wide fairways with significant landing areas and lots of rolling terrain. The Links Nine is much longer than the back (Pines) nine and has a real resort feel as it winds through the various lodging options of the resort. Water comes into play on about 4 holes on the outward nine as opposed to 7 of nine holes on the inward side. Many of these water hazards are pressed up against the greens and create precarious approach shots. The Pines Nine also features several fairways lined with Florida pines and majestic live oak trees that create narrow corridors off the tee. Several holes feature rock retaining walls that front the greens – a Palmer Design trademark.
  
  Most Memorable Hole: Number 18: Par 5, 400 yards (Blue Tees). This long, dogleg left features water on the left side that starts into play about 250 yards off the tee. There is also fairway bunker in play on the left side off the tee and a waste bunker on the right. A good tee shot will still leave a long to mid-iron into and elevated green protected by sand and water on the left and a lot of mounding on the right.
  
  Favorite Par 3: Number 3, 200 yards (Blue Tees). This long par 3 plays slightly downhill, but not quite a club less. It’s well protected on either side by deep-lipped bunkers that can make for a tough sandy. This can be a tough hole on a windy day, so choose your club wisely off the tee.
  
  Favorite Par 4: Number 13, 375 yards (Blue Tees). Aesthetically, this signature hole is probably the nicest hole on the course. Your tee shot is blind and uphill; just aim for the middle of the fairway. From there, you should have a mid-iron downhill over water into a large multi-tiered green that features a lot of undulation. It’s a fun hole to look at; it’s even better to play!
  
  Favorite Par 5: Number 4, 565 yards. Number 4 doglegs to the right and then back to the left, with all kinds of trouble along the way. It’s a double dogleg that features water on the right off the tee that comes into play if you try to get greedy. Steer clear of the water off the tee and you’ll have plenty of room for your layup shot. As the hole makes the second dogleg, you’ll be faced with a large waste bunker on the left side. If your approach shot is in the 150+ yards range, you’re facing a blind approach shot into a very small green protected front right and left by bunkers and water if you go long.
  
  Last Word: The Legends Course at Orange Lake Resort is anything but your typical resort course. There are a lot of doglegs – both right and left – that require both length and accuracy to set up a second shot. There are a lot of elevation changes – 10 feet is a lot in this part of Florida – that create blind tee shots and layups. Large lips on many of the bunkers add a bit of difficulty getting it close out of the sand. And the greens – although a little on the slow side – feature a lot of undulation. Several have ridges in the middle that create multiple tiers. Another atypical feature about the Legends Course is the small greens; they really test your accuracy.
  
  After your round, be sure to stop by the Legacy Grill, located in the Legend’s clubhouse. Guests can relax either indoors or out in the comfortable sports-themed setting. Enjoy food and drink with friends and family, all served by a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are all in play. The menu is vast and has something for even the most discriminating of pallets. They also serve all your favorite post-golf libations.
  
  The next time you find yourself in the Disney area with your golf clubs and several hours to kill, give the Legends Course at Orange Lake Resort a call.
• 
  by Sam
  on November 14th, 2017 06:44

  The course is in much better shape now than what was reported earlier in the year. They have put a lot of work into it.......
• 
  by Dave
  on October 09th, 2017 19:00

  Played Legends today. Although the greens and some of the areas under repair effect the overall look of the course we still had a great day. The staff was friendly and helpful.
  Love the layout of the course. I am sure it won't be long until the course is back to its former shape.
  This was my first visit to Orange Lake.
  I would consider trying the Reserve course as well.
  Cheers.
• 
  by Ron scheske
  on April 29th, 2017 06:34

  Been playing here for several years, never a complaint before. Clearly money is not being put into the golf course. I'm sure the Mccord golf group is not responsible for maintaining the course, but I would be embarrassed if I were him with the condition of the course. Most greens have dirt showing is several areas. To give an expample of lack of care, hole 6 has a greenside bunker that runs the length of the green (35 yards) and only has 1 rake in it. Very disappointing. Rest of the resort is nice, but the rest of my golf will be off site.
• 
  by Linkswray
  on March 22nd, 2017 03:36

  I have been playing this course for a number of years and it is incredibly sad to see how badly the conditions have declined. It has gone from a pristine jewel to poorly maintained Muni status in a few short years. If you can't get green fees for $50 or less save your money for a track where maintenance is a priority.
• 
  by CAPT John Pulsinelli, USN (ret)
  on August 17th, 2016 13:48

  My wife and I have been owners since 1992 when West Village was still being built out. I have played some really nice courses on Amelia Island where I live. By comparison the Legends gets a 2.5 and the Reserve a 2. I have to agree with several of the other golfers when they ask "What the heck has happened?" I would have rated both of these courses a 4/5 just 2 yrs ago. Then again, I would have rated the Resort a 4/5 from '96 through 2013/14, but I would only give it an overall rating of 2/3 at this time. Nothing has been kept up or maintained like it used to be and the majority of the Staff are just outright aggressive. I'm just glad our children are all grown and raising their own families and really have no need or desire to stay here any more.
• 
  by Ricardo Fandino
  on May 10th, 2016 21:35

  I played today. Though the design of the course is good and enjoyable, I expected much better quality in its maintenance. In several holes it seems like a poor muni course with bad shape fairways and even poorer greens.
• 
  by Bob Armfield
  on March 12th, 2016 08:05

  Sorry accidentally gave this 2.5 stars. I would give it zero if I could!!!!!
  
  This course is by far in the worst condition I've ever played and to add insult to injury it cost my 10 year old son and I $180 to play!!!
  
  We played it last year and it was in decent shape. I wasn't all that eager to play it again but it was my sons favorite son we went back this year.
  
  We played on 3/6/2016. Since my son is a junior I always call the Proshop for tee times to take advantage of junior pricing for greens fees. I looked on the website before calling and I could have gotten a tee times for 2 for $59/round. I called the Proshop and got a tee time for me and my son. I received an email confirmation for $119 so I thought fair enough. When we arrived and checked in we had to wait at least 10 mins for the pro to return to the Proshop to check us in and we he told me $180 I questioned him telling him my email confirmation said $119. He said that was just for me and my son was the balance!
  
  Long story short I've been playing about 20 rounds a year in FL over the last 20 years and this was the worst experience by far than any other!
  
  I'd take you money and play Orange County National, Reunion resort course, Southern Dunes, etc. before ever teeing it up here again!!!!
  
• 
  by Britizen
  on August 29th, 2015 08:25

  It is with great sadness that I have to write this review. The Legends at Orange Lake used to be one of the best maintained courses in all of Central Florida. The greens used to be like carpets. The fairways used to be lush and weed free. WHAT HAPPENED? I heard that it is now under new management and what a disappointment. ALL of the greens now have weeds growing in them. I mean really? Weeds on the greens? The fairways now have bare/weedy spots all over. The edges of the fairways are awful. I played there about 4 months ago and I cannot imagine how a course can go downhill so fast. Remember that muni you used to play for $15? If you want to bring back the memories, here's your opportunity.
• 
  by Anthony g
  on July 26th, 2015 16:03
• 
  by Mark Swidler
  on January 26th, 2015 16:11

  Great course! Staff is incredibly helpful, The greens were in great shape but tough and fast.
  Highly recommend playing this course!
• 
  by Randy Trahan
  on January 04th, 2015 18:26

  Have played here for the last 10 yrs. Last visit was 11/24/2014. Course was in the best condition I have found since first playing here. Staff is always friendly at the pro shops and starters. I have always enjoyed the course lay out and find it very challenging. Food in club house is always good, so take time to get something to eat before or after your round. If you are a single they will put you with someone to play with, I have always enjoyed playing with people from all over the world here at this course.
  
  I made my first hole in one here at the Legends on Thanksgiving day 2014 on hole #3, played 179 yds.
  
  Looking forward to my next round here at the Legends.
• 
  by bobb
  on January 14th, 2014 07:23

  Excellent condition. Staff was friendly and professional.Price was reasonable for such a great layout and the carts had GPS.
  
• 
  by John Foley
  on September 14th, 2013 05:40

  A well designed course which requires you to use every club in the bag. Tees, fairways, rough and bunkers were in excellent condition; greens were nearly there but had been fairly recently spiked. Water is cleverly brought into play on many holes. One of the best courses in the area with excellent service from staff.
• 
  by Bill Fuller
  on October 12th, 2012 10:30

  Nice course, greens a little rough in places.
• 
  by Jerry Mullen
  on December 23rd, 2011 15:46

  Very challenging from the back two tee boxes
  
• 
  by Daniel Brown
  on February 01st, 2011 06:00

  Everything was as it should be. Well maintained in every aspect. Really good greens that held shots when it should. No that 4 iron probably wouldn't set to tightly but that 6 iron will. Fairways were plush and mowed to the perfect length. Ruff wasn't too high, but high enough to let you know you you should have been in the fairway. Well groomed sand.
  
  Had a great day.!