Feature Stories
Big plays in small packages: Orlando par 3s aren't all Mickey Mouse
Orlando may be known as America's playground, but there are some par 3s in the area that can turn it into America's nightmare, at least when it comes to golf. Play any of Orlando's best courses, and face the challenge of their memorable par 3s, each with its own set of challenges, surrounded with all kinds of tricky obstacles, bunkers or water hazards. From no. 11 at Waldorf Astoria G.C. to the second at Bay Hill, here are some examples of holes that can make or break a round.
... full article »Top 10 greatest moments in golf at Walt Disney World Resort
Since the early 1970s Disney's four courses -- the Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge -- have hosted more than 100 professional golf events, leading to many memorable moments over the past 40 years. Erik Peterson shares with us the 10 greatest moments in Disney golf history.
... full article »Long and strong: The best par 5s in Orlando
The Orlando area is stocked with daunting par 5s good enough to challenge the best players in the world. Picking the best of them wasn't easy, but we think you'll agree, a par on any of these par 5s goes a long way. A birdie? That's reason to celebrate, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »From weekend hackers to the PGA Tour pros, these Orlando finishing holes can make or break you
You've seen the damage that can be done on the last three holes of a golf tournament. Just ask Jason Dufner or Jean Van de Velde. The Orlando area hosts three professional golf tournaments and is expecting the return of another, and all of these hosts have golf courses that offer tough finishing stretches. Jeff Berlinicke has more.
... full article »Summer means it's time to book tee times on Orlando's top golf courses for less
If you're looking for low-cost golf, summer is a great time to plan a golf junket to central Florida. There are tons of courses close to wherever you might be staying. And while they aren't as cheap as the typical local muni, they are in good shape and won't break the bank. Here are some Orlando courses you can play for less than $100 during the summer months.
... full article »Some short par 4s that can make or break your round of golf in Orlando
The short par 4 is one of the most deceptive challenges in golf. Almost every course in Orlando has a par 4 that is reachable with a drive, but you can just as easily end up with a snowman as opposed to an eagle or a birdie. Jeff Berlinicke serves up some short par 4s in Orlando that can make or break your round.
... full article »The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate delivers great fun for all
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate has the look and feel of a corporate retreat, a vibe that pleases adult vacationers and business travelers. But step outside and the resort transforms itself into a playground for the young and old, good enough to rival any family-oriented resort, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »Grand Cypress Academy of Golf unveils summer junior golf programs
The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf is offering a series of five-day weekly programs for junior golfers this summer. Programs for all skill levels are available now. Classes include the Junior Golf Program -- designed to introduce the game or serve as a refresher to participants 7-17 years old -- and the Advanced Junior Golf Program -- for the competitive-playing junior ages 12-18 looking to help develop their golf skills.
... full article »Golfers rewarded at Grand Cypress Academy of Golf with free lesson and complimentary round
The Academy of Golf at Villas of Grand Cypress is rewarding students who take three lessons at full price with a free fourth lesson, plus a complimentary 18-holes of golf on a choice of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf Reward Package is valued at more than $200 and is currently available through September 2011.
... full article »You won't forget the memorable holes at Disney's Magnolia and Palm golf courses
Disney's Magnolia and Palm, two of the resort's most popular courses, offer lots of memorable plays. Though they have contrasting identities - Magnolia is heavily wooded and difficult, while Palm is more open and easier - both have their fare share of memorable holes, many of which have been the stage for exciting moments on the PGA Tour.
... full article »Waldorf Astoria Golf Club announces new Orlando golf academy led by Brian Mogg
Orlando is home to the new Waldorf Astoria Golf Academy at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, led by prominent golf figure Brian Mogg as director of instruction. The new golf academy will offer private individual instruction for junior and adult players, with a comprehensive half-day, single-day and two-day golf school program. It will also offer corporate outings and clinics for groups attending conferences in Orlando.
... full article »Tee it up for less on one of Orlando's top affordable golf courses
The Orlando area features so many golf options that even if you're running out of allocated vacation cash, chances are you can still find a great deal at one of these golf courses. Consider each of the following venues a worthy destination play, but they should cost a good bit less to play than a Universal Studios admission ticket -- and the halfway house sodas are sure to come at half the cost, too.
... full article »After Disney and Universal: Where to play golf near Orlando's top theme parks
The vast majority of Orlando attractions, from I-Drive and the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, can be found south of downtown. The majority of the area's top golf courses are in this area too, offering an easy escape from all the mayhem. Brandon Tucker offers a rundown of Orlando's top theme parks and the golf courses you'll find nearby.
... full article »Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort launches new affinity program, The Empire Club
Officials at Waldorf Astoria Orlando have announced a new affinity golf and resort program, called The Empire Club. This new program offers a bundled package of golf and resort services at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort. The services, which include rounds of golf, spa treatments, overnight stays, and meals, can be utilized for one year by the purchaser, and are transferable.
... full article »Get your groove back at Orlando's most playable golf courses
It's the middle of winter, you're planning a golf trip to Orlando, and you haven't hit a ball in weeks. You know you've probably got a few squirrelly shots in your repertoire, so tackling the toughest tracks in Florida might not be in your best interest - at least not right away. Lucky for you, Orlando has plenty of playable courses and golf instruction venues to help you get your game back on track, Mike Bailey writes.
... full article »Fine dining in Orlando: A checklist for when a hot dog after golf won't work
For most golfers, the only thing that compares to a great round is a fantastic meal afterward. With hundreds of restaurants in the Orlando area, the best advice we can offer is to select a part of town you'd like to eat, then choose a type of food. Here's a list for golfers seeking fine dining in Orlando near Disney, Universal and the Orange County Convention Center.
... full article »Get a taste of Florida tradition on new, old Orlando golf courses
Long before there were theme parks, water slides and outlet malls, there was a simpler Orlando, full of rolling hills, wetlands, alligators and shady cypress trees. Today, these Old Florida qualities may be a little harder to find but there are a collection of golf courses that still bring to mind a time when the area's visitors were golfers like Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead who would retreat for peace and quiet, and some great golf.
... full article »Orlando golf luxury: Get the VIP treatment on the area's best high-end courses
You don't have to be Tiger Woods to get the VIP treatment at some of Orlando's best golf courses -- and you don't have to have his bank account, either. High-end golf is cheaper in Orlando compared to some other warm weather golf destinations in the U.S. Here is where to golf like a high roller in Orlando.
... full article »Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort at Bonnet Creek: A wealth of luxury, civility
Near Walt Disney World sits an exclusive playground for the adult-minded traveler, the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando at Bonnet Creek. In both public areas and guest rooms, attention has been paid to the adult first. And proof positive is the golf course -- Waldorf Astoria Golf Club -- a newly built Rees Jones design with the best service you'll find in Orlando.
... full article »Plenty of great golf and much more at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Thirty-six holes of Greg Norman-designed golf dominate the landscape of the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. But rest assured, the experience here goes way beyond golf. Luxurious yet unpretentious, the resort offers the amenities of a first-class facility, a fantastic location and all you desire in a golf getaway, Mike Bailey writes.
... full article »- Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge better than ever after reconstruction
- From cocktails to cigars and steaks, here are five can't-miss nightlife spots for golfers in Orlando
- Warm up to free Orlando vacation deals in addition to playing great resort golf
- Orlando's top women-friendly golf courses
- Cute and cuddly is for Disney World: Take on Orlando's monster golf courses
- Orlando golf courses are raising the bar
- America's green complex and the price of unrealistic goals
- Donald Ross in Florida: A Tour Through Ross's Public Access Golf Courses in North Florida
- Perfect Places to Practice
- Bay Hill Invitational Preview: Tiger and Arnold Take Center Stage
- Mickey, Shamu, and Yes, Golf: Orlando States its Case as a Golf Destination
- On The Road in Florida: Classy Golf, Beach, Fast Cars, Await Daytona Beach Visitors
- Ready for prime time: Five underrated Orlando golf courses
