Book ahead for Orlando tee times?

[spoonhead]

Hi;

I am going to Orlando for the last week of February with 2 of my buddys. I have searched for recommended courses here on Golfwrx and we have a short list of places to play.

None of us have been there before, and we were thinking about booking the whole week before we leave to make sure there are no problems getting tee times arranged.

Is it going to be pretty busy then? I don't want to commit to the golf ahead of time, I understand that there are deals in the newspapers that are not available online.

If its like Myrtle Beach where there are lots of sources for tee time bookings, then I would be happy to go with the flow and book once we get there.

I know that I am trying to micro manage the trip but this is the first time I am going into a trip blind.

Thanks for any info.

[dymaraman]

We just got back from the Orlando area and were very disappointed by the course conditions. Many of the top tracks were woefully behind on their overseed schedule. Champions Gate was not good for $99. We played the National side and was shocked at how thin the growth was. We heard the international was better but didn't go back. Orange County National was in terrific shape and sits right near the top of our list. Panther Lakes there was awesome. Celebration is worth a round, nice golf course in very good shape. Now when you guys get there at the end of Feb, Champions Gate will be better, and in fairness the National is a very nice layout. Depending on your budget, Waldorf Astoria is awesome but pricey. Shingle Creek is terrific but again, you won't find much there for under $100 either, but worth every penny. If you want value for your money, we played Harmony Preserve, a Johnny Miller layout in South Saint Cloud that's a very nice golf course. A bit out of the way, but well worth the drive, and likely won't cost you more than $60. Greens will be good by the time you get there.Sitting right at the top of the list is probably Orange Lake Resort Legends Course. It's busy, slow, but as good as any in the entire Orlando area. Look for an early morning deal here, they are few and far between but they are out there. They also have a lighted driving range open nightly until 9pm which for the travelling golfer is great. Gives you the ability to work on the swing a bit even with the shorter days. Shingle Creek, Orange County National's Panther Lakes is tops, Legends is right there as well, along with Celebration. Play those 4 and you'll enjoy your stay immensely!! If you want good, but affordable, try Eagle Dunes, Red Tail, and Forest Lakes. All fun courses, all won't cost more than $50 on golf now. Forest you can call direct and they have deals on all the time.

[Philfil]

[quote name='dymaraman' timestamp='1392165697' post='8648057']
We just got back from the Orlando area and were very disappointed by the course conditions. Many of the top tracks were woefully behind on their overseed schedule. Champions Gate was not good for $99. We played the National side and was shocked at how thin the growth was. We heard the international was better but didn't go back. Orange County National was in terrific shape and sits right near the top of our list. Panther Lakes there was awesome. Celebration is worth a round, nice golf course in very good shape. Now when you guys get there at the end of Feb, Champions Gate will be better, and in fairness the National is a very nice layout. Depending on your budget, Waldorf Astoria is awesome but pricey. Shingle Creek is terrific but again, you won't find much there for under $100 either, but worth every penny. If you want value for your money, we played Harmony Preserve, a Johnny Miller layout in South Saint Cloud that's a very nice golf course. A bit out of the way, but well worth the drive, and likely won't cost you more than $60. Greens will be good by the time you get there.Sitting right at the top of the list is probably Orange Lake Resort Legends Course. It's busy, slow, but as good as any in the entire Orlando area. Look for an early morning deal here, they are few and far between but they are out there. They also have a lighted driving range open nightly until 9pm which for the travelling golfer is great. Gives you the ability to work on the swing a bit even with the shorter days. Shingle Creek, Orange County National's Panther Lakes is tops, Legends is right there as well, along with Celebration. Play those 4 and you'll enjoy your stay immensely!! If you want good, but affordable, try Eagle Dunes, Red Tail, and Forest Lakes. All fun courses, all won't cost more than $50 on golf now. Forest you can call direct and they have deals on all the time.
[/quote]


Sounds like you only had an issue with Championsgate about course conditions... as you hyped every other course.

Championsgate has been falling off pretty steadily for the last few years - haven't seen many great reviews on here lately...

It's Orlando - prices are high, just like the theme parks. It makes sense going "off the beaten track" to get a cheaper round in.

I'd suggest Mission Inn if anyone is willing to listen.

[geauxWRX]

[quote name='dymaraman' timestamp='1392165697' post='8648057']
We just got back from the Orlando area and were very disappointed by the course conditions. Many of the top tracks were woefully behind on their overseed schedule. Champions Gate was not good for $99. We played the National side and was shocked at how thin the growth was. We heard the international was better but didn't go back. Orange County National was in terrific shape and sits right near the top of our list. Panther Lakes there was awesome. Celebration is worth a round, nice golf course in very good shape. Now when you guys get there at the end of Feb, Champions Gate will be better, and in fairness the National is a very nice layout. Depending on your budget, Waldorf Astoria is awesome but pricey. Shingle Creek is terrific but again, you won't find much there for under $100 either, but worth every penny. If you want value for your money, we played Harmony Preserve, a Johnny Miller layout in South Saint Cloud that's a very nice golf course. A bit out of the way, but well worth the drive, and likely won't cost you more than $60. Greens will be good by the time you get there.Sitting right at the top of the list is probably Orange Lake Resort Legends Course. It's busy, slow, but as good as any in the entire Orlando area. Look for an early morning deal here, they are few and far between but they are out there. They also have a lighted driving range open nightly until 9pm which for the travelling golfer is great. Gives you the ability to work on the swing a bit even with the shorter days. Shingle Creek, Orange County National's Panther Lakes is tops, Legends is right there as well, along with Celebration. Play those 4 and you'll enjoy your stay immensely!! If you want good, but affordable, try Eagle Dunes, Red Tail, and Forest Lakes. All fun courses, all won't cost more than $50 on golf now. Forest you can call direct and they have deals on all the time.
[/quote]

i you like grass on the course don't play Forest Lake. I have tried to play in their Sunday games, but half way through every round there I ask myself why do I come back to this dump? I have never really seen it in anything other than "ok" conditions

[spoonhead]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will report our experience when we get back.