Golf in Orlando

[sabram]

22 hours ago, pmo09 said:

Headed down to Orlando for a buddies golf trip for 3 days in March/April. Lots of helpful suggestions in this thread. So far, we have:

 

Friday: Southern Dunes (PM)

Saturday: Waldorf Astoria (AM), ChampionsGate Country Club OR Championsgate Resort - International (PM)

Sunday: Mission Inn - El Campion (Mid Day)

 

Was thinking of adding Grand Cypress for Friday AM. For those who are local or who have played the above - is there anything you would switch out?

That's a really good itinerary.  The Links at Grand Cypress is  better than the  any of the Championsgate courses, but the two Championsgate that you have on your list (CC and International) are both good courses and in close proximity so make for a good 36 hole day.

[OK_Golf]

Hello all,

 

I’ll be in Orlando in about one month.  I think I’ve got two rounds in me.  I’ll be playing with a higher handicapper (15-20-ish) and neither of us are that picky.  Was thinking I wanted to just grab the best thing available on a last minute site.  Is there any recommended app/website for the area?  Which is the best of the places that offer times on such sites?

 

Thanks WRXers!

[Eric49er]

I use the GolfNow app to check prices and availability.  Usually most courses only allow a 7-day lead time, but some allow you to book earlier.  After seeing what is available on GolfNow, I sometimes call the pro shop or search for the course website to see if I can book a time.  Usually if I call, I do not have to pay prior to tee time, and there is no deposit required (not always).  If you book through GolfNow, you can get a better rate sometimes with their "hot deal" but I have seen comments on the site/app about some clubs giving golfers a hard time about those bookings.  I have never personally had any issues

[Shushwap]

Teeoff is another one to look at 

[sabram]

On 1/12/2023 at 10:47 PM, OK_Golf said:

Hello all,

 

I’ll be in Orlando in about one month.  I think I’ve got two rounds in me.  I’ll be playing with a higher handicapper (15-20-ish) and neither of us are that picky.  Was thinking I wanted to just grab the best thing available on a last minute site.  Is there any recommended app/website for the area?  Which is the best of the places that offer times on such sites?

 

Thanks WRXers!

Golfnow is fine. I've never had a problem using their hot deals, although at the better courses those often are gone if you wait too long. Most, but not all Orlando area   courses are on golf now. The most prominent one not there is Southern Dunes.

[countvelvet]

Has anyone played Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven recently?  Just curious to see what the conditions and course itself are like.  Any insight is appreciated.  Thanks!

[sabram]

6 hours ago, countvelvet said:

Has anyone played Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven recently?  Just curious to see what the conditions and course itself are like.  Any insight is appreciated.  Thanks!

Cypresswood is in okay condition. It's not like every blade of grass is perfect, but for under $40 you'll have nothing to complain about.

[countvelvet]

52 minutes ago, sabram said:

Cypresswood is in okay condition. It's not like every blade of grass is perfect, but for under $40 you'll have nothing to complain about.

Okay thanks Sabram.  I am heading to Davenport for 10 days in mid-March and am looking for 2 rounds to play with my brother-in-law and father-in-law.  Both are high handicappers and not looking to break the bank.  Do you know how White Heron is?  I played it years ago when it was Ridgewood lakes. 

[sabram]

5 minutes ago, countvelvet said:

Do you know how White Heron is?  I played it years ago when it was Ridgewood lakes. 

It is much better today than it has been in years. New greens, better conditions. Just a little more expensive. It's a tough course for high handicappers. very tight with lots of water. Be prepared to lose a few balls. Cypresswood and Willowbrook are more forgiving, but not as nice.  If you want to splurge for a round ($135), play Southern Dunes. It's not an easy course because the greens are tricky, but it's hard to lose a ball. A real good choice for higher handicappers is Highlands Reserve. 

[countvelvet]

3 minutes ago, sabram said:

It is much better today than it has been in years. New greens, better conditions. Just a little more expensive. It's a tough course for high handicappers. very tight with lots of water. Be prepared to lose a few balls. Cypresswood and Willowbrook are more forgiving, but not as nice.  If you want to splurge for a round ($135), play Southern Dunes. It's not an easy course because the greens are tricky, but it's hard to lose a ball. A real good choice for higher handicappers is Highlands Reserve. 

I have played Highlands Reserve years ago.  $135 is a little steep for us Canadians LoL.  Thanks for the input.  Much appreciated.

[sabram]

16 hours ago, countvelvet said:

I have played Highlands Reserve years ago.  $135 is a little steep for us Canadians LoL.  Thanks for the input.  Much appreciated.

I just thought of another good option if you are in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area... Big Cypress has a lot of fun holes and isn't too expensive. It has more water in play than Highlands Reserve, but I like it a bit more than CypressWood and Willowbrook 

[countvelvet]

20 minutes ago, sabram said:

I just thought of another good option if you are in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area... Big Cypress has a lot of fun holes and isn't too expensive. It has more water in play than Highlands Reserve, but I like it a bit more than CypressWood and Willowbrook 

Okay I'll check it out.  Thanks again Sabram!

[DustinJP]

On 3/27/2022 at 3:17 PM, sabram said:

For me it's (1) Southern Dunes, (2) Grand Cypress Links, and (3) Ritz.

 

Here are links to photo tours of all three (Click on photo to open):

 

Southern Dunes

 

Grand Cypress Links (f/k/a the New)

 

Ritz Carlton @Grand Lakes

 

Great information here (and throughout this thread) @sabram!  Photos are excellent too.  I've got one Orlando round to play while at WDW at the end of April.  I decided it'll be the New Course/Links Course at Grand Cypress/Evermore due to proximity to WDW and that it's a bit different.  

 

I know to expect reduced facilities and amenities due to construction.  Any ideas on what will/not be available at the end of April?

Edited February 14 by DustinJP

[sabram]

19 hours ago, DustinJP said:

Any ideas on what will/not be available at the end of April?

Sorry, no. I don't play there in winter because it is expensive. I'll return to play it later in the year after peak tourist season. If you call them they'll provide an update on amenities