Orlando Courses Mid-November

[Argonne69]

I have a few vacation days that I need to use or lose, so I snagged a cheap flight to Orlando next Wednesday evening. I'll be flying out early Saturday evening, so I'll have time for at least 5 rounds, and possibly 6. I've played most of the well known courses in the area (Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, OCN, Southern Dunes, Shingle Creek, Reunion, Disney, Harmony), and I'm looking for a few lesser known courses that are worth playing.

 

For starters, it looks like Tranquilo is not open. The booking engine shows no availability, and nobody answered the phone in the pro shop. Closed?

 

It appears that Waldorf Astoria requires a stay at the hotel. Correct?

 

How is Falcon's Fire? Celebration? 'Seems like a good combo.

 

I've wanted to hit Championsgate for some time now, but the availability of slots for singles is extremely limited. The tee sheet looks wide open next week, but only for 2-4 players. I'll have to give them a call to see if they would allow me to get out first thing in the morning.

 

I see that Championsgate CC allows singles to book. I might have to play an early morning round there, and try to get on one of the Championsgate Resort's courses in the PM.

 

I wanted to play Redtail, but it seems like a bit of a hike for a short trip. How are some of the other courses north/northeast/northwest of the city? Wekkiva, Winter Pines, Dubsdread, Forest Lake, Sanctuary, Stoneybrook, Deer Island, Zellwood Station? Any of these worth a visit?

 

Ideally I'd like to stay at a single hotel for 3 nights in a central location, but I'm not opposed to a different hotel each night if its necessary to get an early start on the more distant courses.

 

The weather forecast looks pretty decent, with only a chance of rain on Friday. Otherwise the temps in the upper 70's sure beats the cold, wet cr*p we've been having here.

[geauxtigers777]

I have a few vacation days that I need to use or lose, so I snagged a cheap flight to Orlando next Wednesday evening. I'll be flying out early Saturday evening, so I'll have time for at least 5 rounds, and possibly 6. I've played most of the well known courses in the area (Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, OCN, Southern Dunes, Shingle Creek, Reunion, Disney, Harmony), and I'm looking for a few lesser known courses that are worth playing.

 

For starters, it looks like Tranquilo is not open. The booking engine shows no availability, and nobody answered the phone in the pro shop. Closed?

 

It appears that Waldorf Astoria requires a stay at the hotel. Correct?

 

How is Falcon's Fire?

 

I've wanted to hit Championsgate for some time now, but the availability of slots for singles is extremely limited. The tee sheet looks wide open next week, but only for 2-4 players. I'll have to give them a call to see if they would allow me to get out first thing in the morning.

 

I wanted to play Redtail, but it seems like a bit of a hike for a short trip. How are some of the other courses north/northeast/northwest of the city? Wekkiva, Winter Pines, Dubsdread, Forest Lake, Sanctuary, Stoneybrook, Deer Island, Zellwood Station? Any of these worth a visit?

 

Ideally I'd like to stay at a single hotel for 3 nights in a central location, but I'm not opposed to a different hotel each night if its necessary to get an early start on the more distant courses.

 

The weather forecast looks pretty decent, with only a chance of rain on Friday. Otherwise the temps in the upper 70's sure beats the cold, wet cr*p we've been having here.

Definitely look at Mission Inn El Campeon course. They have a second course that is fun as well, but El Campeon is the main attraction. Great elevation changes for Florida .

[Argonne69]

Thanks. 'Started perusing a handful of the other threads, and I seem to have hit upon a few good combos. Celebration and Falcon's Fire, Championsgate CC and Championsgate Resort (International) or Waldorf Astoria, and Redtail and Mission Inn El Campeon.

 

Given that I have to be back at the airport on Saturday by 4 pm, I'd likely play FF and Celebration the last day.

[mpghouse]

 

I wanted to play Redtail, but it seems like a bit of a hike for a short trip. How are some of the other courses north/northeast/northwest of the city? Wekkiva, Winter Pines, Dubsdread, Forest Lake, Sanctuary, Stoneybrook, Deer Island, Zellwood Station? Any of these worth a visit?

 

 

None of those mentioned are better than red tail. Sanctuary might he worth a trip because it's the craziest elevation changes in central FL. Stoney brook West is one of my favorite layouts but condition isn't very good. Dubsdread is okay for an old school course. The rest are completely forgettable or I haven't played them.

 

Waldorf does not require staying in hotel to play.

[Argonne69]

Thanks for the tips. Right now I'm debating if I want to make the hour drive up to the Sorrento area on Wednesday night, or simply stick to the area around Celebration.

 

I'll give the Waldorf a call. The midweek rate is $130 for a resort guest. 'Curious how much it would be for a non-resort player.

[Jonesey07]

Just a heads up on OCN - Panther

 

They started overseeding a couple days ago. The course wasn't closed but it will be cart path only here in a week or so (not sure if that matters to you).

[Argonne69]

Just a heads up on OCN - Panther

 

They started overseeding a couple days ago. The course wasn't closed but it will be cart path only here in a week or so (not sure if that matters to you).

 

I'll be skipping OCN, as I played both courses a few years back.

[LoopersUTD]

Another vote for Mission Inn!!

[oldpalchamp]

I’ve played El Campeon more than a few times. I have to tell you, I think the 17th hole is, without a doubt, the worst designed hole I have ever played. Many people think it’s a great course because it has some elevation change, but overall, not impressed. Just my $.02.

[boon44]

The Villages.........not joking............

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:stink: ok yeah I'm joking.

[jerebear21]

I’ve played El Campeon more than a few times. I have to tell you, I think the 17th hole is, without a doubt, the worst designed hole I have ever played. Many people think it’s a great course because it has some elevation change, but overall, not impressed. Just my $.02.

 

agree with this sentiment; el campeon is whatever for me. Strategically speaking, 2 of the dumbest par 5 in golf. The first hole par5 is equally just as dumb with a tree in front of you off the tee.

 

southern dunes and bella is my advice for a good time.

[Argonne69]

I played Southern Dunes on a previous trip. What is Bella?

[Philfil]

I played Southern Dunes on a previous trip. What is Bella?

 

https://www.bellacollina.com/golf-course/

[Argonne69]

I played Southern Dunes on a previous trip. What is Bella?

 

https://www.bellacol...om/golf-course/

 

Looks private.

[Philfil]

I played Southern Dunes on a previous trip. What is Bella?

 

https://www.bellacol...om/golf-course/

 

Looks private.

 

I'd tried PM'ing you, it wouldn't allow me.

[Argonne69]

 

I'd tried PM'ing you, it wouldn't allow me.

 

That's odd. I've been receiving PM's all morning.

[jerebear21]

bella collina isn't private. just give the pro shop a call

 

it's links like and has a lot of nice template holes and plenty of elevation.

[Philfil]

I'd tried PM'ing you, it wouldn't allow me.

 

That's odd. I've been receiving PM's all morning.

 

Any chance you mind sending me one to start a conversation? I just tried again, failed.

[Argonne69]

I booked Redtail and Mission Inn (El Campeon) for Thursday. I believe I have the first tee time at Redtail, 7:00 am, so I should be able to buzz around the course in roughly 2.5 hours. I have an 11:16 am tee time at Mission Inn, and the rest of the day is fairly wide open if anything should delay me.

 

I booked a hotel near Disney's main gate, so I'm close to Celebration. the Waldorf, Falcon's Fire, and a few miles from Championsgate CC and Resort. I'll book those rounds early next week.

[rufus mangler]

You could also play Eagle Creek. Nice track near the airport. You can shower, have some lunch there and head to the airport.

[Argonne69]

You could also play Eagle Creek. Nice track near the airport. You can shower, have some lunch there and head to the airport.

 

Played it a few years back. I thought it was decent, and certainly convenient to the airport.

[Argonne69]

Wow, I had a hard time booking a round early Saturday morning. The weather looks perfect, and I guess everyone wants to get out early. I wound up booking Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes on Saturday morning at 7 am, and Celebration at 11:06 am. I believe 7 am is the first tee time, so I should be able to finish and get over to Celebration with plenty of time to spare.

 

I'm booked at Falcon's Fire on Friday morning at 7:05 am, and then head over to Championsgate Country Club for an 11:30 am round.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I'll post reviews and pics in a new thread.

[jerebear21]

i've swore off falcon because I've never finished a round under 5 hours there. EVER.

[Argonne69]

i've swore off falcon because I've never finished a round under 5 hours there. EVER.

 

I'm currently booked as a single behind the first foursome. I'm hoping they let me tee off ahead of them, but if not I'm sure I'll pass them at some point.