Top Orlando Course

ihatebogeys · February 10, 2012

Going to be in Orlando for one day in The beginning of March and want to play. Where should I play? So far I am looking at Championsgate or Harmony Golf Preserve

floycota · February 10, 2012

Orange County National, Celebration, Grand Cypress, Southern Dunes, (if you want to travel a little) World Woods is fantastic. I would skip ChampionsGate, the International course is way over-rated IMO. Our assistant pro is from there and the people who work there always play the National. It's a much better course in their opinion.

ihatebogeys · February 10, 2012

Thanks I really appreciate it. No Bay Hill huh?

ihatebogeys · February 10, 2012

Panther Lake or Crooked Cat?

floycota · February 10, 2012

Never played Bay Hill, I've heard it's not worth the price. I'll probably get around to playing it sometime. It's not on my must play list. I don't think you can go wrong with either course at OCN. I believe I liked Crooked Cat more but I'm not 100% sure on that one though.

tpariff · February 10, 2012

[quote name='floycota' timestamp='1328899794' post='4253993']
Orange County National, Celebration, Grand Cypress, Southern Dunes, (if you want to travel a little) World Woods is fantastic. I would skip ChampionsGate, the International course is way over-rated IMO. Our assistant pro is from there and the people who work there always play the National. It's a much better course in their opinion.
[/quote]

I respectfully disagree with this. I've played each course at least a couple dozen times and play in CG's Majors Series each year (they do 2-man tourneys around each major). The International is TONS better than the National. International is more difficult and has more character. The National is just...blah. Nothing exciting.

Just one opinion from someone who likes the facility as a whole. Great practice facility. Pretty good restaurant / bar. Friendly staff and cart girls. Etc.

tpariff · February 10, 2012

OCN - Panther Lake is the better of the two, but that doesn't mean Crooked Cat is "bad." It's a nice facility with one of the largest driving ranges you'll find anywhere. Course conditions are typically good. I played Crooked Cat last July / August because they were renovating Panther Lake.

Bay Hill is a resort course so you'll need to stay at the lodge or get a hookup in order to secure a tee time. I've played there 8-10 times and while it is a good course I think it gets a bit too much hype because of the last 3 holes. They are very good holes, but much of the rest of the course equates to a decent private course. That said, if you want to play a PGA Tour stop and can get a tee time at a reasonable rate I'd definitely do it. It's not every day you get to play Arnold Palmer's place and a PGA Tour stop.

Kevin

sabram · February 10, 2012

Here is a link that I've posted on similar threads to a list of the top Orlando Courses with photos. [url="http://golfcourses.weebly.com/orlando-fl.html"]Favorite Orlando Courses[/url]

I also prefer the International over the National at Championsgate. However, if this was my first Orlando trip Championsgate would probably not be my first choice. Part of the decisionwould include where I'm staying and how far I want to drive. There are decent choices in every direction and some of the best are North of the city.

floycota · February 10, 2012

[quote name='tpariff' timestamp='1328909436' post='4255337']
[quote name='floycota' timestamp='1328899794' post='4253993']
Orange County National, Celebration, Grand Cypress, Southern Dunes, (if you want to travel a little) World Woods is fantastic. I would skip ChampionsGate, the International course is way over-rated IMO. Our assistant pro is from there and the people who work there always play the National. It's a much better course in their opinion.
[/quote]

I respectfully disagree with this. I've played each course at least a couple dozen times and play in CG's Majors Series each year (they do 2-man tourneys around each major). The International is TONS better than the National. International is more difficult and has more character. The National is just...blah. Nothing exciting.

Just one opinion from someone who likes the facility as a whole. Great practice facility. Pretty good restaurant / bar. Friendly staff and cart girls. Etc.
[/quote]
I understand what you are saying. Architecturally and condition wise I believe (as well as a bunch of course reviewers) that the National is a better course. The conditions of the National tend to be better because people want to play the International because that is the course that is on tv for the Father - Son. I think the International is very blah with little in the way of design. The National has some design and very good bunkering on some holes. Just like the Magnolia and Palm aren't the best Disney courses but everyone wants to play the since they are played on tour. The International has some great viewers of a waste water treatment plant I believe.

Either way, I wouldn't have either of the ChampionsGate courses in my top 5 for Orlando.

Clark55810 · February 10, 2012

We play Orlando every year.

ChampionsGate is OK, but not on my "must play" list.

We always play OCN...I prefer Panther Lake, but Crooked Cat is nice also.

I would also look at the Waldorf Astoria or Osprey Ridge. I really enjoy both those courses.

We did like Grand Cypress, but they get so many rounds played there that is always has seemed beat up to me (lots of ball marks and divots).

Hope this help,

Clark

floycota · February 10, 2012

I also like Mystic Dunes, I play there every time I go. Warning though, the last time I was there the greens were in terrible condition. It has some differnt holes and some very tough undulations in the greens. It's a gimmicky course that takes more than one play to appreciate. I also played the Waldorf the last year, for a very new course it was in fantastic condition. I definitely enjoyed the round there.

Medic · February 10, 2012

There are two Marriott properties that are hidden jewels in the area definitely worth considering:

Falcon's Fire and Hawk's Landing.

In addition you might want to consider Disney's Osprey Ridge before it changes. The nice and quiet layout of today will be the Four Season's Resort of tomorrow and the peace and tranquility that players enjoy right now will be no more.

All three courses are reasonably priced, offer incredible challenges, are in superior condition, and are well managed.

I have played each and every course mentioned in this thread and these three are as nice as any. And since Osprey is about to drastically change I would urge you at least consider it - it is one of my personal favorites in the area.