Disney and Disney Golf this week!
With Alex Forsyth. Alex is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Walt Disney World.
Have a listen:
From tee to green, Guests can follow in the footsteps of golf’s greatest legends or create a legend of their own. Walt Disney World Resort offers four golf courses and world-class facilities designed to create magical memories for players as well as groups of all sizes.
There are 54 holes of challenging golf on three 18-hole championship courses — Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Palm golf courses — and a 9-hole family-friendly course - Disney’s Oak Trail course - that await golfers of all ages and skill levels. Spectacular fairways and immaculate greens combine with Disney’s guest service to help fulfill every golfer’s dream.
Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, Disney Golf offers golfers everything they need to play a fun round while on vacation. The pro shops feature an impressive selection of golf merchandise such as souvenirs, logo shirts, caps and towels, as well as premium golf club rentals for men, women and juniors, plus rental golf shoes. There are also locker rooms and showers available.
Golf carts are included in the greens fee, and players are required to use golf carts at the three championship courses. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is primarily a walking course.
Host of the PGA TOUR’s Walt Disney World Golf Classic from 1971–2012, the championship golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort have garnered praise throughout the years and awards for superlative design, impeccable service, world-class amenities and overall playability. Here’s a closer look at each of the courses:
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Built in 1972, this Joe Lee course stretches to 6,745 yards from the championship tees. It is a tough challenge to many, offering small, well-bunkered greens that demand accurate shot-making. This classic country club-style course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, palmettos and sparkling lakes.
The course has hosted PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour and USGA events. Guests can test their skills and fortitude at the demanding 7th hole with its challenging island green. The course is located near Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and is a par-72 course. The course also offers a driving range and practice putting green.
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
As one of the two original Walt Disney World Resort golf courses, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course opened in 1971 and immediately became home to a PGA TOUR event. In true PGA TOUR style, this beautifully manicured, par-72 course has all the earmarks of a golfer’s paradise: elevated tees and greens, rolling terrain, and a very popular Mickey Mouse-shaped sand hazard on the 6th hole.
Located across from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Joe Lee-designed course is aptly named for its more than 1,500 magnolia trees. With tee boxes ranging from 5,127 to 7,516 yards from the tips, it is the longest of the Disney golf courses.
Take private lessons from PGA and LPGA professionals that include video analysis are available at any of the four courses. Playing lessons, as well as corporate and group lessons, are also offered.
Disney’s Palm Golf Course
Built in 1971 and located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Joe Lee-designed course measures 6,870 yards from the back tees, 6,339 from the middle and 5,213 from the front tees.
The par-72 course is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and was completely redesigned by Arnold Palmer Course Design in 2013 when enhancements included new green complexes, reshaped tee and new bunker designs. This 18-hole championship course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees and sloping greens, providing plenty of challenges for novices and seasoned golfers alike.
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
Tucked away on a 40-acre parcel of land, this 9-hole, par-36 course provides beginners a place to learn the game and seasoned golfers a unique challenge. The family-friendly layout measures 2,913 yards (2,552 yards from the front tees) and features fairways lined with majestic oak trees.
Designed by Ron Garl, this walking course opened in 1980 and is located next to Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.
The rolling greens of this course boast exciting challenges for more experienced golfers, as well as junior tees.
FootGolf
FootGolf is available in the afternoons at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. A combination of soccer and golf, it is played with a soccer ball and 21” diameter cups.