
Orlando's Must-Play Golf Courses for Your Next Golf Getaway
Where Championship-Caliber Play Meets Unmatched Scenery
By Sean Petersen
Orlando is a premier golf destination, home to some of the most prestigious courses in the United States. With year-round sunshine, lush landscapes, and world-class course designs to conquer, it's no surprise that the city has earned its reputation as a golfer's paradise.
Many of Orlando's premier courses bear the signature of legendary golfers and have hosted PGA and LPGA Tour events, ensuring a challenging yet rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you're after a championship-caliber round or a more relaxed resort-style experience, these must-play courses should be on your radar.
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge
No list of Orlando's best golf courses is complete without Bay Hill. Designed by Dick Wilson and Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole private course is home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the PGA Tour's most prestigious events. Expect narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and strategically placed water hazards that demand precision and strategy.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Reunion Resort is the only destination in Orlando to feature three magnificent signature courses designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson:
• Nicklaus Course - Features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky greens that reward precision and are perfect for tactical golfers.
• Palmer Course - Features rolling fairways, elevated tee boxes, and risk-reward opportunities.
• Watson Course - Known for fast, undulating greens and creative bunker placements that challenge even the best putters.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
Designed by David S. Harman and later refined by the Palmer Design Group, Shingle Creek is a public 18-hole, par-72 course that seamlessly integrates natural elements like swales, slopes, and elevated greens. With a world-class practice facility, it's ideal for players looking to sharpen their game.
Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge
Home to two of Florida's most highly rated courses-Crooked Cat and Panther Lake-this golf center also boasts a renowned 360-degree driving range and a premier golf academy:
• Crooked Cat - Offers a more open-links-style layout that features wide fairways and strategically placed deep bunkers.
• Panther Lake - A more traditional layout with rolling terrain, towering pines, and water hazards.
ChampionsGate Resort
Designed by Greg Norman, ChampionsGate offers two distinct courses with unique challenges:
• International Course - A links-style course reminiscent of Scotland, featuring fast greens, deep bunkers, and free-rolling fairways.
• National Course - Features lush fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and trees likened to traditional Florida-style courses.
Your Ultimate Golf Getaway
Orlando's golf scene offers something for every golfer, from challenging championship layouts to resort-style courses. Book your unforgettable golf adventure and experience firsthand why these courses are among the best in the game.
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Revised: 04/02/2025 - Article Viewed 136 Times