10 Best Golf Courses in Orlando

To find you the top 10 golf courses in Orlando, we researched over 200 golf courses near “O-town” in Florida. We considered cost, fun, course shape, condition, and green ratings in compiling this list.

This list comes to you after assessing tons of data gathered from apps like theGrint. This app offers an extensive database of golf courses around the globe.

From stunning oceanfront views to lush green fairways, the golf courses in Orlando will impress even the most experienced golfers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top-rated golf courses in Orlando, according to golfers like yourself.

10 Best Golf Courses in Orlando, Florida

We will rate these golf courses from 1 to 10. Choosing one course over another is hard because all these courses are great and guarantee a fine outing.

1. LAKE NONA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB — Best Overall
2. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge — Best Championship Course
3. Orange Tree Golf Club — Best Budget Course
4. Grand Cypress Golf — Best Links Course
5. The Country Club of Orlando — Best Country Club
6. Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort
7. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club — Best for Shape
8. Shingle Creek Golf Club — Best for Beginners
9. Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course – Best Recreational Course
10. Hawks Landing Golf Club

Below, we’ll dive into what these golf courses have in store for you.

Check out some of the best golf courses in Florida

1. LAKE NONA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB — Best Overall

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 150$ + tax
• Length: 7,192 yards off the Tips and 6020 yards off the Front. Two more tee boxes in between these distances

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 98.1	Fun Rating: 99.2	Shape Rating: 97.0

The signature 15th hole at Lake Nona is a par 5, dogleg left with a long fairway bunker on the left side, separating the fairway from the large body of water. Walking away with a par or less here is a huge achievement.

This excellent golf course designed by Tom Fazio is at the top of our list because of its pristine condition and great layout. The front nine of the Lake Nona golf course is covered in the shadows of tall trees while Lake Nona accompanies the back nine.

A charity event called the Tavistock Cup team event is why most people know about this course. Top professionals from Lake Nona and Isleworth compete at this event.

If you ever can play this exclusive course, remember to check out the country club for excellent food and great staff.

2. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge — Best Championship Course

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 250$
• Length: 7,410 from the tips (green) and 5848 yards from the front (red). Two more tee boxes are in between the tips and front.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 97.2	Fun Rating: 98.6	Shape Rating: 95.8

The signature 6th hole is 555 yards par-5 with a small green at the end, making it hard to reach it in 2. You’ll fight to make par if you miss the green in the wrong spot.

Designed by the famous Arnold Palmer, one of golf’s legends, The Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge offers three sets of 9 holes called the Challenger, Champion, and Charger.

This course is famous for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, hosted on the challenger and champion nines. Charger is a shorter 9-hole stretch but still a great challenge non the less.

The course generally plays hard, and you must have your best game on hand to compete against this course. With several signature holes, the last three holes of the challenger, which is the back nine, are considered iconic because of the attention drawn to these holes by the PGA Tour.

Unfortunately, this Arnold Palmer design excludes members and guests staying at the Bay Hill Lodges. But the lodges offer a quiet, serene atmosphere compared to the hustle of the surrounding city.

3. Orange Tree Golf Club — Best Budget Course

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 39$ to 59$ (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7409 from the tips (green) and 5,848 yards from the front (red). Two more tee boxes are in between the tips and front.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 96.2	Fun Rating: 95.6	Shape Rating: 96.7

Signature hole includes 1st, 11th,16th,17th, and 18th holes. Water and O.B. come into play on all these holes.

Among the best Orlando golf courses, this course is only for some. It plays firm and tight, which is usually not a good combination for beginner golfers. This course lets you play a good, well-fought round and look hard at your golf game. The Bermuda grass is well-maintained and in excellent condition.

Water hazards are a significant factor in this course. Hole #1 is index 1, a dogleg left par 5. The last three holes, 16, 17, and 18, are called “the loop,” these holes are renowned for ruining your day.

One of the most well—maintained greens you will find in all of Orlando. The greens roll pure and feature hard slopes, making for a great putting experience. If you’re ever in Orlando, try this challenging course.

4. Grand Cypress Golf — Best Links Course

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 175$
• Length: 6720 from the tips (green) and 5656 yards from the front (red).

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 96.1	Fun Rating: 96.9	Shape Rating: 95.3

Grand Cypress offers a staggering 45-hole course, with three nines called the North, East, and South courses. The rest of the 18 holes are coined as the “New Course.”

This golfing venue is a signature Jack Niklaus design, with the new course paying homage to The Old Course in St. Andrews. By far the best golf Orlando has to offer.

The new course is a design with stone bridges and shared greens. It also has 150 pot bunkers on the course to satisfy your urge to play in a links-style course. The course is well-maintained and gives a traditional Scottish vibe to the area.

5. The Country Club of Orlando — Best Country Club

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Green fees: Not disclosed
• Par: 72
• Green fees: Not disclosed
• Length: 6,610 from the tips (green) and 4635 yards from the front (red) with three tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 95.4	Fun Rating: 95.9	Shape Rating: 95.0

Signature hole: The 12th is a signature hole. It’s a long par 3 over the water hazard with the green heavily guarded by bunkers.

Although somewhat controversial, popular belief is that this course is a Donald Ross design which attracts a lot of attention. Some, however, believe the course to be a Tom Bendelow design. Ron Forse and associate Jim Nagle have recently revamped the course.

This scenic course offers a challenge throughout the round. The course also provides various hazards but is balanced out by beautiful central Florida sunsets with the city’s skyline in the background.

6. Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort — Best for Beginners

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: Not disclosed
• Length: 6900 from the tips (green) and 5110 yards from the front (red) with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 94.7	Fun Rating: 96.3	Shape Rating: 93.2

Signature hole: The signature 16th hole is framed with Southern Live Oak Trees and a natural sand area running from tee to green on this 163-yard par 3.

The course is exclusive to members and guests of the surrounding resort. So if you’re lucky enough to play this Tom Fazio design, you will face a course with a typical central Florida topography.

The course is all in between a lot of wildlife. Surrounding activities around the golf course make this resort a perfect vacation getaway.

This course is very favorable for high-handicapped and occasional golfers. As much of a scoring hole as the 16th can be, the 17th and 18th are tough finishes.

7. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club — Best for Shape

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 245$ on weekdays and 275$ on weekends
• Length: 7,108 from the tips (green) and 5,989 yards from the front (red) with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 94.6	Fun Rating: 95.3	Shape Rating: 93.9

11th, the signature hole is a par-3, and bunkers almost surround the green on this hole. This hole can be challenging for mid to high-handicapper golfers.

One of the best public golf courses in Orlando, Florida, the classic championship course designed by Rees Jones is highly recommended to golfers of all categories.

This golf course is always visually arresting, offering intelligent game management throughout the round. Pine and cypress trees align with the fairways giving the golf course a majestic look—a true gem in Disney area golf courses.

8. Shingle Creek Golf Club — Best Public Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 139$ to 239$ (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7,065 from the tips (green) and 5,808 yards from the front (red), with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 93.0	Fun Rating: 95.2	Shape Rating: 90.9

The signature 17th hole is a long par-3 207 yards with water on the right side, offering a tough tee shot.

New course design and tournament quality conditions will never be a concern when you visit Shingle Creek, one of Orlando’s best public golf courses.

It is relatively easily accessible. Its recent renovation in 2016 has turned the course into a memorable experience for anyone who plays there.

The course offers undulating fairways, interconnecting waterways, and large greens. Wildlife and the natural ecosystem of Florida surround this golf course.

This course has received numerous awards over the years because of its excellent playing conditions daily.

9. Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course – Best Recreational Course

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 65$ to 193$ (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7,487 from the tips (green) and 6300 yards from the front (red) with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 92.2	Fun Rating: 94.7	Shape Rating: 89.7

The signature hole is a par 3 – 6th hole that is 195 yards long and features an iconic mickey mouse-shaped bunker that has stood its place for more than 40 years.

Disney’s Magnolia is one of the three courses at the Disney World resort. Tiger Woods captured his second PGA Tour victory at Magnolia, which brought the course some fame.

About 1500 magnolia trees cover the course. It is the longest course of all three operating at Disney world.

Water comes into play on 11 of the 18 at Magnolia. There are also 97 bunkers on the course.

10. Hawks Landing Golf Club

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 145$ to 209$ (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7,243 from the tips (green) and 5,649 yards from the front (red) with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 92.4	Fun Rating: 93.8	Shape Rating: 91.0

The signature 11th hole is a challenging par-4, playing a little short but a handful. Water guards the front and right side of the green. Forced carries make this course a fun outing every time.

We couldn’t finish off our list without mentioning this course. This Robert Cupp Jr. design is a great championship course covered with bunkers and water hazards.

Water comes into play on 15 holes on this course, so you better bring some extra golf balls.

Besides its scenic course layout and excellent conditions, you will be treated to native Florida vegetation, beautiful surroundings, and wildlife.

Other Notable Courses

Orlando is home to all kinds of public and private courses of all variations. Listed below are some excellent courses which deserve an honorary mention.

Ritz Carlton Golf Club – Orlando

• Site link
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 395$
• Length: 7,065 from the tips (green) and 5,808 yards from the front (red) with two tee boxes in the middle.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 94.6	Fun Rating: 95.7	Shape Rating: 93.6

Home to the PNC championship every year. This course is a popular one in the Orlando area. It’ll demand you to think through many hazards around the course.

The course is set between headwaters of the magnificent Florida everglades, covered with pine, palmetto, and live oak trees.

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Jack Nicklaus Course

• Site Link
• Location: Reunion, FL
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 102$ to 223$ (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7,218 from the tips and 6,204 yards from the front

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 93.6	Fun Rating: 95.3	Shape Rating: 92.0

This beautifully manicured public course is a treat to play. This Jack Niklaus design plays forgiving off the tees, but tight and undulating greens require premium precision iron play.

Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club

• Site Link
• Location: Haines City, FL
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 55$ to 65$
• Length: 6,582 from the tips and 5,810 yards from the front

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 95.7	Fun Rating: 96.6	Shape Rating: 94.8

Part of Orlando’s public golf courses, the main features of this golf course differ from the usual Florida designs. This course is renowned for massive elevation changes, tall lip bunkers, and rolling terrain.

Celebration Golf Club

• Site Link
• Location: Celebration, FL
• Par: 72
• Green fees: 69$ to 129$
• Length: 7,007 from the tips and 5,968 yards from the front

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 90.8	Fun Rating: 93.5	Shape Rating: 88.0

Father-son duo of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this course. The course offers generous fairways doglegging around lakes and bunkers. The course is a few minutes from Disney World.

Read more: Which State Has The Most Golf Courses?

FAQs

Where Does the PGA Tour Play in Orlando?

The PGA Tour comes to Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Club & Lodge. The PNC Championship is also played at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course was a PGA tour destination before being removed from its yearly destinations.

What Course Does Tiger Play in Orlando?

Tiger is a regular at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. Tiger woods also used to play at Isleworth golf course, where he shot his only 59 ever. He plays the PGA tour events in Orlando when the PGA tour comes to play at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. You can also find him at Ritz Carlton golf club, where he comes to compete alongside his son at the charity PNC championship.

How Many Golf Courses Are in Orlando?

There are roughly 200 courses located in Orlando, Florida. You can find various golf courses, including luxurious, family, budget, and even some with roller coasters. Because of its popularity in golf magazines and media, the weather, and suitable golfing conditions, Orlando is one of the top spots for golfers.

Final Thoughts

Florida is a golfer’s heaven in the states. There are many golf courses in Florida with great weather, pristine conditions, and many more recreational activities. And Orlando offers a wide variety of courses to choose from.

Golf Courses in Orlando cater to all ranges of budgets. Whether you’re running low on budget, you’ll find a lot of good golf courses with minimal green fees. Similarly, if you’re looking to splurge, you’ll find a lot of luxury resorts to suit your high-class vacationing aspirations.

Orlando is where you escape daily stress, drink, and play golf on great courses.