Golf and Golf Vacations
Florida is world famous for golf vacations and its fantastic golf courses, with some of the most beautiful and stunning scenery, year round climate and first class instructors. There are more than 1,200 golf courses across Florida, and with around 200 golf courses in Orlando and Kissimmee alone you can be sure to find something here to test and challenge your skills.
At the start of your golf vacation be sure to pick up one of the many golfing booklets that give you vouchers for money off and special offers. The range of golf coupon booklets also contain lists of golf courses in the Orlando and Kissimmee area, as well as Clearwater, Miami, Tampa and Florida Keys, in fact the whole of Florida.
Championship Courses
Florida is home to more pro-golfers than any other US state and hosts PGA Tours, Champions Tour, LPGA and PGA of America.
Facilities
The golf courses in Kissimmee and Orlando offer a number of facilities including, hire (rental) of clubs, lessons, pro shops (check out the shopping page of VipOrlandoVillas), putting greens, practice areas, club house and restaurants. Others, which are in resorts, have pools and gym facilities. If you are looking for a venue for a corporate or business event, a large number of the Golf Clubs listed would make the ideal venue. Similarly, if your local Golf Club or a group of friends wish to go out together, VipOrlandoVillas will be available to help with group bookings and suggestions for venues.
The majority of golf courses in Orlando and Kissimmee request no metal spikes.
It is advisable, if possible, to book your tee time in advance. This could be done from your rental property at Magic Landings (free local calls). Alternatively, click on the links provided for more information on a particular course or to book tee times.
Hire of Clubs and Buggies
Hire (rental) of golf carts (buggies) is usually expected as walking is not generally encouraged, a great idea instead of having to carry everything around in high temperatures. There are exceptions, such as Highland's Reserve and Orange Lake which have specially designed walking friendly courses. The golf carts (buggies) are usually state of the art, particularly on the Walt Disney World courses, with GPS systems which give you a computer generated image of the fairways, green and any hazards, yardage to greens and professional tips relating the hole you are playing.
Pay and Play
VipOrlandoVillas have put together an overview of some of the most popular golf courses in Kissimmee and Orlando, all within 5 - 20 minutes drive from Magic Landings. So whether you are on a golfing holiday or a family holiday and taking a day off from Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and the numerous other theme parks, we offer a wide variety of golf courses for you to consider, and if this is not enough there are many, many more to choose from. We have also included a feature on mini-golf, as many of these are well worth the visit as they are absolutely amazing and great fun.
Kissimmee Bay Country Club
One of the closest to Magic Landings located on Fortune Road. Kissimmee Bay Country Club is the home of The Langley Golf Museum and boasts natural beauty on lakeside with lots of wildlife. It includes a short game practice area and unique aqua driving range. www.kissimmeebaycc.com
Kissimmee Golf Club
Located close to Magic Landings on Hoagland, just off the US192. With no houses or hotels lining the fairways, golfers of all abilities will enjoy this beautifully conditioned golf course. This course is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. www.kissgolfclub.com
Kissimmee Oaks
3.5 miles south of US192 on John Young Parkway. Set in 135 acres, this 18 hole championship course has natural beauty, surrounded by ancient Oak trees. The sloping fairways and crystal lakes, makes it a pleasure to play here. www.kissimmeeoaksgolf.com
St Cloud Golf Club
The country links of this course invite players of all abilities looking for a challenge. www.stcloudgolfclub.com
Remington Golf Club
This is the sister course to Kissimmee Bay Country Club. Remington is an 18 hole championship course with some of the finest conditioned greens in the Orlando Area. They offer 'All U Can' in their price, which means unlimited use of driving range, practice area and unlimited golf plus all you can eat. A must for hungry golfers. Close to Magic Landings on Fortune Road. www.remington-gc.com
Hunters Creek
18 holes par 72. With 13 lakes, wooden bridges and tree lined fairways there is a very pleasant country feel to Hunters Creek. Located on Sports Club Way within Hunters Creek Community. www.golfhunterscreek.com
Mystic Dunes
Located within Wyndham Palms Resort and Country Club on Old Lake Wilson Road. One of Orlando's top 5 courses specialising in tournaments, therefore we strongly advise you check availability. www.mysticdunesgolf.com
Orange Lake Resort
Four championship courses, with two designed by Arnold Palmer. Legends Walk is a 9 hole course with water, woods, sand and a lake, it will ensure that you use every club in your bag. It is also lit for play in the evenings. Located in the Orange Lake Resort off H way US192. www.orangelake.com
Celebration
Voted 'Best Place to Play' 2004-2005 by Golf Digest. There is a park-like atmosphere here, creating a truly serene golf experience. The course boasts rolling terrain that weaves through a series of pristine lakes and periodic clusters of native oak, pine and magnolia. We would advise that you book in advance for this very popular course. Situated on H way US192, just follow the signs. www.celebrationgolf.com
Reunion Resort and Club of Orlando at Celebration
Located on I4 Exit 58. 36 holes with signature golf courses by Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer and, in 2006 Jack Nicklaus. The resort also has swimming pools, tennis, spa and much more so you can take the family for a day out. www.reunionresort.com
Champions Gate
2 courses designed by Gregg Norman. Home of David Leadbetters Golf Academy and World HQ. Regarded as one of the top courses, not only in Florida, but in the United States. The courses are similar to those found in Ireland and Scotland. www.championsgategolf.com
Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club
Consistently ranked amongst the worlds best courses. Suitable for players of all abilities. A favourite for locals and tourists alike. Located Exit 55 on I4/H way 27. www.southerndunes.com
Walt Disney World Resorts at Lake Buena Vista
An amazing 6 golf courses with a total of 99 holes. Many of the classics are held here including the PGA tour Funal Classic. Ideal if you have members in your party who want to visit Walt Disney World instead of play golf. The website address for all Disney Golf is www.disneyworld.com/golf
VipOrlandoVillas gives a brief description of Disney courses below:
Disney's Eagle Pines
Broad fairways surrounded by wetlands. Visually intimidating but a pleasure to play.
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Country Club
This is a lovely country club. The fairways are a little flatter with large greens. One of the shortest courses at Walt Disney World, but very challenging with water bordering 8 holes.
Disney's Magnolia Golf Club
So called due to some 1,500 magnolia trees lining the course, plus acres of Florida parkland. This is the largest of Walt Disney World Resort courses, surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. The PGA Tour event has been held here every Saturday and Sunday for over 30 years.
Osprey Ridge
Voted one of the best places to play by Golf Digest. 9 water holes, and more bunkers than you can count, so watch out on this one.
Disney's Palm Golf Club
Stunning scenery with the Florida woodlands providing a beautiful backdrop. This course is a challenge for both novice and pro. The PGA considers the 18th to be one of the most challenging.
Disney's Oaks Trail
A very peaceful and leisurely 9 hole, par 36 course. Ideal to take the family or just have a quick 9 holes before dinner.
Mini and Crazy Golf Courses
The crazy golf courses in Orlando and Kissimmee are great fun to visit. You will need a lot of skill for some of these courses, but the scenery, special effects and wildlife make your visit a very pleasant one for all ages.
These courses are very popular in the summer evenings, as people tend to visit when it is a little cooler. It is also a great way to spend a couple of hours on your days off from the theme parks.
Be sure to visit the Kissimmee Convention and Visitor's Bureau opposite Magic Landings and pick up the booklets that give you vouchers for money off and special offers, they also contain lists, maps and information of golf courses in the Orlando and Kissimmee area, as well as Clearwater, Miami, Tampa and Florida Keys, in fact the whole of Florida.
VipOrlandoVillas gives a brief overview of these amazing courses below. Click on the links to find out more.
Congo River Adventure Golf
There are three of these very popular courses. Two are on International Drive in Orlando, either side of Wet'N'Wild (see water Parks section for details of Wet'N'Wild), and one on the US192 in Kissimmee between Markers 12 and 13, just 10 minutes from your VIP Orlando Villa. If you are visiting Clearwater there is also a Congo River Adventure Golf there.
The theme, as you may guess is jungle fever. All of the courses are similar, although on International Drive there is one 36 hole and one 18 hole mini golf course. Some say that, with the rolling greens, the course can be difficult, but practice makes perfect, so give it a go. All three have water falls and caves as part of your game. Stop off for a while, buy some food and go feed the crocodiles. You can also go on your very own jungle safari in the paddle boats or cool off with a nice cold drink while playing on the machines in the arcades.
Click on the link to download your voucher or visit the Official Visitors Centre opposite Magic Landings for brochures with coupons. www.congoriver.com
Bonanza Golf and Gifts
With two 18 hole championship mini golf courses you could be busy all day. There is a definite Wild West Mining theme here, and, as most of the holes are nice and straight you can have a very relaxing game, although watch out for the seven waterfalls. There is a snack bar and gift shop on site in case you need any more Mickey Mouse t-shirts. Located on US192 at mile marker 5. E-mail bonanzagolf@hotmail.com
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf
This is a very pleasant course in a tropical paradise. Learn of the adventures and legends of the pirates. Wind your way through waterfalls and caves with lots of mystical fog. There are two Pirates Cove Adventure Golf in Kissimmee, the first is located behind Red Lobster Restaurant on the US192 mile markers 9 and 10 and the second at mile markers 14 and 15. www.piratescove.net
Pirates Island Adventure Golf
Run by the same company as above, therefore lots of pirates and waterfalls set in a lush tropical setting. Look out for the hideouts of the pirates in the caves. There are two Pirates Island Adventure Golf in Orlando the first located on International Drive next to The Mercado. The second on the I4 at Lake Buena Vista www.piratescove.net
River Adventure Golf
Take a stroll by the Mississippi River, with rolling rapids and five waterfalls ending by a beautiful, tranquil lagoon. A giant spinning water wheel marks the start of this course. 18 holes of pleasant mini golf and if you try the 19th hole you may win a prize. Located on the US192 at markers 14 and 15. Local telephone 407-396-4666 (free from your Magic Landings rental villa).
Disney's Fantasia Gardens and Mini Golf
Interactive 18 hole course in beautiful setting. One or two holes are a bit of a challenge at par 3 and 4. A wonderful course with hippos dancing, broomsticks marching and fountains spraying. Lends a little Disney magic to a game of mini golf. www.disneyworld.com
Disney's Winter Summerland Mini Golf
Legend has it that this course was built by the elves so that they and Mr and Mrs Santa Claus could spend their holidays here. There are two courses to play, one with a snow theme, a winter wonderland, and one with a sand theme, very tropical, bringing Winter and Summer together. Located next to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. www.disneyworld.com
Women and golf
Golf is becoming more and more popular with women and, if you are wondering 'should I, shouldn't I', here are a few reasons to help you consider at least having a game in Florida.
1. Golf is fun
Beautiful scenery, no shops, everyone around you is in a good mood and you can top up your tan whilst enjoying a couple of hours away from the kids. Even more fun if you hire a cart (buggy).
2. Exercise
On average you will walk around 4-5 mile (unless of course you hire a cart). If you carry your clubs you will burn off around 600 calories, that is more than you would burn in the gym or aerobics class, and you wont even notice how hard you are working.
3. Stress Relief
Fresh air, peace and quiet and you can take out your frustrations on the little ball balanced on a tee.
4. Networking
Not just in a business sense. You will meet new people, make new friends.
5. Relationships
Golf is a great couples game. There is no competition on 'muscle' here, only skill. You have each other, with no distractions for hours, simply enjoy being together.
Tip - Try fit in a couple of lessons before you go so that you have the basics to enjoy your day.