Tee Time Chronicles #2 - Walt Disney World Golf

My favorite rounds of golf haven’t been on what many would consider top 10 destinations for the sport. Instead, the combination of excellent company, quality courses, ideal weather, and attentive service has left a lasting impression on me. One such memorable experience happened during a trip to Walt Disney World in September 2022.

I had booked an early morning tee time at the Disney Palm Golf Course, opting to play solo at the first available slot of the day and being paired with one of the most fun groups I’ve ever had the chance to play with. The process of renting golf clubs was seamless, and I was impressed by the selection of high-end brand Disney had on hand. The newest TaylorMade clubs were available in various stiffnesses, which made it easy to find a setup that felt just right during warm-up. While I could have used Shipsticks to deliver my own clubs directly to the course, renting Disney's latest offerings proved both economical and hassle-free for an early morning round.

Golf isn’t typically the first thing people associate with Walt Disney World, but the resort's history with the sport runs deep. In fact, golf has been a part of the magic since the resort’s inception in 1971, perfectly aligning with Walt Disney's vision of creating a destination that offers something for everyone.

That vision came to life on October 1, 1971, the same day Walt Disney World officially opened its gates, with the debut of two courses: the Palm and Magnolia. Designed by the legendary Joe Lee, these courses showcased lush, tropical environments that set the stage for Disney as a premier golf destination. Over the years, the Palm Course has built a reputation for its player-friendly design paired with challenging holes, while the neighboring Magnolia Course became iconic, not least for its famous Mickey Mouse-shaped bunker on the 6th hole.

For decades, these courses served as the backdrop for the Walt Disney World Golf Classic, a staple of the PGA Tour from 1971 to 2012. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart, and Tiger Woods all walked these fairways, and the event evolved from its "silly season" beginnings to become a significant stop on the Tour calendar.

But Disney didn’t stop with just two courses. The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, introduced in 1972, offered scenic views and a layout weaving through waterways and charming resorts. In 1992, the Osprey Ridge Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio, joined the roster (now rebranded as Tranquilo Golf Club at the Four Seasons). Disney also added the Oak Trail Golf Course, a 9-hole walking course catering to families and junior golfers, further broadening its appeal.

In 2011, Disney entrusted its golf operations to Arnold Palmer Golf Management, ensuring the courses maintained their impeccable standards while enhancing guest experiences. The transition brought noticeable upgrades, from course conditions to exceptional service that reflects the renowned Palmer legacy.

What sets Disney’s courses apart isn’t just their quality, but their unique Disney touches. Mickey-shaped bunkers, encounters with local wildlife like deer and rabbits, and meticulous attention to detail create an unforgettable experience. Special programs, like lessons and junior golf camps, ensure that every guest—whether a seasoned golfer or a beginner—feels welcome.

On that fall 2022 day, I was paired with another solo golfer from Philadelphia and a father/son from South Carolina who had knowledge of Canada from what they saw in the TV show Letterkenny, which is about small-town Ontario life near my own hometown. They also loved obscure hockey references thanks to the ECHL. It was an incredibly relaxing and fun round. Pace was well within the 3.5-hour mark, allowing us all to get to our afternoon reservations in the Disney parks.

The Palm Course was gorgeous. Challenging but not too challenging for four average golfers. Some tight fairways, great water features, fun sand, and other challenges. The food, beverage, and pro shop were also well-stocked at fair prices. I was HOOKED!

When I returned last April to compete in the RunDisney Springtime Surprise, I booked two additional rounds of golf. One was with my wife at the Oak Trail Golf Course, whose staff was absolutely INCREDIBLE and made my novice golfer wife feel super comfortable playing out of the country for the first time. We had a blast walking the golf course, which is steps away from the Polynesian Resort. A convenient walking trail connects Shades of Green and the golf courses to the Polynesian, making it easy to get from hotel to course.

I also played the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, which is located steps away from my hotel, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, in Disney Springs. This was a super fun golf course with an island green par 3. The driving range even featured an island target to prepare for that fateful shot. I LOVED that course! Weaving in and out of the Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter resorts was an absolute joy to see. Afterward, I took the Buena Vista Queen back to Disney Springs for lunch. Where else can you take a riverboat to a golf course? Again, the staff, pro shop, and everyone at the golf course were amazing hosts.

I’m not paid to say this but golf at the Walt Disney World resort is incredible if you can scoot away for a few hours to experience. I’ve never had a hard time snagging early early morning tee times to ensure I am ready for an afternoon at the parks or exploring and their staff ensure a great pace of play while being friendly and welcoming to all.

Golfing at Disney is my happy place. I’d encourage you to book here.