Play More Golf!
Photo by Matt Barnard
Golf has been a much-loved game for a long time. It officially became a sport in the 18th century. Since then, there has been no turning back for this game’s ever-increasing popularity.
Not only does it involve scenic fields and precise swings, but it also has multiple benefits for individual players and society. It becomes a healthy way to spend time with friends, bond with colleagues, and expand your social network.
Now let’s get to the fun part; what are the best places to play golf? Although golf is popular worldwide, one of the leading global golfing hubs is Central Florida, especially Orlando.
Orlando has some of the best Central Florida golf courses, thanks to its mesmerizing lakes and rolling terrain, providing a perfect natural setting for golf. These golf courses attract many golf lovers from different states and countries.
Here is a list of Orlando’s top public golf courses where you can enjoy relaxing golf days on your vacation.
Orange County National Golf Center
The Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge are one of central Florida’s premier golfing destinations. The facility features two championship courses, the Panther Lake Course and the Crooked Cat Course.
In addition, the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge offer a state-of-the-art practice facility, complete with a driving range, chipping green, and putting green. So whether you’re a golf pro or a beginner, the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge have something to offer everyone. So come on out and enjoy a round of golf at one of the most scenic courses in Florida.
Panther Lakes
Panther Lake Course
Panther Lakes is the perfect option for golfers looking to enjoy a round or two in Central Florida. This par 71 course offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels, with various obstacles that will test your accuracy and precision. In addition, this course is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with lush vegetation and wildlife.
In addition, Panther Lakes offers several amenities, including golf lessons, a pro shop, and a clubhouse. So whether you’re looking for a challenging round of golf or just a leisurely afternoon outdoors, Panther Lakes is sure to please. Besides that, the clubhouse has a 46-room lodge where you can stay with your family and friends. You can also practice your swing on a 360-degree driving range available there.
Crooked Cat
Crooked Cat Golf Course
The Crooked Cat golf course in central Florida is one of the most popular golfing destinations in the state. The course is known for its scenic views and challenging layout. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a round at the Crooked Cat. In addition, the course is close to many of the state’s major attractions, making it a convenient stop for golfers visiting the area.
In addition, the Crooked Cat offers a variety of amenities, including a clubhouse, pro shop, and driving range. So whether you’re looking for a challenging round of golf or a relaxing place to take in the sights, the Crooked Cat golf course is sure to please.
Champions Gate Golf Club
Champions Gate Clubhouse
In addition to the championship golf courses, Champions Gate also features a state-of-the-art training facility with a practice range, short game area, and putting green. So whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner just looking to explore the game, Champions Gate is the perfect place to tee off.
Golf Lingo Alert
Double Dogleg – a hole that has two bends in the fairway
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
Falcon’s Fire
With a well-deserved position in Orlando’s top five golf courses, Falcon’s Fire Golf Club’s course takes your breath away with its beauty. You will fall in love with its classic architecture featuring pristine fairways, grass mounding, sand bunkers, and natural water hazards.
Don’t have the right golfing equipment? Then, visit the exclusive golf shop at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club for the latest technology, equipment, and apparel. Plus, there is an exquisite eatery in the vicinity where you can satiate those after-golf hunger pangs.
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club is close to Walt Disney World Resort, Orange County Convention Centre, and Orlando International Airport.
Celebration Golf Club
Celebration Golf Course
Designed by expert golf course architects, this golf course is no less than a masterpiece representing perfect harmony with nature. It offers six sets of tee boxes with strategically planned bunkers and water hazards to challenge you.
The Celebration Golf Club course is truly a scenic wonder with smoothly rising terrain encompassed by native trees, natural wetlands, and groups of magnolia, oak, and pine trees. The impeccable playing conditions make it even more deserving to be called one of the best Central Florida golf courses.
Hint: You will also spot a giant windmill, a pair of antique cars, and a gazebo in the surroundings of this golf club!
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
“A little luxuriously priced but definitely worth the splurge.” That is the perfect way to describe Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Lined by majestic pines, live oaks, and palmettos, Mother Nature truly blesses the golf course here. Nestled within the Florida Everglades’ headwaters adds to its enchanting beauty. You could probably guess that British Open Champion Greg Norman designed this beautiful course.
You will find this golf course in a top-notch condition throughout the year. Also, the meticulously placed water hazards and bunkers on the holes will make golf a more stimulating affair for you. To sum up, visiting this golf course is the best decision.
Exciting Fact! Golf legend Charlie Woods once played at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Winter Park Golf Course
Winter Park Golf Course
This golf course underwent a significant renovation in 2016 that characterized it with complex greens and strategic bunkers. Although the distance between the tees and the holes may not be much, your swings still need to be precise to score on this course.
Hint: To enjoy golf for free, check out the Back Nine Putting course.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
Shingle Creek Golf Club
- An ideal location (just a mile from the Orange County Convention Center)
- A strategically modernized design
- Well-manicured playing conditions
Shingle Creek Golf Club has won awards like Greens of Excellence and Best Greens in Orlando. In addition, it was recently awarded the title of Best Golf Course in Orlando in 2021. So, don’t pass up the opportunity to experience playing at this exclusive golf course when visiting Orlando.
Go Golfing!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
You could spend weeks playing all these fantastic courses! – If you love golfing as much as we do (or even if you enjoy trying out new courses), make sure to put Central Florida on your list of destinations for your next vacation. The weather is perfect year-round for hitting the links. So, why wait? Go golfing!
Check out our reviews on Streamsong Resort and Mission Inn next!
Have you played any of these courses? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
