Feature Stories
Travel tips: Make the most of your trip to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando
An engaging blend of a massive trade show, glitzy product display and fun networking party, the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando is a big deal. As an local, writer Ed Schmidt offers suggestions on places for golf, dining, nightlife and entertainment, and more.
... full article »Magical golf can be found near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
Chances are, if you visit Orlando, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal will be high on your or another family member's list. Once you've visited the park, the good news is you can easily be on the first tee in a matter of minutes. Some of the best golf in Orlando is located a short distance from Universal Orlando Resort.
... full article »The best of Orlando, Florida: One golf writer's five favorite area courses
I've lived in Orlando for more than 20 years and have played dozens of golf courses. With 110 courses within a 45-mile radius of downtown, the menu offers something for everyone. When visitors come to town, I send them to my favorite layouts. Here are five at the top of my list.
... full article »Grand Cypress Resort just got grander with a $14 million renovation of its villas
For years, the standard of a luxury golf vacation in central Florida has been Grand Cypress Resort. But like any top resort, if you're not evolving, you're falling behind. And with several newer luxury resorts in the area, it was Grand Cypress' time to up the ante. At a cost of $14 million, the Villas of Grand Cypress have been renovated, creating a sense of serenity and calm that mirrors the natural beauty of the resort.
... full article »Orange Lake Resort prospers into a sprawling golf destination next to Mickey Mouse in Kissimmee, Florida
The buildings overwhelm any first impressions at Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee. In all, 2,478 villas comprise this massive timeshare vacation zone, all a part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations network. Nature might not take center stage upon the drive to the accommodations, but don't fret, it's there. Tucked into the resort's 1,450 acres are four golf courses, and an 80-acre lake with a beach and water sports.
... full article »Whatever your reason for visiting Florida, there's an Orlando golf resort for you
Orlando has 110 golf courses within a 45-mile radius, and many golfers are overwhelmed by the choices. It's like arriving at some mammoth buffet where you're befuddled by all the sumptuous entrees and deserts. If your group wants to play golf in Orlando, you may need some guidance based on your own needs and desires. Chances are, you probably fall into one or more of these group types.
... full article »The Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at Bay Hill Club & Lodge offers the finest in golf instruction
A stay at Bay Hill Club & Lodge won't turn you into Arnold Palmer, but spending some time at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at Bay Hill will improve your game. Home to some of the top golf instructors, the Academy is a great way to prepare for Bay Hill's 27 holes, as well as the dozens of other top-notch golf courses in the west Orlando area.
... full article »Tour-tested courses in abundance in golf-crazy Orlando
Orlando has long been a magnet for professional golfers and aspiring PGA Tour, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour and LPGA Tour players who are drawn by the superb inventory of championship-level layouts and year-round temperate climate that affords tee times every day of the year. Enhancing the appeal is that many of Orlando's golf courses are utilized for professional tournaments, U.S. Open local qualifiers and collegiate championships. Simply put, if you want to see where your game really stands, head to Orlando.
... full article »Diversity of land and design dominates the Orlando golf scene
The Orlando area has more topographical diversity than any other part of the Sunshine State. Utilizing acres of former orange groves and farmland, wetlands and sometimes wildly undulating terrain, designers have fashioned an excellent lineup of courses in the theme park capital of the world. Ed Schmidt breaks down the best Orlando has to offer.
... full article »Big plays in small packages: Orlando par 3s aren't all Mickey Mouse
Orlando may be known as America's playground, but there are some par 3s in the area that can turn it into America's nightmare, at least when it comes to golf. Play any of Orlando's best courses, and face the challenge of their memorable par 3s, each with its own set of challenges, surrounded with all kinds of tricky obstacles, bunkers or water hazards. From no. 11 at Waldorf Astoria G.C. to the second at Bay Hill, here are some examples of holes that can make or break a round.
... full article »Top 10 greatest moments in golf at Walt Disney World Resort
Since the early 1970s Disney's four courses -- the Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge -- have hosted more than 100 professional golf events, leading to many memorable moments over the past 40 years. Erik Peterson shares with us the 10 greatest moments in Disney golf history.
... full article »Long and strong: The best par 5s in Orlando
The Orlando area is stocked with daunting par 5s good enough to challenge the best players in the world. Picking the best of them wasn't easy, but we think you'll agree, a par on any of these par 5s goes a long way. A birdie? That's reason to celebrate, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »From weekend hackers to the PGA Tour pros, these Orlando finishing holes can make or break you
You've seen the damage that can be done on the last three holes of a golf tournament. Just ask Jason Dufner or Jean Van de Velde. The Orlando area hosts three professional golf tournaments and is expecting the return of another, and all of these hosts have golf courses that offer tough finishing stretches. Jeff Berlinicke has more.
... full article »Summer means it's time to book tee times on Orlando's top golf courses for less
If you're looking for low-cost golf, summer is a great time to plan a golf junket to central Florida. There are tons of courses close to wherever you might be staying. And while they aren't as cheap as the typical local muni, they are in good shape and won't break the bank. Here are some Orlando courses you can play for less than $100 during the summer months.
... full article »Some short par 4s that can make or break your round of golf in Orlando
The short par 4 is one of the most deceptive challenges in golf. Almost every course in Orlando has a par 4 that is reachable with a drive, but you can just as easily end up with a snowman as opposed to an eagle or a birdie. Jeff Berlinicke serves up some short par 4s in Orlando that can make or break your round.
... full article »Grand Cypress Academy of Golf unveils summer junior golf programs
The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf is offering a series of five-day weekly programs for junior golfers this summer. Programs for all skill levels are available now. Classes include the Junior Golf Program -- designed to introduce the game or serve as a refresher to participants 7-17 years old -- and the Advanced Junior Golf Program -- for the competitive-playing junior ages 12-18 looking to help develop their golf skills.
... full article »The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate delivers great fun for all
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate has the look and feel of a corporate retreat, a vibe that pleases adult vacationers and business travelers. But step outside and the resort transforms itself into a playground for the young and old, good enough to rival any family-oriented resort, Jason Scott Deegan writes.
... full article »Golfers rewarded at Grand Cypress Academy of Golf with free lesson and complimentary round
The Academy of Golf at Villas of Grand Cypress is rewarding students who take three lessons at full price with a free fourth lesson, plus a complimentary 18-holes of golf on a choice of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf Reward Package is valued at more than $200 and is currently available through September 2011.
... full article »Waldorf Astoria Golf Club announces new Orlando golf academy led by Brian Mogg
Orlando is home to the new Waldorf Astoria Golf Academy at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, led by prominent golf figure Brian Mogg as director of instruction. The new golf academy will offer private individual instruction for junior and adult players, with a comprehensive half-day, single-day and two-day golf school program. It will also offer corporate outings and clinics for groups attending conferences in Orlando.
... full article »Tee it up for less on one of Orlando's top affordable golf courses
The Orlando area features so many golf options that even if you're running out of allocated vacation cash, chances are you can still find a great deal at one of these golf courses. Consider each of the following venues a worthy destination play, but they should cost a good bit less to play than a Universal Studios admission ticket -- and the halfway house sodas are sure to come at half the cost, too.
... full article »- After Disney and Universal: Where to play golf near Orlando's top theme parks
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort launches new affinity program, The Empire Club
- Get your groove back at Orlando's most playable golf courses
- Fine dining in Orlando: A checklist for when a hot dog after golf won't work
- Get a taste of Florida tradition on new, old Orlando golf courses
- Orlando golf luxury: Get the VIP treatment on the area's best high-end courses
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort at Bonnet Creek: A wealth of luxury, civility
- Plenty of great golf and much more at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
- Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge better than ever after reconstruction
- From cocktails to cigars and steaks, here are five can't-miss nightlife spots for golfers in Orlando
- Warm up to free Orlando vacation deals in addition to playing great resort golf
- Orlando's top women-friendly golf courses
- Cute and cuddly is for Disney World: Take on Orlando's monster golf courses
- Orlando golf courses are raising the bar
- America's green complex and the price of unrealistic goals
- Donald Ross in Florida: A Tour Through Ross's Public Access Golf Courses in North Florida
- Perfect Places to Practice
- Bay Hill Invitational Preview: Tiger and Arnold Take Center Stage
- Mickey, Shamu, and Yes, Golf: Orlando States its Case as a Golf Destination
- On The Road in Florida: Classy Golf, Beach, Fast Cars, Await Daytona Beach Visitors
- Ready for prime time: Five underrated Orlando golf courses