Putt Golf Pass ranked Orlando and Central Florida his 28th among the top 100 golf destinations in the world. Orlando is full of opportunities for golfers. Easy to get to from anywhere – by plane or, for millions, by car – Central is a city where you can choose your own adventure once you’re on solid Florida footing Earlier this year. Find cheap and cheery motel accommodation, and play for days or play a decent round of golf at the many equally budget-friendly golf courses.
Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club – Haines City
Millions of people visit Orlando each year hoping to step into fantasy worlds like Disney World and Universal Studios. Here Steve Smyers did a similar trick for golfers. Inspired by his course in Australian Putt Golf, he features huge bunkers guarding elevated greens. The various combinations of hole spacing and height variations make this my favorite area of his layout.
Winter Park Golf Course – Winter Park
To those in the know, the course is known as ‘Winter Park 9’ or simply ‘WP9’. Although it was mostly converted for locals, its legend spread quickly thanks to the efforts of architects Keith Lebb and Riley Johns. A star has risen in the course design industry as a result of bringing fun greens and bunkers to the 2,400-yard neighborhood Jewelry. At $20 for nine holes, he’s one of the best deals in Putt Golf.
Shingle Creek Golf Club
Thanks to his 2016 refurbishment by Arnold Palmer Design’s Sadleyton, the putting-his surfaces here and the movement around them transform the manicured, but otherwise uncomplicated resort course green complex into perfection made it unique and memorable. Kudos to the people at Rosen Resorts for letting Leighton runs free. Because the end result is a more memorable experience than any other major resort in the city.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Bay Hill is something of a mystery. His yearly televised exposure to millions of golf fans on the PGA Tour has made his closing holes iconic, but I really like the front nine, especially the great downhill pars. I like the second hole of the 3. The last trio is good, but the par 4 15th is a bit dull in its awkwardness. Nonetheless, for any serious golfer looking to pay their respects to the King, Bay Hill should always be considered a bucket list stop. The onsite lodge itself is one of my favorite places to stay as it’s a quieter place in contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Orlando.
Deltona Club – Deltona
If you’re the type of golfer who needs pristine conditions to love a course, pardon me here. It combines landscapes, evocative greenery and excellent elevation changes, rewarding a look beyond the surface. Few golf courses can be played for less than $60 with this sleek design.
Grand Cypress Resort
The days on this course are probably counted now that former Grand Cypress has given way to ultra-luxury resort Evermore his Orlando, but until then you’ll love how Jack Nicklaus goes all out to sculpt the fake links am. Spring is dry. Play what it looks like, double greens, pot bunkers and more.