Walt Disney World operates five 18-hole, par-72 golf courses and one 9-hole, par-36 walking course, so if you want to work on your putting and need some time away from the kids (who will most likely prefer an outing on one of Disney's minigolf courses), you'll have plenty of options. All are open to the public and offer pro shops, equipment rentals, and instruction. The rates are $79 to $165 per 18-hole round for resort guests ($10 less if you're staying at a WDW property). Twilight specials are available in the spring for $55 to $80 per person, "After 10" and "After 3" specials are available during summer and fall for $30 to $55 per person. For tee times and information, call tel. 407/939-4653 up to 7 days in advance (up to 30 days for Disney resort and "official" property guests). Call tel. 407/934-7639 for information about golf packages.
Beyond Mickey's shadow, try Celebration Golf Club (tel. 888/275-2918 or 407/566-4653; www.celebrationgolf.com), which has an 18-hole regulation course (greens fees $69-$129; discounts apply for Florida residents) that kids younger than 17 are eligible to play, and a 3-hole junior course for 5 to 9 year olds. Note that there is a dress code at the club, so be sure to ask ahead so that your kids are decked out in suitable attire. Champions Gate (tel. 888/554-9301 or 407/787-4653; www.championsgategolf.com) offers 36 holes designed by Greg Norman, where greens fees will set you back $55 to $172, as well as the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (tel. 407/787-3330; www.davidleadbetter.com). Orange County National (tel. 407/656-2626; www.orangecountynationalgolf.com) has 36 Phil Ritson-designed holes; greens fees run $55 to $150.
Golf magazine recognized the 45 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus at the Villas of Grand Cypress resort as among the best in the nation. Tee times begin at 8am daily. Special rates are available for children younger than 17, and the resort even runs a 5-day summer golf program for kids interested in the game. For information call tel. 407/239-1909. The course is generally restricted to guests or guests of guests (rates run approximately $120-$175 per round), but there's limited play available to those not staying at the resort. Fees run approximately $180 to $250.
With more than 150 courses located throughout the Orlando area, it's simply impossible to list them all. There are, however, several additional courses and academies worth noting: The Shingle Creek Golf Club, including the Brad Brewer Golf Academy (tel. 866/966-9933 or 407/966-9933; www.shinglecreekgolf.com), located at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort; Hawk's Landing Golf Club and Academy (tel. 407/238-8660) at the World Center Marriott; and the Legacy, Independence, and Tradition golf courses, as well as the Annika Academy -- all located at Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando (tel. 888/418-9610 or 407/662-1000). The Ritz Carlton Golf Club and Grande Pines Golf Club, both located at the Grande Lakes Orlando (tel. 407/393-4814), offer the only golf caddie concierge program around to make your game all it can be; the program offers advice, helpful hints, caddie services, food and beverage service, and much more.
Also consider Golfpac (tel. 800/848-8941 or 407/260-8989; www.golfpac.com), an organization that packages golf vacations with accommodations and other features and prearranges tee times at more than 40 Orlando-area courses. The earlier you call (months, if possible), the better your options. Advanced Tee Times USA (tel. 888/465-3356; www.teetimesusa.com) and Golforlando (tel. 866/342-4782; www.golforlando.com) are two other reservation services that offer packages and course information.
