Best Public Golf Courses in Orlando, Florida
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Orlando. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Orlando, Florida · Phil Ritson & David Harman (1988) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,350 yards
A PGA Tour Q-School staple, Panther Lake at Orange County National offers championship-caliber golf at public course prices. The rolling terrain is unusual for Central Florida, creating elevation changes that add visual and strategic interest.
Orlando, Florida · Dick Wilson (1961) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,381 yards
Arnold Palmer's legendary home course and host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill is one of the most storied venues in American golf. The lakeside layout demands precision and course management, with the finishing stretch among the toughest on Tour.
Orlando, Florida · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2012) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,148 yards
While technically south of Orlando in Polk County, Streamsong Red is the must-play course for any Florida golf trip. Built on a former phosphate mine, this Coore & Crenshaw links-inspired layout features towering sand ridges, rolling fairways, and a sense of isolation unique in the Sunshine State.
Orlando, Florida · Rees Jones (2009) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,108 yards
A Rees Jones design nestled within the Bonnet Creek resort area near Disney, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club offers a surprisingly serene and challenging experience just minutes from the theme parks. Native wetlands and mature cypress trees line the fairways.
Orlando, Florida · David Harman (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,228 yards
Located along the headwaters of the Everglades at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort, this course offers a natural Florida golf experience in the heart of Orlando's Convention Center district. Wetlands, live oaks, and wildlife create a peaceful retreat.
Orlando, Florida · Rees Jones (2009) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,108 yards
Opened in 2009, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is Rees Jones's signature addition to the Orlando resort golf landscape, stretching across 482 acres of natural Florida terrain near Walt Disney World. Preserved wetlands, natural bunkering, and GEO Certified sustainability designation round out the experience.
Orlando, Florida · Joe Lee (1971) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,560 yards
The longest of Disney's golf courses, Magnolia opened in 1971 and hosted the PGA Tour's Disney event from 1971 to 2012. Famous for its iconic Mickey Mouse-shaped bunker on the sixth hole. A major Ken Kaufman redesign was completed in 2022.
Orlando, Florida · Greg Norman (2003) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,122 yards
Designed by Greg Norman, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes is widely regarded as one of America's most luxurious resort golf experiences. The 7,122-yard par-72 layout features native wetlands, dramatic water carries, and a full caddie program.
Best Time to Play
October through May is ideal, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms but also significantly lower green fees. Winter (December–February) offers the most pleasant weather.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is centrally located. If Streamsong is on your itinerary, it's about 90 minutes south — consider staying on-property for a multi-day immersion. The I-Drive/Convention Center area has several solid resort courses within minutes.
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