Courses, Travel & Tee Times

Snowbirds can thaw out on Orlando's most player friendly golf courses

The Orlando area can satisfy the desires of all golfers, especially snowbirds or vacationers escaping their winters or hectic schedules. Leigh MacKay offers up some golf courses that are extremely playable, perfect for vacationers coming off a long winter break. What's more, these courses offer superior layouts, conditioning, service and amenities.

Orange Lake Resort prospers into a sprawling golf destination next to Mickey Mouse in Kissimmee

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.

Ritz-Carlton's Grande Lakes Orlando has it all: Soaring golf, soaring food and a soaring zip-line course

Ritz-Carlton guests, at least as a general rule, are not adrenaline junkies, but between the zip lines, Greg Norman-designed golf course and eco-tours, the Grande Lakes property has created a reason to avoid the contrived magic of Disney and the sprawl of I-Drive. And as a golf destination, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Grande Lakes has been a vastly underrated option in the Orlando golf scene.

Survive the 'Aman Corner' at Windermere Country Club near Orlando

Windermere Country Club near Orlando boasts its own version of "Aman Corner." That's not a typo. Holes 14-16 got their nickname to celebrate a former member. Like the famous three-hole stretch at Augusta, Aman Corner tends to be the defining moment in any round.

Providence Golf Club near Orlando: A natural choice

Providence Golf Club is a residential community course with a unique personality that's playable to residents and visitors with lots of sizzle and creativity on every hole. While some holes at Providence are forgiving off the tee with large landing areas, you'll need to put lots of thought into a strategy once you pull driver from your bag.

Which Orlando golf resort is right for your group?

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.

Don't miss the great golf between Orlando and Daytona Beach on the I-4 corridor

Interstate-4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach is one of the most traveled thoroughfares in Florida. Visitors and residents head to one of Central Florida's most popular beaches, Daytona Beach, in droves. What these beach lovers and some golfers may not realize are the significant number of excellent courses they're missing along the way. Here's a menu of places to play.

Play Orlando's top golf courses for the pros

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. If you want to see where your game really stands, head to Orlando.

Diversity of land, 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.

Little-known Timacuan Golf Club in Lake Mary is a big time Orlando-area play

Everyone may not know its name, but you'll certainly be glad you came to Timacuan Golf Club. The front nine is a dunes-style layout with rolling fairways and big greens. The back nine is more of a traditional Florida layout where water comes into play on eight of the nine holes. A quick trip from Orlando, Timacuan is both the smart and convenient play.