Golf at Walt Disney World Resort Fact Sheet

Filed in: Recreation

Golf at Walt Disney World Resort Fact Sheet

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — From tee to green, visitors can follow in the footsteps of golf’s greatest legends or create a magical golf story of their own. Walt Disney World Resort offers four golf courses and world-class facilities designed to create lasting memories for players and groups of all sizes.

54 holes of challenging golf on three 18-hole championship courses — Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Palm golf courses — and a 9-hole family-friendly course – Disney’s Oak Trail course – await golfers of all ages and skill levels. Scenic fairways and immaculate greens combine with Disney’s guest service to help fulfill every golfer’s dream.

Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, Disney Golf offers golfers everything they need to play a fun round while on vacation. The pro shops feature an unique selection of Disney-branded golf merchandise such as souvenirs, logo shirts, caps and towels. Premium golf club and shoe rentals for men, women and juniors are also available along with locker rooms and showers.

Golf carts are included in the greens fee, and players are required to use golf carts at the three championship courses. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is primarily a walking course.

Host of the PGA TOUR’s Walt Disney World Golf Classic from 1971–2012, the championship golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort have garnered praise throughout the years and awards for superlative design, impeccable service, world-class amenities and overall playability.

Here’s a closer look at each of the courses:

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Built in 1972, this Joe Lee course stretches to 6,745 yards from the championship tees. It is a tough challenge to
many, offering small, well-bunkered greens that demand accurate shot-making. This classic country club-style
course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, palmettos and sparkling lakes.

The course has hosted PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour and USGA events. Guests can test their skills and fortitude at the
demanding 7th hole with its challenging island green. The course is located near Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
& Spa and is a par-72 course. The course also offers a driving range and practice putting green.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

As one of the two original Walt Disney World Resort golf courses, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course opened in 1971
and immediately became home to a PGA TOUR event. In true PGA TOUR style, this beautifully manicured, par-72
course has all the earmarks of a golfer’s paradise: elevated tees and greens, rolling terrain, and a very popular
Mickey Mouse-shaped sand hazard on the 6th hole.

Located across from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Joe Lee-designed course is aptly named for its
more than 1,500 magnolia trees. With tee boxes ranging from 5,127 to 7,516 yards from the tips, it is the longest
of the Disney golf courses.

Private lessons from PGA and LPGA professionals that include video analysis are available at any of the four
courses. Playing lessons, as well as corporate and group lessons, are also offered.

Disney’s Palm Golf Course

Built in 1971 and located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Joe Lee-designed course measures 6,870
yards from the back tees, 6,339 from the middle and 5,213 from the front tees.

The par-72 course is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and was completely redesigned by Arnold Palmer Course Design in
2013 when enhancements included new green complexes, reshaped tee and new bunker designs. This 18-hole
championship course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees and sloping greens, providing plenty of
challenges for novices and seasoned golfers alike.

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Tucked away on a 40-acre parcel of land, this 9-hole, par-36 course provides beginners a place to learn the game
and seasoned golfers a unique challenge. The family-friendly layout measures 2,913 yards (2,552 yards from the
front tees) and features fairways lined with majestic oak trees.

Designed by Ron Garl, this walking course opened in 1980 and is located next to Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.
The rolling greens of this course boast exciting challenges for more experienced golfers, as well as junior tees.

FootGolf

FootGolf is available in the afternoons at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. A combination of soccer and golf, it is
played with a soccer ball and 21” diameter cups.

Player’s Club

This is an improvement program that includes complimentary driving range balls daily, and golf clinics scheduled
for several days a week. Seasonal and annual memberships start as low as $39/month with access to all of our
championship golf courses.

Complimentary Transportation

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort owned and operated hotels receive complimentary transportation via
taxi to/from Disney’s courses.

Golf Equipment Rentals

Premium golf equipment, including an assortment of TaylorMade golf clubs for men and women, and Adidas golf
shoes, can be rented at all golf courses.

Instruction

Golf lessons are available from PGA Professionals, as well as corporate clinics and team-building activities, upon
request.

Awards

  • Gold Medal Golf Resort, presented by Golf Magazine
  • Premier Golf Resorts 2014-2015: Silver Award by Golf Magazine
  • Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course was included in Florida’s Top 75 Golf Courses by Golf Digest in
    2015
  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses have each been rated 4 stars by Golf
    Digest in 2015
  • Gold Tee Award winner each year since 2002 presented by Meetings and Conventions
  • 2015 Golf Inc. Magazine Renovation of the Year – Disney’s Palm Golf Course
  • Named one of the world’s top 75 golf resorts by Condé Nast Traveler
  • Named “Top 50 Great Service Facilities” by Golf Digest
  • Outstanding Golf and Meeting Award presented by Successful Meetings

Recognition and Hosting

  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia, Disney’s Palm, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Courses
    have each been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Host to a PGA TOUR event every year from 1971 – 2012
  • Host to Senior PGA Championship from 1975 – 1979
  • Host to a LPGA event, 1995 – 1997
  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is one of a select few courses in the country to host PGA
    TOUR, LPGA Tour, and USGA events in the same year (1996)

Fun Facts

  • Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart, Davis Love III, Luke Donald, Larry Nelson,
    Hal Sutton, and Mark O’Meara have all won PGA TOUR events on Walt Disney World Resort
    Golf Courses
  • Disney’s Palm Golf Course’s 18th hole has rated among the 10 toughest holes on the entire PGA
    TOUR four times since 1986
  • Justin Rose shot the course record at Disney’s Palm Golf Course by scoring a 60 in the 1st round
    in 2006

Golfers can book tee times and lessons by calling (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or
visiting GolfWDW.com.

Media Contact:

Joe Kepner (Joe.Kepner@Disney.com)

George McNeilly (APGMGolfMedia@palmergolf.com)
407.791.6851