The 7 Best Golf Courses in Orlando Available to the Public

Orlando, Florida, renowned for its sun-soaked skies and world-class attractions, also boasts a stellar lineup of golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. From lush, meticulously manicured greens to challenging layouts designed by legendary architects, Orlando offers a premier golfing experience that rivals the best in the USA. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, planning your next golf trip to this vibrant city promises an unforgettable blend of exceptional courses and unparalleled hospitality. 

Dive into the details of Orlando’s finest public golf courses and discover why this city is a must-visit destination for golf lovers.

1. Championship Course – Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Bay Hill is perhaps best known for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a PGA Tour event that attracts some of the best players in the world. Each hole has its own unique character, with signature challenges like the 18th hole, which features a long, demanding par 4 with a water hazard guarding the green. 

On Hole 6, too hard of a swing aimed at an ambitious target might not give you the results you want. From the tee, target the fairway bunkers. On your second shot, if you’re in the fairway, direct your aim towards the bunker on the right side of the fairway.

Opened: 1961
Par: 72
Length: 7381 yards
Designers Include: Dick Wilson (1961)  Arnold Palmer (2009)  Ed Seay (1989)  MacCurrach Golf  Thad Layton
Difficulty: Slope 137 / Rating 75.2

2. Panther Lake – Orange County National

Panther Lake has rightfully earned its accolades as one of Florida’s most unforgettable golf courses. The experience begins with a dramatic tee shot from a high elevation, driving down a hill before ascending to the multi-tiered green. This captivating opening hole sets the tone for the exhilarating journey that follows, leaving you exhilarated and grateful for the opportunity to play.

The facilities that Orange County National has to offer are top-notch that some consider are on the same level of luxury as Bandon Dunes.

Opened: 1997
Par: 72
Length: 7350 yards
Designers Include: Phil Ritson  David Harman  Isao Aoki
Difficulty: Slope 141 / Rating 75.2

3. Crooked Cat – Orange County National

Crooked Cat is set amidst a backdrop of natural Florida landscapes, including wetlands and dense woodlands. Its design takes full advantage of the natural terrain, offering a visually striking and immersive golfing experience.

The course’s open layout invites golfers to swing freely from the tee, offering plenty of room for error and various strategies for each hole, both off the tee and approaching the greens. Crooked Cat isn’t a course where you need to follow a specific path—you’re encouraged to use the entire course and play with your own style.

Opened: 1998
Par: 72
Length: 7493 yards
Designers Include: Phil Ritson  David Harman  Isao Aoki
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 75.9

4. Shingle Creek

Conveniently situated just off the Beachline Expressway in Orlando’s convention district, this par-72 championship course stretches along the historic Shingle Creek, the source of the captivating Florida Everglades. 

Crafted by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the course features undulating fairways, interconnecting waterways, and a picturesque backdrop of dense oaks and pines, offering 7,213 yards of memorable golf.

Opened: 2003
Par: 72
Length: 7213 yards
Designers Include: David Harman  Thad Layton (2016)
Difficulty: Slope 137 / Rating 74.3

5. Hawk’s Landing

Located just two miles from Disney World, Hawk’s Landing Golf Club spans 220 acres within the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.

The course’s flat terrain is home to abundant natural wildlife and tropical vegetation native to Florida, such as sand pines, queen palms, and fragrant jasmine. The clusters of trees throughout the course emphasize the need for precise shot placement. The championship layout includes nine ponds that influence play on 16 holes, with some affecting the same hole on multiple occasions.

Opened: 1986
Par: 70
Length: 6255 yards
Designers Include: Joe Lee (1986)  Robert Cupp Jr.
(1999)
Difficulty: Slope 133 / Rating 70.2

6. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

The Waldorf Astoria showcases a sense of timeless luxury, but it was opened fairly recently in 2009. The course incorporates elements from some of the world’s classic courses, including those designed a century ago. 

The layout skillfully combines traditional features with subtle components, providing a challenging experience. With respect for natural elements and a nod to the game’s rich history, Jones designed a course that seamlessly integrates into the landscape as if it has always been there.

Opened: 2009
Par: 72
Length: 7108 yards
Designers Include: Rees Jones (2009)  Steve Weisser (2009)
Difficulty: Slope 134 / Rating 74.9

7. Links Course – Grand Cypress Golf Club

The Links Course at Grand Cypress Golf Club introduces a new level of challenge to the Orlando golf scene with its steeper, more demanding bunkers and slopes. Nestled within an open meadow, the Links Course is Jack Nicklaus’ tribute to the renowned Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. 

This Scottish links masterpiece features double greens, stone bridges and walls, gorse mounds, and deep pot bunkers—some as much as 12 feet deep—mirroring the true Scottish original. The course has few trees, offering ample landing areas, but a stray tee shot could easily find one of the 150 pot bunkers.

Opened: 1988
Par: 72
Length: 6773 yards
Designers Include: Jack Nicklaus (1988)  Gus Grantham (1984)  Rick Jacobson  Thomas Pearson (1988) 
Difficulty: Slope 121 / Rating 71.9

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