Best 18 Hole WDW Golf Course for New Golfers

[uromac]

Calling all WDW Golfers!

I would like to book a round of golf for my ds18 who is a new to golfing and really enjoys it along with my dh who is not a golfer but has gone on outings with friends on rare occasions. They would like a course that is not intimidating to play on, but still enjoyable. As we are DVC members dh will become a DVC Golf member for the discount (They are aware of the after 10am discount) and are looking forward to a day away from the parks and those golf carts with GPS!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Melissa

 

[Simba's Mom]

DH has played every course at WDW, multiple times each. For a new golfer, I'm a big supporter of Oak Trail, but that's not an 18 hole course. But DS and DH played that course together once, when DH had a handicap of 4 and for DS, it was his first round ever. Both golfers, very different abilities, really enjoyed themselves-the course wasn't too intimidating for DS, nor was it too "easy" for DH. However, for an 18 hole course, I don't know what to recommend. Lots of people find LBV easiest, but DMIL played it and felt there was too much water and very tight fairways. Yet, DH thought Palm had more water, and he thought LBV was easier and kind of "comfortable". There's lots of information about the specific courses on this website-
www.wdwgolf.com
I'm really sorry I couldn't make a recommendation. I'll ask DH for his ideas when he gets home-right now he's out golfing!

 

[N10CJT]

Hmmmm....
None of the four championship courses at Disney are easy, and they all contain intimidating shots. There is the Oak Trail, though, which is a 9 hole course designed for players of all skill levels.
If you want an 18 hole course, I'd say Lake Buena Vista. It plays the shortest, and is the least difficult as well.
The Palm and Magnolia are PGA courses. For players who can stay under control, this can drop scores because of their manicured state, but for novices, it can create nightmares.
Don't even think about Osprey Ridge.... if you don't know how to play, you'll be spending the afternoon making sandcastles.
And on a final note, if you choose a championship course, you may want to let the clubhouse know that you'll be playing with someone who's going to take a while to finish. There are few things more frustrating for a course than hearing experienced golfers complain about being slowed by novices, particularly after they've paid premium greens fees. In order to keep things going, some courses even have GPS units in the carts that demand you keep up a pace. I actually get annoyed by some of the hystrionics over slow play (I'm a 12 handicap, but a deliberate player.... the only time I get angry is when poor players won't waive me through!), but they are concerns, so head this off before you tee off. The manager may be able to find you a tee time where it'll be less crowded, and provide you with ways to help ease the traffic on the course so that some idiot in ugly pants doesn't berate your son.

 

[uromac]

Thanks for everyone's quick response!

I just booked the Lake Buena Vista course online for DS and DH for this coming Saturday at 11am based on the weather reports and our schedule (we are DVC members and we have MVMCP tickets the night before and didn't want dh & ds to be too grumpy! ) and LBV course seems the least intimidating of all the courses based on the skill level of my family. Considering we go to WDW often, they will have other opportunities to try the other WDW courses very soon hopefully !

Thanks again!

Melissa

 

[uromac]

Oops!

BTW, not being a golfer, dd and I would like to do something special together - so my question is how much time should I plan for my dh and ds be out golfing on the LBV course as they start at 11am. We would like to do something without the "boys" either The Grand Floridian Tea which begins at 2pm, or we might do a spa treatment at Saratoga. Any advise?

Thanks again!

Melissa

 

[Firepower]

It will probably take at least a minimum of 4 hours, with a first timer it could be a little longer.

Fire

 

[Simba's Mom]

DH just got home from golf, and he agreed with LBV. Like I'd said, he agreed that it has a fair amount of water, is seen as tight by some people, but at least it's the shortest course.

 

[uromac]

Thanks again everyone!

It's a definite LBV it is! They will rent clubs there. Also, the WDW golf website states that athletic shoes are permitted on the course, so are they really going to be OK wearing their own shoes and not feel out of place, or should they rent those too?

BTW, I don't think they're good enough golfers to even recognize the "water" issues about the LBV course, so they'll just be thrilled to be on a WDW course in FL in December! Also now that I have an approximate time frame to work with, it's off to make more reservations for the "girls" day out !

Melissa

 

[Firepower]

They should be fine with their own shoes. I'm not sure if they are still doing this, but at one time they were giving DVC members free club and shoe rental. I only remember this because I made a comment to my wife about it, and how much I wanted to go down at the time. Worth looking into.

Fire

 

[deej696]

I live locally, so I always have my own gear, but I played with another DVC member last summer and he said his rentals were free. Hopefully they havent changed that this year for some reason. I think they will enjoy LBV, as it is the easiest of the 18 hole courses in my opinion, but it has nice scenery as it winds through the DVC resorts.

Just tell them to look out for the treehouse villas on 17. I drilled one on my last round there. Not one of my finer moments

 

[rentayenta]

DH played Magnolia twice and loved it.

 

[jimmacmn]

I think the choice of LBV was a good one. While all of the 18 hole courses are challenging, the nice thing about LBV is that it is probably the least used of the Disney courses, therefore, there probably will be less time pressure. However, contrary to the "deliberate" player, pace of play is always important on a golf course. If DS is a novice player, I would suggest that he be at least aware of the pace of play and if he is having difficulties, he should pick up his ball and move it to where your DH is playing. This is especially true when he hits it in the water. If he can drop on the other side let him do it. He isn't in it for the tournament, he is in it for the fun. Let him have fun. If he is a younger golfer, say under 10, then consider having him hit his tee shots from the 150 marker. This will be much more fun for him and help move play along. Just remember, have fun!!!!

 

[jimmacmn]

I did forget a couple of things in my previous post. Someone said to plan for 4 hours for the round. I have played Disney many times and as with any resort type course it can get slow and backed up. I'd allow for a minimum of 5 hours and some time to get to the course, warm up and get back to where you are staying. By the way, Disney provides transportation to and from the golf course. Go to the bell stand of the DVC you are staying at. They will call a cab and give you a voucher. The voucher includes cab fare and tip. The pro shop at the course will call the cab for the return trip. Of couse, if you are staying at SSR, you won't need a cab since the pro shop is right there.

 

[uromac]

Thanks so much for all your tips!

The weather seems to be in the high 70's this Saturday so it should be perfect for golfing for my ds18 and dh. Since you think it's probably going to be 4-5 hours I'll have plenty of time to plan to do other things with my dd14. BTW, I know this sounds silly, but as it is going to be around lunchtime, should they bring snacks - is there a cart that comes around, or do they just have a late breakfast and grab a light bite in between their golf game and dinner at 8:10pm at Boma - (ok can you tell I don't golf! ). I'll also check about the shoes and clubs (although I think there is a charge! We are staying at the BWV, but they were going to just take the rental car - but I'll tell them about the cab service - it's great to be a DVC'er!

Looks like I've got to make reservations for a busy "just the girls" afternoon!

Thanks again!

Melissa

Melissa

 

[Pakey]

Thanks so much for all your tips!

The weather seems to be in the high 70's this Saturday so it should be perfect for golfing for my ds18 and dh. Since you think it's probably going to be 4-5 hours I'll have plenty of time to plan to do other things with my dd14. BTW, I know this sounds silly, but as it is going to be around lunchtime, should they bring snacks - is there a cart that comes around, or do they just have a late breakfast and grab a light bite in between their golf game and dinner at 8:10pm at Boma - (ok can you tell I don't golf! ). I'll also check about the shoes and clubs (although I think there is a charge! We are staying at the BWV, but they were going to just take the rental car - but I'll tell them about the cab service - it's great to be a DVC'er!

Looks like I've got to make reservations for a busy "just the girls" afternoon!

Thanks again!

Melissa

Melissa

According to DH, this course ends right there at the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs and they will be able to grab some lunch there when they finish up.

As for a "girls adventure" I always take my DIL's to the spa when DH and DS's golf. If you really want to go all out, you could book spa treatments at the Grand Floridian Spa and do your tea luncheon right there at the GF afterwards. Or you could book at Saratoga Spa and then meet up with the guys for lunch right there when they finish up. We've done it both ways.

I always make DH think that he and the guys are getting a real treat and that us girls "sacrifice" waiting for them to finish golf but seriously, the girls treat is more fun than golfing. DH also agrees that the course you selected is the best one for beginning golfers.

I hope you guys have a great time.

 

[jimmacmn]

There is always a beverage/snack cart treking around the course. They should not lack for beverages or snacks. Also as the previous poster said there is the Turf Club just upstairs from the pro shop and Artist's Pallet is also in the building for a counter service experience.

DW likes the girls experience too, but she does play some golf too. She usually plays two of the three times we play in a week at WDW