Disney Golf Courses - Preschoolers

[peace_all]

My husband and I are contemplating a trip this summer, however, we are avid golfers and with our youngest being three now, we plan to integrate golf into every vacation. He is on our country club membership with the ability to play with us there. Are we allowed to take him on Disney golf courses, do they have an age minimum?

 

[Sweettears]

I don’t know for sure but the Disney courses are pretty heavily booked with serious golfers so my guess would be no. Whether or not your youngster would be allowed to ride along I’m not sure but my guess would be no as well due to liability concerns.

 

[Toolulu22]

We play the regular courses, and the Oak Trail "family" nine-hole course (a walking course). I've seen teens and tweens at Oaktrail, but no children in your child's age group playing or accompanying players at any of the courses. As PP mentioned, the pacing of groups is standard 9 minutes and the fairways average 400+ yards as I recall. It's always busy when we've gone.

There are two putt-putt courses on Disney property, with easy and challenging options. Not the same thing as being on the greens, but something to consider as a family activity.

If your child is playing golf at 3, he will be ready for those long courses sooner than you can blink.

 

[Sweettears]

We play the regular courses, and the Oak Trail "family" nine-hole course (a walking course). I've seen teens and tweens at Oaktrail, but no children in your child's age group playing or accompanying players at any of the courses. As PP mentioned, the pacing of groups is standard 9 minutes and the fairways average 400+ yards as I recall. It's always busy when we've gone.

There are two putt-putt courses on Disney property, with easy and challenging options. Not the same thing as being on the greens, but something to consider as a family activity.

If your child is playing golf at 3, he will be ready for those long courses sooner than you can blink.

I agree with your thoughts. The Disney putt putt courses are on steroids compared to the usual Pirates Cove etc...

 

[peace_all]

Thanks for the responses! We are avid golfers and very mindful of pace of play and etiquette (I started at 4), we will look into the Oak Trail course. With our older kids it has been "Best Ball" and pick up play off of the fairway until they can handle yardage from the gold (red) tee's and keep up.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My husband and I are contemplating a trip this summer, however, we are avid golfers and with our youngest being three now, we plan to integrate golf into every vacation. He is on our country club membership with the ability to play with us there. Are we allowed to take him on Disney golf courses, do they have an age minimum?

I would call them and ask (407) WDW-GOLF. The website mentions that they have "family carts" available for families who may have younger non-players (not sure what the age minimum is to play), but if you call, perhaps they can clarify if your son can play or at least ride along.

 

[Carol_]

Don’t forget Winter Summerland minigolf course! (It’s putt putt but with a little one it might be a better option.)
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/winter-summerland-miniature-golf/

 

[Toolulu22]

Thanks for the responses! We are avid golfers and very mindful of pace of play and etiquette (I started at 4), we will look into the Oak Trail course. With our older kids it has been "Best Ball" and pick up play off of the fairway until they can handle yardage from the gold (red) tee's and keep up.

Honestly, come Florida summer heat- that is often how I end up playing some of the back 9 with my husband. Tee off and then finish on the green. Their courses are well kept and enjoyable to play. Lots of wildlife out on the courses too- to keep you ohh-ing and ahhing.

 

[Sweettears]

Your chances might be better if you are willing to tee off later in the afternoon.

 

[MKwatercraftPilot]

I looked up the Family Carts because I was curious. Here's the post I found from what looks like the official Disney Golf Site:
https://www.golfwdw.com/blog/242-ta...-themed-four-seater-golf-carts-for-family-use
Based on this it looks like they're in Limited supply (one for each course), but it does specifically mention:
"Before, if you had multiple family members out for a round of golf, you would need to take two separate, traditional two-seater golf carts, even if one or more of your family members were simply riding along and not playing. Since you must be at least 16 years or older with a valid driver's license to drive the carts, this proved to be inconvenient for families with younger children.

Now, a family of up to four, for example two adults and two younger non-playing children, can take a single four-seater golf cart and stay together during the round. Our carts are equipped to carry up to four golf bags."

Not sure if that means your three-year-old can play, or how much playing he'll actually be doing (when I went as a young kid, my dad would have me hit a few shots when we were on the more secluded holes) but it's cool to see what the carts look like.

 

[cutigerlady]

I don’t think you will have an issue as long as you pay for him to be there. We took our boys and had a nice long conversation with the course ranger. He was very supportive of kids participating and learning the appropriate etiquette. We played best ball and made sure we weren’t lagging behind. My boys loved it! Now golf is part of every trip.

Depending on when you are going, they offer a sunrise or sunset 9 special that includes cart rental, 9 holes, sleeve of balls, a drink and hotdog/breakfast sandwich for $39! Kids clubs are free to rent. I forget the cost for adult club rentals. Also, you can get a taxi voucher from any resort hotel to get to/from the course (it’s included in your tee fees) and they don’t do a great job of telling you this up front!

We’ve played all of the courses, as well as the one in Celebration. My favorite is the Magnolia course.

 

[WDWLODGE]

As long as you are mindful of your pace I don't think there will be an issue. I would suggest trying the Oak Trail Course though. It is a walking course only, but it is the shortest of the 4 WDW courses & in my experience it is the least crowded. My son 1st played the Oak Trail course at age 7, he started golfing at 6. The day we went we never had anyone behind us. They have actually added Footgolf to the Oak Trail course. If you do want to play 1 of the other 3 WDW courses(Palm, Magnolia or Lake Buena Vista) they have a Sunrise/Sunset 9 deal that may be a good option for you. If you take the last Sunset 9 deal of the day you won't have anyone behind you.