DVC Member Golf Clinic

[KBoopaloo]

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with booking the DVC Member golf clinics offered on Thursdays and Fridays at Lake Buena Vista? They are listed on the DVC member page but I have had no luck booking one for my Dad on our next trip. We've had the IPO office from the Beach Club try to book an appointment for us as well and they can't get a confirmation back.

I have called and left a message on their voicemail following all their instructions but have not received a call back? Has anyone here ever done one of these clinics?

Overall, I have been very frustrated trying to book ANY golf related things at WDW this trip. We also tried to get the "9 holes by 9 am" special booked for a different day and have had no luck. IPO was also unable to book it. The last person I spoke to at Disney Golf told me that it could not be booked in advance, you just have to show up and hope they can squeeze you in which is not what is listed on the website. My dad does not want to take the time to get all the way over to the course only to find out they have no room to "squeeze" him in.

 

[kathylovesmatt]

We're leaving on Sunday for WDW; my husband has already booked his round of golf for Tuesday. I don't know which golf course he'll be playing. We just learned that the Childrens Miracle Network golf tournament will going on while we're there.

 

[drusba]

I assume you are aware that effective September 25, 2011, all management and operation of all the Disney Golf courses was taken over by Arnold Palmer Golf Management Co., which effectively took Disney out of the golf business except for ownership of the courses. The effect of the change on discounts is not yet known although currently they are still honoring the DVC golf discount program. The effect of the change on virtually anything else is also not yet fully known.

I am not sure what you are referring to as the "9 by 9 a.m." program because I am not aware of it. There was a "9 by 11 a.m." program (Disney resort guests in general, not DVC) at the LBV course but that was during summer and ended September 30, and you are getting to the time of year where it would be virtually impossible to finish 9 holes by 9 a.m. because first tee times are getting later and later in the morning. I have never done the golf members clinic and do not know if it still occurs.

 

[KBoopaloo]

I assume you are aware that effective September 25, 2011, all management and operation of all the Disney Golf courses was taken over by Arnold Palmer Golf Management Co., which effectively took Disney out of the golf business except for ownership of the courses. The effect of the change on discounts is not yet known although currently they are still honoring the DVC golf discount program. The effect of the change on virtually anything else is also not yet fully known.

I am not sure what you are referring to as the "9 by 9 a.m." program because I am not aware of it. There was a "9 by 11 a.m." program (Disney resort guests in general, not DVC) at the LBV course but that was during summer and ended September 30, and you are getting to the time of year where it would be virtually impossible to finish 9 holes by 9 a.m. because first tee times are getting later and later in the morning. I have never done the golf members clinic and do not know if it still occurs.

Thanks, you are correct. I meant the general public "9 holes by 11:00 am" deal. The original deal had expired on 9/30 but they have since extended it to January of 2012 according to the unofficial but fairly comprehensive wdwgolf site. The woman I spoke to on the phone told me it did exist, she just couldn't book it which I found odd.

The voicemail I reached at the number on the DVC member site for the golf clinic seemed to indicate that the clinics still happen but that no one is getting back to me and the IPO folks have had the same issues. I have wondered if the difficulty I am having is partly due to the transition to being run by the new company. I'd rather they just say the program is no longer offered rather than keep up the appearance of offering it but making it nearly impossible to book. I originally tried booking before the 9/25 transition date but then decided to wait until the new company took over. I called this week and basically had the same experience.

I also tried booking the Oak Trail course on the website since that is what they recommend when you call the golf number now, but when you go to book it has the Oak Trail listed at the same $125 price as the 18 hole courses which is clearly not correct.

I am just frustrated and wondered if anyone else has had an similar issues.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hearing about these problems with DVC golf now scares the bejeezus out of me. DH has always seen WDW as a golf resort with theme parks there just to keep the non-golfers entertained. He was always able to book his tee times 60 days out. I didn't anticipate any problems with the Arnold Palmer Golf Management Co. taking over, but now I'm scared as we have another trip planned in April, and if they make it difficult to golf, I don't know how that will affect our plans. Please do keep us posted!

 

[KBoopaloo]

Hearing about these problems with DVC golf now scares the bejeezus out of me. DH has always seen WDW as a golf resort with theme parks there just to keep the non-golfers entertained. He was always able to book his tee times 60 days out. I didn't anticipate any problems with the Arnold Palmer Golf Management Co. taking over, but now I'm scared as we have another trip planned in April, and if they make it difficult to golf, I don't know how that will affect our plans. Please do keep us posted!

Hopefully it is just some confusion during the transition that they will get all worked out soon!

 

[LoveMickey]

Hope its just a transition. DH planning on playing in December.

 

[eporter66]

I was actually hoping to go to the clinic this coming thursday, but had not called yet. I wont get to golf on this trip, but I do plan to attend one of the days of the Children's Miracle Network.

I have only played LBV course, but it was a very nice course.

 

[KBoopaloo]

I was actually hoping to go to the clinic this coming thursday, but had not called yet. I wont get to golf on this trip, but I do plan to attend one of the days of the Children's Miracle Network.

I have only played LBV course, but it was a very nice course.

If you are able to take advantage of the clinic, please update us here. I'd love to hear from someone that actually did it! I have left another message but still have not heard back from anyone.

 

[conandrob240]

I spoke to someone about the golf clinic (Ryan) about two weeks ago and was told the clinics have been suspended indefinitely as they figure out the transition to the new golf management. We are there this week and next and were told they were definitely cancelled until at least November. I was also annoyed that Oak Trail was closed for our entire 8 day stay and was allowed to book the back 9 at LBV as a substitute for Oak Trail.

 

[deej696]

There will be many things like this to work out with the transition, and sadly, I'm betting on that most go away...

 

[LauraLea]

Just an FYI.

Last week I was able to book 2 tee times for DH for $35 per round thru golfnow.com. for our trip next week.

He is playing LBV and Osprey Ridge, both tee times around 1 pm.

Laura

 

[KBoopaloo]

I spoke to someone about the golf clinic (Ryan) about two weeks ago and was told the clinics have been suspended indefinitely as they figure out the transition to the new golf management. We are there this week and next and were told they were definitely cancelled until at least November. I was also annoyed that Oak Trail was closed for our entire 8 day stay and was allowed to book the back 9 at LBV as a substitute for Oak Trail.

Thank you so much for this information! At least now I know what is going on. They should really change the voicemail message for the number that DVC proivdes for these clinics to reflect the suspension of the program. Grrrr.

Do you know the exact dates that Oak Trail will be closed?

My poor dad, he was really looking forward to taking the clinic this trip.

 

[conandrob240]

Not 100% sure but we are there Oct 19-26 and it is closed until Oct 25th. We were able to book it for Oct 26th. Not sure when it closed.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just an FYI.

Last week I was able to book 2 tee times for DH for $35 per round thru golfnow.com. for our trip next week.

He is playing LBV and Osprey Ridge, both tee times around 1 pm.

Laura

Thanks for the info! I had thought that the only way to get golf tee times at WDW golf courses was through Disney. Guess not!