Golf at OKW - ? for those in the know

[mickeymom629]

A few of my adult kids want to golf at OKW while we are staying there later this year. I'd love to hear from any golfers since we have never done this.

Do you think Magnolia or Oak Trail is better for them than Lake Buena Vista? They golf together occasionally around home but they are not "great", I'm sure. (honestly, I wouldn't know since DH and I don't golf)

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You may me know this already, but Oak Trail is a 9 hole walking course. It’s fine if you just want to get out and play half a round in a casual setting, but it won’t do for many golfers looking for a full 18-hole experience.

Magnolia is a nice course and it’s a tad easier than its neighboring Palm course (which to me is a challenging course). I like it there - nice courses, great pro shop, Chip n Dale’s deli is pretty decent. Playing golf with the ambient sounds of the MK train whistle and Seven Seas Lagoon boat horns in the distant background is lovely. When you get away from the holes along the roadway it’s incredibly peaceful back there - amazingly peaceful for being so close to one of the world’s busiest theme parks.

Unfortunately I haven’t played LBV so can’t offer a legit comparison. It tends to get good reviews when this topic comes up, so I’m sure it’s great. My impression is it may be a little easier than Palm or Magnolia, but I could be wrong in that assumption. It would certainly be closer to OKW if that’s a factor, but not like the others courses are all that far away.

Hopefully others with direct experience will chime in as well.

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

As stated, Oak Trail is a walking only 9 hole course. It isn't an executive course, but a real course at a par 36. There are many who go around twice to make it 18 holes. Depending on the time of year for your trip, I wouldn't advise walking 18 in Disney.

We have played all of the courses extensively, including the now gone Eagles Pines and Osprey Ridge courses at Bonnet Creek near Fort Wilderness. In terms of difficulty, Palm is tops followed by Magnolia. They have the best pro-shop on property as well as the top practice green and two driving ranges.

Alas, my favorite meanders right through Old Key West - Lake Buena Vista. I would highly recommend this course if you're staying at OKW. It's a short (and free of charge) taxi ride to SSR and the Pro-Shop. Then they'll play literally through Old Key West Resort. There's an island par-3 and plenty of challenge to be found. Sure, it's not at the same level of difficulty as the Palm and Magnolia, but it's still VERY well-maintained. The greens are hard (read: fast) and the course has more than its share of challenges. Plus, you get to see some cool sites, as the course is really spread out and you pass by OKW, SSR, POFQ, POR, THV and Dis Springs. There are even several holes along the river with ferries passing by enroute to Dis Springs or the resorts.
I used to take golf seriously - too seriously. And back then I was a huge advocate for the courses over by the Poly. Nowadays I'll still play them, but the ambiance and vibe at LBV are much more my style.
Oh, and Chip & Dale's deli at LBV outside of the pro-shop has the cheapest food and beer on all of WDW property!

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

And keep in mind, taxi fare to all WDW owned golf courses is free to resort guests. Bell services will give you a voucher and call you a cab. Very nice touch.

 

[mickeymom629]

Thanks for the great advice and tips! I will pass this on!

 

[bwang123]

And keep in mind, taxi fare to all WDW owned golf courses is free to resort guests. Bell services will give you a voucher and call you a cab. Very nice touch.

This was great for us, our driver stopped by a nearby convenient store on the way for us to pick up some refreshments.

 

[hardcorestitch]

As stated, Oak Trail is a walking only 9 hole course. It isn't an executive course, but a real course at a par 36. There are many who go around twice to make it 18 holes. Depending on the time of year for your trip, I wouldn't advise walking 18 in Disney.

We have played all of the courses extensively, including the now gone Eagles Pines and Osprey Ridge courses at Bonnet Creek near Fort Wilderness. In terms of difficulty, Palm is tops followed by Magnolia. They have the best pro-shop on property as well as the top practice green and two driving ranges.

Alas, my favorite meanders right through Old Key West - Lake Buena Vista. I would highly recommend this course if you're staying at OKW. It's a short (and free of charge) taxi ride to SSR and the Pro-Shop. Then they'll play literally through Old Key West Resort. There's an island par-3 and plenty of challenge to be found. Sure, it's not at the same level of difficulty as the Palm and Magnolia, but it's still VERY well-maintained. The greens are hard (read: fast) and the course has more than its share of challenges. Plus, you get to see some cool sites, as the course is really spread out and you pass by OKW, SSR, POFQ, POR, THV and Dis Springs. There are even several holes along the river with ferries passing by enroute to Dis Springs or the resorts.
I used to take golf seriously - too seriously. And back then I was a huge advocate for the courses over by the Poly. Nowadays I'll still play them, but the ambiance and vibe at LBV are much more my style.
Oh, and Chip & Dale's deli at LBV outside of the pro-shop has the cheapest food and beer on all of WDW property!

Joffrey’s for $2, huh? Hmmm….

 

[mickeymom629]

Magnolia is a nice course and it’s a tad easier than its neighboring Palm course (which to me is a challenging course). I like it there - nice courses, great pro shop, Chip n Dale’s deli is pretty decent. Playing golf with the ambient sounds of the MK train whistle and Seven Seas Lagoon boat horns in the distant background is lovely. When you get away from the holes along the roadway it’s incredibly peaceful back there - amazingly peaceful for being so close to one of the world’s busiest theme parks.

Oh, and Chip & Dale's deli at LBV outside of the pro-shop has the cheapest food and beer on all of WDW property!

It looks like both of you mentioned Chip & Dale's at two different courses, or did I misread this? Is there just one Pro-Shop?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

It looks like both of you mentioned Chip & Dale's at two different courses, or did I misread this? Is there just one Pro-Shop?

There’s one at both places. If your friends happen to be there around breakfast time the breakfast egg and bacon sandwich is a good way to start the day.

We’ll sometimes go over to Shades of Green just to eat there if we’re looking for a low cost basic sandwich no frills lunch spot. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not world class gourmet. But sometimes a plain ol’ turkey or chicken salad sandwich on fresh bread and a cold beer just hits the spot when at WDW.

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

It looks like both of you mentioned Chip & Dale's at two different courses, or did I misread this? Is there just one Pro-Shop?

There are two different areas - one at Shades of Green across the street from the Poly. This is home to Manolia and Palm; it has the best pro-shop. There is a Chip & Dale's over by SOG near the practice green.
The other is at SSR. It's Lake Buena Vista. Pro-shop is smaller, but Chip & Dale's is right outside of the pro shop. Here are some pics of the menu with prices.