golfer question

[mbkd]

We are not DVCers yet but the check is on its way to timeshare closing services as this is being typed...I will describe my experience with resale etc. on a future post once the process is complete. Does anyone know what the options are for golfers at dvc? In particular, can the course at OKW be played by a dvc member ( or anyone who desires) or is it part of some special club? Also, how would you rate the course? Thanks in advance!!

 

[PamOKW]

The course (Lake Buena Vista) is one of the Disney courses and is open to anyone who pays the fees. DVC does offer some golf discounts that are best for the frequent golfer.

 

[Fenceman]

DVC members do get a discount off the WDW Golf Program(not the official name). You pay for a yearly membership and receive discounted green fees for you and 3 guests for play after 10:00. The discount depends on the time of year.

If you stay at HH or VB you can get discounts at some of the area golf courses just for staying at the resort. HH has quite a list of courses available.

 

[drusba]

Disney has 5 18-hole course (and one 9-hole executive course). Lake Buena Vista is the one that runs through OKW (clubhouse is at Disney Institute). The other four--Palm, Magnolia, Osprey Ridge, and Eagle Pines) are located at other parts of the WDW property (clubhouse for Palm and Magnolia is at Shades of Green; for Osprey and Eagle just outside the back gate to WDW where Fort Wilderness is). You can play any of them (best is Osprey Ridge)as they are open to the public. You can make tee times up to 90 days in advance (1-407-WDW-GOLF). To get a DVC discount for rounds after 10 (does not apply for any rounds before that in the morning) you will need to buy a DVC Member Golf Discount Card that you get at any of the pro shops for $85 (plus tax) and which is good for a year. Discount ranges from $10 to $20 during the summer to over $50 during peak Feb through April time. Note if you are only going to play once or twice in a year's time, buying the card is usually not worth it because the discount will not make up for the price of the golf card. All the courses are good and kept in excellent shape. The Osprey is the most impressive. The Palm and Magnolia are used for the annual PGA tournament in late October. Lake Buena Vista is the easiest of the group--also that course does not drain as quickly as the others so avoid it after a heavy rain

 

[familyfun86]

Disney has 5 championship golf courses, LBV being one of them. The OKW resort happens to be on the front nine for LBV course (OKW use to be on the back nine until the made the DI then they switched the course around). As a DVC member you are authorized to make Tee-times 90 days in advance. They will take times for 1,2,3, or foursomes. We stay at OKW usually between may and october which is a good time for greens fees. During this period Tee-times after 10:00 at any of the courses are $45(greens fees and cart). You can buy a DVC golf for $85 which will discount these to $35 for each golfer up to a foursome. Additionally this membership will get you in to the Oldsmobile PGA tourney held at WDW in October. Plus you get a discount on lessons and you can play the course at celebration. I typically do not get the membership because I would have to play 9 times to get anything out of it. Outside the may to october window after 10:00 tee-times are about $100. Also early morning tee-times all the time will run you over $100. Now for the golf courses:
LBV is probably my second favorite. The club house and starter are actually located in the DI. It is a shot makers course. Not very long but tight and narrow. You will pay dearly if you are not in the fairway. A few island greens which always makes it fun.
Osprey ridge by far is the best course at WDW. Located at the Bonnet creek golf club (not far from OKW). Long and hard with a lot of scenery. This is a must play!!!
Eagle pines is the other course at the Bonnet creek golf club. Very nice course. I think that it plays as one of the easier courses at WDW. Still it would be eiter 3 or 4 on my ranking list of WDW courses.
Magnolia is one of 2 courses located at the shades of green. It is the classic WDW course with the Mickey mouse sand trap. Nice course with a classic southern design. It is currently closed until october.
Now my least favorite course at WDW is the last one, the palms. Located right next to magnolia. This course has about 16 holes with water in play. The 17th hole is always ranked as one of the hardest holes on the PGA tour. There is basically no secondary rough, its swap. Do not get me wrong an extremely pretty course but HARD!!! Most of the par 4's and 5's have serpentine creeks running through them so it feels like you are always laying up. If your handicap is not in the single digits you are going to have a long day.
Hope this helps, and hit them long and straight!!!

 

[DVCDAVE]

You may want to read the current issue of Vacation Magic, you can download it on the Disney DVC member site. They have a whole page on Disney Golf, including a progaram with discounts to DVC members.

WDW:
76,77,78,87,FW
92,Offsite
95 POL
96(2), GF,Offsite
97,GF
98,99,00,FW
8/00 DVC member @ BWV
3/01 BWV, FW
3/01 DVC member @ WLV
11/01 BWV !