Golfers? Have questions!

Boardwalk III

DIS Veteran
Joined
Oct 1, 2001
Messages
1,663
Hi all,

We'll be down for a 10-day stay mid-October and I need some golf advice. Both Magnolia and Palm are blocked out for a tournament. Has anyone golfed at Osprey Ridge, Eagle Pines or Lake Buena Vista? I'd love to hear some opinions and comparisons - we hope to pick 2 of the 3. Much appreciated!
 
Sounds like you are going between the 13th and 20th when the PGA tournment is there. One thing to consider is going to the tournment itself (all the top pros are usually there including T. Woods)

As to the other courses:

1. Osprey is by far the best course on site (out of all of them including Palm and Magnolia). It has the most memorable holes and the last three holes are three of the best finishing holes you will ever see. Only downside is that it is most difficult course there (although not overwhelming) particularly for some holes where you need to carry water (such as 200 yards on the par 3 17, and 220 yards on the par 4 14th if you want a shot of actually reaching the green in two; note both of those holes have bail out options). Nevertheless, if you shoot in the low 90's or lower, this is not a course to miss.

2. Eagle Pines is the easiest Pete Dye course in existence. However, don't overestimate that statement; Pete Dye usually designs courses that are impossible to play; this one is very playable for most handicap levels as long as they choose the right tee. For example, it is the shortest course on site, causing some who play in the mid 80's or higher to choose the back tees, which usually results in their having a disastrous round. This is a lot of "target" golf with long waste areas or often water running along the edge of the fairways and lots of trouble around the greens. Very pretty course and thre sister course to the Osprey.

3. Lake Buena Vista runs through the Old Key West resort and is the easiest 18 hole course on site (but also don't overestimate that statement as none of the courses is either overly easy or overly difficult). It has a number of interesting holes including an island green par 3 and is kept in excellent condition as are all the courses).
 
I would highly recommend Osprey Ridge. I found it to be the most interesting course to play. It was also nice that it had comfort stations and shade trees in appropriate places (near tee boxes, etc.). Osprey and Eagle were built in 1991, whereas the others were built in 1971. The older courses seem a little short on the drinking water and shade trees. It can get hot...

You can purchase a DVC golf pass that may save you money. Check your DVC member book for details.

Click here for Marc's WDW Golf Page
Lots of good info.

Troy
 
We just came back from a week at WDW, and those are the three courses DH played. All the courses were very well equipped with drinking water and shade. He was especially impressed with the excellent condition of Lake Buena Vista, probably because that course doesn't usually have the excellent reputation. People he met golfing also spoke most favorably about LBV. He did feel that Osprey Ridge was worth being the most expensive course-he would go back and golf wherever he could get the most convenient tee time, because he just couldn't choose a favorite.
 

The others hit the nail on the head. The other 3 courses are great- I also vote for Osprey as the best of the three. Since the tour will be there in October the courses may be crowded. I was there in May and played at Orange County which is just north of Magic Kingdom, only a 15 min. ride. There are 2 courses there. We played Panther Run. The complex there is as good or better than the Disney courses and if you like to play early like I do, you can play for appx $50.00 including lunch! I'm pretty sure their web page is orangecountygolf.com The DVC golf membership will save money, but you have to play after 10 a.m. to get the savings- otherwise you'll be paying $100+. Another course we played nearby was Celebration- another short ride and a great track. You will love Orange County's complex- the PGA tour qualifying tourney will be there next year. Hit em' straight!!!
 
We love playing Osprey and Eagle Pines. Be sure to have lunch or breakfast at the Sand Trap cafe in the Jointly shared pro-shop building. Very good food at reasonable prices. The waitress pointed out several Disney execs last time we were there and said it was a favorite place for them to eat.
 
Consider the DVC golf pass, if it fits your needs. DH got one last year, played three rounds and it is good this year as well. We were there in Oct 01 (week before the tournament) and the pass doesn't expire until 10-31-02 and we'll be there this year for the tournament (I learned my lesson last year!). It also includes his admission to the tournament. So for him it was a good deal. We are really looking forward to our trip.
 
Thanks so much for the information about Orange County golf. DH is a major golfer. He's considering early retirement to become a golf pro, and wanted to try to qualify as a professional golfer instead of go to college, but Vietnam, low draft number, changed his plans-wanted that student deferrment. He'd love the Orange County complex.
 
Just a short comment on the DVC Golf Pass.... any new ones being sold DO NOT include admission to the annual PGA golf tournament. Look at the pass to see if you have it.
 



















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