Golfing at Disney

Daydreamin

DVC Member/BWV 2000
Joined
Jul 19, 2000
Messages
115
Looking for help in understanding golf options for my DH and DS this coming March when we stay at the Boardwalk. I've done a search of this board but found more stuff that really wasn't related to golf. Looking for info on costs, best deals (I do know that there are deals after 2 pm), best courses, etc. DH is a 10 handicap and DS is a fairly decent (don't know his handicap) youth golfer. Looking to get DS (and maybe DD) lessons if they're not too unreasonable. We'll be there 3/20 - 3/27.

Can anyone help? Looking to surprise them. Thanks...
 
I just spent a bit of time on Marc's Walt Disney World and Golf Site researching info. Its a great site, but anything from other DVC golfer's would be helpful.

Also, I've seen references to a DVC Golf Membership, but couldn't find anything about the costs? Does anyone know if this is still offered?
 
Daydreamin can you post that site please. I would also be interested from other DVC golfers. My dh and two ds(s) plan on playing some golf this August. Our friend and one ds also plan on playing with them. They plan on bringing their own golf clubs. Should they book tee times before coming down? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
Daydreamin:

I have played numerous times at WDW. I can tell you that you are going at the most expensive time of the year. If price doesn't bother you than you have no problem. Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines are the two highest price courses followed by the Palm and Magnolia and then the LBV course which weaves through OKW. IMHO Osprey is the most difficult while Eagle is a little more relaxed than a standard Pete Dye course and to me was not as demanding as I was expecting. The Mag and LBV are typical resort courses and very nice. The Mag has the mouse ears bunker on one of the par 3s. I have not had a chance to play the Palm. Also I don't know how much the construction at Shades of Green (which is the hotel on the Mag and Palm property) will interfere with the property or raise the noise level too high. It's your call.

If you want prices, go to disneyworld.com and go to recreation and look for the golf links. There should be prices there up to the time you are leaving. If not, just email them and ask what the rates are for your arrival dates.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask anytime.

JT
 

If you go to the members only web site, the golf option is explained in the priveledges of membership section. They didn't have 2004 prices on there yet, but it looks like it would be $95 per round with reservations being able to be made 14 days in advance.
 
AnnaS - The web site address for Marc's Walt Disney World & Golf site is http://www.wdwgolf.com. Happy searching...

Sweetp267 - Thanks for the info. We figured that it would be fairly pricey, but both what the opportunity to play at leas 1 or 2 rounds while we're down there.

Dianeschlicht - Thanks for the help. I'll take a look at the website.

I'm thinking that this will be a busy time of year (March) and think that we will need to make a reservation ahead of time. Since we're staying on site, I know that we can make our reservations 90 days out. Can anyone tell me if they would recommend this? Thanks as always for any info that you can provide.
 
March is during the most expensive golf time of the year. Regular rates run from about $130 per round to $175 depending on course (that includes cart). Osprey Ridge is the most expensive, followed by Eagle Pines, Magnolia, and Palm and Lake Buena Vista, which two are usually the same cost. After 3 p.m. rates are about half the regular rates. If you have an annual pass, you can get 30% off for up to four players -- although you need to check as that discount has not yet been confirmed for beyond mid-January. There are no junior discounts (except on the Oak Trail course, a nine hole, short executive course that is walking only and is heavily occupied by kids and beginners).

A DVC member can play that time of year after 10 a.m. for $95 a round at any course. However, to get that discount you need to buy an annual DVC golf card at one of the pro shops for about $91 (which includes tax). Thus to make buying the card worth it, you need to play multiple rounds.

If you are paying regular rates, you can make tee times up to 90 days in advance, 1-407-WDW-GOLF; when using an AP or DVC discount it is 14 days that time of year. Note, it is usually fairly easy to get times up to 7 days in advance, and you can usually even get times the day before as long as you are not choosey about course and at least an hour flexible in the time you want. They play foursomes if possible and thus a twosome will most often automatically be hooked up with another twosome or two singles.

The Osprey and Palm are the most difficult courses, Lake Buena Vista the easiest, Eagle Pines is the shortest but "target" golf with a lot of trouble around greens, and Magnolia is the longest but has very wide fairways (and the Mickey shaped sand trap that you see in ads). Osprey, by far, is the most impressive course there (which is reflected in its high cost) but all are very good and well-kept.

Marc's Golf Site, which provides a lot more info, is at wdwgolf.com
 
Golfing at Disney has changed dramatically over the past 9 years. Originally you could get a DVC Membership at LBV and play for $35 to $50 a round and what was more important, you could tee off at 7AM leaving the rest of the day to spend with the family. Now, however, inorder to get the reduced rate you can not tee off before 10AM and I do believe there is a cheaper rate after 3PM. There is an excellent 9 hole walking course (semi-ex) that is managed out of the magnolia proshop. The rate there is $40 (approx) for 9 holes. Tee times are available but easy to get. It really works well if you need an alternative. Many years ago this course was called the Wee Course and you could not play it unless you were with a child. It had artifical greens but now it is a tremendous course. One thing I forgot, the course is called Oak Trails and is the 9 in when Disney advertises 99 holes of golf. One further piece of info. when you are a member and stay at one of the DVC resorts, the front desk with get a taxi for you to get to the course of your choice and the course will do the same to return you to your resort.
 
AnnaS-you're going at the least expensive time of year for golf. You can either buy the golf card ($95), then pay $35 per round after 10:00am with ressies up to 60 days in advance, or just go for the "Price Slice Special", a little more per round ($45-$65, depending on the course) with no card necessary. Oh, and one card gives the same rate to the card holder and up to 3 guests. DH has golfed many times at Disney in May or June, same "golf season" as August. Yes, it's hot, but he's always found plenty of water available on every course he's played (only one yet to play is Palm). And after 3:00 rates are even better. Feel free to ask any more questions-DH loves to golf there.
 
You also asked about lessons. DH has done this twice and really enjoyed the experience both times. Once they weren't busy and he got some "extra" time with the pro. He thinks it is worth the cost - can't remember what it was. Made a great birthday gift! You can get more info by calling the golf number 407-WDWGOLF I think.
 
Ask and you shall receive all sorts of info and tips.

I really appreciate all the info everyone's posts have provided. I certainly have enough info to give them an idea as to where they might want to golf. I've also found lots of info on the Disney, DIS, DVC and WDWGOLF sites. THANKS!!

Does anyone know anything about the Disney Institute Golf lessons I read about in a comment section on the WDWGOLF site? I seem to remember there being a listing of classes that were open to onsite Disney guests, but I can't find it anywhere.
 
Does anyone know anything about the Disney Institute Golf lessons I read about in a comment section on the WDWGOLF site? I seem to remember there being a listing of classes that were open to onsite Disney guests, but I can't find it anywhere.
The Disney Institute is no more. Not sure if there are still golf lessons, but they would not be connected with the Disney Institute any more. I for one miss the DI classes. I took a couple of really fun ones there. The best was on on making topiary.
 
We were able to rent clubs for our 13 yr old DD at LBV proshop for no charge. Not sure if this is still available but you may want to look into as an alternative to one more piece of luggage!
 
You can arrange golf lessons thru the WDW starter. The last time I took a lesson it was done at the Magnolia. I wish I still had the pros name. I do know his first name was Kip and. He was an excellent teacher. The group lessons held at the Disney Institute are no longer provided at LBV Golf Course.
 















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