Golfing at OKW in July?

[jade1]

Staying at OKW in July and have a friday open. Any comments or experiences on golfing there would be appreciated. Have never golfed at WDW but since we are at OKW, wondering if it may be time. Can you rent clubs, how much are fees, is the course nice, is it busy or just too hot even early AM? Thanks.

 

[Simba's Mom]

First off, the heat-can't say, DH will golf in any weather and climate where we live is probably hotter than Orlando. There's a DVC golf badge that you can buy-it's good for a year, cost $85, then every round is $35 at that time of year. Only problem for some people-you have to tee off after 10:00am. Yes, you can rent clubs, typical of Disney the quality is excellent. DH rented Callaways there once. Recently there was a very interesting first-hand report from someone who'd gone for a week of golfing. And when we go in June, some of that time at OKW, DH will be golfing 3 times at 3 different courses. The course near OKW, LBV, is supposed to be one of the more "forgiving". See what DH says!

 

[drusba]

Until 10 a.m., the regular fee in summer is $90 for Magnolia, Palm, and Lake Buena Vista, $100 for Eagle Pines, and $120 for Osprey Ridge. All those prices are cut in half after 10 a.m. but it is very hot playing after 10. Don't bother with the DVC golf card mentioned above unless you are going to play a lot of rounds in a year's time. You get a discount after 10 a.m. but you need to do a lot of rounds so the discounts make up for the cost of the DVC golf card (about $91 with tax). Heat is bearable in early morning and thus best time to play to beat heat is one of early times before 8 (earliest tee times start about 6:45 in the summer). There are other discounts that you can use for those early morning times -- 30% off if an AP holder, 20% if Disney Club or National Emerald Club member. You can rent clubs for $45-- Callaways ($60 for graphite shafts).

All five courses are nice. The one by OKW is Lake Buena Vista which is the easiest of the five (none is overly difficult or overly easy)-- but avoid it if it rains heavy the day before as it is the slowest to drain. The best and most memorable course is the Osprey Ridge, most water and narrowest fairways is the Palm, widest fairways but longest course is the Magnolia (it also has the Mickey shaped sand trap on the 6th hole), shortest course but a lot of "target" golf is Eagle Pines. Couses are generally busy in the sense that they usually have foursomes going off at most times until about noon (and then a number of starting times thereafter go empty particularly in summer). An early morning (before 8) round can be done in 4 hours, but as the day progresses the length grows to 4 1/2 to 5 hours as the slowbees come out -- though there is a ranger who requests people to speed up, such can only have minimal effect on a resort course. If you are a single they automatically hook you up in a spot with others to make foursomes and you can call up to 90 days in advance to make a tee time (407-WDW-GOLF).

 

[CarolMN]

Does anyone in your party have an AP or PAP? If so, the passholder and "up to three Guests can get 30% off regular Day Visitor rates on all five championship Disney golf courses through January 1, 2003".

In July, the discount is available for play before 10 am only. According to the May Mickey Monitor, tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance by calling 407-939-4653.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[JADEMM]

Great information for making a decision. Really like the idea of not dragging the clubs along-nice rentals really help. Thanks.