MM Photographers at the golf courses?

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I've googled and searched here and came up empty. Does anyone know is there is a photographer at Magnolia? I'd love to get a pic of my pop and I at the 1st tee or at the signature Mickey shaped sand trap?

 

[OKW Lover]

I played at the Magnolia last month. No photographers anywhere around the course. (thank goodness)

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I played at the Magnolia last month. No photographers anywhere around the course. (thank goodness)

LOL, I know what you mean. I guess the can't justify a photog there since they likely have a bunch of non-WDW players through the day, not many people would take advantage.

 

[cgattis]

Have you guys ever played the Oak Trail? DD12 wants to play next time we go down. It was closed for refurb last time we were down . Is it a fun course?

 

[CantSwim63]

Have you guys ever played the Oak Trail? DD12 wants to play next time we go down. It was closed for refurb last time we were down . Is it a fun course?

(OP, my apologies if the answer below hijacks the thread. Regarding the photo ops, I would see if the starter will take your picture and depending on the time of day the bar/drink cart girl would probably be willing if you catch her on the course.)

I think it is a fun course. I found it a nice "executive" nine hole walking course. I put the executive in because there are several holes where you actually can use a driver or face a dogleg decision. There is also water on a lot of holes and enough sand traps to play in the beach lol (with at least one hidden Mickey). Having said that the holes are also set up so that a beginner will have no problems with keeping up. (When my boys were in their early teens they had a lot of fun playing zig zag golf lol).

The only "problem" I have found is that with the wide range in skill levels and knowledge of golf etiquette there are some occasional bottlenecks on the par 3s, and by the late afternoon the backups can be over two foursomes. I don't really mind but my BIL goes a little bonkers. If you get an early tee time this shouldn't be a problem.

Let me know if you have any questions about the free cabs, locker facilities, club storage, etc.

 

[LauraLea]

I've googled and searched here and came up empty. Does anyone know is there is a photographer at Magnolia? I'd love to get a pic of my pop and I at the 1st tee or at the signature Mickey shaped sand trap?

I am sure the starter would be more than happy to use your camera/phone to take a picture on the first tee.

Laura

 

[cgattis]

(OP, my apologies if the answer below hijacks the thread. Regarding the photo ops, I would see if the starter will take your picture and depending on the time of day the bar/drink cart girl would probably be willing if you catch her on the course.) I think it is a fun course. I found it a nice "executive" nine hole walking course. I put the executive in because there are several holes where you actually can use a driver or face a dogleg decision. There is also water on a lot of holes and enough sand traps to play in the beach lol (with at least one hidden Mickey). Having said that the holes are also set up so that a beginner will have no problems with keeping up. (When my boys were in their early teens they had a lot of fun playing zig zag golf lol). The only "problem" I have found is that with the wide range in skill levels and knowledge of golf etiquette there are some occasional bottlenecks on the par 3s, and by the late afternoon the backups can be over two foursomes. I don't really mind but my BIL goes a little bonkers. If you get an early tee time this shouldn't be a problem. Let me know if you have any questions about the free cabs, locker facilities, club storage, etc.

OP, I do apologize for the hijack, but it looks like the question was answered. (And I'm glad you asked, because I'll want a pic with DD when we play, too!). Do they force foursomes with available tee times, or would be be able to play as a twosome if nobody else asks for that time? I'm afraid DD12 would be self-conscious playing with two adult strangers. An adult and another kid would be good, though. (And yeah, I get antsy when we have to let several play thru, but we play SLOW so we know we have to.). Is there much shade? Walking nine in Orlando could be brutal if we can't get an early start! Thanks for the info!!

 

[CantSwim63]

OP, I do apologize for the hijack, but it looks like the question was answered. (And I'm glad you asked, because I'll want a pic with DD when we play, too!). Do they force foursomes with available tee times, or would be be able to play as a twosome if nobody else asks for that time? I'm afraid DD12 would be self-conscious playing with two adult strangers. An adult and another kid would be good, though. (And yeah, I get antsy when we have to let several play thru, but we play SLOW so we know we have to.). Is there much shade? Walking nine in Orlando could be brutal if we can't get an early start! Thanks for the info!!

OP, some other photo ops you might want to consider are: at the putting green, there are some interesting backgrounds you can get in; in the locker if you pretend to be opening up Tiger's locker (if you are a fan and if not there are over a dozen other champions); and I don't know if they still do this or how you get picked (and if this is only for kids) but setting the pin at one of the holes would be pretty cool.

Regarding twosome into foursomes, and please note this is based only on my experience; the starter asks if he can pair you up, we have always said yes, so don't know what happens if the answer is no, but we have seen twosomes out on the course during the busy afternoons. And now that I think about it, I have had more times where another single or twosome asked to join us while on course or just before teeing off rather than the starter. I think other golfers and the starter would be understanding if you answered no with a wink wink "because you (not DD) don't golf well with others."

Regarding adult and child golfing, here are some tips I have used with varying degrees of success; when they get tired play best ball, have them carry an extra ball to hit while you look (or not) for theirs, have them carry a few extra high tees and let them tee it up from the fairway, one swing in the sand trap then throw on green; and never admit this but duff a shot on occasion especially when their eyes are showing frustration/sadness/disappointment.

Regarding Oak Trail golfing with the heat and humidity: you nailed it, early times if possible (if you are on site you can reserve at 90 days out vs. 60); there is shade but in the afternoon with the sun pretty well overhead, it is harder to find, and a resident gave me this tip, bring your golf umbrella and use that as needed; if you rent a cart GET one WITH a drink holder (I guess some people "inadvertently" take them); water, drink at every hole and wet down whenever you are waiting; hat, wet down if you can stand it; towels (2), keep one wet (I think there are two water stations at Oak Trail) and one to dry when shooting.

Hope I haven't babbled too much. As y'all can tell I will provide answers lol, so beware. Did I miss anything? Let me know. Cheers all!

 

[CantSwim63]

Sorry, I had to add these as I just remembered some other hard earned lessons.

If your (or your kid's) feet swell in heat, do not wear waterproof golf shoes. One word, blisters.

There are deer and other (who knows what) wildlife in the trees/bushes/flora, so do better than me and be prepared to answer the scared "What was that?" I failed as a parent with the "Probably a gator." line. Not a good answer for a nine year old just about to go look for his ball.

Our experience for August has been afternoon thunderstorms and on occasion, lightning. So make sure your child knows not to shelter under the trees. And being outside holding a lightning rod while kind of funny after the fact was scary during (this happened to us a couple of times and we still joke about it so does this mean we are weird lol). So morning times highly recommended.

Cheers!

 

[cgattis]

I think other golfers and the starter would be understanding if you answered no with a wink wink "because you (not DD) don't golf well with others."

Regarding adult and child golfing, here are some tips I have used with varying degrees of success; when they get tired play best ball, have them carry an extra ball to hit while you look (or not) for theirs, have them carry a few extra high tees and let them tee it up from the fairway, one swing in the sand trap then throw on green; and never admit this but duff a shot on occasion especially when their eyes are showing frustration/sadness/disappointment.

Hope I haven't babbled too much. As y'all can tell I will provide answers lol

Can't speak for anybody else, but all info is good info to me! So thanks!

Great idea on the "can we join you" question! I'd never have thought to say it that way. Super idea.

And regarding adult and child golfing, those are some really good tips. Next time I'm off in the bushes (or the story my DD likes to tell best--IN a rock wall) and DD is cackling and yelling "play it where it lies," I will recommend we try them . It's pretty frustrating to be barely able (and then only by virtue of my putting!!) to beat a 77 pound 12 year old!!! But it's also really cool

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I have no problem with the hijacks, this is all good info to have! Although in my experience starters at public courses tend to be the most miserable people I've ever encountered and based on the reviews of Magnolia, their starters do not buck the trend.

As for being paired up, we are teeing off at 8am, so I'm hoping we don't get saddled up with anyone as a twosome. Dad and I are both teen handicappers and getting paired up with someone going out to shoot 130 sounds like a nightmare, lol. That being said, if it was a kid we were paired up with, you'd have to be a world class ****** to make a kid feel uncomfortable about their play.

 

[cgattis]

That being said, if it was a kid we were paired up with, you'd have to be a world class ****** to make a kid feel uncomfortable about their play.

I had a guy tee off on a 130-yard hole with my kid standing on the GREEN. I'd call that world-class. And then had the gall to yell for her to move so his buddy could tee up. Needless to say, I had some not-so-polite words with them regarding golf etiquette........But I certainly don't expect that to be the norm! I really do look forward to playing there with her!!

 

[CantSwim63]

I have no problem with the hijacks, this is all good info to have! Although in my experience starters at public courses tend to be the most miserable people I've ever encountered and based on the reviews of Magnolia, their starters do not buck the trend.

As for being paired up, we are teeing off at 8am, so I'm hoping we don't get saddled up with anyone as a twosome. Dad and I are both teen handicappers and getting paired up with someone going out to shoot 130 sounds like a nightmare, lol. That being said, if it was a kid we were paired up with, you'd have to be a world class ****** to make a kid feel uncomfortable about their play.

Thanks for starting this thread.

I hear you about starters at public courses. Here in Calgary we have such a short season and a lot of the "volunteer" starters are there only to get their free golf and don't give a darn about the role. I haven't had trouble with the starters at WDW being cranky, but I think the course marshalls are too lenient on the 18 holers and overly harsh on Oak Trail, lol. Good luck with your picture.

If you are are paired up at 8 am I would say you will have a good chance at low handicappers plus there won't be a backlog yet. My nightmare isn't the 120/130 but I always seem to get the guy who has to find his ball regardless of how deep it is in the woods. Aargh.

Have a great round with your dad!

Cheers!

 

[CantSwim63]

Duplicate.

 

[CantSwim63]

I had a guy tee off on a 130-yard hole with my kid standing on the GREEN. I'd call that world-class. And then had the gall to yell for her to move so his buddy could tee up. Needless to say, I had some not-so-polite words with them regarding golf etiquette........But I certainly don't expect that to be the norm! I really do look forward to playing there with her!!

Haven't had that happen to us at Oak Trail, but definitely a lot of errant shots from other fairways lol.

You and her are going to have a great time. Great walking course and sounds like dad has the right attitude.

Now I don't know how self-conscious DD is, so I am positng this off the wall tip my lads reminded me of this weekend that they absolutely loved (because it proved their dad was weird and this way they didn't have anyone watching them golf).

The "vampire races the sun" tip or "IF" tip - if you are early risers, if you are able to book one of the earliest times available (so you can pay for your round and have your receipt) and if you can get to hole 1 10/15 minutes or so before the actual first tee time, odds are the starter won't be there yet and you can just tee off (and even if he is there he would probably let you go); the first hole is kind of eerie because it will be an inbetween night and day lighting but we call it vampire golf and make a game of it (you tee off, you have to find your ball in the gloom, keep hitting and putt in before the sunlight "gets" you. So the first hole is not regular golf, but within 15 minutes it is full daylight and you are the leaders of the course. And for us it has been 50/50 that we get a deer or two/three crossing in front of us as we tee off on one of the holes. Pretty cool morning, then we can hit the parks or do another nine or chill back at the resort.

Cheers!

 

[cgattis]

Actually, I'm mom . But these are some super tips and I can't wait to take her!! She drew a 7:57 tee time for her tournament tomorrow (an hour away--groan), so I guess we'll see how the vampire thing works out for her! LOL. She's not really a "morning person," but I think getting up to play golf AT DISNEY might be enough to get her motivated!

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I had a guy tee off on a 130-yard hole with my kid standing on the GREEN. I'd call that world-class. And then had the gall to yell for her to move so his buddy could tee up. Needless to say, I had some not-so-polite words with them regarding golf etiquette........But I certainly don't expect that to be the norm! I really do look forward to playing there with her!!

Wow! I caddied during my entire HS and College career and never saw anyone do that on a short Par 3. That is insane. Like what is the thought process of someone who does that?

Thanks for starting this thread.


If you are are paired up at 8 am I would say you will have a good chance at low handicappers plus there won't be a backlog yet. My nightmare isn't the 120/130 but I always seem to get the guy who has to find his ball regardless of how deep it is in the woods. Aargh.

Have a great round with your dad!

Cheers!

Ahhhh the dreaded guy who acts as if finding that errant shot will be the difference of him making he cut at the US Open.

And thanks. We usually only get to play together on Father's Day, so to get to on a vacation where he's getting to see his grandson's very first Disney reaction is really special.

I;m just nervous because my Mom and wife are taking my 3yo to the shops at DTD while we play. That could be costly, haha.

 

[CantSwim63]

Wow! I caddied during my entire HS and College career and never saw anyone do that on a short Par 3. That is insane. Like what is the thought process of someone who does that?

The sad part is we could probably start a thread on "What is the thought process of someone who...? And the answer is none. Unfortunately, both of my boys have been hit on par 3s. But nothing close at Oak Trail!

Ahhhh the dreaded guy who acts as if finding that errant shot will be the difference of him making he cut at the US Open.

Oh, you've met my BIL? lol Actually, he is a pretty good guy about the "hunt" but he won't let me use the foot wedge. I don't know what it is about me and LBV but twice in the last year I have had 5.5 hour rounds in the afternoon paired up with ball hounds.

And thanks. We usually only get to play together on Father's Day, so to get to on a vacation where he's getting to see his grandson's very first Disney reaction is really special.

You definitely have to take advantage of this. Now I understand more about the photo question. You wouldn't happen to have a GoPro? My lads and I have been able to mount one on a ball retriever, various parts of the frame of a golf cart and a ball cap (but that doesn't really work well). Or if you have a miniIPad you can get a clip mount for a microphone stand that could probably be adapted to a ball retriever.

I;m just nervous because my Mom and wife are taking my 3yo to the shops at DTD while we play. That could be costly, haha.

One word. Ouch. lol.

 

[CantSwim63]

Actually, I'm mom . But these are some super tips and I can't wait to take her!! She drew a 7:57 tee time for her tournament tomorrow (an hour away--groan), so I guess we'll see how the vampire thing works out for her! LOL. She's not really a "morning person," but I think getting up to play golf AT DISNEY might be enough to get her motivated!

Oops. Sorry about the assumption. Even better though for the vampire game, but who gets to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

And just in case you didn't know, if you are staying onsite, you can set up a cab ride (free) with the front desk/concierge to pick you up first thing, so you don't have to worry about driving or taking the bus with a cranky pre-teen.

Cheers!

 

[cgattis]

Well, a 77 on 9 (three really bad holes, including one lost ball, and 6 pretty good ones) was good enough today for a third place finish. It's amazing how one little medallion can wipe away 3 over-10-stroke holes!! LOL. But of it works for her, it works for me! I'm just glad to see her playing and having fun.

LOVE the GoPro on the cart idea!!! Our ski videos this year were just amazing; don't know why I haven't thought to take it golfing! I'm already plotting to take it along on BTMRR, Everest, and 7DMT next trip