New DVC Resorts and Golf Course Rumor

[jimmacmn]

As far as Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines are concerned, it is more than just a rumor. It is offical in a press release. It is a shame that this is happening because those two courses were the best on property. The course that will be rebranded for the Four Seasons on the OR/EP site may give access to general Disney guests, but I rather doubt it.

Now the rumor about the possible demise of the Palm makes a Disney golf vacation less and less attractive. I seriously doubt that it would be done in by any expansion of Shades of Green as they just finished a major expansion there. The further development of the western portions of the property could, on the other hand, cause the demise of this fine course (the only thing wrong with the Palm right now is the noise polution from the Richard Petty experience).

I really hate to see this golf contraction going on at WDW. It has in the past been an award winning golf resort destination in Golf Digest and loosing several of their best golf courses will impact that quite a lot.

 

[rinkwide]

...the only thing wrong with the Palm right now is the noise polution from the Richard Petty experience...

Conversely, the only thing wrong with the Petty Experience is that the Palm hasn't been paved over as a road course.

 

[vandy]

You weren't talking with this guy, were you?

Oh my goodness, I had the EXACT same thought when I read the initial post!!!

Is Carl Spackler the name of the CM? Is rinkwide contagious? HELP!

For what it's worth, I hope the rumor is not true.

 

[UConnJack]

I have a question for the golfers. What sort of rep does Disney have in terms of running the courses? Are the Disney courses well-regarded by golfers or are they just viewed as overpriced adult entertainment at that place with the mouse?

I think the Disney courses are fine, but I wouldn't say they are outstanding in terms of layout, management, conditions, or value. I know it's a resort and you pay resort prices, but I don't think they are worth the money they charge. "Overpriced adult entertainment at that place with the mouse" is probably accurate. There are much better values off-site.

That said, I would hate to lose any of these courses as they are enjoyable and convienient, and are worth it off-season and/or with discounts. I think it would be a mistake to get rid of them since on-site golf does draw people into the resort, especially conventioneers.

I can't see Disney actually selling the courses outright, but it seems like there could be some advantage to farming-out operations (at least if you follow the way Disney appears to be thinking these days.) In the vein of attaching the Four Seasons name to WDW, would a partnership with someone like Robert Trent Jones raise peoples' opinions of the Disney courses?

Unless they dig up old man Jones, a partnership with him won't do much good , but I understand what you are getting at. As it is EP and OR are designed by Dye and Fazio, respectively, both of whom are top course designers globally. I don't think it is a question of course respect, I think this all has to do with $$$. I just think all the published and rumored directions Disney is going lately is troubling. I understand its a business, but there comes a point when short term bottom line $$$ changes can hurt the long-term attraction of WDW, and subsequently long term $$$.