WDW DVC near golf courses

[Maleficent's Dad]

A few things:
1. LBV Golf Course has their clubhouse at SSR. It's located under The Turf Club. The first tee is a few steps away, as is the driving range.
2. As mentioned, Disney will provide cabs if traveling from any resort to a golf course. OKW is the closest to LBV. Poly and GF are the closest to Palm and Magnolia. (Poly is across the street, but it's a bit of a walk to the clubhouse.) The cabs can be accessed by talking to someone at the bell services/valet desk at the resort's main entrance. They'll give you a paper ticket that you give to the cabby. Tip in "included," though EVERY single cabbie has told me that it is not... You can decide for yourself.
3. There is a DVC and AP discount for golf. It's a pretty good deal. DVC also has a golf membership, though I'm not sure if this is what @E2ME2 is referring to. The DVC membership is a set price (I believe $99) and gives you and your guests a set discount for all rounds for one year. You have to do the math based on the number of rounds you'd play to find out if this is worth it vs. the regular DVC discount.
4. Check out rates and discounts at this link (be sure to peruse Affiliate Groups and Golf Membership tabs): WDW Golf.

I've played all the courses (plus the two that no longer exist) several times. The DVC rates are good and SSR is extremely convenient to LBV. It's literally the best place to stay if playing that course. SSR, in particular, the "Grandstand" section of the resort, overlooks several holes (though I'm told that there are some rooms here without a view of golf). OKW has several villas that overlook the same course.

You'll also (probably) see some wildlife on the courses. We've seen (many) alligators, foxes, deer, snakes, various birds, and (I'm sure) more.

Good luck!

 

[AC168]

Good to know. Thank you very much!

 

[DonMacGregor]

A few things:
1. LBV Golf Course has their clubhouse at SSR. It's located under The Turf Club. The first tee is a few steps away, as is the driving range.
2. As mentioned, Disney will provide cabs if traveling from any resort to a golf course. OKW is the closest to LBV. Poly and GF are the closest to Palm and Magnolia. (Poly is across the street, but it's a bit of a walk to the clubhouse.) The cabs can be accessed by talking to someone at the bell services/valet desk at the resort's main entrance. They'll give you a paper ticket that you give to the cabby. Tip in "included," though EVERY single cabbie has told me that it is not... You can decide for yourself.
3. There is a DVC and AP discount for golf. It's a pretty good deal. DVC also has a golf membership, though I'm not sure if this is what @E2ME2 is referring to. The DVC membership is a set price (I believe $99) and gives you and your guests a set discount for all rounds for one year. You have to do the math based on the number of rounds you'd play to find out if this is worth it vs. the regular DVC discount.
4. Check out rates and discounts at this link (be sure to peruse Affiliate Groups and Golf Membership tabs): WDW Golf.

I've played all the courses (plus the two that no longer exist) several times. The DVC rates are good and SSR is extremely convenient to LBV. It's literally the best place to stay if playing that course. SSR, in particular, the "Grandstand" section of the resort, overlooks several holes (though I'm told that there are some rooms here without a view of golf). OKW has several villas that overlook the same course.

You'll also (probably) see some wildlife on the courses. We've seen (many) alligators, foxes, deer, snakes, various birds, and (I'm sure) more.

Good luck!

Don't they also have a 9-hole package that includes a sandwich and drink? Maybe a bucket of balls on the range?

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

Don't they also have a 9-hole package that includes a sandwich and drink? Maybe a bucket of balls on the range?

There very well might, but I’m not familiar with this. There is a 9 hole course (Oak Trail) that shares a clubhouse and facilities with the Palm and Magnolia, but I’ve not played Oak Trail. Usually if you call the pro shop directly, or walk in and talk, they’re very helpful. They’ll explain discounts, rates, options, etc…

 

[E2ME2]

Don't they also have a 9-hole package that includes a sandwich and drink? Maybe a bucket of balls on the range?

They still advertise a “Sunrise 9” & “Sunset 9” but, when I tried to book that I was told the “Sunrise 9” wasn’t being offered right now. The MAGnolia course only has 14 holes open - 4 are under repair.
The DVC Golf package is still not being offered either
I’m at AKL now, and moving to SSR next week. I check every day or two, and I will post if/when these packages are offered again.

 

[DonMacGregor]

They still advertise a “Sunrise 9” & “Sunset 9” but, when I tried to book that I was told the “Sunrise 9” wasn’t being offered right now. The MAGnolia course only has 14 holes open - 4 are under repair.
The DVC Golf package is still not being offered either
I’m at AKL now, and moving to SSR next week. I check every day or two, and I will post if/when these packages are offered again.

Are they still doing club rental? That $99 per year DVC golf membership seemed pretty enticing too...

 

[MarkinMA]

Depends on a couple of factors - how many rounds do you want to play? Are you going to bring your clubs or rent? What type of golfer are you? In the past couple of years, I've changed my visits from parks to golf visits. I'm not a good golfer, but I enjoy it, and I've gotten my nephews into it as well, so we'll take trips on points to play golf.

As others have said - DVC has a decent discount on rounds of golf - and if you double dip (two rounds in a day, but one can be at the nine hole course) you get a big discount on the second round if you book what's available (both club houses can book all the courses).

Lake Buena Vista is at Saratoga - just by where you get the boat to Springs. This course is weaved through both Old Key and Saratoga (front 9 is OKW, back 9 is Saratoga). Its described on golfwdw as a 'country club' style course. I like it the the best out of the 4 courses - I like how the course is amongst the resorts. It also seems a little more laid back than the others - which is great for me and the boys - as long as you aren't super slow, others seem pretty forgiving for beginners.

Palm, Magnolia, and Oak Trail all share a club house by Shades of Green - the entrance is a left on the road between Poly and the Grand. Can you walk from those resorts? Not easily - I wouldn't - but your mileage (literally) may vary.

Palm and Magnolia are longer - and not around resorts (much). You can see the Poly and hear the ferry from the first few holes on Palm - but more now, it's more just along the road. As has been said, Magnolia is under construction, and I haven't played it since that started. Oak Trail is the nine hole, and walking only. Its nice and has it's challenges as well but is billed as their 'beginner' course - but more because it is 9 vs 18. Oak Trail does have robot caddies which are very cool (first come first serve) instead of a push cart - they follow you around, and are really fun.

If you have a car - all the courses are EASY to get to. If you have a car and want to play multiple rounds - just leave your clubs (if you bring them) in the car - super easy and I've never had a problem leaving them in the car.

If you don't have a car, just want to play one round and are going to rent - and want the easiest - stay at Saratoga - take the bus to the main building and you're there for Lake Buena Vista. If you want to play at Plam/Magnolia/Oak Trail - it doesn't really matter where you stay, you'll need a ride (either a car/cab) to the club house.

All in all - they make it pretty easy to play. Make sure you check out golfwdw for more info. If you want to ship your clubs - they offer a discount for shipstix and you can ship directly to/from the club houses...

Good luck - hit em straight.

 

[E2ME2]

They still advertise a “Sunrise 9” & “Sunset 9” but, when I tried to book that I was told the “Sunrise 9” wasn’t being offered right now. The MAGnolia course only has 14 holes open - 4 are under repair.
The DVC Golf package is still not being offered either
I’m at AKL now, and moving to SSR next week. I check every day or two, and I will post if/when these packages are offered again.

Latest

They still advertise a “Sunrise 9” & “Sunset 9” but, when I tried to book that I was told the “Sunrise 9” wasn’t being offered right now. The MAGnolia course only has 14 holes open - 4 are under repair.
The DVC Golf package is still not being offered either
I’m at AKL now, and moving to SSR next week. I check every day or two, and I will post if/when these packages are offered again.

latest update - LBV Clubhouse CM told me the DVC-Golf membership was being replaced by a new “Royal Tee” program. She had no details - so I went back to the WDW Golf site and searched to find this (photo). Only 4 rounds at Oak Trail, & 1 Round at an 18 hole course. BUT - read the *fine print: this is only available mondays thru thursdays from June thru September.
That’s a radical change from the existing plan, and leaves DVC members like me out of the picture, as I only visit in Jan & Feb.
BUMMER

 

[CarolynFH]

Latest

latest update - LBV Clubhouse CM told me the DVC-Golf membership was being replaced by a new “Royal Tee” program. She had no details - so I went back to the WDW Golf site and searched to find this (photo). Only 4 rounds at Oak Trail, & 1 Round at an 18 hole course. BUT - read the *fine print: this is only available mondays thru thursdays from June thru September.
That’s a radical change from the existing plan, and leaves DVC members like me out of the picture, as I only visit in Jan & Feb.
BUMMERView attachment 733356

Send an email to DVC Member Satisfaction and/or to WDW Guest Satisfaction and let them know your disappointment. Hopefully others will too, and things will change.

 

[E2ME2]

Send an email to DVC Member Satisfaction and/or to WDW Guest Satisfaction and let them know your disappointment. Hopefully others will too, and things will change.

I was just about to do that - and was taking a closer look at the details, when I noticed the Jun-Sep limitation seems to only apply to the “1-Foursome Round”.
That’s what I get for reading everything from my phone, without my reading glasses. It’s still a lot less attractive than the previous deal, but I’m going to go back to the LBV clubhouse tomorrow morning and inquire again. I will update here, afterwards. If there’s another snafu, then I will write that email.
Thanks!

 

[DonMacGregor]

I was just about to do that - and was taking a closer look at the details, when I noticed the Jun-Sep limitation seems to only apply to the “1-Foursome Round”.
That’s what I get for reading everything from my phone, without my reading glasses. It’s still a lot less attractive than the previous deal, but I’m going to go back to the LBV clubhouse tomorrow morning and inquire again. I will update here, afterwards. If there’s another snafu, then I will write that email.
Thanks!

Can you maybe get some clarification on the Sunrise 9 and Sunset 9 too? Are they gone for good, or just for now?

Thanks

 

[E2ME2]

Can you maybe get some clarification on the Sunrise 9 and Sunset 9 too? Are they gone for good, or just for now?

Thanks

I spoke with senior level golf CM today.
The Sunrise 9 has been suspended “for now”(don’t know how temporary/permanent that might be). Sunset 9 is available. DVC Golf package/ Royal Tee progam have both been pulled until further notice. Apparently, as I was told, the demand for golf greatly exceeds the supply right now. That’s exacerbated by the fact that Magnolia has 4 holes under refurbishment.
So disappointed, as the DVC Golf package was such a sweet deal.

 

[Maleficent's Dad]

I spoke with senior level golf CM today.
The Sunrise 9 has been suspended “for now”(don’t know how temporary/permanent that might be). Sunset 9 is available. DVC Golf package/ Royal Tee progam have both been pulled until further notice. Apparently, as I was told, the demand for golf greatly exceeds the supply right now. That’s exacerbated by the fact that Magnolia has 4 holes under refurbishment.
So disappointed, as the DVC Golf package was such a sweet deal.

Thanks for reporting back!

 

[DonMacGregor]

I spoke with senior level golf CM today.
The Sunrise 9 has been suspended “for now”(don’t know how temporary/permanent that might be). Sunset 9 is available. DVC Golf package/ Royal Tee progam have both been pulled until further notice. Apparently, as I was told, the demand for golf greatly exceeds the supply right now. That’s exacerbated by the fact that Magnolia has 4 holes under refurbishment.
So disappointed, as the DVC Golf package was such a sweet deal.

Awesome. Thanks.

 

[mort1331]

heading down in March ,,,will be solo,,,before you could only book 3 days out for solo,,,hope there is tee times still available.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I’m trying to remember-DH has always played as a solo, and I think on our most recent trip, a few months ago, that policy was discontinued. He had to call though. We remember that policy- he hated it