What is the easiest golf course at Disney?

[mjrich73]

DH loves golf, but does not get to play too often. I want to surprise him with a round of golf at a nice course but one that is not too too hard.

Thanks

 

[bubba73]

I have played a couple of the courses that they have their and honestly, the easiest one for me hs been the 9-hole walking course, Oak Trail. The 2 that I want to play are of course, the Palm and Magnolia. Those are the two courses that are on the PGA Tour for the WDW Classic. I believe it is the Palm that has a bunker in the shape of a Mickey head.

 

[marciemi]

I've been asking around for the same info and there must not be a whole lot of golfers on the DIS! If you call 407-WDW-GOLF, you can usually speak to some really nice people who've been willing to answer all my questions (can a 15 year old drive his own cart, which courses are the easiest, can a single get paired up with others, etc.). I'd just call a couple different times and ask the opinion of whoever you get on the phone.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://allearsnet.com/btp/golf.htm

 

[marciemi]

Dan - that link appeared to be all miniature golf info. I thought the OP was referring to regular golf (at least that's what I was looking for!).

 

[Mur13]

Haha, that's because Miniature Golf is the easiest course at WDW.

 

[mhd]

I have played the palm and magnolia courses and I believe that all five of the 18 hole courses are challenging tracks. Just pick the right tees to play from.
..

 

[Firepower]

I believe it is the Palm that has a bunker in the shape of a Mickey head.

It is actually the Magnolia that has the bunker in the shape of a Mickey head. The Palm has alot of water in play on many of the holes. Lake Buena Vista is not very long , but very narrow. Osprey Ridge was very nice and as I recall pretty wide open. A little more on the $$$ side. I have not played Eagle Pines or Oak Trail. Just an FYI, Oak Trail is a walking course only and only 9 holes. Which ever you choose, I'm sure he will have a lot of fun. All of the courses are always in great shape, and very beautiful. If you go in October, the Palm and Magnolia are very hard to get tee times as they are preparing for the PGA tournament.

 

[ffugitive]

I've played Palm, Magnolia and Osprey Ridge - all fairly challenging in their own ways, but all playable and enjoyable by any average golfer just the same. I have heard that Buena Vista is a touch easier, but can't attest to that. Out of the three I played, I would say the Palm was the easiest (Magnolia has the Mickey sand trap). But trust me, don't worry so much about which is the easiest - he will just love getting out on a course and playing - and he'll be just fine on any of them. I would look to see which has the best tee times available to fit your itinerary. But reserve a round on an 18-hole course for the real experience, not Oak Trail - the 9-hole walk course.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've been asking around for the same info and there must not be a whole lot of golfers on the DIS!

DH is only one golfer, but he plays a whole lot of golf at WDW! He thinks LBV is probably easiest, but not everyone would agree. It has lots of water and is surrounded by buildings (OKW), so very tight fairways. When DMIL played it, she probably thought it was among the hardest because she hates lots of water. There's lots of specific information about the different courses on this website:
www.wdwgolf.com

Eagle Pines is also somewhat (relatively) easy and very scenic.

 

[marciemi]

I guess our biggest question first of all is whether it's even worth trying to play or not in late-July/early August. DH & DS15 are both pretty mediocre golfers (golf in the low 100's) who wouldn't mind passing on the summer heat (especially since we're from Wisconsin and since they'd be golfing on one of our "break" days wouldn't want to get up early). Unfortunately DS11 is a very good golfer (low 80's) who desperately wants to golf at Disney. I'm trying to convince him that it will be miserable, we won't have room for the clubs in our rental car (along with 5 of us), he won't want to get up, etc., but he wants to golf. Never mind that he's already signed up for 10 other tounaments here over the summer anyways - it's DISNEY golf! Can you help me convince him that he's insane? Or if not, which course would be fun for him and easy for the others?

Sorry to derail your thread, OP, and thanks everyone for all the info so far!

 

[jackmac]

I've played all of the courses many times, the easiest is Oak Trails, a walking 9 hole course. It's a nice tune up for a golf weekend. Magnolia is georgous and your husband will have great pictures of the flowers on the course. Osprey Ridge is the most scenic. It has great views and is the most pleasing of the courses. LBV is nice and a bit easier than Osprey, but not as scenic. Eagle Pines is very nice and Palms is nice also. For a one time only I'd do Osprey Ridge. Afternoons are a bit cheaper. The starter will match him up with someone if he's a single. DVC has a great golf membership that saves much money on the course, it cost $50 to buy but if he's going to play twice or with someone it makes sense. There is also a annual pass discount (you should look into getting an annual pass for at least one person in your party for the other discounts available and the ability to buy a DDE card for $60).

That said, renting clubs is very expensive, $50 per round. If he want's to play it's best to bring your own clubs. There is free cab rides to and from the golf courses if your staying at a Disney resort.

Have fun.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm very big on Oak Trail. Many years ago, DH and DS played there. At the time, DS was 9 yo and had never played golf. DH was a low-single handicap golfer. Both of them had a great time-DH wasn't "bored" playing, he didn't find it too easy, and DS thought it was easy enough for him to enjoy playing. And it encouraged him to continue-now golf is one of his favorite pastimes.

 

[marciemi]

Do you think the summer heat would just be too much for a northerner? I know "keep hydrated, use sunscreen", but would it just be so miserable that it's not worth spending the money? Or is it really no worse than being in a park? That was the only thing that was steering me away from Oak Trail - I thought at least a cart would let them sit and relax a bit in the heat versus walking.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Do you think the summer heat would just be too much for a northerner? I know "keep hydrated, use sunscreen", but would it just be so miserable that it's not worth spending the money? Or is it really no worse than being in a park? That was the only thing that was steering me away from Oak Trail - I thought at least a cart would let them sit and relax a bit in the heat versus walking.

I'd personally give a resounding "Too hot-stay inside!" However, DH, who grew up summering in Wisconsin, has no problem with the Orlando heat, as long as he golfs early in the morning. Unfortunately, the DVC golf card gives discounts only after 10:00 am, that's why he doesn't buy one anymore. He just gets up super early and tries to get one of the first tee times. Me, on the other hand, thinks he's crazy to golf in the summer, anytime of day. I guess it's an individual choice. I will admit, though, that the golf cart does help a lot.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Hubby has played all the courses. His best course is Osprey Ridge. We vist mid summer, and it is brutally hot. The heat does not stop him from playing everyday. He brings his own clubs, and Disney will transfer the clubs from course to course so you only bring them once.

Have a great trip.

 

[QueueCT]

Just played LBV on Thursday afternoon. It really is not a difficult course and was in good condition. While there is water, you rarely have to hit across the water. It's usually on the side of the fairway. If they can hit a straight drive, then there wouldn't be any problem

Regarding the heat, it depends on the day. Mid-90s is tough, upper 80s is okay. They also offer twilight rates ($55 at LBV, 70-80 at the other courses). From March through May that starts at 3pm; not sure if it's offered in the summer or not. Playing late afternoon will at least keep them out of the worst heat.