Central Florida may be best known for its theme parks, outdoor recreation, and stunning springs, but did you know it’s also a golfer’s paradise? The area boasts dozens of world-class golf courses surrounded by sparkling lakes and lush natural scenery.
Thanks to Florida’s signature sunny climate, courses remain open year-round (yes, even in the winter). No matter what season you are visiting, Golfers will always find a good day to play!
Ready for a round? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best golf courses in Central Florida to help you plan your next tee time. Don’t worry; you’ll only be a few minutes away from your Element vacation home, so you can be relaxing poolside in no time once you step off the fairways.
Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club
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- Address: 2888 Southern Dunes Blvd, Haines City, FL
- Phone: 863-421-4653
- Book a Tee Time: southerndunes.com
Located just minutes from Davenport, Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club offers one of the most unique courses in Central Florida. Designed by famed golf architect Steve Smyers, the course at Southern Dunes features 18 holes of rolling green hills and challenging dunes with 100-foot elevation changes.
You don’t need a membership to play at Southern Dunes, but they do offer annual cards, summer cards, and discounted Florida resident rates.
For evening fun and rainy-day outings, golfers can head to The Barn — Southern Dunes’ driving range and bar. Here, you work on your swing with Top Tracer technology while enjoying some food and cocktails. Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club has something for everyone, from newbie golfers to seasoned pros!
Celebration Golf Club
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- Address: 701 Golf Park Drive, Celebration, FL
- Phone: 407-566-4653
- Book a Tee Time: celebrationgolf.com
Just a few minutes outside of Kissimmee, Celebration Golf Club offers gorgeous greens with an “old-Florida” feel. The challenging 18-hole course is set amid rolling fairways, pine forests, sweeping magnolias, and natural lakes. Lucky golfers may get a chance to spot some native wildlife along the course, like blue herons and snowy egrets, or even some alligators sunning themselves along the lakes!
Memberships are offered but not required to play. Visitors are welcome to book a tee time, enjoy an afternoon at the driving range, a lesson at the onsite golf academy, or a meal at the restaurant. Celebration Golf Club offers all the luxurious amenities of a traditional golf club to locals and visitors alike.
Orange County National Golf Center
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- Address: 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, FL
- Phone: 407-656-2626
- Book a Tee Time: ocngolf.com
Just a stone’s throw (or a rogue golf ball) from the gates of Walt Disney World, Orange County National Golf Center is one of the most premier golf destinations in the country. Home to two championship courses — the famed Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, OCNGC has hosted pros from around the world and is part of the LIV Golf League.
Orange County National Golf Center is also home to the largest driving range in the US, including a whopping 22,000 square foot putting green. It was named “The Best Golf Driving Range in America” by Golfer Magazine and has hosted the likes of Tiger Woods and other PGA professionals.
Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a professional golfer to play at Orange County National. The golf center is open to the public, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you want to play a full championship course, hit the back 9, or work on your swing in the driving range, Orange County National Golf Center has something for every type of golfer.
Championsgate Country Club
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- Address: 8950 Clifton Draw Drive, Championsgate, FL
- Phone: 407-507-2756
- Book a Tee Time: championsgatecountryclub.com
Located between Davenport and Orlando, Championsgate Country Club offers one of the most luxurious golf experiences in Central Florida.
Featuring a world-class 18-hole golf course designed by George Clifton, golfers can enjoy playing a round while surrounded by the vast natural landscape dotted with trees and drenched in sunshine. Golfers of all types can test their skills through impressive elevation changes, wide sand bunkers, and a four-tee system to accommodate all skill levels.
While at first glance, Championsgate appears to be a private country club, they do in fact, offer public tee times. It’s one of the best-kept golf secrets in Central Florida! Non-members can enjoy playing a mid-day round on the weekdays and some select mornings.
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
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- Address: 3200 Seralago Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL
- Phone: 407-239-5445
- Book a Tee Time: falconsfire.com
Right in the heart of Kissimmee, Falcon’s Fire Golf Club is known as one of the best public courses in Florida. Masterfully designed by golf course architect Rees Jones, the course features 18 holes with immaculately manicured greens that wind through a natural landscape of cypress trees and shimmering lakes.
Looking to improve your swing? Falcon’s Fire Golf Club is one of the best places to do so. The driving range and Golf Academy is staffed by PGA professionals led by John Hughes, a PGA Master Instructor.
Falcon’s Fire also features a luxurious clubhouse, restaurant, and bar for golfers to relax and grab a bite or cocktail after their game. It’s a true golfer’s retreat!
Walt Disney World Golf
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- Address: 1950 W. Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Phone: 407-939-4653
- Book a Tee Time: golfwdw.com
Wanna tee off with Mickey Mouse? Walt Disney World boasts four beautiful courses, some of which were designed by golf legend Mr. Arnold Palmer himself! Golfers can enjoy playing a round of 9 or 18 holes through rolling green fairways, natural woodlands, and sparkling lakes. Mickey-shaped sand bunkers and character-themed golf carts add a touch of Disney magic to the mix!
While memberships are offered, they are not required. All Disney golf courses are open to the public, whether or not you are visiting or staying on Disney property. Everyone has a chance to tee off at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Golfers can also enjoy other amenities like the driving range, foot golf, clubhouse, dining, and more.
The Ritz Carlton Golf Club – Grande Lakes
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- Address: 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL
- Phone: 407-206-2400
- Book a Tee Time: grandelakes.com/things-to-do/golf
If you’re looking to splurge on a luxury golf experience, The Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes is one of the most famous places to do so. Featuring 18 championship holes designed by the master himself, Greg Norman, the greens at Grande Lakes are nothing short of spectacular. The course winds through rolling hills, native wetlands, and towering oak trees.
The Grande Lakes course has an impressive resume; it serves as the home of the PNC Championship, is a PGA Tour Challenge site, and is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. You never know what famous golfer or amazing animal you’ll spot out on the fairways!
While Grande Lakes has all the feels of an upscale, private golf club, the course is open to the public. It is a highly coveted place to play, so making reservations well in advance is recommended. Playing here is on the pricier side, but that’s “par for the course” for The Ritz!
Play and Stay in Central Florida
Ready to plan your golf getaway? There’s no better place to stay than in Central Florida. You’ll be surrounded by great golf courses, world-class entertainment, theme parks, shopping, dining, wineries, outdoor recreation, and more.
Element Vacation Homes has everything you need to plan your perfect stay. With luxurious amenities like private pools, fireplaces, home theaters, and even indoor mini-golf courses for your junior golfer, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home with all the fun and luxury of being on vacation. Book your stay now!
