Orlando golf holidays

Orlando is one of the world’s most complete golf destinations, where year-round sunshine meets an exceptional concentration of championship and resort courses. From iconic PGA TOUR venues like Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill to world-class resort layouts at Reunion, ChampionsGate, and Orange County National, Orlando offers unrivalled variety within a compact and easy-to-navigate region.

Known for immaculate conditioning, golfer-friendly layouts, and outstanding value, Orlando delivers an experience that suits everyone from serious golfers to families and groups. Add in famous theme parks, great dining, and excellent accommodation options, and an Orlando golf holiday offers as much enjoyment away from the fairways as it does on them.

Travel tips for golfers visiting Orlando

• Best time to visit: October to April is ideal for a winter sun golf holiday, offering warm temperatures, low humidity, and excellent course conditions.
• Top tip: Many Orlando courses reward strategy over raw power. Water hazards, bunkering, and doglegs place a premium on accuracy and course management.
• Travel time: Direct flights from the UK to Orlando take just over nine hours, with excellent flight availability year-round.
• Transport: Car hire is highly recommended, as courses and resorts are spread across the region.
• Booking tip: Bay Hill and top resort courses are in high demand during peak winter months, so early booking is advised.

Some of Orlando’s best public golf courses include:

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Course | Orlando Ranked the 36th best course in Florida by Golf Digest in 2025 Architect: Dick Wilson, redesigned by Arnold Palmer | Par: 72

Home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill is a true bucket-list course offering pristine conditioning and a demanding PGA TOUR test. Water hazards and a strong closing stretch reward precise, confident play.

Course highlight: A demanding closing stretch that regularly decides the tournament.

Crooked Cat Course, Orange County National | Orlando Architect: Phil Ritson | Par: 72

Crooked Cat is a modern championship layout with wide fairways and a pure, open feel, frequently used for tour qualifying events. Wind and firm conditions add challenge throughout the round.

Course tip: Wind and firm conditions add challenge despite generous landing areas.

Panther Lake Course, Orange County National | Orlando Architect: Phil Ritson | Par: 72

A more traditional and technical test than Crooked Cat, Panther Lake is a course that winds through pine forest and wetlands, with strategic bunkering and water hazards that demand accuracy.

Good to know: The closing holes provide a strong championship finish.

Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club | Haines City Architect: Steve Smyers | Par: 72

One of Florida’s highest-rated public courses, Southern Dunes is known for elevation changes, exposed greens, and bold bunkering. Wind often plays a key role, particularly late in the round.

Course tip: Wind management is key, particularly on the back nine.

Nicklaus’ Tradition Course, Reunion Resort & Golf Club | Orlando Architect: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72

A strategic championship course featuring water hazards, firm greens, and classic Nicklaus design elements. At the Nicklaus' Tradition Course, accuracy off the tee is key to scoring well.

Insider tip: Accuracy off the tee is essential to set up scoring chances.

International Course, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate | Orlando Architect: Greg Norman | Par: 72

A links-style championship layout with wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, and significant wind exposure. The International Course offers one of the toughest tests in the Orlando area.

Good to know: Provides a tougher test than the National Course and suits confident ball-strikers.