Florida Golf

[Robbo1882]

We're travelling to Orlando in July and would like to play 18 holes, does anyone have any recommendations of a good golf course that will rent out clubs, we are very average golfers so not looking for a championship course. We are staying in the Championsgate area of Orlando.

[CaptJohn]

Hi Robbo, I lived in the Championsgate area for over seven years and am a keen golfer. If you don't want to travel too far (Traffic is horrendous in that area) the Omni hotel has two courses both of which are decent and the club shop will sort out bats for you. It's on Championsgate. There is also Championsgate Golf club which has superb practice facilities. (Floating range balls that you fire across a lake with buoyed distance markers) It's a decent course. If you don't mind sitting in traffic on I-4 the Falcons Fire course is OK but if you want a bit of a challenge and have plenty of balls the Hawks Landing course at the Marriott Convention centre is well worth a visit. Book them all on GolfNow and I suggest you do so the evening before the day you want to play and you'll pick up some bargain on golf fees. Enjoy! I certainly loved my golf out there and only left because of the traffic on I-4 and US27.

[FCBurnley]

Wherever you play make sure you get as early a tee time as you can Afternoon storms are common so avoid late tee times even though they will be cheaper

[CharlieinNewMexico]

Wherever you play make sure you get as early a tee time as you can Afternoon storms are common so avoid late tee times even though they will be cheaper

This

Extremely humid so you will play more slowly than you’re used to. When I lived on the Gulf Coast I actually preferred to get a 3pm…courses are pretty empty at that time and the fees discounted because it’s basically “golf til the lightning comes”

[alf_resco]

Golfing in Florida in July is not ideal - it's simply too hot.
I lived in SW FL for some time and know many of the courses there - I've only played two or three in the Orlando area as I avoided the place as much as I could.
Bear in mind the heat. The practice facilities look great but by the time you've hit a dozen balls the sweat's dripping off you and your grips are wet and that's even before the first tee. The better/ more expensive places will supply you with water and an icebox on the cart - some have iced towels in fridges every six or nine holes, but you must take care to keep hydrated.Obviously lather up in sunscreen and have a proper sun hat - just a cap and you'll prob get sunstroke on the back of your neck.
Early tee times help - in July it's light by 7.30am and if you can be first out, with a cart you should be round in 3 hours but if you get stuck behind a fourball, don't expect to be waved through. USGA suggests 4 and a half hours is acceptable; for me, in that heat it's not.
Good advice above about thunder. This happens at any time in FL in July but yes, it's more prevalent afternoon onwards. If the hooter goes and you've several holes left to play, they'll usually issue a raincheck to be used as a discount on your green fee if you return another day.
The clubhouse facilities are usually fantastic (again depending on quality of the course) but often towels and even toiletries are provided.
And whatever you do, don't forget a generous tip to the cart boy(s) who will clean your clubs and put them in your car.
Having said all that, it's an experience.
I hope you have a great time !

[Cabbage]

I’ve been going regularly to Florida for over 20 years golfing.
Orange County National best set up by a country mile over there.
Two 18 hole courses. Held the PGA qualifying school and , I think, champions tour. Forget about the rest!

[KateR]

Orange Lake Golf and Country Club was a good course but it was a long time since we played there, not sure if now the same as mentioned by Cabbage above. While it will be hot you'll almost certainly be driving buggies around

Whichever course you play watch out for the gators, especially if you have children with you, there are plenty around, plus usually a lot of water, take plenty of balls out with you.

[Cabbage]

Orange Lake Golf and Country Club was a good course but it was a long time since we played there, not sure if now the same as mentioned by Cabbage above. While it will be hot you'll almost certainly be driving buggies around

Whichever course you play watch out for the gators, especially if you have children with you, there are plenty around, plus usually a lot of water, take plenty of balls out with you.

Not Orange Lake Golf and Country club, different course. http://www.ocngolf.com/

Definitely take plenty of balls.

[littlemissclaret]

ChampionsGate is decent, also Reunion next door. Almost every course I've played on in resorts in Florida has been excellent, so we no longer go to any trouble or expense to travel very far.