Planning a Golf Trip to Orlando: Group Guide
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill, two Orange County National 18s, Nicklaus golf at Grand Cypress, ChampionsGate and Disney's courses, all within about an hour of Orlando International.
The courses to play
- Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge: Dick Wilson design from 1961, refined by Arnold Palmer, and home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 27 holes (Champion, Challenger, Charger). Open only to members and guests staying at the Lodge.
- Orange County National (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat): Public 36 in Winter Garden plus The Tooth 9-hole course and an on-site Lodge. Crooked Cat is the open, links-style one and hosted LIV Golf in March 2023. Panther Lake has elevation changes up to 60 feet.
- Grand Cypress Golf at Evermore (Links and Cypress): Jack Nicklaus designs. The 1988 Links Course honors the Old Course with 14 double greens and 150-plus pot bunkers. The Cypress Course opened in 2021 with an island-green 3rd. Public can book 60 days out; Evermore and Conrad guests book earlier.
- ChampionsGate (International and National): Omni resort with 36 holes. International is a links-style course with hundreds of pot bunkers; National is a traditional American layout. You do not need to be a resort guest to play. Also a lighted 9-hole par-3.
- Disney's Magnolia and Palm: Disney courses run by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, with tee times booked online. Magnolia is the longest Disney course, reworked in 2023 with the holes 14 to 17 stretch called Grumpy's Gauntlet. Palm has water on 9 holes and 59 bunkers.
- Disney's Oak Trail: A 9-hole, walking-only course. Good for a short evening loop.
Getting there
| Airport | Code | Drive to the golf |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando International | MCO | 20 to 40 min |
| Orlando Sanford | SFB | 45 min to 1 hr |
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When to go
November through April is the best weather. Bay Hill hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational each March.
Group tip
Before you book
- Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
- Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
- Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
- Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
- Pick your format and build pairings.
Official resources
Heads-up before you book
- Disney's Lake Buena Vista course is closed for a full greens rebuild and irrigation work. Disney points golfers to Magnolia or Palm while it is closed. No reopening date was posted. source
Checked November 10, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the resort.
Fun facts about Orlando
- The first Bay Hill Invitational in 1979 ended in a playoff, with Bob Byman beating Jon Schroeder. source
- After his first visit to Bay Hill in 1965, Arnold Palmer called his wife and said he had just played the best course in Florida and wanted to own it. By the early 1970s he did. source
- Orange County National calls its 42-acre practice facility the largest driving range in America. It has also hosted PGA Tour Q School finals. source
- On Panther Lake's 10th, look for the spot 150 yards out. That is where Tiger Woods's talking head cover, Frank, told him to get more forgiving irons in a Nike commercial. source
- Some pot bunkers on the Grand Cypress Links Course are as deep as 12 feet. source
Facts last checked November 10, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.
Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.
FAQ
When is the best time for a Orlando golf trip?
November through April is the best weather. Bay Hill hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational each March. Best months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
What airport do you fly into for Orlando?
Orlando International (MCO), 20 to 40 min; Orlando Sanford (SFB), 45 min to 1 hr.
What are the best courses at Orlando?
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orange County National (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat), Grand Cypress Golf at Evermore (Links and Cypress), ChampionsGate (International and National), Disney's Magnolia and Palm, Disney's Oak Trail.
Is Orlando good for a group golf trip?
Best for: Groups who want easy flights, winter golf and lots of public tee times. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24, 24+ golfers.
How far ahead should we book Orlando?
For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.
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