Orlando golf trip

[daredevil]

Hey gang,
Heading down to Florida on Feb 22 - March 2.
Was wondering if anyone had advice on places to play and things to do.
Pretty much looking for advice on everything and anything.

Fire away, not looking to make this a DisneyWorld type trip, but would take in anything that is a must do.

Thanks in advance CP!

[oly74]

If you're into rollercoasters, definitely check out Universal's Islands of Adventure. Some excellent ones...the Hulk is my personal favorite.

[DuffMan]

how many games do you have booked and where?

[Lanny_MacDonald]

What do you want to spend on golf? What level of course do you want to play? Do you have access to a car? Do you mind driving a bit to save some money?

[daredevil]

I'm not booking in advance, as I'm going it solo on this one.
My wife works for Westjet, so I'm gonna play golf, and she's going to do some shopping have some pool time.
I want to experience playing with as many different people as possible (sometimes a dangerous game, but we'll give it a go), so I'm just going to try flying as a walk on, plus most places won't let you book in unless you have a twosome.

[daredevil]

Lanny,
money's not a big deal, and I'll have a rental car.
I used to be a CPGA pro a while back (I think you're in the business if I recall?), but I'm not going to pull any favors this time out. I save those for if/when I need solid bookings.

[DuffMan]

where were you a golf pro?
Sorry, don't have any advice on Orlando, but I hear the nightlife is good.

[jam26]

If your wife wants to shop, stay in International Drive or Universal Blvd near the Orange County Convention Center. There are a ton of pubs and nice restaurants in the area and she can take the trolley to a number of good malls.

Just spent a few days there for business and my fiance was able to get around easily on that trolley and she found a ton of bargains at the outlet malls.

[daredevil]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

where were you a golf pro?
Sorry, don't have any advice on Orlando, but I hear the nightlife is good.

My last stop was at Priddis Greens. Now I'm just a weekend warrior like everyone else, get to play a lot more that way.

[csnarpy]

Was in Florida last Feb and Nov.

If you want a little bite of Disney but not so much then hit Downtown Disney, it has great shops and restaurants. Also there is the House of Blues which I completely enjoyed.

We went to Seaworld (i'm not one for touristy things but do as the romans do) and I was quite impressed. Although the Shamu show was a bit over the top.

Kennedy is an incredible tour (about 40 mins from Orlando/Kissimmee)

We also did the "Midieval Times" dinner show, which was very fun and had some amazing horses.

Also, for tickets or entrance fee's for all these places, don't just buy at the gate, you can usually get 2 for 1's or huge disco's anywhere in Kissimmee. We always go to/order from Billy's or TM's and never have a problem. We usually buy online as well.

Anyways, there is a ton to do there, have fun.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by daredevil

Lanny,
money's not a big deal, and I'll have a rental car.
I used to be a CPGA pro a while back (I think you're in the business if I recall?), but I'm not going to pull any favors this time out. I save those for if/when I need solid bookings.

Okay, now I know your expectations. Here are my recommendations as an ex-PGA pro in the area.

1. Orange County Crooked Cat and Panther (36) . Good enough for Q School, good enough for anyone.

2. Grand Cypress (27). Awesome golf. I think there was a new course going in there too that. Can't go wrong here.

3. Disney Osprey and Magnolia (36). Best of the Disney courses IMO, although I never got a chance to get onto Buena Vista, which is supposed to be quite good.

4. Reunion, Legacy, Tradition and Independence (54). Arguably some of the best golf in Florida, but uber expensive.

5. Grand Pines. This is a Marriott property and was just opening when I moved to AZ, but it looked exceptional.

6. Celebration. A Disney master-planned community with a great golf course.

7. Southern Dunes. This is in Haines City, but is worth the 20 minute trip. Great track and some evil greens.

8. Falcons Fire. Its a great little course in Kissimmee that is inexpensive compared to the other Orlando courses.

9. MetroWest. Nice facilities and a classic course in the Orlando area.

10. Champions Gate. I personally didn't like it, but that was my perception. It's a love it or hate it facility.

Courses within a couple hours drive, if you want to make a day trip...

1. World Woods just outside of Brooksville (36). Both courses are regularly in Golf Digest's top 100 golf courses you can play. A must play facility and well worth the hour and a half drive.

2. Lake Jovita just outside of Dade City (Tampa Bay). Should be 36 holes by now and is a spectacular track. It may also be private by now. Only 45 minutes away.

3. El Diablo just outside of Hernando (Ocala). Ridiculous golf course in the middle of now where that will kick your ass, and you'll enjoy it. Longest drive at probably an hour 45.

4. Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel (Tampa Bay). 36 holes of Palmer golf that is always in spectacular condition. 45-50 minutes away from Orlando.

5. Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor (Tampa Bay). Copperhead is the big course, but the Island is the best of the courses there. An hour and a half gets you here and its pretty well right on the gulf.

6. Eaglebrook in Lakeland. One of my favorite Florida courses. Great value and a fantastic track. 30-40 minutes away.

As for stuff away from the courses, there is just so much to do in Orlando around Disney that it doesn't make sense to go elsewhere. If you do get tired of the Orlando scene, head over to Tampa and head down to Ybor City. Lots of bards and restaurants and lots of eye candy.

If you're looking for a good day trip, make the trek over to World Woods and play 36. Take the Veterans Express Way into downtown Tampa and go to dinner at Berns Steakhouse. If its just you and the boys, after dinner head to Mons Venus. If you make it back to Orlando in one piece, you've done something!

This should be more than enough to give you a start as to where to play. If you want more information, as away and fill you in one the gory details.

[return to the red]

Just got back from Orlando after being at the GIS (golf industry show) last week we actually had a demo set up at the Faldo Golf Instutute, it's actually a marriott property (could be the one that Lanny is talking about) but looked simply amazing. Not sure on availability but I do know that I was pissed when we were supposed to play there and plans fell through.

[daredevil]

Lanny,
Some good advice there.
I was told also that Mystic Dunes is worth a look and Deer Island is ok too.
I'm making a list of courses that have been recommeded and will probably just call around once I'm there.
Hoping to meet a local who might steer me in the right direction.
I see that they have different rates for residents and tourists, which is common.
If you can find a local to buy your green fee, and then you buy the drinks to even it up...you usually make friends pretty quick.
Sort of a win-win.

Thanks for the info everyone, keep it coming.

Any advice on accommodation? Hotels? Looking for something with a decent pool.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by return to the red

Just got back from Orlando after being at the GIS (golf industry show) last week we actually had a demo set up at the Faldo Golf Instutute, it's actually a marriott property (could be the one that Lanny is talking about) but looked simply amazing. Not sure on availability but I do know that I was pissed when we were supposed to play there and plans fell through.

Just down the road from the convention center?

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by daredevil

Lanny,
Some good advice there.
I was told also that Mystic Dunes is worth a look and Deer Island is ok too.
I'm making a list of courses that have been recommeded and will probably just call around once I'm there.
Hoping to meet a local who might steer me in the right direction.
I see that they have different rates for residents and tourists, which is common.
If you can find a local to buy your green fee, and then you buy the drinks to even it up...you usually make friends pretty quick.
Sort of a win-win.

Thanks for the info everyone, keep it coming.

Any advice on accommodation? Hotels? Looking for something with a decent pool.

Mystic Dunes is pretty good. Deer Island I can't say because I haven't played it. Never heard anyone from the area say it was a course to play, so take that for what its worth. Another one that came to mind was Highlands Reserve in Davenport. Passed my PAT there, so it has good memories.

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by Lanny_MacDonald

Just down the road from the convention center?

Yup that's the one. Beautiful course

[return to the red]

Originally Posted by daredevil

Lanny,
Some good advice there.
I was told also that Mystic Dunes is worth a look and Deer Island is ok too.
I'm making a list of courses that have been recommeded and will probably just call around once I'm there.
Hoping to meet a local who might steer me in the right direction.
I see that they have different rates for residents and tourists, which is common.
If you can find a local to buy your green fee, and then you buy the drinks to even it up...you usually make friends pretty quick.
Sort of a win-win.

Thanks for the info everyone, keep it coming.

Any advice on accommodation? Hotels? Looking for something with a decent pool.

how long are you going for and do you mind driving? we stayed in a HUGE house for a week with a pool and games room, etc. for 1200 for the week. There was 5 of us so that was dirt cheap. My suggestion is maybe renting a house with a pool for a pretty decent rate

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Yup, that is one sweet set up. Faldo is in there now. Big money in Golf Schools!

[daredevil]

Thought I'd update this thread if anyone else takes a trip to Orlando.
Played a little less than I thought, but spent some time with my wife and our little guy for the first few days.

On Lanny's advice, I played Highlands Reserve yesterday as a warm up (four months of rust to shake).
It was cheap ($50) and close to my condo.
Not a bad course, bombs away, I can see why it is a site for the PAT's.
Not too much trouble unless you make it for yourself, typically why they choose locations like that. Fairways were a little thin, and it was windy as all hell, probably one of the windiest days I've ever played.

Tomorrow it's Mystic Dunes, the rate I got was $108 (not bad?).
Today I'm hoping to try Southern Dunes ($110).

[daredevil]

OK to close of this thread...

So I played Southern Dunes (****1/2 Golf Digest) was a pretty nice sourse, and Mystic Dunes the following day.
Southern was by far the better course, Mystic Dunes has some goofy holes and especially greens.
Not sure if it's the time of year or just the style of courses here, but the fairways are much more lush in Canada.
Anyways I found out some interesting things about playing in Orlando.
If you know how to play the game you can find some deep discounts at some courses.
Anyways, thanks for all the advice offered.

If anyone is planning a trip and wants some insight, I'd be happy to pass on my thoughts.
I have a good idea what I'd do next time (sans wife and kid).