Among the world’s luxury golf resorts, Central Florida is the golfer’s haven of a vacation. With its natural charm, varied terrain, and constant sunshine, the area is home to some of the country’s highest-rated courses. Whether you’re a beginner golfer or an old pro, Central Florida offers the ideal spot to get just the right combination of challenging courses and thrilling scenery. Here are the top five golf courses you simply can’t live without:.
1. Streamsong Resort – The Unparalleled Golfing Heaven
Streamsong Resort stands apart in its own class for Central Florida golf courses. Situated deep inside 16,000 acres of unscathed wilderness, Streamsong is a world-class golf resort that guarantees the best golf experience. Providing three trophy-winning courses that are named by Streamsong Red, Blue, and Black, each course has been uniquely designed by golfing legend architects such as Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Gil Hanse.
The bunkers are camouflaged, using dunes, sand, and rolling ground to produce an exhilarating challenge for golfers of all levels. Streamsong’s unobtrusive architecture requires strategy and imagination, and every round is a discovery. And then there are resort amenities, hospitality industry standards in luxury, from expansive rooms to haute cuisine, all crafted to create a memory that will never be forgotten.
2. Bay Hill Club & Lodge – In Celebration of Arnold Palmer
Get a tour of the rich history of golfing at the venue where Arnold Palmer Invitational takes place at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. The King’s vintage course, as it stands today, is a challenging course that will leave even the world’s greatest golfers challenged to the core by water holes, strategically placed bunkers, and flawlessly cut fairways.
Bay Hill is not only the test but the legacy of one of golf’s all-time greats. Walking through these greens is walking into a piece of history, and any golfer should feel honored to have played this masterpiece at least once.
3. Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort
Surrounded by luxury Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Tranquilo Golf Course is an oasis of peace only minutes from Walt Disney World’s frenetic activity. Tranquilo was first constructed by Tom Fazio and combines pristine scenery with environmental responsibility to Audubon sanctuary standards.
The wide fairways, exquisite greens, and diverse wildlife on the course present an experience as serene as its name suggests. For playing for birdies or even simply taking in the stunning vista, Tranquilo will present a day to remember on the links.
4. Mission Inn Resort & Club – A Touch of Old Florida
For a vintage golfing experience, head to the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Orlando. The El Campeón Course, established in 1917, is one of the oldest courses still existing in Florida. With water obstacles, slope and rolling hills, this par-72 course offers a traditional but demanding game.
El Campeón keeps the traditional look of Old Florida alive with oaks, Spanish moss, and peaceful atmosphere. A second nine, Las Colinas, is a newer course, however, so players will certainly need to put the Mission Inn Resort on their schedules.
5. Orange County National – The Golfer’s Playground
And finally, Orange County National is golfers’ heaven. With two championship layouts, the Panther Lake and the Crooked Cat, the property offers a true test of ability without gimmicks or trickery. The fairways are wide but demand precision off the tee, and the natural Florida land is part of the challenge.
Orange County National boasts one of the largest practice facilities in the nation, perfect for honing your game. With its excellent conditions, friendly weather, and reasonable price, the resort welcomes golfers of every handicap.
Relive Golf at Its Best in Central Florida
Central Florida golf courses are as intriguing as they are diverse. From storied Streamsong Resort to iconic Mission Inn, each course is uniquely individual in its attitude and test, and has something for every golfer. Discover them for yourself and refine your skills in this golfer’s paradise.
