99 Holes of Golf at Walt Disney World

This Article Was Contributed by Keith

When Walt Disney World first opened in 1971 there were 60 holes of golf. The first nine-hole course is the executive Oak Trail which has been in existence since the beginning when it was in fact only a 6-hole course. It is located at the Shades of Green in a corner of the Magnolia.

LBV -- The Lake Buena Vista is an 18-hole Joe Lee course centered on what was originally known as the Lake Buena Vista Club (later the Disney Institute) that meanders through the villas and treehouses of the Disney Village Resort (soon to be DVC -- Saratoga Springs). This course is probably the fairest of the 18-hole courses to play, lacking the expansive water hazards that plague the other four. Par is 72. (Course Map)

MAGNOLIA -- The Magnolia, also by Joe Lee, is located to the North of the Shades of Green that was originally named (to no-one's surprise) the Golf Resort and then the Disney Inn. The Magnolia is probably the second easiest of the courses being fairly wide open with trees there more as a decoration than a hazard to play. Par is also 72. From the tee on the par-3, No. 6 you will see the "Mouse-trap", a sand-trap cut into the sod in the shape of Mickey's head. (Course Map)

PALM -- The Palm is the course that is to the South of the Shades of Green that most of you see as you leave the Disney Magic Kingdom complex on your right hand side. A much tighter Joe Lee layout, there is much more water in play on this course. 9 of the 18 holes require shots over or alongside water. Par is 72. (Course Map)

OSPREY RIDGE -- In 1992 Disney decided to add 36 additional holes of golf at the Bonnet Creek location (just North of the Port Orleans complex). The Bonnet Creek clubhouse is a gorgeous building and, to lull you into a false sense of security, the putting green is an enormous outline of Mickey's head. Tom Fazio was asked to design this masterpiece because the Marquis de Sade was apparently busy. This course, as well as the Eagle Pines layout, is not used by the PGA tour pros at the annual tournament played there. Do you know why? The pros have much more common sense than us and recognize futility when they see it. They will not play on these two courses. Believe me when I tell you that this course and its Bonnet Creek brother are not for the faint of heart. This is a severe test of your golfing prowess and a box of balls is recommended as distinct to a sleeve. Par is 72 (I think 82 would be fairer). It is on an equal footing with Eagle Pines for the toughest layout. (Course Map)

EAGLE PINES -- I probably covered everything about this course when I introduced Osprey Ridge. This course is sneaky. The first couple of holes are really very benevolent and offer a nice easy par-par start. Pete Dye was the torturer of choice for this layout and it too will test your fortitude. If you play to your handicap on this layout, you've played well. Par is 72. (Course Map)

The best part about finishing on the above two courses is that there is a beautifully appointed bar in the Bonnet Creek clubhouse. Trust me, you will make use of it.

Last Updated: May 9, 2009