The water-laden Palm course is Disney's best.
With only two fewer golf holes than Dalmatians in its famous film, the Walt Disney World Resort certainly provides plenty of options on a Florida golf vacation. But if you want to play Disney’s best, make a tee time at the Palm course.
The Palm is part of Disney’s largest golf complex (there are three) and each year it co-hosts with the Magnolia course the PGA Tour’s Funai Classic.
Architect Joe Lee, probably best known for his work at BallenIsles in Palm Beach and Cog Hill’s Dubsdread course (home of the PGA Tour’s Western Open), designed this dramatic course with an emphasis on playing next to, over and around water, moreso than at other Orlando golf courses.
In fact, water comes into play on 10 holes, some with fairway sections that are separated by streams, requiring thoughtful lay-ups and accurate approach shots.
There are four such holes, including the signature 18th, a 454-yard par 4 with an island green, that caps a great finishing sequence. It may sound daunting, but with four sets of well-spaced tees, the course accommodates players of all abilities.
Unlike the facility’s dated clubhouse, the practice facility is another reason to play here. It sports one of the largest natural grass practice tees we have ever seen, and certainly the biggest among all Orlando golf courses.
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I have been going to Orlando, specifically Disney for over 30 years and truly believe that Osprey Ridge is the best Disney course. Offering a wide variety of holes, mixing shot making, distance and strategy without gimmicks. It’s rolling terrain, well placed water and occasional elevation changes (considering this was swamp land) mixed with tee box placements can set you up for whatever level of challenge you are willing to take on.