Tee TIMe!

villas Of grand Cypress golf resort

OrlandO is a gOlFers playgrOund

By sandra Chambers

while orlando is primarily known as a theme park destination, it is fast becoming a mecca for golfers offering stunningly beautiful courses, top-notch golf schools and luxury accommodations.
Voted North Americas Golf Destination of the Year 2010 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), Orlando is one of the few destinations that can meet the needs of any level of golfer. With 176 courses, 23 golf academies and seven of the worlds top 100 golf shops (Golf Magazine), it offers guests a year-round golf destination. For a luxurious golf resort experience, check out the following options.

Photo of Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort courtesy of Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort; Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Walt Disney World courtesy of Walt Disney World

VillAs oF gRAnD CyPRess golF ResoRt

This 1,500-acre, AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort offers 146 Mediterranean-style villas which are pet friendly, 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golfincluding a course modeled after the Old Course at St. Andrews and an award-winning, 21-acre Academy of Golf. Named a Top 25 Golf School in America by Golf Magazine, the Academy offers cuttingedge technology for teaching and club fitting. And after a hard day on the links, guests can enjoy award-winning cuisine at Nine18 with its extensive 500 bottle wine collection. For more information, visit grandcypress.com.

Lake buena vista golf Course at Walt Disney World

wAlt Disney woRlDs sARAtogA sPRings ResoRt & sPA

wAlDoRF AstoRiA oRlAnDo

Enjoy the stylish sophistication and amenities of this resort while testing your skills on the 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship course, which winds through a wetland preserve. While challenging, the course is designed with a five-tee system allowing for all playing abilities. In addition to golf, guests can enjoy the Waldorfs signature cabana pool, six restaurants and bars, fitness center as well as a full service European spa featuring 22 treatment areas. For more information, visit waldorfastoriaorlando.com/golf.

Many people dont know that Walt Disney World offers four championship-caliber golf courses. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, an equestrian-themed, Victorian-style resort located on the shores of Village Lake, is located near Disneys Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Billed as the toughest of the four courses, it has hosted LPGA Tour and USGA events. Guests at the resort receive complimentary club rentals, guest green fee rates and transportation to any of the Disney courses. In addition, juniors 18 and younger play free. The family-friendly resort also offers a 161,000-gallon pool with a unique waterslide, fitness center and full-service spa. For more information, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/ resorts/saratoga-springs-resort-and-spa.
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