A roundup of what’s new and notable at the region’s top golf clubs

Golf is a game enjoyed by young and old alike, and its popularity seems to only grow with each passing year. With so many players, whether skilled or new to the sport, Central Florida’s top golf clubs are doing their best to accommodate the demand. We once again spoke with clubs from across the region to see what new things are taking place to improve conditions, offerings and the overall experience.

PUBLIC

Celebration Golf Club
After a brief closure in early June to refresh the course and practice areas, Celebration has reopened and is booking tee times. The club is also offering Florida residents the opportunity to sign up for the Florida Elite Card which provides several discounts and other privileges at both Celebration and Orange County National.

Legends Golf & Country Club
The club recently welcomed Chris Russell as its new general manager. Russell brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, having previously held various roles at semi-private, private and public/resort facilities.

Metrowest Golf Club
The club is currently running double tees, splitting starts from holes No. 1 and 10, from 7-9 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday to help golfers beat the heat. Additionally, the Sundance Tavern has been fully renovated and now features new seating and several large screen TVs.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge
Crooked Cat, the club’s links-style course, is currently closed for a full greens renovation through Sept. 30. Orange County’s other championship course, Panther Lake, as well as its 9-hole course (The Tooth) and the driving range remain open for play. Over at the Orange 83 Pub and Grill, guests can partake in Burger Night every Thursday through Sept. 25, where a burger of the week and rotating milkshake flavors will be offered.

Orange Lake Golf
The club’s Toptracer Range at the Legends, a golf entertainment venue that offers virtual courses and games, is now hosting weekly closest to the pin and longest drive contests where golfers can compete head-to-head to climb to the top of the leaderboard.

RESORTS

Bella Collina
Bella Collina’s grab-and-go snack bar, Pranza, has unveiled a new menu with smoothies, wraps and other quick bites. The club has also installed several new hydration stations across the property.

ChampionsGate Golf Resort
Steps away from the club’s National and International courses, Omni Hotels & Resorts has partnered with mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry to create an exclusive cocktail menu for Tiki Social, a Polynesian pop-up bar. Omni Orlando is also where you’ll find Scoop Social, a limited-time experience this summer where a retro-themed ice cream tricycle travels the property serving up pints and novelty bars.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
With the most extensive redesign of the Magnolia course now complete, Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management announced that the course’s four reimagined holes are now affectionately known as “Grumpy’s Gauntlet” and its new 18-hole putting green is known as “The Greatest Green Ever Played.” Also, each hole now has a Disney theme and an inspiring quote from either Walt Disney or golf legend Arnold Palmer.

Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club
In addition to the golf, tennis, pool and water park, the club has extended its recreational offerings with new pickleball courts. Behind the scenes, two members of the team have been promoted including Scott Balasia as the new assistant golf manager and Laura Silva has been named the director of membership.

Grand Cypress Golf Club
Operating out of a temporary golf shop inside the meeting center ever since the Evermore Resort opened last year, the club is getting ready to break ground on a new golf shop that is slated to be up and running by next summer.

Hawk’s Landing Golf Club
Hawk’s Landing has welcomed Benjamin Huizinga as its new director of golf. He comes to the club after a stint at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes. Meanwhile, locals can take advantage of the Summer Pass, which allows golfers to take advantage of daily discounted rates when booking through the club’s golf app.

Reunion Resort
Reunion has partnered with GolfNow to offer golfers the chance to play its three signature courses without a stay required. Tee times release in three-week blocks through Sept. 1. On the dining side, there are now daily dining specials offered across the resort’s signature restaurants including build-your-own burgers, rooftop tapas, wine pairings and more. Furthermore, the water park has new cabanas and a resurfaced lazy river.

Shingle Creek Golf Club
Shingle Creek’s golf academy not only offers golf swing analysis, but now groups can take part in the Scoring Zone Challenge. The 45-90 minute competition allows golfers to work on their short game in a challenging team event. Over at A Land Remembered, diners will notice the steakhouse’s newly revamped menu.

WORTH THE DRIVE

Hammock Beach Golf Resorts & Spa
Hammock Beach is home to two courses designed by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus and offers idyllic views of the Atlantic Ocean. On Sept. 13, the resort will host its third annual Food and Wine Classic featuring a variety of dishes paired with a selection of over 90 wines from eight different countries.

Streamsong Golf Resort
Earlier this year, Streamsong unveiled its plans to build a fifth golf course at the popular golf destination. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the new track will be nestled between Streamsong’s Red and Black courses, and at more than 7,300 yards from the black tees, it will be the resort’s longest course.

GET FITTED

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