Walt Disney Resort Golf, Magnolia Course — visiting Mickey and Grumpy

Most visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando come for the extraordinary theme parks — but golfers also get their money's worth here. The Magnolia Course is the longest of the three championship courses on site. With five tees, it is suitable for golfers of all levels; the total length of the par 72 course is between 5,200 and 7,505 yards. Anyone who expects the hustle and bustle of the theme parks on the round will be pleasantly surprised: The square is a bit off the beaten track and presents itself as a true oasis of peace.

In 2023, the complex was extensively renovated — as a result, lanes 14 to 17 were also redesigned as “Grumpy's Gauntlet”. The complex, managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, was named Resort Course 2026 by the NGCOA (National Golf Course Owners Association). By the way, you don't have to be a Disney hotel guest to tee off here.

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Florida feeling and hidden details

The course has a typical Florida layout: flat (carts are still mandatory, as it gets very hot and humid, especially in summer) and with plenty of water. On every hole, golfers can expect a board with quotes from Arnold Palmer or Walt Disney. The Front Nine brings tall trees into play at the start, after which the fairways become more spacious.

But there are challenging sand obstacles lurking around the greens. You can see this at the latest on track 3, the first par 3, whose green is framed by bunkers with sometimes high edges. A visual highlight is the par-3 on track 6: Not only does water come into play here, but a bunker in the shape of the famous Mickey Mouse silhouette lurks on the slope in front of the green. Otherwise, the branding is subtle: Apart from information boards with Jiminy Grille or Goofy, the backdrop remains pleasantly sporty and natural.

“Grumpy's Gauntlet”: The Back Nine Decision

The water content on the Back Nine is constantly increasing. The highlight is the newly created track sequence 14 to 17 under the name “Grumpy's Gauntlet”. Similar to the “Bear Trap” or the “Snake Pit” on other PGA tour courses, this section challenges golfers massively. It consists of two huge par-4 tracks as well as a par-5 — all three as doglegs with strategic bunkers — and a magnificent par-3 with frontal water. The end is a long, straight par 4 with raised green.

Souvenirs and relaxation

The Magnolia Course is the perfect retreat in the midst of one of the world's most-visited attractions. If you play the course, don't miss out on taking a souvenir photo in the Mickey Mouse design golf cart. For fans, there is also a huge selection of merchandising in the Pro Shop — including the star of the square, Grumpy from “Snow White”, and his appropriate quote: “There's trouble a-brewin'! ”