Central Florida is where golf goes to live its best life. Year-round sun, absurd amounts of course variety, and green fees that range from "reasonable Tuesday afternoon" to "did I just finance a used car?" We've played them, we've cursed at them, and we've come back to most of them.
Here's the honest weekend golfer's guide to the public courses worth your Saturday morning.
The Heavy Hitters
Streamsong Resort (Bowling Green)
Three courses — Red, Blue, and Black — each designed by a different architect, each with a personality that will humble you in a completely unique way. Streamsong Red (Coore/Crenshaw) is the one that plays like Scotland decided to vacation in central Florida. Rolling fescue, strategic bunkering, and the kind of wind that makes a 150-yard approach feel like a philosophical question.
The honest take: This isn't cheap. But if you play one premium Florida course in your life, this is the one. Book in summer for off-season rates that won't require a second mortgage.
Green fees: $$$$ (but worth the splurge once)
Orange County National (Winter Garden)
Two championship courses — Panther Lake and Crooked Cat — that regularly host Web.com Tour events. The conditioning is immaculate, the layout is challenging without being sadistic, and the practice facility might be the best in the state.
The honest take: If you want to feel like a real golfer for a day, OCN delivers. The Panther Lake course is the star, with dramatic elevation changes that Florida courses usually can't offer.
Green fees: $$ – $$$
The Sweet Spot (Great Golf, Fair Price)
Shingle Creek (Orlando)
Right off International Drive, which means it's technically a tourist course, but don't let that fool you. The David Harman design is legitimate, with marsh crossings, mature oaks, and a finishing stretch that tests every club in your bag. The pro shop is solid and the pace of play is usually reasonable — a miracle for Orlando.
The honest take: The best value-to-quality ratio in the Orlando metro. Period.
Green fees: $$
Royal St. Cloud (St. Cloud)
Tucked away south of the tourist corridor, Royal St. Cloud is the course your buddy tells you about in a whisper because he doesn't want it to get crowded. Well-maintained, interesting routing, and a back nine that weaves through Florida wetlands in the best way.
The honest take: This is a hidden gem that punches way above its price point. Go before word gets out.
Green fees: $
Eagle Creek (Lake Nona area)
A Ron Garl design that sits quietly in one of Orlando's most upscale neighborhoods. Challenging layout with plenty of water (because Florida), solid conditioning, and a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere for how nice the surrounding area is.
The honest take: The front nine is friendly. The back nine has teeth. Bring extra balls for 13 through 16.
Green fees: $$ – $$$
The Weekday Specials
Dubsdread (College Park, Orlando)
Historic. The oldest public course in Orlando, dating back to 1924. It's short by modern standards, but the green complexes are deceptive and the location — walking distance from College Park's main strip — makes it perfect for a morning round followed by brunch.
The honest take: This isn't about difficulty. It's about vibes. Walking Dubsdread on a cool morning is one of the best golf experiences in the city.
Green fees: $
MetroWest (Orlando)
A Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that's been a staple of Orlando public golf for decades. The layout is classic RTJ — generous off the tee, but the greens demand precision. The course has been through renovations and is in solid shape.
The honest take: Not flashy, but reliable. Like the 7-iron you always go back to.
Green fees: $
Tips for the Central Florida Weekend Round
Book tee times early. Especially October through April. Snowbirds are real, and they all play golf.
Hydrate like your life depends on it. May through September, the heat index will test your will to live. Bring a cooler. Bring electrolytes. Bring a hat that actually works.
Pace yourself after the turn. Florida humidity hits different on the back nine. That beer on 10 seems like a great idea until you're walking uphill on 16 wondering why your legs stopped working.
Watch for wildlife. Alligators in water hazards are not decorative. They're real, they're unbothered, and your ball is not worth becoming a headline.
Play the afternoon rates. Most Central Florida courses drop prices significantly after 1 PM. In summer, after 2 PM you'll practically have the course to yourself. Yes, it's hot. But it's also cheap and empty.
The Bottom Line
Central Florida has more good public golf per square mile than almost anywhere in the country. You don't need a membership. You don't need connections. You just need a tee time and a willingness to lose a few balls in the wetlands.
The courses are here. The weather is here. The only question is whether your Saturday morning alarm is set.
See you on the first tee.