Looking for golf deals in Orlando

[kibear]

Hello all! I'm new here and I'm grateful for the hints I've learned so far. I'll paste part of the first post I wrote in hopes that this will be seen.


Hi, I'm new to TUG and have learned a LOT in the few days I've been lurking. Many of the posts, including yours, are fun to read, too!

We have a 2br on hold with RCI at Oasis Lakes at the Fountains. Orlando was not our first choice...we are suddenly able to "get away" w/o kidlets for a change. Being unplanned, we're trying to keep costs down as much as possible and still go someplace warm (from the Midwest). Flying in/out of Tampa was a great airfare but Tampa-area RCI trades seemed scarce for our close window of time (1/27/07). I have been to a couple of other resorts including OL, Westgate, HVC-Seaworld, and more in the past. I'm hoping that Oasis Lakes at the Fountains will be a nice, comfortable, stress-free base even considering it is in Orlando.

Back to golfing... I'd appreciate any tips or hints for golf courses, driving ranges, and especially low, low prices! I'd like to get in 3-4 days of golf. While I'm asking, any advice on a recommended golf course or other event/activity in the Tampa area (OR on the way to Tampa)? Otherwise, we have no specific plans however restaurants, nice walking locations, or outing advice is also appreciated from all you TUG bbs'ers!

Thanks!

 

[rapmarks]

look for JLB's golf threads and look for efloridagolf.com too.

 

[JLB]

Wow, just the advice I would offer!

What level of golf are you looking for?

Is $15/round too much?

look for JLB's golf threads and look for efloridagolf.com too.

 

[kibear]

I'd say that $15/round is MOST appealing! There are just two of us, btw. I'll check that URL however please give me the details of $15/round! Thanks!

 

[JLB]

First: www.efloridagolf.com click on Special Offers

This will show discounted 4-round passes. There is a limited number per course, starting with the first of each month. I just checked and the offering is way down already, so it will not reload until 2/1.

Next http://golf18orlando.com/index.php

On that site you should see discounted tee times at a few courses. Those tee times are actually reserved for that company and the courses cannot book anyone else at those time. You can set it up to get regular emails from them, which seem to come twice a week.

Through that site I registered at Dubsdread, the oldest golf course in the Orlando area. It is at exit 86 on I/4, and then about a mile west on Par Ave. There is nothing wrong with the course, clubhouse, driving range, etc. It is just not as plush or upscale as the resort-oriented courses.

Once I registered at the Dubsdread site, I got a free birthday round, which I wound up not being able to use because I had to book a complete foursome at the discounted rates online. After you register you can also take advantage of Internet Specials offered by Dubsdread. There is a Monday Special, a Tuesday Special, and some others.

We were there Christmas week and I did a foursome on 12/26 and another one on 12/28, for $64 and $63.90 (beats me whay it's different). They do not actually go by tee time since if you arrive early they just send you out to get in line, if there is one. Because it is so reasonable, it was busy. When we finished mid afternoon each day there were people waiting to tee off on 1.

Afterwards we had lunch at our favorite Florida restaurant, Shells, one of which is just to the north at 852 Lee Road.

I'd say that $15/round is MOST appealing! There are just two of us, btw. I'll check that URL however please give me the details of $15/round! Thanks!

 

[kibear]

This is awesome! Thank you for the great ideas! I'll use these tips as soon as my dates are within range for scheduling a tee time. Meanwhile, I did register at Dubsdread. Personally, when it comes to golf, I prefer less of the hoity-toity "plush" as long as the course, driving range, etc. are good. The Shells being close by is a bonus! It sounds like a winner all around for us!

 

[JLB]

Where are you staying?

I'm asking because of traffic/driving tips.
- - - - - -
To get to Shell's, when you leave Dubsdread, turn right on Par and then right on Edgewater. The second Main crossroad will be Lee.

Turn right on Lee and go aways and Shell's will be on the right. As Jenny can tell you, it is right after the Ross store.

The lunch menu runs until 4:00.

About a block further east on Lee you can get on I-4.

 

[kibear]

Restaurant tips and directions are ALWAYS appreciated! We've exchanged into a week at Oasis Lakes at the Fountains.

 

[harold016]

Falcon's Fire near Kissimee usually has pretty good golf rates.
Orange Lake isn't too expensive either. I like their course.

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Afterwards we had lunch at our favorite Florida restaurant, Shells, one of which is just to the north at 852 Lee Road.

My favorite restaurant in Orlando is Fishbones.....and it makes Shells seem like McDonalds....Located just East of International Drive and Sand Lake Road. Do not go west as there is a Bonefish grill and they are NOT the same.

Check out http://www.fishbonesrestaurants.com/

 

[JLB]

If you check the first day of the month you will find that four-round passes at both of those are normally available.

January 1 is normally the date golf fees increase, even in Orlando. When we are there, it is normally just after January 1. Two years ago, the Legends at OL was $105. This year we were there Christmas Week and rates were lower, not having gone up yet.

If memory serves me right, the highest anything at efloridagolf has ever been, including Falcon's Fire, Legends at OLCC, Celebration, and the other hoyty toyty courses, is 4 for $250. I considered that this year, to play where we stayed, but the boss mentioned that I never pay $60 to play golf at home, and my BIL and nephews certainly don't at their course.

Even now, late in the month, there are some 4/$250 courses and there courses as low as 4/$70.

All we wanted to do is get out in the warm, fresh air, have a few Bud Lights, and have an excuse not to have to go to Disney those days. Dubsdread was good enough for that, in fact too good at that Bud Light part, as the beverage cart seem to be coming by every hole. I think she was focusing on my in-laws.

Another course that is normally available through efloridagolf is Stoneybrook West. I had never seen it before but when we took 429 north from 192, there was a Stoneybrook West exit, and we could see the course winding through a newer residenital development. That would be like 5 or 10 minutes north of OLCC/Disney on 429.

Falcon's Fire near Kissimee usually has pretty good golf rates.
Orange Lake isn't too expensive either. I like their course.

 

[JLB]

Nice place! We went by it several times last month, International being our alternate route when I4 is stopped, which it was almost every day. Unfortunately, from there you are at I4's mercy to get to places up north, like Dubsdread.

There are a few courses near your resort. Falcons Fire is not far if you can master the International Drive jog to Osceola Parkway. Disney is not far. Grande Pines is right next door. Shingle Creek and Ritz Carlton are not far away.

I see I have not mentioned one of my favorites, Remington, which is further east in Kissimmee, and which offers all you can eat, hit and play, for one fee. I did not get there this, but drove from the Ft. Myers area for a noon tee time last year.

http://www.remington-gc.com/

Then you could eat at the Shell's on 192, if you are still hungry after breakfast, a hot dog and soda at the turn, and lunch at Remington!

Restaurant tips and directions are ALWAYS appreciated! We've exchanged into a week at Oasis Lakes at the Fountains.

 

[kibear]

Gosh, I think I gained 10 pounds just reading these last several posts! (Steamboat Bill: Is the restaurant, Seafood Connection, still there in Boca?)

I've gotta see the all you can eat, hit, and play at Remington! Amazing! I couldn't find prices on their website, though. Yep, I have noticed that our timing has us visiting during the higher priced golf season.

Does one have to pay for a four-some on efloridagolf? The site indicates four rounds but is not direct about needing to have four(4) players. Well, you've given other sources,too, so we'll figure something out. We've played the Orange Lake Walking Course at night with the kids once (the first time my then-10-y-o beat me..wah!), and I think that DH has played -and liked- Falcon's Fire. What is Disney like? Are any of the Disney courses usually listed with these golf discounters?

Btw, JLB, you guys must have been big tippers at Dubsdread, eh? :0

Thanks, again!

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

No, a foursome need not use the 4-play pass.
You could go by yourself four times if you wish.

Don't forget golfnow.com! I played Eastwood for $24 last week---that's a pretty decent course. In previous years, I used them (formerly golf407.com) to play Hunters Creek and Hawks Landing which I liked alot. Also, Grande Pines (nice, but TOUGH) and Meadowwoods (skip this one!)

Pat

 

[JLB]

Must be why we like Shells.

It goes back many years with us, and is probably like an old worn-out pair of blue jeans. Sure, there may be some nicer ones at the store, but . . .

We're hooked on their little loaf (loaves for us) of bread, and the salad, and the fried shrimp, and 2-fers almost every day (when we're in the mood), and lunch menu til 4:00.

We don't eat hoyty toyty seafood in Orlando. We save that for SW Florida.

Trying another place would involve an element of risk, something we don't tend to do when dining.

As Mr. Rapmark says on that little 225 yard Par 4 hole, with water at about 200 yards, and a huge layup area up to about 180, the risk is not worth the possible gain.

and it makes Shells seem like McDonalds

 

[JLB]

It sure would be nice if the few of us who knock the little ball around could get together somewhere some time.

 

[Steamboat Bill]

We don't eat hoyty toyty seafood in Orlando. We save that for SW Florida.

Trying another place would involve an element of risk, something we don't tend to do when dining.

I like Shells...I just happen to love Fishbones for seafood and the Capital Grill for steaks...

I am planning on having dinner in Orlando at the Capital Grill on Wednesday January 24th...no time for golf though.

I may go to Bonefish Thurday or simply the Jade Garden on I-drive

 

[Scott_Ru]

It sure would be nice if the few of us who knock the little ball around could get together somewhere some time.

Happy to join you for a round. When are you there? (We'll be arriving Feb. 17 and stay in Orlando until March 17)

Scott

 

[robtug]

Just to add to the list of discounted golf sites, my new favourite now is golfnow.com Once you become a member (for free), you get great deals through them. Savings of 50-75% off. In december I played Hunters Creek for $17 including cart. Played Hawk's Landing (marriot) for $39. Both of these are pretty close to all the disney area/international drive. I would highly recommend that site.

 

[JLB]

See, that's always been the problem. When I'm trying to get a group together no one else is around, and vice versa.

After Christmas week in Orlando, with 11 in our group, we don't have any plans to return.

Happy to join you for a round. When are you there? (We'll be arriving Feb. 17 and stay in Orlando until March 17)

Scott

 

[JLB]

No More $15 Golf

12:17 was the $15 tee time.

>> 9:34 AM
DubsDread
$23.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 32%
»more info

>> 10:34 AM
DubsDread
$30.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 12%
»more info

>> 11:17 AM
DubsDread
$23.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 32%
»more info

>> 11:42 AM
DubsDread
$23.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 32%
»more info

>> 12:17 PM
DubsDread
$20.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 41%
»more info

>> 12:42 PM
DubsDread
$23.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 32%
»more info

>> 1:24 PM
DubsDread
$23.00/player
Up to 4 players
You Save 32%
»more info

 

[rapmarks]

Happy to join you for a round. When are you there? (We'll be arriving Feb. 17 and stay in Orlando until March 17)

Scott

We will be in Orlando March 11 thru March 18, but we are going to the Bayhill Golf Tournament most of the week. where are you staying that week?

 

[kibear]

Yeah, I've been watching those prices...go up! There are still some deals plus Dubsdread's Mon/Tue specials but the best deals there seem to be for Florida Residents. Some discount is better than full-price, though. Now, if I can just get the Orlando weather to cooperate next week...

 

[JLB]

We've been watching Orlando weather, 55-65. Ouch.

I knew it was getting close to your time.

Our first day golfing, 12/26 was cold and windy. 12/28 it was shorts weather. The next week, and three rounds at Rapmarks' little course in Estero, it was 80's, actually hot and sweaty a time or two.

 

[kibear]

I wouldn't mind the occasional hot & sweaty 80's day but that's alright. We're already ahead. The climate here has been turning into a true winter after all that mild weather. We got down to -1 last night! I'll take 60 degrees however too bad the Orlando forecast is also for rain most of next week. We'll make the most of it...

I DID use golfnow.com to reserve a $17 green fee/cart/range balls deal at Dubsdread! The description indicated R for residents only, however I checked it out anyway and when I followed the link, the page states that it is available for both Florida residents AND non-residents!

I'll keep looking for more screaming deals at other courses for any other possible dry days.