If you go to Orlando to play golf and money is no object there are hundreds of courses to choose from.

The best courses, however, such as the Disney courses, Champions gate, Reunion and the like, will cost you top dollar – especially in the height of the golfing season.

The high season as far as golf is concerned is January until April, when the weather is at its most conducive as far as playing the game is concerned. The next most popular (and expensive) season is October until December.

In the summer months, the heat and humidity conspire to keep most people (perhaps with the exception of mad Dogs and Englishmen!) off the golf courses. Consequently, rates are slashed in the summer.

If you are in Orlando in the summer and have to play golf, it is recommended that you play very early in the morning, or in the evening. Most golf clubs have special “Twilight rates”. These rates allow you to pay less for your round but you will run the risk that in some circumstances you may not be able to finish the full 18 holes.

In the peak season (January to April) prices for the top golf courses are around the $120 mark (Like all other prices, this does of course include the use of an electric golf cart). Clubs can be hired from between $20 - $30.   Other courses in the area will cost between $60 to $80.

In the peak season too, of course, there are saving to be made if you play very early or late. Prices come down at 1pm on many courses, and down further for 3pm tee-offs.

This February (2009) we played Ridgewood lakes early in the morning (7.15am and it was chilly to begin with!) for $45. We played Kissimmee Golf Club after 1pm for $40 and after 3pm for $25.

We also played the new course at Providence after 3pm for $30, where we shared a couple of holes with alligators! We played Sanctuary Ridge in Clermont at 10 am (full rate) for $58. A little further afield in Mount Dora (a town well worth a visit about an hour north of the Davenport/Kissimmee area) we played the Mount Dora Golf Club at mid-day for only $28. –Yes, there are certainly financial benefits in playing well away from the main tourist areas.

The courses all vary tremendously and while I would not dare to presume to recommend any particular course, I would just say that we enjoyed them all – and naturally some more than others.

Andy Brownlie