Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes
Orlando, Florida
Designed by Greg Norman, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes is widely regarded as one of America's most luxurious resort golf experiences. The 7,122-yard par-72 layout features native wetlands, dramatic water carries, and a full caddie program.
History & Heritage
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes opened in 2003 as part of the Grande Lakes Orlando resort complex. Greg Norman — a two-time British Open Champion — designed the layout after extensive study of the Central Florida landscape, choosing to preserve the region's natural wetlands and pine hammocks.
The course earned Golf Course Management's National Resort Course designation for environmental excellence, and carries GEO Certification for its ongoing sustainability practices. Since 2012 the course has hosted the PNC Father Son Challenge, pairing major champions with their children and bringing Tiger and Charlie Woods and other legendary pairings to Orlando each December.
Signature Holes
A demanding right-to-left dogleg with a lake hugging the entire left side. The tee shot must carry a corner of the hazard to set up the approach, which plays to an elevated green with steep falloffs.
This long par 3 plays across a broad lake to a peninsula green. Club selection varies significantly with Central Florida's afternoon winds.
What to Expect
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes delivers the rare combination of luxury amenity and genuine course quality. Greg Norman's layout blends seamlessly with Central Florida's natural wetlands, so players encounter native birds and lush vegetation throughout. The conditioning is maintained to five-star standards, with the PNC Championship broadcast nationally each December showcasing the pristine playing surfaces.
Playing Tips
Afternoon thunderstorms are most common in summer — book morning tee times. Water comes into play on over half the holes; err toward the dry side. The back nine is generally more demanding; arrive with a comfortable score going into hole 10.
Highlights
- ✓ Greg Norman championship design
- ✓ Full caddie program at this five-star resort
- ✓ GEO Certified sustainability designation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club host professional events?
Is the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club open to non-hotel guests?
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