Golf question....

[tiff's mom]

My DH cannot wait to play golf at WDW this summer. We thought that he would be able to get a DVC discount on the golf course (probably playing Buena Vista- I think that's the name of it- since it's at the SSR). However, now I'm reading that he'll need to pay full price unless we are AP holders or he buys the golf membership. Since this is his one and only time to play this year, I'm assuming that just paying for a regular round of golf is our only option. Is this right?

Also, are there any discounts available to golf courses at Hilton Head or Vero for DVC members?

[Niki]

The DVC Golf Membership is now $50 and gives you a discount. This time of year, it is $50 per round after 10:00 a.m. In summer, when it is brutally hot, the cost is only $35. This is available to all DVC members, no matter the resort. The DVC member has to play in the foursome. Since he will only play once, not a good deal for the DVC membership. Good thing, this is good for an entire year. So if you are planning another trip within a year (even if it is 360 days later) the membership is still good.

WDW always has "twilight" rates that are almost as discounted as the DVC discount. Problem there is that you will start later in the afternoon. When it gets dark early, WDW Golf makes the "twilight" time earlier, but it is difficult to get all 18 in. The other problem is that you are playing right in the middle of parade time and won't get back to the parks till late.

Wish I could tell you there were better discounts there, but WDW Golf really caters to the return visitor. If we were going to be there during your vacation time, he would be welcome to join us.

[tjkraz]

I agree with Niki--it will be pretty difficult to get a discount on just one round of golf.

Lake Buena Vista is the course attached to Saratoga Springs. But he may be interested to know that Disney offers free transportation to all of the golf courses scattered around property. I believe you just need to call the clubhouse and they will send a cab to pick you up (and pay for the cab, obviously.)

The golf membership is good for a year, so if you'll be back anytime in 365 days, it is something to consider. The breakeven point on the golf membership depends a lot on the time of year you're visiting. It could pay for itself with just one round or require 3+ to justify the expense. IIRC, one of its added benefits is club storage and transportation if he'll be golfing more than once during your trip. After finishing the first round he just needs to let them know where and when he will be playing next and his clubs will meet him at the next course.

I've never heard of discounts near Vero or HHI, but you could check the member website for a full list. I know at one point they had some pretty good DVC rates at a course in the town of Celebration.

Hope that helps.

[Niki]

Ah yes, Celebration. That is a beautiful Robt. Trent Jones, Jr. course. We used to get a great discount there. Alas, no more. A couple of years ago Disney out-sourced it. Thus, no more discount. The last time I looked, the fees were quite steep. If you have the extra $$$, though, this course is worth it.

Haven't been to Vero, yet. Never heard of anyone golfing there.

DH and I used to go to HH often; however we seem to go back to WDW alot. We seem to be taking alot of friends and/or family lately. DVC has deals with several HH courses that are really fair, if not "cheap." Upon check-in, you will be given a list. Call the front desk and they will make the tee times for you. For most, you just get the discount there. I remember one course where you have to get a voucher. They will tell you at the front desk.

Someof my favorites in HH are Old Carolina, Old South and the Palmetto Dunes courses (One is Trent Jones the other is Pete Dye I believe). They are beautiful. Old Carolina takes you right amongst the wetlands. I needed plenty of balls there, but shot a good round (for me) none the less. The Trent Jones course there takes you right to the front of the ocean. What a beautiful view! Play this course later in the day to see the sunset. This hole is later in the round, I believe. There is also an EVIL Island green there, too. Beautiful, but devilish. Just outside HHI is a course with a funky Native American name starting with "O" that is run by Del Webb, the retirement community. Very nice there, too.

As seen on TV, but never played, is Harbourtown. It is really expensive and is played by the pros. I'm a 90's golfer, hacker, that is too cheap to do that.

Memories, memories. I really need to go back to HH!

[tjkraz]

As seen on TV, but never played, is Harbourtown. It is really expensive and is played by the pros. I'm a 90's golfer, hacker, that is too cheap to do that.


I can do you one better than that--I'm NOT a golfer. :) I think it's been nearly 10 years since my last round.

My step-father is a big golfer and I'm satisfied living vicariously through him. Coincidentally enough, he's headed to Hilton Head, SC tomorrow to attend a wedding this weekend. He has tee times at 3 courses, but was told universally to avoid Harbour Town. The people he spoke to claimed that the course is typically in pretty bad shape, with the exception of the weeks immediately surrounding the pro tournament when they actually fix things up. Go figure. :idontgeti

[Niki]

Sounds familiar. WDWGolf does the same thing with its championship course, Magnolia.