Orlando has been voted “North American Golf Destination of the Year 2010” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). The announcement was made in Malaga, Spain at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry.

“This is outstanding recognition for an aspect of the Orlando experience that is outside of its world-renowned theme parks," said IAGTO CEO Peter Walton. "This award acknowledges not only the quality of the golf offerings in Orlando but the service provided to golfers and tour operators worldwide. With this award, our members recognize that Orlando has achieved a winning combination for golfers worldwide.”

The piece of property neatly tucked between Interstate 4 and Walt Disney World is a long way from 301 Park Avenue, but the developers of the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando did their best to pay homage to the original's historical footprint while making sure to account for the contemporary version's more tropical locale.

Interior designer of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Rosie Feinberg, told the Orlando Sentinel that the question always under consideration by the staff working toward creating a combination of new and old was, "What happens when a historic, urban, gilded hotel takes a vacation?"

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - According to the readers of Golf World magazine in their recently released "Reader's Choice Awards,” Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge improved on an already excellent product. In the public course category, Orange Country National is now No. 2 in the nation. Last year Orange County National was ranked as the 8th best facility and the top-rated facility in Florida. This year OCN has maintained its No. 1 ranking in Florida while improving their national ranking based upon the reader's overall evaluation scores.
 
"We are extremely honored to be recognized by the readers of Golf World as one of the top golf facilities in the country.  Our entire team works hard every day to provide a superior golf experience and rankings such as this validate those efforts" stated General Manager, Bruce Gerlander. 

ORLANDO – The golf course maintenance project which began this spring at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge continues on schedule, with the course looking to fully re-open this October.

In May, Bay Hill began refurbishment work on its Championship Course, resulting in temporary closure of that course over the summer. While the primary focus of the project is to re-grass the greens, other key elements include the addition of a few more runoff areas and the elimination of some unnecessary bunkers in exchange for new sand traps which will be more visible from the tee areas. 

It's true that opulence does exist within the section of society that strives to cut back on our environmental footprint. It can be costly to go green with expenditures like biodegradable shirts, hemp-fiber sheets and homes strapped with pricey solar panels. But the majority of us have a misconception about eco-friendly living; we equate going green with sacrifice of quality. For example, parting with our prized SUV's in favor of a hybrid equipped with less horsepower that gets more mileage per gallon.

Harmony Golf Preserve, which is just one component of the award-winning master-planned Town of Harmony, has shown a strong commitment to the environment, providing a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property as well as an unencumbered experience for players. Last year, Harmony Golf Preserve achieved its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, home of two championship

Greg Norman-designed courses and the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, introduces UNLIMITED GOLF, where one greens fee provides the avid golfer up to 54 holes per day. The UNLIMITED GOLF program includes play on the International and National championship golf courses, as well as daily breakfast served at Trevi's (or in bed) and resort accommodations. With a one-time greens fee, golfers stay and play, starting at 1$39/night/person through Dec. 31, 2007.

The Orlando World Center Marriott, the largest Marriott hotel in the world is one of Orlando's top resorts, boasting a staggering 2,000 guest rooms that offer vacationers the utmost in comfort, convenience and serenity.

Located within the resort is an 18-hole Hawks Landing golf course designed by Robert E. Cupp III which places a championship experience only a short walk from the hotel lobby, giving guests the chance to enjoy an outstanding round without ever leaving the premises.

Golfers eager to play one of America's top new courses can now save a little green while doing so. The AAA rated Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando's newest luxury hotel, is offering two annual golf packages for play at the award-winning Shingle Creek Golf Club.

The David- Harman designed, 18-hole, 7,228-yard championship course was named a "Top 40 Best New Course" by Golfweek magazine in 2005.

The best in golf travel since 1974, Golf Holidays will expertly plan your Orlando golf vacation. From budget-minded properties to premier resorts, we'll combine your accommodations with fabulous rounds of golf and a rental car to create a memorable golf experience.

Book on-line or call our friendly golf travel specialists for a customized itinerary - you'll surely be impressed with our in-depth knowledge and exceptional service. Golf Holidays should be our first and only choice when looking for a dream golf vacation.

The PGA Tour's Florida Swing had its share of intrigue on the course in 2007 but perhaps the biggest story was the deviation from a schedule that had been in place for 20 seasons. Change was the norm for all four stops on the swing last year, whether it was a new name, location, sponsor or date on the Tour calendar. This year the confusion should be alleviated for players and members of the gallery, leaving golf as the main focus once again.

As professional golf makes its long-awaited return to the east coast after stints in Hawaii and California, Florida steps into the spotlight for the better part of the month of March. Here is a quick look at what to expect, see and do during this year's edition of PGA's Florida Swing.