Golf Communities in Central Florida

Golf in the Greater Orlando Area

Central Florida's warm climate and flat terrain make it a natural home for golf. The Greater Orlando area has one of the highest concentrations of golf courses in the United States, with options ranging from affordable municipal courses to exclusive private clubs.

Many residential communities in the region are built around golf courses, with homes positioned along fairways and greens. These golf communities vary widely in character, price, and membership requirements.

Understanding Golf Community Structure

An important distinction for anyone considering a golf community is the separation between:

The residential community: The homes, lots, streets, and homeowners association.
The golf course/club operation: The course, clubhouse, pro shop, and golf management.

These are typically related but distinct entities. Owning a home in a golf community does not automatically include golf club membership, tee time privileges, or access to club amenities. The relationship between homeownership and golf privileges varies by community. Some communities bundle basic amenities with homeownership. Others require separate membership agreements.

Before purchasing in a golf community, verify:

What golf or club privileges, if any, are included with homeownership
Membership tiers and costs at the associated golf club
Whether membership is optional or required
Whether the golf course operation is financially stable
What happens to the golf course if the club operation closes
Whether non-golf-owning residents have any financial obligation for the golf operation

Public vs. Private Courses

Public Courses

Public golf courses are open to anyone. They charge green fees and may offer season passes, twilight rates, and league play. Public courses in the area include Orange County National, Shingle Creek Golf Club, Eagle Creek Golf Club, and numerous municipal and county courses.

Semi-Private Courses

Semi-private courses offer both public play and memberships. Members may receive preferred tee times, reduced rates, and access to club amenities. This model is common in the Orlando area.

Private Clubs

Private clubs restrict play to members and their guests. These clubs typically charge initiation fees, monthly dues, and may have minimum spending requirements for food and beverage. Notable private clubs in the area include Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, and Bella Collina.

Notable Golf Communities

Isleworth (Windermere): A prestigious private club with a course designed by Arnold Palmer, situated along the Butler Chain of Lakes.
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club (Lake Nona): A private club with a Tom Fazio-designed course, part of the Lake Nona master-planned community.
Bella Collina (Montverde): A private club in Lake County with a Nick Faldo-designed course and dramatic rolling terrain.
Eagle Creek (Lake Nona): A semi-private club with an 18-hole course within the Lake Nona community.
Orange County National (Winter Garden): A public facility with two 18-hole courses, popular for its tournament-quality conditions.
ChampionsGate (Davenport): A resort and residential community with two golf courses designed by Greg Norman.

Things to Consider

Cost of membership

Private club membership can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars annually, plus initiation fees. Understand the full cost structure before committing.

Home values and golf course closure

If a golf course in a community closes, the impact on home values and HOA assessments varies. Research the financial stability of the golf operation.

Mandatory vs. optional membership

Some communities require all homeowners to maintain a minimum golf membership. Others make membership entirely optional. This significantly affects your annual cost of ownership.

Last updated: August 11, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.

Golf Course Locations in the Orlando Area