We are incredibly thrilled and proud to announce that the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has selected Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, as their 2026 Resort Golf Course of the Year!
The non-profit NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management, representing thousands of golf courses across the United States.
"Walt Disney World Golf represents the pinnacle of resort-level golf experiences, establishing a benchmark for service, design, and industry leadership," says Cathy Harbin, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. "The APGM team members at Walt Disney World Resort are passionate about our industry, providing first-class experiences and inspiring others. It is a privilege to recognize their dedication to golf and shine a spotlight on their achievements."
Walt Disney World Golf, with its three championship courses and nine-hole walking layout, will be recognized at NGCOA's Golf Business Conference 2026, taking place January 19-21, 2026, in Orlando.
"This prestigious award, naming Walt Disney World Golf as Resort Course of the Year, affirms the cohesiveness that exists when the Walt Disney World Resort entrusts a management team dedicated to operational excellence," said Doug Howe, Chief Operating Officer of Century Golf Partners, which owns and operates Arnold Palmer Golf Management (APGM). "The success of APGM is rooted in our commitment to quality, consistency, and integrity in all we do. This ensures that every operational detail, from agronomy to our guest experience, meets the highest standards, and we are incredibly honored by this recognition from the NGCOA."
We recently launched for the first time in 10+ years, a major project to overseed all four courses, including Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course walking layout, as part of our ongoing commitment to enhance quality and the overall experience year-round.
"Each of our world-class courses have hosted some of the biggest names in professional golf, and our amenities and team members ensure that our guests fully enjoy their experience, from bag drop to their final putt, every day of the year," said Bruce Gerlander, General Manager of Walt Disney World Golf operated by APGM. "Beyond our dedication to providing Palmer-like hospitality combined with renowned Disney guest service, we value our active NGCOA membership which helps us strengthen operations while being part of a genuine community. Our overarching goal is to create lasting memories by offering exceptional programming and services, including golf instruction, grab-and-go food and beverages, the hybrid sport of FootGolf."
We also recently introduced a new premium golf cart fleet from Advanced EV, now available on all three 18-hole courses: Disney's Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses. These sleek new golf carts feature a fob-based operation instead of keys, high-resolution LED multifunction displays showing cart speed and battery levels, upgraded alloy wheels, a USB-compatible power supply for charging mobile devices, and Bluetooth-enabled speakers with multimedia connectivity to your devices.
Disney's Magnolia Golf Course recently completed its most extensive renovation, featuring new teeing grounds, redesigned greenside and fairway bunkers, and newly re-contoured Bermuda grass greens. In addition to the already world-famous Mickey Mouse-inspired bunker on hole 6, each of the 18 holes now showcases a new Disney-themed name borrowed from a classic Disney film, paired with an inspiring quote from either Walt Disney or Arnold Palmer. All this, plus four newly reimagined holes, now affectionately known as "Grumpy's Gauntlet." Similar to other notable courses across the United States with signature holes, Disney's Magnolia holes No. 14, 15, 16, and 17 -- aka "Grumpy's Gauntlet" -- offer a challenging yet whimsical test of a golfer's skills toward the end of a round.
Walt Disney World Golf also provides its guests with "The Greatest Green Ever Played," a complimentary 18-hole putting course experience. It honors the famous U.S. Open win of amateur Francis Ouimet in 1913, as depicted by Walt Disney Pictures in the award-winning movie The Greatest Game Ever Played.
We are honored that our commitment to providing our Guests with a world-class golf experience has been recognized by this award, and we look forward to welcoming you back to "The Happiest Place on Turf!"
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