Disney's Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses both debuted on October 1, 1971, coinciding with Magic Kingdom's opening, with Lake Buena Vista following in 1972. Architect Joe Lee designed all three courses in collaboration with WDI. These venues hosted the "PGA Tour's Walt Disney World Golf Classic" from 1971-2012.
Over five decades, each course underwent renovations. Recent updates included Palm in 2013, Magnolia in 2015, and Lake Buena Vista in 2018, all receiving "overwhelmingly positive feedback" from guests regarding improved aesthetics and playing conditions.
Arnold Palmer Golf Management will redesign holes 14-17 of Magnolia's finishing stretch under designer Ken Baker's supervision. A full reconstruction of all 18 greens is also planned.
The four holes will transform as follows: Hole 14 shifts from par 5 to par 4 with relocated green; Hole 15 changes from par 3 to long par 5, dogleg right; Hole 16 moves and becomes dogleg left (par 4); Hole 17 converts from par 4 to par 3 with new tee boxes. A wooden bridge through the forest will connect holes 16-17. New bunkers and teeing grounds will accommodate layout changes while maintaining par 72.
PGA Tour professionals Sergio Garcia and Gary Woodland previewed the redesign, with Woodland noting the "four closing holes down the stretch that will test every aspect of your game."