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Walt Disney World Golf Scores Big as 2026 Resort Course of the Year
Walt Disney World Golf is swinging into the spotlight in the best way possible, because the National Golf Course Owners Association has officially crowned it the 2026 Resort Course of the Year. That’s no small feat, considering NGCOA represents thousands of golf courses nationwide, but the Happiest Place on Turf is clearly living its best fairway life.
Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, the resort’s three championship courses plus the nine-hole Oak Trail layout continue to shine thanks to a team that treats every round like a story worth telling. Cathy Harbin, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors, praised the crew for setting the bar on service, design, and passion for the sport, and honestly, that Disney magic shows from the bag drop to the final putt.
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Guests will get to see this accomplishment highlighted at the Golf Business Conference in January 2026 right here in Orlando. And if you’ve visited recently, you already know why WDW Golf is earning applause. A massive overseeding project across all four courses just wrapped for the first time in over a decade, boosting year-round quality and playability. Disney’s Magnolia, fresh off its most extensive renovation ever, features new teeing grounds, reimagined bunkers, beautifully contoured greens, and even Disney-themed hole names inspired by classic films. Its new signature stretch, affectionately dubbed Grumpy’s Gauntlet, challenges players through holes 14 to 17 with a mix of whimsy and wickedly fun strategy, all capped off by the iconic Mickey-shaped bunker on hole 6.
Tech lovers will also appreciate the new premium golf cart fleet available on Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista. Think fob-based starts instead of keys, LED multifunction displays, USB charging, upgraded wheels, and Bluetooth speakers so you can cruise the course in style. Over at Oak Trail, guests can enjoy FootGolf or sink putts at The Greatest Green Ever Played, a charming 18-hole homage to Francis Ouimet’s legendary 1913 U.S. Open victory as portrayed in Disney’s film The Greatest Game Ever Played.
Related: Planning a Magical Golf Vacation at Walt Disney World Resort
The recognition from NGCOA celebrates years of dedication to quality, consistency, and that signature blend of Palmer hospitality and Disney service. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, exploring reimagined holes, or just soaking up the Florida sunshine between shots, Walt Disney World Golf continues to prove why it’s the place where magical rounds happen every day. Here’s to the champions of turf, and here’s to even more unforgettable golf moments ahead.
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