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Thanks to Disney World, Universal Studios and other theme parks and family attractions, Orlando has become one of the top vacation destinations in the USA. But vacationing in Orlando offers a lot more than theme parks. Orlando's favorable climate also makes it a great place to play golf, and if you are bringing your family on an Orlando vacation, make sure you also bring your golf clubs and take advantage of the fine courses in the area. Here is a brief guide to some of the best golf courses in the Orlando area.

Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes Orlando

The 18-hole "Ritz Carlton" course at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes Orlando facility in Orlando, Florida features 7,122 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 73.9 and it has a slope rating of 139 on Bermuda grass. Designed by Greg Norman, the Ritz Carlton golf course opened in 2003. You can find out more about this course at their website http://www.ritzcarlton.com or by telephone, (407) 393-4900

Shingle Creek Golf Club, Shingle Creek Course

Located nine miles from Orlando, this highly rated course offers 18 holes over 7,213 yards with a par of 72. The course was designed by David Harman and is located in an amazing natural setting along the historic Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. You can learn more about the course at their website http://www.shinglecreekgolf.com/ or can call them for information: Toll Free: (866) 996-9933

Walt Disney World Golf Courses, Osprey Ridge Course

This is an award winning course located at the Disney World Golf Courses facility in Kissimmee, Florida. It has 7,101 yards with a par of 72. The course was designed by Thomas Fazio and is managed by Steve Harker. You can find out more about this course at the Disney website: http://www.golf.disneyworld.com/ or call them at: (407) 939-4653

Country Club of Orlando, Orlando Golf Course

This is an 18 hole course located two miles from the center of Orlando. The course dates back to 1911 and it features 6,591 yards with a par of 72. The course was designed by Donald J. Ross. More information is available at (407) 425-2319 or through their website: http://www.countrycluboforlando.com

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Lodge has been long recognized as one of the best courses in the state. If you like challenges then this is the course for you. Four sets of tees stretch it from 5,235 to 7,207 yards. Bay Hill has everything Arnold Palmer admires in a golf course: Wide open fairways that provide plenty of room to swing the driver, risk/reward options that will tempt you to 'go for broke' and multiple rows of bunkers protecting spacious and well-defined greens. Their website is http://www.bayhill.com/ and you can phone them at: (407) 876-2429

Celebration Golf Club, Kissimmee

This is a Robert Trent Jones designed golf course. The course is rated 4 1/2 Star in Golf Digest and ranked #12 by the Florida Golf News. The renowned father-son team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr. sculpted a park-like atmosphere within the natural wetland environment, creating a truly serene golf experience. The course boasts rolling terrain that weaves through a series of pristine lakes and periodic clusters of native oak, pine and magnolia. For more information call them at Toll Free 888-2Play18 or visit their website: www.celebrationgolf.com/

These are just some of the golf courses available in the greater Orlando area, but they will give you an idea of the treats that await you here. By all means plan your vacation allowing yourself time to take advantage of the world-class golf facilities in Orlando.