Walt Disney World Golf

The Challenge

Few experiences in golf carry the same heritage – or expectations – as Walt Disney World Golf. Built on the vision of Walt Disney himself, the golf courses were designed to reflect the joy, imagination and hospitality that define Disney World itself.

By the time Century Golf Partners became involved, the challenge was clear: preserve a storied legacy from 42 years of serving as the host site of PGA Tour’s Disney Classic to elevating the Guest experience for a new generation. Course conditions, facilities and programming needed renewal. Golfers expected advanced technology, better amenities, and service that lived up to Disney’s world-class standard.

The goal was forge a strategic alliance to improve operations and ignite a sense of wonder and emotional connection that makes golf at Disney World unlike anywhere else.

"We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to represent and uphold the reputation and brand standards of two of the most iconic and respected names in the world — Walt Disney and Arnold Palmer. Both embody a legacy of excellence, integrity, and character. Each understood that how you treat people is the true measure of success in sport, business, and life."

- Bruce Gerlander, General Manager

"At Century Golf, our mission is to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve. At Disney, that means preserving joy, quality and connection - the very essence of what these courses represent."

- Amy Spittle, VP of Marketing, Century Golf Partners

The Century Solution

Walt Disney World GolfCentury Golf Partners, under its Arnold Palmer Golf Management brand, engaged with Walt Disney World Golf to honor its heritage while leading a full-scale modernization of the golf experience – from course design to Guest services.

The mission: enhance the magic, honor the legacy, tell the story, and ensure Disney’s golf experience remained world-class.

This included:

  • Revitalizing the Arnold Palmer/Disney connection by retaining Arnold Palmer Design Company to reimagine the Palm Course, preserving the spirit of its original design while introducing new strategic elements and invigorating playability
  • Reconstructed the Magnolia Course, redesigning greens and reconstructing several holes to elevate its championship-caliber quality
  • Refurbished the Lake Buena Vista clubhouse and rebuilt on-course comfort stations at the Palm and Magnolia courses, blending classic Disney theming with modern comfort
  • Created a new 18-hole Putting Course, “The Greatest Green Ever Played”, and improved practice facilities to welcome families, juniors and casual players alike
  • Enhanced digital strategy through dynamic pricing and guest data insights, maximizing accessibility and revenue while maintaining Disney’s hallmark service quality

The Results

  • Exceptional Service Quality: Maintained an outstanding 97% average Guest satisfaction rating, reflecting Disney’s and Century’s shared commitment to excellence
  • High Guest Loyalty: Achieved an impressive Net Promotor Score of 65, with continued year-over-year improvement
  • Golf Course Transformation: From complete rebuilds to enhancements across the Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail courses Century Golf has continued to strengthen Disney Golf’s position as one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the world

Together, these results reflect Century Golf’s ability to deliver exceptional outcomes – combining operational expertise with storytelling, innovation and service that elevate the Guest experience and the legacy of Walt Disney World Golf.

The Legacy

Today, Walt Disney World Golf continues to thrive as a model of a successful strategic alliance, innovation and hospitality. Guests experience championship golf woven into the fabric of Disney World – where service, playability, and imagination meet.

As a testament to this fact, Walt Disney World Golf has been named the 2026 Resort Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association!

With continued facility enhancements and evolving Guest programming, Century Golf remains focused on our mission: To sustain the magic, inspire every player, and ensure that every Guest leaves with a memorable story.

Quick Facts

Property:

Walt Disney World Golf (Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, and Oak Trail courses)

Location:

Orlando, FL

Century Services:

Lease, operations management, facility renovation, guest experience optimization, storytelling integration

Key outcomes:

Guest satisfaction growth, NPS growth, full facility modernization

Disney Golf
Golf cart decorated with a large Mickey Mouse face on the front, parked on a grassy area.
Disney Golf
Adults and children holding soccer balls stand near a flag on a grassy field with trees in the background.
Three men smiling with a yellow golf cart featuring a large Mickey Mouse face on the front.
Aerial view of a golf course featuring a Mickey Mouse-shaped sand bunker near the green.
Two women talk beside a pink and white polka dot golf cart on a paved path in a golf course setting.
Three people converse outdoors near a colorful umbrella and racks of sports balls at a Disney park.
Golf green with sand bunkers surrounded by water, trees, and houses under a clear blue sky.
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