Summertime in Orlando: the ideal time for an 'Unlimited Golf Package' - just hear me out

I just returned last night from a week of golf in Orlando, where I played a ton despite summer temperatures creeping into the 90s. I even had a couple 36-hole days thrown into the mix.

Crazy? I don’t think so. In fact, playing golf till you drop in the Florida summer isn’t all that bad as long as you keep your cart stocked with cold water - and even more importantly - play quickly.

That’s the silver lining with summer golf in Florida. While the theme parks are usually jammed because school is out - the golf courses are empty in the afternoon, so you generally have wide open holes in front of you - opposed to long waits in the sun for roller coasters. I played with a gentleman at Grande Pines Golf Club on Memorial Day who opted for golf over taking the family Sea World for that very reason. Wise man.

Which begs the question: would you rather pay a full, peak season rate when the weather is perfect, but you play in five hours because the course is jammed? Or, play discounted, summer golf in Florida (or Arizona) for cheap - and in three hours?

Two golf clubs are currently offering Unlimited Golf Packages in Orlando: the new Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. I played Waldorf Astoria last week, and it’s certainly the kind of high-roller golf club you could spend a day at.

Personally, I would book a tee time for Waldorf at the crack of dawn, then come in, eat lunch, hang at their relaxing, adult-friendly pool for a couple hours, maybe take a nap, and then head out at about 3 p.m. for a second round. Oh, and I’d probably put on a new shirt too.

Championsgate features two 18-hole courses as well as a lighted par 3 course that is included in the unlimited golf package, so you can still golf even if you’ve gotten your fill of sun for the day.

If you’re still not sold on summer golf in Florida, never fear, both Championsgate and Waldorf Astoria offer the package all year long.