Florida’s Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, host venue for the PNC Championship, is considered one of the best courses in Orlando.
Located within the headwaters of the Everglades, and the Greg Norman-designed course makes full use of the area's natural beauty. Indeed, anyone playing the par-72 course will encounter wetlands, cypress heads, natural marshes ponds, pines and mature oaks.
Aside from the natural features, the course also has water, bunkers and beautifully groomed, subtly contoured greens. There are also several forced carries over ponds and natural areas, while sprawling sandy areas are not uncommon. Given its beauty, it is perhaps not surprising to note that the course, which opened in 2003, is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary course.
Norman designed the course to appeal to players of most abilities, and he succeeded in his aim. As well as the natural and man-made features, the course is known for its wide, gently rolling fairways, helping to enhance its reputation of providing a challenge to everyone, while remaining fair throughout.
As well as the course’s immaculate condition, other touches lend it the impression of a top private club. For example, an impressive Caddie Concierge program pairs each group with a professional attendant who will assist with tasks including course navigation, cleaning of golf clubs, course strategy advice, and golf ball location.
However, the good news is that the course is, in fact, open to the public and extremely straightforward to book. Interested parties only have to visit the resort's official website and click on 'reserve tee time' - much like many other public courses all over the world.
'Public Guest' tee times can be booked up to four months in advance, with green fees ranging between $299 and $375 per golfer - depending on the date and the time of day you begin.
That changes to between $269 and $345 for a resort guest. If you choose to stay at the resort's Ritz-Carlton Orlando hotel, prices start from $522 per room per night (July/August 2025).
In terms of the caddie services on offer, it is recommended that a walking caddie is tipped $100 per bag over 18 holes and a forecaddie who helps between 2-4 players is tipped $120 per group.
When Did Ritz-Carlton Orlando Open?
The resort opened in 2003. It is built over 409 acres and includes the host course for the PNC Championship, which was designed by Greg Norman and is considered one of the best courses in Orlando.
Can Anyone Play The Ritz-Carlton Orlando?
The course is open to the public, and tee times can be booked online, with green fees starting at $299 for non-resort guests. Another way to experience the course is to stay at the resort’s hotel. Prices to stay overnight begin at $522 per room, and resort guests can play 18 holes from $269.
