Play It As It Lies

DISNEY WORLD���S OSPREY RIDGE Golf Course: 5 stars

By Jeff

Is it that time again? Hello, all. I bring you greetings and salutations from the land of Mickey Mouse. That���s correct everyone. I���ve returned to Orlando, Florida. I must say, with the heat and humidity, it is sweltering during this current heat wave. Just a reminder, please, stay hydrated on the course.

I���d like to bring your attention to exhibit ���A.��� ���Dramatic and challenging.��� This description can be found on the home page of Disney World's Osprey Ridge golf course - where I am. And, it���s never a bad day when you���re on Disney property. I think it has to do with the fun quotient the cast members exude. Pardon me, let me explain. All employees of Walt Disney World resorts and theme parks are referred to as cast members. Needless to say, the golf courses are no different. Hospitality is at the forefront and that is obvious from the moment you drive through one of the many entrances on the property. Disney is huge, but the course is pretty easy to locate as there are signs everywhere guiding you to wherever you���d like to go in the park. This makes life a lot easier. Now, on to the course, shall we?

Osprey Ridge is a hidden gem amongst the many golf courses Disney has to offer. Many golf aficionados will recall the Magnolia and Palm Courses, located in the shadow of the Grand Floridian Hotel, as the site of the former Disney Funai Classic*. It was originally held in October on the PGA tour (prior to the current schedule changes). Those that have played this Tom Fazio designed course will vigorously argue that Osprey Ridge tops all Disney courses.

The visual from the very first hole makes it clear this will be different from most Florida based courses. This is not wide open, grip it and rip it golf. There is an impending sense of shot placement and course management, with just enough pine trees to get your attention. It���s just like the old golf saying, ���it���s better to be short and in the fairway than long and in the trees.��� There is a premium placed on shot making on this course. Fazio takes us on a journey not unlike Walt Disney himself. You���ll encounter elevated tee boxes, sanded waste areas, fast running greens and water on several holes to stimulate your retinas. Oh don���t worry, as long as you play away from the water, you���ll do just fine. There are 4 sets of tee boxes available so everyone can have an enjoyable, yet challenging day.

Although the 7th hole is rated as the #1 handicap hole (hardest), I believe it���s actually #16. This hole is a par 5, starting from an elevated tee box with a water fountain on the left side of the fairway. Now before you say, "that���s nice", hold on ��� Fazio throws a major wrench in the plans. You���ll need three well struck shots, from the tee to the green, in order to reach it in regulation, in order to have a chance at making birdie. That green is also elevated and sloped from back to front and right to left, with water waiting for you if your approach shot is either short or wide left. Come to think of it, hole 14 is a mega 454 yard par 4 with your tee shot having to carry a right to left running lake guarding a narrow runway sized fairway. Nail biting!

Everyone, please, take your time on this course. Not just for the golf, but, more so, for the Audubon rated wildlife. As the course name suggests, there are plenty of osprey, wild turkey, cardinals and crows, to name a few, bringing color and extra fascination to your round. Also, Osprey Ridge has a full practice facility available for warming up, prior to this gem. Oh! Did you forget balls or gloves? Do you need souvenirs? The pro shop has just what you need, whether or not it���s Disney themed. If you just needed to get away for a few hours and had not planned to play golf, don���t worry. Disney courses have Titleist brand equipment, and, Footjoy brand shoes available for rental. Hey, did the round satisfy your vacation needs? Not so fast. Are you entertaining clients, or famished after your round? Make it your business to visit the Sand Trap Bar & Grill. The fare is tremendous, whether it���s a light lunch, or, dinner. Have I given you enough to chew on? Go enjoy yourself at Osprey Ridge. Gotta go, I think I can convince Mickey to play another 18 today. As always, play it as it lies.


* No longer on the PGA tour schedule due to the new FedEx Cup format shortening the official season as per 2007.

Recommendation: 5 stars
Current Price: Week $109, Weekend Same
Par 72, Slope 74.4, Rating 131, Yardage 7101
Address: Walt Disney World Orlando, Fl
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/golf/golfLanding?id=OspreyRidgeCourseLandingPage