Orlando, FL

Airport Lakes Park

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2.955(based on 22 reviews)
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14 0
pmay5
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 480 played 245 reviews
3.50 star(s)

18 holes on 9, done very well!

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 5, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

Two sets of DISCatchers on every hole, all in great shape, no rust and brightly colored, Red in the short position and Yellow (Gold) in the long position. These were very easy to spot through the partial woods on most holes.
Two level concretes tees on every hole, brushed to a textured finish so they aren't slick when wet. Most provided different looks at the hole with just 3 adding only distance.
Two great tee signs at every tee, showing the path to both baskets and distance to both baskets.
Good mix of holes: going left and right through partial woods, a wide open #1 and mostly wooded #9, even a Par 4.
Because of the small size of the park, having the multiple baskets is probably the only way to get 18 holes here, and it works pretty well.
Located in a nice park in east Orlando only about a mile from the Airport (hence the name). If planes taking off directly overhead bothers you, then this would be a Con. But it would be the perfect "layover" course. Tons of restaurants and hotels in the area, very convenient if you are in the area.

Cons:

The short, Red, tee pads were smaller than the Blues. The way this course is laid out, four different layouts, both tees should be the same size.
There are a few holes where the Red basket is pretty much in line with the Gold basket from the tee. So much in line, that a shot to the Gold basket could hit the Red basket. But, as the saying goes, "it was there when you threw".
Clearly defined fairways on all holes except #8, after clearing the tunnel off the tee, I had a tough time finding a true line to the baskets, of course that could have been just me, on my first time through.
The grass/weeds on #9 were pretty long, probably tough to get a mower in there.

Other Thoughts:

Airport Lakes is one of the better 18 holes on 9 fairways courses I have played. Two great baskets and two concrete tee pads on each hole make this more like an 18 hole course than most. They don't label the tees as 1-18 but rather 1-9 and another 1-9 B (Blue) pads.
As mentioned above, most of the tees provide a different look at the baskets, but #3 and #8 are right in line. Mostly because they are hemmed in by the property line, but both Blue tees have a tighter line to hit off the tee.
Of the 4 different layouts the shortest to longest is a difference of about 900', and ironic enough, the two middle layouts (Red to Gold and Blue to Red) come in a total of 5' different, just under 2600'. That was how I got my 18 in, Red tees to Gold then Blue tees to Red, that way I got to see all the tees and all the baskets.
Don't be fooled on the wide open #1, that's your warm up hole, everything else is in the assorted trees, Palms and Palm bushes after that. Palm bushes really don't allow a disc through, much like thick brush, only its easier to find your plastic.
While I mentioned that several holes have both baskets in line with each other (actually #1 does also, but those are so far apart, its a minor issue) the other half are so far apart, they create truly unique holes. This is the case on #2, #5, #8 and #9.
Looking back through all the previous reviews, all are 2.5,3, or 3.5, a pretty solid consensus. They average out to 2.93 at this writing, and I am surprised this course is below the 3.0 level. It just seems like a better course than that, especially considering the upscale area where it is located.
So, if you are flying in or out of MCO, maybe for a Cruise or one of the Theme parks, be sure to pack some discs, Airport Lakes is very close and you won't be disappointed playing there.
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10 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Playover for a Layover 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 21, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

9 hole Airport Lakes Park is just a very short drive from the Airport in Orlando . This park has multi uses and is popular , but it is very clean , mowed and well cared for . There is a nice bathroom next to the spacious parking lot , along with benches and trash receptacles . A short walk behind the bathrooms leads you to hole #1 . There is a nice course map here . This course is yet another rendition of World Champion Disc Golf Design . Their motto should be " If it doesn't have 2 baskets and 2 tees , then it probably isn't ours " . Print the map here . The course flows well , but there are a couple of dead ends that you have to navigate your way out of . There are 2 nice tee pads per hole , blue striped in the back for longer tees and red striped for the shorter version . There are also 2 baskets per hole , Discatcher s , Red for the short placement and yellow banded for the longs . This is such a great idea , with 2 tees and baskets , being able to play each hole 4 different ways . There are nice signs at all of the tee pads giving you the hole number , par , distance of each option and flight path . The course is tightly packed in to the side and back of this small park , but the designers did a good job with what the had to work with . The course is flat , even for Florida , but is easy on the knees . This course plays fast . Even playing from the longs , I played it in less than 30 minutes . A group of 4 can get through in just over an hour . That is , if they wanted to .
The course is a very fun play . It is not set up for the pro or a tournament . It just keeps giving you reasons to unwind and have a good time here. The course is has a certain Florida flavor , with it's large , low branched trees with Spanish moss hanging from them . Disc Risk : Low for a tighter , kind of woods sectioned course . The park is manicured , so you might only lose one if off a bad ricochet and you took your eye off of it . You will have company most of the time that you play the course . It looks to be a popular hangout for the disc golf locals . There must have been 25 players her when I played on a late Wednesday afternoon . I will just give you some highlights of the holes . #1 is a good starter hole , going out of a bush surrounded tee pad to a basket just over a very small hill . #4 is a nice hyzer shot ( 300' from the longs ) with a tight window to bend your drive through . #5 is a tunnel drive , only 215'-275' , but the tunnel seems only about 2' wide to you . #6 is the second longest hole at 435' from the longs , into a tight doorway , bending slightly left then slightly right , and a fair par 4 . #9 is a fun finishing hole . Although only 285' from the longs ( 225' from short ) it kind of makes you throw an S shot in order to snake your drive through the trees and brush . Signature hole : #8 . At 515' ( par 4 ) , both tees make you eventually turn your drive slightly right .Precision is the key here , and the fairway makes you earn all of it .

Cons:

Not much in the way of cons . The course is constricted , so it can never be 18 holes ( so what . You have 2 tees and 2 baskets to make it an 18 hole round ) , or have the 9 hole course expand to include a dogleg or 2 , or a par 5 . Safety might be an issue . holes 3,4,and 5 are packed in close together . A ricochet might ruin your round if hit by an errant drive . Also , be careful when teeing off on #1 . There was a couple that had spread a blanket near the hidden basket just over the hill . I came a little close to them . I think it was #7's long basket was broken off and all that was left was a pole . Some of the yellow baskets were showing their wear . Try to be nice to the unaware locals . Bring bug spray in the warmer months . Be on the lookout for snakes .

Other Thoughts:

Okay . The course may be a little too flat and the holes aren't the most memorable . What you DO GET , is a disc golf park that Orlando takes serious enough to put some $$$ into this course . How can you go wrong with 2 nice tees and 2 baskets !?! I am bringing this idea back to Cincinnati with me . It can make an average 9 hole course a great one . The course was surprisingly clean for a protected area ( i get it . I have one of those types of course back home . You have to get permission to trim a bush ) . A fast play , you can decide to go for another round , or just kick back , relax , and watch others have some fun , too . My Recommendation . Maybe not a course that you go too far out of your way for , but another in a great line of Florida 9 hole courses if anywhere close by , or stuck at the airport . Great for flight layovers , or disc golf enthusiasts that are on their way to/from the airport , fantastic for locals and newbies that like to hang out after or between rounds , and families that look for something to involve the family after dinner or on the weekends . Good for course baggers grabbing course on the way to I-4 or going to rt. 528 . Challenging enough for ams or tournament tested players to work on their short and technical game . If anywhere in the Orlando Area , Play It !!!
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6 1
WhereTheIDivides
Experience: 6 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice but lots of leaves 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 15, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- 9 quick holes, with 2 pads and 2 baskets. So it can be played 4 times.
- Clean, well kept, no trash.
- Close to airport, hotels, food and 436.
- Has bathrooms and water.

Cons:

The next 3 will not change. It's scarey because of snakes.
- Ground is covered in leaves from hole 3-9.
- Has many downed trees, sticks, logs and stuff.
- Has ground bushes.

- To many holes in the forest.
- There is no practice area to putt.
- They rarely cut the grass on holes 1, 2, 9. Grass gets waist high sometimes. But hey, they do cut the soccer fields every week.

Other Thoughts:

With a 1/2 mil grant from the state, it is classified as a green space. As such, the park rangers can not clean up the leaves, branches or anything. They'd have to get permission from the state. As such, it will stay the same. It sucks cause the leaves and junk on the ground is where snakes like to hide. There is airplane noise, but jeeze, no biggie. The guys cutting the lawn make more noise. Not a issue. Also, it's FLORIDA. Florida is flat just above sea level. Hole 1 is on a fake retainer hill, but the others are flat. That's Florida.
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5 0
Fletch50
Experience: 13.8 years 12 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Every 9 hole should have these features 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 12, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

With 2 tees and 2 pins on every hole it gives a nice variety so you can play it over and over and essentially get 36 holes of similar variety. Excellent bathroom and playground area to keep everyone occupied. Being a beginner with a rating of maybe 825-850 it was challenging enough without losing any discs. Upkeep was nice and it was a beautiful day.

Cons:

The course is well played so expect little wait from time to time. Airplane noise is the only other negative. Beware of the OB fence on hole #4 dogleg right, too far straight is over the fence.

Other Thoughts:

If we lived closer I would play all the time, like course.
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9 0
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.8 years 242 played 194 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Lot Of Good Golf Crammed In Here! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 30, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

A very fun course featuring two sets of tees and two permanent baskets for every hole.This makes for a lot of different ways to play the course. Nice tee signs at each tee location. I would describe the course as short and technical with most holes throwing in the woods. There are a couple of holes where almost everything is covered in Spanish moss, giving these holes a spooky kind of vibe.

Very close to Orlando's airport and many local hotels.

Cons:

Some of the baskets are very old school but are in good repair.

The airplane noise can be loud at times.

Other Thoughts:

There is a lot of good golf here and although it is a little on the short and technical side, I think that most would enjoy a round or 3 here.
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11 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 652 played 629 reviews
2.50 star(s)

More like 18 holes 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 11, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

(2.619 Rating) Feels more like an 18 hole course than 9
- DUEL PINS AND TEES - By far the best thing about Airport Lakes is the duel pins and tees at each of the 9 holes. I'm a big fan of this type of format when space is at a premium. This setup is great for groups of multiple skill levels. It also allows players the opportunity to never play the same round twice as they could randomize the tee and pin they play at each of the 9 holes.
- CHARACTER - Airport Lakes is probably about average in terms of character. There is a wonderful course map at hole 1, there is great hole signage, most of the tees are well shaded, there are restrooms in the park and the tees are concrete. Probably the biggest thing that's missing is seating and trash cans. There is also no practice area, multiple pin placements or bag holders that you'd see at your older established courses.
- NAVIGATION - Would be issue except for the great course map placed at hole 1. If you take a picture, you'll have no issues on your first time threw.
- SHELTER - There is a great shelter with picnic tables placed right in the center of the course. perfect for the end of round gathering point and perfect for the summer pop-up thunderstorm.
- LOCATION - A 10 minute drive from the Airport - perfect for a layover if you have a means to get here.
- QUICK PLAY - Piggy backing off the layover comment above, playing nine holes can easily be done in under 30 minutes.

Cons:

I did not find any major flaws with Airport Lakes, but by no means it this a destination must play course.
- CHAINS - They are in pretty bad shape. They are still playable but among the most rusted and beat up I've ever come across. I'll add that none of my putts missed due to the condition factor, I can shank a putt all by myself.
- MAINTENANCE - The rest of the park seems to get a lot more love than the course itself. There were twigs, branches and Spanish moss on the ground everywhere. the grass in some areas was over 10" in height. the overgrowth and rough areas weren't the worth I've seen, but it was definitely subpar. To those that prefer the well manicured courses, this isn't the one.
- SPACING - Not the best or worst but I did end up in an adjacent fairway several times.
- LAYOUT FLOW - Again, not the best or worst I've seen, but probably below average. You will have double back three times (1 to 2) and (3 to 4) and (7 to 8). It seems on paper that holes (8, 7 and 6) should have been reversed to lead into hole (9) Instead, the layout makes you jump around from (5 to 6) and (8 to 9) check out the course map and you'll see what I mean.
- UNIQUENESS - The holes themselves are lacking the uniqueness that you'd see on your average 18 hole course. There are really no water elements in play (some may consider this a blessing) There are no dog legs. The most that any one hole veers is perhaps 10 to 15 degrees. Nearly are the holes weave threw a live oak canopy and are moderately tight lines (#1 is an exception and is an open play) there are no overhead plays. None of the holes are gimmes and none are that exceedingly hard. There is one par 4 (#8) which is over 500 feet in the long position. This hole is also the one blind basket when playing the short position.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. I know that this is typically for Florida, but this course is flat for even Florida standards. no more than 10' change throughout the entire course layout.

Other Thoughts:

I'd definitely play this course again if I was in the area. A good course for those living within 5-10 miles and for beginners threw the intermediate level. Advanced and Pro players will probably come away unchallenged.
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1 0
pickupman92
Experience: 8.7 years 34 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Small Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 15, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Bathroom Facilities! It's always fantastic when there is a bathroom at DG courses. Multiple pads and baskets fit into a small piece of land - can easily see room for expansion as well

Cons:

Some of the holes were a tad short, definitely a midrange and putter course, I did use a driver on a couple of the longer holes, but only for a skip shot.

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed the course, played short to short and then long to short with my gf. This is a great beginner and intermediate course. My home course is Debary and there are possiblities for some REALLY long holes at that course. This one is nice, has some twists and turns, nicely shaded so you're not stuck out in the sun the entire time.
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6 0
The Drake
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.8 years 126 played 60 reviews
3.50 star(s)

9 holes, 36 options 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 24, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is a well designed "9 hole" course on a relatively small piece of land. But don't let the 9 holes fool you. There are two sets of pins and tees on each hole which legitimately make for 36 holes for play. Every pin has a tee sign with pretty accurate distances and solid cement tee pads.

The holes themselves are well designed given the land available for use. The first hole is really the only open hole, after that its all wooded, but fair. While some holes play better from certain pin/tee locations, overall there are no bad options.

This is an excellent introduction into wooded golf for the new player and the fairways, while tight, give legitimate lines and options. Its a good course to learn some of the basics of shot shaping which you may not pick up on tougher courses in the area or the more open options around town.

Cons:

The holes themselves are pretty short. With the exception of hole 6 and 8 you definitely could get away playing this course with your favorite midrange and putter. For experienced players this is not a course that is going to challenge you very much. Even from the "all long" setup (blue to gold) you should be able to put yourself within the putting circle on nearly every hole.

This course is just north of the airport, meaning there are planes taking off and landing all the time, which are loud and can get annoying if you're playing with friends.

Given the fact that there are two sets of tees and 2 permanent pins on each hole I'm not even going to count the "9 holes" as a con for this course.

Other Thoughts:

While this is not a course you would find yourself playing all the time given the other good courses in town if you're in southeast Orlando or staying near the airport this is the only good close option. Given the multiple pins you can really tailor the round to how much time you have.
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1 0
drgonzo712
Experience: 11.1 years 39 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short, but good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 21, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Right next to the Airport so good course to play quick before a flight
Mix of wooded holes and a couple of open holes
Layout is good for a 9 hole course
actually really nice scenery in the woods
Multiple pin and tee pad locations

Cons:

Short course with no long bomb opportunities
They leave all pins up at all times, so it can get a little confusing
Just no real signature holes that stand out in my mind
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7 0
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.7 years 278 played 273 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Quite the Layover 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 5, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

I avoided playing this course for a long time. Nine holes by the airport? Sounds like a snoozefest. But upon realizing that it is about to be my closet course, decided to give it a round. I was pleasantly surprised. While it is indeed comprised of nine holes and it is near the airport, that description is selling it short.

While it may be bereft of signature holes, there is not a bad hole among the nine. (ok, well, besides one, but that's the warmup hole) From the red tees especially, the fairways offer great throwing lines and a fair shot at every basket.

Every hole has two tees, and two baskets. Not two pin locations, two baskets in the ground. While you can mix and match tees and baskets in various ways, I played the two most obvious. Short to short, and long to long. The short course is actually probably the better one. The majority of the holes are very parkable so well-placed drives will be well-rewarded.

Cons:

The long layout suffers from too many holes with no scoring separation. Really no separation. The extra angle from the red basket to the gold basically makes the hole unparkable, so good play will lead to a tap in par. A shanked drive will yield a tougher putt but generally, it will still lead to par. I don't mind some of these holes at all, but it really feels like all of them are like that.

For the experienced players, even the longest arrangement won't be too difficult. The holes would definitely be described as wooded but the fairways are more than wide enough.

There are also a few location where multiple fairways are in play. It doesn't feel cramped but it actually is, as is made clear when there are players on other holes. I everyone is keeping it in their own fairway there will be no issues, but off drives can easily cross over into neighboring fairways.

Other Thoughts:

So it's a course that is more suited for beginners, albeit one that is very-well suited for them. It's also a course than be looped quickly. It wouldn't take long to play four rounds of nine here, taking advantage of all the possible layouts.
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2 1
KyrieandSteve
Experience: 9 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Perfect course for beginners. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 2, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-When playing from the short tee's par is obtainable for first time players, Boosting confidence and making the game more enjoyable.
-Good course if your worried about loosing your disc, pretty safe here.

Cons:

-Slightly confusing layout with the multiple baskets and pads, Good idea to download map and walk the course before you start.

Other Thoughts:

-We found some strange items(shotgun shells, empty bottles of motor oil) in the woods around the course.
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3 0
KickballTom
Experience: 11.2 years 11 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Airport Lakes DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 1, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

*Two sets of tees (Red & Blue) to Two sets of baskets (Red & Gold). Variations of rounds possible for you to complete 18.
*Not a "grip it & rip it" course - offers technical shots through trees and brush.
*Offers a shaded play area while also keeping away from park traffic.

Cons:

*Walk from #8 basket to #9 tees is a bit much - Could have reversed #6,#7, & #8 holes for a better flow into 9.
*A few holes offer tight OB (Fence) Lines.
*Hole #9 is very cluttered with trees and brush - very hard to get any type of clean path to baskets.
*Baskets are older and some are leaning.

Other Thoughts:

*Overall a great course in my opinion.
*Park offers other amenities (Playground, Dock on Lake, Soccer Fields) to keep family busy for you to put in a round or two.
*As a beginning player, I enjoy the course.
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7 0
el_duder
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.8 years 44 played 14 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Layover Getaway! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 5, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Location! It's very easy for people with a layover for a few hours to hit this place up for a couple quick rounds.
- Multiple layouts (4 different ways to play the course).
- Good technical challenge.
- Concrete tee pads are nice, tee signs in good condition and at each pad, arrows on basket indicate location of next tee.
- Garbage cans located around the course and water fountains.

Cons:

- Baskets are a little rough, but they function pretty well so it's not a major con.
- Similar Distances on many holes (but they do vary with the different layouts)
- The park could use a bit of a cleanup with some trash scattered about and some larger piles of trash.

Other Thoughts:

This was the first time playing disc golf for my Dad and one of my brothers. We all had a good time playing red to red and I think that layout provides an excellent intro to the sport. There is a good bit of technical shots, but one and two provide for some open throws. There are also soccer fields nearby to allow for a pre-round warm-up or teaching lesson.

After the first round we met a fellow traveler from Colorado looking to play, so I gladly joined in for a round of blue to red. This provided a bit more of a technical challenge as the blue tees can greatly alter the layout of a hole.

Notable holes were 8 which is a long technical throw through the woods and 9 which, from the blues, requires a really straight shot through a couple of clumps of trees, over a creek and into another grouping of trees.

I really enjoyed the two rounds I played at Airport Lakes. I wish I had had time to play the other two layouts. This place really can't be beat for a long layover or someone spending a night in one of the many nearby hotels. I don't think it'd be wise to walk from the airport to the park, but it's a very short cab ride. The immediate area also offers plenty of restaurants nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat. I give it three discs mostly because of the variety of layouts and the great location!
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4 0
cesar32935
Experience: 14.7 years 27 played 12 reviews
2.50 star(s)

From a Rec Player's Point of View 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 23, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety, due to 2 baskets and 2 pads, there are 6 different ways to play 18 holes.
Practicing straight shots and Anhyzer shots, I am a Rec player and those are the 2 shots I needed to practice the most.
Some of the shorter holes still make you navigate arounds trees and make you work for your pars.

Cons:

Bugs! The course goes into the natural woods, and with the humidity, I had to fend off mosquitos on a couple of holes.
Ant pile by the #6 Blue tee pad, please be careful, before you know it they're on your legs.
Not enough garbage cans.

Other Thoughts:

It's a nice park, nice place to take my 10 yr old son. They have a playground, and a nice walking trail around the park/woods.
Plus my 10 yr old can play 9 holes and call it a day, or he can play the Red-Red setting twice (shortest).
If you're in the area, or want a nice change, or pratice straight, anhyzer, or low ceiling shots, this is a nice place to do it
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2 1
CDashMAN
Experience: 33 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 15, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Variety of options to satisfy all skill levels
Other than Hole 1 and parts of hole 2&9, well shaded for summer play.
Can be a quick round for layovers
Clear signage
Great place to practice control
2 baskets and tees per hole

Cons:

Are vines that can be tripped over
A few holes are a bit close to one another
Trees can not be beginner friendly

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course in Orlando fro a quick round. A nice variety of throws and the short to long then long to short combo make a great 18 hole run.
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10 0
jaymon1
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.8 years 86 played 85 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nine Squared 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 4, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Teepads, signs, dual baskets

Other Thoughts:

Airport Lakes is another Central Florida 9+. This course has only nine holes, but each one has two teepads and two baskets. Play long to long and you're in for a challenging outing demanding both distance and control. Play short to short and you're on a nice little beginner course. Do something in between as your mood and ability suits.

Airport Lakes stands out in two ways: amenities (signage, teepads) and meeting its design standard, in terms of getting the most out of the land allotted. Bring a beginner out here, and the course will suit. Bring a tourney veteran out here, and it should at least prove a worthy use of time. The course features excellent concrete teepads for the both the pro and am spots, and great signs for both also. Only the first hole is in the open; the rest of the course plays through some nice forest that would be peaceful if not for the constant jet noise - yes it's really that close to the airport. There's not a lot of room for error out here; end up in the rough and you'll rue it. Playing long to long, par is 29 and you'll have to earn it. The downside to this course is the non-distinct landscape and lack of variety, hole to hole. Nine holes of mostly straight shots, eight in the woods. Not entirely, but mostly.

Overall, I rate Airport Lakes on the high side of Decent, and well worth checking out if you're in the area. It succeeds as a nine-holer but with lots of options, and will take many plays before you'll tire of it. I would be more enamored if the course had a little more variety in terms of landscape and fairway shape, and perhaps actually had a view of the lake. Still, a sweet little course that was much needed on that side of Orlando.
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2 1
sdervan
Experience: 14.7 years 41 played 41 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun with challenge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 12, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Close to airport, shopping, and restaurants.
Free
Good use of land.
Great course for mid range and putter drives to improve your placement. Even though it was close and had foot traffic it seemed very secluded. Multiple tee pads and baskets gave the course a great feel and changed it when you circle back and play again.

Cons:

These dont bother me but may bother some.
Short
Walking trails
Planes
Signage could be a little better
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8 0
bcr123psu
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 85 played 64 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Wooded Tunnel Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Airport Lakes Park is amazingly easy to locate and is, as its name suggests, very close to the airport.

The course starts out with an open bomber hole across a clear field. After that, the remaining eight holes are wooded. Hole #9 is one of the only wooded holes (except for maybe #2) that isn't completely covered in old growth canopy, seems to have a mando tunnel (from curved PVC pipes), and has a much different feel from most of the other holes.

Two color-coded concrete tees (in great shape) and two baskets on each hole create four different playing options. The tee signs at Airport Lakes Park are very professional and well detailed. Next tee arrows also helped with course navigation.

Benches are situated at points throughout the course. Bathrooms are available near the parking lot as you come into the course.

Cons:

Most of the fairways play away from public spaces, but there are a few that are near walking paths which can pose some danger to bystanders.

The layout of the course is quite repetitive. Despite having multiple tees and baskets, the vast majority of the fairways were of similar (and somewhat short) length and just straight throws down wooded tunnels. Very few solid doglegs were available. The different tee/basket combinations were usually just subtlely longer/shorter versions of the other and not really a different shaped fairway.

There is very little risk/reward tradeoff at this course. Despite being near a body of water, it didn't really come into play, save for a little brook on the last fairway

On a few holes, the growth obscures some of baskets. This is most notable for the red basket on hole #2.

The baskets appeared to be getting run down.

Other Thoughts:

Considering the amount of land available at this course, I'm guessing that the designers did the best that they could with what they had available. That said, I would have much rather seen a single tee/basket per hole, covering a more dynamically shaped fairway, than trying to squeeze in four mediocre lines per hole.

If you happen to have a layover in Orlando (and some discs), your time wouldn't be wasted at this course. Discn' always beats sitting at the airport.
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5 0
clipnfly
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.7 years 60 played 57 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nicely technical 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 4, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Excellent signage and flow. Nice to have 2 basket options on each hole 2 tee pads on most as well. An open hole to get you started and then an set of nicely technical, woodsy holes to provide challenge and interesting play. Course is trash free and clean, kudos to the locals. Despite being a large multi-use park care has been used to keep one sport from infringing on another. Hole #1 with fall off from berm makes placing an upshot or a drive important. slight roll away can leave you with a longer putt. &, I think it was plays blind due to distance and foliage... but believe the sign and you will be fine.

Cons:

9 more please. Few bad things to say here. Tee area benches and garbage cans would be nice. Not the place to air out your big arm. There are other courses for that. This is a great place for mid range disc work and putting. Would be nice to have an extra basket for putting practice near the 1st tee.

Other Thoughts:

Any hole other than #1 could be a sig hole as they all play pretty similar. Big shady areas made hot weather play better, too. I played both sets of tees first red to red, then blue to yellow. Second pad added a bit more on some holes (like #1) less addtl option on a few. I will play here every trip to town that I can.
Played here again. 9 seems to be cleared of some of the brush and is more playable. Big tortoise lives in hole near red tee pad on 9. Say hello, but do not mess w him. 7 feels more jungle-ish than last visit. Lots of deep leaves on ground. Combine that with sandy soil and it can be a bit slippery here. Good shoes and sure footing are needed to avoid throwing out your back on some tosses. Play safe.
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6 0
stsren
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.2 years 38 played 22 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Worth a fly, but may need air traffic control on busy days... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 1, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

1. Good signage including nice tee signs with accurate distances (Mini-maps on back of basket-top numbers indicate where next tee pad is)
2. Good new baskets and 2 basket options per hole
3. Concrete tee pads for both Red and Blue
4. Fairly easy to navigate (thanks to signage)
5. Good challenge for multiple skill levels
6. Requires a variety of shots to be successful (Hyzer, Anhyzer, Turnover, etc...)
7. Clean restrooms
8. Adequate benches and trash receptacles

Cons:

1. Somewhat cramped layout and awkward flow to course (Red Tee to #6 is hidden away and the road from 8 to 9 is a little confusing for a first-timer)
2. Noisy planes / jets flying overhead
3. Some signage does not accurately depict tree locations which may confuse some people
4. Redundant scenery (9 holes with 2 tee pads and 2 baskets...but you're walking the same course)
5. No legitimate water in play
6. Shorter tee boxes for Red tees (too short for my taste)

Other Thoughts:

I played this course twice (1x from the Red tees to the Gold baskets, and 1x from the Blue tees to the Red baskets) and had a good time. Overall the course is decent, has good park facilities, and should challenge players of all skill levels. It's Florida, which means you won't see much for elevation change (#1 Red Basket is up on a retention mound...), but there's a pretty good amount of shade, a mixture of high and low canopy, and tight windows between tree trunks to add to the difficulty. It will be interesting to see how well the course is maintained...there were quite a few thorny blueberry-type bushes that will make the "rough" miserable on errant throws. The small creek that ran across hole #9 was nice, but not much of a challenge to throw over (though getting over the creek using the 4 inch wide "bridge" isn't for those with questionable balance or equilibrium)... There really isn't a signature hole, and despite the good use of limited space, there's a bit of a cramped feel. Overall, for me, the course just lacked that "Wow!" factor... It's great that there's now a course in South/Central/East Orlando, and this course is worth playing, but if you're serious about the game and can make the drive, you'll have a better experience at Turkey Lake or Barnett Park.
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