6 Arnold Palmer Signature Courses You Can Play

March 19, 2015

Very few people have influenced the game of golf quite like “The King,” Mr. Arnold Palmer.

Arguably the most beloved golfer of all time, as well as an astute businessman and philanthropist, Palmer has hosted the PGA TOUR’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Orlando’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge for more than 35 years.

In the meantime, he has also established himself as a prolific golf course architect by designing over 300 golf courses around the world.

In honor of the legend and his PGA TOUR tournament in Orlando this week, as well as his contributions to golf course architecture, here are six of Arnie’s most popular layouts, each of which you can play via GolfNow.

Orange Lake Resorts, The Legends, Kissimmee, Florida

The greater Orlando area is home to some of the United States’ most beautiful golf courses. And Kissimmee’s The Legends is no exception. Since opening in 1998, The Legends has offered guests a pristine layout that is sure to test their abilities, whether they are using their course management skills on the links-style front nine, or attempting to hit drives onto all of the back nine’s fairways, which are typically surrounded by large oak and pine trees. However, despite its challenges, it does provide five different sets of tees, ranging in length from 5,188 to 7,072 yards, so that new golfers do not feel intimidated if they want to take a break from amusement parks and relax for a few hours.

 

Saddlebrook Resort, Palmer Golf Course, Wesley Chapel, Florida

Although Saddlebrook Resort’s Palmer Golf Course only measures 6,641 yards from the back tees, it still offers golfers a myriad of challenges, no matter how experienced they are. Reminiscent of a New England-style golf course, with regards to its terrain, its fairways are wide, yet firm and undulated, as well. And, if golfers happen to mishit their drives or approach shots, they will more than likely encounter thick Bermuda rough. Still, even if golfers hit accurate drives and approach shots, they must then putt on the course’s slick Tif-eagle greens. Simply put, course management is a necessity.

Starr Pass Golf Club, Coyote, Rattler, and Roadrunner Courses, Tucson, Arizona

Whether golfers are looking for an enjoyable afternoon round, complete with abundant wildlife and stunning mountain and desert views, or are interested in challenging themselves on 27 Arnold Palmer Signature golf holes, they will not be disappointed at Starr Pass Golf Club. The club’s nine-hole Coyote Course, measuring 3,512 yards from the championship tees, is the longest of the three. The Rattler Course is slightly shorter at 3,490 yards, but is certainly not a cakewalk either, as its signature par-five fifth hole is arguably the golf club’s most difficult. Meanwhile, the Roadrunner Course is even shorter (3,241 yards), but it is well-known for its considerable elevation changes, providing a daunting layout for all golfers.

 

Teton Pines Country Club and Resort, Wilson, Wyoming

By offering five sets of tee boxes, ranging in length from 5,400 to 7,400 yards, Teton Pines was designed with every type of golfer in mind. Highly experienced golfers tend to choose the championship tees, which have a course rating of 73.9 and a slope rating of 144. On the other hand, beginners will likely be more comfortable playing from the course’s forward tees, as they will only encounter one hole longer than 500 yards, the par-five seventh. Of course, no matter which set of tees they choose, guests will be captivated by the course’s stunning views of the Teton Range, one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Wildfire Golf Club, Palmer Signature Course, Phoenix, Arizona

Since 1997, Wildfire Golf Club’s Palmer Signature Course has provided Phoenix residents and tourists an enjoyable golfing experience. Measuring 7,170 yards from the championship tees, the course is definitely suitable for long drivers, especially if they are not always accurate off the tee, as its fairways are usually wide. The course’s greens are also quite large for the most part (averaging 7,000 square feet). Nonetheless, they are also undulated and, at times, fast, so short game precision is necessary. Of note, the course has been recognized by publications like Golfweek, which previously ranked it as one of the “Best Courses You Can Play.”

 

Classic Club, Palm Desert, California

The Coachella Valley is one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world – and for good reason, attracting tourists with its breathtaking views and year-round gorgeous weather. Palm Desert’s Classic Club, a former host of the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, offers golfers yet another reason to visit the area. A par-72 measuring 7,305 yards from the back tees, the Classic Club provides something for everyone: mountain and vista views, a commitment to the environment as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary,” and a true test of golfers’ abilities, with its elevated tees and numerous water hazards.