ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has honored Walt Disney World® Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management (APGM), as the 2026 NGCOA Resort Course of the Year. Featuring three iconic championship courses and a nine-hole walking layout, Walt Disney World® Golf will receive this award on Monday, January 19, at the NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2026 in Orlando.
“Walt Disney World® Golf represents the pinnacle of resort-level golf experiences, establishing a benchmark for service, design, and industry leadership,” says Cathy Harbin, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “The APGM team members at Walt Disney World® Resort are passionate about our industry, providing first-class experiences and inspiring others. It is a privilege to recognize their dedication to golf and shine a spotlight on their achievements.”
Walt Disney World® Golf, known as “The Happiest Place on Turf,” was selected because of the outstanding experience it provides golfers across all aspects of its golf course operations, while also making a meaningful contribution to the growth and vitality of the game.
“This prestigious award, naming Walt Disney World® Golf as NGCOA Resort Course of the Year, affirms the cohesiveness that exists when the Walt Disney World® Resort entrusts a management team dedicated to operational excellence,” says Doug Howe, Chief Operating Officer of Century Golf Partners, which owns and operates Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “The success of APGM is rooted in our commitment to quality, consistency, and integrity in all we do. This ensures that every operational detail, from agronomy to our guest experience, meets the highest standards, and we are incredibly honored by this recognition from the NGCOA.”
Photo: Nile Young
APGM features 63 holes of outstanding golf at Walt Disney World® Resort. The championship 18-hole courses include Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista, while Disney’s Oak Trail is a 9-hole course that also hosts Footgolf play four afternoons per week.
“Our world-class courses have hosted some of the biggest names in professional golf, and our amenities and team members ensure that our guests fully enjoy their experience, from bag drop to their final putt, every day of the year,” says Bruce Gerlander, General Manager of Walt Disney World® Golf operated by APGM. “Beyond our dedication to providing Palmer-like hospitality combined with renowned Disney guest service, we value our active NGCOA membership which helps us strengthen operations while being part of a genuine community. The association allows us the opportunity to share best practices, and this award is an inspiring tribute.”
Disney’s Magnolia course recently completed its most extensive reimagining, featuring new teeing grounds, redesigned greenside and fairway bunkers, and newly contoured Bermudagrass greens. In addition to the famous Mickey Mouse-inspired bunker located on No. 6, each of the 18 holes now showcases a new Disney-themed name inspired by a classic Disney film, accompanied by an inspiring quote from either Walt Disney or Arnold Palmer. One of the most significant enhancements includes the reimagining of four holes along the back nine. Similar to other notable courses across the United States, Magnolia’s hole Nos. 14, 15, 16, and 17 – collectively known as “Grumpy’s Gauntlet” — provide a challenging yet whimsical test of a golfer’s skills as they approach the end of their round.
Photo: Russell Kirk
As an additional nod to its world-class operations, Walt Disney World® Golf’s Magnolia course will host the NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2026 pre-conference workshop, Expedition: Inside the Operation. This exclusive session, led by Gerlander and his leadership team, will provide attendees with insights on enhancing guest experiences, optimizing operations and reimagining marketing plans. Please note that attendance at the NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2026 is limited to golf course owners, operators and staff. Those interested in registering for the conference and exploring NGCOA membership can contact Rachel Carter at rcarter@ngcoa.org.
