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Magnolia ’ s 15th hole completely reimagines a par 3 to a long par-5 hole with a dogleg to the right . Hole No . 16 remains as a par 4 with a strategically placed water hazard and becomes a dogleg left , while the 17th hole is redesigned from a par 4 to a par-3 hole with new tee boxes .
“ I can ’ t even begin to tell you how excited we are to be making some design improvements to the finishing sequence of holes on such a historic golf course ,” said Baker .
In addition , all 18 greens on the Magnolia course have been upgraded to provide a higher-quality putting surface while several fairway and greenside bunkers also have been enhanced .
“ These are going to be dramatic changes to the Magnolia course that will create a playing experience that will be challenging , yet fun for all golfers ,” said Faron Kelley , vice president of Disney Sports .
A variety of tee boxes have been implemented to help offer an enjoyable round of golf for all levels of play on the par-72 Magnolia course . And the new design elements in the renovation already have top players eager to test their skills at the venerable course , measuring 5,127 yards from the
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Mickey lends a hand with Magnolia ’ s course design .
forward tees to 7,516 yards from the tips — making it the longest of Disney ’ s four golf courses .
“ You ’ re going to have four closing holes down the stretch that will test every aspect of your game ,” said Gary Woodland , 2019 U . S . Open champion , who visited the resort earlier this year to observe renovations . “ It ’ ll be a great finish here at Magnolia .”
Designed by Joe Lee , the immaculately manicured course was named for the 1,500 magnolia trees that grace the property . It incorporates elevated tees and greens on a design the resort calls a “ Disney Classic .”
Magnolia , along with Disney ’ s other golf courses , has earned acclaim by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “ World ’ s Top 75 Golf
A young Tiger Woods won his second PGA TOUR title at Disney .
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Resorts ,” as a “ Gold Medal Golf Resort ” by Golf Magazine , and as one of “ America ’ s Top 75 Resorts ” by Golf Digest .
And while images of Disney-inspired characters playing golf adorn golf cars and Disney-themed refreshment carts help keep guests whistling while they waggle , Disney ’ s courses have hosted competitions ranging from pro-tour events to U . S . Open regional qualifying rounds , the PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament , collegiate tournaments , Special Olympics Florida State Championships , junior tournaments and Florida State Golf Association-sanctioned events .
“ We have a commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience that is uniquely Disney , while providing the opportunity to play where champions were crowned ,” added Gerlander .
In addition to Disney ’ s efforts to make its four golf courses “ the happiest place on turf ,” the resort has also ramped up its fleet of golf cars on the Magnolia and Palm courses . Disney has added premium Yamaha golf cars that include a new suspension system and cushioned seats for greater comfort during rounds .
The cars also boast touch-screen GPS units that offer details of each hole , as well as USB ports to power mobile devices
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COURSES |