The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) in the US has honoured Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, as the 2026 NGCOA Resort Course of the Year.
Featuring three championship courses – Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista – and the nine-hole Oak Trail course, Walt Disney World Golf will receive the award at the NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2026 in Orlando on January 19.
“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.”
Bruce Gerlander, General Manager of Walt Disney World Golf, added: “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. 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 an extensive renovation project featuring new teeing grounds, redesigned greenside and fairway bunkers, and newly contoured Bermuda grass 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. The stretch of holes from 14-17 on the Magnolia course – 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.
NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2026 to visit Walt Disney World Golf
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. Golf course owners and operators interested in registering for the conference and exploring NGCOA membership can contact Rachel Carter at rcarter@ngcoa.org.