Guests expecting a relaxing round of golf at Walt Disney World Resort were in for an unwelcome surprise this week when one of the property’s most well-known courses abruptly closed its gates.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Disney’s Palm Golf Course was shut down to begin a scheduled aerification process. Aerification is a standard turf management practice involving the strategic placement of holes throughout the course’s surface to improve drainage, aeration, and grass health.
The course is now officially closed through Thursday, August 14, 2025, with a reopening date set for Friday, August 15. During the closure, Walt Disney World Resort is directing golfers to other nearby properties, including Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Arnold Palmer Golf Management, the company responsible for operating Disney’s golf courses, confirmed the closure in a notice posted on the official GolfWDW website:
PLEASE NOTE!… Beginning on Monday August 4th, 2025, Disney’s Palm Golf Course will be closed for aerification. It will re-open for play on Friday August 15th. We recommend that you play at either Disney’s Magnolia or Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course during this timeframe as we prepare Disney’s Palm Golf Course for your future enjoyment! We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of this course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our golf courses again in the near future.
The Palm Course is one of Walt Disney World Resort’s premier championship courses. Redesigned in 2013, the 18-hole course features nine water-lined holes, over 50 sand bunkers, and signature Florida scenery.
Earlier this year, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course also closed for refurbishment and later reopened with refreshed fairways and all-new themed holes called “Grumpy’s Gauntlet.” With Magnolia now open and Lake Buena Vista fully operational, golfers still have options—just not at Palm until mid-August.
Walt Disney World Resort guests looking for a more family-friendly experience are encouraged to check out Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Check the official website for pricing and availability.
Imagineers Leilani and Wendy shared details about Disney World’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Have you ever golfed while at Disney?
Which Walt Disney World Resort golf course is the best? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
