Best for: The strongest all-around course in the Orlando corridor. Greg Norman's National Course is a classic American-style layout through 200 acres of Florida woodlands and wetlands. The course underwent a greens renovation to Champion Bermuda that made the putting surfaces some of the best in Central Florida.

Insider tip: The National is the more traditional of the two ChampionsGate courses and the better round for most groups. The International Course (see below) is a links-style layout that some golfers love and others find frustrating. Play the National first; add the International if the group wants more. Omni Orlando stay-and-play packages that bundle both courses with lodging are typically the best per-round value in the area.

Best for: Golfers who want something different. The International Course is designed to evoke the feel of an Australian coastal or British links course -- sprawling greens, pot bunkers, mounding, and exposure to wind. It's a unique experience in Central Florida and a great change of pace from the tree-lined courses that dominate the area.

Insider tip: The International Course plays very differently depending on wind. On calm days it's a pleasant links-style experience. When the wind blows, it can add 5-10 strokes. Check the forecast before choosing which day to play it. The sprawling greens mean 60-foot putts are common -- work on your lag putting.

Best for: The most balanced of the three Reunion courses. Watson's design rewards smart course management over raw power -- it's the course where mid-handicappers can have the most fun and low handicappers can still be challenged by strategic bunkering and green complexes.

Insider tip: If your group is renting a vacation home at Reunion Resort, you get resort guest rates on all three courses -- typically $30-$50 less per round than rack rate. Book a Reunion home and you'll save enough on green fees to cover a group dinner. The Watson Course is the one to play first -- it's the most forgiving of the three and a good warm-up for the Palmer and Nicklaus layouts.

Best for: The most aggressive of the three Reunion courses. The Palmer Course reflects Arnold Palmer's design philosophy -- bold, dramatic, and rewarding for players who take chances. Stronger players will love the risk-reward options; higher handicappers may find it punishing.

Insider tip: Play the Palmer Course from the appropriate tees -- this is not a course where ego tee box selection pays off. From the tips it's a beast. From the middle tees it's challenging but fair. The Palmer Course pairs well with the Watson Course for a same-day 36-hole experience at Reunion.

Best for: The best pure value in the Orlando market. Two championship courses (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) plus a massive 360-degree practice facility. The Panther Lake Course is consistently rated among the top public courses in Florida and the green fees are half what the resort courses charge.

Insider tip: Orange County National is where the PGA Tour's Q-School final stage was held for years -- this is a championship-caliber facility at public-access prices. The Panther Lake Course is the marquee layout, but the Crooked Cat Course is also excellent and typically $10-$20 less. The 42-acre practice facility with a 360-degree driving range is worth arriving early to use. This is the course locals tell visiting golfers to play.

Best for: The group's relaxed round. When you need a break from championship-length courses and just want to play a solid, well-conditioned layout at a fair price. Falcon's Fire is convenient (close to Disney and the Reunion corridor), plays fair, and won't punish higher handicappers.

Insider tip: Falcon's Fire is the best course in the Orlando corridor for groups with significant skill disparities. The design is challenging enough for good players from the back tees but forgiving enough from the forward tees for higher handicappers. Twilight rates (after 2pm) drop to $40-$60 and the course is rarely crowded in the afternoon.