Located just minutes from downtown Orlando in College Park, Dubsdread Golf Course features the oldest public layout in the area, originally designed in 1923 and renovated in 2008.¬Ý This classic course has plenty of history attached to it. Mildred "Babe" Didrikson, acclaimed as the most versatile female athlete of all time, and winner of EVERY golf title available, played the course in the 1930's. Dubsdread has been the former site of the Orlando Open, when it hosted such golf legends as Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Claude Harmon.¬Ý Today, golfers are treated to the same beautiful scenery and challenges of the original course, including narrow fairways and heavily bunkered, "postage stamp" style greens.¬Ý A full restaurant and banquet facility¬Ýcomplete the ultimate golfing experience.
The $3 million dollar renovation included new ponds. Formerly flat, the course now has bumpy fairways and more hazards, or traps. The tees and greens are larger, the cart paths have been extended and boasts 78 new carts. Holes were moved to make the course more challenging. The practice range is about four times larger than before, and now has lights so it can stay open after dark. The course got new fencing and more than 400 new trees.
The revamped irrigation of the golf course is an essential part of an overall $9.8 million plan to improve the water quality in Little Lake Fairview and manage runoff from the upcoming widening of Interstate 4.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer stated:
"I am excited to announce that historic Dubsdread Golf Course is open for business. Originally built in 1923 by real estate entrepreneur Carl Dann, Dubsdread has undergone many transformations through the years. I am proud this course is now owned by the City and we are able to maintain it for our residents.
This renovation is one of many changes Dubsdread has undergone in its 85 year history. Not only did the course receive a face lift, increasing the difficulty of play and increasing practice amenities, but it also was a beneficiary of the need to filter storm water running into Little Lake Fairview and manage runoff from the upcoming widening of Interstate 4. This multifaceted project was recognized statewide by being the recipient of the Engineering Project of the Year award. This prestigious honor acknowledged the strength of the public partnership, the accommodation of the area’Äôs environmental needs and the incorporation of the golf course renovation.
The success of this course and our ability to provide an affordable golfing option is so important for our community. Whether you are an avid golfer or just getting started, I invite you to come out to Dubsdread and experience for yourself all this course has to offer."
Dubsdread Golf Course is located at 549 W. Par St., Orlando, FL 32804, phone 407-246-2551
See below for pictures of the Re-Opening Event! Click on the picture to enlarge
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 Parade of new Golf Carts |
Mears did an impressive job on the new Golf Carts |
 Huge turnout for the event! |
 Orlando Mayors (from left to right) Buddy Dyer (2003 - present); Carl T. Langford (1967-1976); Willard D. "Bill" Frederick (1976-1992) |
 Awesome sounds of Bagpipes & Drums by the Orlando Fire Department - enough to give a person goose bumps! |
 District 3 Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart gave a short history and welcomed the visitors. Most City Commissioners and many of the people who helped re-design the course were there. |
 District 3 Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart introduced the Orlando Police Department Presentation of the Colors. |
 What a beautiful site! The Orlando Police Department Presentation of the Colors, while Davis Gaines sang the National Anthem. (Gaines is a graduate of Edgewater High School, and has performed on Broadway, in films, and for television. ¬ÝHe has sung for five U.S. Presidents and with every major symphony orchestra in North America, including the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl.) |
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 The grandchildren of Carl Dann stated that they were sure that when he looked down from Heaven on the new Dubsdread that he would be pleased. Carl Dann, who was one of the founding fathers of what we now know as College Park, began building this golf course in June of 1923. It was opened in 1926. |
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer joked that he and City Commissioner Robert Stuart had a battle over whether to have VISORS or CAPS with the Dubsdread Logo. Obviously, seeing the visor on Mayor Dyer's head, we know who won. |
However, being the good sport he is, Mayor Dyer presented Robert Stuart with a CAP, which was embroidered with the Dubsdread "Learning Centre" logo. Does that mean that Robert LEARNED not to battle Buddy? |
 Now Robert has a cap! He must be so proud! |
 Mayor Buddy Dyer, Former Mayor Bill Frederick, and Former Mayor Carl T. Langford cut the ribbon to begin the golfing! |
