Rio Pinar Golf

I made a tee time 20 hours before I was supposed to show up. 24-hour cancellation policy is garbage. It was predicted to rain at my tee time so I canceled whoever answered the phone insisted on the 24-hour cancellation policy. So I ended up getting charged $100 and not play. That's crap

Fairways and greens are in good condition. Layout is very nice. Restaurant is very good and offers good value. Course is not inexpensive but the overall i will give it very favorable rating.

​If you’re looking for a course that rewards precision over raw power, Rio Pinar is a "must-play" hidden gem in the Orlando area. This isn't your typical wide-open resort course; it’s a classic layout that demands your full attention from the first tee.

​The Playing Conditions

​The first thing you’ll notice is the impeccable maintenance. The grounds crew clearly takes pride in the property:

​Fairways: Lush, well-defined, and consistent. You’ll rarely find a bad lie here, provided you stay in the short grass.

​Greens: The standout feature. They are currently running fast and incredibly smooth. If you can read the line, the ball holds its path beautifully.

​The Challenge: Precision is King

​Rio Pinar is a "ball-striker’s course." You can’t simply bomb it down the fairway and hope for the best.

​Tight Windows: The fairways are notably narrow, often lined with mature trees that will punish wayward tee shots.

​Small Targets: The greens are smaller than average for Florida courses, requiring high-quality approach shots.

​The Verdict: To post a low number here, you simply have to be "on." Scrambling is tough given the small green sizes, so hitting your spots is the only way to score well.

​Why You Should Play Here

​Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Rio Pinar offers a refreshing break from the modern, sprawling designs found closer to the attractions. It’s a traditional test of golf that feels both historic and perfectly preserved.

​Pro Tip: Bring your "A" game with the irons—you're going to need it to hit those tiny targets

They over book the course, they have like 90 carts but put out way over that for tee times… pace of play is ridiculous and the starter is a very unfriendly guy keeps arguing that people get late to their tee times bla bla bla… carts are decent but they barely hose them down just to turn over and give them to new players… farmirways extremely dry but greens and in great shape! Avoid paying here just go to another course this got super crowded anytime of the week for some reason

This is an excellent, older course where tournaments were often held. The back 9 is quite challenging, lots of bunkers. It is very well maintained and near the Orlando Airport. The staff were very welcoming, especially the starter. The squirrels run the place!

We had lunch in restaurant and the food/service was also very good.

Overall, great day at Rio Pinar before heading to airport!

This is the second time we have played Rio Pinar. The fairways are in good condition, and the greens are fast and true. The pace of play was good. Very nice restaurant.

Facilities were nice

Cart seats were awesome

Starter was a jerk

Pace of play was horrible: 3 groups deep on every par 3. 2hrs 45mins for front 9. We quit after 12 holes.

For a golf course that hosted The Florida Citrus Open and won by the legends of the game like Palmer, Nicklaus and Trevino, something changed drastically. The fairways are very scratchy in most areas. Had to roll the ball several times to put it on actual grass. Greens were just Ok. None of the players seem to take bunkers after they walk out. Cart paths are non existent in many areas causing doubt as to where to go with the cart causing a few times of having to do “the drive of shame” in reverse. The carts were filthy. Thick layer of dirt all over it. Even the GPS screen. The starter was great. The girl in the pro shop not friendly whatsoever. Practice areas quite scratchy. Beginning to learn these courses are like VRBO or ABnB rentals. Totally touched up pictures and false descriptions.

I recommend not playing here.

I love the early morning tee time. It is one way to start the day, and playing golf at Rio is one great way to start the day. It was a little cold to start but wormed up after a while.

This is a very nice layout, with small, firm and fast greens. The slow play was an issue with close to a 3-hr front nine. Things sped up to around 2 hrs on back so we got in just before with our 1:36 tee time (Wednesday in February).

But, the layout was very fun, lots of doglegs and challenging shots. Turf was pretty good for this time of year.

First time to play Rio Pinar. Really challenging and engaging course. The pine forest lined fairways spell danger quickly if you don't stay in the fairway. Lot's of sand, some water and very hard and fast greens that wouldn't hold the ball. Bump and run is the only way to play this course!

My wife and I really enjoyed the course. The fairways were good. The greens we fast and true. The tee boxes need to be marked better. We will definitely play this course again.