Several days after attending the Father-Son Challenge at ChampionsGate, we went out and played the International Course ourselves. It was a thrilling experience to play on a championship golf course right after a big tournament, when it was still in tournament condition with just a few extra degrees of difficulty. The windswept open layout features a multitude of bunkers and a variety of water hazards, and with a difficulty rating of 76.3, one of the highest ratings in the state, we were humbled by the challenges this course presented us with.
ChampionsGate is an impressive 36-hole facility designed by famed golf legend Greg Norman. What sets ChampionsGate apart is that its international layout and the domestic field have totally different layouts. The hard, fast fairways of the international course are reminiscent of the great old Scottish and Irish links, while the more modern, American-style national course winds through citrus groves and pine forests, emphasizing challenging shot decisions and a variety of memorable pairs. -3 sec.
Golfers who want to improve their game can do so at the world-renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy, which offers mini-schools or two- or three-day retreats, private sessions or David’s “Beginner to Winner” program. David Leadbetter even offers video lessons over the Internet, giving golf students around the world access to his teaching expertise. Callaway’s practice facilities consist of a large practice area, putting green and short game area, and a complimentary round of golf is always provided.
As you exit Exit 58 of I-4, ChampionsGate immediately greets you with imposing gates. The path takes you past the luxurious Omni Orlando Resort and Spa, which has been hosting golfers since 2004 in 730 upscale rooms, including 25 guest suites. Along with the Omni Resort, ChampionsGate now offers a premier resort golf experience, complete with a European-style spa, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a 15-acre tropically landscaped recreation area featuring a “lazy river” “850 feet. Champions 9 Golf Experience, the resort’s 9-hole, par 3, lighted golf course adds to the recreational opportunities.
The complex will be complemented by a master-planned community that includes villas and condominiums. The 59-unit Phase 1 of the Villas will open in the summer of 2006, to be followed by the 110-unit Phase 2 opening.
The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse at ChampionsGate with its huge wraparound terrace offers panoramic views of both golf courses and a unique menu that is split down the middle, with international cuisine on the left and American fare on the right. ChampionsGate specializes in hospitality and customer service, and last year the club organized more than 340 business or charity outings. After our challenging round, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and were joined by Alan Findley, the General Manager of ChampionsGate, who gave us a better overview of this facility.
Alan is particularly proud to host the Father-Son-Challenge, a nationally televised golf event that features many past and present golf legends, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Vijay Singh, to name just a few. The Father-Son Challenge is a true “Walking Hall of Fame”. What makes this tournament truly special is its relaxed family atmosphere and the opportunity to watch different generations of golf icons play with their sons, daughters and even grandchildren. It’s a chance to see these famous golf legends from a human side and indeed we enjoyed watching Vijay Singh relax with a cup of coffee on the 18th hole, awaiting the arrival of his son Qass, hoping to get a great final score.
In our conversation, Alan also pointed out that at the David Leadbetter Academy you never know which celebrity golfer you’re going to run into. Michelle Wie is a celebrity Leadbetter student, Charles Howell III was practicing while we were there, and Greg Norman flew in for a lesson last week. Alan also pointed out Michelle Wie’s favorite spot in the clubhouse: the table right in front of the big-screen TV.
Alan also made us aware of the unique wildlife that inhabits this golf course: two American Bald Eagles have made the course their permanent home, and whooping cranes, gannets, alligators or armadillos may be seen on any given day. For a special glimpse into the ChampionsGate atmosphere, come here at the end of the day, when you could see bald eagles perched on a tree at sunset right in front of the clubhouse, while listening to a Scottish bagpiper, a performance that Allen himself has introduced the club.
Addresses:
ChampionsGate is located 10 minutes from Disney World off Interstate 4 Exit 58, just minutes from International Drive and area attractions.
ChampionsGate International Statistics
Par 72 Yards Valuation Pending
Black 7363 76.8 143
Blue 6792 74.1 137
White (M) 6239 71.5 132
White (G) 6239 75.7 134
National ChampionsGate Statistics
Par 72 Yards Valuation Pending
Black 7128 75.2 138
Blue 6427 71.9 133
White (M) 5937 69.1 124
White (L) 5937 74.7 125
