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Local Golf courses

Last updated: 18/01/2010

Located within a few minutes drive of the villa are two outstanding golf courses.

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED CHAMPIONS GATE GOLF COURSE

Champions Gate Golf Club features 2 outstanding Greg Norman designed 18-hole courses as the centerpiece of a tourist/commercial destination, that encompasses 1500 acres of prime real estate just southwest of Disney World. A 35,000 square foot clubhouse includes complete dining and lounge areas, function/banquet space for 250 people, a fully stocked pro shop and guest locker rooms. The world headquarters of the David Ledbetter Golf Academy is also on property – with expansive complimentary practice facilities as a perk to visitors. This includes range balls plus the use of a huge putting green and a short game area with bunker. The Orlando Omni will open in the fall of 2004 – providing on-property golf packages and upscale accommodations and resort amenities. Construction was on schedule at this writing, as this photo intimates with an image of the resort to the side of the 4th green of the International Course. The two golf courses provide an incredible amount a variety, with the International featuring an authentic links style layout, while the National is designed in the traditional American style with wood lined fairways and strategic water hazards. Both layouts afford private, country club playing conditions – and are always open for public play. Upscale amenities include valet parking, iced towel service, and the top GPS system available – Prolink (on all carts). Guests without their own transportation can call for pick-up service from local resorts. Besides the GPS, each course also has measurements posted on each tee box, daily pin placement information, and sprinkler heads on the fairways measured to the center of the green. Weather covers are standard on every cart – ideal for protecting clubs during periodic rain.

HIGHLANDS RESERVE GOLF CLUB

Designed by Michael Dasher, the topography features 120-feet elevation changes that will provide golfers memorable views unique to Central Florida. There are tee boxes that overlook the tops of these lofty pines, revealing the challenges of the shots to come. The championship par-72 layout of this public course caters to all skill levels. Through the hilly terrain the black tees play to 6686 yards, 6075 from the gold and 4875 from the jade tees. Each hole has its own identity and is named separately based on its shape and surrounding terrain. Whether you are playing the scenic 398-yard par-4 second, dubbed "High Point," or the 188-yard par-3 12th, aptly named "Outback," this is a fun way to distinguish the holes and add some flare to players' post-round stories. The course is fun-filled with generous fairways and large undulating greens. Good tee shots are fairly rewarded while there are many large waste bunkers to collect loose drives. Knowing where to place approach shots to the greens is vital to avoiding that dreaded three-putt. Leave a shot short and it is likely to be gobbled up by collection areas in front of many of the greens. These challenges along with the scenery add much to the overall character of this course and will leave golfers with quite an experience. Director of Golf Marion Walker, who was the 1999 LPGA Southeast Teacher of the Year and 1994 LPGA National Professional of the Year, adds, "People continually talk about Highlands Reserve as being fun to play. I think one of the reasons is because it will challenge you without beating you up!" The condition of the course and well-kept greens are among the best in the area. Adding to the allure of Highlands Reserve is their friendly staff. As soon as you walk into the clubhouse you are greeted with a smile and a feeling of genuine hospitality. The staff is known as the friendliest in Central Florida. Walker states, "The staff at Highlands Reserve is an extraordinary group of people. They enjoy what they do and enjoy meeting people from all over the world. Our goal is to make each day an enjoyable experience for our golfers." A fully stocked pro shop with the latest equipment will be sure to satisfy any golfers' needs. There is also a line of course logo merchandise available for purchase. Instruction is available from their award-winning teaching staff. A number of programs are available regardless of your skill level. Not just another golf course, Highlands Reserve has an identity all its own. If you are a visitor to the area or a local looking for a new course, don’t pass up this experience. From the scenic holes to the hospitable staff, this public course separates itself from all others and will have you coming back.