Orlando — Golf’s Ultimate Theme Park
By BRUCE VITTNER

Probably the best thing about going to the PGA Merchandise Show each January is that it is held in Orlando, Fla. It’s very easy to combine business with pleasure, so leaving the cold northeast a few days early to get in some golfing in a sunny, warm climate is a must.

The Omni Orlando Resort

Orlando is a mecca of fine golf. We started our trip at Orange County National located five minutes west of Disney World. Orange County National is recognized as one of the top facilities in Florida for hosting golf tournaments, charity outings and special events. With 36 championship holes, a world-class practice facility, 9-hole short course, 22,000 square ft. clubhouse and outstanding service, golfers are always guaranteed a memorable experience. The two courses have been hosts for the final stage of the PGA Qualifying School.

We played Panther Lake this year, and although we saw no panthers we found a couple of the lakes. The ninth and eighteenth holes wind around the biggest lake and make for some sweaty palms. The conditions were outstanding with fast, receptive greens. It almost made you feel like you were trying to earn your card—so what if it’s only an AARP card. You can visit their website at www.ocngolf.com or call 1-888-Par3672.

Our host for these few days before the show was the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Wow! Just a few miles south of Disney World, the resort offered wonderful amenities. It truly is all-inclusive. Besides a wonderful hotel with over 700 rooms, new two and three-bedroom villas for families or golf groups, wonderful spa, beauty salon and great restaurants, the property is home to 36 holes of golf designed by Greg Norman, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy adjacent to a four-acre double-sided driving range, a two-acre short game facility with 30,000 square-feet of putting areas and a nine-hole short course that is lit until 11 p.m.

Greg Norman is known as a minimalist course designer and the two courses fit that mold. The International Course is a links-style course that would fit in Scotland. The fairways are hard and fast and the greens (although overseeded when we played) were still fast and true. The flat land and lack of trees let the winds whip around and challenge your game. Norman has designed the course to play hard but fair and it is always rated one of the top courses in Florida. The course hosts the annual Father/Son in December shown on national television.

The National Course is more like what you would find in Florida. There are many wetland areas and groves of orange trees and other hardwoods. As you stand on the tee at number 14, a par 3 over wetlands that is protected by trees on both sides and a couple that look like they are right in the middle, try to hit it dead-straight or you are in trouble as the green looks like an upside down saucer.

Both courses are a great deal of fun. GPS systems in the carts make it much easier for first-time players. Water comes into play on a few holes, so make sure you look at the screen. Don’t have your clubs? The Top 100 rated Golf Shop rents only new Callaway clubs—not bad. Attached to the Golf Shop is an extensive clubhouse that overlooks the two courses.

The David Leadbetter Academy (www.davidleadbetter.com) is a wonderful compliment to the resort. Ernie Els, Michelle Wie, Charles Howell and many other touring pros often stop by for instruction from the guru. We were fortunate to get a lesson from Andy Leadbetter, David’s son who played for UNLV, and it was very helpful. One of his keys: “Make sure you are holding the club in the fingers of your non-dominant hand.” Most in our group had a big worn spot on the palm of our gloves. Check yours.

The resort really has it all, and everything right at your doorstep. We dropped our clubs off with the bellman when we checked in, and they were waiting for us on the range, at the Leadbetter Academy and on our carts when we were ready to play. The service is splendid, just what you would expect from an Omni Resort, and with all the great golf within walking distance, it makes a great golfing and family vacation spot. You can reach the Omni Orlando Resort at 1-888-444-OMNI.

During the show we managed to sneak away for one morning to visit Reunion Resort, a Ginn property that hosts one of the top events on the LPGA Tour.  It is located less than a mile from ChampionsGate and is the home of three championship courses designed by three legends of the game – Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus’ course is the newest and will probably be the most difficult. We were asked to try it and rate it just days after the official opening. When the course fills in it will be outstanding, and yes, very difficult. Nicklaus has designed quite a few greens that angle away from the golfer, and some of his bunkering might cause a curse word or two. All three courses looked very plush, the resort is beautiful and we can’t wait to get there next year. Annika Sorenstam just announced that she would have a golf academy on the property. Four golfing legends with their stamp on the property—hard to beat that.

Orlando is known for their theme parks. A bigger theme might just be golf.

Bruce Vittner is a member of the Golf Writers Assn. of America and can be reached at bruce@oceanstategolfinc.com.