Champions Gate Golf Resort

Orlando Florida
Part 3

by Ed Stone

Using the British term of the “inward nine,” I found number 10 to live up to the challenge of the other holes. With a good drive and a very strong second shot with a seven wood, I was able to par this one but the water to the right really protects the green from most approach shots. In reviewing the scorecard and layout, I discovered that the International Course has seven holes where water comes into play. Each one very carefully placed. As a matter of fact, on hole 14, the digital GPS Caddy System, Prolink’s “pro tips,” indicated I should play the tee shot to the left of the pot bunker placed squarely in the center of the fairway. A fairly large lake or “heavy wetlands” area is on the left side. As in most lakes in southern Florida, all golfers must be aware of alligators that may be sunning or lurking on the shores. My first shot was in the right direction as suggested by “pro tips.” But, my second shot took a turn for the worst and went very close to the shore of the lake. Little did I realize a good size alligator was lurking in the weeds. When this Denison hit the water, I no longer wanted to look from my ball; I took a drop and happily took a stroke on this hole.

Approaching the number 16 hole, a beautiful lake is just to the right of the green causing the more cautious golfer to aim towards the left side. Waiting for me at this hole were two beautiful sandhill cranes, birds that are frequently seen around the area. Not that all golfers will witness the mating dance of the sandhill crane so I will tell you, it is spectacular. Facing each other, members of a pair will leap into the air with wings extended and feet thrown forward. Then they bow to each other and repeat the performance, uttering loud croaking calls. Courting birds also run about with their wings outstretched and toss tufts of grass in the air.

The finishing hole captures a beautiful vista of the Champions Gate Clubhouse and the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate, (scheduled to open in October 2004 with 730 rooms and 70,000 square feet of meeting space). A tee shot must stay to the left of center of the fairway. A medium sized pot bunker just in front of the green challenges the approach shot. Making my round complete, I was able to sink a six-foot put and go to the Clubhouse with a par for this hole.

Overall, my rating for this course is excellent. It is very open, carrying out the British links design with well-placed bunkers, a variety of grasses and effective use of the natural terrain. As in most golf courses today, the environmental sensitivity has been well managed, yet the golfing experience has not been compromised. This course is not for the beginner. Ladies who cannot consistently drive at least 150-plus yards off the tee should not expect to par this course. In most cases, I was hitting long irons or low numbered fairway drivers to the green on my second or third shots.

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