Course Review - The National Course at ChampionsGate

Hello again. I hope all of you enjoyed the Super Bowl. What a great story, and how precious were Drew Brees and his son Braylon. Okay here we go. Today we'll be reviewing The National Course at ChampionsGate. You can do a visual tour (animated) on their website, http://www.championsgategolf.com/ ChampionsGate Resort is located about 25 miles SW of Orlando, Exit 58 off of I-4.

The hole pictured below, is the par-3 #14. A tough hole, playing 152 yds. on the day we played it. We took the picture because it was attractive and looked difficult. It proved not to be that difficult for me as I have a natural fade built into my golf shots. A well struck 7 iron flew over the marsh, slid gently under the branch, spun back about 10 ft. and left me 30 ft. below the hole. With the hard work done, I just put a good stroke on the putt, and it found it's way to the bottom of the cup. It was my only birdie of the day.

Course Review. The National Course.

The National Course was my favorite of the 2 courses. The first 2 holes and the last 2 holes are on the clubhouse side of the road (no trees.) Navigating the tunnel under the road brings you to the #3 tee box. The change in the golf course is awesome. You are now surrounded by Live Oaks covered with Spanish moss.
The contrast from the International Course is very significant.

ChampionsGate will be included on my agenda for next years trip. I've also began hinting to Lori that it might be a great place to retire. The National stretches out as such: Tips - 7128 yds.

Blue - 6427 yds. White - 5937 yds. Red - 5150 yds.

The Review.

Pro Shop Staff - 5 Say hello to Vinny when your there. He's a former Myrtle Beacher.

Golf Staff - 5

Food and Beverage - 3 Beverage Cart service was good. Restaurant Staff (breakfast) needs work.

Tees - 4

Fairways - 4

Greens - 4

Rough- 4

Overall - 4+

The 15 holes across the street (collectively) were some of the most aesthetic and natural golf holes that I've played. I thoroughly enjoyed these 2 Norman designed golf courses, and would highly recommend them when visiting Central Florida. I'm looking forward to "getting after" the International. I played it in 30 mph winds, and it was a beast. I played well on the back, after I put the driver away, and started punching the 1 iron.

Hope all is well, God Bless, Thank a Vet, Hug a Soldier, Sugar.