ChampionsGate-International–Stranger in a Strange Land
The International Course at this 36-hole complex a few miles southwest of Disney World was conceived to emulate the look and
characteristics of Scottish and Irish links (there’s also the National course, designed in an “American” style). I’m not sure which links courses exactly, because I can’t think of any off the top of my head where over half the holes wrap around ponds and man-made reservoirs. But once you get beyond that quibble and accept the attempt — applied to a very typical, flat Florida site — you can begin to appreciate some interesting features and holes.
The courses canvas old agricultural fields and portions of former citrus groves just east of Lake Wales Ridge, though there’s no notable elevation change on the property. The design is actually strongest where it’s not trying to look British — the “fescue”-covered dunes that buffer holes on the first nine are out of place in this setting and holes seven, eight and nine, which circle the large Omni Hotel compound, are tough but comprise an awkward and artificial detour.
The more spare and uncomplicated holes of the second nine to the northwest — beginning the 10th, basically a reverse image of Harbour Town’s 18th — have a more authentic links quality. Twelve is a good little par-4 from the 314-yard tees; 13 and 15 are strong driving holes with massive, rambling fairways that tighten near the green; and 14 is a demanding 230-yard par three guarded quite effectively by a solitary, small bunker in front. Norman gets points for his minimally presented green complexes with their bare shoulders and slick roll-off zones, but the innumerable pot bunkers that are scattered about like fistfuls of marbles reek of Dye at Whistling Straits but without any of the surrounding atmosphere.(87)
ChampionsGate Golf Club—International Course
Davenport/Orlando
Architect: Greg Norman
Year: 2000