3 Legends / 3 Courses / One Incredible Golf Experience
Reunion Resort, Kissimmee Florida
Normally it is the time of the year when I would be getting most excited about heading to the PGA Show in Orlando. Winter in Canada, who wouldn’t find almost any excuse to escape the cold and snow. No matter how chilly it gets in Florida in January, the courses do not close and we Canadians will play!
But, even though most of us are double vexed, and boosted, thanks to the incompetence of our Provincial and Federal Governments we are still far from normal. So, home in the snow in cold it is for this Traveling Golfer for another winter. For those of you that are lucky enough to live in the good old USA or have escaped Canada for the winter, good for you. Stay there, stay warm and play golf!
Pretty much on any visit to the PGA Show it is a given that we have at least 1 round of golf at Reunion Resort. In 2019 when things were normal, my PGA Show travel buddy, Tim “Big Dog” Baines” and I were lucky enough to spend a few days at Reunion. It is a very popular resort, especially in and around the PGA Show, so many in the golf industry know how great the golf is here, not to mention the Resort amenities and restaurants.
Sushi lovers take note, The Grand Lobby Sushi Bar is a must stop and the cocktails, well, what can I say! Been there done that.
3 Legends / 3 Courses
Reunion Resort and Golf Club offers a golfing experience unlike any other in the world. Receiving accolades and awards from several golf publications, Reunion is the only place you will find three Signature Design
courses by golf’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer.
On our visit we played the Palmer and Watson and it is really a pick up to which we liked better, both solid courses. The Palmer Course plays you through many bunkers, Tim might have been in almost every one that day, an easy mark for beer rewards. There is plenty of lush greenery, and some fairways guide you through a number of luxury rental homes available. The 7th hole on Palmer, is one of the most memorable, depending on the tees you play you a significant carry is required. The long winding bridge over the sparkling pond has you gazing at the resort’s Grande Tower elegantly in the distance. The Palmer course offers 6,916 yards of rolling terrain with elevation changes up to 50 feet. (Image above)
Both the Palmer and Watson courses play out of the main Clubhouse, Pro Shop and an awesome restaurant within. Ideal spot for breakfast or lunch – awesome burgers. The Watson Course is very good through the opening nine, larger greens and a little more open off the tee. It takes it up a few scenic notches on the back nine. With rollicking fairways and menacing sand traps, it still manages to combine fair with throwing a big challenge at you.
We had played what might be considered the most challenging of Reunion’s three courses on a previous visit, the Nicklaus course. As the starter told us the Nicklaus Course was considered more of a tournament course. In other words, for “good players.”
Located on the other side of the resort property and winding through parts of the nature reserve, the Nicklaus course can be a bit quieter and more scenic than Watson or Palmer. This course provides long fairways and challenging water hazards. From the 18th green, you can wave to your friends as they watch from the clubhouse veranda, which features panoramic views of the 18th green. Inside the Nicklaus Clubhouse. A beverage or 2 at Traditions, the tavern style restaurant is a must or even a post round meal.
Reunion Resort has been consistently recognized for providing a premier golf experience in Central Florida since 2005. Known for their course maintenance and care, they pride themselves in ensuring the courses are “tournament-ready” every day.
Open to resort guests and members, Reunion’s rolling greens stretch across the 2,300-acre resort, just minutes from Walt Disney World and other famous Orlando attractions. Reunion attracts avid golfers from around the world looking to experience an enhanced level of play with exceptional conditions and unique course layouts designed by three PGA legends. With spacious multi-room villas and luxury vacation homes featuring up to 13 bedrooms, this property is an easy option for your golf getaway.
In addition to golf, Reunion Resort amenities include a mini-golf course, multiple tennis and pickleball courts with a Pro Shop, casual and fine dining, 10 community pools, a five-acre waterpark, and 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Whether it’s a family vacation, a golf trip with the guys, or a girls’ trip, Reunion has something for everyone. For more information, to make a reservation, or to book tee times, visit www.ReunionResort.com
