Eagles Edge
You might recall that Omni Orlando (Fla.) Resort ChampionsGate used to be home to the David Leadbetter Academy. The Travel Caddie once got a lesson from the legendary teacher himself there, with none other than one of his more famous students, Lydia Ko, looking on.
As usual, the Travel Caddie’s game surged temporarily before reverting to some old habits, but we digress a bit here.
In 2022, Leadbetter relocated his academy at Reunion Resort in Orlando, and Omni ChampionsGate had to figure out what to do with the old facilities. In a way, the Leadbetter Academy had run its course there anyway, so something new and different that reflects where golf is today seemed to be the answer.
“And that’s what we did,” said Patrick Dill, PGA Director of Golf at ChampionsGate. “Fourteen to 17 million dollars later, we’ve got this really cool golf concept.”
So besides 36 holes of Greg Norman-designed championship golf courses and a lighted par-3 course, guests can now enjoy Eagles Edge at ChampionsGate, a new 6,000 square-foot facility dedicated to having fun and unwinding.
‘A fun atmosphere’
Eagles Edge was converted from the old David Leadbetter Academy, where there were bays and offices, a lobby, and lots of Trackman and other high-tech equipment. Harkening back to the last 20 years and all the tour players and celebrities that went through there, however, remains one of the walls with some pretty big signatures on it, like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Tommy Hilfiger, Peyton Manning, Mark O’Meara, and many others. Most of them have personal messages, and are protected by plexiglass, so those memories remain.
The rest of this complex, which sits behind the 1,005-room Omni Hotel and its lazy river and par-3 course, has been completely redesigned. Most notably, there are now 30 bays equipped with Toptracer equipment, leading out to a range with lighted targets. The facility is open into the night, so whether you played golf earlier in the day, or even if you didn’t bring clubs (there are Callaway clubs available next to each bay), you can go out and hit balls with your buddies or colleagues.
But it’s way more than a driving range, of course. Toptracer Range technology not only offers all the numbers like distances, club path, ball speed, etc., but there are a variety of games you can play. You can take part in a closest to the pin contest, which could extend to other facilities, or play a virtual course. Or you could play Angry Birds or other target games, hitting golf shots with different goals in mind.
Most of all, it’s a fun atmosphere, perhaps somewhat akin to Topgolf, but with the Omni’s special flair. Because not only can you hit golf shots into the night, but there are screens on each bay with big sporting events as well dozens of other big screens scattered throughout Eagles Ridge. When we were there recently, we were able to catch the College Football National Championship game (sorry, Notre Dame fans).
There is also an indoor beer hall setting, offering craft beer and cocktails. And the cuisine is exceptional. Dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that cater to all palates.The menu includes Tracer Loaded Nachos, Farmer’s Harvest Flatbread, and Smoked Brisket, or Local Snapper Street Tacos.
“It’s fun, it’s different, and people just like to hang out here,” Dill said.
Scott Tripoli, General Manager of Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate, pointed out that the resort is known for being a premier meeting spot as well as a golf destination, and Eagles Edge appeals to both.
“We believe in pushing boundaries and embracing innovation,” Tripoli said. “With Eagles Edge, we are transforming the way our guests partake in the game and event gatherings through an all-
encompassing a venue that brings state-of-the-art technology, topline service and unmatched food and beverage offerings.”
Bays can be reserved (about $45 on average by the hour for one to six guests) via OpenTable; and walk-in guests are welcomed, but reservations are highly encouraged. Private events and catering options are available seven days a week. For group bookings you can contact Eagles Edge Sales and Services Manager at eagles.edge@omnihotels.com or call (407) 707-3111.
Of course, we also highly recommend playing golf at ChampionsGate. There are two courses, both designed by the former Open champion. The International has a bit of a British links feel to it, set in a wide-open often windy environment with pot bunkers, wetlands, and grassy dunes. The National is more of a target course with a couple of short par 4s that longer hitters might attempt to drive and a great 632-yard par-5 finishing hole.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is located just southwest of Walt Disney Resort off of Interstate-4.
