Mission Inn’s El Campeon course
Central Florida is known as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason.
The area is home to world renown attractions such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, and with a climate that is accessible for outdoor activities year-round it serves as a haven for those looking to escape the bitter cold months of the north during the fall and winter seasons. That same sentiment can be felt when it comes to golf in this area.
There is an embarrassment of riches in the golf space in Central Florida, but when it comes to value there is one resort that stands out in a major way: Mission Inn Resort and Club. The team at Mission Inn is constantly doing everything they can to maximize the value of the golfer’s experience on property, and that sentiment is resonated from the ownership on down as the Buecher family, who has owned the property for nearly 60 years, pours their heart and soul into enhancing every facet of the guest experience to ensure the quality of your visit.
Located about 35 minutes north of the city center of Orlando, Florida, Mission Inn Resort and Club is one of the best value golf destinations in the United States. We are consistently blown away with how good the experience is for the price that is paid, and it’s an easy recommendation for us to golfers who ask us where to play in Central Florida.
Mission Inn’s Las Colinas course
The golf: El Campeón and Las Colinas
There are 36 holes at Mission Inn Resort and Club with the El Campeón course getting the most notoriety of the two. It has such a different look and feel than the typical golf experience you get in Orlando as many courses in the area are quite flat. That is not the case here. El Campeón has several holes with a notable change in elevation and several holes that will leave a lasting impression on you when you get back home. The course is fun and memorable from start to finish and concludes with 3 fantastic finishing holes.
The start of this 3-hole stretch includes the island green 16th hole, a short par-4 that requires an accurate approach shot where a 3 or a 6 is just as likely for many golfers. The 17th hole is known as “The Devil’s Delight” and is a unique double-dogleg par-5 that features a large oak tree in the middle of the fairway requiring a ton of thought from golfers on how they are going to approach their lay-up shot. The green is guarded by water short, and if you lay up behind the tree on your second shot you likely won’t have enough room to get around the tree. We love this hole because it places a premium on all three shots you’ll need to hit as you make your way towards the undulated green that slopes from back to front. The 18th hole is a long dogleg right par-4 around the water that requires accuracy off the tee, so you don’t spoil a good round on the last hole.
The Las Colinas course is a more friendly test of golf that makes for a fun second round. It’s no slouch at 7,230 yards from the tips on this Gary Koch designed track that opened in 1992. You’ll find similar feels to El Campeón with a little more playability from start to finish. Our favorite hole on this course is the par-4 seventh hole. A downhill, blind tee shot doesn’t necessarily require a driver off the tee as you’ll want to make sure you find the right tier for your second shot so that you aren’t faced with a downhill lie on an approach to a narrow green protected short by a bunker front left that finds a lot of golf balls.
The resort
The resort is also known for weddings, meetings, and always being exceptional at their customer service for a golf getaway. The resort rooms are well-appointed after a renovation a few years ago, and if you’re looking to have your group stay all under one-roof there are multi-bedroom suites available that are perfect for all together.
In addition to the great golf, here are a few additional activities to consider during your visit:
- Boat rentals
- Multiple dining options
- Trap and skeet shooting
- Tennis
- Trail hiking
- Trail cycling
- Spa Marabella
- Heated pool and hydro-spa
- Billiards and game room
Recommendation
It’s tough to beat the value that you receive at Mission Inn Resort & Club. They are constantly offering different types of packages, but one of their staple packages, The Golfer’s Getaway Package, starts at $158 per person per night and includes your overnight accommodations, use of practice facilities, greens fees for one round on either course and a breakfast buffet.
You’ll be in great hands here, and you’ll be glad you visited this special destination.