OMNI ORLANDO RESORT AT CHAMPIONSGATE ANNOUNCES GRAND REOPENING

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, home to two championship Greg Norman-designed courses and the world headquarters of The Leadbetter Golf Academy, is reopening the International Golf Course following a revitalization this summer. The significant renovation project marks the International Course's first enhancement since opening 16 years ago.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate's International Course closed in June 2016 and reopened to the public on Oct. 1. The project yields improved playing conditions with the complete restoration of 18 greens and all green-side bunker complexes to their original sizes, look and feel. Resurfacing the original Floradwarf turf greens included sprigging of Champion Bermuda, and replacing the original Paspalum turf, green surrounds, and par three tee surfaces with 419 Bermuda. The changes result in firmer and faster playing conditions, more consistent greens, higher tolerance to cold temperatures, and exceptional quality for years to come.

Greg Norman Golf Course Design was extremely hands-on throughout the project and ensured the integrity of its original design. An additional 42,000 square feet of greens surface allows for new pin positions, effectively testing players of all skill levels. A number of fairway bunkers were removed, allowing for cleaner sight lines off the tees. True to Norman's Australian roots, the International Course still boasts a raw design aesthetic with a rustic "down under" style of a coastal links course. The new turf surfaces result in dramatically firmer and faster conditions and a more challenging putting experience on larger, undulating greens.

Next for Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, the National Course is set to close for enhancements in late spring of 2017, including the sprigging of Champion Bermuda, bunker renovations, and restoration of greens back to the original size and feel. The International Course will remain open during the National Course closure.

"We are thrilled with the results of this significant upgrading project and look forward to the reactions of golfers when they experience the International Course," said Patrick Dill, director of golf for Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. "Looking ahead, we're excited to complete work on the National Course, breathing new life into the original Norman design."

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is recognized as one of the Top 125 Golf Resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. Ranked No. 9 in the top overall ranked courses by GOLF Advisor and featuring 18 of the most dramatic and challenging holes in the state, the 7,363-yard links-style International Course is home to sprawling greens and wind-swept dunes turned up by the sound of bagpipers on the tenth hole. The 7,128-yard National, is a traditional American-style layout cut from 200 acres of rolling wetlands and features complex bunkers and exciting risk-reward holes.

Before teeing off, beginners and pros alike can brush up on their game at the world headquarters of the Leadbetter Golf Academy with private, one-hour lessons that ensure optimal performance. Golfers at the resort may even catch a glimpse of LPGA golfer Lydia Ko perfecting her swing. Ranked in the Top 10 for teaching facilities in the U.S. by Golf Magazine, the facility features four acres of double-sided driving range, two-acre short game practice facility with separate pitching area that includes target greens and fairway bunkers.

Striking new course upgrades at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate are just the beginning of a multi-faceted enhancement to the luxury destination, as the resort breaks ground for a $40 million expansion project inclusive of 23,000 square feet of additional pool deck and recreational space, installation of Orlando's only resort wave pool, a new property villa building, redesign of Trevi's Restaurant, and the addition of 100,000 square feet of expanded event lawn and conference center space. The International and National Greg Norman-designed courses, developed in 2000 as part of the ChampionsGate area, laid the foundation for an ever-growing and thriving community. The budding area continues to expand with a new Champions Village retail center and development of a sophisticated three-building shopping complex, complete with notable retailers and restaurants. Omni Orlando Resort consistently delivers a sophisticated, individualized luxury experience that discerning travelers have come to expect from Omni Hotels & Resorts. A departure from the fast-paced tourist attractions in Orlando, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers a remedy for "vacation fatigue" - relaxation.

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