In Central Florida’s highly-competitive world of groups and convention business, there’s not much difference between the several large resorts. With hundreds of thousands of square feet of meeting space and ballrooms, each property does an outstanding job of catering to the needs of those small and large clients.
So, how does a resort separate from the field? The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is doing it with Eagles Edge, a 6,000 square-foot, stand-alone facility that features a restaurant/bar and 30 hitting bays, each featuring Toptracer technology. Located just a few steps from the 800-acre resort’s back doors, Eagles Edge combination of flexible indoor/outdoor events and bar space makes it an amenity for groups looking for something a bi different without having to leave the property.
“No worries about spending money on transportation,’’ said Patrick Dill, director of golf at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. “That’s a huge savings and convenience.’’
Eagles Edge, which is lit up for night play, also is available for walk-up play for up to six people. Aside from the hitting bays, Eagles Edge serves as another of the Omni Orlando’s restaurants. Hint: Don’t pass on the Tracer Loaded Nachos with Smoked Brisket.
Eagles Edge ideally complements the resort’s two Greg Norman-designed courses – The National and International – each of which has made the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate (1,005 guestrooms) among the top golf destinations in Central Florida. The two courses, Dill said, averages a combined 62,000 rounds annually, a decrease of 20,000 rounds four years ago.
“That was intentional,’’ Dill said. “There were pace of play issues because we have a membership, as well as resort play, and competitive events. We were blowing through carts and doing a lot of damage to the courses. We can live at between 62,000 and 64,000 rounds. Our expectations are very high, so we’d rather have quality than quantity.’’
Feature Photo: Eagle’s Edge (Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate)