Successful companies and successful sports teams have a lot in common – from quality management to a dedicated rank and file. Each of those things brings together perhaps the most important ingredient: Depth.
When Spencer Cody became Club and Operations Director for Omni Hotels & Resorts in late 2021, he knew the company had an impressive portfolio. That’s understandable, as Cody spent the three previous years as director of golf at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, TX. But there was more to Cody’s corporate learning curve than simply knowing the golf-focused resorts, which now total 13, throughout Omni’s portfolio.
“It became very apparent to me very quickly that our ownership group (the Dallas-based Rowling family through TRT Holdings) are passionate golfers,’’ Cody told me recently at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate near Orlando. “That’s obvious by what kind of commitment they made to PGA Frisco (Texas). The more-than $500 million they put into that property signaked to me that the Omni Golf Collection would be a big player in the golf scene.
“When I got here I didn’t realize the depth of the (Omni Golf Collection) portfolio – like the Old Course at the Homestead, which has the modest continuous tee in all of golf (1892). The resort predates the Declaration of Independence by 10 years. That’s amazing. The Omni Bedford Springs (PA)., has a course designed by AW Tillinghast, Donald Ross and Spencer Oldham.
“So, we have older ‘classic’ courses, like the Homestead and ‘modern’ course like Fields Ranch East and West (at Omni PGA Frisco), Barton Creek and soon at Amelia Island.’’
The renovated Oak Marsh Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa – about 30 minutes north Jacksonville, FL. – will officially open May 16. An original Pete Dye design that opened in 1972, Oak Marsh is a testament to Ol’ Pete’s mastery of using marsh and wetlands that would later be seen in courses, such as his acclaimed design of the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Golf Resort.
But 50-plus years is a long time, so in early 2024, Beau Welling was brought in to renovate the 6,600-yard layout. Welling’s renovation features re-grassed fairways, tee areas, rough and green collars, renovated bunkers and modern drainage technologies.
“It’s a little more open and approachable – a little bit less encumbered by the trees than before,’’ Cody said.
At Barton Creek, meanwhile, a complete renovation of the Arnold Palmer-designed Lakeside course was completed in 2024 by the Palmer Design team. The Lakeside Course sometimes is overlooked by the resort’s more famous courses – Fazio Foothills, Fazio Canyons and Coore/Crenshaw – but at slightly more than 6,400 yards from the tips, it’s a quintessential resort layout.
“We’re excited about the Lakeside course,’’ Cody said. “It gives our guests and member 72 holes really good holes of Hill Country golf.’’
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
While Omni Hotels & Resort continues to look at new destinations for its golf collection, the Omni PGA Frisco, less than three hours north of Barton Creek, has received the brunt of headlines. Featuring the aforementioned Fields Ranch courses – East designed by Gil Hanse and West by Welling – the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa celebrates its second anniversary in May as the golf collection’s flagship property.
By the way, don’t pass on a chance to play “The Swing,’’ PGA Frico’s outstanding 10-hole -par-3 course that’s lit up for night play and open as late as midnight on weekends. It’s already a favorite among resort guests.
In addition, PGA Frisco is home to the new headquarters of the PGA of America, which will bring the 2027 PGA Championship to North Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, June 19-22, will be played on the East Course at Fields Ranch.
“The explosive growth in that area (North Texas) was already underway, then came the PGA partnering with us and made the commitment to move from (Palm Beach Gardens) Florida,’’ Cody said. “There already was a wave in building, but (PGA Frisco) turned it into a tidal wave. I think (PGA Frisco) will be a catalyst for business for years to come.
“What really works for us is when we can combine luxury with great hotels at unique destinations that also have golf,’’ Cody said. “We love that. It’s perfect for us.’’
Featue Photo: Oak Marsh at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Photos Courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts