Ginn Reunion Resort
The
Resort features three great golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack
Nicklaus and Tom Watson. The Annika Academy by Annika Sorenstam also is located on the property. And,
there is an extensive pool area featuring a water park, a lazy river and a
luxurious spa.
The Golf
at Reunion is definitely big time. No expense was spared. All three courses
were in immaculate condition. The Palmer/Legacy Course may be a bit more
forgiving, but it still is a championship test. It features rolling terrain
with elevation changes of up to 50 feet.
The
Nicklaus/Tradition Course is more of a risk-reward layout. There are several
par-5s that big hitters can reach in two – but if they miss it will be costly.
Most of the tees and greens are elevated.
The
Watson/Independence Course features firm, fast fairways and numerous bunkers
with which to contend. The 18th hole has 16 of the 156 bunkers found on this
course. There are numerous pristine water hazards, and the bunkers employ the
finest silica sand.
Each
course plays very differently, which makes the golf experience more
interesting.
Reunion
is the home of the Annika Academy. Famed LPGA star Annika Sorenstam has opened her first academy here
featuring her long time swing coach, Henri Reis. Sorenstam probably is the best
striker of the golf ball to ever play on the LPGA, or anywhere else. Only Ben
Hogan hit the ball as pure. Her academy is top notch, with state of the art
equipment and facilities.
All of
the practice areas at Reunion were immaculate on my visit. The grass is so green, it looks as if it were painted on. The soil in
Florida is ideal for golf, and divots fly off very softly.
Every
April, Reunion hosts the LPGA Ginn Open. The
tournament gained a lot of attention a couple of years ago when the LPGA gave
12-year-old phenom Dakota Dowd a sponsor’s exemption
to play. Dakota’s mom was suffering from breast cancer and she wanted to see
her daughter play in an LPGA event. This dream was fulfilled that week at
Reunion. Her mom later lost her battle, but we all remember the graciousness of
the Ginn Open and the LPGA.
The
accommodations at Reunion are very large and feature kitchens. They are ideally
suited for short or long stays. Guests can choose from one to three bedroom
units.
Larger villas
also are available. All the units feature the finest in furniture, bathrooms, bedding and flat screen televisions. Most all units look out
to one of the golf courses.
The hub
of this activity is at Reunion Grande, an 11-story condo hotel. The Clubhouse
is right outside the doors and features fine dining as well as a fully stocked
Golf Pro Shop. The driving range is just a few steps away.
Reunion
is very family oriented. The kids will enjoy the large pool and recreation
area. The water park features a 110-foot water slide. A lazy river circles the
pool area and offers a relaxing diversion. There is a fitness area and a game
area as well. The Spa offers hot stone massages and facials along with an
assortment of services.
Orlando
and all of its theme parks are just minutes away. We visited Disney World and
Epcot Center on this trip. You actually can shuttle by monorail between the two
parks. It had been years since my last visit, and I really was impressed with
Epcot.
They have
added new attractions. Try out the Test Track with your youngsters. On this
ride you race in a car up to 60 miles per hour on a real test track. We did
this ride about five times, which should give you an idea of how much fun we
had.
Epcot
features many country exhibits, including a couple from China and Canada. These
exhibits offer a theatre-in-the-round experience; the next best thing to
actually being there. The Spaceship Earth ride had been redone and is now open.
What I
enjoyed most about Epcot was the uncrowded feel of
the park. If you see the whole place you really will get a workout, as it is
spread out over 300 acres. There are many choices for fine dining with
reservations recommended.
Sea World
Orlando and Universal Studios also are just a short drive.
The
Reunion Resort is located in Reunion, Fla., just a couple of miles south of
Orlando. For more information visit www.reunionresort.com or
call (888) 418-9611.