The cure for summer’s end? Florida. At Mission Inn Resort, about a half-hour drive from Orlando, you can step into the historic elegance of Spanish Colonial–inspired architecture and enjoy a classic golf experience. The resort’s El Campéon golf course, designed by golf pro and architect George O’Neil, has welcomed celebrated players including Babe Zaharias, Ben Hogan, Patty Berg, Arnold Palmer and trick-shot legend Joe Kirkwood.
Originally built in 1917 and known as the Floridian, the course was the first in Florida to use grass greens rather than the oiled-sand greens common at the time. After its sale in 1964 the course was renamed El Campéon (The Champion). Fully modernized, it features dramatic elevation changes—up to 85 feet on six holes—across land once covered with hardwoods and citrus groves. Golfers and reviewers alike have praised the layout: in a recent GolfAdvisor.com player survey the course earned the No. 2 national ranking.
To celebrate its centennial, Mission Inn Resort offered a special Golfer’s Getaway package from Oct. 1, 2016 through Jan. 15, 2017, designed for guests who want to experience historic El Campéon. With a two-night minimum stay, the package included deluxe accommodations, daily golf with a shared cart, unlimited use of practice facilities, and a generous daily buffet breakfast at La Hacienda restaurant. On arrival night, guests enjoyed a four-course wine dinner for two at El Conquistador lakeside restaurant. The centennial package also featured a commemorative 100th-anniversary merchandise set, on-site savings coupons for merchandise and spa services, club storage and cleaning, and late check-out so you could fit in a final round before departure.
Pricing for the centennial getaway began at $194.50 per person based on double occupancy, excluding resort fee and taxes, with optional add-ons for additional nights. The package highlighted the resort’s commitment to combining historic charm with modern amenities for a memorable golf retreat.