The Nicklaus at Reunion Golf & Spa Resort

Reunion Golf & Spa Resort, one of the Kingwood International Resorts, is the only resort in the world where you will find three outstanding signature championship golf courses designed by the greatest legends of the game and designers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

Located in Kissimmee, Florida near the attractions, Reunion is the complete package when it comes to golf or just a family vacation. The resort features luxury accommodations ranging from 700 to 10,000 square feet, featuring villas, condos, multi bedroom homes (up to 20 bedrooms) or the eleven story hotel.

The three designs are very different from each other and always in immaculate condition. The Watson and Palmer play out of the main pro shop connected to the Hotel, while the Nicklaus is a short drive away, still on the property, with a brand-spankingnew clubhouse. The one constant no matter which course you play or where you drop your bags is the exemplary service by the staff.

The "Golden Bear," as Jack is known throughout the golf world, brought his unique perspective and design acumen to Reunion and has built a golf course which opened in 2007 as the "Tradition" and is a top favorite among guests and members at Reunion. The Jack Nicklaus Signature

design course is a parkland style layout with generous fairways, smooth and flowing with long horizon lines, elevated tee boxes and greens, but can be as deceptive as it is beautiful. Designed to tempt players into hitting risky shots with potentially big payoffs, the course challenges the golfer to step up to the ball with a carefully organized series of shots in mind.

The practice facilities are on par with the quality of the golf course. A meticulously maintained 1,105 foot driving range and a 13,356 square foot putting green are provided near the clubhouse. In addition, the Resort has a five-acre dual-ended driving complex with a large teeing area adjacent to the Palmer and Watson

courses with chipping, putting and bunker practice facilities. The 5,400 square foot Reunion Golf Academy sits at the back end of the driving range nestled near the 18th fairway of the Watson course.

The starter Ron gave us the lay of the land, the facility locations and the appropriate entry and exit to and from the fairways on this bearable 7219 yard layout. The dogleg right par 5, 3rd is a bear. The right side has bunker after bunker and water beyond, so the best play is avoiding the right side. Again, the wind held our drives back and it took me 4 shots to reach the back pin placement on a narrow green. A one putt salvaged par. It is a great hole at 585 yards from the tips. The signature

hole, #16, is a par 3, 210 yard shot over water. It looks better than it plays. With a low flight trajectory, if I did make the green my ball would have continued through the green, so I bailed to the larger landing surface left of the green, from which I chipped on for a respectable four.

The closing hole presents a cavern between tee box and fairway approximately 150 yards across. Drives should favor the right side on this 570 yard par 5. The fairway slopes right to left with a waste area that continues almost to the green, which is small and tucked left of the fairway. Good luck. The folks on the patio of the clubhouse applauded as I putted out for a big number.

Speaking of the clubhouse, the 12,000 square foot building features a panoramic view of the 18th hole that was rerouted to accommodate the clubhouse and the new ultra-luxury

Bear's Den residential enclave. Located on over three acres, the Nicklaus clubhouse includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, men's and ladies locker rooms and showers, a golf lifestyle retail center, an event lawn for group functions and special events and an upscale sports bar, Traditions, with an open kitchen and outdoor terrace overlooking the closing green.

"We are confident that every member and guest will enjoy this distinctive golf experience," says Reunion Resort's General Manager Kevin Baker. "It is always our desire to provide the best in service, facilities and playing conditions. This new Clubhouse provides an intimate and refreshing location to gather with friends and family, or share the triumphs of a day of championship golf."

Editorial: By Dave Daubert www.floridagolfer.com

JACK NICKLAUS COURSE

ARNOLD PALMER COURSE

TOM WATSON COURSE