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Eagle Creek Golf Club Selected As Host Site For The Golf Channel’s Drive, Chip & Putt Finals
ORLANDO, FL (August 18, 2005) - Eagle Creek Golf Club has been selected to host the 2005 National Championships of the Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt Junior Challenge. The competition takes place Sept. 24 for 84 finalists in four age groups, all vying for the titles of national champion.
Eagle Creek is the highly acclaimed Ron Garl/Howard Swan design, located off Narcoossee Road in south Orlando. Eagle Creek opened to rave reviews in March of 2004, and received several honors during its first year, including being named among the top 10 new courses of the decade in Florida by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine.
Eagle Creek was the first course in Florida to use Mini Verde grass on its greens, and it quickly developed the reputation as a course with great greens. That fact has made Eagle Creek a prime candidate for events such as this seven-year-old junior competition. Eagle Creek is also a host course for the Buick Scramble Finals in October.
“This selection is another indicator of how well the golf community has accepted the overall golf experience at Eagle Creek,” said Eagle Creek General Manager Gary Piotrowski. “We strive to provide a world-class experience for the guests of our daily fee golf course, from course condition to customer service. This selection is a reflection of the outstanding work of our staff.”
The Golf Channel was equally as excited about Eagle Creek.
“The Golf Channel is proud once again to bring this exciting championship event to our home city, Orlando,” said Steve Sellery, Director, Sports Marketing. “Now to have the chance to partner with Eagle Creek Golf Club, and work again with Gary Piotrowski is wonderful, as I know the event will greatly benefit by the dedication, support, and enthusiasm on behalf of Eagle Creek.”
Now in its seventh year, the world’s largest junior golf program of its kind – the Mutual of Omaha Drive, Chip & Putt Junior Challenge -- provides a free, fun and friendly opportunity for boys and girls to compete, develop and test their golf skills regardless of their talent level. In 2005, The Golf Channel has introduced the game to more than 35,000 kids in 105 communities across the United State and Canada.
“This is a great way to celebrate the achievement and sportsmanship of these great young people,” said The Golf Channel President David Manougian. “This event truly showcases the success and growth of our junior golf program throughout its seven years.”
The tie-in with the Golf Channel and with the juniors-driven program is especially important to Piotrowski.
"This is a terrific program in so many ways," said Piotrowski. "It introduces so many kids to the game of golf, kids that we might not otherwise reach. We are thrilled to be part of this program with The Golf Channel."
Eagle Creek is located just minutes from Orlando International Airport, and course officials made sure golfers can take full advantage of the prime location.
Piotrowski and his staff are making it easy for travelers to schedule their final round of their golf vacation at Eagle Creek by offering first-class clubhouse facilities ? men's and women's locker-rooms with showers and an outstanding restaurant with quick-service meals. Eagle Creek will also arrange transportation to the airport following golf.
"Visiting golfers need to know that Eagle Creek is a must-play' on their trip anyway, because of the uniqueness of the experience," said Piotrowski. "But with our convenient location near the airport, and the amenities we offer visiting golfers, we've made it an easy decision for them. They simply can save the best until last, and we'll send them home feeling refreshed with memories of a great golf experience."
The "save the best til last" slogan also plays into the uniqueness of the design and its dramatic finishing hole. With five par 5's, Eagle Creek plays to a par 73, the only course in Central Florida to do so. Golfers generally favor par 5's, and none is more enjoyable than the terrific finishing hole. The 483-yard par 5 offers golfers a chance to finish in glory, reaching the green in two. But the sloping putting surface is bordered in front and to the right by water, requiring extreme accuracy on the approach.
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