New Clubhouse at Reunion Resort’s Nicklaus Course Opens
Clubhouse at Signature Design features upscale sports bar called “Traditions,” artwork and memorabilia related to Jack Nicklaus’ decorated career
Reunion, a Salamander Resort, has opened a stunning new clubhouse at its Signature Design Nicklaus Course.
Located on over three acres, the new 12,000 square-foot clubhouse features panoramic views of the course and includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, men’s and women’s locker rooms and showers, a golf lifestyle retail space, an event lawn for group functions and special events, and an upscale sports bar called “Traditions,” complete with an open kitchen and outdoor terrace with views of the 18th green.
A tribute to Jack Nicklaus’ masterful layout, the new clubhouse includes furnishings, artwork and memorabilia related to Nicklaus’ decorated career.
“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 clubhouse provides an intimate and refreshing location to gather with family and friends, or share the triumphs of a day of championship golf at Reunion.”
The new clubhouse is part of a multi-pronged improvement plan at the Nicklaus Course. Before construction of the clubhouse began, the 17th and 18th holes were re-routed to elevate the finishing experience. Significant bunker improvement work has just been completed, while several spectacular homes have now been built in the surrounding Bear’s Den community – creating a true enclave for golfers.
The clubhouse was inspired by the rich heritage of Mediterranean Revival architecture in Florida and in particular the work of Addison Mizner. It features large French doors opening to terraces with dark wood roof overhangs. The roof is shaped with barrel tiles and walls of rough stucco that provide depth and texture, along with ornamental ironwork and cast stone window frames.
The interior design is characterized by rich woods and contrasting light walls, textural fabrics, and natural earthy colors such as olive, terracotta and soft blues. The restaurant floor mimics terracotta tiles found in Mediterranean manors, while the rich millwork with iron metal detailing and beamed ceilings ensures each guest feels a luxurious sense of place.
The clubhouse’s dining experience is an upscale sports bar called Traditions. Serving American regional cuisine, the menu is seasonal and local with farm-to-table elements. The bar includes a signature drink menu, including craft cocktails and signature barrel aged bourbons. The open-air kitchen and service style is designed to be friendly and welcoming, appealing to both members and the local community. On weekends, Traditions offers live musical entertainment making it a perfect gathering place for celebrations large or small. All of the doors to the dining terrace, which overlooks the 18th green, open to allow the entire restaurant to enjoy an afternoon breeze during nice weather months.
Opened in 2006, The Nicklaus Course was designed to flow smoothly and gently from tee to green. A target, parkland-style course, it was designed to be a player’s course rather than what is referred to as “resort golf.” While the 7,244-yard layout is not exceptionally long by today’s standards, postage-stamp greens, forced carries that lead to fairway targets sometimes only 50 yards wide and a fair amount of trouble for wayward shots give the course plenty of bite.
The Nicklaus Course remained open throughout the Clubhouse construction process. Additionally, Reunion’s two other Signature layouts, the Watson and Palmer Courses, also continued to accommodate guest and member play.
Reunion Resort features 360 resort-style accommodations ranging from luxury suites and condos, to multi-room villas and private 3-to-13-bedroom vacation homes. Recognized as a top golf destination, Reunion is the only location in the world featuring three signature championship golf courses designed by golf’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. The amenity-rich resort also features eight casual and fine dining options including an award-winning rooftop steakhouse, elegant indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, six hydro-grid clay tennis courts, a full-service boutique spa, 10 community pools and a 5-acre waterpark including slides, a water playground and a 1,000-ft. lazy river. With various real estate and membership opportunities available, guests can stay for a weekend or become members for life.
The Orlando resort is managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson, and is part of the Salamander Golf Collection.
The opening of the Nicklaus Clubhouse is a key part of a new initiative being developed by Salamander as part of its efforts to continuously grow the game. In January, the company will unveil its new Salamander Signature Golf Experience across its golf portfolio. Salamander, which has been running successful golf resorts for over a decade, has become renowned for quality, service and innovation.
The Salamander Signature Golf Experience will offer elevated services and amenities across the company’s Signature golf courses, which are: The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort (a PGA TOUR stop for over 25 years); The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort (which underwent a significant restoration project at the end of 2017); and the Nicklaus Course at Reunion Resort. While all of these courses still retain their individual characteristics and strengths, collectively a guest will be able to enjoy an even higher level of consistency – from bag drop to the 19th hole, and everywhere in between.
Reunion Resort is located at 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747. For more information, call 407-662-1000 or visit www.reunionresort.com.
About Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Salamander Hotels & Resorts is a privately owned and operated company based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson in 2005, the company has a luxury portfolio featuring two distinct collections. The Signature Collection includes the stunning Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, a 340-acre equestrian-inspired property near Washington, D.C.; The Henderson, a 170-room grand beach resort in Destin, FL; and Hotel Bennett, a 179-room luxury hotel in Charleston, SC, opening soon. The Golf Collection includes the famed Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, which hosts an annual PGA TOUR on its Copperhead Course; the elegant Reunion Resort in Orlando, which includes Signature Course designs from Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson; and the recently renovated oceanfront Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL, home to layouts by Nicklaus and Watson. All Salamander properties are members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For additional information, visit www.SalamanderHotels.com or call 540-687-3710.
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For More Information
Lauren Harrison, The Zimmerman Agency
lharrison@zimmerman.com
