Orlando Golf Course Resort Designed by George O’Neil
Mission Inn Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills is home to the El Campeón golf course, an Orlando golf course resort designed by George O’Neil. George O’Neil loved to golf and understood the elements of a truly superb golf course layout. His vision lives on in award winning El Campeón, now in its 100th year.
Why is George O’Neil Important to Golf Course Design?
El Campeón golf course at Mission Inn was designed in 1917 by George O’Neil, a Chicago golf course designer who originally hailed from the birthplace of golf, Scotland. He was hired by William J. Howey who purchased the 60,000 acres of land and thought a top notch 18-hole course would entice investors and visitors.
O’Neil understood the game of golf and the importance of visual appeal and playability of a course, as well as factors such as environment, space, and land ownership. He spent his winters in Southern California where he designed notable courses there like Pasadena and Mountain Meadows Golf Clubs.
He was a co-designer for the famous Greenbrier Course in West Virginia which is the only golf course in the world to host both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup Matches.
El Campeón at Florida Golf Course Resort
Golf Advisor ranked El Campeón the #2 golf course 25 U.S. Course in 2015 and #2 Top Florida Golf Course in 2016. Golfers repeatedly rave about its elevation changes over 85 feet, holes with water in play, and remarkable rolling fairways.
The resort also offers the award winning Las Colinas, known for its wide open fairways and inland links design.
With a superb tennis program, onsite instruction with highly experienced coaches, large putting green or chipping areas and an extensive pro shop, it’s an overall great golf resort experience.
Mission Inn is an outstanding Orlando golf course resort that not only celebrates the love of the game but pays homage to the great creator of golf course design, George O’Neil.
