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el campeon golf course florida

El Campeón Championship Course

Sublimely challenging. Frustratingly addictive.

Surrounded by an abundance of natural Florida beauty, the El Campeón 18-hole championship course was designed by Chicago-based course architect, George O’Neil and built in 1917 – with further enhancements in 1926 by Charles E. Clarke of Troon, Scotland.

El Campeón is one of the South’s oldest golf courses and blends unusual Central Florida elevation changes of more than 85 feet with features of traditional golf design, including spectacular rolling fairways and undulating greens.

The course’s signature hole is the par 5, 17th hole – which features a long double dogleg that has more obstacles than some entire courses! Play a Top 25 U.S. course onĀ GolfAdvisor – El Campeón (#9) – 2016.

View the El Campeón flyover here!

Hotlines

You can also callĀ 352.324.3885Ā or 800.874.9053 (toll-free in the Orlando area) to book your tee time or inquire about active specials. If you are staying on a package plan, tee times may be made up to 60 days prior to your check-in day.

Tee times are subject to availability. Please emailĀ proshop@missioninnresort.comĀ for more information.

More Details

golf advisor badge 2015

#2 out of the top 25 courses in the U.S.

golf advisor badge 2016

#9 out of the top 25 courses in the U.S.

Proper golfing attire is required. No t-shirts or tank tops please. Shorts are allowed, but must be proper style and length (tennis shorts or athletic shorts are not acceptable).

Download as a PDF.


Hole 1 “Pine Valley”

515 Yards, Par 5
The course starts with a short par 5 over a creek to a narrow fairway divided by trees. Water on both sides of the green and numerous greenside bunkers challenge the shot maker going for the green on the second shot.

Hole 2 “Bayou”

176 Yards, Par 3
This par 3 requires a medium iron to a large, elevated green, bunkered on both sides with water coming into play on the right side. Reaching the green in one is essential for a good score here.

Hole 3 “Carry”

460 Yards, Par 4
This par 4 with a slight dogleg left requires a big drive down the left side to avoid both a fairway bunker and a large strand of trees on the right side. The green is large and elevated with a bunker protecting the right side.

Hole 4 “Mountain”

405 Yards, Par 4
The real character of El Campeó n starts here. The tee shot must carry a lake to find the uphill fairway that rises 85 feet to the green. Right side placement will allow a clear angle to the green. The second shot is from a sidehill lie, while the severity of the sloping fairway requires one to two extra clubs to reach a green you can’t see.

Hole 5 “Twin Oaks”

450 Yards, Par 4
The fairway doglegs slightly left while sloping severely right to left. Two fairway bunkers on the right side come into play, as do the twin oaks that guard the elevated green, which slopes severely from right to left. Wherever the pin is, your target is left of that.

Hole 6 “Panorama”

398 Yards, Par 4
Starting from an elevated tee box, the fairway doglegs left. The second shot will be uphill to a large but blind green guarded on both sides by tall pines. The green slopes severely from back to front and also is protected by a greenside bunker on the left.

Hole 7 “Canal Zone”

457 Yards, Par 4
Another downhill tee shot, this one to a landing area that is larger than it appears. Trees guard the right side while lakes on the left feed a stream that runs across the fairway. Only a well-placed drive offers the chance of hitting the green in two as the fairway climbs uphill to a deep and narrow green. Par here is an excellent score.

Hole 8 “Island Green”

190 Yards, Par 3
A downhill par 3 to a generous green surrounded by water on two sides and bunkered on the left shoulder, providing the only safe bailout area. The elevated tee provides a clear view of the daunting shot in front of you but makes the hole appear longer than it really is.

Hole 9 “Needle”

352 Yards, Par 4
From an elevated tee box next to the resort, this wide-open hole provides a mental break after the previous holes. For many players, a driver is not necessary. The only real trouble is a large fairway bunker midway on the right side. This is the rare opportunity to make up shots lost.

Hole 10 “Dogleg”

569 Yards, Par 5
The longest par 5 on the course requires a strong drive followed by a second shot around a sharp dogleg right protected by a tall oak. A tee shot down the right side allows the long hitter to cut the corner across water shortening the hole substantially to set up a birdie opportunity. The green is well bunkered on both sides.

Hole 11 “Cedar”

431 Yards, Par 4
For the best approach, play your shot to the left side of this dogleg-left hole that is hemmed in by fairway bunkers right and tall trees left. The green slopes from front to back, making it appear closer than it is and tricking players into coming up short.

Hole 12 “Stretch”

240 Yards, Par 3
This strong par 3 usually requires a long utility club or wood to reach the small, elevated, two-level green. Sand on both sides protects theputting surface.

Hole 13 “Horizon”

340 Yards, Par 4
Over a lake and straight uphill, the landing area is tightened by large fairway bunkers. Take one to two more clubs to cover the uphill distance and reach a blind green that slopes from back to front.

Hole 14 “Descending”

532 Yards, Par 5
Beginning at the highest point on the course, this par 5 plays downhill toward a lake on the right side before the fairway turns right and climbs uphill. A long drive to the narrowest part of the fairway rewards the long hitter with an eagle opportunity on the approach shot to an elevated green protected by multiple bunkers and a mature oak on the right side.

Hole 15 “Gator”

142 Yards, Par 3
The shortest par 3 on the course sits on a peninsula with plenty of water to the left. Judge the distance carefully as even a slightly long shot can roll off the back and into the water.

Hole 16 “Position”

364 Yards, Par 4
Consider leaving your driver in the bag on this short par 4. The best play is landing short of the water hazard that runs down both sides of the fairway and fronts the island green protected on all sides by sand.

Hole 17 “Devil’s Delight”

556 Yards, Par 5
Off the tee, avoid the fairway bunkers on the left side and hanging oaks on the right. The second shot is challenged by a large, historic live oak positioned strategically in the center of the fairway. Stay to the right of the tree for the best line in.The green sits behind water and slopes severely from back to front, so a deep approach leaves a very challenging downhill putt.

Hole 18 “Temptation”

423 Yards, Par 4
The finishing hole provides a picturesque and tempting challenge. The tee shot crosses a lake to a narrow fairway that runs left to right. A longer drive, carrying farther into the right side of the fairway, leaves a much shorter approach shot to a long, narrow green protected by mature trees on the left and greenside bunkers on the right.

Testimonials

I personally, and all but about 4 of our guys, had never played your facility before, although it was the very first place I dropped a resume off 25 years ago when I moved down here. Heard great things of course over the years, but it really did exceed all our expectations. Add to that how well you and your staff took take of us and it was a fantastic experience, regardless of the outcome of the tournament. You obviously have experience running big events and it showed (not that our event was big, but it was run perfectly). I spent some time with your starter both days and had some great chats. With the delay on Friday’s tournament round, we missed our 1:50 afternoon tee times by about 20 minutes, but you guys still accommodated us seamlessly so thank you for that. The beverage cart staff might be the best group I’ve ever seen. What a great bunch of gals who are really good at what they do. On Friday afternoon, the young gal on Los Colinas said it was her first day solo I think I heard her say, which is unbelievable because she was as good as anyone. El Campeon is certainly one of the most beautiful and unique courses I’ve ever played. Can’t wait to come back. We’re bringing a big group over in the fall so I’ll look you up then. Thanks again Lou and let your guys know that what they do is appreciated!

Dave Williams
Dunedin Golf Club
Rating: 5

Our group just finished our 9th trip to Mission Inn.

That by itself should tell you about our thoughts on golf, hospitality, accommodations, and amenities.

Charlie H
Rating: 5

We enjoyed our stay at Mission Inn very much.Ā  So nice to have a retreat from the hub but of Orlando high energy and traffic chaos.Ā  So nice to have a lanai overlooking the course.Ā  Room was generously sized and well appointed, tho a small refrig would have been nice and a couple more pieces of wall art would have made it more inviting and finished looking.Ā  Best bed and pillows we’ve ever slept on.Ā  Even though there were wedding guests in hotel when we came, we still found hotel very quiet throughout.Ā  Grounds are lovely.

The Scotts
Rating: 5

The Mission Inn Resort & Spa is an intriguing place to meet for any occasion and the services will far exceed any expectations. Not only will your guests be surrounded by the beauty of nature, but tranquility to make any event seem effortless as though one may think they are in Paradise. The Mission Inn Resort has so much to offer beyond the comfort of being at your second home where the employees become more like family. I consider the destination to be like no other place in North America and it has an appeal to capture the essence of the proper clientele. Whether you are driving from a long distance or fly into the closest airport, the scenery will set you back once you arrive at the Mission Inn to experience a different culture. Guests will be sure to have an enjoyable stay for business, leisure of special event given the activities can involve a wedding ceremony, meeting or program as well as any golf tournament.

I enjoyed every aspect of my stay at Mission Inn Resort. The food, the room, the golf. All were absolutely top notch. The seafood buffet on Saturday night was as good as it gets, every thing was very good, especially the bread pudding for dessert. I highly recommend this as a golf destination or a get away destination.

J-C-Corn
Milledgeville, Georgia
Rating: 5

I played this course way back when in the late 70’s the only thing I regret is that I took so long for me to book a stay and play package. It was so Great!!!! Every thing I could ever want in a trip.!!!!!

mjt33332016
Patchogue, New York
Rating: 5

We spend two nights over Christmas as the Mission Inn. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The Christmas eve and Christmas day buffets were wonderful, the service impeccable and golf was outstanding. What a beautiful resort in a very quiet setting!

The golf courses were in excellent condition and many holes are beautiful and scenic. The food in the restaurant including breakfast and dinner was first class and the resort itself is very attractive with good service and very nice rooms.

dtccexec
Bradenton, Florida
Rating: 5

Everywhere we looked there was something beautiful to see. The staff is extremely friendly and we loved the food. The architecture and furnishings are outstanding and the pool is excellent. If I played golf, I would have more to say about the beautiful course.

Treereader
TripAdvisor Review
Rating: 5

Just back from Mission in and wonderful golf and a stay. The weather was beautiful the staff is so friendly. The restaurants were wonderful. We like a Hot Hot Tub and it was! One of the most challenging courses in Florida. We are repeat customers who plan to continue to come back

Thomas L
TripAdvisor Review
Rating: 5

I had the pleasure of being invited to this lovely resort by a member for a one day golf outing and I really want to come back for a weekend or longer. They are celebrating their 100 year anniversary and in the pro shop you can see pictures of all the golf greats from the 1920s and 30s. This is a classic course that was in immaculate shape and so very fun and very challenging to play. The amenities look great as well and I am anxious to return to play the other course and stay at the hotel and enjoy the spa!

sunlouie
Alpharetta, Georgia
Rating: 5

This resort is perfect for families of all ages. There’s a variety of things you can do without even leaving the campus. They offer plenty of things to use like bikes or fishing poles, a game room, shuffle board, table tennis, or even golf clubs down at the clubhouse. The views are amazing and the service is excellent. In my two years of coming here, I have yet to have an issue!

Tyler B
Princeton, New Jersey
Rating: 5

We visit Mission Inn every couple of years. It has always been great, but the place was even better this year. The golf courses remain excellent. The rooms, restaurants, pool, etc. are also excellent. While we didn’t take advantage of them they now have a marina and a skeet range. Mount Dora is only 1/2 hour away if you want some diversity.

My husband played in a tournament and I visited friends in nearby towns. We enjoyed the meals here, and our guest room with outside balcony was very nice with views of the golf course. Other landscaping was pretty and special.

Sarahhugus
Boca Raton, Florida
Rating: 5

Both golf courses are enjoyable and offer a challenge in a fair way. Rooms are very nice, spacious, clean and attractively decorated. Restaurants are comfortable with attractive decor and delicious food. The grouper was excellent.

Ginny O
Greensboro, Georgia
Rating: 5

Our review might look biased, but is totally true, reliable and sincere. We live in Las Colinas, which is part of Mission Inn. We did not had power in our house after hurricane Irma for 6 days so we decided to stay in the hotel for 4 nights. It was a very comfortable stay and we could appreciate the great staff the hotel has and the many renovations they have made. We stayed in a mini suite and we understand they are different than the rest of the rooms. If you are looking for a beautiful quiet place, Mission Inn is the place. And if you are a golfer there are not better courses in Central Florida than El Campeon and Las Colinas. And believe my word as I am a member of the golf club and play in both courses an average of four days a week. Mission Inn is a unique place in Central Florida outside of the crowds in Orlando.

Marthav12324
Orlando, Florida
Rating: 5

My golf group of approximately 50 women has been coming to the Mission Inn for years. We love it ! The golf courses are challenging and exquisitely maintained. Our rooms have always been comfortable and clean and the icing on the cake is the restaurant with a lovely buffet and dessert bar ! Employees are pleasant and helpful and the grounds are beautiful.

Anne V
Hudson, Florida
Rating: 5

We just spent 2 days at Mission Inn for a golf outing with friends. The newly renovated rooms were spotless and nicely appointed. The 2 golf courses were in great shape. Everyone we interacted with from the reception desk, housekeeping, waitresses, Pro Shop, golf starters, beverage cart drivers and golf cart helpers were friendly and professional. We will be back.

Kathleen C
Tampa, Florida
Rating: 5

Top notch staff. Great courses with large, fast, undulating greens. Tough, but fair. Enjoyed the room & facilities. Hope to get back again, sometime. Attended the FASD meetings, which could not have been at a better venue.

Bob T
Key Largo, Florida
Rating: 5

This beautiful resort has outstanding service and a professional team who make your visit extremely comfortable. I was there for a business event, and was wowed by the customer service, the beautiful and comfortable room, and the gorgeous grounds. The meeting facilities were perfect for our needs, the catered meals were delicious with plenty of options to choose from, and the staff was always ready to assist. Beautiful, and I would definitely go back for a golf and relaxing getaway!

Ray Family
Tampa, Florida
Rating: 5

Difficult and excellent golf. 3 courses to choose from. They are sure to challenge every aspect of your game. Restaurants are all excellent and decently priced. Rooms are remodeled and beds are comfy. I have been here more then 7 times and will continue that trend.

Teakwo23
Dunedin, Florida
Rating: 5

Absolutely loved this place!! We had a great room on the fourth floor with terrific views of the golf course. Scott at the front desk was extremely accommodating as we had arrived early for my son’s practice round and check in was not until 4 pm. Not only did we get an earlier check in but we also got an upgraded room!! The room was spacious and clean with very comfortable beds. Would definitely recommend this resort as well as the golf course.

Betsy N
Boca Raton, Florida
Rating: 5

So much to do at this resort including excellent restaurants, biking, walking trail, spa, golf, tennis, work out facility, trap and skeet shooting and fishing. Something here for everyone to enjoy! It’s located in a very small town in the rolling hills of Florida. Great place to hold an event for just to visit with family and friends.

Weeziecro
Palm City, Florida
Rating: 5

Five Course Wine Dinner was fantastic, 5 wines paired perfectly with the courses. The main course of Bison was cooked perfectly and was fantastic. I will definitely be going back. The resort is full service with golf courses, restaurants open to the public and amazing grounds.

koleary89
Groveland, Florida
Rating: 5

This is a beautiful resort in Howey-in-the-Hills that more people should know about. Beautiful setting, wonderful staff, and great ameneties. Stayed there for Leesburg Bikefest, but the place is so beautiful, and the golf courses look so awesome that I have to go back for a golf weekend.

KJN_13
Bradenton, Florida
Rating: 5

We were going to a party nearby and decided at the last minute to get a room. Beautiful resort with golf course, tennis courts, spa, bikes, pool and several restaurants. Our room overlooked the pool and golf course with a screened balcony to enjoy the view. It is off season so we nearly had the place to ourselves. The room was nicely appointed with a comfortable king bed and elegant bathroom with nice toiletries and 6 sets of towels. Breakfast was a la carte or a tasty buffet with made to order omelette. Other restaurants we have enjoyed on previous visits. Staff was friendly. Totally perfect mini vacation. Hidden treasure not to be missed.

salligator
Ocala, Florida
Rating: 5
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(352) 324-3101

(800) 874-9053 (toll free)

10400 County Road 48

Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, USA 34737

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