The Howey Mansion
Most Florida golf courses are quite similar because of the flat lands where they are located, but El Campeon Course, designed by Chicago’s George O’Neil in 1917 and enhanced in 1926 by Charles E. Clarke of Troon, Scotland, is like something that was transplanted from another part of the world! When William J. Howey first laid eyes on the rolling hills in this unique part of Central Florida, he immediately called the area the Florida Alps!
After purchasing 60,000 acres, Howey poured his time, energy and finances into making it a place to cultivate orchards while attracting prospective investors and commissioning a reputable golf course and inn. The influx of workers, investors and vacationers grew to become the small town of Howey-in-the-Hills named after Mr. Howey. It’s in Lake County, Fla., about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando, 20 minutes from Mount Dora and 75 minutes from Tampa, making it a perfect getaway within driving distance to area attractions.
Anhinga drying its wings on shore by a lake on the golf course.
The El Campeon Course is not long, flat and boring like most Florida golf courses. Every hole on this hundred year-old golf venue is picturesque and challenging to the eye and to the golf swing! The finishing stretch includes a par 4 with an island green surrounded by sand, palm trees and water on the 16th, an adventurous, tough par 5 and a dogleg-right par 4 that plays over water off the tee. The 6,800-yard par 72 course is one of the hilliest in the state, with elevation changes up to 93 feet that come into play on several holes, not only from elevated tees, but also approaches that add a club or two going back up the hill. That may not sound like a lot to folks who play in other parts of the country, but in Florida, that’s huge! And, many of the greens have false fronts and quite a bit of slope. It has as much character as you’ll find in any Florida golf course and has been the site of NCAA championships, state tournaments and local pro events for decades.
A White Ibis and a Sandhill Crane by a lake on the golf course.
As so many other golfers, I came here to try my luck at the very famous El Campeon Course, but I quickly discovered something equally as good … the food!
La Hacienda is the best way to start the day with its breakfast buffet or a la carte menu. After a round of golf, sports enthusiasts relish dining at Grove House, which overlooks the course and is perfect for grabbing a burger or the unforgettable turkey wrap while sipping an Arnold Palmer. However, the ultimate experience is dining at Conquistador, where you can dress down and sit in the bar area or elevate your moment in the stunning dining room. When the weather is good, sitting out on the deck is the perfect complement to time spent at the resort, and you can plan your meal around one of their live music nights.
If you happen to be at the resort on Sunday, you need to experience Sunday Champagne Brunch, which is something that reminds us of the elegance of the Old South. The brunch includes fresh seafood, prime rib and ham carving stations, salads, a variety of hot dishes and a dessert bar fit for royalty. It’s one of the most varied breakfast buffets and one of the most beautifully-presented you will ever experience!
Bass from a lake at the resort
Other than the two beautiful golf courses, the Mission Resort has 500 acres of lakes and nature where you can see a cornucopia of wildlife, and even catch a fish. They offer complementary fishing poles, bikes for riding the property and numerous trails to walk. Less than a mile away, you can also take a tour of the Howey Mansion, which has the same elegant, Spanish Colonial architecture as the Mission Resort.
The property has 176 guest rooms, suites and villas, two award-winning golf courses, a spa, three restaurants, pool, tennis and pickleball courts and around 30,000 square feet of event space, all on more than 500 acres. Mission Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills is an experience that incorporates history, luxury and a plethora of experiences in one gorgeous location. From the exquisite lodging and unique dining to the complimentary amenities, every detail is designed to make guests feel pampered.
Visit missionresortandclub.com website or call 800-874-9053 for more information.
Photos: by Bill Vanderford
