Orange Lake Resort

2013 GRAA Top 50 Golf Range / Public Facilities

Orange Lake Resort

Stew McComb, PGA Head Professional

8505 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

Kissimmee, FL 34747

http://www.golforangelake.com

smccomb@orangelake.com

Facility Amenities:

  • Grass tees (30)
  • Accurate yardage measurements from tees to targets
  • Short game practice area
  • Lighting for Night Use
  • Grass Putting Green
  • Covered Areas
  • Miniature Golf Course (72 holes)
  • Golf shop (2,400 sq. ft.)
  • Food & beverage
  • Ball flight monitor
  • Instructional Video Bay
  • Shopping
  • Swimming
  • Water Sports
  • Walking Trail

Type of Range Targets:

  • Flags
  • Bunkers
  • Built-up greens
  • Fairway cuts

Instruction provided.

Number of PGA Professional Instructors: 3

Clubfitting services provided.

Number of range balls dispensed per year: 1,725,000

Number of range balls in inventory: 27,000

New balls are acquired: Twice per year

Best range promotion: A significant program that has been a staple at The McCord Academy is held on Monday’s Wednesday’s following the golf show. During this time, attendees can meet and spend time with the instructors, getting quick tips and demoing the latest Taylor Made equipment. There is a fee for the balls that the guests use during this time, but the incremental revenues that stem from this are unmeasureable and include individual lessons, clinics, and golf rounds.

Special programs: Tee-Lo Golf, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that has served the Orlando area since 1999 and was started by Bob Biggers, a Tangelo Park resident. Consequently, it was given the name Tee-Lo. It was a spin-off of the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA) program, which was run by Dr. Thomas Dorsey. It adopted many of the elements of the OMYGA, but found its own identity in the following ways:

• It is a no cost program
• It has a formal “Life Skills” component
• Professional instruction is provided by Orange County National Instructors, The Rick McCord Academy and Kenny
Nairnʼs Celebration Golf Academy.

The program began in Tangelo Park, but now reaches children in all areas of greater Orlando. As with most non-profits, our greatest challenge is consistent funding. Tee-Lo was supported in its initial years through major grants from the United States Golf Association, Universal Studios, the Florida Tag Association, and local patrons, such as Mark Watson, and Paula and Buddy Eidel. We now are supported mainly from our annual tournament, small individual contributions, and the relationships that we have with area golf entities (McCord Academy Orange Lake, Golf Channel, Celebration Golf and Orange County National).