Lake Nona Golf & Country Club - LPGA Tournament of Champions

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club 9100 Chiltern Dr Orlando, FL 32827

LPGA Tournament of Champions website

Lake Nona Golf & Country Club website

Year Opened: 1992

Capacity: 50,000

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LPGA’s Championship Golf Celebration

The LPGA Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is unique in golf for several reasons. First, it features only LPGA pros who have won a tournament in the past year. Second, it also features some top-level sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as some of the best access to them that fans can expect. Finally, it offers perhaps an unrivaled chance to see these golfers truly enjoy the sport in a fun and loose vibe in the Florida sun.

While modestly advertised, this “best kept secret” remains popular among fans and locals in the know, and features a game-day experience that rivals the best in the local sports scene. While professional golf has a history at Orlando thanks to the 41-year run of the Walt Disney World Golf Classic at Walt Disney World and the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, this tournament is the first official return of golf that is part of a competitive season, and not just a one-off event.

Food & Beverage   4

The food booths are pretty well spread out around the golf course, making it easy for fans to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. While most concession stands have limited menus for food, the drink options are quite extensive.

The most extensive menu is found at the main food stand just past the shuttle drop-off zone for the 18th and 1st holes. Here you can find several food stands in the fan area near the clubhouse, and various alcohol companies that sponsor the event are also on hand to sell variations on popular cocktails, using their respective products.

Atmosphere   5

The weather in Florida in January is almost always as picture perfect as it gets – highs range in the upper 60s to low 70s during the day, meaning it’s perfect golf weather (the most recent event featured a rare deep freeze however, cutting the event short due to the cold).

The course itself is also stunning; the 18-hole course is laid out on property that traverses the lakes and neighborhoods around Lake Nona. This may not initially look like the PGA stadium-style setups that are popular among bigger tournaments, but the facilities and atmosphere here are no less enjoyable. Viewing areas are numerous, with grandstands and suite areas located at various holes. In addition, near Hole 18 fans can find stacks of comfortable outdoor lounging chairs that can be positioned wherever you want to watch from.

The relaxed setting transfers over to the 17th hole, where a DJ spins tunes throughout the entire day, and fans party to celebrate the final two holes for each group’s day. Fans can also look forward to various sponsor activations around the fan zone, as well as the chance to grab autographs from their favorite players near the clubhouse.

Neighborhood   3

The Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is located deep in a gated community just east of Orlando International Airport, and there is no on-site parking available. While the Lake Nona area is growing and has several dining and hotel options right by Town Center where the parking garage is located, fans may need to venture farther for more options.

Fans   4

While you may not have that Sunday crowd feeling at the 18th hole, the fans here are no less passionate than those at the LPGA Tournament of Champions. The addition of various celebrities and athletes also helps bring out bigger crowds. There still could be a lot more people on various days at the course, but part of the appeal is the ability to see top-level golf without the massive crowds of people.

Access   3

Getting to the tournament is pretty easy and very stress free. Parking is free for the tournament, but is not located on the property of the golf course, so make sure you have everything you need before you leave your car, because a trip back to the car for anything is not as easy as at a normal sporting event.

Fans can take advantage of the free parking located at Lake Nona Town Center’s Garage D. Signage there will direct fans to the shuttle bus loading zone to take you to the course. After about a 5-to-10-minute drive, the bus arrives at the front gate, dropping fans off right outside the first hole’s tee box.

Return on Investment   5

Tickets for the weekend start at $34.40 for Thursday and $44.70 for single day tickets Friday through Sunday. A 4-day grounds pass runs $96.20, with additional options that include six food vouchers ($137.40) or six food vouchers plus a $25 merchandise card ($158) also available – kids 16 and under are free with a paying adult. Combined with free parking, this easily vaults to the top of the list for best bang for your buck in professional sports in Florida.

When also considering the time of year, location, and ease of access, it is hard not to want to attend the same tournament year after year. It also is extremely family friendly, with most golfers and athletes/celebrities willing to stop for photos and autographs after the tournament, especially for kids.

Extras   4

The event has several vendors and displays throughout the course that give fans a chance to see some new golf technology – these displays almost always feature free giveaways. Also, tournament merchandise, once only available in modest amounts at the pro shop in the clubhouse, now features a massive air-conditioned tent. Inside, fans can find a variety of merchandise, including t-shirts as well as hats, sports memorabilia for autographs, and branded merchandise from some of the celebrities appearing in the event. In addition, the autograph zone near the media center and scorer’s check-in area allows fans to get up close and personal with the visiting athletes, celebrities, and LPGA pros after the tournament is over.

Final Thoughts

This is easily the best hidden gem of sports in Florida. A perfect mix of location, event access for fans, affordability for tickets and concessions, and perfect weather for the time of year, this is the event fans of the LPGA say is one of the most enjoyable on the calendar.