Orange County National Renovations Reviews

Orange County National will be renovating its highly acclaimed and award winning Panther Lake course this summer. The project will take place in two phases, focusing on nine holes at a time. The main scope of the renovation is the regrassing of all of the greens. In addition, the tee boxes will be leveled and expanded on the par 3 holes, bunkers will be restored and fresh sand added where needed, cart paths will be repaired and damaged and lost trees will be replaced.

The new putting surfaces will be grassed with CHAMPION, an ultra dwarf Bermuda grass. The conversion will allow for a truer ball roll and increased putting speeds, performing similar to bent grass. The project begins in late May with all 18 holes of the course opening in mid September. Crooked Cat, Orange County National's additional award-winning golf course, will remain open during Panther Lake's renovations.

When Panther Lake opens in mid September, golfers will also enjoy new Club Car Precedent golf cars, the premier golf car available today. The new golf cars will be equipped with the state of the art VISAGE GPS yardage and scoring system, offering the latest in player information and assistance.

Anyone considering a Florida golf vacation for fall of 2011 or winter 2012 will be well-advised to have an Orange County National golf package at the top of their list. The new look and feel of Panther Lake will be just one more reason to play what is already one of the most desired golf courses in Florida.

Orange County National's success is no accident. It is the carefully planned, leave-nothing-to-chance efforts of a top-notch management team lead by Bruce Gerlander, the facility's well-respected general manager whose no-nonsense approach to golf course management is known throughout the industry.

'I am so proud of our team and what we have been able to accomplish since Orange County National was completed and opened in 1999. When I first arrived here 12 years ago, the potential for the property was obvious with two excellent designs built on great terrain with fantastic soils,' said Bruce Gerlander, Orange County National General Manager.

'Our goal from the beginning was to offer a golf experience that made it well worth the drive by offering superior course conditioning and a staff committed to exceeding customer expectations, ' said Gerlander.

Customer satisfaction at Orange County National is about as high as it gets in the golf industry. In a 2010 survey of 10,000 customers, the course scored a Net Promoter Score of 99 -- meaning that 99 percent of the respondents would 'definitely' recommend the course to a friend (as opposed to being neutral or would not recommend the course). The company conducting the survey on behalf of Orange County National commented that they had never seen such a high score in any industry, let alone the golf industry.

'Once we have the opportunity to host someone, we know that we have to offer them something special not only for them to return, but for them to go out of their way to tell others how special we are. That philosophy has been the genesis of our mission statement: Create Raving Fans, ' said Gerlander.

Orange County National has garnered some noteworthy awards and has hosted some high profile events during its history. These include:
* No 1 Public Facility in Florida - Golf World Magazine Reader's Poll 2010.
* No 2 Public Facility in the United States - Golf World Magazine Reader's Poll 2009 and 2010.
* 4 1/2 Stars 'Best Places to Play' - Golf Digest, 2000 - 2010
* Buick Scramble National Finals - 1999 - 2004
* 'Top 10 You Can Play' - Golf Magazine, 1998

In addition, Orange County has hosted the PGA TOUR Q-School in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
'The 2010 PGA TOUR Q-School hosted at OCN was the most successful one yet as playing conditions were absolutely perfect. Greens were firm and fast, fairways were dense and tight and the rough was thick and lush. Although mother nature threw a variety of temperatures and wind directions at the players, every day offered the chance to go low or shoot above par, said Gerlander.

'The TOUR officials in charge of the event strive for a course set up that will reward excellent play while causing problems for players who are not in control of their games. The medalist was Billy Mayfair who finished at -18 under par over the six rounds while it took a -9 under score to qualify for the last cards awarded. So far this year, the big impact player on TOUR to have graduated from Q-School has been Gary Woodland who already has one win and three top 10's going into Bay Hill. OCN is next slated to hold Q-School in 2013.

Below is a sampling of recent reviews from Orange County National golfers. Don't take our word for it -- listen to golfers just like you who can't wait to return to Orange County National.

'The courses were in phenomenal shape, the service was exceptional and we had a memorable experience. PS: The burger between rounds was unbelievable!!'
Gary G, Ontario

'I have never had the pleasure of playing at such a first class public golf course! I have been to many high end golf resorts that do not even come close to the quality of golf and service that you provide. Keep up the good work and I will spread the good word about you guys!
Pat B, CT

'WOW! What a facility, you have two of the best courses that I have ever played. Great design, conditioning and surroundings, pure golf and some of the friendliest people working there I have ever come across'
Victor O, NY

'Why have I never played here before? I feel like I died and went to Golf heaven! You can be sure that I will return, soon and often'
Robert S, MA

'Our group has taken trips all over the country for the past 20 years and we have never been treated like we were this year. The courses, restaurant, golf shop....everything is first rate. Please reserve our rooms and tee times for next year, we can't wait to return'
Todd J, PA

'No wonder Q-School is held here, the courses are second to none. Difficult , yet fair and a lot of fun to play. Loved the absence of homes or other development on the courses. During our 36 holes the other day, we witnessed alligators, foxes, armadillos, cranes, hawks, bobcats and one of our guys even encountered one of those things that crawl on their bellies! Pure golf in a natural environment with immaculate playing conditions.....well done'
John M, GA

'The most amazing and wonderful day of golf I have ever had, thanks! '
Terry C, NY

'Where do you find your staff? I run a small business and wish I could find people with half of the personality and customer service mindset that your team does. Everything that our group requested was done quickly and with a smile. The young ladies in the restaurant are fantastic, they may have made as much of an impression on our group as the courses did! Will see you again next year.'
Ronald J, IL

'As it was our turn to plan our group's trip this year, my husband and I were concerned how the other couples we brought with us would like OCN. We knew they would love the golf, but since they usually stay at luxury resorts, we were afraid that they might not enjoy the overall experience. Well......we had nothing to be concerned about, they all enjoyed your hospitality so much we are already planning another trip back this fall! Thanks to everyone for making us all feel so welcome, as we were leaving, we all talked about the comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff.'
Mary M, FL

'Thank you for the best trip our group has ever been on. From the moment we arrived to the day we drove out of the parking lot, we all agreed that we never enjoyed three days of golf as much as on this trip. The value we received for the cost of the trip was unbelievable.'
Ricardo B, NY

'Can you guys move up to New Jersey and run some of our public courses? Why? How about great course conditions, service minded staff, great food and beer specials, good looking wait staff and fair pricing.'
Vince C, NJ

'We came here two years ago because we saw you rated by Golf World magazine as the top facility in Florida. You impressed us then, but somehow you have managed to get even better! If you will have us, we will keep returning every year until we can no longer swing a club.'
Jackson W, PA