A key word in today’s golf course design and renovation is “flexibility.’’ That is, the ability to create a layout that’s challenging and fun for players of all skill levels without losing design integrity. With that in mind, Eagle Creek Golf Club on May 17 will introduce the “Wee 18’’ layout as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.
The celebration will also include new 20th-year anniversary branding, a logo, and limited, never-seen-before commemorative merchandise. In addition, guests will get a sneak peek of the facility’s future clubhouse renovations and proposed Golf Academy expansion.
The centerpiece of the celebration, however, will be the Wee 18, which features an additional set of tees that plays 2,024 yards.
“The tees on the Wee 18 have been strategically placed to make it easier for players to reach the greens,’’ explained Eagle Creek Owner and Operator Kenny Nairn. “This layout is not just for kids and juniors; it’s designed to be a fun and engaging experience for all players. We envision using it for a variety of events and could even use the front nine as a putting course, showcasing its versatility and appeal to all golf enthusiasts.”
The term “Wee” fits in well with Eagle Creek, a golf community created by The Emerson Group, a leading U.K.-based real estate developer.
“Wee is a generic Scottish term for small,” says Nairn, a native Scotsman who is considered one of the golf industry’s elite instructors. “So, it’s a small golf course but something for all ages and abilities to enjoy. It’s designed for fun and something golfers and families can play in less than a couple hours.”
The only water hazard that comes into play on the Wee 18 is the approach shot to the course’s signature finishing hole, where Eagle Creek’s vintage New England manor-style clubhouse overlooks the peninsula No. 18 green.
“The third shot – over water -is about 94 yards,’’ Nairn said. “It will be a good playoff hole for scrambles. We used it as a playoff hole for an amateur event in 2023. From the clubhouse balcony, it’s a fun hole for people to watch because it’s a natural amphitheater.’’
Designed by renowned architect Ron Garl and well-known British architect Howard Swann, Eagle Creek features a distinctive “links-style’’ fair. For example, when the course debuted, it included British-influenced revetted bunkers, rectangular tees, and compact greens. Sixty of these bunkers and dramatic bulkheads are still scattered throughout the course, reminiscent of those found in the classic courses found in Scotland and England.
One of the Orlando area’s top public courses, Eagle Creek (7,198 yards) has a unique collection of par-5s, making it the only par-73 course in Florida. Eagle Creek has hosted such prestigious events as the Annika Invitational and the University of Central Florida’s NCAA Division I tournament, the UCF Challenge.
Written by: STEVE PIKE Golf One Media
