Innisbrook Resort

Innisbrook's four championship golf courses were designed by Larry Packard who passed in January at age 101. Packard put his imprint on more than 600 courses and Innisbrook is, no doubt, the best-known and most stunning complex that he touched.

Located on 600 acres of the most unusual golfing land in Florida, the topography at Innisbrook is an anomaly as its hilly layouts offer up challenges which are not present on the great majority of Florida's predominantly flat land. Mr. Packard's signature feature was the double dogleg, which combined with Innisbrook's unique hills and water offers up an abundance of great golf at this elegant resort complex.

Sheila Johnson, owner of Salamander Hotels and Resorts which operates/owns Innisbrook, said: "Copperhead is his signature golf course but he touched every course here. I have never met a kinder, smarter, more genteel man in all my life". Ms. Johnson has ample opportunities to associate with nice people as she is known for her public-spirited contributions and her service to many organizations world-wide. She serves on the USGA Board of Directors.

Innisbrook hosts the Valspar Championship, a regular PGA Tour stop which will be held at the Copperhead Course from March 10-16. This year's winner's purse is $1,026,000. Ms. Johnson is working hard to find an LPGA Tournament but, like many tournament promoters, is finding it difficult to find a sponsor. The Island Course has been the designated venue in the past but Ms. Johnson would like to host an LPGA event at Copperhead.

These courses are so unique and well-manicured that every tee box offers up a WOW factor that approaches distraction. My visit in early February coincided with a stretch of weather that temporarily helped me to forget the mess that I'd left behind on the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. Sun-splashed fairways and greens were just what the SAD doctor ordered and the support staff offers unparalleled hospitality and on-course ministrations are well-intended and gracious.

The grounds crew has demonstrated an attention to detail which lets one know that he/she is truly in the lap of golf luxury. The ladies who were my playing partners found the forward tees to be very fair and as both were skilled short-game artists, the green surrounds gave them an opportunity to show off a bit. The greens are slick and challenging. Mr. Packard's design philosophy has imbued these courses with his special magic and we were actually bedizened enough to believe that we were able to identify his design characteristics as we moved around the courses.

Don't miss this opportunity if you get to Tampa!