McLaughlin Health & Performance At MHP our Golf Performance Training is focused on optimizing your movement, building over all athleticism and developing golf specific fitness. The unique combination of therapies and advanced nutrition protocols will help you recover from injury faster to get back to your game sooner. 223028
DECEMBER 2016
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• Chiropractic care • Golf Injury Management & Performance Therapy • Golf Performance personal training • Soft tissue massage manual therapy • Functional Dry Needling Acupuncture • Advanced Rehabilitation programs • Nutritional program development
Bella Collina: Orlando’s Hidden Private Golf Club Gem
Dr. Brendan McLaughlin DC, D.Ac, CSCS, ART, TPI b.mclaughlin@me.com Orange County National GC 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden FL 34787
407.595.5274
men’s and women’s locker rooms, six new Har-Tru tennis courts, a new resort-style pool complex that overlooks the 18th fairway and Lake Siena, stateof-the-art fitness center and multiple dining venues and meeting spaces. As for the Tuscan-inspired setting itself, let’s just say Bella Collina is an “out-of-this world experience.” At least that’s one way to describe the picturesque cobblestone driveway that leads you to the award-winning $100-million clubhouse, lavishly appointed with dramatic barrel ceilings, intricate stonework custom crafted from imported Italian experts, and a labyrinth of eye-pleasing plazas, fountains, terraces and woodwork truly reminiscent of Old World architecture found in the heart of Tuscany. And to think we hadn’t even made it to the first tee yet! As it turned out, the par-72, 7,594-yard golf course is equally as spectacular. Set amidst live oaks and more cypress trees in the peaceful pristine setting of Montverde, the rare Faldo-designed golf course befits the clubhouse with its elevated tees, wide fairways, rolling hills and variety of shots.
By Scott Kauffman Orlando is known for being the tourism mecca of the world. Theme-park magic notwithstanding, many tourists have been flocking to Central Florida for more than just Mickey Mouse and his popular theme-park neighbors. The other major yearround attraction: golf. Indeed, with more than 150 courses within the greater Orlando area and home to hundreds of the game’s top instructors, academies and amateur and professional players, Orlando can arguably lay claim to the title, “Golf Capital of the World.” For local residents, not only do we get to enjoy the best of both entertainment worlds, but we have the good fortune to live it on a daily basis. And when it comes to playing golf, the plethora of choices are truly limitless – featuring everything from world-class golf resorts to upscale dailyfee courses to acclaimed municipal layouts and exclusive private clubs. For avid golfers seeking the ultimate in private
club amenities – without the five-figure initiation deposit usually associated with these types of communities – a growing newcomer on the scene is the Club at Bella Collina. Situated on the outskirts of Orlando in the peaceful rolling hills of south Lake County, this private golf and lakefront community is one of the country’s most luxurious destinations. That’s quickly evident at Bella Collina’s gated entrance where one is treated to ancient oak trees and tall slender Italian cypress trees that frame a stunning view of Lake Siena, a private 350-acre spring-fed lake in the center of the community. Then, there’s the timeless architecture tastefully laid out across 1,900 acres, highlighted by Bella Collina’s 75,000-square-foot Italianate clubhouse that sits atop one of Florida’s highest points. This extraordinary Tuscan-like landscape is why so many feel as though they’ve truly escaped to the most scenic hillside region in Italy. But this is actually a prestigious new community taking shape
in Orlando, combining the best of private resortstyle amenities and lakefront living. While this nascent luxury community is growing its residential base, Bella Collina is offering an extremely enticing opportunity to be a member of an ultra-luxe golf club at a fraction of the cost. For instance, the club currently offers invitational family sports memberships that start at $400 per month and family golf memberships at $600 per month, including complimentary golf with no cart fees, unlimited use of the practice facility and driving range, climate-controlled bag storage, reduced guest rates and free handicap service. To further incentive prospective members, Bella Collina is waiving the $40,000 and $80,000 initiation fees normally tied to real-estate purchases for these same sports and golf memberships, and only requiring 1-year minimum contracts. In exchange, invitational members are treated to a place that features a critically acclaimed golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, well-appointed
The layout actually sprawls across the western edge of the development, rising to heights of more than 180 feet above sea level, incorporating lush forested valleys, dramatic dunes and sweeping vistas of Orlando’s downtown skyline in the horizon and Florida’s third-largest lake, 30,000-acre Lake Apopka that seems to flow for miles beyond the horizon. As one recent golfer put it, the stunning views alone are worth the price of admission (nonmember green fees start at $100 in the peak winter months). On a recent late afternoon, nearby resident and invitational membership Jim Thomaselli came out to play a quick round with the youngest of his four kids. “(Bella Collina’s) the best deal you can get in this area from a golf course perspective,” Thomaselli said. “Obviously everybody knows it’s a great layout. And it’s a great clubhouse. That goes without saying. You can be an individual golf member and pay a monthly fee of $400 and go hit unlimited balls if you want. You can waste that on buckets at some other places. From a value perspective, there’s nothing like it.” Scott Kauffman is a former Staff Writer for USA Today, The Orlando Sentinel and Golfweek. He specializes in golf and resort-style living worldwide and can be followed at www.GolfCourseHomeMarket.com (See our ad on the back page)