Est. 1917 · George O'Neil (original); later reworked by Charles E. Clarke
Why we love this place
Hills in Florida? Believe it. El Campeón is a century-old original that plays nothing like the flat stuff, tumbling through elevation and old oaks with real character. We love a course that has kept its soul since 1917. Bring your uphill game and a sense of history.
Via Florida Historic Golf Trail
About Mission Inn Resort
El Campeón at Mission Resort + Club opened for play in 1917, making it one of the oldest courses in the South. Citrus magnate and land promoter William J. Howey, founder of Howey-in-the-Hills, commissioned Chicago architect George O'Neil to build the layout; roughly a decade later Captain Charles E. Clarke of Troon, Scotland reworked it, and the traditional routing has remained largely intact since. Unusual for Florida, the course rolls through more than 85 feet of elevation change, winding among towering trees and spring-fed lakes, with water in play on many holes. Over its history it has been known by several names, including Howey Golf Club and Chain-O'-Lakes. El Campeón has hosted NCAA and collegiate championships and Florida high school events, and it was named Florida Golf Course of the Year in 2009 by the National Golf Course Owners Association.
Know this course?
Tell us more about its history.
Tell us more →