The new facility at the Kissimmee, Fla. property features an upscale sports bar, “Traditions,” along with a fitness center, lifestyle retail space and event lawn.
Reunion, a Salamander Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., has opened a new clubhouse at its Signature Design Nicklaus Course.
Located on over three acres, the new 12,000 sq.-ft. clubhouse features panoramic views of the course and includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, men’s and women’s locker rooms and showers, a golf lifestyle retail space, an event lawn for group functions and special events, and an upscale sports bar, “Traditions,” with an open kitchen and outdoor terrace with views of the 18th green.
As a tribute to Jack Nicklaus’ layout for the property’s golf course, the new clubhouse includes furnishings, artwork and memorabilia related to Nicklaus’ decorated career.
“We are confident that every member and guest will enjoy this distinctive golf experience,” said Reunion Resort’s General Manager, Kevin Baker. “It is always our desire to provide the best in service, facilities and playing conditions. This clubhouse provides an intimate and refreshing location to gather with family and friends, or share the triumphs of a day of championship golf at Reunion.”
The new clubhouse is part of a multi-pronged improvement plan at the Nicklaus Course. Before construction of the clubhouse began, the 17th and 18th holes were re-routed to elevate the finishing experience. Significant bunker improvement work has just been completed, while several spectacular homes have now been built in the surrounding Bear’s Den community, creating a true enclave for golfers.
The clubhouse was inspired by the rich heritage of Mediterranean Revival architecture in Florida and in particular the work of Addison Mizner. It features large French doors opening to terraces with dark wood roof overhangs. The roof is shaped with barrel tiles and walls of rough stucco that provide depth and texture, along with ornamental ironwork and cast stone window frames.
The interior design is characterized by rich woods and contrasting light walls, textural fabrics, and natural earthy colors such as olive, terracotta and soft blues. The restaurant floor mimics terracotta tiles found in Mediterranean manors, while the rich millwork with iron metal detailing and beamed ceilings ensures each guest feels a luxurious sense of place.
The clubhouse’s dining experience is an upscale sports bar called Traditions. Serving American regional cuisine, the menu is seasonal and local with farm-to-table elements. The bar includes a signature drink menu, including craft cocktails and signature barrel aged bourbons. The open-air kitchen and service style is designed to be friendly and welcoming, appealing to both members and the local community.
On weekends, Traditions offers live musical entertainment. All of the doors to the dining terrace, which overlooks the 18th green, open to allow the entire restaurant to enjoy an afternoon breeze during nice weather months.
Opened in 2006, The Nicklaus Course at Reunion was designed to flow smoothly and gently from tee to green. A target, parkland-style course, it was designed to be a player’s course rather than what is referred to as “resort golf.” While the 7,244-yard layout is not exceptionally long by today’s standards, postage-stamp greens, forced carries that lead to fairway targets sometimes only 50 yards wide and a fair amount of trouble for wayward shots give the course plenty of bite.
The Nicklaus Course remained open throughout the clubhouse construction process. Additionally, Reunion’s two other Signature layouts, the Watson and Palmer Courses, also continued to accommodate guest and member play.