Orlando World Center Marriott Announces Addition of Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Orlando World Center Marriott, the world's largest Marriott, today announces the addition of the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf at the property's award-winning Hawk's Landing Golf Club. Regarded as the top golf academy in the world, operating in more than 10 countries, the Nicklaus Academy is known for providing the finest instruction, integrated technologies, physical and mental evaluations, conditioning and training, as well as the philosophy of the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus.

"We're excited to further enhance the offerings at Orlando World Center Marriott and Hawk's Landing Golf Club, and the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf allows us to provide a new level of personalized instruction and student services, with the sole purpose of making everyone better, from the golf enthusiast to the first-time player," said Ralph Scatena, General Manager of Orlando World Center Marriott.

Orlando World Center Marriott will officially celebrate the grand opening of the Nicklaus Academy at Hawk's Landing Golf Club on Jan. 28, 2017, at 2pm, inviting guests and locals alike to tee off at this new locale. The grand opening activities include an introduction by Ted Simons, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Nicklaus Academies world-wide and Mike Hodgins, PGA and Director of Golf at Hawk's Landing Golf Club. Other notable items include an introduction to the proven Nicklaus Academy philosophy followed by a 30-minute full swing, short game and putting clinics with hands-on instruction for guests by Mike Malaska, 2011 PGA National Teacher of the Year and the world-wide Director of Instruction for Nicklaus Academies, Billy Martin, Director of Instruction for the Nicklaus Academy at Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy, Brian O'Neill and other Nicklaus Academies' instructors.

Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Top 10 Teachers in Michigan, the resort welcomes the PGA Professional, Brian O'Neill as the academy's Director of Instruction. In this role, Brian will oversee all golf operations at the academy including managing, supervising and directing the Nicklaus Academy Certified professional golf instructors as well as implementing the curriculum. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to this position touting quality experience having worked along side some of America's top golf instructors, Jim Flick and Mike Malaska. Over the course of his career, Brian was notably the recipient of the Teacher of the Year and Michigan PGA Junior Golf Leader award in 2002, 2007 and 2013.

"Brian's vast experience and extensive knowledge of the Jack Nicklaus philosophy and commitment to service make him the ideal choice for this position to build upon the legacy at Hawk's Landing Golf Club," said Mike Hodgins, Director of Golf at Hawk's Landing Golf Club. "We are delighted to welcome him as the newest member of our team."

Hawk's Landing Golf Club offers 18-holes of championship golf at its finest. Re-designed by Robert E. Cupp II, on an original Joe Lee layout, the 6,602-yard championship golf course features water on 15 holes, closely mown fairways and over 80 bunkers, yet it has generous landing areas which make it playable for golfers of all levels. From start to finish, guests are surrounded by meticulously manicured, emerald green fairways, first-class amenities and a scenic blend of native wildlife and tropical vegetation. For over 25 years, Hawk's Landing has been considered by many to be a premier golf course in Central Florida and with the addition of the Nicklaus Academy, Orlando World Center Marriott is the ideal location for guests to stay, play and learn while also providing convention attendees the ultimate group clinic experience.

Towering above more than 200 prime central Florida acres, the AAA Four-Diamond Orlando World Center Marriott offers everything a guest could possibly want. The resort features everything on-premise from the Falls Pool Oasis and nightly laser light show to a championship golf course, Hawk's Landing Golf Club and the new Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, a full service spa and fitness center, more than 450,000 sq. ft. of event space, as well as 10 taste-tempting restaurants and lounges, including the all new Central Pantry featuring refreshing snacks and beverages perfect for guests on-the-go. In this magnificent locale, with year round average temperatures sitting at 78°, the 2,009-room resort is located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World® and just minutes from SeaWorld®Orlando, Discovery Cove®, Aquatica™, LEGOLAND® and Universal Studios® Orlando.

For additional information on Orlando World Center Marriott or to book a reservation, call 1-800-380-7931 or visit www.worldcentermarriott.com.

CONTACT:
Anna Peterson
The Zimmerman Agency • (850) 668-2222          
apeterson@zimmerman.com

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.