The world headquarters of the Leadbetter Golf Academy is preparing a move across Interstate 4 south of Orlando, having announced on Thursday that it will be departing ChampionsGate Golf Club this year to take up residence at Reunion Resort.
Golfzon, a South Korean firm well known for its indoor golf simulators, purchased Leadbetter Golf Academy in 2018. Golfzon Leadbetter is the company’s new name, and it now has 38 academies in 15 countries. Instructor David Leadbetter, who has worked with countless tour players and 26 major championship winners, including possibly his most renowned student, Nick Faldo, created Leadbetter Academies in 1983.
Three golf courses created by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson can be found at Reunion Resort. The ANNIKA Academy, which closed in 2016, used to be housed here. Reunion was purchased by Kingwood International Resorts in 2019.
In a press release announcing the transfer, Leadbetter remarked, “I have taught golf all around the world, and there are few venues as ideally suited for golfers to learn and play as the Reunion Resort and Golf Club.” “At Reunion, we share Kingwood International Resorts’ objective of providing the best golf experience possible. Reunion already boasts three excellent golf courses, and soon it will be complemented with a golf academy. I’m looking forward to giving the first class at the new facility.”
Lesson studios with launch monitors, 3D swing analysis, radar-based shot monitoring on the range, club fitting, fitness, and biomechanics will all be available at Reunion’s new academy. According to the press release, the facility will also have a Golfzon TwoVision simulator studio, which will hold virtual events. The coaching staff intends to host a diverse group of players, ranging from novices to tour professionals.
“Reunion Resort and Golf Club provides us with the ideal position to grow the Golfzon Leadbetter business while also providing golfers with a one-of-a-kind facility to work on every facet of their game, regardless of their level of play,” said Benedict Riches, CEO of Golfzon Leadbetter.
“This new alliance is a perfect fit,” stated Anthony Carll, general manager of Reunion Property, “adding even another legend to our resort with the Golfzon Leadbetter World Headquarters.” “We are ecstatic to be able to offer this experience with such a revered legend in the golf community this autumn.”
