International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 10
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 10
In designing the International Course at ChampionsGate, Greg Norman drew inspiration from Scotland, Ireland and courses from his homeland such as Royal Melbourne. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 1
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 1
The wetlands are evident on the first hole of the International Course at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 3
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 3
The International Course's first par 5, no. 3, plays 576 yards from the tips. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 4
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 4
A series of bunkers protects the left side of the short par-4 fourth on the International Course at ChampionsGate. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 6
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 6
The no. 3 handicap hole on the International Course at ChampionsGate is the 496-yard par-4 sixth. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 7
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 7
The par-4 seventh on the International golf course at ChampionsGate plays around a water hazard. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 10
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 10
The par-5 10th on the International Course at ChampionsGate is bordered by water on the right and dunes on the left. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 13
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 13
The par-4 13th on the International Course at ChampionsGate can play uphill and as long as 451 yards. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 15
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 15
Water hazards are left and right of the 455-yard par-4 15th on the International Course at ChampionsGate resort in Orlando. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 17
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 17
The short par-3 17th on the International Course at ChampionsGate is a birdie opportunity, but there is a little trouble around the green. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 18
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International golf course at ChampionsGate - hole 18
The final hole on the International Course at ChampionsGate is a medium-length par 5 with wetlands down the right side. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Aussie inspired: International golf course at ChampionsGate resort in Orlando, Florida

CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla. -- At 7,363 yards, the International Course at ChampionsGate is as challenging as it gets. With a slope/rating of 143/76.8, it's one of the toughest golf courses in Florida, especially when the wind is blowing. But with four sets of tees, playing as short as 6,618 yards, most anyone can play it.

Designer Greg Norman, who also designed ChampionsGate's National Course, brought in elements of British and Australian links to create a windswept look around natural wetlands. golf The course generally runs firm and fast with a few bump-and-run opportunities to go with its forced carries.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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Aussie inspired: International golf course at ChampionsGate resort in Orlando, Florida