
There are few places that I haven’t been on Walt Disney World property. I’ve been going as a day-tripper to Walt Disney World pretty much all my life, so when I heard about an opportunity that involved Disney, golf and Shades of Green I went all in!
Shades of Green…have you been there? It’s the only Armed Forces Recreation Facility in the continental United States and it happens to be within the gates of the Walt Disney World Resort. It also happens to be surrounded by two PGA Championship Golf Courses: Disney’s Palm and Magnolia.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to drop in on Shades of Green and the 2012 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. This year marked the 43rd consecutive year that Disney’s Magnolia Course has hosted the PGA TOUR. The setup for the event would appeal to both Disney and golf fans alike! There are character meet and greets and streetmosphere performers. I especially enjoyed these two fellas…

and it looks like they replicated some of the Disney topiaries seen around the parks.
Goose from outside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge…

Pandas from China in Epcot‘s World Showcase…

The two giraffe from the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival…

and classics like Mickey and Minnie Mouse!

There were also tons of local food trucks there, like the Yum Yum Truck! Cupcakes anyone?


Florida Blue was on hand giving out free massages!

This tournament and golf course are rich with history. Here’s a fantastic story about Tiger Woods on the 1st tee…



The winner of the 2012 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic was Charlie Beljan. Beljan, who battled through chest pains during the tournament, shot a -16 for the tournament to win the 42st annual PGA TOUR event. The rookie shot eight birdies Sunday to keep his three shot lead and capture the tournament title. The season finale win also secured Beljan a PGA TOUR card and moves him up to No. 63 on the Money List.

This event is perfect for families. It’s held at a time of year when the weather is wonderful in Central Florida. This year tickets for individual rounds were $20. Badges for Classic week were $30 are were available at www.CMNHospitalsClassic.com or through www.ticketmaster.com. Proceeds benefited Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, and Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville. Certain days are complementary for Disney Passholders. I hope you get the chance to come down and experience next year’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic for yourself.
