RISteam*Sweet Shangri-La*
_By Danny and Alice Scott_
Eddy Gibbs bought Shangri-La Resort on the shores of Grand Lake, Oklahoma in 2010. He has transformed the dilapidated resort into the premier destination of Oklahoma. He has invested well over $100m reviving and enhancing the resort with three nine-hole courses, has added a short course, and more. The new Anchor recreation center combines the best of traditional and modern gaming for family and friend camaraderie.
As an equity partner in The Patriot Golf Club in Owasso, Oklahoma, he was already credited with some glorious golf. The Patriot Golf Club shares real estate with Folds of Honor. Eddy has carried his patriotism to Shangri-La with the addition of:
_*The Battlefield*_
2023 unveiled the Battlefield, where golfers engage in war with steep, rugged terrain on 18, par 3 holes, extending 3,000 yards with dramatic 100-foot elevation changes, water, and bunkers in play. This is where hilarity and solemnity dare to meet.
Oklahoma Veterans of WWII are memorialized on plaques at each of the 18 tee boxes. In the pro shop, a screen plays tributes to more veterans which golfers submit from anywhere, in any role, mixed in with a highlight of hole in one winners from the course. The shop is filled with merch and concessions while the patio furnishes a view of the entire course for entertainment, watching others battle while reliving your own round.
Tom Clark and Kevin Atkinson designed this very fun run that is playable over and over. Every round is different with varying flag positions on the rolling greens and five tee box lengths. Plus, Felix, the cat cartoon character of old, holding a bomb, is positioned close to each green for youngsters or anyone wishing to skip to and simply chip and putt their way to glory. Golf carts are included as well as access to the full practice facility with driving range and grand putting green to make it a great play day. The Battlefield is an absolute blast.
_*Heritage 9*_
As with each of the nines, Heritage follows the windswept rolling hillsides with blind tee shots and elevated greens. There is an equal distribution of draw and fade favorability. The closing par 5 hole is not for the faint of heart. A strong drive downhill is required to position the next shot over a creek and approach the rising green.
_*Legends 9*_
The fun continues with anticipation of the final test on number nine. The challenge is in full view from the tee box with a choice of two greens, the peninsula to the right, or a longer and safer option to the left. It takes moxie to reach the peninsula in two, yet layup considerations can be costly. This superb hole is as pretty, as it is deadly.
_*The Champions 9*_
This routing offers more high-risk, high-reward holes. The Grand Lake shoreline skirts along numbers 2 and 3 with the serene sound of lapping waves while a beautiful bald eagle soared above, a living embodiment of the regal statue that greets visitors at the entrance of the Clubhouse. Number nine brings golfers full circle back to that elegant clubhouse, climaxing with waterfalls cascading down the landscape by the ascending green. It encapsulates the essence of Champions 9.
_*Staff*_
Jerrod Neighbors, Head Golf Pro is neighborly indeed as he and the team welcome golfers to the courses. Ryan is the new Director of Golf, moving his family from Boca Raton for a more rural life. He will find that here in the serene rolling hills of Oklahoma and a bonus is the affordability factor of the area.
_*Restaurants*_
Summit Restaurant is where you go when you want to doll up a little bit and enjoy fine dining while watching the sun set over the lake with the eagle statue glowing in the light.
Brenda suggests trying a couple wines before deciding, but truth be told they had us at the fine wine glasses. The same proper glasses and menu are served at the adjoining Buffalo Bar, a more casual setting with a balcony overlooking the course.
Sandwiches, hot dogs, and more are available at The Turn outside the main Clubhouse or at the Battlefield. There is pub food in the Anchor, and Eddy’s lakeside will open during the prime season. Ultimately in the lodge, Doc’s fills the scripts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Guest rooms in the lodge overlooking the lake are spacious, clean, and comfy. Spa renovations are taking place while the pool complex entertains all ages and the marina offers boat rentals for lake explorations. March marked the $300k bass masters champions’ event.
There is no end to the fun at Shangri-La until you leave and the thank you sign says, “Back to Reality.” Boo hoo.
