ORLANDO – With close to 100 species—such as deer, turkey, bears, lizards, alligators, foxes, squirrels, panthers, bobcats, fish, and several native and exotic birds—the Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy Country Club near Orlando, is well known for its spectacular wildlife.
This dedication to nature conservation and preservation has enabled the course to earn Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification. This bronze level honor is one of the top certifications that Audubon International recognizes for golf courses. The Fazio Course is now one of approximately 100 golf courses in the world with this prestigious designation.
Audubon International is an environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where people live, work and play. Its certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both its members and their communities.
This is the first time in seven years that the Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy, one of 38 upscale private clubs nationwide in the Concert Golf Partners network, has earned the Audubon International designation, which recognizes “distinctive environmental excellence.” Legendary Superintendent John Kopack—who is celebrating 50 years in the golf industry—made it a priority for the course to regain the honor.
Namesake architect Tom Fazio has praised the Fazio Course as among his best efforts. The 7,160-yard, par 72 layout carries a 74.5 rating and 132 slope carved around a dense forest of lush, mature trees, with spectacular topography, dramatic slopes, rises and knolls unique to Florida. Hole No. 12 is known as the “Tiger Trap,” as Tiger Woods once appeared out of the surrounding forest to challenge golfers to a closest-to-the-pin contest in a famous Buick TV commercial.
“It’s truly gratifying to have such a venerable, sustainability-driven club like Heathrow Legacy Country Club’s Fazio Course in the Signature Sanctuary certification fold,” said Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “Under John Kopack’s expert direction and in close coordination with our team of Environmental Specialists, the club continues to set a high standard for stewardship at all levels, from creating wildlife corridors to saving energy. We congratulate everyone involved in this recertification effort.”
Kopack helped with the original construction of the Fazio Course in 1998, and was among Concert Golf Partners’ first employees. During that time, he was instrumental in making the Fazio Course one of the earliest recipients of the Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification. Kopack is now enjoying his third employment tenure with Concert Golf.
“To bring back the Audubon International Certification, and be involved again with their program means so much,” said Kopack. “Seeing all the turkey and deer never gets old.”
Part of Kopack’s mantra is to use minimally invasive course treatments to ensure he is managing the course in an environmentally sound manner. The course irrigates 99 percent of its water.
No ground, reclaimed or potable city water is ever used. All of the lakes and ponds flow into a pump station, where it refilters into the turf grass and drains into a specifically designated pond.
To meet and exceed Audubon International Signature Sanctuary standards, Kopack installed wetland-friendly plants, such as canna lilies, spartinas and arrowheads. He also added bird boxes and duck boxes. The club will also use environmentally conservative paint on its buildings and structures. As part of the program, Kopack plans to “adopt” an elementary school class and meet with them monthly to discuss environmental best practices, as well as educate them on the importance of creating wetlands, butterfly gardens, and installing bird feeders.
“The Fazio Course was born out of its natural surroundings and endeavors to preserve this habitat,” said Concert Golf COO, Susan Dunnavant. “John Kopack was the original Concert Golf Vice President of Agronomy, and he was at this location previously. He understands the delicacy of care the course requires to coexist with its surroundings. The fact that it has been certified by Audubon International is a testament that the balance between golf and nature has endured.”
Concert Golf makes consistent annual capital investment in its clubs. These upgrades are aimed at enhancing amenities, service levels and the overall member experience, while building and maintaining a thriving club environment. Last year, Concert Golf announced that it was installing $3 million worth of enhancements at Heathrow Legacy.
The club offers members and guests access to two clubhouses set just two miles apart, with 36 holes of golf that pay homage to designers Tom Fazio (Fazio Course) and Ron Garl (Garl Course). The Legacy Clubhouse recently underwent a complete remodel of the lobby, boardroom, bar and dining space, including new fixtures, flooring, furniture and decor. Meanwhile, renovations were made to the bar, patio, fixtures and HVAC at the Heathrow Clubhouse.
In 2024, Heathrow Legacy became the first private club in Central Florida to install 10 TopTracer Range outdoor bays, which transformed the traditional driving range experience. The Garl Course also recently received 18 new Champion Bermuda greens. Significant golf course irrigation improvements, designed to enhance drainage and elevate course conditions to new heights, were also installed.
Heathrow Legacy members also enjoy exclusive access to The Racquet Club, a sprawling onsite tennis and fitness facility, with six new pickleball courts. The 13-court tennis facility has hosted the likes of Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors and Billie Jean King. In addition, a new pool deck was recently installed.
Heathrow Legacy was the first club owned by Concert Golf. Now, there are 38 upscale, private clubs in the Concert portfolio, including nine across Florida, such as The Club at Renaissance (Fort Myers), Marsh Landing Country Club (Ponte Vedra), Carrollwood Country Club (Tampa), and the newly acquired Golf Club of the Everglades (Naples).
Across America, Concert also features clubs such as Gaillardia Country Club (Oklahoma City), Glen Oaks Country Club (Des Moines), TPC Jasna Polana (Princeton, N.J.), and The Club at Pasadera(Monterey, Calif.).