Construction and Expansion Update

Atunyote Golf Club closed at the end of October, but workers have been on site every day finishing up the luxurious new clubhouse. The temporary clubhouse used during the course's inaugrural season has been removed, and the ground is being graded and prepared for landscaping. Inside, carpet and lighting fixtures have been installed in the restaurant, and crews have begun installing banquettes. Last week, heavy machinery could be seen digging at the corner of Snyder and Patrick Roads, preparing for construction of the foundation for the new golf dome. The facility will allow golfers to hone their skills all year long and also can be configured or other indoor activities like tennis. Work continues in hte Winter Garden, particularly in the two restaurants. Up on the mezzanine level, crews have installed a polished granite top on the bar just inside the entrance of the new Brazillian steakhouse. Workers also are busy installing kitchen fixtures and appliances and various accents for the dining areas. The restaurant will seat about 175 people. Downstairs, work also is progressing on the new, expanded buffet. Light fixtures have benn installed in the spacious entry area underneath the stairway to the second floor, and floor tile has been laid in the entryway and in the food service areas. The 420-seat buffet will feature half a dozen stations where guests can order freshly made entrees in a variety of cuisines. The massive revolving door for the Winter Garden's main entrance has arrived, and crews were working on its installation last week. The glass floor tiles for the "river" lading from the main entrance to a small rotunda between the two-story water falls have been installed, as has a waist-high glass wall around the fountain feature in the rotunda. Glass water walls also have benn installed on either side of the fountain, and behind them new retail shops have been framed. Plans call for one shop to feature high-quality jewelry and the other to offer seasonal gifts. The new Opal's coffee shop also has been framed at the far end of the Winter Garden, complete with an indoor canopy. Thanks in part to the unseasonably dry November weather, outside work around the resort has made substantial progress this fall. Grading has been done for new parking near the hotel loading dock; the site used to be a pond but was filled in earlier this year in anticipation of increased parking needs. Medians and islands for the new lot also have been framed. Crews also have been erecting a plethora of holiday decorations around the property. Talk to you later Joe FYI: Americans spend more than $630 million a year on golf balls.