Nick Beucher

Nick was born December 9, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois.  He attended Loyola University but after two years left to pursue a business career.  Initially he worked for his father who owned a hide and calfskin business in Chicago, and then he became #1 salesman at Morton Salt Company.

In 1939, an adventurous Nick Beucher and his friend Tex Bunteen drove from Chicago to Del Rio, Texas, crossed over to Villa Acuna, Mexico, broke two wild horses and in 39 days rode 1,200 miles to Mexico City.  In April 1942, Nick started Packing House By-Products Company in Chicago, opened offices in Chicago, Boston, and Jersey City.  During post WWII, Nick traveled to Australia and New Zealand to purchase meat.

In early 1964, Nick noticed a classified ad in the Wall Street Journal for the Floridan Country Club in Howey-in-the-Hills.  In September 1964, Nick and his family purchased the golf course and clubhouse.  The golf course design was the work of George O'Neil, who was commissioned in 1917 by W. J. Howey to create one of America's sportiest layouts.

He described the lakes and fairways as being full of weeds, trees few in number and lodging non-existent.  From 1964-1969 the clubhouse was renovated and expanded, the neglected golf course was rebuilt and irrigated and the property was enhanced with beautiful landscaping.

In 1969, the decision was made to create a golf resort.  Nick drew upon his Mexican memories and incorporated "Spanish Colonial" elements into the architectural design.  For over 55 years, Nick and his family have consistently expanded and improved the property by adding hotel accommodations, convention and banquet facilities, swimming pools, fountains and courtyards.  Mission Inn Resort & Club now features two championship golf courses, golf and tennis academies, four restaurants, Marina del Rey, as well as wedding and meeting sites.  Condominiums have been built overlooking "El Campeon" course and beautiful residences are available in "Las Colinas.”

The resort has hosted county, state, national and international athletic teams and events, and was the home of the Spanish Soccer team during the last Summer Olympic Games.

Among the accolades bestowed on Nick were an appointment to the "Council of 100" by Florida's Governor Claude Kirk, the 1987 "Golf Father of the Year Award" by Golf Week Magazine and inclusion in the "Who's Who" publication.  Also, the resort has garnered many consistent golf and tennis awards for excellence.