Destination Travel & Golf by 123 Sports Network

Two Special Courses at

Grandover Resort

randover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro, N.C. has two courses that are open to the public daily to sample. The East Course opened in March 1996 and was designed by Gary Panks and David Graham. Many of the greens complexes were built to give a stadium effect around them. The tree-lined fairways on the East Course provide a seasonal blaze of color that offers visitors the feeling of being in a nature preserve in America’s heartland of golf. In 2011, the East Course added six new teeing areas to stretch the total yardage to 7,250 from the championship markers. The Resort’s West Course opened in May 1997 and was formed with the naturally rolling terrain and elevation changes found in the Piedmont of North Carolina. A links style layout flows away from the resort for first nine holes and returns for the inward nine. The West Course measures 6,800 yards from the championship tees.

A practice area provides you with the opportunity to work on all elements of the game. There are two putting greens available and a short game area that includes a greenside bunker. There is also a fairway bunker integrated into the practice facility. A professional staff welcomes the opportunity to work with visitors. The golf courses are open year round and feature several sets of tees, making both layouts playable for golfers of every skill level. Golf carts are equipped with a state-of-the-art GPS yardage system to assist players during their rounds. Tee times may be made seven days in advance for public play and 60 days in advance for resort guests. Proper golf attire is required: Shirts with collar and no jeans. Grandover’s course are non-metal spike facilities.

Grandover Resort has hosted numerous corporate and charity golf events over the years as well as competitive events, such as the 2012 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Golf Regional Championship, the 2012 Nationwide Tour Open Qualifier, and the 2011 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf National Championship. Grandover Resort and Conference Center Greensboro, N.C. 800-472-6301 www.Grandover.com

The One of a Kind

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

he Dunes Golf and Beach Club of Myrtle Beach, S.C. is one of the most sought after clubs on the East Coast and offers more than 60 years of rich history and tradition The membership is comprised of well respected businessmen and women, many of whom have grown up at the Club and now continue to raise their children here, creating memories that last a lifetime. Blessed with a wealth of amenities, including tennis, a pool, beaches and first-class dinning venues, The Dunes Club’s centerpiece is a “Top 100 Golf Course” that has been rated high atop virtually every major magazine ranking and was designed by famed architect, Robert Trent Jones. The Club has played host to many PGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, women’s, amateur, national, and state events. The course has seen some minor renovations throughout the years but has retained its original essence of design, proving the excel-

lence of the layout has stood up to the numerous of industry changes over the decades. The Dunes Club currently has over 750 members and is private. However, the members allow limited access to tee sheets for fortunate guests wishing to experience this Southern gem. The Robert Trent Jones Signature course has a rating of 75.1 and a slope rating of 145, denoting its unique challenge to even the best players in the world. Jones changed the original course design in 1976 and 1977 with modifications to holes 3, 4, 11, 15, and 18. Each hole has its own descriptive name to give golfers an idea of what to expect before they tee off. “Waterloo,” hole number 13, is the signature hole of the Dunes Course. Famous worldwide, it is a legendary, 590-yard

(back tees) par-five where Lake Singleton comes into play. “Waterloo” has received every accolade and award as one of the greatest golf holes in the world. The course plays to a total of yardage of almost 7,200 yards from the championship markers but there are four other sets of tees to allow all types of golfers to experience and enjoy this remarkable layout. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club www.TheDunes Club.net

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must plays

Hilton Head National a Blend of Two Great Nines

ilton Head National Golf Club in Bluffton, S.C. opened its tees, fairways and greens in 1989 and has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier public access course in the region. Hall of Famer Gary Player, with over 200 golf designs in his international portfolio, and former PGA Tour Architectural Consultant and winner of numerous golf design awards Bobby Weed collaborated to rout two nines that carry the two men’s distinctive design philosophies to create a unique experience that makes the golfer utilize every clubs in the bag. Weed’s, 3,357-yard (back tees), par-36 front nine at Hilton Head National Golf Club is an ideal complement to the Player nine. Weed’s layout also offers plenty of run-up opportunities to the greens, which are generally a little larger than Player’s but with more severe undulations. The par-three fourth hole demands a carry over a waste bunker that takes up most of the yardage between tee and green. But it’s what some might call the signature sixth that is

a perfect example of a great risk versus reward hole. Under 300 yards from the tips, just 250 to 275 yards from the middle tees, it’s one of Weed’s ultimate dareyou-to-try opportunities. The largest lake on the course runs down the entire right side, then wraps around behind the green, while pot bunkers and the course’s largest berm rise up to snatch shots hit left or short. The 3,298-yard (back tees), par-36 Player back nine begins with three increasingly longer par-fours. The third hole plays 420 yards from the tips with water down the entire left side on the dogleg left and trees encroaching on the bailout area to the right. You will be left with a long approach shot that will have to negotiate four mounds to find a smallish green. The fourth hole, a medium-length parthree, seems fairly uncomplicated but you had

better not miss the table top green with your tee shot. The fifth hole on the back nine has a huge waste bunker in front of the par-four; a large greenside bunker on the par-three sixth causes problems; and the par-five seventh hole is Hilton Head National’s number one handicap hole. The final hole the back side might actually be the most demanding, with marsh all the way along the right side of a narrow fairway and pinching in close to another table top putting surface the hole shares with the ninth hole. www.GolfHiltonHeadNational.com

Don’t Overlook

Oak Point at Kiawah

t’s easy for Oak Point to get overshadowed, for it lives in the shadows of the fabulous resort courses on Kiawah Island, including the fabled Ocean Course, home to this year’s PGA Championship. But Oak Point is the first course you will run into when you make the drive down Rt. 12 and past live oaks draped with Spanish moss to Kiawah Resort, which has five public-access courses in all. Every hole here save one, the par-four 16th, has water in some form and often the wet stuff must be crossed on the tee shot or approach to the greens. But that’s what makes Oak Point so much fun. If you put your tee shot where you should, navigating the layout is relatively straightforward. The par-fours and three threes are not long, thus you can attack them with nothing more than mid- to short-irons. The par-fives are all about 500 yards in length from the back tees and therefore very approachable Destination Travel & Golf

for players of all skill levels, especially if you play down a marker or two, which is advisable on a first try. The second hole is a 183-yard par-three that has water on the left and behind the putting surface. The seventh is a very nice, 168-yard short hole that has a pond in front, sand flowing down to the water’s edge and a pot bunker in front of the very long green. The 14th, a 345-yarder, is a great example of a good short par-four. The fairway narrows as it proceeds to the green, and you have to thread the needle if you hit driver if you’re trying to leave yourself with nothing more than a wedge or nine-iron over water (of course) to the green. You can make an

easy par here or a very disappointing double bogey with equal ease. The best hole of the course may be the visually stunning 406-yard par-four 18th that runs along the waterway and offers an amazing panoramic view of the sweet lowland marshes and various waterfowl. If you catch it at the right time of day, when the sun is setting, walking the fairway on the 18th affords a breathtaking view of South Carolina’s

must play

Feel on Top of the World at

High Hampton Inn

By Gil Richards igh Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C. was originally a summer retreat for Civil War General Wade Hampton and his family in the mid 1800s, the iconic High Hampton Inn is celebrating 90 years of welcoming guests in 2012. The historic Inn serves as a destination where generations of families and friends can bond with one another in a stunning Blue Ridge Mountain setting. Reminiscent of the great camps of the Adirondacks, High Hampton prides itself on being different from most resorts--with no televisions and telephones in the guest rooms, High Hampton strives to encourage visitors to unplug and get outside. High Hampton Inn’s mountain setting makes it the ideal location for outdoor recreation. A George W. Cobb-designed 18-hole golf course offers stunning views and challenging play. Surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and onproperty lakes, the par-72 course features bent grass greens and plays 6,012 yards from the back tees. Additionally the par-three, 137-yard, island eighth hole has been designated “One of America’s Great Golf Holes” by Golf Digest for its breathtaking panorama. Two putting greens and an excellent practice range are also available for use. New to High Hampton Inn this year is the option of renting a llama to caddy during a round of golf. The llamas are available to caddy for nine holes and can carry one set of clubs each. From September 23 to 26, golfers looking to hone their skills can attend High Hampton Inn’s Fall Golf School taught by

resident PGA Professional Craig Hartle. The four-day, three-night school includes accommodations, three meals each day, rounds of golf, golf carts, clinics and range balls. The cost of the clinic is $1,384 per room, double occupancy. Off the links, clay tennis courts, bocce courts, miles of hiking trails, and a 35-acre lake for swimming, boating and fishing provide hours of entertainment. A European spa with a plethora of pampering treatments is perfect for those looking to relax after a day on the greens.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, High Hampton Inn gives visitors easy access to the quaint antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries located throughout Cashiers and nearby Highlands. The area’s unique geography also boasts hundreds of waterfalls, quiet lakes, stone mountains, and rhododendron forests. For additional information or to reserve a room, visit www.HighHamptonInn.com, or call 800-334-2551. www.123sportsnetwork.com

must play

Splendor Among the Great Smokey Mountains By JOHN TORSIELLO

f you like to mix scenic beauty with your championship golf, then head 45 minutes west of Ashville, N.C. where Sequoyah National Golf Club sits waiting for you, nestled among the oak, fir and flowered valleys in the heart of the Great Smokey Mountains. The course and club are owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, who hired the acclaimed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones II to design a layout that matched the majesty of the setting. Jones II did his job well, routing the track over and around the land and filling the 18 holes of Sequoyah National Golf Club with wonderful vistas, beautiful landscapes and challenging shot values. The course measures 6,600 yards from the tips and features immaculately groomed bent grass greens with bluegrass fairways and stunning views of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. There’s an expansive practice area at the club that includes a driving range, putting greens, a chipping area and Callaway Golf club fitting by certified PGA professionals. The pro shop at Sequoyah National Golf Club offers a full range of men’s and women’s golf apparel and the latest in equipment and accessories for the avid and discerning player. After a truly memorable round on a great golf course, chill out and relax with lunch or an afternoon or evening beverage on the outdoor deck of the club, which features an 180-degree view of the Great Smokey Mountains. For après-golf, also check out the surrounding community, which provides visiting golfers a welcoming environment rich with Native American culture and year-round attractions. Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino is nearby. Sequoyah National, managed by Troon Golf, is full of scintillating holes, starting with number one, a 543-yard par-five that bends to the right and tumbles downhill to a green that offers a view of the valley and mountains. Talk about getting wowed right out of the box. The second hole is a sweet little par-three, which plays 166 yards from the back markers. The tee shot is over a waste area to a long and narrow green that is fronted by a stone wall and backed up to more stones and rocks. Then it’s another dogleg right par-five, this one measuring 532 yards that culminates in a green that is located on a bit of a hill overlooking the surrounding land. The seventh hole is one of several shortish par-fours that tempt you to either cut a corner or challenge fairway bunkers and some nasty waste areas and wetlands that lurk just off the airways or on the green approaches. The 341-yard 14th and 321-yard 16th fit into the category as well. The 10th is a challenging, 416-yard par-four that plays uphill. The tee shot is to a landing area that must be hit in order to leave a decent second shot across wetlands to the putting surface. The 15th is another tough par-four that plays 408 yards from the tips. It demands a tee shot over a waste area followed by an approach that must steer clear of wetlands on the front right of the green. Sequoyah National Golf Club Whittier, N.C. 828-497-3000 www.SequoyahNational.com

Destination Travel & Golf

must play

Through the Looking Glass of Time at

The Grove Park Inn

By Jack Rowley

hen The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. opened in 1913, newspapers across the country christened it “the finest resort hotel in the world.” For nearly a century, this Arts and Crafts icon has hosted 10 presidents and countless luminaries, such as Thomas Edison, Houdini and F. Scott Fitzgerald, the latter taking up summer residence in 1935 and 1936. It was only fitting that when luxury condominiums were built they would take the namesake of one of America’s literary giants. An intimate collection of 24 well-appointed, two- and three-bedroom condominiums, The Fitzgerald overlooks one of the top golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1926, the 6,720-yard, par-70 course is contoured out of the rolling landscape with tree-lined fairways. The Fitzgerald residences include kitchens with gourmet-quality appliances, fireplaces, hardwood floors, coved ceilings, luxurious tile baths with deep soaking tubs, and private balconies with expansive city and mountain views. But what sets it apart from other lavish properties is that owners enjoy all the amenities of the Inn, with a choice of club membership plans, including golf and spa access. After a day on the links, you can rejuvenate body and soul at the nationally-acclaimed Spa at The Grove Park Inn. The $50 million, 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa features cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels, with 20 water features throughout the facility and 16,000 square feet of amenity space. Choose from dozens of treatments by the region’s most experienced certified therapists. The historic golf course at Grove Park has hosted PGA Tour events, and legends like Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Gary Player. Even President Barack Obama teed off here in 2010. He took in some tips from Breanne Hall, head golf pro at the Inn. Hall received her PGA certification in April of this year, and is one of only 805 women among the 23,026 members throughout all sections of the PGA, and one of 57 females in the 1,667-member Carolinas PGA. There is also a sports complex on site,

which features six tennis courts (three indoor and three outdoor), an indoor pool, a racquetball court, cardio and weight rooms with fitness equipment, table tennis and pool tables, a tennis pro shop, and complimentary lounges and locker rooms. The sports complex also offers fitness training, yoga classes, tennis clinics, and children’s programs. An outdoor pool is located at the adjacent country club. To easily access outdoor adventure, The Nantahala Outdoor Center’s (NOC) Asheville location is at The Grove Park Inn. NOC offers whitewater raft-

ing, kayaking, mountain biking and fly fishing, and has experienced guides for both the novice and extreme adventurer. Time to kick back? You only need to walk next door to experience a range of culinary and cocktail options. Chefs at Grove Park Inn hail from Per Se to VTK, The National Press Club to The Greenbrier, Ritz Carlton, Waldorf Astoria and Deerhurst Resort. Duane Fernandes is the Chef de Cuisine of Horizons Dining Room, Asheville’s only AAA Four-Diamond restau-

rant. Fernandes was raised in North Carolina but moved on to work with some of the country’s best chefs before returning home to The Grove Park Inn. Sunset Terrace offers majestic views of the city and spectacular sunsets. Lunch and dinner are served daily. The Blue Ridge Dining Room offers lavish buffets that serve the freshest local produce. A glass, enclosed terrace affords panoramic views. The Magnolia Lounge has ceiling to floor windows that make the Blue Ridge Mountains seem close enough to touch, and the club-like atmosphere features couches and Arts and Crafts lounge chairs. In May of this year, The Grove Park Inn became a KSL Resort, making it the third National Historic Landmark property in the KSL collection, joining the ranks of two other iconic hotels, Hotel Del Coronado in California and The Homestead in Virginia. A $25 million dollar restoration and renovation is underway of the Inn’s public areas, guest rooms, dining outlets and meeting spaces. The plans honor the historic style of the Inn, while enhancing the guest experience. In honor of the Inn’s 100th birthday in 2013 there will be a year-long celebration with musical headliners, food and wine festivals, and art exhibits and workshops celebrating Asheville’s renowned art community. www.GroveParkInn.com www.123sportsnetwork.com

must play

Pudding Ridge Golf Course Great Golf at Affordable Prices

By Jack Rowley

udding Ridge Golf Course in Mocksville, N.C., is one of those “player friendly” courses that is a strong enough routing to challenge the most accomplished players, yet one that is approachable and fun for all players if they select the proper tees to play from. The course plays about 6,700 yards from the back markers and has a par of 72. It was designed by Don Bowles and opened its fairways and greens in 1994. The track is visually attractive, set as it is amid the peaceful rural countryside of Davie County, just west of Winston-Salem. The layout features rolling fairways that wind easily over the natural terrain and leaves each hole pretty much in front of you. The fairways are quite ample, which allows you to use drive off the par-fours and par-fives, and has large greens that are receptive to all types of shots. The club’s owners and managers take pride in the course’s reputation as an affordable place to play golf, while at the same

time offering conditions one might find at the “high-end” daily fee clubs. The fairways and greens here are always in top notch shape. Pudding Ridge Golf Course has a number of fine holes and an interesting mix as well. There are several beefy par-fours, such as the 418-yard first, the 408-yard sixth, and the very demanding 445-yard 13th, the latter ranked as the layout’s number one handicap hole. There are some shortish par-fours, as witnessed by three straight holes--the eighth, ninth and 10th--that all

Destination Travel & Golf

play under 380 yards from the championship markers. The par-threes are a strength of the course, including the tough 215-yard seventh. There are ample bunkers and some water to keep your mind on shot placement, both on the tees and the approaches to the putting surfaces. Pudding Ridge Golf Course Mocksville, N.C. 800-506-9916 www.PuddingRidge.com

feature course

A Magical All-Inclusive Golf Experience at Barefoot Resort & Golf By John Torsiello

arefoot Resort & Golf is a 2,300-acre residential golf community of uncompromised excellence. Located across the Intracoastal Waterway, it is connected to North Myrtle Beach by a historic swing bridge that was built in the 1930’s and relocated from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Designed with a vastly different approach than most resort developments, Barefoot Resort & Golf strives to preserve the natural integrity of its coastal lands. The community combines carefree living with an array of unparalleled amenities to meet your every need. On April 13, 2000, in one of the most ambitious golf course projects ever to hit the Grand Strand, Barefoot successfully opened four championship courses simultaneously, making it the only time a developer has opened four new courses at the same time in the United States. The venue was designed by golf ’s most inspired architects; Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Each one fulfilled his goal in creating distinctive, visually striking and fun-to-play courses. Rated as Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play and Top 100 Courses

Destination Travel & Golf

in America, it’s no secret why Barefoot Resort & Golf is one of the most sought after golf destinations in the country. Barefoot’s management relentlessly continues to improve upon an already a great spectacle of championship caliber golf. During this past summer, Barefoot has undergone a massive renovation to its greens. The project has successfully

converted all four courses from bent grass to a Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass. With the change of the greens, Barefoot is able to provide members and guest a more consistent playing surface throughout the year. Centrally located in the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World,” Barefoot Golf Vacations at Barefoot Resort & Golf offers an endless assortment of recreational possibilities. Everything a visitor needs can be found at the Resort or just a short drive away. The most requested golf pack-

age is the “Buy 3 and get 4th round free” on the Barefoot Resort & Golf Courses. There is no need to drive all over town with this all inclusive package. The package includes three nights lodging at a three-diamond rated resort, four rounds of golf on four championship courses, all cart fees, taxes and daily breakfast at the Resort clubhouse. For information on how to book your next golf vacation head on over to www.BarefootGolfVactions.com and fill out a no obligation custom golf quote. To speak to a golf director, call 877-767-1573. Michael J. Ross, Director of Golf at the Resort, explained that Barefoot offers four world class golf courses all in one convenient location built by four world renowned golf course architects Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, Greg Norman and Pete Dye. There is also 30-acre lighted practice facility with two full acres of teeing ground to accommodate members and guests. The practice facility is also home to the brand new Greg Norman Golf Academy, which focuses on teaching and training elite level players from all over the world. There are two club houses; a main resort clubhouse services the Norman, Love and

Fazio courses and the Dye Club clubhouse is separately located approximately a quarter-mile down the road. The club has cars equipped with on board GPS systems, complimentary range balls prior to golf, cold towels after golf in the bag drop area during the summer months, and a complimentary shoe shine in our shoe room till 4 p.m. each day. It’s tough to beat. Says Ross, “Barefoot Resort & Golf is an unparalleled multi course golfing destination in the Myrtle Beach area. We also offer a multitude of dining and shopping options for our guest conveniently located just across the intercoastal waterway from our resort at Barefoot Landing.” THE COURSES Seven holes along the Intracoastal Waterway highlight Greg Norman’s design at Barefoot Resort & Golf framed by the site’s original vegetation, each hole enhances the beauty of its natural vistas. Combined with open green complexes and fairways running up to the sand, the Norman course presents a challenge for any golfer. Waste areas and the site’s natural vegetation were used to frame each hole. The course resembles one found in the deserts of the Southwest, without the desert. For example, one hole has a fairway that flows into the native areas surrounding the course, while another hole features fairway and a partial rough transitioning into the native areas. A third distinction is a formal rough that encompasses the entire golf hole. There are no angular or artificial lines in the

shape of the course. Bunkers have sloping white faces (similar to an Alistair MacKenzie-style golf course) with intermittent sod wall bunkering at strategic locations throughout the course. The Norman Course is a par-72, approximately 7,200 yards long and was designed with Norman’s philosophy to bring into play the “bump and run” shots around the greens. This will give the player the option to play a number of different shots. The greens are gently undulating and consist of an average green area of 6,300 square feet. The green surfaces consist of a Champion UltraDwarf Grass. Tees and fairways consist of GN-1, a hybrid turf developed by Greg Norman Turf. The approach areas are Tifdwarf grass. Carolina native Davis Love III embraced a tradition of Lowcountry character in his latest design. The Love course incorporates the recreated ruins of an old plantation home along holes three through seven. Wide open fairways and generous landing areas set the stage for an unforgettable round of golf. The Love Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf is a traditional course with a Lowcountry character and incorporates his Carolina golfing experiences. This visually striking course features course generous landing areas and greens complexes similar to those found on Pinehurst #2 at the 1999 U.S. Open. The Love Course is a par- 72 and plays over 7,000 yards. The course will challenge the good player, yet provide playability and enjoyment for the average player. Tee and fairways consist of GN-1, and the

approach areas consist of Tif-sport Bermuda grass. The greens surfaces are newly acquired Champion UltraDwarf and the rough areas are 419 Bermuda grass. The Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf is routed through a spectacular piece of property in the heart of Barefoot Resort & Golf. Like many European courses, the course does not return to the clubhouse after nine holes. It is not a British linksland course but rather a classic Lowcountry course, filled with live oaks, pines, sand, natural areas and native grasses. Located between the Dye Course and the Love Course, the Fazio course has been strategically designed, incorporating extensive tree cover and many lakes into the landscaping. Waste areas and formal bunkers have been handcrafted and placed for visual and strategic effect, while natural elevation changes add a sense of drama and excitement to a round. Water features can be seen on 15 holes, yet many lakes are in out-of-play areas to ensure playability. The Fazio Course is a par-71, approximately 6,834 yards long. The course has five sets of tees, as do all four layouts, to give players of all skill levels the opportunity to play a course of championship calibre and still have the right balance of fun and challenge. Tees and fairways consist of GN-1, the approach areas are Tif- Sport Bermuda grass, and the rough areas are 419 Bermuda grass. The greens consist of a Champion UltraDwarf Grass. Pete Dye set out to create something at www.123sportsnetwork.com

Barefoot that would linger in the golfer’s mind forever. Bordering the natural white sands of the Carolina Bays, this visually stunning design is filled with the infamous pitfalls for wayward shots that have become synonymous with the Dye name. Both beautiful and treacherous, the Dye Course is an experience you won’t soon forget, and is the only semi-private facility at Barefoot Resort & Golf . The Dye Club recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of being the host site for the Monday after the Masters Hootie and the Blowfish Annual Celebrity Pro-Am Charity Tournament. It is the single largest charitable event in all of South Carolina. From 2003 to 2012, the tournament has raised over three million dollars, bringing its total charitable contributions to over five million dollars through the years. Proceeds from the event go to the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, which supports the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation and the educational needs of children in South Carolina. Dye upholds his reputation of building memorable and challenging golf courses by creating a stunning design filled with his infamous pitfalls to capture errant shots. However, if played from the appropriate set of tees, players of all abilities will be able to navigate the track. The course is a par-72, 7,343yard layout within a gated community. Dye is famous for his use of native grasses. The fairways are GN-1 Bermuda grass , the approaches are Tifdwarf Bermudagrass, the greens are newly acquired Champion UltraDwarf, and dramatic visual effects are achieved by the Centipede and Zoysia grass roughs. Marketed exclusively through Barefoot Realty is The Dyes Estates, is a private gated community surrounding the Dye Course. Wooded homesites will line Dye’s course as well

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as the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Stately 1/2 acre homesites begin in the low $200,000’s, while massive 3/4 acre waterway homesites begin in the mid $700,000’s. Where Comfort Comes Naturally………… Barefoot Landing has evolved into a most unique attraction, the only shopping, dining and entertainment complex along the Grand Strand that naturally combines the atmosphere of beauty and nature with fun and excitement for the entire family. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing has become a popular stopover for boat traffic. Catch a glimpse of a variety of migratory waterfowl, exotic fish and wildlife, including ospreys, herons, pelicans, turtles, and alligators, that make Barefoot Landing their home. Stroll the boardwalks and shop more than 90 fine specialty and retail shops that have been built around a 27-acre lake and enjoy waterfront dining at one of many spectacular restaurants. Barefoot Landing has integrated world-class attractions into the complex, such as Alligator Adventure, offering guests an up-close and personal look at exotic birds, tortoises, snakes, crocodiles, tigers, lemurs and of course, alligators with live alligator feedings and their newest addition, a bat exhibit; The Alabama Theatre, which features a high-energy singing, dancing and comedic performance six nights a week and a separate celebrity concert series; and The House of Blues Music Hall that hosts live concerts by both local bands and world-class entertainers. And check out their popular Sunday Gospel Brunch, featuring inspiring gospel performances and an amazing buffet to feed both the body and the soul. Carolina Vineyards, a working winery, even offers wine tastings. Our annual events assure excitement year-

round, including SummerFest! from June 1st to Labor Day, featuring an array of boardwalk entertainment and weekly fireworks show; the “Paws Across the Water” rubber duck race in October to benefit the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach; “Cruise to the Coast” Classic Car Show in October; and “Taste of the Coast” in March, a fundraiser with local restaurants offering samples, entertainment and a Kids Zone. No matter the time of year, your vacation is not complete without a visit to Barefoot Landing! Home to approximately 90 specialty retail shops, Barefoot Landing has some of the most unique retailers on the East Coast. A true “lifestyles” shopping, dining, and entertainment center, Barefoot Landing’s eclectic choice of shops is unparalleled. And you surely won’t go hungry here! Over 14 great restaurants line the boardwalks at Barefoot Landing. A relaxing lunch or dinner is always right at hand. Choose from steaks and seafood, to pizza, Italian, burgers, Mexican and more. Bring the whole family and meet up after a round of golf at one of the four beautiful Barefoot Resort Courses. With so much to do and enjoy at Barefoot Landing, you’ll want to come back again and again. Barefoot Landing is located just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Barefoot Resort at the intersection of 48th Avenue South and Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach. Open at 10:00 a.m. seven days a week during the summer, but at 12:00 p.m. on Sundays from Labor Day through May; closing hours vary by season. Our phone number is (843) 272-8349 or (800) 272-2320, or visit us on the web at www.barefootlanding.com, like us on Facebook or download our free mobile application on the I-Phone or Android Market.

golf tips

Learning to Play the Tough Sidehill Lie Do you struggle making good, solid contact with the golf ball on sidehill lies? I’ll offer you a few tips to improve your ball striking from an uneven lie. When the ball is above your feet: Choke down on the club an inch or two, depending on how far the ball is above your feet; Stand a little taller, therefore you will bend over from the hips less and have less knee flex; Aim to the right of your target. The swing plane will be flatter, causing the ball to go left; Don’t try to overpower the shot. Swing the club with a nice smooth rhythm to create a more consistent strike.

INSTRUCTION

By Breanne Hall

When the ball is below your feet: Place more weight in your heels at address. Gravity wants to pull you down the slope, therefore it is important to squat or sit into the slope; Address the ball with a little wider stance than normal. This will help you maintain your balance throughout the shot; Hold your club at the top of the grip. You want to utilize the entire length of the club, since the ball is below our feet; Aim left of your target. Your swing plane will approach the ball at a steeper angle of attack, thus causing the ball to cut or slice in the air; Don’t try to overpower the shot. Swing the club with a nice smooth rhythm to create a more consistent strike.

INSTRUCTION

The last tip that will work with both lies is always take a few practice swings to get yourself comfortable with the lie. If you want to put these tips to the test, come play the spectacular Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Ashville, N.C., which celebrates the spirit of mountain golf.

Breanne Hall, PGA is the Club Manager/Head Golf Professional at Grove Park Inn in Ashville, N.C. (877) 910-7889 or visit www.GroveParkInn.com.

INSTRUCTION

Let’s Get Back to Basics

By Michael Lutsky

I thought I would take this opportunity in the inaugural edition of Golfing Magazine Carolinas to get back to basics. Grip and aim are fundamentally important to all levels of golfers, from beginners to advanced players. With respect to the grip, there are two points to check. First, the knuckles of the index and middle fingers of the top hand (the left hand for right-handed golfers) should be visible when looking down on the top of the hand. This places the thumb on the side of the grip, not on the top. Secondly, for the placement of the bottom hand just remember a hot dog and a bun. What does that mean? Well, the hot dog is the thumb of the top hand, the bun is the shape the palm of your bottom hand forms when you touch your thumb and pinky together. Now place that area on the thumb. Don’t squeeze, a light grip pressure will work wonders. Remember: Moving the hands on the grip must be done

INSTRUCTION

independently of the clubface. The clubface should remain facing the target at all times. Aim is one aspect that even the most seasoned players have trouble with and will often forget to do when they practice. In aiming, just remember railroad tracks, two parallel lines heading towards your target. One line is the ball flight line, the other is the line for your feet. For beginners, it is important to realize the your feet do not aim at the target. To help, take two clubs or alignment sticks and place them parallel to each other. Aim one stick at the target, this is the ball, the other stick is your foot line. Where is it pointed? Not at the target, but parallel to the target. Practice these points and I am sure you will be on your way to playing better golf.

INSTRUCTION

(A) Take one more club than you normally would for the given distance; (B) play the ball back in your stance, just behind center; (C) take an abbreviated back swing and make sure to keep your hands well ahead of the club head through impact which will help to flight the ball down; (D) finish your swing low making sure you don’t fully release your hands and wrists. Again, the objective is to flight the ball down with a lower trajectory than normal, keeping the ball under the wind. An abbreviated back swing and finish reduces club head speed,

Destination Travel & Golf

Michael Lutsky, PGA is the Head Golf Professional atArcadian Shores Golf Club, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 843-504-4004

INSTRUCTION

Play Golf in the Wind Playing golf in the wind is very difficult for the average player. Understanding how to play various types of shots can help keep your scores down. The first thing you will do is learn how to play the “knockdown” shot.

INSTRUCTION

By Bill Whitaker

which imparts less backspin on the ball and keeps the shot from “ballooning” into the wind. Obviously this is the go-to shot when playing into a headwind. Playing in a tailwind can be fun because of the extra distance you gain. Also, tailwinds will make your miss-hit shots travel straighter. You can control your distance better by moving the ball back in your stance and lowering your trajectory, but remember to plan on your ball rolling farther. If it’s additional carry and distance you’re looking for, play the ball forward and let the ball “ride the wind.” Playing golf in a crosswind is arguably the hardest wind condition of all. A crosswind will magnify any existing spin and reduce distance dramatically. However, if you are able to curve the ball one way

INSTRUCTION

or the other intentionally you can use these winds to your advantage. If you would like your shot to land softly such as on approach shots try curving your ball into a crosswind. If you would like to use the crosswind to achieve more distance try curving your shot in the same direction the wind is blowing. In either case try keep the ball as low as possible. It has been said many times “WHEN IT’S BREEZY, SWING EASY”. The reason for this is to help to ensure solid ball striking. The wind will affect a golf ball that has been well struck a lot less than a miss-hit shot.

Bill Whitaker is the Director of Golf Instruction, Hilton Golf Academy, Hilton Myrtle Beach & Kingston Plantation bill.whitaker@hilton.com

Point Your Way To Better Putting Great putters have learned through experience and years of playing to eliminate all distracting thoughts before stroking a putt. Most amateur golfers lose where the hole is in their “mind’s eye” by second guessing and worry. Thoughts such as “how far should I take it back and through,” “I hope I don’t three putt,” and “just get it close” are worrisome thoughts that occupy your mind with negative and irrelevant images at a time when you should be positive or thoughtless. The key to great

By Julie Cole

putting is to have distance awareness always in mind without thoughts that take away from the intention of getting the ball close to oneor two-putt. Peripheral pointing is a simple way to keep the target in mind and create great distance control. Perform the following exercise. Establish your set-up over a long putt (for a right-handed golfer) and prior to putting take your left hand off the grip. Using your left index finger

trace the roll of the ball along the intended target line all the way into the cup. Stay in your stance and posture while doing this. Trace the target line several times from the ball to the hole, re-establish your grip. Lock-in the target and putt.

Julie Cole is a Managing Partner for Dana Rader Golf School in Charlotte, N.C. 704-542-7635, or visit www.DanaRader.com.

An All-in-One Golfing Experience at the Ballantyne Resort

he Golf Club at Ballantyne located in Charlotte, N.C. is listed among the finest PGA public golf courses in the region, being honored with 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest and named as a Top 50 Golf Resort by Golf World. The par-71, tree-lined championship golf course is situated on a dynamic terrain, carefully crafted into the natural hills of the Piedmont. “We have the best pace of play in town, and I would estimate that 75 percent of our play is local,” says Director of Golf Woody Allen. “We try to walk that fine line so that everyone enjoys their round of golf because they can play it in

four hours. We actually try not to sell out all of our tee times.” The golf course is located adjacent to The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge which is a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, a Forbes FourStar, and AAA Four-Diamond award-winning hotel offering special stay-and-play packages. Adding to the allure is Dana Rader Golf School, a state-of-the-art instructional facility selected. The school’s founder and owner, Dana Rader, is a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher in America and Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher. With the assistance of her awardwinning instructional staff and most-up-to-

date technology, players can learn the basics or advance their skills. “Our philosophy is to coach new and experienced golfers on an individual basis with consideration for each person’s goals, playing abilities, and swing tendencies,” says Rader. “We enhance overall player performance where it counts, on the golf course.” For tee times, call the pro shop at 704248-4383, or visit www.golfballantyne.com. For lessons and golf school packages, call the golf school at 704-542-7635, or visit www. danarader.com.

One Premier Location in Charlotte, NC. Unlimited Ways to Improve Your Game.

The Golf Club at Ballantyne

Committed to Providing an Exceptional Golf Experience

Dana Rader Golf School

Dedicated to Providing the Complete Golf Instruction Experience

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know yoUR PRO Age: 45 chronologically, 25 mentally, 65 physically.

ownership group, some of the best people I have ever met. Everything else great about True Blue can be viewed interactively on our website at www. TrueBlueGolf.com

Bob Seganti

Course/facility: PGA Director of Golf Operations at True Blue Golf Plantation & Caledonia Golf Vacations, Pawley’s Island, S.C.

Director of Golf Operations at

Best round and where: A very small claim to fame, I have shot 30 on both nines at Caledonia and only shot 69 both times in the late 90’s, which is why I would have starved trying to make a living playing golf. Like the PGA has been saying, “PGA Professionals, Experts in the Business of Golf.” I think they had me in mind they when wrote that. How you got into golf: I was a washed up “never was has been” jock in high school and asked for and received a set of golf clubs for my high school graduation. Golf seemed like a grown-up sport to play. Thanks Mom! Did you play in high school/college? In college I majored in partying and working round the clock to keep myself in school, went to three accredited colleges and took six years to get a degree paying my own way. I’m a self-deprecating person but I’m proud of that. If I had four free hours it was spent sobering up or chasing down deadbeat roommates for rent money. Positions/jobs before your current position: I worked in the restaurant business growing up starting at age 12 and owned part of one for 10 years. I traded one career with long hours, high stress and constant demands on free time for another. But I have loved both. I guess I’m a masochist by nature.

True Blue Plantation and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

Favorite course other than your own, locally and anywhere else in the world: The Ocean Course at Kiawah. It’s an amazing golf experience. I’ve been to The Masters 10 times as a spectator. I have to play it before I die!

How you arrived at your current position/ course and what you like most about your job: I broke into the business in 1996 at Caledonia Golf and Fish Club working outside services, and was asked to join the apprentice program the same year by my good friend and still PGA Director of Golf at Caledonia, Todd Welden. I worked under Todd until the Head Professional position became available in 2001 at True Blue and I still find the job to be interesting today.

Do you teach a lot? As an apprentice I chased as many lessons as I could, which wasn’t easy working a very busy resort golf course. I enjoyed working with mid- to high-handicappers and juniors. I found it difficult to work with very good players; they often brought their best swings to the range, and the fixes, although important, never gave me the same satisfaction as watching a beginner get a ball airborne for the first time. The teaching here the last several years at True Blue has been done by The Steve Dresser Golf Academy, a Top 25 Golf School in the country. They don’t need me hanging around the range.

Caledonai Golf Cl

Destionation Travel & Golf

What makes your course/facility special? Professionally, we maintain a Mike Strantz design to high standards and offer a friendly service level that keeps us mentioned in the awards lists annually by the major golf publications. Personally for me it’s working for the local

Best golf tip you can give or ever got: It was on bunker play in Golf Digest 25 years ago featuring Tom Kite. It was three easy steps to great bunker play. 1. Start

olf Cub

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with a square stance to target, open the clubface. 2. Pull your left foot back 8 to 12 inches. 3. Strike the sand two to four inches behind ball, while accelerating the clubface through the sand. I can get any student getting the ball up and out in less than three swings! What do we need to do to grow the game? The PGA and USGA need to build and maintain 6- or 9-hole courses that are free or less than $5 for kids to play anytime, staff the courses with volunteers and a few paid employees and run golf like you would the local little league. For-profit centers should focus on range and 3-hole set-ups for adult beginners that offer other hooks, like free lessons, singles night, ladies night, an active bar and grill, anything that makes golf seem fun and not so daunting a task to take on. I mean, people love bowling. Why? Because they can stink, still have fun and not take all day to do it! Parting shots: Get a lesson from a PGA Professional and Play Golf America! I need this job!

nutrition/fitness/wellness

Healthy Food Matters

Improve Your Strength

Brought to You by 123 Sports Network

Wear Comfortable Attire

By, Diane McConnel

Healthy Food Matters is all about health coaching with hands on practical day to day nutrition with cooking lessons for the group. It’s one thing to know what you should be eating, but how about making it taste delicious? How about getting your body the food it needs to work properly? Here are some tips on how to be healthy when golfing.

Stay Hydrated Brown Bag It

Walk Don’t Ride

Take Sunscreen

Fuel Yourself Stretch

Conclusion Golfing is a great way to combine sport and social activity while providing health benefits in a relaxing environment, so enjoy! For more health tips or to inquire about health counseling programs, contact Dianne at dianne@123sportsnetwork.com With 30 years of trained professional cooking experience, Diane McConnell is now focused on healthy eating. In addition to regular tips about fitness and healthy eating tips for golfers, those interested can go to www.DianneMcconnell.com for additional “how to” tips about reversing diabetes, bringing cholesterol levels down to normal ranges, and how to make the food you eat work better for your body. Classes are available on how to make food taste great and can be scheduled at any

golf course interested in forming a group to learn about cooking or better healthy alternatives. Dianne has one- three- and six-session packages tailored for any group of six or more participants. Dianne McConnell was classically trained as a chef at the prestigious Peter Kump Cooking School in New York. She was in demand for catering events like The Big Apple Circus, weddings, book signing parties, private parties and more for over 15 years in New York. Most recently, she has completed studies with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York. Combining healthy foods with great cooking skills is a recipe for any dinner table. Dianne will show you how.

nutrition/fitness/wellness

Healthy Food Matters

Improve Your Strength

Brought to You by 123 Sports Network

Wear Comfortable Attire

By, Diane McConnel

Stay Hydrated Brown Bag It

Walk Don’t Ride

Take Sunscreen

Fuel Yourself Stretch

ask the readers

How Well Do You Know the Rules of the Game? Here are some sticky questions for all you golf nuts to try and figure out. We’ve picked out 10 rules of golf to answer true or false. Have fun and email us your answers at sales@123sportsnetwork.com. We’ll draw a winner from the golf cap for a free subscription that includes Free Golf at a number of top Carolinas daily fee courses. 1 Except on the putting greens, the player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. True or False. 2. During a tournament round a player may give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course other than his partner. True or False.

3. Practice putting or chipping on or near the first teeing ground before starting a round or playoff is permitted. True or False. 4. If the opponent during match play wishes to dispute a claim of a ball being unfit for play he most do so before the player hits another ball. True or False.

5. A ball is considered in play as soon as the player has made a practice stroke on the tee box. True or False. 6. Grass cuttings and other material left on the course that have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are considered ground under repair. True or False.

7. A marker is a person who is appointed by the Tournament Committee to record a competitor’s score in stroke play and may be a fellow competitor. True or False. 8. A ball is deemed to have moved if it leaves its position and goes to rest in any other place. True or False. 9. “Through the Green” refers to the entire golf course, including the teeing grounds, putting greens and all hazards on the course. True or False. 10. A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground on any closely mown area may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, with the player incurring a one stroke penalty. True or False. www.123sportsnetwork.com