OUR 19th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2020
GOLF BIZ BOOM
IN LOS CABOS, MEXICO
STUNNING SEA VISTAS
EL CORTÉS GOLF CLUB
www.golfvacationsmag.com Golf Vacations • May 2020 1 Plus: RESORT REPORT: MICHIGAN’S HARBOR SHORES
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GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2020
Rancho San Lucas Golf Course, Los Cabos, Mexico
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Chip Shots
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Golf Biz Boom in Los Cabos
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by Dave McKibben Golf’s glory days of the 1990s and early 2000s, when over 4,000 courses were built in the United States, are long gone. Over the last decade, over 800 golf courses have closed in the U.S., including nearly a dozen in San Diego, one of the industry’s hot beds.
Stunning Sea Vistas at El Cortés Golf Club
by Dave McKibben LA PAZ, MEXICO – From the back tees perched atop a cliff, a well-manicured fairway sits 250 yards and a 200-foot-drop away. A pristine green sits 612 yards in the distance; just beyond lies the rich turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Not only is the 14th hole at El Cortés Golf Club the longest par 5 in Mexico, it easily the most daunting and stunning.
Resort Report: Harbor Shores Golf Community
by Dakota Diaz Anniversaries are the perfect occasion for celebration, reflection and looking ahead. As the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Harbor Shores Resort, every-other-year host of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and its surrounding 550-acre community marks its first 10 years, the transformative impact the development has had on the Lake Michigan shoreline communities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan is humbling to consider.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dakota Diaz is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Growing up in the golf mecca of Palm Springs, CA, Dakota is no stranger to the golf resort lifestyle. You’ll find him at his “real job” as Partner/Chief Investment Officer at Green Cloud Capital, a Rancho Mirage, CA. headquartered private equity firm.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
Barry Lotz is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a consultant and mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”. His latest book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, is now in its 8th printing. He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net
Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
For Editorial:
call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com Dave McKibben has been battle-tested in raucous newsrooms and dimly-lighted press boxes for nearly 20 years as an award-winning Los Angeles Times journalist. He’s covered the PGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NCAA sports and even local high schools sports. In his career he’s interviewed such greats as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Cal Ripken, John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, Tony Gwynn and Michael Jordan.
Regional Advertising
Los Angeles Terry Ross • (949) 279–7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • (770) 239–7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
STONY CREEK MEDIA
Bringing Communities Together
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774–2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
Cimarron Communications President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2020 Stony Creek Media, LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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Alignment Golf Balls and Balanced Golf Balls The Latest Trend in Golf Balls
By Barry Lotz
T
his is the newest trend in golf balls – alignment ready golf balls. Alignment ready but not balanced is the distinction. Zen Golf, Maxfli, Taylormade’s TP5/TP5X Pix, Callaway’s Chrome Soft Triple Track ball and ERC Soft Golf ball and Pelz’s O-Balls are the balls that all feature an alignment aid. Of the aforementioned manufacturers, just Zen Golf and Maxfli offer both an alignment and balanced golf ball.
While alignment markings are a definite advantage, whether pre stamped or marked by a black marker, this does not mean that they will roll end over end and hold their line. More than 99.5% of golf balls are marked with some sort of an alignment line—be it chevrons between the model name, or a line. But these markings do not represent a balance point on the ball. It is simply a visual guide to line up putts. A balanced ball delivers longer drives, reduced side spin and precision putting. Equally important, knowing that you have the “perfect rolling ball” helps encourage a positive mental attitude. Caveat: It must be emphasized, that however you attain the balance point, the imperfections of your STROKE, the relative humidity of the AIR and direction of the BREEZE, the SLOPE and SPEED and SMOOTHNESS of the green surface all have
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more of an impact on how well the ball will roll when putting or fly off of the tee. A golf ball is unbalanced when its center of gravity is not perfectly in the middle. If this is the case, then the ball will have a light side and a heavy side. The best example of balancing is that of a tire, especially when being rotated. If the tire is not balanced perfectly so one side of the tire does not wear out, the tire installer uses lead weights to get the tire balanced. With the golf ball, finding the center of gravity, aka the balance point, makes the golf ball run on a perfect angle. Master innovator and designer of Evnroll putters, Guerin Rife, uses ball balancing to minimize ball inconsistency for his robot testing. In order to do this, the golf ball MUST be balanced. This is cost prohibitive for ball manufacturers. Facts: 1. It is illogical to expect a ball that has slammed into trees, bounced off cart paths, and suffered other traumas to its cover is going to stay perfectly in balance. 2. Ball manufacturers such as Callaway, Titleist, Bridgestone, Callaway and Snell, while preferring not to discuss the balance point of a golf ball, all agree that their balls have a variance factor of 0.017 to 0.2 degrees. This is probably why none of the aforementioned companies advertises the perfectly balanced golf ball. As of the date of writing, only Maxfli claims to have a Center of Gravity Balanced Technology being used in their Tour X balls. Zen Golf’s balls are balanced, aligned and marked to their center of gravity in the development process. However, having said this, handicappers need all the help they can get, especially on fast greens (10+ stimp meter). There are several ways to test your golf balls for balance. Bryson DeChambeu and Cody Gribble still use the slow, somewhat messy way of spinning the ball in a warm solution of Epsom salts and dishwasher fluid (wear gloves or you sacrifice the
moisture in your hands). The high-tech fast way to a balanced ball is to buy a golf product such as the Stroke Saver sweet spot finder. To date, through the PGTAA (www. pgtaa.com), I personally have worked with Patrick Reed, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, David Frost, Cody Gribble, Bryson DeChambeau and Spencer Levin. They all see the difference in the roll and they all mark the ball’s sweet spot differently.
Caveat: They play on fast and smooth greens. Summary & conclusion: Balance-oriented balls perform noticeably better than randomly aligned balls. The consistent use of balanceoriented balls can shave a stroke or two off the handicap of any player who possesses reasonably solid fundamentals. Every golfer above the level of Hacker will benefit from spin-balancing their golf balls. If you have a modicum of selfdiscipline, get a Stroke Saver or similar machine immediately. You must take the time to make certain that all the balls you play are balance oriented. With spinning and marking, you will see the benefits, especially on your scorecard. Follow the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America at www.facebook. com/PGTAA and https://www.instagram. com/pgtaaace/
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True Spec Golf Opens Custom Fitting Studio at Pelican Golf Club in Tampa Bay
Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa’s position at the forefront of Spanish and European golf has been further enhanced after being named as the ‘Best Golf Club in Spain’ at Leadingcourses. com’s 2020 Golfers’ Choice Awards. Fresh from being voted recently as Europe’s number one resort by users of the respected website, the exclusive venue in Andalusia completed a memorable double after being rated as Spain’s top club for the first time in its history. Launched seven years ago, the Golfers’ Choice Awards are the only user-generated golf-course rankings in the world, with players rating each venue out of 10 for the quality of its golf and non-golf facilities. Finca Cortesin scored an impressive rating of 9.0 to move to the top of the golf-club standings, while the luxury resort also finished first in the ‘Best Facilities’ and ‘Most Hospitable Golf Club’ categories. René Zimmer, general manager at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa, said: “Spain has so many great golf clubs so to be rated as the country’s number one by the people that count the most, the players, is a tremendous achievement. Located across a vast 532-acre estate in the rolling hills of southern Spain between Marbella and Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin has a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts. Host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, the resort’s 18-hole championship course was designed by Cabell Robinson and is the first venue in Spain to feature a new, eco-friendly variety of Bermuda grass on all its greens. Complementing the par-72 layout are outstanding practice facilities including Finca Cortesin’s recently-upgraded Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, while the resort’s other luxury amenities include an elegant 67-suite hotel; a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an award-winning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants.
WGA Awards Record Number Of Student Caddie Full College Scholarships GLENVIEW, IL – In 2020, a record 285 students from across the country have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies. Each caddie has a unique story, which reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character. Winners are listed in the accompanying document. Recipients were interviewed at one of more than 20 selection meetings held at golf and country clubs across the country, from this past November through March. They’ll begin college as Evans Scholars this fall, attending one of 18 leading universities nationwide with an Evans Scholars chapter. The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies. Currently, a record 1,010 students are enrolled in 18 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,050 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Longbow Golf Club
Longbow Golf Club To Host New Lpga Symetra Tour Tournament August 27-29 MESA, AZ – Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz. will host a new tournament August 27-29, 2020 as part of the LPGA’s recently announced revised 2020 LPGA Symetra Tour schedule. The Symetra Tour will announce the official name and sponsor of the new event in the coming weeks. Longbow Golf Club previously hosted the Symetra Tour Gateway Classic from 2013-2015 and in 2017. The 2015 event was particularly noteworthy as Hannah O’Sullivan became the youngest winner in Symetra Tour history (16 years, 9 months, 11 days) and retains the distinction as the youngest ever and most recent amateur to capture a Symetra Tour title. “This is an exciting development for Longbow Golf Club and for the surrounding community,” said Bob McNichols, developer of Longbow Business Park and Golf Club. “We’re thrilled to once again host the Symetra Tour at Longbow Golf Club, while bringing LPGA and Symetra Tour players, tournament officials and visitors to Mesa, nearby hotels and restaurants in late August. Because of the cancellation of the Volvik LPGA Founders Cup in March, the Symetra Tour event in August will be the only opportunity for LPGA competitive women’s golf to be played in Arizona in the year 2020. We look forward to working with
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the LPGA Founders Cup, Symetra Tour staff and supporters in filling a void by bringing this new event to Arizona.” The 2020 Symetra Tour season is scheduled to restart July 8-10 in Maineville, Ohio at the Prasco Charity Championship, postponed two weeks from its initial dates. A total of 16 tournaments will be played on the revamped “Road to the LPGA” slate, compared to 20 on the original calendar. The season-ending Symetra Tour Championship will now be played November 3-6 in Davidson, North Carolina at River Run Country Club. Longbow Golf Club is no stranger to hosting competitive events and tournaments. The Ken Kavanaugh-designed golf course has hosted the AJGA Ping Heather Farr Classic for 10-plus years, has been the host site of the LPGA Symetra Tour Gateway Classic, as well as tournaments for the AGA, USGA, NCAA, NJCAA, AJGA, JGAA as well as high school practice and competition and is the instruction home of the Fisher Bryan Golf Academy and a major instruction programming site for The First Tee of Phoenix. Longbow Golf Club recently hosted The Cactus Tour “Battle at Longbow” April 27-29. Gilbert, Ariz. resident and LPGA professional Mina Harigae continued her dominating play at Longbow Golf Club in all three rounds of competition. Harigae shot 9, 8 and 7-under-par rounds, established a new scoring record for The Cactus Tour and for
competition at Longbow Golf Club, posting a three-day total score of 192, 24-under par for the 54-hole tournament. Harigae’s 24-under was nine shots better that Sophia Popov, who came into the tournament fresh off two straight wins. For more information on the Symetra Tour, visit www.symetratour.com. For more information on Longbow Golf Club, visit www.longbowgolf.com or call 480-807-5400.
Golf Industry Collaborates to Develop Responsible ‘Back2Golf’ Guidelines and Operations Playbook ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – As part of an industry-wide collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations have established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus facilities that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices. After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations have adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and The White House “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations will progress at various
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS paces depending on geographic location. “The Back2Golf Playbook and Guidelines that the PGA of America and golf’s allied organizations have put together are both comprehensive in nature and, most importantly, lay out a responsible way to get back on the golf course,” said Dr. Bradley Connor, clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending physician at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell campus. “The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by The White House and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits. “While we all must remain vigilant and continue to take precautions, this plan allows golf to be played in keeping with social distancing best practices,” Dr. Connor continued. “I applaud the golf industry for helping to be part of the solution to get us back outdoors in a healthy and responsible manner.” This industry-wide initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or will reopen soon, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer. Updates will be made as interim guidance on COVID-19 is issued by the CDC. “The importance of social distancing and responsible behavior
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during this pandemic has become a part of everyone’s daily life,” says Gamble Sands Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, whose team took a leadership role in developing Back2Golf. “Reopening golf responsibly under strict social distancing practices is something we can all unify behind. While we recognize there is no perfect solution and various areas of the country will progress in these phases at a different pace, it is imperative that we reopen golf in a way that prioritizes the health and well being of the entire golf community.” Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others. “Golf inherently provides many health and fitness benefits, including the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, which is needed now more than ever,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation. “It is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing and the ‘Back2Golf’ guidelines. We greatly appreciate the collaboration between all the allied golf organizations. It represents another example of our industry coming together for the greater good as our game has done so many times before.” For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.
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Quinta do Lago Offers World-Class Golf and an Environmental Stewarship Program Quinta do Lago
As Europe’s premier modern golf and lifestyle destination, Quinta do Lago is a long-term supporter of golf’s drive to preserve the environment, and the Portuguese resort has underlined its commitment further by unveiling a new eco-strategy to boost its sustainability credentials. Working closely with the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) and following its ‘On Course’ environmental stewardship program, the top sports and family venue in the Algarve has launched a multitiered plan with three key aims: to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community. As well as improving sustainability on its three 18-hole championship courses, Quinta do Lago will adopt an enhanced approach to conservation across other business sectors of the resort including at its world-class sports hub The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel, its 12 bars and restaurants and general resort services. “Our aim is for Quinta do Lago to become an inspirational, community-engaged and high-profile champion of sustainability,” said Sean Moriarty, CEO at Quinta do Lago. “The great thing about the golf legacy is that it works so well together with the other different business units of the resort. Golf can be a leader in so many ways; from eco-system services, conservation of wildlife and health and well-being for all ages to creating jobs and adding value to the economy through local supply chains. “As a resort, we are united in our approach to supporting nature and our communities - conserving resources at the same time – and we’re looking forward to unveiling our new strategy to residents and guests in the coming months.” Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is famous for offering residents and guests a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community in an unparalleled location. The resort created its own farm last year to provide its restaurants
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with homegrown organic produce and has now announced a series of further measures to help foster nature, including placing information boards on the golf courses and nearby nature trails advising people of the wildlife living nearby. Improved irrigation and introducing native plants in and around the golf courses to control and remove invasive exotic species; building ‘bug hotels’ for insects – helping to control garden pests so reducing the use of insecticides – increasing the number of bird-nesting boxes and constructing bee houses; removing singleuse plastics at its restaurants; and using a new fleet of electric golf buggies across the resort are among the initiatives being introduced to help conserve resources. And, as one of the biggest employers in the Almancil area with more than 500 staff employed throughout the year, Quinta do Lago also appreciates the importance of supporting the local community in its new eco-strategy. As well as offering affordable golf to juniors taking up the game and support in playing regional and national tournaments, a series of other events and activities will be available including guided nature walks through the golf courses, educational trips to the resort farm and working closely with the animals living in and around the resort. Mark Tupling, who was recently appointed as golf course superintendent at Quinta do Lago and will oversee the implementation of the strategy on the golf courses, said: “Quinta do Lago is stunning and I believe the programme that we’ve announced will help to enhance the natural surroundings of the resort and the location even further. “As a trained agronomist, I am an advocate for environmentallyresponsible approaches to life and this is something I also aspire to uphold in the way I manage golf courses. Quinta do Lago is blessed to border the Ria Formosa – one of the world’s largest nature reserves – and working with environmental organisations is a key focus of mine in promoting the benefits that golf courses offer in nature.” Quinta do Lago boasts a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities including three 18-hole championship golf courses and The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to keep fit. Complementing the sports and leisure amenities is a choice of 12 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and recentlyopened Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant, and accommodation at the recently-acquired boutique The Magnolia Hotel.
Honma Golf Charity Fundraiser Aids PGA Workforce Impacted by Coronavirus CARLSBAD, CA – Leading golf equipment brand Honma Golf has launched two fundraising efforts in support of the PGA of America’s newly-established Golf Emergency Relief Fund, which provides short-term financial assistance to members of the golf industry workforce who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using #PickUpYourPro as a rallying cry, Honma hopes to raise at least $25,000 in support of the industry-spanning relief campaign. Honma, which has operating headquarters in both Carlsbad, Calif. and Sakata, Japan, has established a charity fundraiser at honmagolf. rallyup.com, giving golfers the opportunity to win premium currentmodel Honma equipment as well as rare and collectible clubs and accessories. Honma’s charitable #PickUpYourPro initiative, which features nearly $50,000 in Honma retail product, invites donors to support the Golf Emergency Relief Fund by contributing $10, $25, $50 or $100 fixed-entry amounts between April 22 and May 15, 2020. In turn, donors have a chance to win attractive product packages. Winners will be selected randomly on May 20.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Through the #PickUpYourPro charity promotion, Honma is creating unprecedented access to several of its most coveted product offerings. Among the new and vintage items that golfers have a chance to win include a full premium TR20 package including the TR20 driver, irons, wedges, and choice of bag ($2,375 value), seven premium BERES 07 Three Star irons plus a hybrid, and a choice of bag ($4,900 value), or a Priceless Classic Package of persimmon woods and iron relics from the Honma museum housed in a handsome leather carry bag ($4,675 value). Also, up for grabs are premium XP-1 packages, custom “Wedge Wizard” fittings (by wedge artisan Jacob Sanborn), high-end club fitting experiences at Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL., as well as Honma accessories and swag, including golf bags, hats, beanies, T-shirts, and hoodies. “As a part of this close-knit family we know the golf industry to be, the Honma team is acting on a responsibility to do what we can to help lift those affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” says John Kawaja, president of Honma Golf. “The Golf Emergency Relief Fund will provide crucial support for many of the men and women who are the very lifeblood of this business. In this time of crisis, it’s inspiring to see golf people unite for this cause to Pick Up Your Pro.” Honma is also contributing 10 percent of the proceeds from all online sales at honmagolf.com from April 15, 2020 through May 30, 2020 to the PGA’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund. This includes sales of all“Even simple gestures can have a significant impact during this crisis, so we appreciate every bit of support golfers can lend to the folks who make this industry special,” Kawaja says. The Golf Emergency Relief Fund was initiated by the PGA of America through a lead pledge of $5 million and a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million. The PGA contribution included every member of the executive leadership team voluntarily reducing their compensation as well as pledges of personal donations from members of the PGA’s Board of Directors. The effort is also being supported in various ways by a number of industry organizations, including the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, United States Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association and Association of Golf Merchandisers. “The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” said PGA of America president Suzy Whaley. “We have to ensure that the heart
and soul of our game - our people - are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road. Eventually, golf will return, but first we need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.” For more information, visit www.honmagolf.com and www.pga. com and take part in Honma’s #PickUpYourPro charitable initiative at honmagolf.rallyup.com.
Mystic Creek Golf Club Breaks Ground On $6 Million Clubhouse EL DORADO, AR. – Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas recently broke ground on a $6 million clubhouse construction project. The project, which is expected to be completed by December 31, 2020, will provide a gathering place for golf enthusiasts, a place to recharge after playing the award-winning Mystic Creek Golf Club, and a full-service bar with a dining experience. “We are going to finally be bringing this dream we have had since 2013 to life with the addition of the clubhouse,” said Stuart Pierce, general manager, Mystic Creek Golf Club. “We are excited to have one of the best golf courses in the state of Arkansas and will soon have a clubhouse to match it.” Recognized as the No. 1 “Golf Course You Can Play in Arkansas” by Golfweek in 2019, Mystic Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, Kenneth Dye, Jr-designed course managed by Troon’s Honours Golf division. Open since May 2013, Mystic Creek Golf Club features cathedral pines similar to Augusta, high-flashing bunkers similar to those designed by A.W Tillinghast and domed greens with runoffs similar to Pinehurst No. 2. Just after opening in 2013, the semi-private course was named one of the “Best New Courses” by Golf Digest. With impeccable course conditions and outstanding service, Mystic Creek Golf Club continues to be recognized as the regions premier course. A new clubhouse will open at Mystic Creek in 2020 adding high-quality food, beverage and function options for a multitude of events to the already remarkable property. The facility proudly hosts the Symetra Tour’s Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout as well as the Men’s Sunbelt Collegiate Championship. For more information on Mystic Creek Golf Club visit www. mysticcreekgolfclub.com or call (870) 312-0723.
Rendering of Mystic Creek Golf Club’s new clubhouse
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida Offering Special “Summer Savings Deal” NAPLES, FL – The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida is ready to welcome guests back, for stays beginning this Friday, May 15, 2020. Committed to the health and safety of its employees and guests, and in compliance with CDC and state/ federal guidelines, the AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort will offer many, but not all, of its amenities and services when it reopens. In addition to its beautiful soft white-sand beach, guests will be able to enjoy the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, beachfront pool complex (with two pools), tennis center (with 6 Har-Tru courts), signature beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf (for dinner), Poolside snack bar, The Seminole Store (serving pastries, pizza, sandwiches and desserts), golf pro shop, beach chairs/umbrella rentals, and Beach Store. And, of course, its gorgeous sunsets… The resort will reopen additional amenities, and expand capacities, when it is safe to do so. This includes the spa, fitness center, The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, Broadwell’s Restaurant, room service, and the Beach Kids Club child activity program. Note that the resort is also following the City of Naples’ regulations regarding the days and times when the beach is open, and beach restrictions. For the current status of the resort and beach, and restrictions, go to https://naplesbeachhotel.com/covid-19-update .
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To ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and staff, the resort closed on March 26, 2020, and has undertaken a full range of COVID-19 initiatives throughout the resort. This includes, but is not limited to: installation of over 50 touchless hand sanitizing stations; installation of clear protective barriers in several areas; property-wide signage encouraging social distancing, frequent hand washing, and other vital CDC recommendations; and enhanced cleaning procedures in the guestrooms, public spaces, kitchens and restaurants. The resort also developed a COVID-19 policy for employees and is prepared to adapt to any changes that may occur during the pandemic. Those interested in staying at the resort can take advantage of the “Summer Savings” deal that is available for stays from June 1-September 30, 2020. The promotion provides a 20% discount off accommodations for stays of one or two nights, or a 30% discount off accommodations for stays of three or more nights. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, or visit NaplesBeachHotel.com , specifically the “Book Now” > “Specials and Packages” section on the website. Note that the offer is based on availability, may not be combined with any other offer, and blackout dates may apply. The offer is not available on holiday weekends or for special events, and is not applicable to groups. Known for its picturesque setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the 125-acre resort is Southwest Florida’s only resort directly on the
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS beach with an on-site championship golf course, world-class spa, and award-winning tennis center. Also, guests at the lush resort always benefit from no resort fees, complimentary valet parking and self-parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Complemented by seven miles of pristine soft white-sand beach, the lush resort features a par-71 championship golf course that was dramatically redesigned in 2016 by golf icon and acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus in collaboration with renowned course architect John Sanford. Featuring five tees, ranging from 4,800 yards to over 6,900 yards, the course was designed to challenge the best players but also be enjoyable for all golfers. Guest rooms and suites feature cool tropical colors; flat-panel televisions; and a patio or balcony (with a view of the Gulf, golf course or the lush resort interior). Situated just blocks from Naples’ renowned shopping districts of fashionable 5th Avenue South and historic 3rd Street South, the resort is also within minutes of Venetian Village, Waterside Shops, Bayfront and Tin City. Other area offerings include tours of the Everglades, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Corkscrew Swamp, The Botanical Gardens, the Conservancy Nature Center, boat and fishing trips, and Naples’ outstanding museums and art galleries. “We are excited to welcome guests back to The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club,” said the resort’s General Manager Jason Parsons. “The resort is perfect for a relaxing getaway, as it is absolutely beautiful here. Plus, you have many recreational options at the resort, including golf, tennis, relaxing on the beach or by one of the pools, or watching a stunning sunset. We look forward to hosting guests again soon.” The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples, Florida. For information, visit NaplesBeachHotel.com
on- and off-course, is also coming back, trailing course openings but headed in the same direction. And golf consumer anxiety – emotional and financial – is easing. For the latest research and best insights, you know where to go: https://thengfq.com/covid-19. While it’s encouraging to see the golf business making a comeback, this isn’t business as usual, not from the standpoint of golf course operations, or from golfers’ compliance and responsibility. Golf course operators have specific safety protocols to follow, as do golfers. Golf has been given the go-ahead because it’s considered a relatively safe activity when social distancing is maintained and other precautions are followed. But make no mistake, what has been given can be taken away. It’s now up to both golf course operators and golfers to keep golf open. Bad behavior will get noticed, and possibly recorded on a smart phone. One course in Florida was recently shut down by the local sheriff’s department for flagrant safety violations. This isn’t just the beer cooler crowd we’re talking about. Many private club boards are struggling with disciplinary decisions concerning members who refuse to follow the rules. This is why NGF is sending a message this week to golf courses around the country, encouraging operators to follow the excellent guidance that’s been provided by leading golf associations, and reminding golfers that it’s up to them whether golf courses continue to remain open for play. For golfers who’ve wondered about the pros and cons of celebrity status, they’ve got a taste of it now, with potential paparazzi ready to record the slightest misstep.Check out our latest update where we’ve added lots of new and updated information. Visit at www.ngf.org Joseph F Beditz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer National Golf Foundation
Virtual Women’s Golf Day to Take Place on June 2
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon and its publishing partner, Flagship Custom Publishing have produced a special May issue of TROON Magazine titled “Stronger Together – Inspire. Lead. Help.” The 39page digital issue features powerful, memorable and meaningful moments gathered from Troon and Troon-affiliated facilities around the world during the pandemic. The special issue also expands on Troon’s “Moments Matter” initiative that debuted in early April. The guest and member-facing resource helps Troon-affiliated clubs and their communities stay connected through programs and content designed to inspire, lead and help through these challenging times. “This special issue shares many moving and heartwarming stories from throughout the world of Troon,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “I have never been prouder of our company than I have been these past difficult months. The compassion, volunteerism, and commitment to helping others in need displayed by the Troon family has been both humbling and inspirational.” The May issue of TROON Magazine features numerous videos, articles and profiles, including: • Links to inspirational video messages from Team Troon members Justin Thomas, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Alex Noren and Cheyenne Woods • Dozens of examples of random acts of kindness from Troonaffiliated facilities and partners • A healthy at home guide to virtual workouts, meditation and more • Links to video golf lessons, fitness classes, tennis tips and cooking advice • Destination Troon feature profiling drivable and dream-worthy courses and locations The May issue of TROON Magazine can be viewed in “The Clubhouse” section on www.Troon.com
Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is inviting golf destinations to participate in a VIRTUAL Women’s Golf Day, a ‘digital celebration’ on 2 June, 2020. The new live WGD events date has been moved to 1 September. There are a number of ways for golf courses, resorts, tourism boards and federations to get involved. The Location can register for the 2 June online celebration and the 1 September events. Due to Covid-19 we waived the registration fee. Enter code WGDUNITES at https://womensgolfday.com/register. Every registered location has a profile page. WGD will be highlighting 12-24 videos for 24 hours on 2 June. If you have video of golf locations in your country, or content geared towards women, please submit by 18 May. Video content ideally evergreen and editorial in nature geared towards new and existing golfers. WGD is holding a charity auction and is requesting items. The charity to benefit is Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. If you have any auction items you can offer, especially experiences or virtual items, Elisa Gaudet on elisa@execgolfintl.com. Conctact: Elisa Gaudet at elisa@execgolfintl.com or marketing@ womensgolfday.com
Message from the National Golf Foundation Golf has now been given a “yellow light” to reopen golf courses in all 50 states, which is reflected in our latest forecast of 95% of courses being open for at least some level of play by next week. There are still some local government orders keeping golf closed in metro areas like New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago. Golf retail, both
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Special Issue of Troon Magazine Moments to Inspire, Lead And Help
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Golf Vacations • May 2020 15
Golf Biz Boom
Rancho San Lucas Golf Course 16 Golf Vacations • May 2020
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By Dave McKibben
m in Los Cabos
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Golf Vacations • May 2020 17
G
olf’s glory days of the 1990s and early 2000s, when over 4,000 courses were built in the United States, are long gone. Over the last decade, over 800 golf courses have closed in the U.S., including nearly a dozen in San Diego, one of the industry’s hot beds. But here in Los Cabos, Mexico, the golf business is booming. Three golf courses have opened in the last two years, including two in last few months, bringing the total number of courses to 18 in this once tiny fishing village on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The latest to open, the Rancho San Lucas Golf Club, may just be Cabo’s greatest. A Greg Norman masterpiece design just 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Rancho San Lucas covers 7,200 yards of stunning coastline, wandering through massive windswept sand dunes, climbing through a cactus forest and finding its way back to the sea on the final nine holes. Known as “The Shark” in his playing days, Norman began coming to Cabo 30 years ago from his native Australia to fish and dive, when just six weekly flights arrived here. Now, 550 weekly flights from 40 destinations land in Cabo, known
these days for its vibrant nightlife and its championship golf courses. The designers read like a Who’s Who in the game of golf—Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Davis Love, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Tom Weiskopf and Norman. So how did this little fishing village become one of the top golf destinations in the world over the last 25 years? “It starts with our location,” said Brian McCallen, a golf public relations representative for the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “We’re right at the spot where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, and we’re blessed with an extraordinary mountain-desert-ocean environment. That’s attracted some of the sport’s top designers and they’ve crafted some of the world’s finest courses.” The boom doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. “Quivira will build a second Jack Nicklaus Signature course adjacent to its gravity-defying clifftop layout,” McCallen said. “Diamante, already home to the top-rated Dunes Course and two courses by Tiger Woods, plans to add a third layout by Tiger, a parttime resident. And Greg Norman is designing a seaside course for Vidanta’s budding resort development on the East Cape. “
Solmar Ranch
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Rancho San Lucas Golf Course
Norman began talking to Solmar Group Developer Francisco Bulnes nearly 20 years ago about carving a championship golf course out of Bulnes’ family’s 834acre rolling desert property, located just 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Rancho San Lucas Golf Course
“I fell in love with this property from first sight without even getting down to the beach,” Norman said. “I knew I was going to be very fortunate to able to put my name on a golf course here because it has such a diverse ecosystem.” The project was delayed several years due to the economic downturn in 2008. The hotel opened in 2018 and the golf course was christened in mid-February. Bulnes knew Norman had a reputation for designing tough courses all over the world, but he wanted just the opposite for visitors to Rancho San Lucas. “This is the place where I chased jackrabbits as a kid,” Bulnes said. “I told Greg we needed to have a nice and enjoyable resort golf destination.” Mission accomplished. Five sets of tees, wide landing areas, a limited amount of fairway bunkers and subtlycontoured medium sized greens, two full-service comfort stations and stunning ocean views on 14 holes all add up to a thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience. To top it off, the par-3 17th hole is the only island green in golf-rich Cabo. www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • May 2020 19
Norman Estates
20 Golf Vacations • May 2020
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Norman Estates
“The challenge of this course is the beauty,” said Norman, a two-time British Open Champion and architect of 106 courses around the world. “It’s tough to get your mind off how beautiful it is and focus on the shot you have to hit.” Golf may be the centerpiece of this 834-acre gated residential enclave, but it’s only part of the fun. Rancho San Lucas, one of seven Cabo resorts owned and operated by Solmar Hotel & Resorts, also features the luxurious Grand Solmar Hotel and the Residences at Rancho San Lucas, seven gourmet dining spots, an adults-only infinity pool, a massive saltwater lagoon, a kids’ pool with two waterslides, a seaside spa and 15 miles of jogging and biking trails. Rooms at the Grand Solmar start at $191 plus tax, studios, one and twobedroom suites all come with ocean views. The Mexican-themed suites include a full kitchen with marble counters, stainless-steal appliances, Murphy beds, private terraces, sitting areas and flat-screen satellite televisions. Two-bedroom penthouses at The Residences start at $682, terraces in each suite offers expansive ocean views. For those who want to stay awhile longer, luxury beachfront homes at The Villas and Norman Estates are available for purchase at $650,000 to $7 million. Green fees are rather steep at $242, but hotel guests get up to a 20% discount and a cart and forecaddie are included. For more information, or to book a tee time at Rancho San Lucas Golf Club, visit https://ranchosanlucas.com/ golf To book a room at the Grand grandsolmarranchosanlucas.solmar.com
Solmar
Hotel,
visit
https://
For a room at The Residences at Rancho San Lucas, visit https:// grandsolmartheresidences.solmar.com www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • May 2020 21
Stunning Sea Vistas La Paz’ El Cortés Golf
The view from the tee box of the 14th hole at El Cortés Golf Club in La Paz.(Puerta Cortés)
22 Golf Vacations • May 2020
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at Club
L
A PAZ, MEXICO – From the back tees perched atop a cliff, a wellmanicured fairway sits 250 yards and a 200-foot-drop away. A pristine green sits 612 yards in the distance; just beyond lies the rich turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Not only is the 14th hole at El Cortés Golf Club the longest par 5 in Mexico, it easily the most daunting and stunning. “It’s the most challenging and beautiful hole you’ll ever see,” said El Cortés assistant pro Greg Martin. “I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out ways to beat it.” The 14th is one of 18 holes at El Cortés that offer sweeping views of the sea that Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world.” It’s not lost on Martin that his favorite golf hole and his favorite course were on life support a few years ago. “It was abandoned,” Martin said. “The previous owners gave up on it. This place was almost all a desert, hardly any grass. People still played it, but most of the shots were played using ‘ground under repair’ rules. It was sad.” But the course’s luck and look began to change when Ascendancy, a Mexicanbased asset management firm, purchased the resort in early 2018 and poured more than $5 million into remaking and rebranding the former Costa Baja resort into Puerta Cortés, a collection of oceanfront and hillside residences with a world-class marina, fine-dining restaurants and an 18-hole Gary Player Signature golf course. “The main point we’re selling is access to the Sea of Cortez, where you get spectacular colors and incredible beaches you’re only used to seeing in the Caribbean,” said Ivan Martinez Ivanov, director of operations at Puerta Cortés. It would have been easy for the new owners to walk away from a distressed golf course that is only two hours from Cabo, Mexico’s golf mecca, but the new owners decided they wanted a slice of the golf tourism market, so they spent more than a $1 million in watering and maintenance costs to revive it. “We saw golf as a diamond we wanted to keep,” Ivanov said. “We wanted some of that Cabo golf audience to splash over here.” On a toasty day in early August, the low season in Baja, the lush and immaculate El Cortés was virtually empty, but Albert Vega of Temecula didn’t seem to mind. “This is best course I’ve ever played,” said Vega, who plays a lot of golf in Southern California and Arizona. “The views are one-of-a-kind. It’s a challenging but fun course.” After six holes, Vega and his wife, Miriam, took a break and relaxed at a halfway
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Golf Vacations • May 2020 23
house overlooking the dramatic 14th hole and ordered their favorite cocktail, a Paloma (tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda). “It’s paradise,” Miriam said. “They brought our breakfast and coffee to the third hole. Where else do you get this kind of service?” The Vegas and their two small children are big fans of Mexico and have traveled to Cabo, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Guadalajara. Last year, they discovered La Paz on a summer trip, and they’ve returned three times since. The Cross Border Xpress in Otay Mesa, where travelers can purchase a $15 ticket and walk five minutes across a pedestrian
bridge to the remodeled Tijuana International Airport, allows the Vegas to reach La Paz from their Temecula house in under three hours for just $170 round trip on Volaris Airlines. With green fees topping out at $150, suites starting at $200 and multi-room villas starting at $300, Puerta Cortés is a bargain compared with most Mexican golf resorts. “The combination of desert and beach is hard to beat, and it’s half the price of Cabo,” Albert Vega said. “I can live out here like a king and it’s absolutely beautiful.” Puerta Cortés guests have two luxurious housing options: Las Colinas, a development with 72 contemporary two- and three-bedroom townhouses on a hillside overlooking lush fairways, the marina and the desert, and VistaMar, an elegant
The 15th hole is one of 18 holes on El Cortes Golf Club offering panoramic Sea of Cortez views.(Aidan Bradley/Puerta Cortés)
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60-unit condominium complex near the marina with two- and three-bedroom units featuring panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Suites start at $200 a night and multi-room villas start in the $300s. While staying in the oceanfront and hillside gated communities of VistaMar and Las Colinas, guests can hop in their own golf cart for short jaunts to the beach club, where they can swim in an infinity pool that drops off into the balmy, tranquil sea, or they can grab a fish taco and sip a margarita while watching the sunset from the poolside restaurant. In the mornings, Doce Cuarenta coffee shop is a perfect spot for a latte and pastry. The marina offers dockside dining from a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese. Guests looking for even more variety can catch a $3 Uber to downtown La Paz, where they can stroll along the boardwalk and check out the mile-long stretch of cafes, bars and restaurants.
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Golf Vacations • May 2020 25
Guests at Puerta Cortés resort can stay at the Las Colinas townhouses overlooking the golf course and the Sea of Cortez.(Puerta Cortés)
Elegant rooms at the VistaMar condominiums look out into the marina.(Puerta Cortés)
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For the more adventurous, the private white sandy beaches of Balandra and Pichilingue are only a 25-minute boat ride away. In the winter, the resort and the golf course are busier and the sea is some 20 degrees cooler, but a winter snorkeling trip offers a chance to swim with the massive but friendly whale sharks who feed in the plankton-rich waters from October through April.
By the end of winter, Puerta Cortés’ transformation is expected to kick into high gear. The overhaul of the clubhouse, which includes a new spa and a fine dining restaurant, should be nearly completed, and construction on two five-star hotels should be under way. Bike and running trails, tennis courts and pickle ball courts are also in the works.
IF YOU GO
Stay Puerta Cortés Resort: puertacortes.com Play El Cortés Golf Club: elcortesgolf.com Eat Pueblito Marinero: puertacortes.com/en/cullinary Sortis Restaurant: www.facebook.com/Sorstisrestaurante Harker Board Restaurant & Bar: www.facebook.com/harkerboardcosupandrestaurantbar Doce Cuarenta Café: docecuarenta.com Rancho Viejo restaurant: www.facebook.com/asadero.ranchoviejo Experience Cross Border Xpress: www.crossborderxpress.com Tailhunter Sportfishing: tailhunter.com
The recently remodeled beach club at Puerta Cortés features an infinity pool.(Puerta Cortés)
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Golf Vacations • May 2020 27
RESORT REPORT
Harbor Shores Golf Community Celebra A
nniversaries are the perfect occasion for celebration, reflection and looking ahead. As the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Harbor Shores Resort, everyother-year host of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and its surrounding 550-acre community marks its first 10 years, the transformative impact the development has had on the Lake Michigan shoreline communities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan is humbling to consider. Harbor Shores stands as a remarkable testament to a vision made possible by $900 million in strategic investments, a collective set of projects with collaborating community leaders and organizations, led by the Whirlpool Foundation and its benefactor, global home appliance leader Whirlpool Corporation. This year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship was cancelled in response to the “Stay at Home” mandate from
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the state of Michigan, but that hasn’t dampened the charitable spirit of the locals who fully appreciate the magnitude of this community’s transformation. Whirlpool Corp. and the community have come together and acknowledged their full support of doing whatever it takes to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. This has included donating much needed medical supplies to local hospitals and its employees being active in helping provide local meals and support for the youth in the region. Instead of asking for refunds on the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship uniforms provided by the PGA of America, many of the more than 1,500 community volunteers have donated those funds to help frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic through the Spectrum Lakeland Foundation. That community spirit of doing the right thing collaboratively has been the silent force behind the Harbor
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by DAKOTA DIAZ
BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN
y ates Ten Years of Revitalization Whirlpool Corporation Works with the Community and Creates Blueprint for $900 Million Economic Transformation of Lake Michigan Shoreline Area
Shores development and many other interdependent projects in the community for years, and legions of volunteers have already signed up for the most significant major in senior golf when it returns to Harbor Shores in 2022. When Whirlpool Corp. and community leaders made the critical decision to develop Harbor Shores Resort and transform its hometown in Southwest Michigan, it was unknown how a development of this magnitude with golf as its anchor could help turn a city around. Now a full decade later, Harbor Shores has far exceeded its original masterplan. That vision, to transform a once-thriving manufacturing hub into a beautiful and robust residential and recreational development that would serve and promote the local community, has yielded immense economic impact to the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, as well as the surrounding villages and townships.
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Today, this development has become part of the fabric of the community. This includes Harbor Shores Resort dedicating itself to ensuring that more than 40 percent of its employees (golf course and hotel) are from the distressed census tracts in and around Benton Harbor. In all, more than 3,200 new jobs have been created by the community partners, including the Cornerstone Alliance and Berrien County economic development organizations in the area, since 2010. The economic impact from area tourism revenue has increased each of the last five -years, and Harbor Shores is committed to maintaining the public parks and beaches that were opened as part of the community development. Jean Klock Park, which failed to generate any revenues prior to the renovations, today has the Harbor Shores golf course maintenance staff maintaining the entire park. The park now generates over $150,000 annually for the city of Benton Harbor treasury from rentals and visitors.
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RESORT REPORT The First Tee of Benton Harbor, headquartered at Harbor Shores with offices and programming located directly on the golf course, is the only fully subsidized program of its kind in the Midwest and reaches more than 1,000 children annually. The Nicklaus course at Harbor Shores sits on a site where 6,000 manufacturing jobs were lost over an 18-month period in the 1980s. Most of these buildings sat empty for years, leaving roughly three million square feet of industrial materials and contaminated soil—enough to fill a football field 80 feet tall. In 2008, that property had a state equalized value of $0. By 2017, the same land had a taxable value of nearly $37 million. “Before construction of Harbor Shores began, the area was in need of a monumental project that could have the scale to bring about real change, especially in Benton Harbor,” said
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Jeff Noel, Vice President of Communication & Public Affairs for Whirlpool Corp. “While the golf course may generate most of the publicity, this community is consistently working on projects to ensure a better quality of life for everyone. Using golf to bring people together to give back remains an ongoing mission and is the proud center of the Harbor Shores story.” The opening of the golf course at Harbor Shores in July 2010 signaled a turning point in Benton Harbor’s history. The 6,852-yard, par-71 Jack Nicklaus Signature design is a key component of the $500 million core Harbor Shores development on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Paw Paw River. The direct spike in jobs, redevelopment, new homebuyers, tax base, vacationers and civic pride from the sprawling resort and residential development is almost incomprehensible when one considers what stood on these shores just over a decade ago.
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BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN From lot after lot of abandoned manufacturing plants and industrial waste sites, to a focal point in a community that has been sustainably and measurably revitalized, Harbor Shores and the surrounding area is one decade-long chapter into a remarkable journey. “As fun and engaging as the golf course experience is at Harbor Shores, it’s impossible to forget the purpose and history of this project and this community,” said Joshua Doxtator, PGA general manager, Harbor Shores Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. “The signage on each hole gives a visual reminder of what stood here before there was such beauty. To be able to provide jobs and beautiful amenities for this community keeps our team humbled, grounded and inspired to do whatever it takes to help this community thrive.” When Doxtator joined the Harbor Shores team in 2019,
he saw the potential to bring a higher, more-manicured maintenance standard to the property while elevating the service and food and beverage experiences. The result has been well-received as on-course food and beverage as well as merchandise sales are trending upward along with overall per-golfer revenues. “We’re attracting a discerning clientele from all over the Midwest,” Doxtator said. “I think it’s clear this property’s greatest days lie ahead.” The course, which Jack Nicklaus has tabbed as one of his 18 favorite designs of all time, runs across four remarkably diverse terrains including a photogenic setting along the coastal dunes of Lake Michigan. This is also the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest and most fun putts ever made by Nicklaus. Another major component to the development, complementing the golf experience, is The Inn at Harbor Shores. A 92-room luxury hotel on the St. Joseph River, The Inn also features 14 luxury suites, two top-floor condominiums and a rooftop meeting space. A selection of dining options (including Plank’s Tavern on the Water, Torch & Tapas and Rise & Vine), a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and wedding venues for up to 300 guests. Next to the Inn, guests and locals may enjoy a 100-slip deep-water marina that can accommodate boats up to 90 feet long. Real estate is flourishing within Harbor Shores. With five residential communities, breathtaking beaches, towering dunes and panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Harbor Shores stands apart among residential communities and showcases an attractive array of floor plans and lifestyle-driven amenities. Harbor Shores has become one of the region’s best places to live, work and play. The resort brings jobs, pride and a discerning class of travelers to its thriving community. Harbor Shores Resort sits just 90 minutes east of Chicago, three hours west of Detroit and three hours north of Indianapolis, making it a convenient weekend getaway destination and an ideal location for team building events, weddings and more. About Harbor Shores Resort Harbor Shores Resort is a $500 million golf and resort destination in Southwest Michigan is one of Lake Michigan’s premier beach, golf and waterfront communities, just 90 minutes east of Chicago in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Michigan. The property is a beacon for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts from Chicago and across the Midwest. The 550-acre residential, golf, recreational and waterfront community features a full calendar of events and world-class amenities, including a marina village and river walk, town center with restaurants and shops, health and fitness center, deep water marina, with a four-star hotel and spa, miles of recreational trails and rivers, and acres of parks and green space. Visit www.harborshoresresort.com.
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SWEETSTUFF Swing Caddie 200+ & 300
W
ith the emphasis these days on practicing one’s golf skills at home—be it indoors or in the backyard—Swing Caddie continues to innovate with its technology to give players instant feedback when either working on their swing or testing new equipment. The SC200+ Plus is an updated version of its prior generation of launch monitor that proved extremely popular because of its ease of use, accuracy and loads of information that it gives on each swing. No larger than a typical mobile phone and fitted with a built-in stand, the SC200+ can be placed 4-5 feet behind the ball and for every shot will give a very accurate reading of club swing speed, ball speed, carry distance, overall distance and smash factor (the efficiency of your shot) for each and every club in the bag. And for added accuracy, the unit has a barometric pressure sensor and temperature gauge that helps give it top-level accuracy when it comes to ball speed. You also can easily dial in the loft angle of each club that you hit. The device uses Doppler technology to track each shot (just like the super expensive models from Trackman, etc.) and provides instant and accurate feedback, and instantly gives you the statistics on every swing. The LCD display is easy to ready even in the bright sun. It also has some valuable practice
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tools in its three modes: practice, target and random--which are great for mixing up sessions to gain valuable feedback while trying to hit to a selected distance—just like on the golf course. All the features can be controlled with the handy remote. The SC200+ stores stats (including averages) for each club for the session and overall and gives a shot count and time display. The display shows all the statistics without moving to another screen, which is a nice feature. You can also have your distances called out after every shot with the adjustable voice feature. In the target mode, you can set a distance and test your consistency over a 10-shot round. All the stats are displayed after each shot, in addition to a score of 1-10 depending on how close you get to the pre-set distance goal. In the approach mode you can hone your skills instead of practicing one shot over and over. The unit will give random distances to hit to and after every shot gives you a score of how you did, then switch to another random distance.
In addition to being an extremely easy practice tool to use, it is versatile and can be used on the driving range, in the backyard or indoors when hitting into a net. One of the newest features included in the SC200+ is the ability to practice without hitting a ball, which comes in handy for those who are not able to hit balls into a net but still want to practice. The Practice Swing mode displays the swing speed of the club only and gives valuable feedback for anyone trying to work on their swing at home—or even before
a range session when warming up! For less than the cost of a new driver, the SC200+ packs a lot of features that most players will find extremely helpful in improving their game. For more information on the Swing Caddie SC200+ Plus and a special offer for Golf Vacations Magazine readers, go to: https://www.voicecaddieshop.com/ sc200plusgvm
For those looking to take their practice analysis to the next level, Swing Caddie has the SC300—its most advanced launch monitor that rivals the $25,000 Trackman--for under $500! As with the SC200+, the SC300 fits easily in a golf bag—it is only about a third larger than the 200—but has some advanced features that can really be helpful. In addition to a larger display that is even easier to read, the SC300 has almost all the same features—including a very handy remote control--plus the ability to give you the launch angle and apex (height) of each shot on the display. You even have the option—although it is not necessary—to pair this unit via blue tooth with most smartphones and the Swing Caddie app that will also give you even more data such as spin rate and all of the averages for each club and practice session. It even shows graphs of shot height patterns. For a player or teacher, this unit gives as much accurate information as you would want. For more information on the Swing Caddie SC300 and a special offer for Golf Vacations Magazine readers, go to: http://www.swingcaddie.com/sc300gvm
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
LiveView AR Headset
is critical for improvement because without it, it’s impossible to know if the intended change is actually being executed. In addition to being able to watch swings in slow motion and frame-by-frame, the LiveView app also lets you do all kinds of swing analysis functions with the ability to create templates to help with swing improvement. The Swing Guides allow you to draw lines or stationary posts that can be used for the live feed going into the headset screen as precise reference for the swing. The AR headset is another new technological breakthrough by LiveView founder Shane Yang and his engineers that is making it easier for golfers to get in some useful practice during these unusual times. To learn more visit: www.liveviewsports.com
Insect Repellent
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n these times when golfers throughout the world are being more creative in finding ways to practice and stay involved in the game— especially indoors—LiveView Sports has expanded its offerings with a truly cutting edge device that makes it easier to watch yourself practice and correct swing flaws indoors or out. The LiveView AR Headset creates the first heads-up-display (HUD) for golfers to generate rapid feedback during practice while still preserving freedom of movement and awareness through all phases of activity. When paired with the LiveView camera and app, golfers get constant feedback of their swing and body movements with no interruption of normal swing movement. The headset is a sports-glasses frame with a micro display screen that attaches to any HSMI compatible smartphone, including all iPhones and Samsung S6-S10 models. The phone can then be put into a pocket while the headset screen serves as the main viewing screen. The micro display simulates a 4-inch screen at 12-inches from the eye and is a second screen to the smartphone with the LiveView app installed. The AR headset is made to partner with the pocket-size LV+PLUS Pro camera, which offers 60 frame per-second video capture and integrates the latest Wi-Fi technology using 802.11 BGN to reduce frame errors and capture more of the swing detail. The LiveView Pro camera is completely wireless and is ultra- compact, weighing in at less than 4 oz. and measuring just 3.8” X 2.72” X 1.2”—plenty small enough for a golf bag. The internal rechargeable battery lasts for two hours of practice and the 640 X 480 resolution gives an excellent picture from which to dissect your swing—or even email it to an instructor. The great advantage of the AR headset is that you can critique your setup and posture and watch the entire swing and follow thru without ever having to move your head, get out of your stance or put down a club. It makes practice more efficient and allows players to fine tune areas of their game that they could not see before. According to Dave Phillips, co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) “The biggest issue for most golfers lack of improvement is insufficient feedback during practice, “ who also noted that feedback
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ith the summer months beginning and in many parts of the country golf courses starting to open up again, another concern for the warmer weather is the emergence of insects—be it on the course during a round or even practicing on the driving range. Proven® Insect Repellent is made with an odor-free ingredient called Picaridin as its primary element. Picaridin is an EPAregistered insect repellent that can be used for 12-14-hour protection and is an effective alternative to DEET, permethrin and lemoneucalyptus oil. Picaridin is derived from the black pepper plant and hosts an abundance of benefits besides its odor-free quality. The Proven Insect Repellent comes in either a lotion that can be rubbed on, has no smell and after a few moments dries to the point where you can’t even feel it—or a handy spray bottle that can quickly be applied and is also odorless and non-sticky. The company also offers a gentle scent product as well. The EPA has also determined Picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity and should pose no risk to wildlife or aquatic organisms when used as a personal insect repellent. Proven Repellent effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks that may transmit Zika, Dengue, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Lyme disease and Encephalitis. One application is effective for 12 to 14 hours. To learn more visit: https://provenrepellent.com
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34 Golf Vacations • May 2020
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36 Golf Vacations • May 2020
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