DESTINATION GUIDE
FLORIDA
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GOLF
CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
The stunning Streamson Golf Resort & Spa 2
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TRAVEL GUIDE FLORIDA
F
lorida is the golf capital of the world, with over 1,250 courses in every corner of the state, waiting to challenge everyone under the sun. A Florida golf experience can be whatever you need it to be as there are options galore for the perfect Florida golf trip. If you want sparkling Florida coastlines to be your companion, The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast offers a half-dozen holes on the Atlantic, while the short-course paradise Palm Beach Par 3 hugs the same coastline. If your vibe is the Keys, America's only Caribbean golf course awaits with the Key West Golf Club. How about conquering the water? Head to Ponte Vedra Beach to take on golf 's most famous hole, the island-green par-3 17th at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. More than 100,000 balls are rinsed there every year, so just consider yourself part of the club if your shot falls a bit short (or left, or right, or long). At the Nicklaus Course at Bay Point Golf in Panama City Beach, the par-4 fifth hole requires a shot to an island fairway before attacking the green. Speaking of Nicklaus, he's one of many famous players to put his design stamp on Florida courses. At Orlando's Reunion Resort, he designed a course, as did Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. Greg Norman handled both courses at Tiburon in Naples, which like many great Florida resorts also boasts a world-class hotel on-site. Elsewhere in the state, you'll find some of the finest work from acclaimed architects Pete Dye, Donald Ross, Tom Doak and Gil Hanse. No two golf courses are alike in Florida, indeed some are spectacularly different. Palm Harbor's Copperhead course at the
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TRAVEL GUIDE FLORIDA
Trump National Doral Miami - The Blue Monster 4
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TRAVEL GUIDE FLORIDA
The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast
Innisbrook Golf Resort features elevation changes and tree-lined fairways. The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral is a lengthy challenge among South Florida palm trees and lakes. Streamsong Resort in rural Bowling Green is like nothing else anywhere, with three courses spread among dunes left behind from long-abandoned mines. It's worth setting your GPS for. If you really love golf the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine should be on the itinerary. The history of the game is told through exhibits and interactive displays, while each Hall of Famer has his or her own space in the Member Locker Room. And naturally the Hall of Fame has two courses, one ISSUE 3
named the King and Bear, the lone co-design by Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nicklaus. In Florida, you can play the best courses and see the best take on those same courses. Every year the professional tours jet all over the Sunshine State, with the PGA Tour's PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Arnold Palmer Invitational at Orlando's Bay Hill and Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens' PGA National Resort & Spa Champions course just three of several events where the game's top players try to make history. The PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour are based in the state, because they know what you know -- Florida is the golf capital of the world. www.exclusivegolfandtravel.co.uk
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TRAVEL GUIDE FLORIDA
THE NICKLAUS REUNION GOLF & SPA RESORT
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eunion Golf & Spa Resort, one of the Kingwood International Resorts, is the only resort in the world where you will find three outstanding signature championship golf courses designed by the greatest legends of the game and designers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Located in Kissimmee, Florida near the attractions, Reunion is the complete package when it comes to golf or just a family vacation. The resort features luxury accommodations ranging from 700 to 10,000 square feet, featuring villas, condos, multi bedroom homes (up to 20 bedrooms) or the eleven story hotel.
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The three designs are very different from each other and always in immaculate condition. The Watson and Palmer play out of the main pro shop connected to the Hotel, while the Nicklaus is a short drive away, still on the property, with a brand-spankingnew clubhouse. The one constant no matter which course you play or where you drop your bags is the exemplary service by the staff. The "Golden Bear," as Jack is known throughout the golf world, brought his unique perspective and design acumen to Reunion and has built a golf course which opened in 2007 as the "Tradition" and is a top favorite among guests and members at Reunion. The Jack Nicklaus Signature ISSUE 3
design course is a parkland style layout with generous fairways, smooth and flowing with long horizon lines, elevated tee boxes and greens, but can be as deceptive as it is beautiful. Designed to tempt players into hitting risky shots with potentially big payoffs, the course challenges the golfer to step up to the ball with a carefully organized series of shots in mind. The practice facilities are on par with the quality of the golf course. A meticulously maintained 1,105 foot driving range and a 13,356 square foot putting green are provided near the clubhouse. In addition, the Resort has a five-acre dual-ended driving complex with a large teeing area adjacent to the Palmer and Watson ISSUE 3
courses with chipping, putting and bunker practice facilities. The 5,400 square foot Reunion Golf Academy sits at the back end of the driving range nestled near the 18th fairway of the Watson course. The starter Ron gave us the lay of the land, the facility locations and the appropriate entry and exit to and from the fairways on this bearable 7219 yard layout. The dogleg right par 5, 3rd is a bear. The right side has bunker after bunker and water beyond, so the best play is avoiding the right side. Again, the wind held our drives back and it took me 4 shots to reach the back pin placement on a narrow green. A one putt salvaged par. It is a great hole at 585 yards from the tips. The signature www.exclusivegolfandtravel.co.uk
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hole, #16, is a par 3, 210 yard shot over water. It looks better than it plays. With a low flight trajectory, if I did make the green my ball would have continued through the green, so I bailed to the larger landing surface left of the green, from which I chipped on for a respectable four. The closing hole presents a cavern between tee box and fairway approximately 150 yards across. Drives should favor the right side on this 570 yard par 5. The fairway slopes right to left with a waste area that continues almost to the green, which is small and tucked left of the fairway. Good luck. The folks on the patio of the clubhouse applauded as I putted out for a big number. Speaking of the clubhouse, the 12,000 square foot building features a panoramic view of the 18th hole that was rerouted to accommodate the clubhouse and the new ultra-luxury 8
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Bear's Den residential enclave. Located on over three acres, the Nicklaus clubhouse includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, men's and ladies locker rooms and showers, a golf lifestyle retail center, an event lawn for group functions and special events and an upscale sports bar, Traditions, with an open kitchen and outdoor terrace overlooking the closing green. "We are confident that every member and guest will enjoy this distinctive golf experience," says Reunion Resort's General Manager Kevin Baker. "It is always our desire to provide the best in service, facilities and playing conditions. This new Clubhouse provides an intimate and refreshing location to gather with friends and family, or share the triumphs of a day of championship golf." Editorial: By Dave Daubert www.floridagolfer.com ISSUE 3
TRAVEL GUIDE FLORIDA
JACK NICKLAUS COURSE This Parkland-style layout is smooth and flowing, with long horizon lines and elevated tee boxes and greens. Yet The Nicklaus Course, a Signature Design by Jack Nicklaus, can be as deceptive as it is beautiful.
ARNOLD PALMER COURSE Innovatively routed on hilly, roller coasterlike terrain, Arnold Palmer’s 6,916 yards, par 72 Signature Course boasts dramatic elevation changes – up to 50 feet in some places – creating a unique variety of risk/reward shots.
TOM WATSON COURSE Highlighted by fast, firm and wide rolling fairways, a variety of strategically placed bunkers and large greens, the 7,154 yard, par 72 Watson Course, a Signature Design by Tom Watson, is as much about strategy as it is about length. ISSUE 3
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THE PLAYLIST
FLORIDA YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST GOLF IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
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Streamsong (Blue) Location: Fort Meade Course: 18 Holes Course Type: Resort Architect: Coore & Crenshaw & Doak Opened: 2012
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THE PLAYLIST: FLORIDA
Streamsong (Blue) Forget about any shot you've ever played, any course you've ever visited. When it comes to golf at Streamsong, there is no comparison. Because for the first time in their considerable careers, renowned golf architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw of Coore & Crenshaw, and Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design, worked side by side simultaneously to create two extraordinary 18-hole golf masterpieces-the likes of which have never been seen, nor are likely to be seen again.
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Streamsong (Red)
Streamsong (Black)
Simply put, Streamsong Red is like nothing you’ve ever played. Designed by the legendary team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw— architects of five designs in the Top 100 in the United States—Streamsong Red is an 18-hole masterpiece. With its 419 Bermuda Grass fairways winding through decades-old sand dunes, lakes, and natural bunkers, Streamsong “is naturally conducive to uncovering great golf holes,” says Crenshaw, who himself is a two-time PGA Masters Champion. “It is going to be spectacular.”
Marvel at stunning panoramic views and vast landscapes of impressive elevation rolls, tumbles and ridges. Streamsong Black, brought to life by renowned designer Gil Hanse, offers golfers the opportunity to play a premium course that rivals the greatest golf venues in the world. Here you’ll take on an impressive yet intense Par-73 championship layout and discover Streamsong’s latest features including the Gauntlet, a two-acre putting course, and the Roundabout, a freeflowing 7-hole practice area.
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TPC SAWGRASS THE STADIUM COURSE: The Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course is home to one of the most challenging and photographed holes in the world, the famed 17th Island Green. It is also home to THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the most coveted titles in golf. The Stadium allows golfers to experience access usually reserved exclusively for PGA TOUR players.
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach Course Type: Resort Architect: Pete Dye Opened: 1981
PGA National Palm Beach
PGA National Resort & Spa offers the highest quality golf and is a mecca for players and fans alike. Host of the Honda Classic an official PGA TOUR event, PGA National has a distinguished history of tournament play - including the 25th Ryder Cup, the 69th PGA Championship, and nearly two decades of PGA Seniors’ Championships. As our guest, you are invited to walk in the shadow of legends. Test your skills on five spectacular, tournament-ready courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio and George Fazio, and Karl Litten. ISSUE 3
Location: Palm Beach Course: 18 Holes Course Type: Resort Architect: Karl Litten Opened: 1984
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THE PLAYLIST: FLORIDA
Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club Recently and completely renovated, Innisbrook features 72 holes of championship golf, 608 spacious guest suites and rooms, four restaurants and three bars, the Innisbrook Golf Institute, 11 tennis courts, the new full-service Indaba Spa with 12 treatment rooms and state-of-the-art Fitness Center, six heated swimming pool complexes, a nature preserve, and three conference halls with 65,000 square feet of meeting space. 14
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Location: Clearwater Course: 18 Holes Course Type: Resort Architect: Larry & Roger Packard Opened: 1998 ISSUE 3
Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge encompasses an Orlando golf course, a Florida golf course, that is recognized as one of the most impressive layouts in the world. With beautifully appointed rooms, suites and guest houses, the 70-room Lodge at Bay Hill has made this a unique Florida golf resort. Guests will also find a full-service spa, a salon, a pool, tennis, as well as three restaurants and lounges.
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Location: Orlando Course: 18 Holes Course Type: Resort Architect: Dick Wilson Opened: 1961
Hammock Dunes Club
Location: Palm Coast
Hammock Dunes Club, located in Palm Coast, is a 18 hole Private course. From the back tees, the course plays over 6766 yards with a slope of 132 . Hammock Dunes Club was designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1989.
Course: 18 Holes Course Type: Private Architect: Tom Fazio Opened: 1989
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THE PLAYLIST: FLORIDA
Trump National, Doral Home of the PGA Tour’s WGC-CA Championship, this resort has five outstanding 18-hole courses. The Blue Monster course, the legendary design by Dick Wilson, features long fairways (totaling 7,125
yards from the tournament tees) with undulating greens and plenty of water hazards, bunkers and deep Bermuda rough. The famous 18th hole, with its signature fountain, is one of the most recognized symbols in golf.
World Woods GC World Woods Golf Club - Rolling Oaks, is a Resort course. From the back tees, the course will challenge even the best of golfers .
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Location: Miami Course: 54 Holes Course Type: Resort Architect: Robert von Hagge Opened: 1967
Location: Brooksville Course Type: Resort Architect: Tom Fazio Opened: 1993
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Marriott Marco Island Resort & Golf Club Explore a world of paradise at Marriott's exclusive Marco Island, Florida resort near Naples. This world-class Marco Island resort is situated on three miles of pristine beachfront property and offers an exhilarating retreat from the ordinary. Location: Marco Island Course Type: Resort Architect: Joe Lee Opened: 1990
Turnberry Isle Resort Situated within the exclusive enclave of Aventura in North Miami Beach and encompassing over 300 lush acres, Turnberry Isle Miami’s Mediterraneanstyle resort & club offers something for everyone.
Location: Miami Course Type: Resort Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Opened: 1972 ISSUE 3
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TRAVELDEALS In association with Chaka Travel – Providing an expert service for 23 years
FLORIDA - THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 GOLF TOUR The Players Championship is recognized by PGA-TOUR members as their championship tournament. Be in attendance at this amazing event at TPC Sawgrass plus enjoy 4 rounds of Championship Golf on this 7-night golf tour.
Golf Tour includes: Flights from the U.K. 7 nights at TRYP Sebastian Hotel St Augustine. Daily breakfast at the hotel 4 rounds of championship golf. Slammer & Squire GC
Tickets for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass on Friday & Sunday.
The Club at South Hampton
Other excursions. You will play a round of golf at: Slammer & Squire GC St. Johns Golf & Country Club The Club at South Hampton The King & The Bear GC St. Johns Golf & Country Club
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The King & The Bear GC
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GOLF PACKAGES FLORIDA
TURNBERRY ISLE, MIAMI
7 NIGHTS FROM £1,695pp B&B, flights & 5 rounds of golf Turnberry Isle is a 300-acre tropical playground in Aventura, Florida – a short drive from Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Play the two 18-hole championship courses Turnberry Isle has to offer with this 7 night golf holiday. VIEW PACKAGE DETAILS
MARCO ISLAND, TURNBERRY ISLE & SAWGRASS
12 NIGHTS B&B, flights, car hire & 8 rounds Multi-Centre golfing holiday of Florida, featuring 3 nights at Marriott Sawgrass, 2 nights at Turnberry Isle Miami & 7 nights at Marriott Marco Island. VIEW PACKAGE DETAILS
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GOLF PACKAGES FLORIDA
EAST AND WEST COAST GOLF HOLIDAY
14 NIGHTS FROM £2,995pp Room only, flights, car hire and 9 rounds of golf USA multi centre golf holiday • 3 nights Turnberry Isle Miami • 7 nights Marriott Marco Island • 2 nights Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Springs • 2 nights La Quinta Resort, California VIEW PACKAGE DETAILS
MARRIOTT RESORT MARCO ISLAND
7 NIGHTS GOLF INCLUSIVE Flying from London Heathrow with Virgin – other departures and airlines
• 7 nights at Marriott Marco Island with daily breakfast • 4 dinners (excluding drinks) • 4 rounds of golf incl. green fee and club cart • Use of range balls and practice facility VIEW PACKAGE DETAILS
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