The Great USA Golf Guide by Golfbreaks Ltd

THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015

AMERICA From Florida to California - we provide the lowdown on the top destinations

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

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Myrtle Beach National has 54 sensational holes

Welcome No matter what kind of golf trip you fancy, America will provide it... HE sheer scale and choice of golfing breaks that America offers is bewildering, so we’ve come up with this fantastic guide to the top destinations stateside. We have tried hard to give an insight into the different types of courses and attractions that several of the most popular states to visit can offer. America provides a wide spectrum of golf, as varied a collection as you will find in any country in the world. This is of course a consequence of America being

such an enormous country and therefore possessing such a varied terrain. So whether it is coastal courses buffeted by the Atlantic (or the Pacific), arid desert tracks or immaculate palm-lined parklands, ‘The Land of the Free’ can sate your thirst. We give you plenty of details about the most popular areas, states such as North and South Carolina, Florida and California, but we also bring you a flavour of lesser-known regions such as Alabama and Oregon for those who possess the true

pioneering spirit on which America was built. The two consistent themes across the USA are great service and the incredible conditioning of the courses – America does both these elements like nowhere else. I’ve even heard American golfers come over to Great Britain & Ireland and turn their nose up at the state of some of our great links – and believe me, the courses they were referring to were in pristine shape! American golfers routinely play on courses without a

blade of grass out of place. Not here do you find scruffy tees, bobbly greens or ‘mud balls’ on soft fairways. The weather helps, of course, and is another significant lure for the travelling golfer. We’ve brought together some fantastic deals and look forward to making your American Dream a reality.

ANDREW STANLEY, CEO

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

North East Florida The Sawgrass courses are not to be missed

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

VERY year, the world’s best players head to Florida to compete in what is universally known as the game’s fifth Major – THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The Stadium Course at Sawgrass is one of the world’s most iconic courses, and contains the famous 17th, the best-known par-3 hole in golf. Also on site, and designed by

the same man, is Pete Dye’s Valley Course, which you should certainly factor into your plans. Seasoned and casual golfers can benefit from the design of this course, with wider fairways and larger greens. Guests will also enjoy a less-crowded course, and likely a faster round on Dye’s Valley Course. The nearby Sawgrass Country Club has 27 holes of championship golf on offer. The tight fairways here are

surrounded by pine and palm trees, and water comes into play on 24 of the 27 holes. Also in the area is Marsh Landings, which is less taxing and weaves through marshes, pine trees and lagoons. South of Sawgrass is the also excellent Hammock Beach Resort, which has the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course and the Jack Nicklaus-inspired Ocean Course along with a five-star hotel.

“Sawgrass is home to the best-known par 3 in golf”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Orlando and drive 2 hours to north-east Florida

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,599

from £1,299

• Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

• Includes buggies and range balls FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

SAWGRASS MARRIOTT GOLF RESORT & SPA 5★

HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT 4★

Play at: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, Marsh Landing Country Club, Sawgrass Country Club, Golf Club at South Hampton

Play at: Conservatory Course and Ocean Course

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

PALM COAST, FLORIDA

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RLANDO might be more famously known for its theme parks and shuttle launches, but alongside a host of family adventures are some truly great courses. There are two standout venues – the Reunion Resort and Grand Cypress Resort. The former is home to three courses designed by legends – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Orlando Stunning courses designed by the greats of the game

“Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill is close to central Orlando” Watson’s Independence Course has fast, firm, wide fairways and large greens. The Palmer Course plays out over more hilly terrain and contains dramatic elevation changes, while the Nicklaus Course has smoother fairways with elevated tees and greens. Talking of Palmer, his Bay Hill course where he now lives on site is a stuning layout just a short drive from central Orlando – and home to a high-profile PGA Tour event each spring. Grand Cypress has 45 holes, all designed by Jack Nicklaus. The North and South courses are the oldest, but the highlight is the New Course, Nicklaus’s tribute to St Andrews, where he won the Open twice. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Orlando then 20-30 minute drive to resorts

Bay Hill

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,199

from £1,289

• Includes buggies and range balls

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

REUNION RESORT 4★

THE VILLAS OF GRAND CYPRESS GOLF RESORT 5★

Play at: Nicklaus’ Tradition Course, Watson’s Independence Course and Palmer’s Legacy

Play at: Grand Cypress GC - New Course, North & South Course and North & East Course

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA IAMI is home to two of the best golf resorts in Florida – the PGA National Resort at Palm Beach and the Trump National Doral Resort. There are five courses on offer at the PGA National Resort. The most famous is the Jack Nicklaus-signaturedesigned Champion Course, which hosts The Honda Classic on the PGA Tour and also held the 1983 Ryder Cup. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are known as The Bear Trap, regarded as one of the toughest stretches anywhere on tour.

Miami & Palm Beach Play famous Tour stops at PGA National and Doral

“The 15th, 16th and 17th are known as The Bear Trap” The Resort is also home to the signature-design Palmer Course, a links-style layout featuring grass bunkers and a double green. There are also the Fazio-signature Squire and Estate courses. Not to be outdone, the Trump National Doral Resort has four courses including the famous Blue Monster, which hosts the WGC CA Championship. Both the PGA National and Trump National resorts also have extensive luxury accommodation options. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Miami. Doral is 10 mins from the airport. PGA National is a one hour drive

PGA National Resort - Champion Course

7 nights’ room only 5 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,149

from £1,529

• Includes FREE pre-golf breakfasts. Buggies & range balls included FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

• Includes buggies, range balls, replay rounds (Silver, Red & Gold courses), 1 hr golf clinic FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA 4★

TRUMP NATIONAL DORAL MIAMI 5★

Play at: Champion Course, Fazio Course, Palmer Course and Squire Course

Play at: Silver Fox, Red Tiger, Golden Palm • Upgrade to the Blue Monster from £175

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

MIAMI, FLORIDA

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Tampa & Naples Tour-standard golf and stunning sandy beaches

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

HILE Sawgrass, Orlando and Miami might be the golfing powerhouses in Florida, there are some equally excellent places to play in Tampa and Naples. The Naples Beach Hotel and Naples Grande Hotel are two fantastic examples, and serve as great bases to explore the area’s top courses. Acclaimed golf architect Rees Jones is the man behind

the Naples Grande Golf Club, a demanding par 72 championship course. Staying in Naples, there are two great courses to be found at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort. Another option is the RitzCarlton Golf Resort. Guests have full access to one of nearby Tiburon’s Black or Gold courses each day . Naples has an abundance of stunning beaches, making it the perfect place to balance

sun, sea and terrific golf. The stand-out resorts in Tampa are Saddlebrook and Innisbrook. The latter sits close to the west coast and has four outstanding courses. Copperhead welcomes the stars of the PGA Tour every year for the Valspar Championship. The Island course is a close rival, having recently undergone a huge renovation programme, and the North and South courses also have much to offer.

“The standout Tampa resort is Innisbrook”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Tampa or Miami and drive 2 hours to Naples

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

from £1,109

from £1,239

• Includes Executive Suite accommodation, buggies & range balls FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

• Includes buggies & range balls FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE INNISBROOK RESORT AND GOLF CLUB 4★

THE RITZ-CARLTON GOLF RESORT 5★

Play at: Copperhead Course, Island Course, North and South Courses

Play at: Tiburon Golf Club, Black or Gold Course

TAMPA, FLORIDA

NAPLES, FLORIDA

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

Pebble Beach®

Pebble Beach Golf Links © Joann Dost

FIVE-TIME US Open venue and annual host to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA Tour, Pebble Beach Golf Links is on the wish list of every golfer. Played along the coastline and containing several holes which run directly along the cliffs, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the world’s, let alone America’s, most iconic and spectacular courses.

Indeed, Jack Nicklaus described it as his favourite course to play in the world. Playing here is an unforgettable, once-in-alifetime experience as you follow in the footsteps of the greats of the game. The last time the US Open was here, in 2010, Graeme McDowell came out on top amid emotional scenes. Guests can stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, which has been open since 1919 and sits

directly next to the 18th green. There are 161 luxury rooms, and most include their own woodburning fireplace. Alternatively, base your break at Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts or the Inn at Spanish Bay, which offers five-star accommodation and access to The Links at Spanish Bay, a Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum design that weaves between the sand dunes and offers great views.

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

“Pebble Beach is one of America’s most iconic courses”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to San Francisco followed by a 2-hour drive to Monterey

from £2,479

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

from £2,789

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE INN AT SPANISH BAY 5★

THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH 5★

Play at: Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course • Includes buggies

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach Golf Links, distinctive images of the course, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, The Inn at Spanish Bay, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course and Casa Palmero are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company.

Play at Jack Nicklaus’s favourite course

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LA & San Diego Experience the best of the California coast

OS ANGELES is the largest city in the largest US state, so it is unsurprising that it boasts an enviable supply of great golf. If you are looking for the ultimate luxury golf break then the five-star Pelican Hill resort, in Newport Beach just 45 minutes from LA, is the perfect option.

“Los Angeles boasts an enviable supply of great golf” Guests here stay in luxury bungalows and villas which come with charming individual features, and there are several on-site dining options and a sumptuous spa facility to take advantage of. The resort boasts two courses, both designed by Tom Fazio, and they offer some of the best golf in the City of Angels. Both are clifftop courses with views out over the Pacific. Drive for around two hours down the Pacific Coast Highway from LA and you arrive in San Diego, where the golf offering is headlined by Torrey Pines. The North and South courses here host the PGA Tour each January with the latter the venue for the US Open won so memorably by a hobbling Tiger Woods in 2008. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to LA or San Diego

Pacific Palms Resort, Los Angeles

5 nights’ B&B 3 rounds & return flights

from £1,565

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

from £1,535

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL 5★

THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES 5★

Play at: Ocean South and Ocean North Courses • Includes buggies, range balls & forecaddie

Play at: Torrey Pines North and South Course

NEWPORT BEACH, LA, CALIFORNIA

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

Greater Palm Springs The perfect setting for an off-season adventure

OCATED 130 miles east of Los Angeles, Greater Palm Springs is a true desert oasis. The region enjoys a perfect climate for golf, especially through the winter months when the sun is not as intense. A firm favourite is the La Quinta Resort at PGA West. Guests here can enjoy their own private ‘Casita’ or stay in one of the resort’s many luxurious villas or suites.

“Stunning views of the surrounding mountains” There are five courses here, including the Nicklaus Tournament Course and the Greg Norman Course. All offer stunning views, but the pick is arguably Pete Dye’s TPC Stadium Course. The celebrated Dye is also responsible for the Resort Course at nearby Mission Hills, which offers the Gary Player Signature Course too. Both layouts at Mission Hills are carved into the desert and offer stern challenges without the difficulty of some of the region’s other courses. You should also consider Indian Wells, home to two of California’s best public courses. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to LA followed by 2 hours drive to Palm Springs or use connecting flight to Palm Springs

Indian Wells Golf Resort

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

• Includes free replay rounds at La Quinta & PGA West Courses plus buggies & range balls

• Includes buggies & range balls

from £1,199

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

from £1,159

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB AT PGA WEST 5★

THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA 5★

GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Play at: TPC Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, Norman Course, Tahquitz Creek Legend Course • FREE pre-golf breakfasts

Play at: Gary Player Signature Course or Pete Dye Resort Course

Many more great value breaks available online at GB pp 10-11 USA Greater Palm Springs & Scottsdale.indd 2

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Scottsdale Experience the best of golf in the desert

The Boulders, Scottsdale

RIZONA, and specifically the area around Scottsdale to the north east of Phoenix, is synonymous with desert golf, dramatic landscapes and mild winter climates. For quintessential target-style desert golf, try the awardwinning Cholla course at WeKo-Pa, or play the undulating, boulder-strewn Pinnacle course at Troon North. The Westin Kierland Resort

is around 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and has 27 holes which are characterised by dramatic elevation changes and represent some of the best desert golf in the region. Other stand-out courses in the region include Grayhawk and TPC Scottsdale. Both have 36 holes, with the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale playing host to the PGA Tour’s wildly popular Phoenix Open.

The Stadium layout is also complemented perfectly by the Champions Course, which is excellent in its own right. At Grayhawk, the Tom Faziodesigned Raptor course offers a thrilling challenge. Stretching 7,135 yards from the back tees, the par-72 unfolds over the gentle hills of this picturesque corner of the Sonoran Desert It is possible to combine a trip to Arizona with Palm Springs and Las Vegas for a multicentre holiday.

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

“Enjoy desert golf, dramatic landscapes and mild winters”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Phoenix followed by 20 minutes drive to Scottsdale

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,489

from £1,129

• Includes buggies and range balls

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

HYATT REGENCY SCOTTSDALE RESORT & SPA 5★

HYATT HOUSE SCOTTSDALE/OLD TOWN 3★

Play at: Gainey Ranch, TPC Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa

Play at: TPC Scottsdale, Talking Stick, Boulders - North or South Course

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 10-11 USA Greater Palm Springs & Scottsdale.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

North Carolina Visit the spiritual home of golf in the US - Pinehurst

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NY discussion of golf in North Carolina begins with Pinehurst, which is often described as the spiritual home of golf in the USA. Three-time Major champion Tommy Armour once wrote of Pinehurst: “The man who doesn’t feel emotionally stirred when he golfs at Pinehurst beneath those clear blue skies and with the pine fragrance in his nostrils is one who should be ruled out of golf for life.”

“Jack Nicklaus says it is his favourite course from a design standpoint” The first course was built in 1899, and the club brought in Donald Ross to expand its golf portfolio in 1900. By 1903 it consisted of Pinehurst No 1 and nine holes on No 2. The Scot was then asked to redesign the first and extend the second as well as adding a third and fourth layout. There are now a staggering nine courses to choose from. The most famous layout at Pinehurst is No 2, last year’s host course for both the US Open and US Women’s Open. And Martin Kaymer certainly seemed to enjoy the course, strolling to a stunning eightshot victory and recording the second lowest total in US Open history (271).

Michelle Wie’s 2014 triumph wasn’t quite as comprehensive, but that mattered little to the talented American who scooped her first Major title at Pinehurst, finishing two shots clear of Stacy Lewis to win the 69th US Women’s Open. Jack Nicklaus says No 2 is his favourite course from a design standpoint, describing it as “a totally tree-lined golf course without a tree coming into play”. However, Nos 4 and 8 are also ranked as two of the best courses in the country, and much like St Andrews, there is frequent debate among locals and regulars as to the merits of each of the different tracks. The new No 9 layout is forcing Pinehurst players and visitors to think again. This course features classic Nicklaus architecture - wide fairways, lush course conditions and undulating putting surfaces. Tall pines, grassy swales and a natural variety of lakes and stream beds give No 9 its own distinctive look. One top traveller tip is to avoid the summer months, when it is simply too hot to play golf in North Carolina. April and September are perfect, when temperatures hover in the mid 70s and pleasant sunshine replaces the stifling summer heat.

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Charlotte then 2 hour drive to Pinehurst

5 nights’ B&B 3 rounds & return flights

from £1,399

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

from £1,699

THE HOLLY INN AT PINEHURST 5★ PINEHURST Pinehurst No.2

Play at: No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 or No. 9 • Upgrade to No.2 from £145 • Includes buggies and range balls

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 12-13 USA North Carolina.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA ILTON HEAD ISLAND is something of a curiosity when it comes to golf. Reached via a bridge from the mainland, the island is no bigger than 60 square miles but contains no fewer than 24 top-class courses. The biggest name in this part of South Carolina is Harbour Town, which has welcomed the world’s best players for the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour every year since 1969.

“The Fazio is arguably the hardest on the island” The course is located on the inland side of the island, and the 4th hole overlooks the Calibogue Sound, which is the stretch of water that separates the island from the mainland. The par 3s are regularly regarded as some of the toughest found anywhere in the USA, while the 18th is both difficult and iconic, playing up to the Harbour Town lighthouse. The links-style course is certainly one of the toughest in South Carolina, measuring 7,101 yards from the back tees, but is a must play on any visit to the area. Harbour Town forms one third of the Sea Pines resort, along with Heron Point and the Ocean Course. The former is the latest addition to the collection and was designed by TPC Sawgrass creator Pete Dye, while the latter was the first course to be built on Hilton Head Island, and boasts one of just two oceanfront holes on the island. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect into Savannah followed by a 45 minute drive.

The only other oceanfront hole is the 10th on the Robert Trent-Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes, which is found on the Atlantic edge of Hilton Head Island. Considered another South Carolina classic, the course plays around a lagoon, bringing water into play on 11 holes. Palmetto Dunes also has two other stunning tracks in the George Fazio Course and the Arthur Hills Course. The Fazio is arguably the hardest on the island, measuring over 7,000 yards. It is frequently named inside the USA’s top 100 golf courses. The Arthur Hills Course provides a pleasant contrast to the other two Palmetto layouts. It is still an exhilarating challenge but plays out over rolling dunes and around natural waterways. A great option here is the 5-star Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, which is situated perfectly to enjoy the Palmetto Dunes courses. Located on the sugar sand beaches of Hilton Head Island, this resort is a tropical paradise unlike anywhere else in this premier destination. In addition to the excellent championship golf on offer, this location also provides beautiful ocean views. Also on offer to the north of Hilton Head Island are four other exquisite courses – Port Royal, Oyster Reef, Shipyard and the Palmetto Hall Plantation. All sit close to each other and form a perfect itinerary. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is the ideal location to use as your base for a visit to this area. This 416-room beachfront resort has been transformed in recent years with newly renovated guest rooms, lobby, recreation area and restaurants.

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,399 • Includes buggies FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE SEA PINES RESORT - HARBOUR TOWN VILLAS 5★ HILTON HEAD

Play at: Harbour Town Links, Ocean Course and Heron Point

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Hilton Head Island From PGA Tour stops to secluded beauties

Hilton Head Island Palmetto Dunes, Fazio Course

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,219

• Includes buggies

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE WESTIN HILTON HEAD ISLAND RESORT & SPA 5★

OMNI HILTON HEAD OCEANFRONT RESORT 5★

Play at: Palmetto Hall Plantation, Shipyard GC, Port Royal GC, Oyster Reef GC

Play at: Palmetto Dunes Golf - Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, Arthur Hills Golf Course, George Fazio Golf Course

HILTON HEAD

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 14-15 USA South Carolina Hilton Head Island.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

Myrtle Beach Fifty miles of coastal golf heaven await

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £949

from £979

• Includes buggies and range balls FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

BAREFOOT RESORT 3★

EMBASSY SUITES OCEANFRONT RESORT 3★

Play at: Barefoot Love, Fazio, Norman, Dye

Play at: TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes, River Hills GC, Meadowlands GC • FREE drinks between 5pm & 7pm each day

MYRTLE BEACH

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OU could quite easily spend two months playing golf in Myrtle Beach in South Carolina without ever needing to play the same course twice. And as if visiting this golfing paradise wasn’t enticing enough, why not arrange your trip for April and combine it with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of going to the Masters at nearby Augusta.

“Myrtle Beach runs for around 50 miles down the coast”

Myrtle Beach Tidewater Plantation

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £969

• Includes buggies and range balls FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

MARINA INN AT GRANDE DUNES 4★ MYRTLE BEACH

Play at: Grande Dunes, Arcadian Shores, Myrtlewood GC, Farmstead Links

Myrtle Beach runs for around 50 miles down the South Carolina coast and even has a small airport in its centre. One of the best-known courses in the area is TPC Myrtle Beach, which boasts a championship layout designed by Tom Fazio and Lanny Wadkins. It is a previous host of the Senior Tour Championship and contains fairways which cut through pine forests and pristine wetlands. A short drive north on Route 17 and you arrive at Myrtlewood, which has two wonderful championship courses, both offering a classic Carolina golf experience. Pine Hills is regarded as the tougher of the two, and is the only course in the area to be designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills. The greens are guarded by bunkers and water hazards, with water also bordering many of the tight fairways. The Palmetto course features wider fairways which wind through pine trees and around an inland waterway. A short drive from Myrtlewood is the Robert White-designed Pine Lakes. This is one of the oldest courses in Myrtle Beach and is known as ‘The Granddaddy’.

Pine Lakes was built on dunes just half a mile from the beach, but contains many freshwater lakes and perfect rolling fairways. One of the longest and toughest tracks in Myrtle Beach can be found at Grande Dunes. The Resort Course measures 7,618 yards from the back tees, contains many elevation changes and 34 lakes. Moving up towards the state border you arrive at Arcadian Shores, another Myrtle Beach classic designed by the feted Rees Jones in 1974. The significant advantage of basing your break in Myrtle Beach is that there is a style of accommodation to suit everyone. The Embassy Suites Oceanfront Resort is a large ocean-front hotel which can be found in North Myrtle Beach and close to Meadowlands, Farmstead Links and Arcadian Shores. Also ideally suited for these courses is the four-star Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, which has the added benefit of having the Resort Course on site and boasts 230 guest rooms. Barefoot Resort is another superb option for visitors - with over 150 shops at Barefoot Landing, The House of Blues, Alabama Theatre, Alligator Adventure, Greg Norman’s Grille, outstanding Myrtle Beach restaurants and world class condos. Offering four amazing golf courses, Barefoot was fashioned with premium golf at its core. Its courses – including the Fazio, the Love, the Dye and the Norman – provide guests with options galore, and all this without leaving the resort! FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect via Myrtle Beach regional airport

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 16-17 USA South Carolina Myrtle Beach.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA YDER Cups and Major championships seem to be synonymous with the Carolinas, and nowhere more so than at Kiawah Island – venue for the War on the Shore in the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship won so emphatically by Rory McIlroy. Located close to Charleston, Kiawah Island has 5 courses with the Pete Dye designed Ocean course the most famous by some distance. Often understated is Kiawah’s Turtle Point course. This layout is one of Jack Nicklaus’ earliest creations and offers narrow fairways, small greens and plenty of hazards. The Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Point is surrounded by lakes and pines, while Oak Point sits alongside the Kiawah river and boasts undulating fairways and testing greens. Not to be outdone, Gary Player’s Cougar Point features a great variety of holes. Alternatively, you can stay in historic Charleston, where the golf is also exceptional. The highlights here include The Links at Wild Dunes, which is as exciting as it sounds, RiverTowne, Charleston National and Dunes West.

Charleston Play the legendary Ryder Cup venue Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course

“Kiawah Island has five fantastic courses to enjoy”

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,799

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Charlotte, Washington D.C, New York or Atlanta, connect to Charleston followed by 1 hour drive

THE SANCTUARY AT KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT 5★

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Play at: The Ocean Course, Oak Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point • Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie on The Ocean Course

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,319

from £1,359 FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE VILLAS AT KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT 4★

FRANCIS MARION HOTEL 4★

Play at: The Ocean Course, Oak Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point • Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie on The Ocean Course

Play at: RiverTowne GC, The Links at Wild Dunes, Charleston National GC, Dunes West GC • Includes buggies

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Many more great value breaks available online at GB pp 18-19 USA South Carolina Charleston & The Masters.indd 2

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The Masters 2016 Follow your heroes around Augusta National’s hallowed turf

Augusta National

HE Masters could aptly be described as the greatest golf show on the

planet. For many years, the season’s opening Major was viewed as elusive for British visitors, with cost and accessibility preventing people from travelling to Georgia to watch the stars in action. Happily, times have changed and Golfbreaks.com can now look after all the arrangements.

A visit here is truly a once-ina-lifetime experience. There are a variety of different packages available, from breaks which solely include practice round tickets to those which allow complete access to all four tournament days. All will provide you with unforgettable experiences and a lifetime’s worth of memories to share with your friends. A visit to the Masters also provides a great opportunity to play some top-quality golf

of your own. There are many wonderful nearby courses including five outstanding layouts at Reynolds Plantation, Forest Hills and the River Club. Or, within a few hours’ drive are the Carolinas – packed with amazing courses. Above all else, the Masters provides a unique opportunity to watch the world’s best players compete for one of the game’s most coveted prizes at of sport’s great arenas. What more could you want?

PRACTICE ROUND PACKAGE AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

3 nights’ B&B (Sunday arrival) & return flights

from £2,299 2-day Masters Pass (Monday & Tuesday practice days) FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

• Includes car hire

“A visit to Augusta National is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience”

WEEKEND PACKAGE

GREEN JACKET EXPERIENCE

3 nights’ B&B (Friday arrival) & return flights

Play at: Forest Hill and River Club - Tuesday and Wednesday 7 nights’ B&B (Monday arrival) & return flights

2-day Masters Pass (Saturday & Sunday)

4-day Masters Pass (Thursday to Sunday)

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

from £3,329

• Includes car hire

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

from £5,629

• Includes car hire

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 18-19 USA South Carolina Charleston & The Masters.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA

Alabama Discover the Robert Trent Jones golf trail

Capitol Hill

LABAMA is home to one of the world’s most ambitious and biggest golf projects – the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The brainchild of local businessman Dr David Bonner, the trail initially comprised eight different sites and 378 holes, before three further venues were added in 2005, taking the total number of courses to 26. Trent Jones was tempted

from semi-retirement to take on the design work in the mid1980s, and his legacy today is one of the biggest and best expanses of championship golf found anywhere in the world. Beginning in the state’s largest city, Birmingham, you can play at one of the longest courses in the world at Ross Bridge, which measures a staggering 8,200 yards. Birmingham is also home to Oxmoor Valley, which has 54 holes. The Ridge and Valley

are Oxmoor Valley’s premier layouts, with the Short Course an 18-hole par-3 course. Alabama’s state capital, Montgomery, Capitol Hill has three courses of over 7,400 yards, while even further south, near Mobile, there are two other outstanding layouts. The Lakewood Golf Club is a part of the stunning Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear, while the recently renovated Magnolia Grove’s 54 holes are a joy to behold.

“One of the biggest and best expanses of championship golf”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Atlanta & drive 2 hours to Montgomery or Birmingham or Fly to New Orleans and drive 2 hours to Mobile

7 nights’ room only 5 rounds & return flights

from £1,389

• Includes buggies at Ross Bridge GC

ROBERT TRENT JONES - 7 DAY TRAIL

Stay at: 2 nights’ - Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 5* 3 nights’ - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa 4* 2 nights’ - Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel 4* FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

Play at: Ross Bridge Golf GC, Oxmoor GC, Cambrian Ridge GC, Capitol Hill GC and Grand National GC

Many more great value breaks available online at GB pp 20-21 USA Alabama & Wisconsin.indd 2

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ISCONSIN might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a US golf break, but the Midwest state has much to offer the travelling golfer. For a start, a visit here will allow you to play the host venue for the 2020 Ryder Cup and 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships. Whistling Straits offers two courses, with the Straits regarded among the best in the world.

Wisconsin Championship golf on the shores of Lake Michigan

“This state has much to offer the travelling golfer” It boasts an outstanding set of holes which run alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, and it can be absolutely brutal when the wind picks up. Not to be completely outdone by its more famous neighbour, the Irish Course at Whistling Straits is also superb in its own right and is frequently ranked inside America’s top 100 courses. Modelled on a classic Irish links, it plays out over rolling dunes and measures over 7,200 yards from the back tees. There are also the two outstanding Pete Dye creations at Blackwolf Run, which hosted the 2012 US Women’s Open. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Lots of options here but your best bet is to fly into Chicago from where it is a 2-hour drive to Kohler.

Whistling Straits

7 nights’ B&B 7 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 7 rounds & return flights

from £2,199

from £2,499

• Includes buggies at Blackwolf Run and caddies at Whistling Straits FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

INN ON WOODLAKE 4★

THE AMERICAN CLUB 5★

Play at: Whistling Straits - Straits Course and Irish Course Blackwolf Run - River Course and Meadow Course

KOHLER, WISCONSIN

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 20-21 USA Alabama & Wisconsin.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 | USA EAD north from California to the Pacific North West and you will find some wonderful golf on offer in Oregon. Bandon Dunes is the standout resort here, and aims to stay true to the spirit of Scotland’s best-loved links. The five courses hug the rural coastline and play over grassy dunes to large undulating greens.

Oregon Golf as it was meant to be on the Pacific coastline

“Bandon Dunes and Sunriver are five-star resorts” The club’s aim is to provide ‘golf as it should be’, which can be taken to mean a stunning coastal experience over some of the most natural fairways and green sites imaginable. Alternatively, head inland to Sunriver Resort, which has three excellent 18-hole layouts located in a rural mountainous setting. The Crosswater course is perhaps the pick of the bunch, and plays out over 600 acres of woodland and heathland, with the Deschutes River coming into play. Sunriver is a five-star resort with enviable accommodation and dining options for visitors; stay at Bandon Dunes if your priority is the golf. FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport via San Francisco for Bandon Dunes. For Bend, fly into Redmond Airport via San Francisco.

The 10th hole at Brasada Canyons

7 nights’ B&B, 4 rounds of golf & return flights

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,629

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

from £1,499

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT 5★

BEND GOLF TOUR

Play at: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald

Play at: Sunriver, Pronghorn, Tetherow Stay at: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bend 3*

BANDON, OREGON

BEND, OREGON

Many more great value breaks available online at GB pp 22-23 USA Oregon & Las Vegas.indd 2

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Las Vegas Nevada is always a safe bet for fantastic golf

Las Vegas South Shore

AMOUS for its casinos and larger-than-life hotels, Las Vegas has long been established as a must-visit destination for visitors from across the globe. However, Nevada has much more to offer prospective visitors than bright-lights and blackjack tables, not least several truly outstanding golf courses. TPC Las Vegas can be found just 20 minutes from the city

centre, and is a golfing oasis in the middle of the desert. Famous for its elevated tees, the course offers stunning panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. Without question, the most surreal Vegas golf experience is found at Royal Links, which outrageously replicates some of golf’s most iconic holes, including the Road Hole at St Andrews and the Postage Stamp at Troon, and throws them together in one course.

Also available are the excellent layouts at South Shore, Bali Hai, Paiute, Sun Mountain and Desert Pines. Elsewhere, the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa is half an hour’s drive from the strip, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds – the thrills of Vegas and the opportunity to escape from the bustle. There are two courses here – South Shore and Reflection Bay. Both are Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses.

“TPC Las Vegas is a golfing oasis in the middle of the desert”

FLIGHT INFORMATION: Fly direct to Las Vegas. The strip is next to the airport.

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,249

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

from £1,399

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

THE WESTIN LAKE LAS VEGAS RESORT & SPA 5★

MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO 4★

Play at: The South Shore Golf Club, Reflection Bay • Includes buggies and range balls

Play at: Bali Hai, TPC Las Vegas, Paiute Golf Club - Sun Mountain Course, Desert Pines • Includes buggies and range balls

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week GB pp 22-23 USA Oregon & Las Vegas.indd 3

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2015 Call free on 0845 543 6674 Monday-Friday 8am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-3pm Email sales@golfbreaks.com Or visit Golfbreaks.com facebook.com/ Golfbreakscom

GB pp 24 USA Back Cover.indd 1

@golfbreaks

27/02/2015 14:33