2021 Golfing Magazine New Jersey / Eastern Pennsylvania Fall Issue by Golfing Magazine

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Twisted Dune GC One of the Shore’s Best

THE TRAVEL ISSUE New Jersey / Pennsylvania Edition Fall 2021

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You’ll feel it the moment you enter the community. The tree lined streets, lush landscaping and brick walkways. With its magnificent Clubhouse as it’s centerpiece, the feeling is traditional and memorable. Then there’s the worldclass Baywood Greens golf course that winds it way through the community, creating backyard vistas like nothing else around. And if that weren’t enough, there are marinas with boat slips with access to Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, restaurants and shopping all just minutes away.

Known as the “Augusta of the North,” Baywood Greens is by far the most visually spectacular golf course in Delaware and is consistently ranked #1 by Golf Digest’s Best in State.

A COASTAL GOLF COMMUNITY

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Keep Golfing When the Leaves Turn and Fall

e have enjoyed an ideal summer for golf. I’m betting that autumn is going to be just as nice and perfect for our favorite game. While the leaves have begun to turn color and the days are shorter, don’t put those sticks away just yet. Continue to enjoy being outside and with your buddies on a golf course. This time of the year can offer up some of the best weather to play golf in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Here’s what we have lined up for you in our Autumn Issue to get you excited to keep playing. Essex County, New Jersey golfers have three very good, historic courses that have been undergoing improvement projects to make them even better. The Essex County courses include the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course in West Orange, built in 1926 and designed by legendary architect Charles Banks; Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville, opened in 1929 and another Charles Banks work but recently renovated under the guidance of Stephen Kay; and Weequahic Golf Course, opened in 1913 and the first public golf course in the state of New Jersey, designed by Baltusrol Golf Club’s first pro George Low. A bevy of New Jersey courses will stay open during the winter if the weather permits. Even if some snow does fall, the courses may close but will re-open if Mother Nature cooperates. So, just because the calendar is heading toward December doesn’t mean it’s time to give up our favorite game for two or three months. Rock Spring Golf Club features one of only two public golf courses in the United States designed by legendary architect Seth Raynor, whose highly-ranked work includes Fisher’s Island in New York, Shoreacres on Chicago’s North Shore, and Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda. Twelve of Raynor’s courses are on GOLF Magazine’s list of the Top 100 in the U.S. When you play an Ottinger Golf Group course you will be playing one of the top rated courses in New Jersey and will come away impressed with the quality of the layouts and the service you will receive from the staffs at each club. Ottinger Golf offers a unique experience at each one of our courses and has three top-10 public courses in the state of New Jersey, including Atlantic City Country Club, which has been named the top course in the state. We also have a few great destinations for you to visit during the off-season, as well as offer some tips on how to stay fit when golf season does finally slow down.

Volume 33

Issue 5

Fall 2021

Feature …………….…………………………..….…………… 8 Course that stay open all year

Must Play …………….…………………………..…....……… 14 These courses are a “Must” this season This month: Essex County Golf Courses and Rock Spring GC

Physical Therapy ….…………………………..….…...…… 22 his month: Myokinetix Physical Therapy and Performance

Company Profile …………….…………………………..…. 24 A local company in the Golf Industry This month: Ottinger Golf Croup Travel …………….………………………….........................…. 32 Czech Republic; Hawaii; Hilton Head, SC; Outer Banks, NC; Brunswick Isles, NC; Innisbrook Resort, FL; Alabama

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Senior Writer John Torsiello ph: (860) 482-9101 jtorsiello@sbcglobal.net Editorial Contributions should be mailed to above address or emailed to the publisher. Material accepted is subject to revisions necessary to meet requirements of the publication. The act of delivering material shall express a warranty by contributor that material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Reproduction of the contents of this publication is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Enjoy our issue and keep playing golf. Golfing Magazine New Jersey / Eastern Pennsylvania is published four times annually. 2018 Home Delivery Subscription Rate: $49.95 per year

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feature

Don’t Put the Sticks Away When Winter Comes Calling By, JOHN TORSIELLO

t’s late fall and winter isn’t far behind. You’re bummed because the golf season is winding down. Hold on, don’t put those sticks in the closet just yet. A bevy of New Jersey courses will stay open during the winter if the weather permits. Even if some snow does fall, the courses may close but will re-open if Mother Nature cooperates. So, just because the calendar is heading toward December doesn’t mean it’s time to give up our favorite game for two or three months. While your buddies are watching football and professional golf tournaments from some warm weather retreats, you can still be knocking seven-irons stiff to the flags at a number of courses. The Atlantic City area is a very viable and affordable year-round golf destination. It is typically warmer down at the shore as the salt air and milder temperatures allow for more golfing days than in

Philadelphia, Northern Jersey and beyond. It’s the same Atlantic City experience at a great rate. Mike Attara, president and founder of Spirit Golf, says that winter golf in New Jersey can offer a great opportunity to enjoy a round of golf at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere. Rates are lower, the courses are not packed and more often than not the weather in the Ocean County region can be pretty mild because of the nearby ocean waters. While it is true that courses along the coast usually face less severe winters, especially when it comes to long-lasting snowfall, inland tracks will remain open as long as Old Man Winter doesn’t get too nasty from December through February. Often, whether or not a club is open is on a course-by-course or even day-to-day basis. Some may prefer to not deal with slow days caused by cold temperatures, others may choose to open on selected days if the weather cooperates, and some keep their

fairways open throughout the winter, again, as long as the snow or ice doesn’t pile up and stick around for too long. You may have to put up with some chilly temperatures if you play in the morning, but even on days of short daylight it’s easy to fit 18 holes in. Here are some courses that will remain open this winter, again weather permitting. Call ahead before visiting a course just to make sure it’s open for business, even if the weather seems favorable. The Seaview Golf Club (www.StocktonSeaview.com) in Galloway features two championship golf courses– The Bay and Pines courses. The links-style Bay Course hosted the 1942 PGA won by Sam Snead and was designed by Donald Ross. The Bay Course is loaded with superb holes and, like Atlantic City Country Club, offers cool views of the Atlantic City skyline across the bay. Several of the holes either end or start near the bay or run along it. While not overly long at 6,247 yards from

Blue Heron Pines Golf Club 8

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Harbor Pines Golf Club

the tips, the course is nonetheless is a good test of course management and proper club selection. Tall fescue grasses line many of the fairways during the warm months and there are ample bunkers and occasional wetlands or water to catch the wayward shot. The brainchild of the design team of Toomey and Flynn, the Pines Course was carved from woodlands surrounding the resort and features tight fairways and wellprotected landing areas. Longer (6,731 yards from the tips) than the Bay Course, the Pines demands precision off the tee and steady approaches to the ample greens. Three of the four par-fives can be reached in two by big hitters, but there are five parfours–including the monstrous 468-yard 17th–that play over 400 yards from the tips. The back side features three par-threes, including back-to-back holes on 15 and 16, both of which measure well over 200 yards. Twisted Dune Golf Club ( www.TwistedDune.com) in Egg Harbor is

a links-style course that was built in a residential area, but it works well. The course was designed by Archie Struthers in a links style, with the track winding through a “twisted” landscape, and offering dramatic elevation changes and contoured fairways. There are over 100 bunkers on this beast but the fairways are wide and the greens accepting of approach shots. Shore Gate Golf Club (www.ShoreGateGolf.com) in Oceanview is both interesting and intimidating. The Ron Fream-David Dale creation has deep greenside bunkers capped off by chocolate drop mounding that often presents a somewhat disconcerting scene when standing on the fairways and preparing to hit approach shots. McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links (www.McCulloughsGolf.com), located in Egg Harbor and designed by noted New Jersey-based golf course architect Stephen Kay, is a tribute to famed European layouts,

such as St. Andrew’s, Prestwick, Gleneagles and Turnberry. McCullough’s 16th hole, for instance, is a replica of the “Postage Stamp” par-three hole at Scotland’s Royal Troon. McCullough’s, quite appropriately, presents a decidedly Irish-Scottish feel, with wide open fairways, tricky winds, grass mounds, bunkers, natural waste areas and undulating greens. Mays Landing Golf and Country Club (www.MaysLandingGolf.com) in Mays Landing has been delighting golfers of all skill levels for a number of years. The track plays 6,633 yards from the back markers and has several par-fours that can be reached with driver, as well as a couple of four pars that will demand a lusty tee shot and a midor long-iron to reach. The course owners claim the 220-yard par-three 15th may be the toughest short hole you will ever face. The green is small and elevated and angled directly toward water that sits in front of the putting surface. The green is also sur-

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feature

rounded by bunkers, which makes finding the narrow target rather difficult. Greate Bay Country Club (www.GreateBay.com) in Somers Point, hosted an LPGA event from 1988 to 1997 and is a true championship-caliber layout. It plays 6,721 yards from the tips and nine of the par-fours measure over 400 yards. Some of the best holes are the ninth, a 216-yard par-three that has bunkers in front and left of the green and water further left; the 12th, a stellar par-four that plays 410 yards. The tee shot must be strong and true to set up a mid-iron approach across a pond; the 15th, a 549-yard par-five that has bunkers guarding the tee shot and second shot landing areas; and the 16th, a short par-three, playing 151 yards. But choose your club carefully as there is a pond to the rear of the green.

The Links at Brigantine Beach ( w w w. B r i g a n t i n e G o l f . com) is yet another historic course designed by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, who created some fine courses at the turn of the 20th century. Brigantine has a sense of being a Scottish links layout, with berms, gently rolling fairways that are almost devoid of trees, tall grasses off the fairways, mounds and smallish, tricky Harbor Pines Golf Club greens typical of links courses. Brigantine, opened in The Golf Course at Renault 1927, has its own rich golf his(www.RenaultWinery.com) in Egg Harbor tory. It is said that Walter Hagen and Harry City is a piece of a package that includes Vardon played at Brigantine to acquire a feel the Tuscany Hotel, a winery and the “gour- for links courses before setting sail to play in met” Restaurant at the Renault Winery. Scotland at the British Open. The course winds its way through and past Blue Heron Pines Golf Club grapevines and orchards. The track was (www.BlueHeronPines.com) in Cologne is designed by Ed Shearon and kept to owner one of Jersey architect Stephen Kay’s best Joseph Milza’s vision of a layout that is chal- designs. It takes full advantage of the natural lenging for good players but also approach- beauty of the area’s pinelands and is a pleasable for visitors of all skill levels. ing blend of short and long par-fours, solid

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Twisted Dune GC

par-fives–several of which are reachable in two by big boppers–and great par-threes. There are numerous bunkers that come into play both off the tee and on approach shots to the medium-sized greens. Sand Barrens Golf Club (www.SandBarrensGolf. com) in Cape May Court House, designed by Dana Fry of Hurzdan/Fry, is another of the better newer tracks to open. Fry said he designed Sand Barrens to be reminiscent of Pine Valley Golf Club–with fairways and greens surrounded by monstrous waste areas, evergreens and oak trees–when visiting the site in preparation for construction. Although the gleaming white bunkers pose challenges for even the best players, Fry designed a course that has plenty of room to land the ball off the tee and large, receptive greens. H a r b o r Pines Golf Club (www.HarborPines.com) in Egg Harbor is a rather open layout that has plenty of water and bunkers.

The track feels good and looks pleasing to the eye. Number 12 is one of the most photographed holes in New Jersey and visually a stunner. The tee shot on this 339-yard par-four must clear a large pond and land in a small fairway that sits before the green. The putting surface is protected by bunkers all around and water to the rear. You can make birdie or double bogey here, depending upon your accuracy and length off the tee. It’s an example of a great, short par-four. Sea Oaks Golf Club (www.SeaOaksCC.com) in Little Egg Harbor became a destination course a few years ago with the opening of The Inn at Sea Oaks. The Inn has 31 units in all, 17 “standard rooms,” and the rest either executive or master suites. The course at Sea Oaks is a Ray Hearn-design that fits naturally into the environment, with sandy waste areas, tall pines and water incorporated into this thinking golfer’s track.

Renault Resort Egg Harbor, N.J. 609-965-2111 www.RenaultWinery.com

Mays Landing Golf and CC Mays Landing, N.J. 609-641-4411 www.MaysLandingGolf.com

Shore Gate Golf Club Oceanview, N.J. 609-624-8337 www.ShoreGateGolf.com

Seaview Hotel and GC Stockton, N.J. 855-894-8698 www.StocktonSeaview.com

Blue Heron Pines Golf Club Egg Harbor, N.J. 609-965-1800 www.BlueHeronPines.com

Avalon Golf Club Cape May Courthouse, N.J. 609-465-4653 www.AvalonGolfClub.net

Twisted Dune Golf Club Egg Harbor Township, N.J. 888-894-7839 www.TwistedDune.com

McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links Egg Harbor Township, N.J. 609-926-3900 www.McCulloughsGolf.com

Greate Bay Country Club Somers Point, N.J. 609-927-5071 www.GreateBay.com

Harbor Pines Golf Club Egg Harbor Township, N.J. 609-927-0006 www.HarborPines.com

Cape May National GC Cape May, N.J. 609-884-1563 www.CMNGC.com

Mays Landing Golf and CC Mays Landing, N.J. 609-641-4411 www.MaysLandingGolf.com

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DO YOU HAVE ANY BACK PAIN WHEN SWINGING YOUR GOLF CLUB?

LIFE IS A SPORT.EVERYONE IS AN ATHLETE. 12

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Elevated above the rest...naturally Golf on 45 acres of pristine forest

Lessons for all skill levels 7 days a week Practice on driving range, putting greens, and bunkers Shop at the stocked Pro Shop Memberships to a premier course located adjacent to OVR

Shore Gate Golf Club 35 School House Lane Ocean View, New Jersey 08230 About us...

Shore Gate Golf Club has been perpetually ranked as one of the top public golf courses in New Jersey. Carved out of the trees, Shore Gate allows each group to feel unbothered as they navigate the course from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a round of golf, a membership to a premier golf course, lessons, or just a driving range, we have it all. Located just two miles from the beach, Shore Gate is the perfect place to relax.

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(609) 624-TEES (8337) www.shoregategolf.com www.GolfingMagazine.net 13

Must Play

Superb Golf Courses with Historic Lineage

In Essex County, New Jersey By, JOHN TORSIELLO

ssex County, New Jersey golfers have it pretty good. They have access to three very good, historic courses that have been undergoing improvement projects to make them even better. The Essex County courses include the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course in West Orange, built in 1926 and designed by legendary architect Charles Banks; Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville, opened in 1929 and another Charles Banks work but recently renovated under the guidance of Stephen Kay; and Weequahic Golf Course, opened in 1913 and the first public golf course in the state of New Jersey, designed by Baltusrol Golf Club’s first pro George Low. Established in 1895, the Essex County Park system was formed to serve its residents and has over 6,000 acres of open space that offers a wide array of uses, which include,

of course, the three above-mentioned golf courses. “We have just finished a complete renovation of Hendricks Field Golf Course,” explained Tim Christ, Director of Golf Operations for the Essex County Parks. “Stephen Kay designed the restoration in keeping with Charles Banks’ principles and standards at the forefront of all design work. We have a state-of-the-art First Tee learning center under construction that will have a three-hole practice facility attached.” Christ went on to say that “none of the renovation work would be possible without the support of the County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Board of Commissioners. Joseph DiVincenzo supports golf, and in government that is not always the case.” Christ explained that Francis A. Byrne’s first and 15th holes were redesigned due to safety issues, and “obviously we utilize Stephen Kay whenever we do any design work.” Number 15 is now a par-five that plays 490 yards and the first is a par-four, 391-yarder. We established a chipping green, enlarged putting green, and a warm-up area. Since Hendricks is completely renovated,

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

we have not had the rating and slope of that course finished.”

Here’s a look at all three courses: Francis A. Byrne Golf Course was designed as a private country club layout. Through a renovation project, many of the course features have been restored to their classic roots, making Byrne one of the premiere public golf destinations in the state. A number of holes are based on famous courses from Scotland, including the par-five first hole that is modeled after the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews. Among other classic holes on the Byrne course are the long par-three Biarritz second hole that measures well over 200 yards from the championship tee and the short 14th that is similar to the Eden hole that is also found at St. Andrews, as well as many of the best private clubs in the United States. The back nine at Byrne includes several long holes, such as the 12th and 15th, the latter champion golfer Bobby Jones considered to be one of the most difficult holes in America. This scenic course features deep bunkers, hilly topography and rolling greens that combine to create a challenging layout that measures nearly 6,800 yards and offers public golfers the rare opportunity to play a course from golf ’s “Golden Age of Design”.

Francis A. Byrne Golf Course plays 6,750 yards from the tips and has a par of 70. The par-fours are strong, especially a stretch from holes nine through 12 that play over 400 yards each, including the 465-yard ninth and 445-yard 12th. The other par-five on the course, the 490-yard 16th. In a testament to its challenge, the course has a rating of 73.6 and a slope of 135. Hendricks Field Golf Course features well contoured putting surfaces and many interesting holes. Renovations at Hendricks have included the reconstruction of tees and bunkers, as well as extensive upgrades in drainage that have significantly improved playing conditions. Hendricks has a number of classically designed holes, such as the par-four four hole that has a cluster of “Principal’s Nose” bunkers in the center of the fairway that present strategic decisions, and the exacting par-three sixth with a green that is almost completely surrounded by bunkers. Among the best holes on the back nine is the par-five 10th where golfers must negotiate a stream that crosses the fairway to reach the green. Narrow fairways and well-guarded greens at Hendricks require both accurate and thoughtful play. Hendricks Field Golf Course plays 6,113 from the championship tees and has a par of 70. It’s what might be termed a playerfriendly layout that features approachable holes for a majority of golfers with a few toughies thrown in for good measure. Two par-fours, the 437-yard seventh and 445-yard ninth, are a test for even the best golfer. Weequahic Park Golf Course is set on beautifully rolling property. New bunkers have been added to the course through a renovations process and greatly enhanced its strategic and visual appeal. Weequahic Park Golf Course is home to The First Tee of Essex County, a youth development program that teaches children ages 7 to 17 positive values through the game of golf. The program has a dedicated practice

area for program participants adjacent to the golf course. While Weequahic measures slightly less than 6,000 yards, the course offers an ideal golfing landscape and its small greens make low scoring difficult. Among the best holes are the uphill par-five third with two large bunkers carved in the hillside, as well as the long par-four 16th that plays to the crest of this same hill and down to the green that is set in the base of its long slope. Weequahic Park Golf Course is on the short side, measuring 5,712 yards from the tips and also has a par of 70. But it’s not a pushover with three strong par-fives, including the 554-yard 11th. There are five par-threes on the course that range from 111 yards to 144 yards, allowing players good shots at birdie if they can find the green. The number one handicap hole is the 500-yard par-five fourth. “All three courses are classically designed routings,” said Christ. “The significant history is felt by the design and surroundings of these parkland courses. It’s great to have good courses that are affordable to play and are close to home.” Christ said play this year has been “crazy”, adding “The pandemic has created a new golf reality. Walk-on play almost

doesn’t exist, people are coming out like never before. Our golfers are made up of 60 percent Essex County residents, 20 percent from other parts of New Jersey, 19 percent from New York, and around one percent are Liberty international Airport passengers who come to play.” As for significant holes on the courses, Christ said, “At Francis Byrne we have several classics, the par-three “Biarritz” second hole measures well beyond 225 yards, the 14th par-three is similar to the “Eden Hole”, and a long par-four 12th that Jones said was one of the most difficult holes in golf. Hendricks Field has its “Principle’s Nose” on a newly restored 15th hole, a “mini-Biarritz” green measuring 49 yards from front to back, and the par-five 10th that plays 575 yards and is modeled after the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews. Christ said the county is looking into possible restoration of the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course. “This would be similar to what we did at Hendricks Field Golf Course, where we would rebuild bunkers, restore sizes of greens, make drainage repairs to include greens drainage, cart path repairs, and re-grass tees.”

www.EssexCountyParks.org

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Experience Essex County Hendricks Field Golf Course! Enjoy Championship Caliber Play at a Public Golf Course The Charles Banks’ designed course* has been completely restored and updated to create challenging holes and picturesque fairways for golfers of all abilities. Course Highlights: • Hole 8 is a 190-yard, par 3 Redan Hole • Hole 11 is a 575-yard, par 5 inspired by the Road Hole at St. Andrews • Hole 12 is a three-tiered mini-Biarritz Hole *renovations designed by Stephen Kay

Hendricks Field Golf Course 220 Franklin Avenue, Belleville, NJ essexcountyparks.org/golf Visit our other two courses: Francis Byrne Golf Course, West Orange Weequahic Golf Course, Newark

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive and the Board of County Commissioners

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

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Ballamor GC

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

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Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

GREAT BEAR GOLF CLUB turns 25 Only one golf course designer could do justice to the natural beauty at GREAT BEAR GOLF CLUB-the one known worldwide as the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. His 18-hole championship design demonstrates why he has been considered the master of his game for decades. Nicklaus has taken the natural advantages of the site and worked harmoniously with them to create a course that is an experience in golf and aesthetics. Integrating the three lakes, several streams, wetlands, small bridges and rolling terrain, Nicklaus has created a course that presents itself differently to golfers of varying skill levels. for the experience player, the course offers interesting challenges and pro tee that will bring out the best in even the strongest golfers.

GREAT BEAR GOLF CLUB 1 Great Bear Ct. East Stroudsberg, PA. 18032 570-223-2000 www.golfgreatbear.com 2021 ISSUE 1

GREAT GOLF - DELAWARE VALLEY

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

Stay Active on the Golf Course by Avoiding These Common Injuries Part 2

s mentioned in Part 1, most injuries on the golf course come from overuse or repetition. Previously we talked about low back pain, a rotator cuff injury, and golf elbow, and will now go into tendinitis of the wrist, and knee pain

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Tendonitis of the Wrist Like the elbow, the tendons of the wrist can become inflamed from repetitive motions of the golf swing and the high-velocity forces that are placed on the wrist joint. Most of the signs and symptoms of wrist tendonitis are similar to that of elbow tendinitis and include pain/stiffness, decreased range of motion, tenderness/swelling, and decreased grip strength. Wrist tendinitis pain typically arises when your wrist is placed in an overly bent or extended position. You can control the pain with rest, ice, and activity modification.

They act as protection to these structures as the knee moves. • The ligaments of the knee connect bone to bone and are found inside and around the knee joint. They also provide stability to the knee joint during movement. • Your hamstring tendons attach near the top of your lower leg bone. • The infamous patellar tendon connects your quadriceps muscles to the large bone of your lower leg at a very specific site called the tibial tuberosity.

How To Get Back on the Golf Course After Injury Follow these tips to help you get back on the golf course after an injury strikes

Knee Pain Suffering from knee pain is not uncommon when it comes to golfing. When it comes to overuse, several structures in the knee joint can be easily aggravated by logging hours on the golf course. Some of them include: • Bursa are small sacs of fluid between tendons or ligaments and the knee bones. 22

• Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are going to be your first line of defense if the injury recently happened. If your pain doesn’t resolve, check in with your physician as you may need imaging to determine the cause. • Once your pain is under control, stop in to see a movement specialist, like a physical therapist. He or she can show you how to strengthen the injured area, regain mobility and flexibility, and improve your techniqu to avoid future problems. • Activity modification is necessary to getting back on the golf course. Instead of playing 18 holes, aim for 9 holes or less and gradually work your way back to a full round

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

If you’re struggling to get back on the golf course after an injury, then don’t hesitate to call the experts at Myokinetix Physical Therapy and Performance, a premiere physical therapy clinic in Essex County, New Jersey. Their doctors of physical therapy are highly trained in common and not-so-common sports injuries, including golf, and will show you how to get back on the golf course in no time. Give them a call today at 973-281-4853 or visit their links at Poland Spring website at: The myokinetix.com

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COMPANY PROFILE

Enjoy Ottinger Golf Group’s Top-Rated Courses this Fall

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

hen you play an Ottinger Golf Group course you will be playing one of the top rated courses in New Jersey and will come away impressed with the quality of the layouts and the service you will receive from the staffs at each club. “Ottinger Golf offers a unique experience at each one of our courses,” said Chip Ottinger, Owner. Ottinger Golf Group has three top-10 public courses in the state of New Jersey, including Atlantic City Country Club, which has been named the top course in the state. “We pride ourselves on excellent conditions while maintaining fair course setup to allow for enjoyable pace of play.” The goal of Ottinger Golf is to insure that golfers enjoy their experience. Said Ottinger, “We cater to our customers’ individual needs in order to provide the best experience possible. Most of our players

come from both southern and northern New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia. But because Atlantic City is a resort destination, we often get players from all over the country and Canada. We have stay and play packages available with local hotels to accommodate those travelling golfers with special discounts if they play more than one Ottinger Golf Group course.” Ottinger commented, “Atlantic City Country Club is a luxurious property filled with history and panoramic Atlantic City skyline views. It’s perfect for a day to get away from it all and a night out. Atlantic City Country Club is a full service entertainment facility offering golf outings, a public restaurant/bar, a beautiful banquet venue and sport simulator entertainment.” He said Ballamor Golf Club offers exclusivity for private and corporate outings. “Our outings at Ballamor are provided with an on property private restaurant.” The option to close the large gates for a

completely private golf course is available. Outing capacity at Ballamor maxes out at 150. The club’s outings are affordably priced for small to mid-size organizations. Scotland Run is a family golf course and a has a golf partnership with Rowan University. Said Ottinger, “Scotland Run offers juniors programs throughout the year, a public restaurant/bar, golf outings, a beautiful banquet venue and sport simulator entertainment.” Even with all that is going on at Atlantic City Country Club off course it is difficult to overlook the centerpiece of the facility, which is its beloved layout that has delighted visitors for over a hundred years. The Northfield, N.J. club has the distinction of being the home of many firsts, such as being acknowledged as the “Birthplace of the Birdie,” and also where the term “Eagle” was coined. Six USGA championships have been played at the club’s legendary and beautiful layout. The

Scotland Run Club 24

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Ballamor GC

club’s professional at the time, Johnny J. McDermott, became the first American to win the U.S. Open in 1911. The great Babe Didrikson Zaharias captured the first of her three USGA Women’s Open titles at the club in 1948, and Don January won the inaugural PGA Senior Tour event played here in 1980. The “Atlantic City Country Club Bell” was originally used in the early 1900’s to remind golfers and other members that the last trolley was about to leave for Atlantic City. The club still rings the bell at the end of each day. John Reid, Willie Park, Jr., Howard C. Toomey and William S. Flynn, in addition to Doak, have laid skilled hands to the ACCC course design. The course is 6,575 yards from the tips, the slope is 128 with a par of 70. “Number 9 at ACCC is a great, traditional golf hole,” offered Mike Burke, Director of Golf, Atlantic City Country Club. It’s a long (452 yards) dogleg left, with a demanding tee shot and an even harder approach to a protected green. A four on this hole is a well earned par. As far as picturesque, few can rival number 16. You tee off from the marsh and the entire hole borders the bay. It’s both intimidating and beautiful as you play the hole with Atlantic City skyline in full view the entire way.”

Ballamor Golf Club, what many consider one of southern New Jersey’s best maintained, most spectacular course was formally limited to a small number of private members. But now, all can enjoy this remarkable Ault, Clark and Associates-designed layout (Dan Schlegel was lead architect) that was carefully carved out of gently rolling land and dense woods. Traversing Ballamor, a par-72, 7,098yard layout, is indeed something special. There are several “pods,” or groupings of holes that are scattered about the secluded property. After playing the first hole, the golfer travels a bit of a distance across a wooden bridge to a natural area for the pod of holes two through five. Then it’s across another bridge on a scenic ride to number six before heading off to holes seven through 12. The final grouping of holes ends back at the clubhouse. The course has three ponds, ample bunkering and a few forced carries, mostly over wetlands or natural areas that add sublime charm to the track. Ballamor was founded in 2001 as an upscale private club, is located just 15 minutes from Ocean City, N.J., and Atlantic City, N.J., and features a full-service clubhouse, pub and grill room with outdoor dining, a driving range with a short game

practice area and five target greens. The club went public in 2010. “Ballamor Golf Club is a tree-line challenge from start to finish with large undulating greens,” said Barry Shewalter, PGA. “Number 3 is a fun short par-four with a green guarded by water and bunkers, making it the ultimate risk/reward hole. Nothing quite ties together a good or bad day of golf like a great finishing hole and Ballamor has one of the best around. Number 18 is a reachable par-five 5 that borders a beautiful lake all the way to the green. A good tee shot gives the longer hitters a chance to get home in two. While the rest of us lay up to the left and take our chances with a wedge. Either way, it almost always keeps you coming back for more.” Built in and around an old sand quarry, Scotland Run offers a distinctive blend of wooded, quarry, and links-style holes. The most unique characteristics include expansive waste areas and an imposing display of cliffs. Located 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia and 45 minutes from Atlantic City, Scotland Run is open to the public year-round for daily-fee play. A Golf Digest 4 1/2-Star winner, Scotland Run was named the one of the Top 50 Public Courses in the country by the readers of Golf World

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in their annual Readers’ Choice Awards in 2009 and 2010. The course also has the honor of being awarded the number one course in the Philadelphia region by Business Week Magazine. “Scotland Run offers a nice change of pace and a completely different feel than both Ballamor and ACCC,” said Nick Borro, PGA General Manager of Scotland Run. The front nine gives you the feel of being wide open, but requires strategic target golf mentality. Number 7 is 372-yard par-four from the back tees, 340 yards from the white. The sharp dogleg left requires a tee shot to get out to a specific distance to have a clear shot at the green, but not too far to go through the fairway, usually a hybrid or fairway wood for most people. Said Borro, “The green is protected by a unique bunker that is elevated above the green, making all or part of the green a blind shot from the fairway depending on your landing spot. Proper placement off the tee leaves a short iron in to a two-tiered green.” Number 9 is a real test and requires a

Atlantic City CC

precise long iron or wood (depending on the wind) to reach this difficult par-three and keep your round going. Borro said, “The 16th is our most asked about hole, the `airplane hole’. It is a 402yard par-four from the back tees, 360 from the white. The tee shot must carry a sand quarry where and old “crashed” airplane rests. The tee shot is risk-reward. If you stay left, it will only require 150 to175 yard tee sheet to carry the quarry, but will leave 150 to 200 yards into the green. The

further right you go, the required carry is between 200 to 250 yards, but leaves you about 100 to 150 yards into the green, or possibly less.” Ottinger Golf Group is offering an early sign-up 2020 membership promotion, which gives the golfer the rest of the 2019 fall for free. And for daily golf course specials, there’s a Veteran’s Day promotion giving free golf to all vets, and a Thanksgiving Shotgun to allow golfers to get out early before going home to their family dinner. Visit the websites below. Ottinger Golf Group Northfield, N.J. 609-236-4400 www.OttingerGolf.com Atlantic City Country Club Northfield, N.J. visit www.accountryclub.com 609-236-4400 Ballamor Golf Club Egg Harbor Township, N.J. www.ballamor.com 609-601-6220

Ballamor GC

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Scotland Run Club Williamstown, NJ. 856-863-3737 www.ScotlandRun.com

The Links at Union Vale Award-winning golf course, wedding venue, and home of the Harp & Eagle Pub Open 7 Days a Week Weekend Breakfast, Craft Beers, Daily Specials, and Scenic Outdoor Seating! The Links at Union Vale is an award-winning course often described as “a bit of Ireland in Dutchess County” with the best five finishing holes in New York State. 2021: Named by Golf.com #33 of the “Top 100 Value Courses in The U.S.: The best courses you can play for $150 or less.”

2020: One of the best golf courses you can play in New York by Golfweek 2018: Golf Advisor’s Best of 2018 at number 34 in the U.S. and number two in New York State. 2016: Golfweek.com named The Links as one of its top 15 courses in New York State on a Best State-byState list, and Northeast Golf Magazine also nominated the course “The Best Overall Course” and “Best Conditioned Course.”

The Knot “Best of Weddings” (2011) WeddingWire.com “Brides Choice Award” (2011 - 2013) “Couples Choice Awards” (2014 - 2016, 2020) Luvgolf.com 153 North Parliman Road, Lagrangeville, NY 12540 Call Today! 845.223.1000

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Must Play

One of New Jersey’s Best Public Golf Course

Rock Spring Golf Club

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

hese are exciting times for Rock Spring Golf Club in West Orange, N.J. After years of operating as a private facility the club has opened its doors, fairways and greens to the public. “The transition has gone very well, as the course has been very well received by the local community and golfers from all over the region,” said Jerrod Wittman, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for KemperSports. “The volume of play has been outstanding and we are very pleased with the local support from both past members and local golfers.” Wittman explained why the change was made from private to pubic. “The Town of West Orange stepped in to purchase Rock Spring to preserve the golf course as green space and create an amenity for the entire community to

enjoy. The property was destined for development into a residential community, which would’ve removed a beautiful golf course and quality of life amenity from the area.” Aren’t we golfers the lucky ones, indeed? Rock Spring Golf Club features one of only two public golf courses in the United States designed by legendary architect Seth

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Raynor, whose highly-ranked work includes Fisher’s Island in New York, Shoreacres on Chicago’s North Shore, and Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda. Twelve of Raynor’s courses are on GOLF Magazine’s list of the Top 100 in the U.S. Rock Spring’s 6,600-yard par-71 course sits on a rolling, tree-lined site and features many of Raynor’s trademark design elements with unique and creative green complexes. Founded in 1925, Rock Spring Golf Club has played host to the New Jersey State Open (1981, 1990, 2000 and 2009), the US Healthcare Classic, and many state PGA and USGA qualifying events. Located just 15 miles west of Manhattan, Rock Spring Golf Club also features a clubhouse with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Cable Lake and Second Mountain.

The club had to hire and train an entirely new staff, as the existing employees returned to Montclair Country Club after the purchase and was closed in October of last year. At this time, the primary operation included the golf course and bar and grill-style restaurant. However, when requested the banquet rooms and patio are available for special events, parties and banquets. (I don’t quite understand this???) “We have not made any changes to this Seth Raynor masterpiece and have enjoyed introducing it to public golfers for the first time,” said Wittman. “It took some time and hard work to catch up on maintenance practices coming out of winter and we are happy with the golf experience our team is providing. As we work our way through this first golf season, we are also very excited to continue enhancing the courses natural features and beauty.” One of the aspects that makes Rock Spring such a great place to play and be a member of its storied history and link to the past. Said Wittman, “This is a rare opportunity to play premium public golf that very few golfers in the United States get to experience. In addition to enjoying this historic design, our staff thrives on delivering unmatched customer service that makes every public golfer feel as if they have been a member of Rock Spring for many years. It’s very rare to find this quality of golf experience without having to join an expensive country club.” Being in its initial year of operation as a public course, Rock Spring is slowly ramping up its marketing campaigns. Therefore most of its initial play has been from the local towns and communities surrounding the course. Offering special rates for West Orange seniors and residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively, along with military and first responder discounts, was important to build a sense of ownership of the course amongst the local golf community, according to Wittman.

“As we have expanded our marketing campaigns, we are also seeing a vast number of golfers from New York City and other major metro areas.” The club has launched a Golf Pass for the rest of 2019 for a reduced rate. In addition, there are the special rates for seniors, military and first responders. “We anticipate other specials and promotions as the year moves

along, which will be exclusively offered to our email subscribers and social media followers. Anyone can join these lists by visiting our website (www.rockspringgolf.com<http:// www.rockspringgolf.com).” For those who familiar with the history of Raynor they will experience many of the “template holes” holes brought over to the U.S. by his mentor C.B. McDonald, who studied the most famous courses and holes in the United Kingdom. Many of the holes at Rock Spring have been heavily influenced by these great designs that have stood the test of time to challenge golfers of all skill levels.

“Amongst the most notable would be the par-three third hole,” said Wittman, “which presents golfers with a very challenging tee shot over a ravine to a traditional Seth Raynor redan green. The smart play is to play to the right side of the green to minimize the risk and still have a chance to make a solid par.” Another wonderful hole is the par-four 11th, which offers golfers a risk/reward tee shot on a challenging long hole where taking on three fairway bunkers provides a great advantage on the second shot if successful. “If driving the ball is your strength, then going for the corner can result in a great advantage for the approach shot,” said Wittman. “If not, then there is plenty of room left to play the hole, but with a very long and challenging second shot.” With a very steep drop off behind the green, this hole takes golfers back to the home of golf, as it was constructed from the same template as the famous 17th “Road Hole” at St. Andrews in Scotland. A few other of the template holes at Rock Spring are: the 4th called “Double Plateau.” At first glance the green appears to be one very large target, but a closer inspection reveals two raised portions. As a result, the hole plays very different depending on which section is pinned, more akin to three tiny greens sandwiched together; the 6th, “Short”, modeled after a hole at Royal West Norfolk (a club which is not reachable at high tide), a short hole that is an all-or-nothing shot to a green that is essentially an island of green surrounded by a sea of sand; and the 18th called “Eden”, a rendition of the famous 11th hole at St. Andrews. There are bunkers left and right with a steep back to front slope on the green, so keep it below the hole. To sample these classic holes, and many more, visit Rock Spring Golf Club soon. Rock Spring Golf Club West Orange, N.J. 973-731-6466 w w w. R o c k Sp r i n g G o l f . c o m

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TRAVEL

Europe’s Little Known Golf Destination The Czech Republic By Mike May

ho would have thought that a small landlocked country about the size of Maine would be home to just under 100 golf courses? Prague the historic capital city is in the top 5 of most visited cities in Europe and an economic capital of the EU. Arriving in Prague, you won’t have far to go get into some of the world class golf. There are over 20 courses within the region known as Central Bohemia including the new PGA National Czech Republic at Oaks Prague named Best Golf Course in Europe by the World Golf Awards in 2020. Oaks Golf | PGA National Czech Republic (oakspga.cz) Other course of note in the region: The Prague City Golf Club, designed by 3-time PGA Tour winner and Czech native Alex Čejka. Prague City Golf Albatross Golf Resort, a Top 100 European Golf Course and home to Czech Masters European Tour Golfové hřiště Albatross Home and Panorama Golf Resort – Editor’s Choice, Best Golf Resorts in Continental Europe. Panorama Golf Resort

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Unless combining a visit with neighboring Eastern European country, Austria, Germany, Poland or Slovakia, it is most likely that North American visitors to the Czech Republic would fly in and out of Prague. A golf vacation to the Czech Republic will be so much more than just great golf. Known worldwide for the creation of the Pilsner Lager, European-style Budweiser the city of Pilsen is just west of Prague. For the most part golfers like there beer. Wine? Just keep heading southeast to South Moravia and you enter into the region which produces 95% of Czech wine. There are festivals a plenty for beer and wine lovers. Pick your poison. Where there is fine drink there must be food! No shortage of diversity in this part of Europe, The Czech Republic is a meat lover’s paradise with local dishes centered on pork, beef, and chicken. Local delicacies also include goose, duck, rabbit, venison, and a growing vegan and vegetarian dining scene. There is no shortage of experiences for historical enthusiasts with chateau’s, castles and cathedrals in many different architectural styles. The Czech Republic

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Golfing Magazine • New England Edition Pennsylvania Section

also has one of the highest densities of UNESCO sites in the world. Three of the famous wellness resorts have recently been added to the UNESCO list under the Great Spa Town of Europe. https://www.greatspatownsofeurope.eu/ A perfect after golf component to recharge anyone’s batteries. It is a magical world of wellness, with wonderful settings, be it elegant spas, wellness hotels, ostentatious chateaux and rural farms you can leave the everyday hustle and bustle behind and restore your appetite for life. The 97 courses are spread across eight Czech regions. The natural and undulating landscapes provide countless panoramic vistas, with a number of courses having hosted numerous European PGA Tour and LPGA Tour Events. Your next great golf vacation, make it something different and unique. The Czech Republic has everything and anything that you may want. Pick your region add some of your favorite things to do with golf and mix! For more information visit: www.VisitCzechRepublic

TRAVEL

Ocean Course Hokuala at Timbers Kauai

t your doorstep awaits 13 miles of nature trails, an infinity pool, a restaurant, spa, on-site organic farm as well as an award-winning Jack Nicklaus signature course boasting the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in all of Hawaii. With luxury amenities and a concierge team dedicated to have you living like a local, experience Kauai with some serious benefits. At Timbers Kauai, we’ve created just 47 residences, all offering an oceanfront location like no other on the island. Each residence filters through an elegant design aesthetic that brings the island indoors. Come for a vacation or stay for a lifetime – Timbers Kauai offers room and golf packages for a week, or you may love it so much that you decide to purchase a one or two-month ownership package with us. The Farm at Hokuala makes good on the “farm to table” promise: The mission of the

farm is to not only provide fresh ingredients to our spa and 19th hole, Hualani’s Restaurant, but to also build a community farm with an agriculture-education program for local schools. Tour with Farmer Cody and help harvest ingredients for special chef-prepared, farm-to-table dinners. “Hawaiians believe that life on this island came from a higher power and I believe that, too. It’s not just planting a seed and picking it and eating it. There’s a deepness to growing

food. It’s what connects you to this Earth.” – Farmer Cody For the golfers in your family, the Ocean Course Hokuala is one signature hole after another. For the photographers, it is one picture postcard after another. Here, where the ocean meets the land, is as good as a golfer’s life gets. The Ocean Course Hokuala has been completely renovated in anticipation of your visit, making Hokuala the premier golf resort on Kauai. If surfing is up your alley, test out our Golf Boards on the course, or if you have any soccer players in your family, Kauai’s only 9-hole FootGolf layout is a must – great for all ages and skill levels. At Hokuala, we have something for everyone and know that you will enjoy a wide variety of amenities we have to offer here at the resort. Savor the Garden Island where Aloha begins… www.GolfHokuala.com

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TRAVEL

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

A Coastal Treasure That Keeps Golfers Coming Back

laying golf in the fall is a pleasure. Taking a fall golf trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is unbeatable. The Brunswick Islands are home to more than 30 immaculate golf courses boasting 120 miles of stunning fairways and 540 of one-of-a-kind holes. The numbers alone make it easy to see why NC’s Brunswick Islands, also known as NC’s Golf Coast, has become a must-play destination for those who love to golf. But there’s more. On this treasured southern stretch of the North Carolina coast, legends of the great game paired their eye for design with the unique coastal landscape to craft courses that incorporate the area’s rivers, marshes, and maritime forests. The result? Awe-inspiring designs and distinctive challenges, all set against a scenic backdrop that is beyond compare. Names like Palmer, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Couples and Cate have left their mark here, and they invite golfers from all over to come walk in their footsteps. The location on the coast also gives way to a year-round golf climate, so any time of year is a great time to play. But there is something about the onset of autumn that beckons golfers to escape to the Brunswick Islands for an all-golf getaway that is second to none. Notable courses like Cape Fear National, Bald Head Island Club Golf Course, and Leopard’s Chase – one of the famed Big Cats

courses, designed by local legend Tim Cate – call the Brunswick Islands home and have been named among the best courses you can play in North Carolina. Other must-play area courses feature special signatures like the 9th hole at the Arnold Palmer-designed Rivers Edge Golf Club, a par-5 known as “Arnie’s Revenge,” or the 767-yard par-6 at Farmstead Golf Links that traverses state borders. The destination is perfect for staying and playing. Whatever you’re searching for in accommodations, from a villa right on the fairway, to an oceanside inn, or the perfect beach vacation rental home to welcome a group of any size, you’ll find it in the Brunswick Islands. Plus, the area’s two

golf resorts – Sea Trail Villas and Brunswick Plantation Resort and Golf – offer top-rate amenities in addition to great golf. And our local professional golf packagers are ready to help line up all the details of your trip for you so you can spend more time lining up your first drive. Between the welcoming climate, the accommodations, the breathtaking views and the memorable courses, everything comes together here to create the perfect golf getaway. You’ll come with a passion for the game and leave with a love of a place. Make the turn at NC’s Brunswick Islands this fall. You won’t regret it. www.NCBrunswickGolf.com

River’s Edge #9

Leopard’s Chase #18 34

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Leave some holes in your schedule

With more than 30 championship courses and 120 miles of fairways along the coast, you’re going to want some time to play NC’s Brunswick Islands. Request your Brunswick Islands Golf Guide: ncbrunswickgolf.com

ncbrunswickgolf.com | 800-795-7263

Runner-Up Kramer Hickok tees of 18th hole in play-

SUNSET BEACH • OCEAN ISLE BEACH • HOLDEN off BEACH • OAK ISLAND • CASWELL BEACH • BALD HEAD ISLAND • LELAND • SHALLOTTE • SOUTHPORT • CALABASH

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TRAVEL

Four Legendary Courses One Destination

here are many places to golf in Florida, but there’s only one Innisbrook Resort. Located on 900 sprawling acres of rolling hills and lakes on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Innisbrook Resort offers the perfect place for epic golf trips and leisurely getaways alike. The Tampa Bay golf resort is home to four outstanding courses, including the famed Copperhead Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, and a favorite among some of the world’s finest golf professionals. Designed by the innovative and imaginative architect Lawrence Packard, each of Innisbrook’s four courses feature unique layouts, scenery, and elevation change more reminiscent of the Carolina Sandhills and Georgia Foothills than the typical Florida terrain. Tee off on the Island Course with picturesque views, tight fairways, intimidating water hazards, and abundant bunkers. Or, imagine yourself hitting from the fairways graced by some of the world’s greatest on the Copperhead Course, and challenge yourself to the Snake Pit, where tournaments have been won and lost. The North Course, also known

as “Baby Copperhead,” features daunting par 3s, tight fairways, and well-bunkered greens — placing a premium on accuracy from tee to green. While the South Course’s undulating terrain, ample bunkers, water hazards, and Gulf of Mexico breezes all combine to make it another great challenge. No matter what your playing ability is, Innisbrook Resort provides a variety of golf experiences for all levels of play, whether you’re breaking 100 for the first time or following in the footsteps of the pros. Three golf packages offer the best year-round value for players, featuring daily tee times, newly renovated

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

accommodations, unlimited access to practice facilities, daily breakfast or lunch, and more player perks. Groups of 12 or more can also elevate their golf package with additional discounts on golf, upgraded accommodations, and a dedicated golf service manager to assist with trip details before, during, and after your stay. And, for golfers looking to fine-tune their skills, the Innisbrook Golf Institute provides the perfect place for students to focus on the intricate mechanics of the game. Off the course, guests will enjoy Innisbrook’s amazing resort facilities and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, including six swimming pools, four unique restaurants, a full-service spa, and an awardwinning tennis facility. Newly renovated guest accommodations range from Deluxe Guest Rooms to Two-Bedroom Suites highlighted by separate living and dining areas, kitchens, and private balconies or patios. At Innisbrook Resort, your enjoyment has no limits on and off the course. And now it’s your chance to discover for yourself why golfers from all over the world love to tee it up here.

Four Courses. One Destination. Play where the pros play in Tampa Bay, Florida, on the legendary Copperhead Course — home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. Tee off on four signature courses, enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch, and more with our Platinum Golf Package.

877.624.0693

InnisbrookResort.com

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TRAVEL

Sweet Home Alabama

weet Home Alabama is more than just a song or a movie, although they both certainly evoke the spirit of the beautiful state. It’s also a mantra for the hard-working, friendly folks that travelers encounter along the way. From the bagboys and beverage cart girls on the worldclass golf courses to the servers and chefs in the award-winning restaurants, visitors are made to feel right at home, ensuring that time spent in Alabama is as sweet as the tea. Sweet Home Alabama is a golfing destination unlike any other, as home to the original golf trail, modern and historic golf resorts, and over 32 miles of sugar-white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Both the incomparable Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Arnold Palmerdesigned Craft Farms Resort in Gulf Shores put Alabama on the radar of traveling golf groups more than 27 years ago. The ensuing years have upgraded the state’s position on all types of vacation bucket lists by spawning award-winning hotels, spas, and luxurious resorts; exciting craft breweries with medal-quality beers; world-renowned bass fishing events and red snapper rodeos; and a thriving culinary scene,

ranging from fresh Gulf seafood and a unique BBQ Trail to James Beard-recognized chefs and restaurants. Just a few of the golf resorts that make Alabama so special are Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, boasting an RTJ Golf Trail golf course,

90 miles) and has a fun, feature pool with patio bar and a three-story spa; The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa on Mobile Bay near Fairhope offering 36 holes of golf on the RTJ Golf Trail and all of the amenities of a worldclass resort; and Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama’s only gulf-front golf resort offering a Jerry Pate-designed course and clubhouse and fairway condominiums, as well as beach homes to rent. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with its eight hotels/resorts and 26 courses at 11 sites around the state, and Coastal Alabama Golf, the booking entity for nine premier golf courses and lodging options ranging from golf resorts and hotels to beachfront condos and homes in the Gulf Marriott Grand National Resort & Spa Shores-Orange Beach area, are eager to put together customized golf luxurious spa and delectable dining; Pursell packages for your foursome or group. Farms just 45 minutes south of Birmingham, which is a unique golf resort with lodging Check out www.GolfAlabama.org options ranging from a boutique inn, 4 for more information on how you can bedroom golf cottages and an 8 bedroom make Sweet Home Alabama your next golf lodge, along with the award-winning destination or visit www.RTJGolf.com and FarmLinks golf course; Marriott Grand www.CoastalAlabamaGolf.com to book National Resort & Spa in Auburn-Opelika today. is the closest resort to the Atlanta airport (just

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort 38

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Award-winning dining, a booming craft beer scene and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail await you in Alabama. Plus, with Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountains to the coast you can take it all in.

www.GolfAlabama.org

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Birmingham www.GolfingMagazine.net

TRAVEL

The Golf Island – Hilton Head Island, SC A Golf Vacation Unlike Any Other

he Hilton Head IslandBluffton area of South Carolina is home to 26 fantastic golf courses, world-class beaches and an unparalleled variety of vacation accommodations, lowcountry dining choices and off-the-course activities. Recently Voted the #1 Golf Destination in North America Golf is played 365 days a year on The Golf Island, with 16 onisland courses, including the famous Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort, and 10 off-island layouts. The breathtaking natural beauty of the area attracted some of the games greatest architects...Robert Trent Jones, Davis Love III, Rees Plan Your Hilton Head Island Golf Trip Jones, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Online Jack Nicklaus, George Fazio...just to name a few. Hilton Head Island is also home to the We make planning your golf vacation RBC Heritage, an area tradition where the from start to finish easy on the the #1 trip world’s best golfers try to tame one of the planning site at www.HiltonHeadGolfIsland. most challenging stops on the PGA Tour. com. Browse all of the area’s golf courses, The Golf Island has proven year the many seasonal golf package offers, after year to be a golf lovers dream and accommodations options, off-the-course is the perfect destination for the annual activities and request a custom golf trip buddy golf trip, couples trips, girlfriend quote. With a few clicks of your mouse, getaways and parent-child weekends. your dream vacation can become a reality.

Oyster Reef Golf Club

Visit the Award-Winning and Tour Favorite The Golf Island has been voted by PGA Tour players as their 2nd favorite stop on Tour and the #1 Island in the US by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards four years running. Simply put, no place does a golf vacation like Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. www.HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort and Rob Tipton 40

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Voted the 2020 Best Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler

No Place Does A Golf Trip Like

The Golf Island

HILTON HEAD ISLAND S O U T H

C A R O L I N A

26 Golf Courses • Amazing Beaches • Lowcountry Dining & So Much More

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HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com

Photo Courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort & Rob Tipton www.GolfingMagazine.net Photo Courtesy of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort - Robert Trent Jones Course

TRAVEL

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

On Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

or more than a half-century, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, nestled in the heart of legendary Hilton Head Island, SC, has stood proudly as a coastal southern destination that inspires relaxation and reliable comfort. Palmetto Dunes is a place that stirs the senses and creates a homecoming for family and friends by virtue of its 2,000 acres of amenities, including world-class golf, beach, biking, racquet sports and a plethora of other outdoor activities. Little wonder why Palmetto Dunes has been named by Condé Nast as one of the “Top Resorts in the South” in its Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for four consecutive years. Palmetto Dunes’ trio of championship golf courses — each distinctively different and uniquely appealing — were designed by three of the sport’s most renowned architects. The Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio Courses have all been named South Carolina’s “Golf Course of the Year.” Under the direction of former PGA Tour player Doug Weaver, the resort’s Golf Academy offers a variety of instructional programs for golfers of all skill levels. There is also a fun new Toptracer Range at the Robert Trent Jones Course. Tennis Magazine ranks Palmetto Dunes among “The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts,” with more courts than anywhere on the island, year-round play, instruction available for all skill levels. Palmetto Dunes

Robert Trent Jones Course, Hole# 10 also has 24 lighted pickleball courts and one of the most comprehensive instructional programs on the East Coast. Last year, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center was named “Pickleball Resort of the Year” by Racquet Sports Industry Magazine. Hilton Head Outfitters at Palmetto Dunes boasts the island’s largest fleet of bike rentals. They also have everything you and your family will need for the beach, from surf boards to beach umbrellas and everything in between. If getting out on the water is your thing, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina — Hilton Head’s largest marina, located directly across the street from Palmetto Dunes — offers everything from access to deep water adventures, nature tours, fishing

charters, boat rentals, and more. Make yourself at home in Palmetto Dunes’ selection of vacation rental homes located just steps from the course, the beach or the courts. Villa rentals and condominium-style complexes provide outstanding resort amenities, while larger vacation rental homes provide your family the room they need and space they’ll enjoy. And of course, whether you’re in the mood to savor a steak or sample a sandwich, dining at the Palmetto Dunes restaurants, cafes and grills conveniently located on-site will provide exactly what you need. www.PalmettoDunes.com

George Fazio Course, Hole #16 42

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

Three World-Class Golf Courses One Exceptional Location

ROBERT TRENT JONES OCEANFRONT This famed oceanfront course is a local favorite and a must-play for every visitor. HHHH by Fodor’s Golf Digest SC “Best Courses You Can Play”

ARTHUR HILLS

A shot-makers favorite and one of the Island’s most distinctive layouts. Golf Digest called it “the best of the three.” HHHH12 by Fodor’s Golf Digest SC “Best Courses You Can Play”

Arthur Hills

George Fazio

Featuring 15 covered outdoor bays with high-speed cameras and TV monitors. Toptracer uses the same technology that tracks & displays ball ight in real-time during the television broadcasts of tournaments on the PGA Tour.

GEORGE FAZIO

A demanding par 70, the Fazio course offers great playing conditions with state-of-the-art Diamond Zoysia greens. HHHH by Fodor’s Golf Digest America’s “Top 100”

Toptracer is great to practice, track all your shot data and dive into the analysis of your swing. You can use the technology to monitor your progress and highlight areas of improvement! NEW!

Book online at: PalmettoDunesToptracerRange.com

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront

www.PalmettoDunes.com • Call 843-593-9123

www.GolfingMagazine.net

TRAVEL

Santee, Couth Carolina

antee Cooper Golf Resort now features the state of South Carolina’s only 18hole putting course! The Palmetto Traverse is a 35,000 square-foot natural grass putting experience that will challenge the serious putter and create great fun for those just out for enjoyment. The Palmetto Traverse lies steps from the resort’s villas and townhouses. Those on a Resort golf package enjoy unlimited play during their stay. The Most Fun, Value-Packed Golf Vacation The top priority at Santee Cooper Resort is to provide a golf trip for guests that is fun and loaded with value. This is why 85% of Resort customers repeat every year. From great golf and first-class accommodations to BBQ dinners, golf shop gift cards and deeply discounted replay rounds, the golf vacation experience is second to none. And, to top it all off, the Resort recently opened the first 18-hole, natural grass putting course in South Carolina to extend the fun into the wee hours! You will be charmed with good ol’ southern hospitality and wowed with an experience you and your group will never forget!

13 Fun-Filled Golf Courses to Play Santee Cooper Resort features two, 18hole courses that have been the perennial favorites of traveling golfers for more than 30 years. Eleven other championship courses dot the landscape in Santee and the surrounding area, giving you have lots of choices. Many of these fine courses have been ranked by Golf Digest’s Places to PlayGuide. Enjoy classic tree-lined layouts, dramatic elevations and views of beautiful Lake Marion. As you play your way around Santee, you will notice each and every course has been designed for maximum enjoyment and a thrilling challenge. Lake Marion Golf Townhouses Due to the overwhelming demand for quality on-course lodging in the area, 10 new Lake Marion Golf Townhouses were added in mid-2016, bringing the total number of units available for your next golf vacation stay to 34. The Townhouses are located along the fairways of Lake Marion Golf Course. These spacious units average 1500 sq. ft. each and feature two bedrooms with four extended full beds, 2.5 bathrooms, an over-sized fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor patio, three televisions with satellite TV featuring 160

channels with HD options, complimentary WiFi service and daily towel service, plus a gas grilling station. Each unit has two levels, all with ground entry. The second bedroom and bath are located upstairs. Lake Marion Golf Villas Each of these 24 units averages 1250 sq. ft. and allows easy one-level access to all amenities and living space, with a choice of a ground floor or second floor entry. Guests enjoy two bedrooms, with four full beds, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor patio, three televisions with satellite TV featuring 160 channels with HD options, complimentary WiFii service, an in-unit washer and dryer and a conveniently-located shared charcoal grilling station. All Resort guests also enjoy exclusive access to the new outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally) and use of the Hospitality Clubhouse featuring gathering space for groups of 16-64 complete with a kitchen area, flat screen TV and expansive scoreboards. www.SanteeCooperGolf.com

Lake Marion Golf Course, 1st Hole 44

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

YOUR GOLF TRIP PLAYGROUND

SANTEE SOUTH CAROLINA

SANTEE COOPER GOLF RESORT

HOME OF THE ALLINCLUSIVE GOLF PACKAGE 36 Holes of Golf Just Steps from Our WellAppointed Golf Villas and Townhouses Unlimited Play on the New, Palmetto Traverse SC’s Only 18-Hole, Natural Grass Putting Course $10 Replay Rounds of Golf Lake Marion Golf Shop Gift Card Breakfast Daily and Weekly Dinner (Seasonal)

35,000 Square Feet of Pure Putting Fun!

SANTEE COOPER GOLF RESORT | (800) 344-6534 • www.SanteeCooperGolf.com www.GolfingMagazine.net

TRAVEL

North Carolina’s Outer Banks The Ultimate Coastal Golf Destination

ocated at the top of North Carolina’s barrier islands, the Outer Banks divides the Atlantic Ocean from the Currituck Sound. With so many holes along the waters completely surrounding the Outer Banks, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque and exciting place to tee it up. The OBX is not the trumped-up, touristy golf destination that has developed over time in other coastal towns. Instead, it is a throwback coastal retreat with a charm that is preserved not only in its distinct culture but across many of its big-name golf designs as well. In recent years, the OBX has begun to assert itself as a true golf destination, with an array of courses that are more closely tied to all of nature’s coastal elements than what you’ll find in other East Coast golf destinations. Nags Head Golf Links features several holes routed right along the Roanoke Sound. With its coastal winds, rugged shoreline, island holes, seaside vistas, and tees and greens are separated by rolling dunes and wild sea grass, Nags Head bears far more than a passing resemblance to the famed Scottish golf links. The Currituck Club is a Rees Jonesdesign located on the top end of the barrier island. This grand design along the coast was “sculpted on the type of land where golf began” among 600 acres of dunes, wetlands, maritime forests and sound seascapes. Located on the mainland, Kilmarlic Golf Club is an upscale Tom Steele design set amidst 605 beautiful acres of maritime forest that provides a pure OBX layout with water and wetlands virtually in play at all times. Kilmarlic has played host to many state open championships, as well as an annual Intercollegiate tournament.

Kilmarlic Golf Club The Pointe Golf Club is a traditional design that spreads out across the rural Carolina mainland. The Pointe is known as the most player-friendly course on the Outer Banks and consistently offers fairways and greens that are considered among the finest along the East Coast. Last but not least, The Carolina Club is a big, brawny layout (especially in relation to the others in the region) that stretches to within lob wedge distance of 7,000 yards. Designed by popular architects Russell Breeden and Bob Moore, the course features an island green par 3 that can be challenging to hit when the ocean breezes kick up and penetrate the mainland. A wide range of top-shelf and equally eclectic accommodations can be found all along OBX. The area’s latest golf group accommodations are The Cottages at Kilmarlic. Located within the Kilmarlic

Resort and Golf Club, these well-appointed cottages feature two-bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, living room and back deck complete with a gas grill – providing the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the view of the lighted putting green. A four-hole par-3 short course called “The Killie” wraps around the Cottages for added fun during your golf vacation stay. There is no denying the quality of the golf on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. But whatever combination of golf courses you choose on your visit, just don’t go there thinking that the trip is going to be a stepping stone to something greater. The OBX golf experience can certainly hold its own against all others – near or afar. A golf getaway to the Outer Banks is simply one you and your friends will greatly enjoy. For golf package information visit www.PlayOBXGolf.com.

Nags Head Golf Links, 18th Hole 46

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section

OBX

Golf

THE OUTER BANKS OF NORTH CAROLINA

Nags Head Golf Links

The Golf Vacation You Absolutely Deserve Kilmarlic Golf Club

The Currituck Club

The Carolina Club

The Pointe Golf Club

Five Award-Winning Golf Courses • First-Class Accommodations Pristine Beaches • Fresh Coastal Dining • Historical Treasures

We Specialize in Custom Golf Packages for Groups of All Sizes! Package Information: (800) 916-6244 • www.PlayOBXGolf.com www.GolfingMagazine.net 47

Play Fox Hollow Golf Club

Now open to the public! Take on this challenging course and enjoy a fast pace of play, great food, and a great value in the heart of Central New Jersey!

BO OK A T EE TIM E TO DAY FOXHOLLOWGC.COM | 908.526.0010

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/E. Pennsylvania Section