Rose Hall, Jamaica
Barbados
Giants Ridge, MN
Travel Edition
Contributing
Claudio DeMarchi
Mike May
Mike Stinton
George Connor, PGA Sue Kaffenburg, PGA
Dave Souza
Steve Hancock
Contributing
Planning your golf trip with Let's Go Golf Trips is like having a personal caddy by your side. We take care of all th e details so you can focus on enjoying the perfect golf getaway with your buddies. Get a FREE quote today and let's make some great golf memories together!
GOLF GROUP ON THE TEE!
LET’S GO LET’S GO GOLF! GOLF!
We’re not bots. We’re real, live, humans who love to play golf. Our team of Let’s Go! PROs are golf travel specialists with over 50 years’ experience in the biz.
Get ready to tee off with Let’s Go Golf Trips. Now is the time to plan your tee times at world-class golf destinations! Let’s Go Golf Trips has got you covered! We’re all about crafting customized golf packages for your group, so you can focus on what you love most - playing quality golf.
Check out our awesome lineup of golf hotspots across the U.S., Caribbean, and beyond. Play & Walk where the Pros Play on legendary courses, relax at top of the line resorts or if your group isn't looking for the best of the best, we have quality packages for every budget. Let's Go!
The Let's Go! Golf Trips difference is our staff of experienced golf package specialists, knowledgeable about our golf d estinations, accommodations and golf courses. Your specialist wi ll deliver insights into your golf trip to make sure your golf package is "hasslefree" from start to finish.
The Sun Shines Again in a Resilient Florida Floridians are Stronger than the Storms
By CLAUDIO DEMARCHI
The Pasco Country region of Florida, better known as Florida’s Sports Coast just north of Tampa was battered by one storm after another. In late September, Hurricane Helene a category 4 storm hit as a devastating tropical cyclone. On Helene’s heals, and just a couple of weeks later Hurricane Milton, thankfully, if you can say that, was downgraded to a Category 3 storm before sweeping across central and southern parts of the State. It caused flooding, property damage, evacuations, and power outages in multiple communities.
These storms are not new to Floridians and how they and their businesses bounce back to welcome travellers and especially golfers is absolutely amazing. Clean up, and power restoration begins almost immediately after the storms and before we in the north can imagine, Florida is back in business. That is the case again!
Saddlebrook Resort is the golf anchor of the region, VP of Saddlebrook International Sports, Pat Farrell advised, “We had some trees down and some flooding on the course and debris clean up but within 2 weeks we were fully reopened, and virtually no damage to the condo units.”
The iconic Saddlebrook Resort is on the verge of undergoing a multi-milliondollar renovation. Situated on a 5,623-acre
1–3-bedroom
condo units. Once on property there is no vehicle required. Walking distance to everything or call the concierge and they come get you.
Golf course transformation under the guidance of renowned golf course designer Reese Jones has already begun. The two 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed courses have been revamped into 27-holes, with a new driving range to open in Mid December just a stone through from the Pro Shop.
What you may remember from the golf on previous visits will remain the same through this winter and spring. Fairways are generous but stray and there is plenty of water, towering cypress and oak lined fairways to deal with. White sand bunkers protect a variety of greens, medium to large in size with some interesting complexes. Surrounding the greens, the thick, gnarly Bermuda rough tangles around the club and complicates the soft touch needed to play short pitch shots. Miss the green, and you face a difficult par.
Beginning, April 2025 one 9 at a time will be shut down and Mr. Jones will begin to over hall 27 holes. At such time there will always be 18-holes available for play. Starting in January of 2025 renovations will continue on the condo units. www.SaddlebrookResort.com
property where you find a gazillion gallon pool, tennis courts, with over 500,
Fox Hollow Golf Club, 4th Hole
Lake Jovita Golf Club
Golf on Florida’s Sports Coast
Golf extends from Dade City to the east, west to New Port Richey and the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations in the area are not limited to resorts. Just off of I-75 The Hyatt Place Tampa is right across from the Tampa Outlets, within walking distance of many restaurants and bars including the Tiger Woods designed Popstroke, for those who just don’t get enough golf.
Also, for the dining aficionado’s and located between the Hyatt and Saddlebrook is a fine collection of dining establishment’s set amongst the “Shops at Wiregrass.” Over 30 bars and restaurants to satisfy any pallet.
Lake Jovita Golf Club, a gem. 30 minutes east of I-75 and Saddlebrook close to Dade City. 2 great and totally different courses and a property oozing with southern charm.
The South Course : considered “the Members Course” is a tighter layout, more of a player’s course, where accuracy is key. There are plenty of dog-legs to deal with, plenty of water, marshes and creeks to deal with and bunkers too! The 9th and 18th holes taking you back to a most impressive southern style clubhouse are most memorable.
The North Course: a wonderful compliment to the South, grip it and rip it style, wider fairways, fewer but more strategically placed bunkers and some interesting water plays. Believe it or not there are rolling fairways and elevation changes that come into play in this part of Florida.
Stay & Play: is available at Lake Jovita, 1750 sq/ft Villas, only a 2-minute walk from the Clubhouse’s exceptional dining and cozy 19th hole. Villas are 3BR/2BA in a gated community overlooking the 18th & 9th greens. www.LakeJovita.com
Plantation Palms Golf Club: A semi-private club that for 3 straight years has been selected “Best of the Best” by a Tampa Bay Times reader poll. 10 minutes west of I-75.
The links style design was carved from a 400acre citrus grove that slopes from west to east,
providing interesting elevation changes. The course opens up with a welcoming par 5 and then slowly steps up with a mixture of strong par 3s. It won’t take long to notice the attractive framing of fairways and greens with pine trees, water and large snow-white sand traps. Water is in play on 17 of 18 holes. You will also want to make Mulligan’s Irish Pub your 19th hole for the day. www.PlantationPalms.net
At the west end of the region, and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico you will find the historic Hacienda Hotel in downtown, New Port Richey. It is just one of those places, where you say, “I need to stay here!”
The Hacienda: originally built in 1927 and re opened in 2022. Featuring 40 comfortably appointed rooms, each styled with a classic elegance, reminiscent of the hotel’s original, Spanish-Floridian charm. It doesn’t take long before guests of the Hacienda find themselves whisked back in time to the glory days and its reputation as “The Hollywood of the East.”
Notable patrons included Gloria Swanson and Charlie Chaplin, stars of the silver screen. Bad
boy Al Capone, and baseball slugger Babe Ruth hung out, as did the first ever golfer to win all four majors, Gene Sarazan. For them, The Hacienda was always the place to be.
www.HaciendaHotelnPR.com
Fox Hollow Golf Club: 20 minutes away is a premier semi-private golf course, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs.
WOW factor sets in the moment drop your bag off, you can’t help but catch site of the 10th and 18th holes with large water bordering both sides of the fairway. Central Florida Magazine consistently ranks the 18th hole as “Best Par 4 in Florida”. Water comes into play on 11 holes and Jones’ other signature feature – plentiful, profound and penal bunker complexes – abound. Fox Hollow has hosted local qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as qualifiers for the Valspar Championship, the PGA Tour event held annually at Innisbrook Golf Resort. The Grille is another 19th hole not to be missed. Locals have been known to dine here regularly, golfing or not. www.FoxHollowGolfClub.com
It may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Florida golf, it certainly is convenient being just 35 minutes north of Tampa Airport. Other than the iconic Saddlebrook Resort your will find hidden golf gems at very reasonable rates and a whole new world of great golf, dining and adventure.
It’s Florida, so you know that sun is shining and nothing shines brighter than the resilience of the people of Florida. Putting the damn hurricanes behind us, let’s get back there and play some golf!
For more information on the entire Florida’s Sports Coast region visit www.FLSportsCoast.com
Saddlebrook Resort
The Hacienda
Michigan’s BOYNE Golf Continues to Surprise and Delight
By NEAL KOTLAREK
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reminded us that the world does not stand still. “Change is the law of life,” he declared. “And those who only look to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
Knowingly or not, the visionaries behind BOYNE Golf in Northern Michigan have fully embraced Kennedy’s words. At a time when so many golf properties across the country have settled in to enjoy the fruits of America’s post-pandemic embrace of the game, the myriad of golf courses, hotels, and amenities that make up the destination has been continuously expanded, upgraded, and a few even created from scratch.
BOYNE Golf encompasses three resorts across a relatively short expanse of Michigan located near Petoskey, Michigan. Stationed at or around the hotels are 10 delightful, challenging and amazingly diverse golf courses. Ask someone who has played any or all of them and they will tell you that all 10 are picture-postcard-perfect in beauty and conditioning. That said, each course
has either recently received marked improvements or is slated for such in the coming months and years.
How do you improve perfection? Bernie Friedrich, currently the director of golf course renovation and development (and 2023 PGA National Golf Course Executive of the Year) laughed at the question. “Like everything else in life, golf courses change as they mature. Maybe the bunkers have filled in. Maybe the greens have gotten smaller than the architect originally intended. With 10 courses to manage, we try to stay on top of how we can provide the optimal golf experience for our guests and members.
Friedrich cited the famed Donald Ross Memorial Course at the Highlands at Harbor Springs as a prime example. “Technology has really helped us understand the subtleties involved in the architecture of Donald Ross,” Friedrich said. When that course was built, famous Ross holes from around the world were emulated to provide players with the look and feel of a Ross design. “But decades later,” Friedrich
continued, “we were provided access to the original drawings of these famous holes and even received satellite imagery of what those holes look like at their original courses.”
BOYNE Golf engaged prominent Michigan architect Raymond Hearn to review each course in the portfolio and provide input on improving the player’s experience. Given access to original sketches, maps, and photos of some of the greatest Ross courses, the architect was able to convey the intricacies of Ross’ designs.
Fans of great golf architecture are treated to the works of many of the world’s premier designers on any extended trip to BOYNE Golf. The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain incorporates holes inspired by the greatest holes of Dr. Alister Mackenzie, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Pete Dye. And speaking of Jones Sr., his 1966 masterpiece The Heather course is located at The Highlands and remains one of Michigan’s premier tournament layouts. The Highlands also features the Arthur Hills Course. Any golf trip should include
The Links at Bay Harbor
this tract on the itinerary as the par-5 No. 13 begins from a tee built on top of the world and descends across and over a valley before climbing up and then down a knoll toward a massive green.
“The golf industry has experienced amazing growth following the pandemic years,” said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing for BOYNE Golf . “We’ve seen new interest in golf by couples, women, juniors, and groups. Golf has always been a social
game of inclusiveness. We have responded to these new channels by reimaging our properties, including, new luxury accommodations at The Highlands and Boyne Mountain, and food offerings that span all preferences from grab-and-go to fine dining.” Along with amenities that include swimming pools, an 88,000 square foot indoor waterpark, ziplining, and horseback riding. And the resorts continue to expand with a 1,200-feet-long pedestrian SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain to provide exhilarating views.
In total, the three Boyne properties offer hundreds of accommodation options, from the elegant cottages and suites at the Inn at Bay Harbor to family villas at Boyne Mountain, townhomes at The Highlands, and charming, affordable hotel rooms at each resort.
Golf, of course, remains a point of emphasis at all three Boyne properties. Boyne Mountain is renowned across all of Michigan for its popular ski hills. Players get to understand the size and scale of both The Alpine and The Monument courses right out of the gate as the ride between the clubhouse and the first tee takes you up the mountain for a magnificent view and tees up towering drives toward fairways below.
the 27 holes at
Designed by Art Hills,
Arthur Hills Course at Boyne Highlands
The Monument at Boyne Mountain
Bay Harbor are three unique 9-hole courses, each with different landscapes. The Links takes players alongside cliffs hugging Lake Michigan. The Scottish links-inspired course is highlighted by the stunning par-5 No. 7. Give yourself additional time following the hole to take photos of your foursome standing behind this green seemingly on the edge of the world.
The Quarry nine is a reminder of that property’s roots as grounds of a cement factory that was decommissioned in the 1980s. One hole calls for a tee shot over a 40-foot gorge while others weave around the quarry and around natural ponds and wetlands. The Preserve is nestled in a hardwood forest and abounds with wildflowers, native wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Following eight holes through the woods, the course ends on a 186-yard par 3 featuring a sloping green postured above the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan.
Across the highway from Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree Golf Club provides 18 perfectly manicured holes perched high on bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay. No trip to Bay Harbor is complete without drinks and dinner at the opulent Inn at Bay Harbor, a Marriott Collection Hotel. A gourmet dinner on the veranda overlooking the lake will make for the most memorable meal of your year.
In 2025, two new golf experiences will
become available at The Highlands; the Doon Brae 9-hole short course and an accompanying 27-hole, 1.2-acre Himalayan putting area. Doon Brae features a collection of greens inspired by some of the legendary putting surface designs on British Isles courses.
“Boyne has a diverse clientele, including avid groups of golfers along with couples and families; the goal was to make a course that would be fun for every level
of player. “This was a really interesting and exciting project, since the course is laid out on a ski hill,” added Hearn. “Our vision of Boyne Resorts goes well beyond 2030,” said Friedrich. Stay tuned for even greater and better experiences in the coming days, months, and years,” said Friedrich.
To book a trip or for more information, visit www.BOYNEgolf.com or call 844.884.4374.
The Quarry at Bay Harbor
The Heather at Boyne Highlands
Stay and Play Resorts in Sweet Home Alabama
Every golfer knows a straight shot is the simplest, most risk-free choice. So, it is with golf destinations. With mostly interstate travel and direct flights into both state and regional airports, Alabama fits the bill with great value golf and year ‘round golfing weather. The unrivaled, original golf trail spans the length of the state and the seaside destination of Gulf Shores-Orange Beach marks the end of the road. But it’s the golf resorts in the state that create a journey like no other.
Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is now over 30 years old and boasts 25 golf courses at 11 locations from top to bottom. In the northwest corner is a 36-hole complex aptly named The Shoals, as it’s located in Muscle Shoals, the hit recording capital of the world and just across the river in Florence is the much-awarded Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, one of four golf resorts in the RTJ Golf Trail collection of hotels and resorts. Birmingham has certainly become golf central, with the state’s most luxurious resort, Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa leading the way. The resort’s 18-hole layout is both challenging and rewarding. Located just a mile away from Ross Bridge is the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley. It
offers two unique full-length courses, Ridge and Valley, plus an exciting, new 9-hole, walking, short course, called The Backyard.
South of Birmingham, Pursell Farms in Sylacauga is a multi-faceted stay and play spot offering golf cottages, an 8-room lodge, a spa, and a new Inn. The Inn, with its restaurant and pub, sits along the 18th fairway of their FarmLinks Golf Course.
In the Montgomery suburb of Prattville is the Trail’s only site with three full-length courses, the RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill. The onsite Marriott Hotel is a convenient place to stay, but for additional nightlife and dining options, the downtown Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa would be a good choice. Fifty miles east of Montgomery near Auburn in Opelika is one of the most requested sites on the Trail. Robert Trent Jones, Sr. is on record saying that the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National was the single greatest natural site for golf he had ever seen. The award-winning Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is located on the back nine of the Lake course and offers a true stay and play experience.
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection on the Eastern Shore of
Mobile Bay offers superb dining, a European spa, exciting waterscapes, a beach along Mobile Bay and 36 holes at the Lakewood Club. The courses meander around spring-fed lakes and are framed by stately magnolias, oaks, and dogwoods, which have been around for quite some time. The resort itself has upheld a grand tradition of Southern hospitality, charm and elegance since 1847.
Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort in Gulf Shores is on a spit of land just 1,100 yards wide at its most slender point, meaning airflow above the golf course is influenced by the air exchange coming in from both the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. Traditionalists relish the chance to play in the wind on a links-style layout, so the appeal of Kiva’s site was always there. Kiva Dunes is considered the premier design in the portfolio of former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate. The onsite beach resort, with linkside condominiums and beach homes, is a great option to stay and play.
To learn more about all the golf resorts in Sweet Home Alabama, visit www.GolfAlabama.org
Apes Hill
Double the Fun at Rose Hall Golf A Golfer’s Paradise in Jamaica
Since the 1960s, Rose Hall Golf has been a shining star in the world of Caribbean golf. Known for its picturesque views, world-class facilities, and rich historical backdrop; it’s no wonder that Rose Hall
Golf continues to dominate the golf scene, not just in Jamaica, but across the entire Caribbean. This excellence is reflected in its accolades, including consistently winning the Best Golf Course in Jamaica at the World Golf Awards as early as 2015 and consistently ranking as a top 10 finalist in the USA TODAY 10 BEST Caribbean Golf Awards every year. What’s the secret to Rose Hall Golf’s enduring appeal? The unbeatable combination of two championship golf courses: White Witch Course and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course.
Designed by renowned course architects Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, these courses offer a golfing experience that transcends the ordinary. The White Witch Course, with a rating of 74.0, and the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, rated 72.4, are both meticulously designed to challenge golfers while showcasing the natural beauty of Jamaica. The courses weave through
vibrant tropical landscapes and historical ruins, providing an immersive experience that’s as much about appreciating the surroundings as it is about the game itself.
The historical allure of Rose Hall Golf is deeply interwoven into the playing experience. At the heart of both courses stands the iconic Rose Hall Great House, a Georgian mansion built in the 17th century and famously associated with the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall, Annee Palmer.
This historic mansion is visible from hole #2 of the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and graces the entrance of the White Witch Golf Course, adding an air of mystique and grandeur to the setting. On hole #14 of the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, golfers can catch a glimpse of the Johnny Cash Great House, the former home of country music legends Johnny and June Carter Cash. It’s a unique opportunity to tread the same grounds where these cultural icons once lived.
The history doesn’t stop there. On hole #7 of the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, golfers will encounter the 18th-century Aqueduct, a stunning piece of engineering that now serves as a sought-after venue for
weddings and events. These historical landmarks, combined with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Jamaica’s lush flora and fauna, make playing at Rose Hall Golf a uniquely enriching experience.
But it’s not just about history and views; the courses themselves are masterpieces. Hole #1 of the White Witch Golf Course, perched atop the Mount Zion mountain, offers breathtaking views of the Rose Hall Great House and beyond, providing a dramatic and awe-inspiring start to any round. The combination of challenging layouts, stunning scenery, and impeccable course conditions make every round at Rose Hall Golf memorable.
For those seeking a premier Caribbean golf escape, Rose Hall Golf’s White Witch and Cinnamon Hill courses stand as a testament to Jamaica’s rich golfing heritage. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or a seasoned player looking to test your skills, these courses offer an experience that’s second to none. So, pack your clubs, feel the warm Jamaican breezes, and get ready to enjoy 36 holes of enchanting Caribbean golf.
https://rosehall.com/golf
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
Giants Ridge Resort An Unforgettable Minnesota Golf Experience
By TOM LANDERS
Visiting Minnesota to play golf at Giants Ridge Resort was an exciting experience for me. Nestled in the scenic Mesabi Iron Range, this location offers two remarkable courses: The Legend and The Quarry, both designed by Jeffrey Brauer. The courses have their own unique characters and challenges, making them essential stops for golf enthusiasts. While Giants Ridge has two first-class golf courses, it also happens to be Minnesota’s top family resort vacation destination, featuring multiple outdoor endeavors such as fishing, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The Legend
As its name implies, The Legend offers flatout legendary golf. The original Giants Ridge course, The Legend is a true “northwoods” course featuring towering pines, giant fairways and majestic views of Wynne and Sabin Lakes. Its smooth edges and traditional design elements offer a stunning contrast to the starkly modern sibling, Quarry.
Ranked as the fifth-best course in Minnesota by Golfweek in 2024, The Legend is a beauti-
ful, tree-lined course close to 7,000 yards from the tips. The design incorporates natural landscapes and creates a feeling of being immersed in nature.
One notable feature is its par-5 third hole, which has a fairway bunker shaped like a bear claw. Some say it’s a giant footprint that plays off an old Indian legend about a Mesabi giant who roamed the hills. He fell asleep in the hills, and the shape of his body created the local topography. The challenge lies in clearing that bunker for a chance at the green in two shots. My experience there reminded me how golf teaches patience.
This course is not all about beauty; it tests your skills too. The eighth hole is the most challenging, requiring a drive over a gorge into a narrow opening. Then, players must contend with a lengthy approach shot to a well-guarded green.
The par-3 17th is a highlight with its stunning views. From an elevated tee, it requires a precise shot over a section of the lake to a sloping green. The surrounding flora adds to the picturesque setting, making this hole
memorable.
The Quarry
The Quarry, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive, challenging layout. Brauer designed this course to reflect the area’s mining history. Spanning over 7,200 yards, it provides a unique golfing experience with visually stunning holes that can intimidate even seasoned players.
The design offers plenty of room off the tee but has pitfalls like high fescue and wetlands that can quickly swallow lost balls. The eighth hole, at 455 yards, is particularly daunting. You need to make a strong drive to hit the narrow fairway and then follow it with an accurate second shot.
The Quarry is one of those golf courses where you want to do your very best on every shot because every shot has the potential to be a lifetime memory maker. Personally, I’ll remember holing my greenside chip for birdie on the par three 4th hole, the tee shot from the elevated gold tees on the par five 5th, putting around the ‘valley of sin’ on the 6th green, the tee shot on the par four 13th (the Signature
The Quarry, 13th Hole
Hole) and the approach shot to a ‘blind’ pin placement on the 16th. The Quarry is the kind of golf course where you’ll always remember and cherish the great shots. You will also conveniently forget the ones that were not so memorable. Another special aspect of the Quarry can be found on the scorecard. Every hole honors this area’s industrial past as each hole is named after the minelands of today and long ago.
Amenities and Local Flavors
After many hours enjoying The Great
Outdoors, you can ‘hang your hat’ at The Lodge at Giants Ridge Condo/Hotel or the Villas at Giants Ridge. Dining options are plentiful with each course featuring its own clubhouse restaurant. You’ll find the Wacootah Grille at The Quarry and Neighbors BBQ at The Legend. The best dining option in my opinion is The Burnt Onion Restaurant, which stood out for its local dishes like grilled walleye, steaks and local brews.
During my stay, I also enjoyed some local excursions. One was to the U.S. Hockey Hall
of Fame in Eveleth, where I could test my slapshot skills. It was a fun break from golf and showed the sport’s rich history of American born players.
Another highlight was visiting the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisolm. The antique electric trolley tour offered insight into the lives of mining families. Learning about their daily challenges added depth to my golfing experience, reminding me of the history that surrounds this beautiful region.
Golf Experience
“Giants Ridge is home to two of the topranked layouts in the North Star State,” says John Kendall, Director of Golf. “Impeccable course conditions and a variety of lodging options to suit any budget and group size make Giants Ridge an excellent venue for a fun and memorable golf getaway.”
Despite their differences, both The Legend and The Quarry provide distinct golfing experiences. Whether you prefer the subtle challenges of The Legend or the bold layouts of The Quarry, you’re bound to enjoy your time here. Each round offers breathtaking views and a joyful connection to the sport.
If you’re planning a golf trip, consider Giants Ridge. The well-maintained courses, beautiful natural scenery, and welcoming local culture make for an unforgettable adventure.
www.GiantsRidge.com
The Legend, 17th Hole
The Quarry, 8th Hole
5 Reasons to Visit Barbados Now
So many places to visit, so little time. Where should a motivated, intrepid traveler go?
At 21 miles long and 14 miles wide Barbados offers luxury and cultural experiences throughout the Island. Gorgeous beaches and lush vegetation. Bajan hospitality and superb food. Rum shops everywhere. From historic places to contemporary luxury, Barbados is a discerning traveler’s dream destination. Here are five reasons why.
World-Class Golf
Stay at casually elegant Apes Hill in one of the sumptuous private rental villas – it’s the only way to play all four of Barbados’ “trophy courses.” The club and boutique resort are exclusive to members and guests renting the resort’s excellent lodging units.
The club’s 18 championship holes, reimagined in 2022 by Ron Kirby, have received significant acclaim. Apes Hill garnered the No. 72 ranking in Golfweek’s “Top 100 International Courses, 2024”— out of more than 25,000 courses worldwide. Apes Hill also includes a 9-hole short course, Little Apes, that is debuting before year’s end, and a 19th hole inspired by the famous island green at TPC Sawgrass.
Nearby, Royal Westmoreland and Sandy
Lane, two other top-rated golf resorts, offer distinct but complementary experiences. With four 18-hole courses and a short course between them, these golf resorts combine elite play with outstanding service. To give you an idea of how exclusive the properties are, Tiger Woods married Elin Nordegren at Sandy Lane. You cannot buy logoed Green Monkey apparel in the pro shop unless you play the Tom Fazio-designed course by the same name.
Barbados’ golf courses are first class featuring award-winning, strategic designs that challenge players to display grit, resilience, and poise. Or, as the Bajans would say, “If greedy wait, hot will cool,” meaning patience will be rewarded.
Apes Hill
Perched atop one of the island’s highest points, Apes Hill Barbados is a blossoming
Apes Hill
luxury resort and residential destination that blends concierge-style service with exquisite amenities. The 475-acre eco-conscious sanctuary offers panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and its prime location features lush forests and 12.5 km of tropical hiking trails.
Sustainability is a core foundation at Apes Hill and its 18-hole golf course is certified by Audubon International for its eco-friendly best practices. The property’s reservoir can hold up to 58 million gallons of rainwater. This water is used to irrigate the golf course and other areas, ensuring that no water is taken from the local desalination plant or community resources.
Apes Hill farms its own fresh herbs, edible flowers, and banana trees to make the food and drinks sustainable at its two restaurants – the Noisy Cricket and the 20th Hole. Renowned Chef Javon Cummings ensures that the freshest items are used in his delectable creations.
Guests and homeowners can enjoy a range of amenities, including a Performance Centre (dial in your swing or putting stroke with its state-of-the-art technology), Padel courts, fitness center, and wellness programs like yoga and spa treatments. The private rental villas offer chic, modern accommodations with plunge pools and access to a private chef, catering, and more. Whether arriving by flight into
Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) or via luxury cruise ship, Apes Hill awaits with an elevated Caribbean experience.
Cultural Heritage
Barbados has a rich cultural heritage as the “brightest jewel in the British crown – the richest colony in the empire,” as it was once heralded. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Barbados was one of three major British transshipment points alongside Boston (MA) and Bristol (England). Its African and European heritage and deep history include being the place where sugar cultivation was perfected before being spread across the region. This legacy is evident in the island’s architecture and cultural DNA.
The people of Barbados are the friendliest in the world. The island has a high rate of returning visitors, and the primary reason they come back is the warmth, safe environment, and hospitality of the Barbadian people. Visitors are welcomed into local communities and homes, allowing them to experience the essence of the destination by eating, living, and traveling like a Bajan.
Birthplace of Rum and Rum Shops
Barbados was the first country to produce and bottle rum, with the Mount Gay Rum Distillery dating back to 1703. The uniqueness of Barbadian rum traces back to the
high-quality molasses produced on the island, known as liquid gold, due to the coral limestone formation of the island’s water, which enhances sugarcane cultivation. There are award-winning rum distilleries that offer tours, and boutique rums produced by an old sugar plantation still grinding cane during the season. Depending on how you define them, Barbados is home to between 1,000 and 12,000 rum shops, ranging from village shops that sell groceries, bread, provisions, and drinks, to those that focus solely on food and beverages.
Festival Island
In late November, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival continues its annual celebration of Caribbean cuisine. Critics have judged Barbados as the epicenter of Caribbean culinary excellence, drawing foodies and rum lovers from around the world. For those who enjoy dancing in the sunlight with a drink in hand and vibrant feathers in their hair, the Crop Over Festival is an experience not to be missed. Though the island celebrates festivals year-round, Crop Over in the summer is the grandest of them all. The Holetown Festival in February and the Oistins Fish Festival on the South Coast are other must-visit events for food lovers. While small, Barbados has much to celebrate.
Apes Hill
Dominican Republic Has It All
…..and the best Golf in the Caribbean
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
Renowned for having the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Dominican Republic is the undisputed leader of golf in the tropics. At least seven of the DR’s courses have consistently topped Golf Week Magazine’s
Top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, including Punta Espada in the top 10, Los Corales Golf Course, where since 2018, a PGA Tour tournament continues to be hosted, and Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, in the number one spot since 2009. From La Romana to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, the DR’s courses, counting 86 seafacing holes and 39 ocean-side, offer you tee time by the sea, or along lush inland courses designed by the most acclaimed golf course architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price and Greg Norman.
www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
Reunion Resort
Exceptional Golf at Your Family-Friendly Resort in the Orlando area.
Experience a Florida lifestyle like no other. Reunion Resort offers an endless array of features to explore including three signature golf courses, a 5-acre water park, tennis center, and a variety of dining options. Reserve your stay with us and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Whether you arrive for an early morning tee-off, a weekend tournament, or an afternoon round of 18 holes, Reunion Resort’s three signature golf courses will offer an unparalleled golf experience in Orlando. Reunion is the only destination in the world featuring courses designed by iconic PGA legends Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus all in the same place. www.reunionresort.com
Nemacolin
Two Magnificent Pete Dye Courses
Highlight a Must-Visit Resort Experience
Nestled in the splendid Allegheny Mountains, Nemacolin is home to long views and Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, two imaginative championship courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Both courses take ample advantage of the area’s vast, rugged topography, lush terrain and majestic sweeping vistas. Just down the road from architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s acclaimed masterpiece Fallingwater and Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Set in an area steeped in rich American, architectural and agricultural history, Nemacolin is carving out its own distinctive legacy in the nature-rich Laurel Highlands. www.Nemacolin.com
Pebble Beach
Make Memories to Last a Lifetime
January 8 -12, 2005, 4-Night, 4 Round Package Options
Option #1 -The Lodge at Pebble Beach: $7,567.00 (Single Occ.) $6,768.00 (Double Occ.)
Option #2 – 2 nights at the Monterey Marriott + 2 nights at The Lodge at Pebble Beach: $5,727.00 based on double occ. Legendary Golf – Handicap tournaments at world famous courses, with a special couple’s tournament at Pebble Beach. Fine Dining - Award winning cuisine at Frandango voted one of the best restaurants in the Pacific Grove, California. Open Bar – After each round, enjoy the complimentary hospitality of an open bar. The perfect finish to each days rounds.
For more information contact Phillip Bellew at Let’s Go Golf Trips 833-271-5050 or email philip@LetsGoGolfTrips.com
Half Moon Resort Montego Bay, Jamaica
Half Moon stands amidst 400 acres in Rose Hall on the north coast of Jamaica and just 15 minutes from Montego Bay International Airport. Opened in 1954, Half Moon offers a private two-mile coastline, 210 rooms and suites. Offering a true lifestyle experience, guests have at their disposal the renowned Spa, a professional Equestrian Centre, 13 lit tennis courts with tennis academy, a state-of-the-art fitness center and Spinning studio and beautiful Anancy Children’s Village The golf course is an original Robert Trent Jones Sr. design and was opened in 1964. In 2005 it was superbly modernized by Roger Rulewich creating a true masterpiece and one of the best walking courses in the Caribbean. www.HalfMoon.com
RICHLAND RAISES THE BAR AT REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE
Seventh Golf Course Unveiled; Designed by Tom Fazio
Acclaimed golf course architect Tom Fazio has returned to Reynolds Lake Oconee to unveil Richland, a new 18-hole layout crafted from nine holes on his existing National Course (Bluff) combined with nine freshly designed holes built on adjacent land distinguished by a creek, large natural boulders, and an existing pond. The resulting layout provides plenty of challenge, with numerous bunkers, elevation changes, and lake views.
Directly across the lake, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is a great place to visit and, literally, dip a toe in the water of this residential resort community 70 minutes from Atlanta. Visit here, play here, live here.
The resort has recently undergone renovations, with a newly reimagined 27,000-square-foot destination spa, the allnew clandestine “speakeasy” lounge called Oconee Cove, and a refreshed lobby lounge and bar. These upgrades help the resort further define modern lakeside luxury, creating an unparalleled oasis for relaxation, rejuvenation, and refined indulgence.
www.reynoldslakeoconee.com
Trump Doral Resort
A Luxury Public Golf Club Featuring Four Championship Golf Courses
Experience pure golf luxury at Trump National Doral Golf Club. Situated amidst the vibrant heart of Miami, this tropical oasis stands as the quintessential golf haven in Florida boasting four distinguished championship golf courses, including the legendary Blue Monster. In addition to exceptional service, the lavish resort accommodations, extensive range of outstanding amenities, and unwavering dedication all combine to enhance your experience. At Trump National Doral, the echoes of history and the legends of golf reverberate across our hallowed fairways, chronicling the footsteps of PGA Tour and LIV Golf professionals and an array of illustrious celebrities. www.trumpgolfdoral.com
Woods, NH
Golfers from all over the world should add a visit to the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH to their bucket list. The white-walled, red-roofed castle in the clouds, with the ominous Mt. Washington looking over its shoulder is an adult playground for golfers.
The 5-star resort, combined with the historic 18-hole championship course, provides a unique experience that combines sport, scenery, and amazing food. The resort was built in 1902 and the course was established in 1915. If you go there today you will enjoy a historical vacation that you will remember forever. The lodging is top class, the course is a vintage Donald Ross, and the food is superb. www.OmniHotels.com
Horseshoe Bay Resort
An Oasis on the Shores of Lake LBJ
Retreat to our world-class destination in the Texas Hill Country. Experience approachable luxury on award-winning golf courses, at a rejuvenating waterfront spa, and in our welcoming restaurants serving unforgettable local cuisine paired with lakeside views. Discover a resort near Austin where opportunities to unwind are plentiful and the experiences are first-class. One of the best golf resorts in the Southwest and the only resort with three courses designed by the illustrious Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Slick Rock, Apple Rock and Ram Rock will test your skills and are among the most scenic championship courses in Texas. https://www.hsbresort.com
PGA National Resort Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Here, luxury is always the standard, and golf is never considered just a game. Together, the two create an enviable lifestyle in a setting that embraces the best Florida has to offer. Anchored by six championship golf courses, we boast a world-class destination wellness facility, state-of-the-art sports and racquet club, and exclusive membership club — all at the heart of a luxurious resort community. Stay, play, live. PGA National Resort. Five renowned courses, the Cognizant Classic, and the infamous Bear Trap. The challenges, the history, and the legends. They’re all still here. But they’ve refined our game for you, updating all of our golf courses and adding a few surprises including two new courses — The Match and The Staple 9-hole — for a total of 99 holes. www.pgaresort.com
Omni Mount Washington Resort Bretton
Costa Del Sol Wants You
For 3 years now this region of Andalucia in Spain has been focusing its attention on both the US and Canadian markets. There goal is to capitalize on the demand from North American golfers that are looking to explore golf destinations in Europe outside of the links courses of Scotland and Ireland.
And why wouldn’t you want to consider a destination whose weather is dominated by sunshine and warm temperatures after watching the pros play in major Tour Events in Scotland and Ireland wearing toques and layers of outerwear to stay warm.
Golfers will find over 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Marbella, Estepona, Mijas and Benahavís are home to most of these courses, though you will also find a number of renowned, prestigious courses in other parts of the province. Included in this collection of courses is the one and only Real Club Valderrama, considered as
one of the best golf courses in the world, number 1 on Continental Europe since 1988
In 2024 The Costa del Sol Tourist Board became an Event Sponsor of IAGTO’s (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), North America Golf Tourism Convention in Michigan. A record number of American tour operators have attended the 15th NAC event with many interested in developing golf vacation programs to Andalucia and the Costa del Sol in particular.
For more information on golf in Coast Del Sol contact your favorite golf tour operator or visit www.CostaDelSol.com/Malaga-Costa-del-Sol/the-Costa-Del-Golf
Finland “The Golf Destination” Via Nord, Your Inbound Golf Tour Operator for Finland
Finland is home to the happiest people in the world and boasts one of the bestfunctioning societies on the planet! From pristine nature to vibrant urban destinations, Arctic exotica to a culture like no other, Finland has it all. And let’s not forget the weather—sunny summers and endless daylight make it the perfect place to be.
But there’s more. Finland is also an amazing golf destination, offering a unique experience that has been hidden from view until now. Two golf and tourism experts are on a mission to change that and bring this hidden gem to the world’s attention.
Finncoming is a Finnish operator specializing in inbound golf tourism, founded by two wellknown professionals in the golf industry, Markku “Luigi” Nord and Henry Lahtonen. It aims to promote Finland as an attractive golf destination and to attract golfing tourists from around the world to the country’s top golf courses. Finncoming builds and curates tailor-made travel packages that combine golf with nature experiences, cultural attractions, and various golf-enriching activities.
“Finland has enormous potential in both general tourism and golf-focused tourism, which we have been hesitant to showcase to the world. We decided to make up for it in golf and deliver a high-quality experience that meets the needs of even the most demanding golf travelers,” says Markku “Luigi” Nord, co-founder of Finncoming.
Finncoming’s services are aimed at overseas golf enthusiasts looking for professionally organized premium golf trips with personalized itineraries. Finncoming tailors’ trips according to customers’ wishes and also serves travelers once they arrive, taking care of not only transport, accommodation, and tee time bookings but also other details and experiences of the trip.
Finncoming creates customized trav-
el packages for five distinctive regions in Finland. On the south coast, golfers are drawn to the Archipelago Swing, a combination of Finland’s breathtaking archipelago landscape, and the Urban Approach, which includes the Helsinki metropolitan area and its high-quality golf courses. The three-city destination, Tee Triangle, offers a great selection of Finland’s best inland golf courses, all within easy reach of Helsinki. Lakeland Sweetspot and Arctic Miracle will take international golfers to Finland’s most popular tourist areas, including a lake district with thousands of water bodies and the land of the midnight sun in northern Lapland, where the golfing experience is full of mystery.
“Tourism to Finland is generating significant interest worldwide, and the same is true for golf tourism if the opportunities are presented in the right way,” says Henry Lahtonen, who is fully committed to the new travel service.
“Finland could well become the next high-profile, exotically different golf destination in Europe.”
Golf lovers are invited to discover Finland’s unique golfing landscape, with arrangements now available for tailored travel packages through Finncoming for the 2025 season.
For more information: www.finncoming.fi
By Tom Landers
CCape Cod Where Golf Never Ends
ape Cod, Massachusetts offers golfers a chance to enjoy the game near the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures on the peninsula say mild well into autumn and the courses are in great shape thanks to cooler nights.
From championship 18-hole layouts, resort courses and charming, old nine-hole tracks, The Cape offers myriad golf options. Rom sweet nine-hole layouts to 18-hole “championship” courses, Cape Cod has great golf located within an hour or so drive of one another. Plus, the Cape’s courses will remain open year-round weather permitting.
When not golfing, you can get away from it all on the beaches, hiking trails, and shopping in cozy villages. Check out the numerous seafood restaurants and lobster shanties, where you can sample freshlycaught seafood and enjoy a beverage while sitting on a picnic table and gazing out into a harbor or the rolling ocean waves.
The National Seashore that is located on the tip of the Cape features a very informative visitor’s center, as well as a number of
wildlife sanctuaries for walking and biking and unfettered strolls along the beach. And it’s easy to find suitable accommodations, whether it is on the ocean or bay side of The Cape, a posh hotel in Chatham or a weathered cottage in the dunes in Wellfleet.
Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s comprehensive Course Play Stimulus Program, our subscribers can try out a number of courses on Cape Cod. Check out the details of this can’t miss offer in this issue. Call 860-5631633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to sign up.
Here are some courses to play on your autumn Cape Cod road trip.
Blue Rock Golf Course (www.BlueRockGolfCourse.com) in South Yarmouth, MA is a beautiful, well-manicured par-3 in the middle of the Cape. It will change your mind about how you feel about short courses because of the superb quality and challenges you experience when you play there.
The course has received local recognition over the past few years for its great experience, quality, and playability. Blue Rock has been voted “Best Golf Course on Cape
Cod” five years in a row by readers of the Cape Cod Times. In 2024, it was voted best Mid-Cape golf course by the readers of Cape Cod Life, and was ranked as a top 5 par-3 course by www.golfspan.com.
The top handicap hole is number, playing at a robust 255 yards from the tips. Hole number 9 is rated one of the Cape’s Top 18 holes, playing 170 yards from the back markers. The hole requires the experienced player to navigate a well-placed tee shot over water to a large, undulating kidney shaped green. Par on this hole is a great score.
Blue Rock offers everything a golfer would want for a trip to the Cape: an allgrass driving range with multiple targets, two putting greens, a chipping green, and a quaint pro shop stocked with gear, equipment, drinks, and snacks. They also offer memberships, private lessons, clinics, golf schools, and leagues.
The course was designed by Geoffrey Cornish in 1962 and is locally owned by Davenport Companies. I had the pleasure of meeting the Director of Communication, Matt Pitta, who highlighted the course’s history and charm. From my pre-round range
Blue Rock Golf Course, Hole #9
session and chipping practice to grabbing snacks/drinks at the turn, to finishing with a delicious meal on the patio,I had a great time, and this is why Blue Rock is a mustvisit course for any New Englander.
The course is a typical Cornish design, utilizing the natural landscape to weave the course through hills, trees, and a long, narrow pond. Blue Rock has four sets of tees with the white tees playing at 2520 yards for a par of 54. Most of the holes range from 88-170, except for hole #5 which is a loooong 240 yards.
Dennis, Massachusetts boasts two championship-caliber courses that will challenge your game and your mental toughness. The Pines and The Highlands (www.DennisGolf.com) are more than just fairways and greens; they’re experiences crafted for golfers of all levels.
Both courses are meticulously manicured by a dedicated team. From the moment you tee off, you’ll be immersed in lush fairways that cradle your drives. The greens are cut
tight, ensuring a consistent roll on every putt. And let’s not forget the breathtaking Cape Cod scenery that serves as the ultimate backdrop to your round at both courses.
The Pines is a true test of accuracy. Towering pines guard its narrow fairways, demanding precision from tee to green. There are a lot of trees but they are spread out so you can find your wayward tee shot and still be able to put it back in play. The front-9 has some subtle doglegs that create the need for some shot-shaping off the tee. The par-3s on the front are basic layouts with greens guarded by bunkers.
The back-9 is where legends are made –prepare to navigate treacherous doglegs and a monster par-5 that will test your nerves. Their version of the ‘Amen Corner’ is holes 10, 11, and 12. These three holes can make or break your round if you’re not careful. Holes 10 and 11 are both doglegs right that form a ying-yang layout around a pond. Tee shots need to avoid the water on the right side of the fairways to have a chance at par.
Hole 10 has a wide downhill fairway, but an uphill approach shot to the green. Hole 11 is the opposite as you make your way around the pond. This fairway is a little narrower and plays uphill so you need to give it some muscle. Then you have a downhill shot to the green. After those you get to #12. This is a boomerang shaped hole where the ideal landing area from the tee is around 180 yards. Oh ya…and the fairway is very narrow with a huge ridge running down the middle of it that tilts from right to left.The people in the pro shop told me to play this hole backwards. Hit iron off the tee then hybrid/wood for your second shot. If you make it through these three holes without ripping up your scorecard then you will coast to the finish line.
The Highlands offers a more open layout but don’t be fooled – its subtle slopes and elevation changes will keep you on your toes. Most of the fairways have undulations and tiers that can roll your ball right or left. What sets this course apart from others on the Cape is the greens. There are a variety
The Captains Golf Course
of false-fronts, slopes, and tiers you must deal with once you make it on the dance floor so it’s tough to two-putt here confidently.
Hole 6 is the #1 handicap, and for good reason. You hit your tee shot uphill to a bulge in the fairway at about 220 yards. Your approach shot is then 185 yards even more uphill to the green. The hill is so steep you can’t see the surface of the green and have to hope you hit it the right distance. Hole 7 is a nice par-3 after the treacherous 6th, but it has a steep ridge running through the middle of it, severing the green into two tiers. If you are not on the same tier as the pin you will have trouble making par. Hole 13 was a real challenge because the green slopes from back to front with a huge hump in the middle. It is also a false front so if you hit it short or put spin on it, it’s rolling back towards the fairway.
After conquering the course, reward yourself at the Par Bar (Pines) or The Eagles Nest (Highlands). Enjoy savory sandwiches and ice-cold beverages inside near the bar or outside on the patios. The restaurants are both run by Joel Finne, and offer similar menus with many high quality options for breakfast and lunch.
6154 yards from the white tees. The course has five sets of tees so every golfer can play at a distance they are comfortable with. This includes a Family tee box on each hole, which is significantly shorter than the red tees and provides a great opportunity for beginners or young golfers to start enjoying the game.
One of the best holes is the 573-yard, par-five eighth. A pond guards the putting surface and there are several large fairway bunkers to complicate matters.
The Captains Golf Course ( www.CaptainsGolfCourse.com ) in Brewster, MA is home to two championship level courses in the heart of Cape Cod. The
Port and The Starboard courses are 18-hole layouts that provide fantastic golf and beautiful scenery for golfers of all skill levels. The courses were designed by the iconic Cornish, Silva & Mungeam team, and the layouts on each showcase their creativity and ability to shape the holes around the natural habitat. I had the pleasure of playing The Port course and it was a great experience.
The Port course is a par 72 that plays at
The Starboard course plays around 6,800 yards and has a slope of 122. It’s a bit more “player friendly” than its sister layout, with wider fairways, large greens, and fewer bunkers than the Port Course, which makes it more suitable for mid- and higher handicap players. Number 18 is a great finishing hole, a 534-yard parfive that can be reached in two by big hitters.
Kings Way Golf Club (www.KingsWayGC.com) in Yarmouth Port, MA is an amazing course located in the middle of Cape Cod. As an executive course situated within a community of townhomes, it offers golf, tennis and walking trails. The course is designed to provide a quick, challenging round for a memorable experience.
Doi Suthep temple
King Way Golf Club
Dennis Pines Golf Course
Designed by renowned golf architect Brian Silva, golfers can see his characteristic layout patterns throughout. You can expect to make intriguing shot selections, see cleverly placed bunkers, and enjoy a course that encourages you to play strategically. It plays at just under 4000 yards and is a par 60, and designed for efficiency and fun. The course has three par-4s and one par-5 and the rest are par-3s. It is a great opportunity to play a full round of golf that won’t take up half of your day. It is located just off route 6, right before the major traffic backs up when going to the Outer Cape.
Despite being an executive course, Kings Way has some teeth! It is full of short holes that present a lot of challenges. The sand bunkers are huge, and the greens are lightning fast. If you think you can get out of there under par because it is so short, think again. This collection of par-3s will test your golf shot and your mental toughness. There is no letting up as you deal with huge elevation changes from tee to green.
You will use every club in your bag as the par-3s range from 145200 yards. The par-4s and reachable par-5 will likely require a driver off the tee. The true test of this course, and any par 3, is that you have little margin for error. If you miss a green, then you must chip it close to save par. You don’t have the luxury of correcting an errant tee shot with a great approach. I played the course right at my handicap of +11 for a 71. There were some shots that I left out there and a few lost balls, but I had a great time trying to navigate the natural contours of this classic Cape Cod layout.
row and shoot completely different scores. The sloped greens, huge bunkers, and drastic elevation changes will present a new challenge each time you play. The complexities combined with the overall quality of the course are why you should take the trip to Yarmouth Port.
Looking for lodging during your stay?
The Aiden by Best Western hotel, managed by Brenda Smith, is conveniently located in Yarmouth on Route 28. Rates are very reasonable and include a continental breakfast for their guests. The rooms are spacious and clean. Stay and Play golf packages are available. (www.bestwestern.com/aiden/west-yarmouth)
New England style clam chowder and fish sandwiches. The fish and chips were outstanding as well. They offer a full bar menu and local craft beers for the thirsty traveler. The Red Cottage Restaurant is an awardwinning spot nearby that has smalltown diner vibes but a huge selection of authentic flavor. Recently named it the best breakfast restaurant in Cape Cod in 2024 by Tastingtable. com, The Red Cottage Restaurant serves up classic favorites as well as creative combinations. It’s a great spot to enjoy a hearty breakfast of thick bacon, eggs, and hand cut home fries. Or if you didn’t have enough lobster at Blue Rock, you can try their lobster benedict. Either way, grab a seat at the counter and enjoy this unique throwback diner.
Skipper Chowder House is another spot for local seafood and American cuisine. Yes, this is the Cape so of course I am going to highlight where you can get the freshest seafood. They have traditional seafood dishes like steamers, fried clams, and stuffies but what you really need to try is the “Fried” Clam Chowder. Or chowdah as they say on the Cape. It is six mini chowder cakes deep fried in a panko breadcrumb crust served with breadcrumbs on the side.
It is a shorter course that provides a fast round, but the draw of Kings Way is its variety. You could play there two days in a
Want lunch or dinner at a true Cape Cod local landmark? Try Captain Parker’s Pub ( www.captainparkers.com) in West Yarmouth. They are known for their creamy
The Summer Shanty is located at the Bass River Marina. This is the place to go for waterfront dining after a day on the golf course. They have signature cocktails to enjoy with your locally sourced meal. The menu includes raw bar options, tons of fresh seafood, lobster 5 different ways, appetizers, sandwiches, and even rice bowls. They also claim to have the best view for sunsets on the Cape.
Kings Way Golf Club
Alphard Golf’s Cybercart Making Walking More Enjoyable
Walking offers numerous compelling benefits, particularly when it comes to enhancing your health. Recent research indicates that traversing the course—whether you carry your bag or utilize a manual or electric cart—can burn between 650 and 750 calories.
Moreover, walking on the grass rather than cruising along cart paths can heighten your awareness and appreciation of the environment as well as your golfing abilities. The tranquility, the invigorating atmosphere, and the connection with nature all contribute to the idea that walking can indeed improve your performance on the course.
Yet despite these advantages, many golfers still opt for riding in carts.
Here’s an additional, often overlooked benefit of walking that resonates with the increasing number of new golfers taking up the sport: it can be a more enjoyable experience.
The hassle of lugging your bag, repeatedly lifting it onto your shoulders, and trudging back and forth to your ball can diminish the joy of playing. For those seeking a more enjoyable round, utilizing an electric cart can be a game-changer.
2. Highly responsive remote control
tionality.
One innovative option on the market is the lightweight, three-wheeled Cyber Cart from Alphard Golf. Featuring motors located in the rear wheels, this electric cart can be easily folded down into a compact size for effortless storage and transport—something many other motorized carts struggle with.
The Cyber Cart boasts a 36-hole plug-andplay battery with a USB-C charging port, allowing you to power accessories like your smartphone. It comes equipped with a full directional remote control with an LCD display, gyroscopic straight tracking technology, downhill brake control, and an electronic parking brake.
Additionally, the Cyber Cart is Bluetooth enabled for use with Alphard’s app and is compatible with accessories such as the Sidekick and TFS (Tether Follow Sensor), which enables your cart to follow you autonomously on the course.
After testing the Cyber Cart over several rounds, we believe it stands out as the leading electric cart on the market. Three noteworthy features include:
3. Its compact design, allowing it to easily fold into a cube for storage.
Packed with features, the Cyber Cart also includes an umbrella holder, cup and bottle holders, a phone holder, a storage net, a lockable swivel wheel, a parking brake, and even a magnetic holder for your rangefinder or golf towel.
While it’s difficult to deter mine the exact number of golfers in the U.S. who walk the course, our expe rience suggests that using the Alphard Cyber Cart significantly enhances the walking experience, making your rounds far more enjoyable.
www.AlphardGolf.com
1. Its remarkable quiet operation.
func
