Our subscribers have called the Golfing Magazine Subscription program
THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE PROGRAM
Step 1) Subscribe to Golfing Magazine
Purchase a subscription to Golfing Magazine for $49.95 and you become part of the Golfing Magazine Ambassador Program entitling you to complimentary rounds of golf at over 65 courses by just paying a cart fee. You also receive deep discounts at 75 other courses and resorts in the area. Plus receive discount coupons at local retailers including Golfers’ Warehouse. Plus receive Golfing Magazine 4 times annually.
Step 2) We’ll mail you the Golf Magazine Ambassador program certificate. This is your ticket to complimentary or discounted rounds of golf at all the participating courses.
Step 3) Play lots of golf
With over 120 courses to choose from, feel free to play a lot of golf. Call the course as you would normally to book a tee time within 72 hours of your requested tee time. Let them know you have a Golfing Magazine certificate. At check-in, present your certificate and then head out to play golf!
In case you think this program is too good to be true!
I only played 4 of the courses and still think this is the best deal in golf. I’m buying one for my 3 buddies I play with each Tuesday. I know I’ll be using it a lot more next year!
Dick R. Danbury, CT
Great magazine! The free golf deal is outrageous! I hope you do it again next year.
Brian K. Norton, MA
I played more courses this summer than ever. My Golfing Magazine subscription was the best investment I made. I’m definitely renewing.
George L. Middletown, CT
When my daughter gave me a subscription to your magazine and I received the certificate I thought it meant I got a free round at any one of the listed courses. Then I found out I got a free round at EACH of the courses. I don’t know how you do it but I hope you keep it up. Thanks!
Steve C. Worcester, MA
I gave up my country club membership and ended up playing more golf last summer than ever. Playing a different course every week has me hooked all over again.
Roger W. Waterbury, CT
My subscription saved me over $600 in greens fees this year.
Brett P. Quincy, MA
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CONNECTI CUT COURSES
Blackledge Country Club
Blue Fox Run Golf Course
Crestbook Park Golf Course
Elmridge Country Club
Farmington Woods Country Club
Gillette Ridge Golf Course
Hawk’s Landing Country Club
Hunter Golf Course
Keney Park Golf Course
Laurel View Golf Course
Manchester Country Club
Norwich Golf Club
Portland Golf Course
Quarry Ridge Golf Club
Simsbury Farms Golf Course
Stanley Golf Course
Tallwood Country Club
The Golf Club at River Oaks
The Golf Club at Windham
Tumble Brook Country Club
Tunxis Country Club
Twin Hills Country Club
Western Hills Golf Course
Whitney Farms Golf Course .... plus 25 more
Brattleboro Country Club
Green Mountain National
Mount Snow Golf Course
Mount Washington Resort GC
Newport Golf Club
The Shattuck
Blackstone National Golf Club
Captains Golf Course
Cold Spring Country Club
Chicopee Country Club
Crestview Country Club
Crumpin Fox Club
Crystal Lake Golf Course
Dennis Pines & Dennis Highlands
Heather Hill Country Club
Kings Way Golf Club
Ledges Golf Club
Maplegate Country Club
Newton Commonwealth GC
Norwood Country Club
Tekoa Country Club
Wentworth Hills Country Club
Waubeeka Golf Links .... plus 22 more
Bethel Inn Resort
Dunegrass Golf Club
Poland Spring Resort Spring Meadow Golf Club
Sunday River Golf Club
Sugarloaf Golf Club .... plus more
Blackstone National Golf Club was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. Rees put a great deal of his heart and soul into coming up with a player’s course that took full advantage of the best landscape and scenery that central New England has to offer.
508.865.2111 www.bngc.net
Celebrate your special day with us, where our stunning features including a semi-private golf course and pavilion, will make your day truly unforgettable.
508.865.7300
www.thebarnatblackstonenational.com
Contributing
Mike
George
Golfing Magazine is making summer much more enjoyable for our subscribers with our celebrated “Free Golf” offer that entitles an individual signing up for an annual subscription to our magazine free or reduced rate golf at over 120 of the top daily fee courses (and even several top private tracks) the region has to offer. It’s the largest course list ever.
To take advantage of this tremendous offer, call 860-563-1633, or visit www. FreeGolf.net. Remember, you get five issues of our magazine yearly in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.
Our Early Summer Issue is filled with information about where to play and how to play the game properly, with tips from top pros.
We take a visit to exotic Thailand. Warning!!! The People of Thailand are amongst the friendliest in the world. Thus, labelled as “The Land of Smiles!” You too, may not want to leave.
For those that want to stay to home we also visit Boyne Golf in Michigan, Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, CA and a little further away Aroeira Resort in Portugal.
It’s Travelers Tournament time and we have compiled several stories to give you the lowdown on New England’s professional stop on the PGA Tour, which has attracted the top players on the PGA TOUR after being elevated to a “Signature” event.
We also take you on a road trip of Connecticut golf courses, We have some of the best layouts in the state in our lineup, including some private courses that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us at www.FreeGolf.net.
We also offer up a number of courses in Vermont, a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.
Subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer, including the delightful Newport Golf Club, which has upped the ante on conditions.
We also pay a visit to check in on two resorts in the northern Catskill Mountains of New York, where you can make a nice weekend or longer stay and play trip.
So, enjoy our Early Summer issue, sign up for a subscription and play lots of golf. Summer flies by, so keep the sticks in the trunk of your car or SUV and enjoy the greatest game man has ever created.
Hit ‘em straight!
All That Is Good,
Tom Landers, Publisher
If I said it once, I have said it a million times. Had I gone to Thailand when I was in my 40’s, I probably would have never come back…… and I would not have been the first to make such a move. I have been back to Thailand at least a half dozen times but, in the meantime, I have had the pleasure of visiting and playing golf in Japan, the Philippines (Manila), Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali), Vietnam and even China. China is one place I don’t need to back too. Japan and the Philippines I would go back to in a heartbeat, for first timers to Asia, Thailand should be your first stop.
Warning!!! The People of Thailand are amongst the friendliest in the world. Thus, labelled as “The Land of Smiles!” You too, may not want to leave.
If you are one that wants to play golf everyday you can certainly do that. There are over 260 courses to choose from, but honestly if you are going to travel to such a diverse destination you should probably indulge in the culinary experience, nightlife, culture and beach-
in World’s Best Countries to Visit. The rankings are based on feedback from over 295,000 readers, and was recognized for its exceptional natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse attractions.
In putting your trust into someone like Asia Golf Experiences you can get the best of both worlds. AJ Easton a Canadian, and Ian Morgan originally from the UK, are the principles of the company and have been living in Thailand for over 20 years. They would love the opportunity to create your dream trip of a lifetime.
Visit the Asia Golf Experiences website (www.AsiaGolfExperiences.com) and take note of the 19th hole flag that makes up part of their logo. “Bad round or great round, I don’t know anyone who has not enjoyed the 19th hole”
said AJ, “we believe that’s exactly what each golf holiday to Thailand should be – an exceptional overall experience.”
Asia Golf Experiences is a preferred partner of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Taking pride in the services that they provide to their clients, from selecting the courses and even the caddies that are best for the players, to culinary, cultural and historic recommendations, all memorable, hassle free and enjoyable. All aspects of the trip are booked and confirmed in advance. They pick you and your group up upon arrival and are with you as much as you want through to departure.
It won’t take long before you understand why Bangkok, “The City of Angels” is consistently a most visited city in the world. It is also the main arrival point for international flights into Thailand.
The capital of the Kingdom and the most
visitors to experience. Golf in Bangkok is excellent, with some of the best golf courses being located in and around the metropolis.
A few of the courses that we recently enjoyed included: The Thai Country Club is a must stop and it was here that in 1997 Tiger Woods won the Asian Honda Classic. Another real treat is the Royal Gems Golf City – Dream Arena a full replica course, the front 9 is a collection of great holes from around the world. The back nine is the entire back 9 of Augusta National. The Nikanti Golf Club is one of the newer additions and has quickly risen to must play status with it’s unique 6-6-6 layout, meticulously maintained and you will be spoiled the Thai hospitality the entire day.
Off the course; Bangkok provides for some fantastic and world class culinary experiences, from Michelin Star, to star gazing while roof top dining or “street meat.” There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in this vibrant city. Cultural and historic experiences, a must, is a visit to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple within the Palace. Over 8 million people visit the Grand Palace annually. Day excursions should also include some shopping, some of the best deals in the world, a tuk-tuk ride through Old Bangkok, or a trip up the Chao Phraya River and its floating markets with some excellent bars and restaurants along the way.
Pattaya and Hua Hin, both are extremely
popular beach and golf destinations.
Pattaya is approximately 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok, with a collection of 20 plus courses while Hau Hin is 2.5 hours to the south. Time permitting a visit to both on one trip is very easy to do!
Golf in Pattaya: One stop at the Siam Country Club will put you on to 4 of the best in Asia. The Old Course and the Plantation Course have both hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand. Opened in 2020 the Rolling Hills course adds a new and different dimension to Siam, links in style with plenty of waste bunkers and one massive green side bunker you likely will never forget if you get into it!
On the Gulf of Thailand, hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn annually to Pattaya for some of the finest seafood, and worldrenowned, maybe the craziest nightlife that you might ever come across. Just remember “Walking Street.”
As a beach destination it is all that one might expect, with windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, sailing, with nearby Islands to add a new and different dimension.
Hua Hin: Is a charming beachside resort town, the Thai Royal Family’s favoured summer destination. Certainly, lower keyed than both Bangkok and Pattaya.
Golf in Hua Hin: Top notch, nine courses in total, including 2 of our favorites, also top
ranked in Asia, Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley. Black Mountain Golf Club, has plenty of wow factor, a Top 100 in the World by Golf Digest (59). #1 Course in Thailand by Golf Digest in 2016 and to top it off IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) 2020 Golf Experience of the Year for Thailand.
Pineapple Valley, another multi award winner, “Best in Asia” awards for excellence, in addition to the Order of Zenith, which is the highest and most prestigious golf award in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf in 2018
Hua Hin certainly hosts a more relaxed atmosphere but this seaside destination it is not without a collection of world class hotels and fine dining. It has become a place that offers a rare mix of city pulse and lazy paradise. Golf is second to none as is the shopping, and the night markets which include the infamous - Thai Street Food!
Sun, sea, great golf, food and nightlife! Hua Hin has it all!
For the historian in you and / or something totally different think about a visit to the small town of Kanchanaburi, a couple of hours from Bangkok in Western Thailand, it offers a rich blend of history, nature, and culture.
Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass: steeped in history, it is home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Visiting this iconic bridge provides a somber glimpse
into the past and the hardships endured by the prisoners of war who worked on it during World War II. You can stroll across the bridge over the River Kwai on foot, or go for a train ride on the Death Railway, hike through Hellfire Pass and visit the Hellfire Memorial.
A paradise of natural scenery awaits, lush jungles and serene rivers with the emerald pools and cascades around the Erawan Falls, a must. For the faint at heart, the River Kawai offers scenic rides and raft experiences. For the animal lover in you, Kanchanaburi is home to elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with these gentle giants. Spending time with elephants in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.
Golf in Kanchanaburi: Interesting to say the least! The name, Grand Prix Golf Club says it all! Driving onto the property you see Formula 1 cars and signage throughout. It turns out that all 18 holes have been sponsored by leading automobile companies with signage delicately placed throughout. The high standards of F1 have been implemented in the look and maintenance of the course.
and other things when they are around. They are very inquisitive. Once they grab something you are not likely to get it back!
Monkeying around at Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club. Monkeys there are a-plenty as we stood on the first tee and must have seen a couple of hundred traverse the fairway. All going in the same direction, Monkey’s on a mission. You’ve got to keep an eye on your ball
A paradise for beach lovers is the setting for “The Invitational” and Phuket Golf Week. Hosted seaside by Four Points by Sheraton, Phuket, yes, it is a tournament setting for The Invitational. However, it doesn’t matter what handicap you are, if you’re a seasoned golf tournament attendee or have never played in a golf tournament before. Provided you have a registered handicap or can submit a few cards prior to arriving in Phuket, you are eligible to play in
this fantastic event. Divisions will be split into A, B & C Handicaps, which means you’ll get to play and meet new people with a similar handicap to you. “More than a golf event” says Ian Morgan, “you get to play golf in an unbelievable and luxurious setting with a very good chance that you will be making new friends from all over the globe!” https://asiaGolfExperiences.com/ToursandTournaments/ Phuket-invitationalgolf-week
We have touched on a lot here, some specifics but there is so much more to this diverse destination, it’s fantastic weather and that provides so much bang for your buck.
There are a couple of things that Thailand has set the standard for the world.
Thai Massage: It started here and nobody does it better. If you have never had one you don’t know what you are missing. Working you from head to toe, a therapist utilizes deep pressure point techniques while assisting you in a series of yoga like stretches and contortions. Even you will be able to make a full turn on your next golf swing.
The Caddie Experience: Yup, this too started here! Female caddies are the norm, and again, nobody does it better. Do not underestimate the knowledge of these young ladies. They have been well trained and love what they do for a living. Professional and friendly and it won’t be more than three holes in before they know how far you hit every club in your bag. It is an experience like no other, about $10 – $15 is the standard fee. Please tip generously – they deserve it!
Amazing Thailand should be on your bucket list for any number of reasons. For more information on Amazing Thailand in general: www.ThailandInsider.com
Asia Golf Experiences should be your first call, a specialist golf tour inbound operator based in Thailand, they know the destination inside and out. www.AsiaGolfExperiences.com
The Travelers Championship set a tournament-record for charities of more than $3 million in its first go-round as one of the PGA Tour’s “Signature Events” in 2023.
Tournament officials are confident that they will surpass that mark this year when Connecticut’s biggest sporting event is again one of the PGA Tour’s prestigious showcases with new amenities added to TPC River Highlands in Cromwell and a field of 70-80 players established by eligibility criteria for Signature Events based on performance competing for all four rounds.
“People, especially our sponsors, have said they love that there won’t be a cut so they don’t have to worry about not seeing some of their favorite players because they’ll be there for the entire tournament,” tournament director Nathan Grube said. “It’s part of another tremendous milestone for our tournament, and we couldn’t have become a Signature Event without the commitment of our title sponsor, Travelers, and everyone in the community who supported us along the way – from our corporate partners to volunteers and charities.
Players will be challenged by a TPC River Highlands course that has undergone a half-dozen competitive enhancements to select holes, with new tee boxes, narrower fairways and smaller greens. There will also be improvements to the onsite experience for fans with upgraded venues and new concession areas.
“From day one, we’ve pledged to make this a world-class event on the PGA Tour so that our fans, volunteers, sponsors and the community can have a memorable experience and be proud of the Travelers Championship,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers. “The tournament has generated significant money for hundreds of charities and made a positive
impact on all those who benefit from it.”
The championship has generated more than $28 million for more 900 local charities since Travelers became title sponsor in 2007. In 2023, more than $3 million was distributed to over 180 organizations, including two local Boys & Girls Clubs, animal shelters and a wide range of charities focusing on everything from food insecurity to mental and physical health.
Keegan Bradley, who was born in Woodstock, Vermont and is a life-long Boston sports fanatic, won the 2023 Travelers with a spectacular score of 23-under par and is returning to defend his title June 20-23.
“New England sports fans are true fanatics, and when you are leading a tournament, they motivate you to be better,” said Bradley. “Every member of the staff goes the extra mile to make the tournament a special event for the players and the fans.”
“This is a really, really special place for me. It would have still been if I hadn’t won”, continued Bradley. “When I come here, I
feel a lot of pressure. I really do. I think of the New England kid out here watching and wanted to win for them.
“My wins as a younger player were always from behind, chasing, and I felt the best in there. But winning here my last two wins I’ve won from being in front, which is a much different, much different animal. It’s different from the moment you wake up, like I said. It’s different from being on the first hole with a lead to the last hole. “
“We have these traditions now of just from the Travelers Championship. My mom cooks on Tuesday night. Then the next night, another family member cooks. This has become a family reunion for us, and then there’s a tournament on the side. Everyone is having a great time while I’m nervous and freaking out.”
“So I have these memories of decades, a decade of playing, and now to cap it off here, I have this trophy and it’s special.”
The Travelers Championship will also have the winners of the first two major championships this year.
Xander Schauffele, the 2022 Travelers winner, committed to Connecticut’s biggest sporting event June 20-23 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell after winning his first major championship in the PGA Championship on Sunday. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, whose four victories in five starts in March and April included the Masters, was the first player to commit to the Travelers.
Schauffele had had 12 Top-10 finishes, including two seconds, before finally winning one of golf’s biggest prizes in his 28th start by shooting 21-under-par 263 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. He made a gutsy 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole to edge 2022 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau by a stroke, set the record for most under par in a major championship and end a frustrating winless streak that had reached 22 months.
“Adding the reigning PGA Championship winner and Olympic gold medalist certainly builds upon the impressive list of players
As a past Travelers Championship winner, Xander is part of an exclusive club. I know he wants to contend once again at TPC River Highlands.”
already in our field,” Travelers Executive Vice President Andy Bessette said in a release. “I know our fans will enjoy watching Xander, especially with how well he’s been playing and fresh off winning a major championship.
Scheffler and Schauffele join a field that also already includes defending champion Keegan Bradley, No. 3 Rory McIlroy, No. 5 Viktor Hovland (the reigning FedExCup champion who was third in the PGA Championship), No. 6 Ludvig Abert, No. 8 Patrick Cantlay, No. 9 Collin Morikawa, No. 10 Max Homa and crowd favorite Rickie Fowler
The tournament is again one of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events with a $20 million purse and $3.6 first prize. There will be 7080 players with no cut and several course enhancements and amenities for spectators.
www.TravelersChampionship.com
To say the two courses at Lake of Isles in North Stonington are among Connecticut’s best courses would not be an overstatement. Renowned golf course architect Rees Jones created a wondrous golfing experience in the woodlands of eastern Connecticut. A stunning 90-acre lake serves as the design centerpiece, a setting enhanced by Jones’ skillful use of the natural topography to create scenic island tees and greens.
While the South Course at Lake of Isles, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which also owns the nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino, is a private club, the North Course is open for public play. Both layouts are challenging & scenic and afford golfers of all skill levels a truly unique experience.
The North Course demands golfers use every club in the bag. While the landing areas on most holes are surprisingly generous, the tree lined fairways and multitude of bunkers place a premium on accuracy. There are several forced carries, but most wouldn’t even be given a second thought by all but
the true novice golfer. Jones left most greens open in front to allow golfers the option of “running” their approach shots onto the putting surface. There are five sets of tees, many of which are elevated, offering stunning views of the pristine countryside. The holes are set apart to give the player a feeling of tranquility, and the beauties of nature never far away.
Jones, who has created some of the nation’s most acclaimed courses, said Lake of Isles is a throwback design to some degree.
“It is a return to more of a classic design, where the holes were found among the landscape and then formed without a significant altering of their natural character. This was an amazing piece of property on which to build a golf course.”
There are a number of great holes on the North Course. The par-72 layout starts out with a medium length par-five and is followed by a delightful par-three that plays 216 yards from an elevated tee box and asks for a shot across water.
Number five is a shortish, dogleg right-par five that big hitters can reach in two if they work their tee shot from left to right and avoid danger on the right side of the hole. Number nine is a tough, 459-yard dogleg right parfour that calls for a lusty tee shot to set up a long iron into a deep green. Number 11 is another good par-three, measuring 196 yards from the tips and playing over a pond.
The 13th and 14th perhaps best illustrate the interesting blend of holes at Lake of Isles. The 13th is a short, wide-open 370yard four par that will present a solid chance for birdie. Jones followed this up with a 472-yard par-four that doglegs to the right and has bunkers guarding the right ride of the landing area. Miss your tee shot here and bogey is a very real possibility.
Number 15 is a memorable par-five, measuring 574 yards from the tips. This
is a true three-shot par-five with a ravine protecting the front side of the green. Number 17 is another relatively short, 384yard par-four. But it demands a rather crisp tee shot over a marsh.
The finishing hole on the North Course might be the toughest in the state. The parfour is 459 yards from the championship markers with a carry over water to the landing area. Then it’s another carry over a marshy area to a large green. This hole can make or break your round, as any good finishing hole should.
The North Course measures 7,252 yards from the tips, 6,717 yards from the “golds,” 6,304 yards from the middle tees, 5,569
yards from the “copper” tees, and 4,937 yards from the forward markers. The course is rated 75.8 from the back tees and has a slope of 143.
The Lake of Isles Performance Center features a practice facility that includes 60,000 sq. ft. of teeing space, a large putting, chipping and bunker practice areas. The four indoor teaching studios are open year round and are fit with state-of-the art technology, including TrackMan, Toptracer and video analysis. If you are serious about your game or just starting out, the Lake of Isles Golf Academy has a program for you.
The 50,000-square-foot clubhouse offers commanding views from its hillside location above the lake. The impressive facility includes a Grand Ballroom with capacity of 300 guests, spacious meeting rooms, a public restaurant, members-only dining room, full-service locker rooms and an exquisite golf shop.
For further information about Lake of Isles call 1-888-475-3746 or visit www.LakeOfIsles.com
Golfing Magazine’s “Free Golf” program you get a complimentary round of golf on a number of courses in Connecticut when you sign up. Call 860563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net to get aboard and take a road trip through the Nutmeg State.
Here are the layouts, some of which are private, that you can play for a cart or a small service fee by partnering with us.
The Golf Club at River Oaks (www.ClubRiverOaks.com) is located on the Sherman/New Milford town line in western Connecticut. The courses has a number of holes on its back nine that hug the Housatonic River, which is visible through the trees in late autumn or early spring. The look from the tee box on the par-four dogleg left ninth hole reminds one of playing golf in northern New England rather than Connecticut. Many consider this to be one of the top two or three courses in the state. Robert McNeil designed the course that opened in 2003, and he built
into it challenge and fairness.
Farmington Woods Country Club (www.FarmingtonWoods.com) in Avon was designed by American designer Desmond Muirhead, who also crafted the famed Jack Nicklaus Muirfield Village course in Ohio. The layout is unique to the Farmington River Valley area in that there are dramatic elevation changes in what is usually a rather flat section of Connecticut. The course features woods that line many of the fairways, as well as wetlands.
Tumble Brook Country Club (www.TumbleBrookCC.com) was incorporated and organized in 1922 and features 27 holes. Willie Park, one of the foremost golf course architects of the time, was commissioned to design the first nine. A second nine, designed by Orrin E. Smith, was opened to play in the spring of 1949. The third nine, designed by George Fazio, opened for limited play in the fall of 1970, and was eventually integrated with the rest of the golf course in 1971.The seventh hole on the “Green Course,” a combination of two of the three
nines, is a 440-yard beast where par is an accomplishment for any level of player
THE GREATER HARTFORD AREA Simsbury Farms Golf Course (www.SimsburyFarms.com), which measures 6,509 yards in length from the championship markers, was designed by Geoffrey Cornish and opened for play in 1972. Recognized as one of the top 100 courses in New England by one New England publication, the course provides an excellent test of golf and a visually pleasing round. A driving range and large practice green, as well as a newly constructed clubhouse compliment the golfing complex.
Blue Fox Run Golf Course (www.BlueFoxEnt.com) in Avon has 27 holes of golf. A new nine was added several years ago and these holes are a pleasing mix of those that are open in nature and several that are lined by trees. There is ample bunkering in the fairways and around the modest-sized greens. One of the best new holes is the 512yard par-five fourth on the White Course. If you can steer clear of fairway bunkers to the left of the fairway and high grass on the right,
you may be left with an opportunity to go for a large, oblong green in two.
The Kemp family of purchased the Airways Golf Course (www.AirwaysGolfCourse.com) in West Suffield in 1996 with the intent of providing good, affordable and friendly golf to the town and surrounding communities. Their course is on the short side, 5,845 yards from the tips, and you can score here as long as you drive the ball well. Included in the final five holes of the front side are four par-fours measuring around 300 yards, including the ninth at 273 yards. The 16th is a strong par-five playing 481 yards from the tips. The hole doglegs to the right and there is water to worry about off the tee and on the second shot.
Keney Park Golf Course (www. KeneyParkGolfCourse.com) in Hartford underwent renovations and upgrades that turned the par-70 track in the 700-acre Keney Park into a beauty. The first nine holes of the course were finished in 1927, and the remaining nine were completed in 1930. Keney was designed by notable early 20th century American architect Devereux Emmet, who has several illustrious courses to his credit, including Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., the site of several U.S. Opens. Goodwin Park Golf Course (www.GoodwinParkGolfCourse.com) in Hartford offers 27 holes, with the shortish North Course (2,544 yards) a great place for beginners and senior players to hone their skills and enjoy a leisurely round. The more demanding 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the back markers and features a number of par-fours that are drivable, or approachable, off the tee for long hitters. The 381-yard ninth hole may be the toughest par-four on the track.
on the property.
The architects built a number of peninsula or island greens, using granite from the site to construct walls near several greens and tee boxes. There are some forced carries at Gillette Ridge, both off the tee and on approach shots to the medium size, undulating putting sur-
faces, but nothing so daunting to scare away the average player. Bunkers, ponds or wetlands come into play on almost half the holes. The fairway landing areas are ample.
challenging and perplexing opening holes you will find anywhere. It’s only 368 yards from the back tees, but a stream dissects the fairway a little over halfway to the green, so the dilemma is to take driver and risk hitting it short or right and into the water, or lay up and be left with a long approach to an elevated green. The 10th hole is a demanding 587-yard par-five that bends to the left and has water hazards on the left side of the fairway and near the green, which makes the second shot and approach tricky.
The 27-hole Stanley Golf Course (www.StanleyGolf.com) in New Britain has long been considered one of the premier daily fee facilities in the state. With three distinct nines to select from and some of the best conditions in the Greater Hartford area, Stanley has a dedicated following among the state’s golfers. Some modifications were made a few years back to the course, with several new or reshaped holes created and some shifting of the nines, which made the course even more interesting and more challenging.
Gillette Ridge Golf Club (www.GilletteRidgeGolf.com) in Bloomfield is an Arnold Palmer Signature course and a layout that fits nicely into the existing natural landscape. Great care was taken to preserve the numerous trees that serve to frame fairways and greens, as well as the ample wetlands
East Hartford Golf Club (www.EastHartfordGC.com) was designed by Al Zikorus, plays around 6,200 yards from the tips, and has a nice mix of short par-fours that can be attacked with driver, reachable-intwo par-fives and solid par-threes. There are a number of tee settings to cater to all abilities. This classical design is great for newcomers to the game, but tree-lined fairways and small greens present a challenge to even the most skilled golfer.
Hunter Golf Club (www.HunterGolfClub.com) in Meriden offers great views of surrounding trap rock ridges and Castle Craig in Meriden’s Hubbard Park, which can be seen while playing the fifth hole. The layout has one of the most
Manchester Country Club (ManchesterCountryClub. com) opened in 1917 and was designed by two early 20th century course architects, Tom Bendelow and Devereaux Emmett, the latter creating famed Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C., and Keney Park’s golf course. Manchester has bunkers placed strategically around fairway landing areas and putting surfaces, which puts a premium on accuracy both off the tee and on approaches to medium-sized greens. The course plays 6,339 yards from the tips and has a par of 72. There are some elevation changes and water comes into play on several holes.
In Glastonbury, you will find the nine-hole Minnechaug Golf Course (www.MinnechaugGolf.com). The well-manicured layout is only 2,668 yards from the back markers and plays to a par of 35. But the fairways are narrow and the par-threes demanding. The course features a true island green, a 125-yarder that plays from an elevat-
ed tee box.
One of the best-conditioned, playerfriendly tracks in Connecticut is Rockledge Country Club (www.GolfRockledge.com) in West Hartford. The relatively flat layout has a parkland setting and offers a pleasing mix of holes. Rockledge has a mix of holes, ranging from short par-fours, like the 290yard second and 317-yard 11th, where birdies await, to classic risk/reward par-fives. Timberlin Golf Club (www.TimberlinGolf.com) in Berlin also has a park-like routing, and was given a facelift a few years back in the form of new bunker complexes, fairway and green complex work, an effort led by noted golf course architects Stephen Kay and Doug Smith. The track is kept in immaculate condition and the renovations added more teeth to this scenic track, originally designed by Al Zikorus.
Established in 1902, Pequabuck Golf Course (www.PequabuckGolf.com) in Bristol is a par-69 course that has a pleasing mix of two par-fives, 11 par-fours and five par-threes. Here, you will be called upon to use every club in your bag and strategy plays a vital role in success as you navigate this well-manicured layout that has the distinction recently of being voted on Golf Advisor as the “13th Most Improved Golf Course in the United States”. While on the short side at just over 6,015 yards from the tips, Pequabuck is no
pushover. It starts with a relaxing par-four that measures around 300 yards and gets you off and on your way with a chance to make birdie.
Originally a nine-hole private golf club, purchased by the town of Watertown in 1975, a second nine holes were added in 1980 to make Crestbrook Park Golf Course (www.CrestbrookPark.com) one of the best daily fee tracts in the area. Crestbrook features fast, sloping greens and has four sets of tees for all levels of play. The course, which plays almost 7,000 yards from the tips and features a number of elevation changes, has par-fives that demand thoughtful tee and approach shots and beefy par-threes, like the 228-yard seventh where the tee shot must clear a pond to reach the putting surface.
Southington Country Club (www.SouthingtonCountryClub.com) is fairly wide open with a few delightfully quirky holes, such as the deceptively short 306-yard par-four second and the 120-yard par-three 12th. The course is well maintained and the new ownership has made improvements to the layout and the facilities. It’s a track that is approachable for golfers of all levels.
Hawk’s Landing Country Club (www.HawksLandingCC.com) in Southington is not long, 5,825 yards from the tips, but the course has great par-threes and some interesting par-fours. The seventh and ninth holes both play around 230 yards, while the 18th is 190 yards from the back markers with the tee shot having to carry a pond. The 360-yard par-four fifth is a good test. It dog-
legs to the right and the drive and approach must steer clear of water.
Whitney Farms Golf Club (www.WhitneyFarmsGC.com) in Monroe was designed by Hal Purdy and yardages range from 5,480 yards to 6,714 yards, with slope levels of 127 to 134. The layout starts in stern fashion, with three holes that will test you immediately. The first is a 426 yard par-four, the second another par-four measuring over 400 yards, and the third a 526 yard par-five. After letting up a bit, the front nine again rears its head with four difficult holes to end the outward journey. There are two par-fives that play over or around 500 yards and a pair of par-threes that are 200 yards or longer. The back nine is a bit less severe with shorter parfours where birdie awaits. But you’ll also encounter two par-fives that play over 560 yards from the tips, and the final hole is a brutal, 442-yard par-four that can make or break a round.
The VUE (www.TheVueCT) in Hamden is a classic Geoffrey Cornish track, and a stern test of playing ability. The course can be stretched beyond 7,000 yards and features some of the toughest par-fours in the state, like the 479-yard fifth. There’s a pond guarding the right side of the green, which often must be attacked with a long iron or fairway wood. Number nine is 450 yards from the back markers, and climbs up a hill to the putting surface, making the hole play 20 to 30 yards longer than its listed yardage.
The seventh hole is a monstrous par-three, measuring around 250 yards from the tips,
Coventry’s Twin Hills Country Club (www.TwinHillsCountryClub.com) was built on a former farm and offers golf in a rural setting yet convenient to Hartford and other cities off Rt. 84. Twin Hills has the country charm of stone walls, a covered bridge and its signature stone bridge located on hole number three (a massive 600-yard par-five) that makes one think of the famous bridge crossing to the 12th green at Augusta National Golf Club.
Nestled into the rolling hills of the tiny town of Hebron is Blackledge Country
Club (www.BlackledgeCC.net) that boasts two 18-hole courses. The club’s owners added nine holes in 1995 and another nine in 2000, creating what is called the Gilead Highlands course. The newest nine on Gilead Highlands is a bit reminiscent of Carolina courses, with wide fairways, bunkering, and tall pines and oaks framing many of the landing areas and large greens. Anderson’s Glen has the club’s original 18 holes and is another very solid test. The fairways are tree lined and the greens undulating.
Tallwood Country Club (www.TallwoodCountryClub.com ) in Hebron is known for its classic New England landscape. Situated on over 200 acres of rolling country farmland, it’s another perfect place for a quiet golf getaway. The course offers a pleasingly eclectic mix of strong par-threes, long and demanding and then shorter and tricky par-fours, as well as par-fives that sometimes are reachable in two for long hitters and other times, not so much.
Quarry Ridge Golf Club (www.QuarryRidge.com), located on the slopes of the Connecticut River valley in Portland, offers some of the best views in Connecticut. This is a true shot-maker’s delight, with dramatic elevation changes, a mix of long and short holes, and tricky greens. The course is regularly listed among the best in Connecticut. The course plays 6,369 yards from the back tees, but it’s all about proper club selection and accuracy at Quarry Ridge.
Portland Golf Course
(www.PortlandGolfCourse.com), which measures just over 6,200 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71, is also set in the rolling hills of the Connecticut River Valley. Its tree-lined fairways, various elevation changes, and doglegs make the track challenging and enjoyable for all players. The 405-yard par-four first hole is a strong way to begin a round. The tee shot is relatively easy, but the second shot is down a 60-foot drop to the green, making club selection difficult.
Black Birch Golf Club (www.BlackBirchGolf.com) in Moodus has earned a reputation as one of Connecticut’s “hidden gems.” Ownership has improved the course, which included increased turf quality, new tee boxes on select holes, re-designed holes (13 and 14 in particular), a new fleet of carts, and the installation of an updated irrigation system.
Windham Golf Club (www.WindhamClub.com) first opened in 1922 and was once maintained as a private facility. The putting surfaces are medium in size with some undulation. They roll true and reward good approach shots with makeable birdie opportunities. The rough areas are kept at a height to punish wayward tee shots but still allow players to advance the ball to the greens.
GOLF BY CONNECTICUT’S CASINOS
Elmridge Golf Club (www.ElmridgeGolf.com) in Pawcatuck features three nines that are approachable for golfers of all abilities. The par-fours are on the short side, most measuring between 340 and 370 yards from the middle tees, but a
number of them are doglegs. The par-threes are strengths of the layout and several measure close to or over 200 yards. One of the best par-fives on the course is the 525-yard seventh on the Blue Course. The hole bends slightly to the right and a good drive will leave you with a shot to go for the green in two. But there are bunkers guarding the putting surface and the green is elevated.
Norwich Golf Club (www.NorwichGolf.com) is known for its fine playing conditions and is a tricky layout that is fun for players of all abilities. The course opened in 1925 on July 4th. It was designed by Tull and Tull, a famous golf course architectural firm of the day, and there is some indication that Walter Travis, a noted designer
Crestbrook Park Golf Course
and legendary amateur player, had a hand in the routing. Norwich isn’t long, just 6,191 yards from the tips. But its slope of 131 from the championship markers gives you an idea of just how difficult it can be.
River Ridge Golf Course (www.RiverRidgeGolf.com) in Jewett City opened in May of 1999 and is a carefully maintained course. The first three holes were built on open space that was formerly an apple orchard. The other 15 holes are characterized by rolling hills and scenic vistas that present various challenges. The front side plays to a par of 37 and is a demanding nine holes. It has three of the course’s par-fives, all pretty much asking for three good shots to find the green in regulation.
Mohegan Sun Golf Club (www.MoheganSunGolfClub.com) It’s okay to walk onto the tee at No. 6 with some swagger, even though the hole might eat your lunch. The par 5 slopes downward, then doglegs right 90 degrees, with plenty of bunkers along the way that could lead to the dreaded snowman, a.k.a. 8 on the scorecard. The safe play is a little baby fade that hugs the right side. Shot number two should be short of the creek that guards the front of a kidney-shaped green. (Only the bold and not-so-brilliant go for it in two.) There are plenty of other impressive holes on this course as well, originally designed in 1960 by the legendary golfcourse architect Geoffrey Cornish and just renovated by world-class designer Ron Garl.
Vermont is a summer playground, full of things to do and see; world-class fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, museums and parks and keep us around for a week or more. The Green Mountain State is also home to some superb golf courses, a number of them located at resorts, making stay and play always an option.
Several of the state’s best courses are in Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf program. To take advantage of his offer, call 860-5631633, or visit www.FreeGolf.net. You also get our digital magazine sent to you when you join.
The Mount Snow Golf Course (www.MountSnow.com) in Dover is one of Vermont’s premier “mountain” courses and has been rated one of the top five layouts in the state by Golf Digest magazine. The 18-hole, 6,943-yard (there are three other sets of tees) course has also been named one of the top 10 resort courses in the country.
The track meanders through the Vermont countryside and provides views of the Green Mountains, including the peaks of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain. Tamaracks, oaks, birches and sugar maples line
fairways, while the mountains provide a majestic backdrop. The front nine is spread over scenic expanses and the back nine winds its way through wooded terrain. Water comes into play on 11 holes and 41 sand traps are strategically located on almost every hole.
Brattleboro Country Club (www.brattleborocountryclub.com) has been called “a hidden gem” and our readers simply must try out this classic New England layout.
The course measures 6,533 from the tips and is full of interesting, challenging and fair holes. Take the par-five second for instance. The hole heads up a hill, takes a right turn to a narrow strip of fairway only to head up another hill for the third shot. Then there is the drivable par-four sixth, the classic risk-reward par-five seventh, and the long par-four 11th, where bogey doesn’t feel all the bad.
A number of improvements to the course
and clubhouse have been made in recent years, including a fresh look in the dining room, kitchen, and bar area, irrigation, tree work, cart paths, enhanced gardens and more. The club also has a new fleet of golf carts.
Green Mountain National Golf Club (www.gmngc.com) in Killington is in its second year under new management, Brown Golf Management Company, which is working tirelessly to enhance an already notable facility.
Green Mountain features holes that have demanding tee and approach shots and places a premium on all-around ability. The course was carved out of the mountains, and thus offers solitude and a “private” golf experience. Gently sloping fairways that feature generous landing areas, distinctive changes in elevation, and undulating greens add to the beauty. There are centuries-old rock formations carved by glaciers, and the view from 16th tee is stunning.
The seventh hole is a downhill par-three that plays shorter than its 151 yards. With a ridge in the middle of the green, put your tee shot to the side of the ridge where the pin is located. There’s a bunker in the back of the green.
Thanks to Golfing Magazine’s ground-breaking Course Play Stimulus Program, subscribers can visit New Hampshire this summer and enjoy a number of the best layouts the Granite State has to offer.
One of the premier courses in New England has joined our program to allow you to sample a classic layout that was designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross. Indeed, there are 27 holes to enjoy at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.
The 18-hole Omni Mount Washington Resort Golf Course (www.OmniHotels.com) was completed in 1915. Its backdrop features New Hampshire’s spectacular Presidential Mountain Range. The par-72, 7,004-yard course has hosted four New Hampshire Opens and the prestigious New England Open Championship in 2010.
Reopened on Aug. 1, 2008, the Mount Washington Course was restored to Donald Ross’ original plans by noted golf course architect Brian Silva, including bunkers crafted in a classic flair and infinite varieties of recovery shots in the closely cropped areas around the putting greens. The parfive 11th hole and the par-three fifth hole feature stunning views of Omni Mount Washington Hotel and the surrounding mountains.
The nine-hole Mount Pleasant Course first opened in 1895, and has been host to generations of golfing enthusiasts from New Hampshire and beyond. Greats like U.S. Pro Golfer Gilbert Nicholls, Golf Course Designer Alex Findlay, British Golf Champions Harry Vardon and J.W. Taylor, and U.S. Open Golf Champion Willie Anderson have all played this historic par35 course. In 1989, the course was restored and upgraded by Cornish & Silva Golf Course Architects, with advice from worldrenowned golfers Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi, and now offers players a more challenging round alongside New Hampshire’s scenic Ammonoosuc River.
You will want to stay and play when you visit, as the Omni Mount Washington Resort is a grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, and named a National Historic Landmark. The Inn originally opened in 1902 and has served as a retreat for the famous and every day folk ever since.
New Hampshire is also where you will find one of the most challenging courses in New England. The Shattuck Golf Club (www.ShattuckGolfCourse.com) in Jaffrey was carved out of granite and mature woodlands and demands a well thought out approach to every shot on every hole. This is a tough routing and target golf at its best.
You must hit your spots, both off the tees and on approaches to the greens
The 200-yard par-three second is a picture perfect hole, with elevated tees that look down over a grassy hillside to a large, bunkered green set in front of a pond. The tee area doesn’t feel all that high, but it’s unusually deceptive. The most common error here is over-clubbing.
The 426-yard par-four 10th starts from a highly elevated area, offering a spectacular view of a large green below, with Mount Monadnock serving as the backdrop. The hole is a dogleg left with a deep drop-off at the turn. Drive the ball too far and you’ll go over an edge on the fairway.
The par-four, 391-yard 16th is another beauty and played over a reflecting pond in front of the tee to a wide, rolling fairway and bunkered green with a Colonial farmhouse behind. Keep it straight, as there’s deep rough left and right. A big green is slightly elevated, so your second shot may require one more club.
The Newport Golf Club (www.NewportGolfClub-NH.com) is nestled in the scenic Sugar River Valley of New Hampshire. The par 71, Phil Wogan design utilizes the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, streams and ponds to perfectly frame the 18-holes built on 143 acres in the early 1990s.
The “Wogan course” replaced the origi-
nal nine-hole course designed by Willie Park, Jr. in 1920. Coincidentally, Parks was also the designer of the Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I. In addition to golf the Newport Golf Club has a restaurant, the Hole-In-One Diner, and two facilities for hosting meetings, reunions and weddings. The Sunrise Pavilion can accommodate up to 175 people and The Divot Room is used for more intimate gatherings.
“The natural beauty of the area is usually commented on by visitors and first time golfers,” said Donald Hague, General Manager. “There are five course layouts utilizing three sets of tee boxes, ranging from the Sugar River Course at 6,509 yards to the Sunshine Course at 4,738 yards. The courses appeal to all levels of players from beginners to pros and all are welcome by the friendly staff. We also offer a driving range with a large natural grass teeing surface.”
The handicap rating of the holes changes quite a bit depending on which of the five courses is being played. Said Hague, “Probably the toughest hole on the course on average is the 12th. It’s a slight dogleg left to a long, narrow, undulating green
sloped back to front. From the tee there is a lateral marshy hazard to the left that ends in a pond on the left third of the fairway at about 220 yards from the tips. On the right, a fairway bunker and a pond at about 240 yards from the tee make a well controlled tee shot a necessity. Past the first pond on the left the marshy hazard extends all the
way to the green and the pond on the right extends all the way to the green as well. Hit your approach shot left and the ball will bounce left, hit it right and, you guessed it, it will bounce right. It’s a really good, challenging hole from all tee boxes.”
Maine has miles and miles of rugged ocean coastline, forests, rivers and lakes, mountains and, of course, lots of wonderful golf courses, some of them dating back 100 years or so and others of recent vintage. Why not plan a trip to the Pine Tree state and blend a week’s worth of golf with charming hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, great seafood, and a plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking and fishing to hiking and sailing.
Here is a sampling of the some of the best courses you can play in Maine, thanks to Golfing Magazine’s Course Play Stimulus Program.
To take advantage of Golfing Magazine’s Free Golf offer, call 860563-1633, or visit www.FreeGolf. net. Remember, you get five issues of our magazine in addition to Free Golf when you subscribe.
Established in 1895 by Arthur Fenn and re-designed by Donald Ross in 1912, the Links at Poland Spring ( www.PolandSpringInns.com) claims to be the first golf course built at a resort in the United States. Poland Spring Resort recently added a new 330-yard driving range with natural grass, artificial tees, and a spectacular view of the rugged White Mountains. After a round at Poland Spring you can relax on the clubhouse porch overlooking the championship golf course at
Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant, or grab a quick bite at the Pro Shop Café before you join your family for a swim in the large crystal clear swimming pool, all just a few yards from the 18th green. The Inn offers many options for dining, such as a home cooked breakfast and evening meals that are served daily, buffet style, in a comfortable dining room.
Spring Meadow Golf Club (www.SpringMeadowGolf.com ) at Cole Farms in Gray is a delightful routing, with management taking great pride in the conditioning of their layout. The course measures 6,656 yards from the tips and plays to a par of 71. The par-fives here are very sturdy, including the 600-yard third that tests your ability early in the round. Speaking of early, you can’t have a much more demanding start to a loop than the first at Spring Meadow. The par-four plays 430 yards from the tips and there is a pond to the right that must be avoided on the tee shot. If you play safe to the left you will have a longer approach that again must contend with the water and a bunker. Spring Meadow Golf Club, the Links at Poland Spring, and Fox Ridge Golf Club are part of the Maine Trifecta (www.MaineTrifecta.com ) golf offering, were you can golf all three and stay at Poland Spring Resort for two different prices; $319, which includes lodging, three all-you-caneat buffet meals, 18 holes at each course, golf carts and range balls at each course; and the $339 Deluxe Trifecta, which includes the above plus upgraded accommodations and four buffet meals. All rates are per person, double occupancy, plus seven percent Main sale tax.
The Bethel Inn Resort (www.BethelInn.com ) golf course in Bethel, built just over 100 years ago, remained nine
holes of little recognition until 1988 when it was redesigned and expanded to an 18-hole championship layout by the renowned architect Geoffrey Cornish. The 6,663-yard, par-72 course takes maximum advantage of mountain vistas and the natural beauty of the area. Large, well-trapped greens, tree-lined fairways and five tee positions make play challenging for all golfers.
There is a pleasant mix of short and long par-fours, tough par-threes, and demanding parfives that will test the ability of all levels of golfer. America’s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the Bethel Inn layout among the top 10 resort courses in the Northeast, and Golf Digest magazine has awarded it 3 1/2 stars.
Dunegrass Golf Club (www.Dunegrass.com) in Old Orchard Beach has been offering local and visiting golfers the opportunity to experience an uncommonly high caliber of golf for Maine and New England since 1998. Designed by internationally known golf course architect, Dan Maples, Dunegrass Golf Club has quickly gained the reputation as the Portland area’s premier public golf course. Maples imbued the course with the look and feel of a layout one might find in the Carolinas.
The par-threes at Dunegrass are all very good and water comes into play on the four short holes. The 17th can play almost 200
yards from the tips and has water short and to the right of the putting surface.
One of the most spectacular and scenic courses in New England, the Sunday River Golf Club (www.SundayRiver.com ) is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design featuring 18 breathtaking holes that wind through the Maine woods and over dramatic elevation changes in a stunning mountainside setting. Overlooking the Sunday River Valley with the Mahoosuc range towering above, the course follows the natural topography of the landscape while striking the perfect balance between challenge and playability. Facilities
include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range.
As Maine’s premier golf destination, Sugarloaf Golf Club (www.Sugarloaf.com )is a must-play for any golfer. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design provides golfers with stunning panoramic mountain views and an unforgettable experience from first tee to final putt.72 6,910. Aptly named for the course’s designer, the first hole plays downhill, and is a dogleg right par-four that is as demanding as it is scenic. The hole offers your first glimpse of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Be sure to factor in elevation change on both your tee shot and approach. Bunkers to the left and right guard the small green.
Lake Kezar Country Club (www.LakeKezarGolf.com ) in Lovell is one of the oldest courses in Maine, built in 1923, when several summer camp owners recognized the need for a golf course to entertain summer visitors. The worldrenowned golf architect, Donald Ross, was chosen to design the course. His trademark design was “naturalness”, which is evident at Lake Kezar, with the course flowing through pines, stone walls, brooks and flowers. The back nine was added in 1998. The course offers four sets of tees. The design invites you to bump and run it onto the green whenever you can to avoid trouble behind several of the greens.
Check out the northern Catskill Mountains this summer for a perhaps unexpected treat of superb golf courses and several time-honored resorts. You can unwind for a weekend or longer and sample several very good golf courses the area has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what awaits you in the area.
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course (www.SunnyHill.com)
Sunny Hill Resort and Golf Course in Greenville, N.Y. continues to attract a bevy of stay and play customers from the tri-state area who love bathing in the warm and laid back atmosphere of the Catskills while also taking the time to sample a fun course.
Sunny Hill, owned by the Nicolsen family since 1968, opened as a resort in 1920. “One of the significant highlights of Sunny Hill is that from any tee on the golf course you have picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains,” said Marc Guntert, Director of Golf. “We are very popular locally due in part to the layout and beautifully manicured grounds.”
Guntert said course conditions are “excellent as we continue to keep golf course maintenance equipment up to date and always professionally maintain the layout. Our business has been continuous and steady even
through the pandemic and continues to stay strong, thankfully.”
Sunny Hill is considered to be more a resort style golf course that is challenging to the beginner as well as the experienced golfer. The track could also be deemed an “executive” course that features a number of par-threes, seven in all including six on the front side, and several short par-fours. It makes for an enjoyable round and a fine place to learn the game while not being overwhelmed by difficult holes. It also gives the accomplished golfer a chance to work on every club in the bag.
The front side has par-threes that range in distance from 104 yards to 202. The fifth, eighth and ninth holes are short par-fours where big hitters can drive the greens. The front side plays to a par of 30. The back side is more traditional in distance and plays to a par of 36. There are two par-fours, the 11th and 14th, that play around 350 yards as well as five parfours of less than 300 yards, including the final four holes on the course. The only par-five is on the back, the 423-yard 13th.There is only one par-three on the inward nine, the challenging 203-yard 12th.
Said Guntert, “I would say that our best hole is number 11, which is a 348-yard parfour and downhill all the way to the green. A few yards past the green is a pond, which
of course has claimed many a ball.” Course Superintendent is Erik Nicholsen.
“We don’t offer any real specials during the summer because we are pretty much swamped with our resort guests,” said Guntert. “We hold various tournaments for our guests to enjoy during their stay with us. We don’t have a restaurant but we offer burgers, hot dogs, various sandwiches and other snacks.”
Island Green Resort and Golf Club (www.TheIslandGreen.com)
Thanks to a move by the managers of Island Green Golf Club in Greenville, N.Y., everyone who tees it up at the course will be able to sample the hole for which the layout is named for.
“The biggest change we made was flipping the nines,” said Kevin Smith, General Manager. “This was done for better flow and for quicker play. The signature hole is our now number three on the front and it is accessible to people only playing nine holes.”
The third hole plays 135 from back tees and it’s a true island green that is fun and tricky to play at the same time. There’s no room for error on the tee shot.
“We took over last season and saw a significant increase, but this season has been off the charts so far,” said Smith. “I have learned that there are so many loyal and wonderful
people in this area and beyond. Locally, we draw mainly from the surrounding counties of Dutchess, Greene and Columbia and Schoharie and we have some customers who make the day trip from Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and the upper New York City area.”
“Some of our most exciting news is our food and beverage component,” Smith added. “We have two new excellent food professionals. Drew Tobin is our new head chef with Brad Fitzgerald being the sous chef. They are offering some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted. They have elevated the level of our food and beverage department to new heights. I highly recommend either staying here overnight or booking an outing with us.”
Of course, customers come to sample the wonderful golf course at Island Green. In addition to the aforementioned and high profile island green, the course features a traditional design that is fun and challenging to play.
The first hole is a short par-four that can get a round off in good fashion. Numbers seven and eight and par-fours that measure less than 300 yards and present golden opportunities to make birdie with a strong drive.
The 340-yard 10th hole is a super par-four
where players can drive the ball as close to a greenside pond as possible to set up a short iron or wedge into the putting surface. Number 13 is a 380-yard par-four that also has water in front of the green. The 14th and 15th holes are long par-fours that play almost 450 yards from the back markers.
The 17h hole is a 347-yard par-four that doglegs severely to the left. Hit your drive as close to the turn as possible to leave a short iron into the green. The course ends with a 341yard par-four that can make the after round refreshments taste better with a birdie.
The course plays 6,261 yards from the back and has a par of 71. There are four sets of tees in all to fit the playing ability of all guests.
“Our stay and play package is hard to beat,” said Smith. “Those interested can email me at kevin@theislandgrenn.com for details.”
We know golfing is fun. The ownership at Wentworth Hills Country Club in Plainville, Ma. is intent on making it even more enjoyable.
The club has purchased a new fleet of “Shark” golf carts that allows players to remain in contact with the clubhouse throughout a round. They can order food and refreshments while playing the front nine and pick up orders at the turn. In addition, the carts offer yardages and golfers can even watch video tips from Greg Norman between their own shots.
And, the club has developed an app for cell phones that make the user a member of the “Wentworth Hills community” once they get the app. Individuals are notified of discounts on greens fees and other promotions and specials. A map of the course and yardages are automatically available on the user’s phone when accessing the app.
”We are trying to keep up with the younger generation that is so into technology,” said one of the club’s owners, Constant Poholek. “The hole-in-one challenge is a game within the game and money we receive helps out charitable causes. We are trying to do things to make golf even more fun and keep people coming back.”
Wentworth Hills is a fun course to play, offering classic risk/reward holes that dare low-handicappers to “go for it,” while allowing for alternate routes to the green
Wfor less experienced golfers. The varied natural topography here features rolling, tree-lined fairways, large, receptive greens, ponds and lakes protecting holes, and 60 strategicallyplaced bunkers.
The course, while playing just over 6,200 yards from the tips, has a slope of 128 and a rating equal to its par of 71. The track places emphasis on proper club selection and accurate approach shots to the putting surfaces.
Wentworth Hills is located between Boston and Providence and only minutes from Route 495, which makes it an ideal destination for golfers from the Metro Boston area to Federal Hill in Providence.
WentworthHillsCountryClub.com
ith 27 holes of golf, Heather Hill Country Club in Plainville, Ma., makes for a full day of golfing fun. The club offers one regulation 18-hole course and one nine-hole course.
The North Course (nine holes) has a few hills that can cause uneven lies. The fairways are narrow, and the greens are small. The South Course (18 holes) has many more hills than the North Course, but doesn’t have a lot of sand bunkers. The fairways are wide open, but most are tree lined, so you just can’t spray it around and get away with it. The greens are large, and water hazards come into play on three holes.
The 18-hole course plays around 6,000 yards from the tips and has a mix of short- and medium-length par-fours, tricky par-threes, and two par-fives that can reached in two shots by big hitters. One of those par-fives is the 478-yard third that is very straightforward with few hazards complicating matters, although there are two bunkers near the putting surface. The seventh and eighth are solid backto-back par-threes, playing almost 200 yards and 180 respectively.
The back side has three short par-fours that allow you a real chance at birdie, the 334-yard 13th, the 317-yard 14th, and the final hole, a 317-yarder. Number 12 is a good par-five that plays 516 yards from the tips, with the hole doglegging to the right, which may demand a precise layup shot to set up a wedge approach.
The nine-hole layout measures 3,368 yards from the tips. It begins with a 157-yard par-three, with the toughest stretch of holes coming at three through five. The third, a par-four, plays 400 yards, while the fourth is a challenging 500yard par-five.
The club has a restaurant and bar for after-round enjoyment. www.HeatherHillCountryClub.com
Heritage Country Club in Charlton, Massachusetts has long been a favorite of locals and those golfers who like to throw their sticks in the trunk and drive a bit to play a real good course. Heritage offers private club conditions and amenities at affordable rates.
Heritage CC has joined Golfing Magazine’s growing list of courses you can play when you subscribe to our magazine. You get a complimentary round of golf with a small service fee charged when you arrive to take care of a motorized cart for the round.
The 18-hole course at Heritage Country Club features 6,335 yards from the longest tees and a par of 71. The course rating is 69.3 and it has a slope rating of 118. The layout was designed by Donald Hoenig, with the track opening for play in 1964. Shane Bayer manages the course as General Manager.
There are a mix of holes at Heritage CC that will keep you entertained through your entire round. Some of the fairways are rather tight,
The setting is amazing for this semi-private Country Club which exudes pride of ownership. From the moment you enter the property, making the quarter mile country side drive you can’t miss the rolling manicured greens.
so accuracy is called for off the tee to get you involved in the hole from the tee box.
The layout starts off in stern fashion, with a pair of fairly long par-fours followed by a 200yard par-three where par is a good score indeed. The fourth is a 452-yard par-five that is reachable in two shots for long hitters.
The fifth hole is a beast of a par-five, playing around 600 yards and it’s a true three-shot hole to get the putting surface. Number eight is
a par-four of around 300 yards where birdie awaits before moving on to the monstrous 490-yard par-four ninth. The ninth can also be played as a par-five, which makes sense for most golfers.
The back side also starts off tough, with two par-fours of around 400 yards sandwiched around another long par-five of about 600 yards. The 305-yard par-four 14th is a birdie hole and then it is on to a demanding finish that includes another par-five that measures almost 600 yards from the back tees. Better bring a great long game when you play here and tee off from the tips. The wise option the first visit may be playing from one tee up, which will put the total yardage to around 6,000, shortening some of those long par-fives.
85 Sampson Road
Charlton, Ma.
www.HeritageCountryClub.com
Serving golfers in scenic Agawam, MA, and Suffield, CT, area, Crestview Country Club features panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. Known as the “Gem of Western Mass,” a renowned Geoffrey Cornish design. The course is challenging enough to have played host to the PGA TOUR Travelers Championship Open Qualifier in 2015, the CT Section PGA Championship in 2013, the LPGA Friendly’s Classic from 1995-1998, as well as several US Amateur qualifiers. With it’s 5 sets of tees it is very playable for all levels of golfers. Best to be ready to take on the course right out of the gate. Best not to be tying up your laces on the first tee because the first 2 holes are challenging to say the least. Even from the white tees you are looking at an opening hole (#3 hdcp) of 400 plus yards backed up by a 526-yard part 5.
A scenic collection of challenging par 3’s await as you are guided through the meticulously maintained rolling fairways with a number of
risk reward par 4’s and 5’s to round out you round. Plus, a 19th hole to settle those bets. Big hitters can tee it up from as far back as 7,100 yards, the reds tees bring that down to a very manageable 5,500.
There is no excuse for not being ready when you get to the first as the club has an expansive driving range, practice green and pitching area. If by chance your game needs a little tune up, the professional staff is there offering lessons, clinics and specialized instruction. Not just for the adults in the room but Juniors as well.
Dining here is an art unto itself and you will want that experience, whether indoors or outdoors. The VIEW Restaurant and The California Grill feature panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley, sumptuous food and an impressive array of cocktails and wine selections.
If you are lucky enough to live close by membership at Crestview Country Club should be a consideration. A classic country club, one of the best semi-private golf courses in the area, other amenities include: pool, tennis courts and fitness area.
www.CrestviewCC.org
Or to book a tee time call: (413) 786-0917
One of the favorite courses of Massachusetts golfers is improving each year.
The ownership of Mill Valley Golf Links in Belchertown, MA is tweaking their property to bring the course and club to an enhanced luster. There’s a new 2,000-square-foot pro shop that will have additional merchandise for sale, a golfer’s lounge with a big screen TV, an outside patio and restrooms for the comfort of visitors. On the course, a new green was built on number three that eliminates a sharp dogleg. The new green features severe sloping to make things interesting. There’s a new par-three 16th hole, and additional parking has also been incorporated into the overall improvement plan.
“Mill Valley is unique because every hole is cut through the woods,” said owner Tim Kurty. “We have exceptional conditions on our greens, tees and fairways. We have a challenging course and relaxed atmosphere for members and guests to enjoy. We are called a links course because many of the fairways follow the natural terrain and feature uphill, downhill and side hill lies that makes approach shots challenging.”
Mill Valley, which plays 6,525 yards from the tips, draws its golfers from the University of Massachusetts, surrounding towns and the greater Worcester area, said Kurty. “We currently have over 400 members and business has been
Since 1960, Crystal Lake Golf Club in Haverhill, Ma. has been one of the premiere public golf courses in the Merrimack Valley, located only 35 minutes from downtown Boston.
The course offers some of the finest rolling bent grass greens in the area, lush wide fairways, light rough, manicured bunkers, rolling tree-lined terrain, and a well-thought out design by Geoffrey Cornish of Cornish Golf Designs.
booming of late as we believe we are in the top 10 percent of courses in condition and the bottom 10 percent in pricing. Every day is special here. It costs $40 to play 18 hole with a cart seven days a week.”
Mill Valley has a number of great holes, including the fifth and 10th, par-threes that can play as far back as 240 yards or more. The 13th hole is a par-four that features a 100-foot drop from the tee to the fairway. Number 15, nicknamed “The Snake”, is a double dogleg par-five that is a true three shot hole.
The course begins in rather unique fashion, with back to back par-fives. There are several par-fours that play at or slightly over 300 yards, allowing big hitters to get on or close to the greens with a big tee shot .The 17th hole is perhaps the toughest on the course. The par-four plays 422 yards from the back makers. The par-fives are a nice mix of three-shot holes, such as the aforementioned 15th, to the 468-yard 15th where birdie awaits with a strong drive, smart layup and wedge into the green.
“We have a 5,000-square-foot bar and banquet area that we are currently seeking a new tenant for,” said Kurty. “We have a full liquor license and currently serve alcohol, beer, seltzers, wine with sandwiches and snack items out of the pro shop.” www.MillValleyGolfLinks.com
Crystal Lake provides a fun, yet challenging round of golf that will be played under four and half hours on weekends. Every club in your bag will be used and a memorable golf experience is guaranteed.
Blackhead Mountain Country Club
The club is also known as one of the best priced courses for the value in New
England, with a caring staff, and a proactive membership program, including a “fun” tournament event calendar.
Acquired by Sterling Golf Management in 2018, Crystal Lake Golf Club continues to provide guests and members with a
unique and affordable golf experience.
Situated near Crystal Lake, the course features a multitude of challenging yet approachable holes for all types of players. Take the fifth for instance. The parfive plays around 500 yards from the tips and bends ever so softly to the right, which makes going for the green in two shots risky.
The 18th is a very reachable-in-two 448yard par five where birdie, or perhaps even an eagle, can really bring your round to a delightful conclusion.
www.CrystalLake-Golf.com
During the backswing, the ideal hip movement is a rotational motion within a confined space highlighted by lines drawn on either side of the golfer’s legs. This rotational movement ensures that the hips remain within the defined range, allowing for better control and predictability. Conversely, improper hip sway, where the lower body sways away from the target, is a common problem among amateur golfers. Using OptiMotion, we see that Coach Sam sways 2.4 inches away from the target. This faulty hip movement leads to difficulties in striking the ball cleanly and consistently.
Low point control refers to the position of the clubhead in relation to the ground at the moment of impact. A crucial aspect of achieving consistent low point control is the movement of the hips. A proper hip movement involves shifting the lower body towards the target during the downswing. This forward movement of the hips helps bring the low point of the swing in front of the golf ball, ensuring clean ball contact and solid shots.
To improve your distance control and master hip sway, there are specific exercises and techniques you can incorporate into your practice routine. One such exercise is to start with the address position, slightly favoring the lead side of your lower body. This initial positioning sets the stage for moving the low point in front of the ball during the swing.
Begin with small backstrokes, focusing on rotating your hips without any lateral movement back. This rotation helps maintain stability while preparing for the downswing. Next, emphasize driving your lower body towards the target, ensuring that the lead hip extends beyond the lead ankle at the moment of impact. This movement facilitates the forward shift of the low point and promotes solid contact with the ball.
Start with small and deliberate movements, ensuring excellent contact with the ball. As you become more proficient in this skill, gradually increase the size and speed of your hip movements, further enhancing low point control and distance predictability.
Dave Souza is Franchise Owner/Center Manager of GOLFTEC West Hartford, CT. He can be reached at DSouza@GOLFTEC.com or 860-222-2299 www.GOLFTEC.com/GolfLessons/West-Hartford
Wouldn’t you like your sand wedge pitch shots to launch high and land softly like fresh falling snow? But too often, you “blade” the ball because your club never gets all the way down to the ground! You’ve been tricked into thinking you’re supposed to send the clubhead forward, towards the target, when it really needs to get down to the ground. ALL the way down! Let’s change that forward delivery into a downward delivery.
Meet your new best friend…GRAVITY! Stop pulling on the club. Let gravity do the work for you. What would that feel like…to let the clubhead free fall to earth? Plop. No violence! The club needs to be allowed to get to the ground and you’re forcing the issue. Literally!
To feel the pull of gravity, as the song says…Let It Go, Let it Go, Can’t hold it (up) anymore! Take the club in your dominant hand (right hand for righties), make a waist high backswing and hold the club parallel to the ground. Keep it there a few seconds, feeling the clubhead getting heavy. While maintaining your grip, let your arm and the clubhead drop towards the ground! Feel the sensation of the club falling naturally. Repeat with both hands holding! Make sure you acknowledge the feeling of your arms moving downward along with the clubhead. Allowing the clubhead to be affected by gravity is the force you can depend on to get the clubhead all the way to the ground. Your arms should never have been the source of power for these soft shots! So, what IS the real Source of Power? It’s TURNING!
Proof is in this test: Take an imaginary ball in your hand and throw it overhand in s-l-o-w motion. Notice the order of your motion.
1) Your chest turned away from the target
2) You took a step forward, planting your weight on your front foot
3) Your chest starts turning toward the target. THEN, after ALL that had occurred…
4) Your arm moved to release the ball because turning happened first
IT IS THE SAME order of events for your sand wedge shots.
1) Your chest turns away from the target
2) Pressure is transferred as your weight posts onto your front foot
3) Your chest starts turning toward the target first, and THEN
4) Your arms fall downward initiating a gravity induced dropping of the clubhead.
Sand Wedge Drill: Put a ball on a small tee. Forget about the ball…your task is to hit the tee out of the ground. Focus on your Turn and swing at slow speeds, feeling the clubhead falling like snow…all the way down. Sing Let It Go, Let it Go… as a reminder to feel gravity’s pull which will let you experience your new mellow tempo. The past is in the past!
The Tin Cup Marker enables you to “Make Your Mark” with a personalized ball marker using the logo or design of your choice. There are over 250+ existing designs available or you may request your own personal custom design.The Tin Cup is an ideal gift for tournaments, corporate outings, birthdays, wedding parties, holidays and of course for personal use to simply play golf and have fun. Tin Cup will make it easier than ever for you to identify and personalize your golf ball for those shots that happen to miss the fairway!
www.Tin-Cup.com
The Original #1 rated Golf Training Aid now has products to enhance your whole golf game! The Orange Whip Trainer will help you hit it longer and straighter, while improving consistency. Our Stan Utley inspired Wedge and Putter will cut strokes from around the green. The NEW Golf Fitness Products and online programming will improve your golf strength, coordination, and flexibility with easy to follow swing workouts for players and coaches. Join the Orange Whip ‘Grove’ and become the golfer you’ve always wanted to be while developing your golf swing that ‘Feels’ like a tour player!
Use promo code GOLFINGMAG and save at www.OrangeWhipGolf.com
One of the most successful product franchises in golf received a massive overhaul, highlighted by a game-changing new outsole configuration. Pro/SLX and Pro/SLX Carbon will advance your game with revolutionary traction, comfort and control. www.FootJoy.com
Proudly made in the U.S.A., SafePlay Golf’s Monster Mat is less expensive and longer lasting than ANY other range mat on the market. Unlike most other mats that are made of nylon, the Monster Mat features a proprietary Z-Pro LSR Fiber hitting surface that feels like nothing else you’ve ever hit off before. It’s Premier Shock System virtually eliminates hand and elbow shock making it the finest and safest hitting surface you can use when practicing your golf game. The polypropylene fiber eliminates any shedding of the mat or marking of the club during use.
So, while you’re avoiding fading, crushing and delaminating, you’re enjoying consistent footing on a truly non-directional, supportive surface. It’s the last range mat you’ll ever need…guaranteed!
www.safeplaygolf.com
As the number one umbrella for all professional golf tours, this award-winning product makes your time on the green even more pleasant. It fits perfectly in any golf bag, making for easy access when the elements becomes too much to handle. Features a Pinchless Manual Open & Close Release System, Lightweight, Black Fiberglass Frame, HandContoured Rubber Comfort Grip Handle and is Lightning Resisting.
UNFLIPPABLE, UNFLAPPABLE, UNLEAKABLE
www.GustBuster.com
The ultimate in golf course comfort and performance with the Skechers GO GOLF Blade GF – Slip-ins®.
Worn by tour pro Matt Fitzpatrick, these waterproof golf shoes feature Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins® technology, an exclusive Heel Pillow™ for stability, and ECOFLIGHT™ cushioning made with recycled materials. The GRIPFLEX spikeless TPU outsole ensures superior traction, while Resamax® cushioning provides all-day comfort. Available in charcoal/red, black, and white, these shoes are sure to bring the heat to dad’s golf game this summer www.Skechers.com
You will have a blast with you Golf Buddies when you break out the ALL IN On The Course game. This exciting game begins with golfers agreeing on a value of the 27 authentic poker chips. Golfers want the positives & want to avoid the negatives. New Grave Digger chip takes you more than one shot to get out of the sand trap. Furthest from the pin on a par 3 gets you the new beer chip, which puts you on the hook for a round when the beer cart comes by.
• 27 HILARIOUS & CHALLENGING CHIPS
• FUN & ENGAGING FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
• INCLUDES FREE CHIP & ACCESSORY BAG www.VegasGolfGame.com
KEEP YOUR SUNGLASSES HANDY WHILE GOLFING
Special – 20% Discount Includes FREE Shipping
The patented magnetic-backed Sunglass Caddie is the perfect gift (under $20) for dads, golfers, family, and friends who wear sunglasses or eyeglasses while golfing, boating, hunting, etc and need a handy, safe, and secure means of storing them while not wearing. It’s also great for storing pens, pencils, crackers, snacks, and cigars!!
www.TheEyeGlassCaddie.com
The lightweight, three-wheeled Cyber Cart has revolutionized the pushcart industry. Thanks to motors located in the rear wheels, the electrified Cyber Cart can fold down into a very compact size for easy storage and transport to and from the golf course, something other motorized carts cannot do.
It features a 36 Hole plug and play battery with USB-C charging port for accessories like your cell phone, a full directional remote control with LCD display, Gyroscope straight tracking technology, downhill brake control and an electronic parking brake.
Best of all, the Cyber Cart is Bluetooth enabled for Alphard’s app and compatible with accessories like Alphard’s Sidekick and TFS (Tether Follow Sensor) which allow your motorized golf cart to follow you on the course without a remote.
The Cyber Cart is loaded with features including an umbrella holder, cup/bottle holders, phone holder, storage net, lockable swivel wheel, parking brake, even a magnetic holder for your range finder or golf towel. www.alphardgolf.com
THE MACRO® GOLF “SHAFT-HANDLE”
The new 100% carbon-fiber, all-in-one-putter-shaft and grip
• Ultra light for more head-feel and control
• Ultra strong for no “shaft-flex”
• Smooth, repeatable strokes
• Macro® Golf grip-lock/wrist-lock accuracy
• Putter lengths: 31 inches to 40 inches
• Standard shaft-putterhead installation
• Ruled as “Conforming for Play”
This hilarious 16” x 24” Golf Towel comes with a Free Beer Chip Game! How to Play
1. Only to be used on Par 3’s 2. Whoever has the worst tee shot receives the BEER CHIP. 3. If it is in your pocket when the BEER CART comes by ... YOU ARE BUYING!
In order to pass to another player you must have a better shot on the next Par 3! www.VegasGolfGame.com
The Macro® Shaft-Handle’s patented oval shape and grip-length make it effective for both standard, traditional hands placement putting applications...as well as the more specialized “Split-Hands” and “Forearm Press” putting stroke techniques. www.MacroGolf.com
While the Algarve has long been the key focus of golfers heading to Portugal to take advantage of its idyllic year-round temperature, there is a strong case to be made for the Lisbon region to be the hottest ticket in Portuguese golf.
Named as ‘Europe’s Leading City Destination’ at the 2024 World Travel Awards, the Portuguese capital – with its cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals – provides a unique opportunity for golfers to mix city life with fun on the fairways and Aroeira Golf Resort is the perfect venue to enjoy both.
Managed by Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure (one of Arrow Global Portugal’s companies) and around a 30-minute drive from the city, the iconic resort offers a unique stay-and-play experience within a stone’s throw of Lisbon with its two acclaimed 18-hole courses – Aroeira Pines Classic and Aroeira Challenge – nestled in an idyllic setting amid picturesque pine forest.
Already renowned for offering some of the best-value golf in Europe, the experience on both courses is set to be further elevated in the coming months with a significant investment earmarked for each layout, while players can take advantage of an array of
attractive accommodation options.
Located on the stunning Aroeira estate and one of Lisbon’s trendiest new hotels, the Aroeira Lisbon Hotel provides the ultimate in chic modern design, including 68 bedrooms and suites, an outdoor pool and a welcoming restaurant.
The hotel is offering an array of eye-catching packages throughout the golf season with four-night, three-round bed-and-breakfast stays bookable from 434 Euro per person and seven-night, five-round packages from 745 Euro per person.
Other hotel partners include the Crowne Plaza hotel, which lies just 15km from Lisbon and overlooks the magnificent Costa de Caparica. Offering a convenient gateway to Lisbon, the golf courses and endless sandy beaches nearby, five-night bed-and-breakfast packages including three rounds of golf on either Aroeira course are bookable throughout 2024.
www.AroeiraGolf.com
Four more revamped holes are now open at the Donald Ross Memorial, part of the Midwest’s largest golf resort destination.
As part of a multi-year transformation project to renovate northern Michigan’s Donald Ross Memorial at The Highlands, four additionally renovated holes are now open at the BOYNE Golf facility built to honor the legendary architect. The oneof-a-kind 18-hole layout is a composite re-creation of classic golf holes from iconic venues that the father of golf course architecture in America designed in the early part of the 20th century.
The latest holes to be completed include Hole 2 (No. 4 Plainfield Country Club), Hole 13 (No. 15 Seminole), Hole 15 (No. 11 Aronimink), and Hole 16 (No. 10 Pinehurst). Five holes have now been renovated to Ross’ original designs, and additional holes are on tap for renovation over the next few years.
Thirty-five years ago, BOYNE Golf’s founder, Everett Kircher, had a vision to create a new and unique golf course at the time that would pay homage to the golden era of classic course architecture and Ross. His vision was to re-create some of Ross’ signature holes from his top courses east of the Mississippi River. The course features classic renditions from historic venues like Seminole, Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill, Scioto, Detroit Golf Club, Aronimink, Wannamoisett, Plainfield, and Inverness, to name a few.
Today, President and CEO Stephen Kircher of Boyne Resorts continues his father’s vision by curating a pure Donald Ross experience for resort guests.
“When we began this journey in the late 1980s, Dad wanted to create a unique golf experience that no other resort had done before, replicating some of the great designs of famous holes in one compositive golf course,” said Kircher. “Bringing a focus
on arguably the most prolific and successful architect of the 20th century was the driving force in the selection of Donald Ross’ works, especially since so many of his best works were not readily available to the general public. This has been very exciting for us and our resort guests, who will now have a more genuine Donald Ross experience”.
Kircher and long-time BOYNE executive Bernie Friedrich, the Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development for BOYNE Golf, who is leading the project, were also part of the original selection and execution team during the course’s original development. They enlisted Michiganbased course architect and Donald Ross expert Ray Hearn to oversee it.
“We are thrilled with how these memorable holes have turned out,” said Friedrich. “Our objective with every hole has been to duplicate Ross’s original designs. More accurately following Ross’s original designs, we reshaped the fairways, creating addi-
tional angles into the greens and improving shot values. Along with more accurate positioning of bunkers and more exacting green complexes, golfers will experience creating an even more authentic Donald Ross experience. We cannot wait for the golf community to see the transformation.”
When the course was first built, some effort was required to focus on Ross’ elite private clubs. More than 50 Ross courses were visited and studied to determine the best holes to create.
“The opportunity we now have through technology makes this process so exciting,” explained Friedrich. “We didn’t have iPhones or camera phones back then, so we took pictures of the holes with a Polaroid camera. We now have more access to Ross’ original drawings, Google Earth data (past and present), CAD drawings, and, maybe most importantly, Lidar maps.”
How uncanny is the accuracy? “We were at the PGA Show in Orlando and ran into Jeff Kiddie, the PGA Head Professional at Aronimink,” says Friedrich. “I told him he should come and visit us sometime, as we have a Ross course with renditions of golf holes from around the country. I mentioned we just remodeled our 15th hole, which is their 11th. We showed him a picture of our hole, and he looked at it for a while and then said,
‘Did you get that picture off of our website’? That is how accurate the construction and attention to detail has been.”
Ross was known for designing some of the most outstanding green complexes in the game at places like Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, and Seminole, to name a few. This is where BOYNE Golf is excelling.
“The green complexes have always been a priority,” explained Friedrich. Today, through the new technology, we can gather photos and dimensions to replicate the green more accurately, creating an authentic Donald Ross experience. We are getting
the greens within one inch of their original grades now.”
Next on tap will be the 10th hole, a rendition of No. 14 at Royal Dornoch, where Ross grew up, was the superintendent, and learned the trade under Old Tom Morris. Construction starts in June and will be done by 2025.
“This hole is being completely redone to render one of the greatest holes in the world accurately. Our prior work did not begin to capture what this version of No. 14 will be…it will be, without a doubt, in my opinion, the finest of all 160 plus holes we have at Boyne Golf,” explained Friedrich.
“These new Donald Ross holes are more stunning to look at and have been met with positive reviews from our resort guests, who are core golfers. Last season, we had more rounds played on the Ross than ever before and much of it was due to the excitement surrounding the new holes we are creating.” Check out this classic golf experience on your next BOYNE Golf trip. Visit www.BOYNEgolf.com
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa announces that following a comprehensive renovation of its Champions Course by Hanse Golf Course Design, the esteemed layout will revert to its original name, the “North Course,” and is open for resort guest and member play.
Originally designed by Dick Wilson and quickly becoming one of golf’s treasured destinations after debuting in 1965, Omni La Costa’s North Course previously served as a home to notable PGA Tour events. For thirty years, the resort hosted the Mercedes Championships (originally called the Tournament of Champions) from 1969 – 1998. In 1999, Omni La Costa hosted the inaugural WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship as well as six additional occasions. In 2010 and 2012, the resort hosted the Kia Classic, a popular LPGA Tour event.
The North Course will feature six sets of
tees creating flexibility to play from 4,500 to 7,500 yards in order to accommodate players of all skill levels. Additional portions of the completed project are environmental in nature, like transitioning irrigation lines that will continue to use reclaimed water, man-made ponds removed, and the reintroduction to natural barrancas composed of drought tolerant and native species.
The ‘South Course’ Returns
The Legends Course at Omni La Costa is also going back to its original name, the “South Course.” An ideal complement to the North Course, the parkland style 18 features mature trees, gentle doglegs and places a premium on accuracy off the tee. Holes Nos. 10 – 18 on the South Course were used for the Mercedes Championships tournament routing over the decades. The impressive number of victories by the greats of the game at Omni La Costa includes Gary Player, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson
and Tiger Woods.
2024 NCAA Women’s and Men’s Championships
Set to play 7,500 yards from the back tees, the par-72 North Course added to Omni La Costa’s rich history by returning the property to prestigious tournament golf when it hosted the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship and Men’s Golf Championship. The North Course is also scheduled to host the NCAA golf championships in 2025 and 2026 as well.
Hanse and his team implemented significant design changes with the NCAA’s match-play format in mind as well as fashioning a layout ideal for the best players in the game to test their skills at the highest level moving forward. Chief among the impressive new aspects is challenging players with more risk-reward decisions throughout their rounds. Specific changes include the creation of a drivable par-4 on
No. 11, a repositioned green on the par-3 16th hole reminiscent of Augusta National’s iconic 12th hole, and a stout finisher with the par-5 18th now playing over 600 yards from the back tee into the prevailing wind with water lurking on both sides of the fairway.
“Working with the ‘best of the best’ course architects like Gil Hanse and his design team is a prime example of our continued commitment and investment to be in the highest echelons of U.S. golf destinations,” says Craig Martin, Managing Director. “This transformation signals a full return to championship glory at Omni La Costa and joins the now completed renovation of the property as a whole resulting in an elevated experience for our members and resort guests to enjoy for decades to come.”
“The North Course is now positioned to return to its stature as one of the top venues for championship golf in Southern California,” says Hanse. “We were able to combine a respect for the natural contours, landforms and vegetation with an emphasis on strategic design. This combination of beauty and interest should prove enjoyable for everyday play by members and resort guests, while asking compelling questions to be answered by the best players in the world during championship events.”
The golf course renovation work at Omni La Costa is joined by another project focused on reimagining the resort’s golf practice facility. Led by Beau Welling, and his firm, Beau Welling Design, the project focus is on elevating the practice experience with regrassing the lengthened driving range and expanded short game area. Toptracer technology is now available for the resort’s golf members as well as for instruction.
Similar to the North Course renovation, the practice range upgrades incorporate a new state-of-the-art irrigation system allowing the facility to maintain efficient usage of water for sustainability considerations while still exhibiting the highest maintenance standards.
Set to be unveiled in early Summer 2024, this extensive renovation will elevate the resort’s every element, from its guest rooms and villas to the spa and championship golf courses. This visionary redesign melds timeless charisma with modern sophistication, capturing La Costa’s illustrious heritage while providing a contemporary haven for travelers of all kinds. Following a sweeping refresh of the resort’s lobby, bar, Costa De La Luna ballroom, and meeting spaces in
Treetops Resort, Threetops, 8th Hole
2021, the property now enters a new phase of this three-year transformation.
About Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Long one of the celebrated Southern California vacation destinations, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa was originally created as a playground for celebrities and athletes with every amenity imaginable and is now the perfect locale for family vacations, meetings and events, and more. The Spanish Mission-style property boasts over 600 guestrooms, suites and villas, 170,000 square feet of meeting and event space, an Athletic Club, and eight sparkling pools including an adults-only pool and exhilarating waterslides. Two iconic golf courses, the North and South layouts, are complemented by the Golf Performance Institute, offering Southern California’s most comprehensive game improvement program.
The 43,000-square-foot Spa at La Costa includes a private pool, waterfall showers, café and therapeutic reflexology path. Acclaimed restaurants – Bob’s Steak & Chop House, VUE and Bar Traza – present a fresh take on local cuisine. For more information, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.OmniLaCosta.com.
Discover the sun, sea and culture that make Cape Cod truly magical, truly remarkable and truly yours.