DestinationGolf

VOLUME 2 : ISSUE 1

INSIDE from Miami to Dubai Jamaica to Virginia Ireland to New Zealand Mexico to the Dominican Republic a short drive to New York and a few stops in between put on a pair of comfortable shoes (oh yes, we covered those two, too)

Biltmore SuperClubs Tale of the Whale Holiday Valley CapCana Tremblant

Fairmont Turnberry Isle, Miami

e iv ct ra E te SSU I

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golf destination

One of America’s Top Golf Destinations According to Golf Digest

2009 Jack’s Point, New Zealand

28 destinations 6

FLORIDA

22

NEW ZEALAND

38

VIRGINIA

32

NEW YORK

28

DUBAI

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PUNTA MITA

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a GolfScene style investigation into two of Miami’s golf hotspots.

Known for ‘lovers’, Virginia is fast becoming a place for golfers SUPER CLUBS

No, not the invincible kind you hit farther, but an all inclusive look ...

QUEBEC

Tremblant boasts two of the best courses in the country ... just a train ride away.

image: New Zealand Tourism

The view from this side of the world is, well, spectacular ...

Known for its winter season, Holiday Valley is an option year ‘round.

A golf experience like no other. From the tee, Emirates is booming ...

Jack Nicklaus has designed a couple of interesting lay-outs on a little piece of paradise.

on the cover The Miller Course Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami.

Cover image courtesy of Fairmont Hotels

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from the publisher

golf destination

Destination

W

magazine

elcome to the digital version of destinationGolf, a format that I hope you will find interesting to read, watch, listen to, and explore.

When we launched destinationGolf a year ago in print the response was positive from both travelers and destinations alike. This year we decided to move the magazine into an exclusively online format in an effort to allow our readers to also enjoy some rich media elements as they learn about a few more of the world’s great golf destinations. We may not be able to make the sunshine but technology is getting us a little closer to the true experience. And another big plus is the ability to access more information about a particular product and or destination via links instantly.

Once again, we have some well known and respected travel writers and photographers whose contributions and stories we hope you enjoy.

Golf is growing around the world and golf courses as well as resorts are now seeing more and more golf travelers, all of whom are looking for something new from tee to green. It is no longer out of the question to travel to places like New Zealand and or Dubai to tour, dine, explore, and golf. We’ve got some very interesting information and images from both, as well as Miami, Jamaica, Virginia, Quebec, New York and more while Doug Ball offers up a great photo from Scotland, and Hal Quinn serves up some must read banter from a recent stay in Ireland.

As always, we encourage you to make some travel plans this winter and enjoy a great golf destination. And, by the way, if you have the time, upload some pictures and send them our way at destinationgolfmag.com. It’s always fun to share your experiences with others as we journey on in this ever changing world of social media and global golf.

Bon Voyage!

» Norm Woods, Publisher (IAGTW)

A GolfScene Media Publication

publisher Norm Woods associate Linda Woods editor Steve Woods production seventyOne on the cover

The 18th hole on the Miller Course at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami, Florida.

Photo: Fairmont Hotels © 2009 Destination Golf Magazine.

All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the Publisher GolfScene Inc. 2009 : Volume 2 : Issue I

Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the author only and not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Advertising rates and publishing schedules are available on request.

FOR SUBSCRIPTION OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES VISIT: destinationgolfmag.com

No trees were harmed in the non-printing of this publication. Unfortunately, we can not say the same for the golf games of our contributers.

PRODUCED IN CANADA

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Punta Mita - Bahia Course

CONTRIBUTORS Ian Hutchinson is a veteran Canadian golf writer. When he’s not writing his golf column for Sun Media, Ian is busy running Golf News Now (GNN), Canada’s only online resource for golf trade news in addition to to being a regular contributor to publications and websites across North America. ‘Hutch’ has teed it up with the likes of Alice Cooper and Bob Uecker during his travels to places like Scotland, Ireland, Arizona, and Florida, but adds there’s a rush to playing the snowcovered peaks of the Swiss Alps off in the distance or discovering underrated golf products in less-traditional locations such as Holland, France, and Portugal or exotic locales such as Dubai, Qatar, and the Caribbean.

Grant Fraser is the founder and president of the Golf Management Institute of Canada located at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario. He is the author and photographer of “50 of Ontario’s Greatest Public Golf Courses” and “Golf Access” and has traveled extensively to some of the best golf destinations in the world. Grant has an undergraduate degree in business administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, and has completed his Master in Education at Brock University.

Brent Long is an experienced scribe having spent 12 years in the daily newspaper business. In 2002, Brent started Better Golf Communications, a golf writing and photography business, and continues to contribute regularly to golf and lifestyle publications across Canada. He also has taken professional photos for 20 years and his landscape golf photography is widely published in magazines and on websites. In 2006, he authored his first book, “Mississaugua Golf & Country Club – The First One Hundred Years”.

Hal Quinn is a writer/broadcaster whose articles and columns have appeared in magazines and newspapers across North America, England, and as far away as New Zealand. Vancouver-born, Quinn is the Western Canada Editor and national columnist for SCOREGolf Magazine and scoregolf.com, columnist for Golfstyles Magazine (U.S.), author of Shaughnessy GC: The Tradition Continues (2006), and is the former sports editor of Maclean’s Magazine. Quinn lives in North Vancouver with his wife, their two daughters, and their dog Mulligan.

Doug Ball has golfed since he was eight years old beginning at the Thames Valley GC in London, Ontario. Next year will be his 25th Open Championship and he loves it, ‘it’s the best’. Doug now plays at the Devil’s Pulpit ... he helped Chris Haney and Scott Abbott build it. Doug is a member of Golf Digest’s Course Ranking Panel and was the Photographer for Best New Golf Courses of Canada book, 2007. He has also photo-authored another book with brother, Lynn, entitled Life on a Press Pass. In 2005, he celebrated Forty years of Canadian Photojournalism. Takes golf tours to Scotland almost every year. In 2010, he has two groups of 24 heading over to Fife. Handicap 7

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MIAMI

MIA GSI

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Fairmont Turnberry Isle : Soffer Course [inset] The Biltmore Hotel

By Steve Woods

T(

Story by Steve Woods

he verdict is in, but the jury is out. press to play the intro to The Who’s now doubly famed Don’t Get Fooled Again

And, alas, we have the autocratic yet inane Horatio Cane quote signaling the beginning to yet another CSI episode – the location, of course beautiful Miami.

AMI GolfScene Investigation

Whether you grew up watching those boys from Vice or are now hooked on twisting tales of murder and mayhem superimposed serendipitously against the glitz and glamour of south Florida’s sultan to sand, sun, decadence, and beauty - Miami tends to be on the ‘must-visit-one-day’ checklist.

After all, it is the dominion of the Dolphins, home to the gators, land of the lascivious, a concubine of culture, mecca to fashion, all wrapped in sunshine or nocturnal neon – this is an unusual place to say the least, but that’s what makes it so undeniably curious.

Not necessarily known for its golf per say, the area does in fact have a fair share of great tracks in which to tee it up. [ + next page ]

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[ + ] continued from page 7

▲ The Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami Beach is 300 secluded acres of golfing paradise, minutes from the ocean, world class shopping, 5 star cuisine, and service that is, dare we say it, way above par.

▼ 392 spacious rooms and suites, a private beach front Ocean Club, the award-winning Willow Stream Spa, tennis, three pools including a new lagoon-style pool featuring a waterslide, lazy river, private cabanas and poolside dining, a supervised children’s program and an endless array of recreational activities will keep you busy, or relaxed, after 18.

O

ur journey began with a stop at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle. Located minutes from Miami’s North Beach the resort encompasses no less than 300 acres and is home to two golf courses, the Soffer and Miller. Both courses have recently undergone major updates, via Raymond Floyd, as approximately a third of the recent 150 million spent on renovations went directly into the courses themeselves.

The result: more contours and elevation changes not native to the region’s flatter topography, and a couple of grandiose, albeit manmade, waterfalls which provide added visual drama to the finishing holes – adding a little excess beauty, something very native to the region. Insert a plethora of colourful indigenous flowers, tropical trees, immaculate landscaping, and you have yourself a very playable, very hospitable 36 holes of pure enjoy-

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ment. In fact, the grounds, greens, fairways, etc. were so well kept it almost felt like one was playing an incredibly oversized synthetic (Florida grasses will make you feel this way) rendition of an actual golf course in a virtual sort of way. If I lost you, I apologize, but you’d have to experience it to fully understand.

THE VERDICT It was akin to something I have never experienced before. The round was very enjoyable (I played the back 9 on each of the 2 courses) and while the 64 foot waterfall and surrounding rock may not be the work of Mother Nature (hence irk a few traditionalists), remember, this was in fact in the middle of Miami Beach yet provided a very serene, peaceful atmosphere.

Of the two courses the Soffer is the tougher and can stretch out beyond 7,000 yards as a par 71 while the

Travel Notebook

a n e c d o t a l e v i de n c e f r o m t h e r o a d

Lost in Translation Have to relay this story and I will make it brief, but it better sums up just how nice the Fairmont Turnberry Isle truly is.

Miller plays about 500 yards shorter although to a petty par 70. This is resort golf but that does not mean it will play easy. Both courses are fair yet formidable tests.

Player’s Note: The 18th of the Soffer is a par 5 with an island green. It should be reachable provided you are playing the proper tees and have hit your drive solid. The fairway is flat, wind should not be a factor, and so go the excuses. It is a perfect setting for a perfect shot and that perfect finish – take it.

I’m not one for superfluous superlatives (sorry) but the service at the Fairmont itself was nothing short of unbelievable. Granted, this is a high end resort and the theory of ‘you get what you pay for’ should hold true, yet it seemed to me that the attention to detail and ‘personalization’ of the entire experience was something that bordered on surreal at times. The staff knew me by name! That included everyone from the guys at the valet to the

shuttle driver, the cabana staff at the pool, to the manager in the restaurant – it was, as I mentioned to the staff on check-out, sort of spooky. And did that word ever cause a stir. No, no, no I had to elaborate, it was spooky good (as I jokingly looked around for the cameras that had somewhere, somehow captured my every move).

Every conceivable amenity is accounted for and the Turnberry Isle is a mark of elegance and luxury. Wondering how to get back from the world class shopping at nearby Aventura, complete with well over 250 specialty shops, simply pick up the phone (the Fairmont phone) mounted intuitively at the Bloomingdale’s exit.

Time for dinner? Look no further than Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak restaurant or the seaside casual and regional flavors of Cascata Grille both privy to rave reviews and conveniently located on the grounds. And in case you’re wondering about that garden you’ll pass on the way to the pool, that is where the Chefs grow their fresh herbs for a daily harvest to ensure the flavours are fresh and the cuisine memorable.

Following the map (well, GPS nowadays) we located the street on which the Fairmont is located.

What we didn’t realize was that the entire area is commonly referred to as Turnberry Isle so there are in fact many hotels and businesses that use the area within their name / signage. So, in typical tourist mode we turned into the first available driveway that had Turnberry Isle on the sign and (for reference, you really can’t see too much due to the high and dense foliage) made our way up the drive to the valet area.

And the place looked really nice, however, once the valet opened our door he mentioned a name that did not resemble Fairmont so I asked if this was in fact the correct hotel?

He smiled sheepishly and politely replied “no”. Then he smiled again and simply said, “We only wish. Sir you need to go up about 3 more driveways and you will know it when you get there.”

We thanked him, followed his directions, and in a minute arrived at our actual destination. And he was right, when we got there ...

... we knew.

[ + page 10 ]

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The Biltmore Hotel is a majestic landmark. If you can find Coral Gables you won’t miss this towering monument of historical importance and modern day opulance.

Staying in South Florida we traveled a little bit farther south to the area known as Coral Gables. An interesting contrast from the bright lights of Miami this is a tranquil area and home to a majestic old hotel as its centerpiece. The Biltmore is as much a museum as it is a place to stay. Opened in 1926, a vision of land developer George Merrick and hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman, the Biltmore, a classic in Mediterranean architecture, is as much to be explored as it is to be enjoyed. This is a movie set on steroids. Part castle, part mansion. And if I mentioned that the first part our stay in Miami was a little spooky, this was far out haunting – and I mean this in a good way. If the ghosts here could talk what a story that would make. Everyone has stayed there from Al Capone to Walter Hagen, from Ginger Rogers to Tiger Woods.

imagine this, angles and the odd man-made canal which meanders through the course.

The cliché readeth, ‘if we could only turn back time’, well, for a few days here one can certainly get into gimme range.

The course may be a throw back but that does not mean that the Biltmore does not have a little bit of high-tech hiding behind a rotating bookshelf or two. There is state of the art academy on the grounds with TPI certified professionals.

Lesson packs, fitness programs, junior clinics and the like are available to guests and locals as is a whole slew of things from a world class spa, recently opened culinary academy, fitness centre, and last but not least, the largest hotel pool in the continental United States. The 700,000-gallon, 23,000

The 6800 yard, par 71, Donald Ross designed golf course on the grounds is 85 years young. And while it lacks many of the diabolical design features evident in many of the lay-outs or redesigns of today it has something many of those courses lack, ‘charm’. Built on flat terrain and without an overabundance of trees the course, at times, is only protected by,

The simplicity of it all made the morning round very enjoyable and the fact that I was from the 1st tee to 18th hole in way under 3 hours added to a recurring thought that this was the way golf was meant to be played – shot to shot sans extraordinary adventure. There it was all laid out right in front of me. Nothing blind. Nothing waiting, nothing lurking, and very little if anything circling my psyche. The onus was on me. The architect was my playing partner, an ally, and not some adversarial bully with an unwarranted hand on my scorecard. About the only thing I had to watch out for was getting a little nostalgia on my ball in the absence of lift, clean, and place.

♦ the absolute quickest way to get on the links >> www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle |

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www.biltmorehotel.com

MIAMI, FLORIDA

square-foot behemoth includes an 85 foot waterfall and a polished marble surface. And if that immediately makes you wonder how big that really is, well suffice to say that, from a yardage perspective, most golfers would be pushing it to carry a sand wedge from one end to the other. Sort of like a football field squared in an oblong L-shaped way.

The structure features 275 guest rooms, including 130 suites situated on 150 acres of lush and tropical landscapes, 10 tennis courts and the aforementioned world-famous pool with private cabana suites. Restaurants include the Palme d’Or, Fontana, Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill, and of course the 19th Hole. Each, and all, serve up meals and ambience that are well deserved of the rave reviews.

THE VERDICT This is old world elegance and the architecture is at times overwhelmingly opulent without a hint of arrogance.

Terms such as grandiose and majestic hardly do the property justice. We had to drive across the road and down a side street just to try and capture the building within a picture frame. And could not do it justice. Sort of like an additional wonder of the world, one must witness first hand to understand its grand nature and discernable stature. Almost makes one forget about the 3 putt made on 18. .

This video produced by the Biltmore will give a little bit of an idea of what to expect.

Enjoy.

Travel Notebook

a n e c d o t a l e v i de n c e f r o m t h e r o a d

Still Roaring 20s The Biltmore is an historical landmark and well worth time spent wandering through the memory rich corridors. This was the place to be during the 1920’s - or in 2009 for that matter - and there is a venerable who’s who list of celebrities, politicians, and debutantes who graced its hallowed hallways. The notorious gangster Al Capone once called the Biltmore home and if you ask nicely enough the resort staff may just bring you up for a private viewing of his 13th floor suite for which the elevator has no button.

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lue!

A great week at excellent va Doug White, PGA Pro

“

Cedarhurst

Great accommodations, superb golf courses!

You get more than your money’s worth. Jim Couzens, Michigan The condo villas are great and the courses are challenging Rick Holmes, tario London On

♦ one great price each and every week of the year ♦ 45 miles from Myrtle Beach ♦ advanced tee times ♦ choice of accommodations (on the course or on the ocean)

Discover what thousands of Canadians already know ... this is the very best stay & play value anywhere.

BOOK TODAY

www.ncgolfvacation.com | 1 866 7NC GOLF | Canadian Owned & Operated

HIT IT HERE

Cap Canada !

Cap Cana’s Punta Espada was designed to incorporate the natural features of the landscape into its topography; the bluffs, the beach, the lagoons, and the foliage.

A par 72 championship course, covers more than 7,000 yards and includes eight holes which play along and over the Caribbean’s blue waters, all with stunning views, and a mere wedge shot away from more than three miles of white-sand beaches.

The Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic features golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, P.B. Dye and Tom Fazio. The variety and quality of golf in Punta Cana is unmatched and now more and more, delighted golfers are discovering this player’s paradise.

Situated on the East Coast of the Dominican Rebublic, Punta Cana is the fastest growing tourist area in the country, and for good reason -- it boasts one of the most picturesque beaches in the world, first class all inclusive accommodations, and a genuinely warm hospitality which is probably why it is very popular among Canadians.

>> www.godominicanrepublic.com >> www.capcana.com

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TRAVEL GEAR Puma CELLULAR FUSION Puma’s newest offering fuses the company’s ultimate golf technologies together with a touch of style. The Cell Fusion features a full waterproof leather upper, an outsole complete with advanced forefoot and heel technology. Replaceable Smart Quill® spikes with Fast Twist directional locking technology complete the package.

FootJoy when you’ve been around this long, and your reputation is this good ... they deem you an icon FOOTJOY ICON inspired from footjoy’s deep heritage of over 100 years in the game, the Icon delivers traditional style, a comfortable fit, and tremendous stability. tested and approved by the best players in the world, The fj icon embodies the very best features from all FootJoy golf shoes including finely tailored upper designs, premium materials, performance-infused outsoles and customization that allows for a seemingly endless amount of design and size options.

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Whether you’re walking up the fairway or back to the cart, here are more than a pair of ways to do it in uber-style.

Look good, feel good, travel well, travel more often a premium option for a company that knows just a little bit about performance footwear

Nike Golf

nike’s tour premium the tour premium features soft, full-grain leather uppers for support and feel and a TPU Stabilizer that extends beyond the traditional outsole to provide more lateral support and to aid weight transfer.

The Tour Premium also cushions key contact areas such as the heel to provide concentrated comfort with a secure fit that is enhanced by a full-length, contoured, removable sock liner and leather linings.

Callaway callaway couples HERS : GEMS Guaranteed comfort. Full grain leather. Full Length Cushioned Footbed. 2 year Waterproof Warranty. Soft Last Construction. Rubber and EVA Comfort Outsole.

HIS : XTT TOURS SERIES Guaranteed comfort. XWT Technology.

Independent Suspension traction technology. 2 year Waterproof Warranty. Welt-stitched Midsole.

Calfskin leather.

Oakley adidas adidas once again performs a complete 360 on tour, this time for version 4.0 adidas tour360 4.0

Designed for the avid golfer who seeks every competitive advantage, the tour 360 combines next-generation innovations with tour proven technologies.

superdrive full grain leather, moisture wicking liners, a waterproof membrane, and an ortholite footbed for optimum stability create the super - you just add the drive.

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MEXICO

Introducing

PUNTA MITA as visited by Norm Woods

Situated along the northern-most tip of the Banderas Bay in one of the most enchanted corners of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, and covering more than 1,500 acres with nine and a half miles of practically untouched Pacific Coast shoreline, Punta Mita is a spear-shaped peninsula surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Located about 40 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta, Punta Mita is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s best golf resorts. [ + page 20 ]

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The Punta Mita Pacifico course is home to an 180 yard optional 3rd hole which is only accessible via golf cart at low tide; at high tide hole 3a is played; and in between, the green is only accessible using an amphibious vehicle.

This hole remains the world’s only natural island green.

Tail of the Whale

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[ - page 18 ] Nicklaus’ signature hole on the Bahia Course is the17th

Recognized as the most privileged luxury residential resort community in Mexico, Punta Mita is currently home to the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. In addition there are several generously-sized residential communities ranging from condominiums and townhomes to private, single-family villas (many of which are available for rent). Not for the faint of wallet, prices vary from $1,500 to $15,000 per night. Purchasing a home can be as high as $15 million.

For golfers, the centerpiece of Punta Mita is the private Punta Mita Golf Club managed by Four Seasons, featuring two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses. The original Punta Mita Pacifico course, which opened in 1999, is a 19hole championship course with eight ocean holes including ‘Tail of the Whale,’ an optional par-3 that plays 180 yards to a natural island green situated in the Pacific Ocean and is the world’s only natural ocean island hole. Punta Mita Bahia, the recently opened second course, offers numerous ocean-side holes and is the more challenging of the two although both courses, in true Nicklaus style, provide generous options off the tee.

Phillip Ferrari, the Canadian born Director of Golf says, “Bahia has a more ‘linksy’ feel but provides tricky approach shots to undulating greens protected by deep bunkers. And watch out for the lightning quick greens when you reach the putting surface.”

During a recent visit to this little piece of Paradise, Nicklaus himself joined us to officially inaugurate the Bahia course as one of his Signature locations by hitting a drive off the first tee and, accompanied by sons Gary and Jackie Jr., playing five holes (flawlessly) while chatting along the way about his design work at Bahia and Pacifico. Following the exhibition, the group headed back to a Four Seasons reception where Nicklaus answered more questions and expounded on his thoughts on the game in today’s world and his architectural ideas.

In addition to great golf, and five star++ accommodation, the Four Seasons and St. Regis have set a new standard for fine dining in both elegant and casual atmospheres.

The nearby coastal communities of Sayulita, Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta also offer dozens of restaurants that serve up a plethora of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, French, Argentine, Cajun and Japanese. Exotic settings are available from native beach palapas to elegant candlelit dinner houses.

And when the sun sets, nearby nightclubs offer live music and dancing that rival any cosmopolitan city.

Listen to Jack’s take on the construction of his two designs (10 years apart) and also his view on the only way to defend golf courses against technology and the modern day player.

(audio captured November 16, 2009 while at the Four Seasons Punta Mita)

Jack talks about his signature designs in Punta Mita >> www.puntamita.com

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www.fourseasons.com/puntamita

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starwoodhotels.com/stregis

IRELAND

Out on Rosses Point (about 8 kms northwest of Sligo), the club flag at the County Sligo GC appeared ready to shred if another gust hit it as balls scuttled across the practice putting green with nary a putter in sight.

And after the straight uphill climb of number one, facing the blind shot further up the mount at number two, my partner (in golf, not life) yelled into the wind:

“What the f@#k are we doing out here?” { MORE } to read the rest of Hal’s Quinn’s account of

inglorious proportions ...

or to get more info on where to tee it up next, travel on over to ...

destinationgolfmag.com Image: Co. Sligo Golf Club Architect: Harry Colt courtesy: northandwestcoastlinks.com

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a picture is worth ...

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The little land down under gets our pick for up and over -

turn the page

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NEW ZEALAND

... more than a thousand words on New Zealand New Zealand and golf have a long history, with direct links (please pardon the pun) to Scotland. Scottish immigrants introduced the game in the South Island in the 19th century and their links-style courses still thrive today. But those courses were built for locals, not for the rest of the world.

Subsequently ‘New Zealand’ and ‘golf ’ were not spoken in the same breath unless a television commentator referred to one of the many great professionals from New Zealand, foremost British Open champion Sir Bob Charles, US PGA Tour winners John Lister, Frank Nobilo, and Phil Tataurangi, or European PGA Tour winners Greg Turner and 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell.

Much more recently you will have heard the name Danny Lee who, in 2008 at the tender age of 18, became the youngest golfer to win the US Amateur Championships.

Traditionally known for its extraordinary outdoor adventures and thrills like bungee jumping and boasting the most stunning landscapes to do it in, it has not been, as yet, established as a destination for golf. Now, with new investment and a series of world-ranked, five-star resorts, that has all changed. The country has been transformed into a golfing paradise, regardless of whether you want to leap off a bridge or not.

In recognition of this remarkable growth in top courses, New Zealand was voted Best Golf Destination in Asia / Australasia for 2009 by the European based International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Where it is quite usual for other countries to promote golf travel packages, New Zealand is the first country to establish golf tourism underwritten by a government-backed quality assurance program.

The Best of Golf New Zealand is a golf tourism marketing cluster that not only promotes the golf courses to travelers but has also developed a quality criteria that measures every detail from the condition of the course and the facilities to a Code of Ethics that requires, for example, courses to “recognize the right of the customer to courteous, prompt, and honest service”.

The aim is to provide guests with world-class courses and facilities and altogether the best possible golfing holiday. To do this, The Best of Golf New Zealand has partnered with Tourism New Zealand’s quality assurance program called Qualmark. To receive a Qualmark endorsement, golf resorts have to meet stringent requirements and are regularly inspected.

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The list of ‘must play’ courses: Kauri Cliffs

The par 72 course was designed by David Harman and has been described as "a battle of wits and skill in the most perfect surroundings". It has 15 holes with views of the Pacific Ocean, six of which seem to plunge directly into the ocean. It is a challenging course, especially for a novice and you can expect to be distracted from your game by the view, so don’t feel to badly if you don’t remember where your ball landed.

Cape Kidnappers (pictured on PAGE 23-24)

Listed 4th in Golf Magazine’s list of 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World (sister property Kauri Cliffs came in at 18th), Cape Kidnappers is a Tom Doak masterpiece. Cape Kidnappers plays above the ocean, atop dramatic cliffs running to and from the edge. It is an intimidating course at first glance, the surface is fast and on a windy day it can be a challenging test of how well you can control ball flight and some of the bunkers will be the deepest you have ever seen.

Terrace Downs

At Terrace Downs, Mother Nature herself provided the foundations for the perfect golf course. The resort's 550 acres of pristine High Country are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps - creating a course that is as picturesque as it is challenging. At a length of 6,440-metres, it includes 11 lakes and 70 bunkers with something to test even the most experienced golfer.

Jacks Point

Jack’s Point is in the southern part of New Zealand, about 20 minutes drive from the alpine adventure capital of Queenstown. With a backdrop of 2300 vertical metres of the razorback Remarkables Mountain Range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama, Jack's Point Golf Course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience. Just as the roughhewn stone walls adjacent to the fairways evoke its high country farming heritage, so the entire Jack's Point Golf Course has been designed to take full advantage of its history and terrain - offering the player a full 360 degree experience of the landscape.

Millbrook

Also in the Queenstown region is the Millbrook Golf Course, designed by Sir Bob Charles and without question one of the finest alpine golf courses in the world. It's a 6412 metre, par-72 that is relatively wide open and trouble free for golfers of all handicaps. It's not the awesome challenge of the course that attracts players so much as its awesome setting. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you play golf with a mountain range like The Remarkables as a backdrop. When Sir Bob designed Millbrook he did the right thing by creating a number of elevated tees that highlight the spectacular mountain scenery.

Gulf Harbour

The Gulf Harbour Auckland golf course is the only one in New Zealand designed by the esteemed American designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course was the site of the 1998 World Cup of Golf, it hosted the 2005 and 2006 NZ Opens and is the home course of 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell. Gulf Harbour is a 6,400 metre, par 72 golf course that meanders through native grasses and vegetation and has a natural look and feel from start to finish.

Wairakei International

Wairakei International, situated near the centre of the North Island, opened more than 30 years ago but it wasn't until 1996 that Golf Digest rated it among the top 20 courses in the world outside of the US. Designed (and re-designed) by Michael Wolveridge, Wairakei is probably the finest non-coastal course in the country.

GET ON THE L

INKS

www.bestofgolfnewzealand.com www.kauricliffs.com www.capekidnappers.com www.terracedowns.co.nz www.wairekeigolfcourse.co.nz www.gulfharbourcountryclub.co.nz www.airnewzealand.com

VISITOR’S TIPS New Zealand's rural-based economy requires strict bio-security so it's important for golfers to enter the country with clean spikes and clean clubs. To save time arrive with clean equipment (this will also possibly save you money, as authorities have the right to fine offenders who don't declare their equipment) On that note, all courses in the Best of Golf New Zealand network require soft spikes.

All properties in the network must maintain their courses in top condition. This means that at some point during the year greens will be cored. Make sure to plan in advance a time when the greens will be in tip-top shape.

Walking and carrying your own clubs is possible on nearly all The Best of Golf New Zealand courses. However, most are best played from a cart. Don't forget to include that in your budget and should you want a caddie, not a cart, it's best to notify the course in advance.

New Zealand offers a wide climate range. The North Island is semi-tropical and the South Island enjoys a more temperate seasonal range. Golf in New Zealand is played all year round other than a few courses in mountain areas that may be under snow for a month or so. Being a very green country, light rainwear may be useful.

All major equipment brands can be brought in or hired in New Zealand should you wish to leave your own clubs at home. Golf balls tend to be more expensive than in North America so you may want to pack a dozen.

HOW TO GET THERE Air New Zealand flies to Auckland from Vancouver three times a week. Stay a few days in the largest city before heading south to Christchurch (1hr 20 mins flight). From Christchurch Terrace Downs is a fifty minute drive west toward the mountains. Traffic on the roads in this area is sparse and it is an enjoyable drive.

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SCOTLAND

PIXEL PERFECT The Torrance and Killock courses at Fairmont St Andrews with the Olde Grey Toon in the background.

Torrance is a qualifying course for the Open when it is held at the Old Course.

“

The Torrance Course, Fairmont St Andrews through the lens of Doug Ball

Doug Ball is a 40 year veteran of photo-journalism and was the Photographer for the Best New Golf Courses of Canada book - published in 2007.

Standing on the veranda at Fairmont St Andrews ... in the evening ... looking over towards the town is religious.

Every year I take over a bunch of golfers to Fife ... most ‘get it’, a few don’t. If you stand there in the evening and don’t get it, then you might as well get rid of your clubs ! Cheers,

Doug

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EMIRATES

story by Brent Long

DUBAI “

EMIRATES

If there is a moment in time that truly left an indelible

imprint in my mind of the rapid and unbelievable growth

of this nation - it occurred on the fourth green at The Montgomerie where we enjoyed a round driving air conditioned

golf carts! While the course is outstanding, the office towers and high rise condos in the distant skyline are even more

striking. In a matter of seconds I counted 54 giant construction cranes perched atop the skeletal framework of even more buildings that are rising from the sand.

To be pulled over in our 67-foot luxury yacht by a coast guard gunship in the midst of the choppy blue waters of the Persian Gulf is an adventure most tourists to Dubai will want to avoid. However, it remains one of those unforeseen travel misadventures that make a six-day golf trip into the heart of the United Arab Emirates even more unbelievable. In short, our captain didn’t have the proper paperwork. We were escorted back to the shipyard where the yacht was impounded and a couple of hours later our daytrip abruptly came to an end as we were left stranded dockside waiting for a taxi – at least we still had our golf clubs!

Dubai, one of seven emirates making up the UAE, is well on its way to becoming one of the foremost cities in the world. The homegrown Emirates airline offers a 13-hour direct flight from Toronto to Dubai. It has quickly become both an international business and leisure destination.

Those of us with a passion for golf will want to keep an eye on this desert oasis as it evolves into one of the world’s great golf destinations over the next few years. As almost everyone knows, Tiger Woods is in the process of designing/building his first golf course Al Ruwaya on the outskirts of the city on barren desert as part of a massive theme park complex known as Dubailand. You may not know that big-name golf stars including Sergio Garcia, 28

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Vijay Singh, Greg Norman and others have been contracted to design more courses. The most recent addition to the Dubai golf landscape in 2008 included the opening of the Els Club and its 7,538-yard championship layout at the $3 billion Dubai Sports City.

Our four-course tour of the desert layouts in the region consisted of rounds at the remarkably lush Emirates GC, Dubai Creek GC where we stayed at the adjoining Park Hyatt Dubai, the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai Festival City and The Montgomerie Dubai, designed by none other than Colin himself in association with Desmond Muirhead. Green fees ranges from about $100 to $225 per round depending on time of year and day.

Most days started with golf in the morning to avoid the heat of the day followed by some type of adventure/sightseeing opportunity. We were lucky enough to tour the 160 story Burj al-Arab hotel – what some people call the world’s only seven-star property, went indoor snow ski-

Emirates Golf Club - Majlis Course | hole #8

Dubai Creek Golf Course

ing with hundreds of other people at the gigantic Mall of the Emirates, blew a tire during a 4x4 excursion in the middle of the desert surrounded by nothing but miles of sand dunes, went camel riding, saw the world’s tallest building under construction and enjoyed exquisite cuisine at several fine restaurants. While we were there the first week of October, the daily high was 96° F with a touch of humidity and not a cloud in the sky! It’s hotter in the summer!!

There’s something fun about teeing it up on a course where you have watched the pros battle it out for millions of dollars. So for our first round, we paid a visit to the Majlis Course, Arabic for “Meeting Place” to conquer the host venue of the famed European Tour Dubai Desert Classic. It opened in 1987 as the first grass course in the Middle East.

This ‘desert miracle’ features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, beautifully complemented by meandering fairways and seven fresh and saltwater lakes and was my favourite of the bunch. We also toured the adjoining and dramatically bunkered Wadi course that was recently redesigned by Nick Faldo.

If there is a moment in time that truly left an indelible imprint in my mind of the rapid and unbelievable growth of this nation - it occurred on the fourth green at The Montgomerie where we enjoyed a round driving air conditioned golf carts! While the course is outstanding, the office towers and high rise condos in the distant skyline are even more striking. In a matter of seconds I counted 54 giant construction cranes perched atop the skeletal framework of even more buildings that are rising from the sand. I counted again and asked one of my playing partners to double-check. It was an amazing sight. We had been told by locals that close to 20 per cent of the world’s massive construction cranes can now be found in this tiny Emirate and this snapshot truly put life in Dubai into perspective.

Dubai is a land where past meets present, where thrill meets tranquility, where excitement meets escape, where peace meets playtime and where world-class golf is on the rise. . >> www.dubaigolf.com

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Florida resort now owned by Canadian golfing family

story by Norm Woods

or over 40 years there has been a golf course in Titusville, Florida that was initially owned and operated by the Canadian Professional Golf Association.

golf professionals with names such as Moe Norman, Gus Maue, Gary Maue, and Norm Hunt. Royal Oak became known as ‘Canada Golf South’ for hundreds of CPGA family and friends.

An odd scenario, to say the least.

About 5 years ago it was sold to an American businessman by the name of Chuck Skillington from Pittsburgh. In 2009, the controlling shares were transferred to Andy Byrne and his family. Andy, from Cambridge, Ontario is a well known and well respected golf course owner, having owned and operated five different golf courses in southern Ontario over the years, including current ownership of the Saginaw Golf Course, now operated by his son Terry.

F

The course, called Royal Oak came into the hands of the CPGA when the original developer offered the Canadian Association a sweet deal to assist with the sale of home lots.

The deal was, if the CPGA could sell 158 of the home lots, the developer would turn the golf course over to the Association for $10.00. The CPGA was able, primarily through the efforts at the time of well-known Canadian golf professional Bert Turcotte, to make it happen. And for about the next thirty years it was operated by the CPGA and became the winter home to many Canadian 30

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“I own a condo on the fourth hole at Royal Oak and have for many years,” Andy Byrne states. “Royal Oak is

my winter getaway. There are many CPGA professionals who still have homes on the golf course and there have been many great times there over the years.”

“When the course became available earlier this year I decided to take a look at the opportunity. The entire operation needed ‘new blood’ and some TLC,” said Byrne. “I made the leap to purchase, and am glad I did.”

Byrne notes, “the course was designed by Dick Wilson, an architect who also laid out The Monster at Doral and I can honestly say there is not a bad hole at Royal Oak. We are going to do some work on the greens to take advantage of some of the new grasses now available and this will make the course even better.”

Royal Oak sits on 170 acres of picturesque, rolling terrain and has

FLORIDA

eight lakes scattered throughout the course to make for an interesting round.

Royal Oak is the ‘winter home’ to Lori Kane, the well known LPGA player from Prince Edward Island.

Byrne and son Gary have purchased over $100,000 of new equipment and are busy putting their thumbprint on the golf course and the buildings.

One of the unique aspects of the course is that it has 28 rooms in the clubhouse that are available for rent to individuals or groups interested in spending a few days in the area, playing some golf and visiting the nearby attractions. The rooms were all refurbished in 2005 and are equipped with balconies (some facing the golf course), cable TV, refrigerator and coffee maker.

“We have a very loyal group of local golfers and we are setting in motion plans to promote this resort to our many Canadian golfing friends who are looking for great golf combined with a friendly, winter getaway,” notes Gary.

Weekly golf packages are now in place for the 2009-2010 season with rates from as low as $532 per person. Gary adds that “all packages include seven nights accommodation, seven days of golf, continental breakfast each day, prearranged tee times, club storage and cleaning.”

There is also special rates for non-golfers as well as two and three night getaway packages. Byrne will also assist with transportation requirements for any of those flying into Orlando (about an hour away).

The property is close to the ocean with plenty of nearby attractions such as Disney World and the Kennedy Space Centre with Cape Canaveral Cruises and lots of fresh and salt water fishing nearby. The town of Titusville also has many unique attractions, restaurants and shopping.

With son Terry running things at Saginaw and now, son Gary working the Florida course, Andy says, “I’m finally retired, now I only work eight days a week.”

Royal Oak sits on 170 acres of picturesque, rolling terrain and has eight lakes scattered throughout the course to make for an interesting round. Royal Oak is the ‘winter home’ to Lori Kane, the well known LPGA player. d image of Lori Kane taken by Gary Byrne d

Byrne who is 76 years of age, an active member of both the Canadian and British PGA, of Irish descent, and one of the most respected gentlemen in the golf industry today, never seems to stop working and thinking golf.

When I asked him what his new role is, now that he is retired, he said “I’m the visionary. I come up with the ideas and the boys and their staff do the work. My immediate plan for today is to help bring Royal Oak back to its former glory.”

And knowing Andy Byrne, he will.

>> www.royaloakgolfresort.com

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HOLIDAY VALLEY

MORE THAN JUST A WINTER DESTINATION

Emirates Golf Club - Majlis Course | hole #8

story by Norm Woods For those of us living in southern Ontario, the name Ellicottville conjures thoughts of mountains of snow, skiing and snowboarding.

This quaint little town Just 3 hours south of Toronto, and not too far from Orchard Park, (the home of the Buffalo Bills) is a destination that golfers should also consider.

The folks at Holiday Valley, a giant resort management group also want it to be known that Ellicottville is also a golf destination, and a very good one, at that.

The course, known as Double Black Diamond, has a unique layout that virtually surrounds The Inn at Holiday Valley with a front nine on relatively flat lands near the base of the ski hills and a back nine virtually constructed on the side of the mountain, with fairways that wind their way under ski lifts, with not a flat lie in sight.

Dennis Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley’s General Manager and President says, “with this completely redesigned and renovated course we are now able to say we are the finest yearround resort in the region. The Double Black Diamond course has been nominated by Golf Digest for the best golf

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course redesign of the year for 2009.”

The challenging par 70 layout was built in 1957 and today the affable Steve Carney directs the golf operation (and, in fact all Holiday Valley summer activities). Carney is a Master PGA professional who has been in the golf business for over 30 years.

Carney enjoys talking golf and, in particular telling stories about the Double Black Diamond layout. His enthusiasm is infectious. He is very proud of the golf course on what is widely known as a ski destination.

He says, “everyone knows Ellicottville and Holiday Valley as a ski resort and weekend ski destination. We’d also like to be known as a golf destination and we feel we are making great strides in that direction. This is not a ski resort trying to be a golf course.”

Carney is quick to add, “we are very proud of the work done by Paul Albanese and his team. They are responsible for the recent re-design of the 6,500 yard course. New bunkers were added, some stacked wall bunkers, ponds were upgraded and fairways modified. Albanese extended

NEW YORK

Holiday Valley is located on route 219 in Ellicottville, 3 hours from Toronto the length of the course from the Double Black Diamond back tees, but also made the course more ‘resort friendly’ by adding a new set of front tees.”

He also adds, “we have used the elevations of our mountains to our advantage.”

Hole #13, a 446 yard par 4 (from the Double Black Diamond tees and 317 yards from the forward ‘green’ tees) is my favourite. It has a steep downhill hill sightline to the base of the mountain with a panoramic view of the resort, the chalet, golf shop and the new Tamarack Club tower. The fairway is split and as you hit your golf ball, you can also visualize the path of the skiers in the dead of winter as they move down the hill along the same flight as your ball.

A fully stocked pro shop and a practice facility with the Phil Ritson / Mel Sole Golf School on site complement the golfing experience.

Jane Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley Director of Marketing notes, “we are also extremely proud of our ‘newly opened’ Tamarack Club, a 79 unit luxury resort complex right at the base of the mountain adjacent to the Clubhouse Chalet. This condominium facility allows for traditional whole ownership as well as fractional ownership and exchange privileges.”

She adds, “Tamarack includes an indoor / outdoor pool, fitness centre, a spa with seven treatment rooms, a restaurant and underground parking. We are already 70% sold and ready for the 2009-2010 season.”

“

we have used the elevations of our mountains to our advantage

As for the town of Ellicottville, there is a lot to do and see, plus a wide variety of fabulous restaurants to whet your appetite. Although Ellicottville is known for skiing, the town never sleeps. Every couple of weeks, year round, there is a festival of some sort and visitors come from miles around to be part of the fun. From the Winter Blues Festival in January to Mardi Gras in March, to June’s Arts and Craft Festival, to summer Rodeos, to Fall Leaves festivals and finally Christmas in Ellicottville, there is something for everyone, every day of the year. Day spas, horseback riding and a nearby Amish settlement are all close by.

Holiday Valley and The Double Black Diamond Golf Course is a golf and tourist destination that fits every level of golf game and every recreational interest for all ages. A couple of rounds of golf and an overnight stay is a nice respite for busy golfers from southern Ontario. ♦

>> www.holidayvalley.com

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QUEBEC

ONE destination, TWO very interesting golf courses, and a whole bunch more in just THREE days

an impromptu, last minute, spur of the moment, getaway with editor often at large Steve Woods

Image: Le Diable Courtesy Tremblant

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Image: Le Géant Courtesy Tremblant

fter putting A my tee shot into the deep

greenside bunker, it took me not one but two shots to exit, before being impolitely faced with a tricky left to right breaker that redefined the phrase ‘pace and line are crucial’.

And I left it short. At least what was left was a putt of the straight up-hill variety - the first one of its kind we had seen and we were cleaning up on #8. This course proved to be an inspired examination of golf, a mammoth test of patience, and if those were not enough, demanded an enormous amount of touch. Players not only needed a proficient flat stick - wait - actually that’s all we needed as while we were in fact playing a Giant of a course, this was merely the replica mini-putt track which centres the map of what, when you pan out, becomes the marvelous village of Tremblant. [ + page 36 ]

Image: Le Diable Courtesy Tremblant

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[ - page 35 ]

TREMBLANT

The Petit Géant or ‘small Giant’ is an interesting paradox of terms and a must try when visiting the resort. Seriously, take it seriously and you will find par very difficult. Perhaps, depending on your ball striking prowess, as difficult as the real deal Le Géant or its wickedly tempting big bully of a brother, Le Diable (the Devil).

Tremblant is home to two very majestic mountainside lay-outs, both cut from the dense forestry and encompassing monstrous elevation changes akin to the surrounding topography with views alone that are well worth the price of green fee admission.

Le Diable has achieved Intrawest’s Raven status, a course committed to providing a truly outstanding experience, with unique architecture, a dramatic environment, a consistent level of exceptional service, and superior conditions. And the course has all of these and more. Be prepared for a serious amount of bunkers and sand waste areas. Outside of the tee shot you could literally play the 459 yard first hole entirely from the sand. Towering trees are also very prominent as they outline the fairways to impart a picturesque backdrop and, more importantly, provide great visual lines for shot making and distance / depth perception.

Take a quick 360 degree peak from the 11th tee and you get a really great view / reminder of where you are and the surrounding ‘Canadiana.’

This 7,056-yard diabolical destination was designed by Master Architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry and dangles slopes in the 130s.

Le Géant is a little gentler but equally as enjoyable. Don’t let that intro lull you into anything.

It will challenge all levels of player. And don’t be surprised when the combination of imagery, serenity, and thin mountain air distract you (and it will) and you find your golf ball, not unlike yourself, miles from nowehere. A couple of ProVs might still be rolling somewhere. Stretching out to 6836 yards, the Giant features slopes in the resort friendlier 120’s and has many more of the natural terrain variables one would expect from a golf course built into the Laurentions.

Thomas McBroom is the architect (artist) and the 18th may well be one of the best finishing holes one will find anywhere.

The French phrase is ‘chacun son gout’ which translates into ‘to each his own’ and if I had to choose between the two, I’d play them both.

There are many other great area courses to press a spike into while staying in the area as well as enough outdoor activities to tire out even the most robust adventurer.

Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, downhill luge, watersports, etc are all readily accessible and intuitively native to this winter wonderlands summer landscape. The new casino is only a gondola ride away and serves as a nice addition to an already abundant number of indoor activities for the young and old. My August interlude happened to be in the perfect company of my children who, after making me promise that we’d return, casually remarked before falling into an exhausted sleep on the train ride home, “this is the best place we’ve ever been”. And trust me, or my bank account, they have been to a lot of very fun places. >> www.tremblant.ca

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Want to try something a little different? This spring the folks at Tremblant are running for the first time an exclusive concept, unique in its kind in the golfing industry.

Bolstered by the success of the 24h Ski Tremblant, they have created a spinoff event: the 24h of Golf which will take place June 11-13th.

The aim of this new project is to bring avid golfers and philanthropists together in a team-based event on the fairways of Le Diable.

Organizers are inviting men and women golfers to form teams of five players (maximum 8) who will meet the challenge of relaying each other for 24 hours straight!

Profits from the fundraiser will go to The Tremblant Foundation and the Mike Weir Foundation.

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Meet

By Grant Fraser

38

T

Photos courtesy of Virginia Tourism

Virginia

he phrase ‘Virginia is for Lovers’, was coined many years ago to attract tourists to the state. If you’re a lover of history, fine wine and exceptional golf then Virginia’s mantra certainly applies to you. Virginia is home to 220 golf courses from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia is regarded as one of the best public Universities in the U.S. It is Jefferson who believed that a good education system was vital to ensuring a country’s democracy.

5

Photo : Grant Fraser

www.virginia.org www.baycreekresort.com www.barboursvillewine.com www.boarsheadinn.com www.keswick.com www.vabeach.com

reasons to add Virginia to your list of must visit golf vacation destinations.

1. The Bay Creek Resort and Club in Port Charles

on Chesapeake Bay, with two golf courses, Nicklaus and Palmer Signatures, boasts spectacular views over Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic

2. Virginia is the fifth largest wine producer in the U.S. and home to over 100 wineries including the famous Barboursville Vineyards in the rolling hills of Barboursville. The region’s excellent soil conditions and temperate climate provide ideal growing conditions for the production of premium wines. It is at the Barboursville Vineyard that you will find the Octagon brand, a splendid cabernet and merlot blend that was served at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

3. Charlottesville, Virginia is home of the University of Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819,

the University of Virginia is regarded as one of the best public Universities in the U.S. It is Jefferson who believed that a good education system was vital to ensuring a country’s democracy. Be sure to play golf at the University’s Birdwood Golf Club and stay at the rustic Boar’s Head Inn.

4. Also in the Charlottesville area check out Keswick Hall at Monicello, a spectacular country estate built in 1912 by the Crawford Family and home to an outstanding Arnold Palmer designed championship golf course.

5. Virginia Beach, Virginia’s largest city, is home to one of the best beaches in the U.S. and is the site of many outdoor festivals throughout the year. Dozens of challenging and scenic golf courses can be found within easy driving distance of the beach. .

INTERESTNG FACT The Year was 1969 when the Virginia State Travel Service (now the Virginia Tourism Corporation) adopted what would become its world-renowned “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan.

The phrase came from a creative team headed by George Woltz of Martin & Woltz Inc., the agency that won the account in 1968.

According to Martin, a $100-a-week copywriter named Robin McLaughlin came up with an advertising concept that read, “Virginia is for history lovers.” It was decided that this may in fact be too limiting so the copy was shortened and the rest is, well, history.

Virginia Beach

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JAMAICA

“ In this economy, a common lament among golfers is the lack of affordable golf courses, even in Canada, but SuperClubs “ One could courses offer definately get used to all a muni-type of experience inclusive golf ... without the bells SUPERCLUBS OF JAMAICA and whistles of other more wellknown courses in I’ve had the good ver the years,

By Ian Jamaica. fortune to play a few of Jamaica’s Hutchinson

O

top courses, not the least of which is the wicked White Witch layout near Montego Bay and Cinnamon Hill, a delightful course for all levels with several seaside holes near the Rose Hall Resort.

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With eight par threes, the Village Green’s longest hole is 252 yards from the blue tees and wraps around water that can come into play with an errant tee shot. The Village Green is a test of wedges for the more experienced player and a non-threatening hour or so for newcomers to the game.

The tougher test comes when you take on the showpiece SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay, a par 72 parkland course that opened in 1960. Also on the grounds is the Golf Academy at Breezes Runaway Bay, which is also open to guests of SuperClubs resorts for practice or a lesson.

The warm temperatures and cooling trade wins of Jamaica are enough to entice any golfer back, especially in the midst of winter, so it was a no-brainer to try something new at the allinclusive SuperClubs resorts that dot the island.

Golf is part of that all-inclusive deal at many of the SuperClubs resorts, where the only cost you will incur is a caddie fee plus tip and charges for club rental or cart, depending on your needs.

You don’t have to reach into your pocket for green fees at Breezes Grand Resort and Spa Negril or over on the other side of the island at Breezes Rio Bueno in Trelawny, or just up the road at Breezes Runaway Bay. Golf is also available at the adult Hedonism III close to Breezes Runaway Bay, as well as other Breezes resorts in the Bahamas, Curacao and Brazil for an additional charge.

Back on Jamaica, SuperClubs offers three 18-hole layouts and a nine-hole executive layout that may not measure up to highend courses on the island, but still offer a good day of golf made that much better by the lack of a green fee.

Newcomers to the game and occasional golfers will also enjoy the SuperClubs courses, depending on their choice of tees, and even if they prefer not to play, there are plenty of activities back at the resort that are also part of the all-inclusive package.

Certainly, one golf outing even neophytes will enjoy is the nine-hole Village Green executive course in front of Breezes Rio Bueno.

The academy also offers practice greens, a multi-bay driving range and video program, while Canadian PGA or PGA of America members often visit to serve as guest instructors, along with the resident teaching staff.

The wind was calm the day I played, but the locals say it is often gusting to make its 6,870 yards seem even longer on a course that can also be played from more forward tees to make it an enjoyable experience for high handicappers, as well.

There’s a touch of home at SuperClubs Montego Bay at Ironshore, a course designed in 1972 by Canadian Robert Moote, a par-72 that stretches to 6,633 yards and features a recently renovated clubhouse. Although it was the roughest of the three 18-hole courses played on this trip, it has potential if planned improvements are made.

The round at Ironshore was played on moving day from Breezes Rio Bueno to Breezes Grand Negril, where the nearby Negril Hills Country Club is a hilly rollercoaster that definitely requires a cart for all but the most fit golfers on this lush, green layout that plays to 6,333 yards.

In this economy, a common lament among golfers is the lack of affordable golf courses, even in Canada, but SuperClubs courses offer a muni-type of experience without the bells and whistles of other more wellknown courses in Jamaica. The bottom line is you can’t beat the price on its all-inclusive packages, nor do you need to reach into your pocket for other activities that are perfect for après golf or those who don’t play.

With drinks, snacks, meals, watersports and other activities taken care of, the scene is set for fun or just sacking out on the beach before or after the golf course beckons. It won’t just be golf providing the lasting memories. [ FOND & FOUND + page 43 ]

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[ - story on page 41 ]

Best of Jamaica

FOUND & FOND

This annual fall celebration at Breezes Rio Bueno offers different tastes of the Jamaican culture from art to cuisine to rum-making, not to mention a great evening beach party with enough delicious food to make you bust your bikini or Bermudas.

A Windy Dinner

While staying at Breezes Rio Bueno a couple of years ago, I was enjoying an outdoor dinner at LaPasta, the sidewalk deli, when a storm blew in with gusty winds and a torrential downpour. Although protected, rivers of water were approaching on the sidewalk, but it turned out to be a refreshing experience since the rain soon let up and the warmth provided a refreshing, natural feel to the rest of the evening.

The Beach at Breezes Grand RESORT and SPA Negril

The seven-mile beach in Negril has been named one of the world’s best, but that won’t mean much until you’ve experienced it and woke up in the morning and opened the door to turquoise waters and the sandy sliver along the waterfront where you can pick up equipment for the all-inclusive water activities.

The Grand Ladies of Grand Lido

That’s a personal nickname based on a former name that was attached to Breezes Rio Bueno. It applies to the staff, particularly the ladies that serve up orange juice and coffee in the Victoria Market area of the resort. It had been a year since I had last visited, but when I returned a few years back, I went over for breakfast my first morning there and suddenly felt an arm around my waist followed by a hug from a lady who had served me on my previous visit. She wasn’t the only one who remembered either. You don’t train staff to provide a special moment like that. It just comes naturally.

Sunset at Rick’s Café

It’s outside the resort at Breezes Grand Negril, but one of Jamaica’s best-known landmarks. It’s overcommercialized, but still fun with its young cliff-divers and one of the most breathtaking sunsets anywhere. It’s always wise to be on a resort tour when venturing outside, but if you can, it’s also worth checking out the Bob Marley Museum in Ocho Rios or the Walkerswood Factory, also near Ocho Rios, which produces, among other products, the island’s famous jerk sauces.

A Caribbean Skinny Dip

Ever been tempted to go skinny-dipping in the hotel pool like Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley in the famous scene from National Lampoon’s Vacation?

Assuming you’re on the au naturel sides at Negril or Rio Bueno or certain areas of the Hedonism resorts, you don’t have to worry about getting caught as Chevy and Christie did. Chances are the people who catch you will be in their birthday suits too.

Red Stripe Beer

It may not be everybody’s cup of tea, and it may not be SuperClubs exclusive, but a cold cup of this island elixir goes down nicely after 18 holes.

>> www.superclubs.com destinationGOLFmag.com

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golf destination

magazine

Thank you for taking the time to page through and peruse the pixels of our eZine edition. As goes the golf swing, it remains a work in progress but we hope you enjoyed a few of the rich media add-ons (pretty cool listening to Jack etc).

Special thanks to our contributors for their travel insight.

And please take a moment to check out the interactive globe above which will soon make its permanent home over at destinationgolfmag.com. (it was actually intended to be accessible and interactive within the pages but apparently the techno is not quite there yet? We’ll get it to work as well as few other neat things going forward as I really don’t like being told that I can’t carry the water. And if nothing less, use it as a quickie geography refresher - it worked for me as I now know where Dubai actually is.

By this time next year look forward to a more fully augmented version of this hybridesque mag as we attempt to get as close to reality as we can (in a virtual style way) so that you may be better equipped to decide exactly where you want to play next.

And, please send us your great golf photos and stories from around the globe so that we may post for our readers (and that means you too) to gain insight, find out information, or just plain get inspired to make one small putt for golf and one very long putt for golfkind.

Steve Woods, inherently-mobile-editor-at-large editor@destinationgolfmag.com

44

destinationGOLF | 2009

The Playful Side of Paradise…

Breezes Runaway Bay & Golf Club Ocho Rios, JAMAICA

SuperClubs Breezes are the world’s only super-inclusive resorts. So what exactly is “super-inclusive”? Simply put, it’s the best vacation value in the world. All your meals.

All your drinks. All your entertainment. An incredible variety of land & water sports, with professional instruction… All included. And tipping is never permitted.

Super-inclusive isn’t just about more. It’s about better.

It’s about promises made and promises kept.

FREE GOLF ACADEMY! SuperClubs’ own 18-hole championship golf course is located adjacent to the hotel. It boasts the only Golf Academy in Jamaica where everything you need to know about golf is taught at no extra cost.

• Learn how to play golf at the Breezes Runaway Bay Resort golf school with the assistance of a PGA-certified instructors and several professionals.

The minute you arrive, you’ll understand exactly why they call the lush, tropical playground, Runaway Bay. With quiet coves, endless beaches and shady hammocks around every corner, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve run away from all the pressures of the ‘every day’ life.

Conveniently located, Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club is one of the world’s truly great escapes.

• For beginners to advanced golfers, approximately 20 hours of instruction are available each week.

• Green fees and golf school instruction are all included in your stay at Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club (clubs, carts and caddies are mandatory at an additional cost).

1-800-999-8000

KITCHENER UNIGLOBE Discover Travel 519-896-2300 LONDON UNIGLOBE Instant Travel (Masonville) 519-660-6966 UNIGLOBE Instant Travel (Lambeth) 519-652-6171 MISSISSAUGA UNIGLOBE Ambassador Newhouse Travel (Lorne Park) 905-278-7239

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STONEY CREEK UNIGLOBE Creative Travel 905-643-4848 TIMMINS UNIGLOBE Tri-Pro Travel 705-264-1246 TORONTO UNIGLOBE Bon Voyage Travel (Overlea Blvd.)

416-425-5885 UNIGLOBE DCA Travel 416-224-5211

TORONTO UNIGLOBE Enterprise Travel (Richmond & Church) 416-363-7491 UNIGLOBE Normark Travel (University & Front) 416-599-4888 TRENTON UNIGLOBE Quinte Travel 613-394-6677

WATERLOO UNIGLOBE Discover Travel 519-746-8747 WEST HILL UNIGLOBE Graham’s Travel 416-281-5300

www.uniglobetrips.com

23170

UNIGLOBE Travel (Eastern Canada) 5915 Airport Road, Suite 900 Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1T1

CAMBRIDGE UNIGLOBE Donaldson Travel 519-623-7570 ETOBICOKE UNIGLOBE Custom Travel 416-234-5608 GRAVENHURST UNIGLOBE The Travel Agency 705-687-2291 GUELPH UNIGLOBE Discover Travel 519-836-4940