THIS MONTH: MY TURN I CHIPSHOTS I HOLIDAY SWEET STUFF
Our
8th
Year!
GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2010
V
ALLEY OF THE SUN STILL NUMBER ONE
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE RISING
PALM SPRINGS
COOL COURSES, WARM TEMPS, HOLIDAY SAVINGS PLUS: Malibu Country Club I Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
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contents I december 2010
cover
stories
10
Golfing The Valley Of The Sun
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Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa
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Palm Springs: Celebrated Desert Oasis
22
Malibu Country Club So Privately Public
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by Chuck Miller, “The Traveling Guy”
Whenever a freezing cold wind blows and rain or snow falls, do you immediately think of vacationing in some sunny climate where golf is a year-round sport?
by Dale Sanders
Key West has this perception of being weird, wild and simply offbeat. Indeed, it does possess these characteristics, but it is so much more!
by Katie Denbo
For decades, Palm Springs and its surrounding area has served as a celebrity safe haven, a buddies' golf trip destination and couples' getaway hot spot.
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by Katie Denbo
Malibu offers sprawling acres of undisturbed mountains, ranches and tucked-away flags that make for a great destination within the Los Angeles golf scene.
departments
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8 ChipShots Updates From The World Of Golf & Travel
21 Destinations Your Link To Great Resort Golf Locales
26 Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross and James McAfee
WedgeWorks, Bushnell Golf, TaylorMade Burner & Golf Bags
on the cover: Holiday Time Is Golf Time Where The Weather’s Fine
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Katie Denbo is the editor and publisher of FORE Magazine, the official publication of the Southern California Golf Association. A blogger and golf photographer by hobby, she is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and the California Golf Writers and Broadcasters Association, and has written about and traveled to golf resorts and properties all over the western United States and Canada. Visit Katieshack, Katie's golf blog, at katieshack.com, and follow her on Twitter at @kdenbo. Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
Chuck Miller (The Traveling Guy) a Southern California native and 11 handicap golfer at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista, California, writes about golf for newspapers, magazines and internet travel sites. His business background includes developing the initial international distribution network for Adams Golf.
Dale Sanders as a travel and outdoor photojournalist, Dale has ventured to over 100 Island & Coastal Destinations around the globe. With over a dozen media awards under his belt, Dale is constantly looking for the next great destination story and dramatic image.
Associate Editor Terry Ross Features Editor Larry Feldman
Senior Writers Tom LaMarre Fred Robledo For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 e-mail: INFO@GolfVacationsMag.com
Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Regional Advertising Los Angeles • 949-279-7801 Terry Ross - terryross@cox.net
Atlanta • 770-971-1616 John Reock - reock@mindspring.com
Palm Springs Resorts Golf Package Specials Cimarron Golf Resort – 1 round incl. cart Woodhaven Country Club – 1 round incl. cart 1 nights accommodations Homewood Suites – Palm Desert or Holiday Inn Express – Palm Desert
OVER 40 COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM
San Diego • 619-889-7706 Bob Black - bobblack@cox.net
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Mix & Match your golf courses and hotels Ask about our Private Reserve Exclusive private country clubs Book 2 weeks to 1 month in advance and
SAVE 10% TO 50% OVER POSTED RATES Course Weekdays Weekends Call Today Classic Club For Details Desert Willow Trilogy Call Today Indian Canyons South For Details Desert Princess Call Today Palm Desert Country Club For Details Rancho Mirage Country Club 6
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Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2010 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher. www.golfvacationsmag.com
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U p d a t e s f r o m t h e Wo r l d o f G o l f & Tr a v e l >>
chip shots
WINTER PACKAGE AT MYSTICAL GOLF AND PATRICIA GRAND RESORT MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Mystical Golf, owner and operator of the awardwinning The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard golf courses in Myrtle Beach, announces two winter specials – the stayand-play “Winter Patricia Grand Special” and “Mystical Golf Winter Membership” offering unlimited play for a one-time fee. Each rated from 4 to 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest and named “The Best Value in America” by GOLF Magazine, The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard have separated from the Myrtle Beach pack by offering golfers outstanding value, three distinct playing experiences, and pristine conditioning.
at the resort’s Grand Central Station restaurant. A cart-fee of $23 per person applies at time of play. Mystical Golf’s Winter Membership offers unlimited play on all three courses from November 22, 2010 – February 28, 2011 for a onetime fee of $395 (individual) and $495 (married couple). Tee times may be booked 72 hours in advance. Play is allowed any time of day the course is open. Free USGA handicap service is provided as well. The $23 per person cart fee is not included in the membership. “Whether you’re spending a few days, weeks or even several months in Myrtle
cypress groves and wetlands teeming with flora and fauna. Tactical play is rewarded on the par-71, 6,702-yard layout. With 4,000 feet of bridges wending through swamps (front nine) and rolling hills (back nine), golfers may spy cranes, bald eagles, alligators and black bears. Man-O-War is revered for its back-toback island greens and water features touching every hole. With a commanding 141 slope rating, the par-72, 6,967-yard layout is offset by straight-forward shots and excellent, bent-grass greens. Reminiscent of classic, wind-swept links courses in Scotland and Ireland, The Wizard
Man O’War Island Green
The stay-and-play Winter Patricia Grand Special features two nights’ accommodations at the oceanfront Patricia Grand Resort with three rounds of golf – one each on The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard. The offer runs through January 13, 2011 at $77 per person, double occupancy and January 14 – Jan. 31, 2011 at $95 per person, double occupancy. Lunch is included at each course as well as two breakfasts 8
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0
Beach during the winter golfers can maximize their golf experience with these winter specials,” says Claude Pardue, President and CEO of Mystical Golf. “With our mild weather that is perfect for golf, relaxing beachfront accommodations and three courses offering three totally distinct experiences, we offer the best deals on the Grand Strand.” The Witch sits on 500 acres of tranquil
presents deep bunkers, mound-framed fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Trademark stone bridges and an Old-World, castle-style clubhouse add character to the par-72, 6,721-yard shot-maker’s course. For more Mystical Golf’s Winter Patricia Grand Special information: www.mysticalgolf.com, 843.282.2977. For Mystical Golf’s Winter Membership offer call 843.236.8000. www.golfvacationsmag.com
U p d a t e s f r o m t h e Wo r l d o f G o l f & Tr a v e l >> “TEE AND TUTOR” OFFERS BEST OF GRAND CYPRESS GOLF & ACADEMY ORLANDO, Fla. – November 11, 2010 – Golfers determined to play their best, while also enjoying a Florida vacation, can learn from the best at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, which has introduced the Tee & Tutor Package especially for traveling couples and golf buddies. The benefits from spending an hour with the award-winning Grand Cypress Academy of Golf staff can be put into play immediately on the resort’s 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf. Each teaching professional will be assigned to just two students, who each receive a round of golf for every night’s stay in The Villas of Grand Cypress as part of the Tee & Tutor Package. The Academy of Golf is directed by Fred Griffin, recognized as one of the top golf teachers in America, whose staff includes several members ranked among the best golf instructors in the state of Florida. Grand Cypress – one of Golf Digest’s “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” and host to the LPGA Tour Championship, December 2-5 – features its original Nicklaus layout, comprised of 27 holes, as well as the Nicklaus-designed New Course, a links so authentic that PGA Tour pros often visit Grand Cypress Resort to prepare for the British Open. The Tee & Tutor Package, available through April 30, 2011, begins at $269 per golfer, per night. For additional information visit the web site at www.grandcypress.com or call (877) 330-7376.
Doonbeg announced the opening of Turtle Beach Bungalows, part of the emerging Christophe Harbour development on the Caribbean Leeward Island of St. Kitts. The island's most upscale property, Turtle Beach Bungalows is one of the first stages in Christophe Harbour, a 2500-acre residential real estate development which will include a 300-acre mega-yacht harbour, marina village, private beach club with bar and grille, two luxury hotels, and spectacular 18-hole Tom Fazio designed golf course. “The Turtle Beach Bungalows offer by far the finest accommodations on St. Kitts with the unique benefit of private beach access right outside the door,” said LeGrand Elebash, Chief Operating Officer of Christophe Harbour. “The availability of the bungalows represents a major shift on the island, as it swings its focus from the sugar industry to tourism.” Dotted along the dunes of the eponymous Turtle Beach all four individual bungalows named after natural local botanicals are made of hand-hewn logs and showcase elegant dark wood floors, subtle Caribbean flair, including framed sago palm leaves, and massive marble slab showers. Three walls of plantation-style shutters and sliding glass doors open onto unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and St. Kitts’ neighboring sister-island, Nevis. Nightly rates that include a continental breakfast delivered to each bungalow are $450 USD JuneOctober and $550 USD November-May. Just beyond the ocean-facing sliding glass door each unit has a tiered patio— nearly as large as the bungalow itself— with a gazebo sitting area for early morning breakfasts and an individual plunge pool for late-night soaks. The property’s seaside restaurant, The Beach House has seating for 90 guests in the main dining area, a full cocktail bar as well as a second floor Member’s lounge which all overlook the water and sand flanked by massive palms and an illuminated pier.
CHRISTOPHE HARBOUR ANNOUNCES TURTLE BEACH BUNGALOWS ST KITTS – The luxury lifestyle experts behind the exclusive Christophe Harbour Bungalows Charleston-based Island activities, arranged by Turtle Beach Kiawah Island and Ireland's Lodge At Bungalows concierge Kathleen Brownsdon, www.golfvacationsmag.com
chip shots include ocean side massages ($100/hour), private catamaran rentals ($480 small, $560 large), water taxis to Nevis ($160), fishing charters ($500), a volcano/rainforest hike ($95), and Zipline ($89). Visit www.TurtleBeachBungalows.com, www.ChristopheHarbour.com or call 800881-7180.
BLACK PEARL GC OPENS UP FOR CARNIVAL AND ROYAL CARIBBEAN ROATAN, Honduras -- Pristine Bay Resort, one of the western Caribbean’s mostanticipated resort communities, announces its Black Pearl golf course will open for Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers visiting Roatan December 1. Roatan, an idyllic tropical island 40 miles off the coast of Honduras, is a favorite of Royal Caribbean Cruises
scuba divers and an increasingly popular destination on Caribbean cruise itineraries. Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships will dock several times per week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. allowing plenty of time for passengers to play the par-72, 7,179-yard layout followed by lunch at the Sky Lounge or 19th Hole restaurants. The Black Pearl, designed by Pete and Perry Dye, will open to the public at large on January 1, 2011. Golf aficionados will be thoroughly impressed by the Dyes’ handiwork. The Black Pearl’s signature hole is the 157-yard (145 yards from the Blue tees), islandgreen, par-3 11th. From the tee, players enjoy an exceptional view of the golf course and Caribbean. The green sits in the middle of a lake and is ringed by a narrow bunker to give slightly awry shots a chance of remaining dry. Additional information about golf membership, real estate options and the comingsoon, 120-room, five-star Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay can be gleaned by visiting www.pristinebayresort.com, emailing information@pristinebayresort.com, or calling 323.203.0623 or 786.315.8657. G O L F V A C A T I O N S • D E C E M B E R 2010
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PHOEN AREA W RANKS HIGH FOR WINTER GOLF VACATIONS
henever a freezing cold wind blows and rain or snow falls, do you immediately think of vacationing in some sunny climate where golf is a year round sport? Even though I live in Southern California where our winters are mild, there are times when I have these thoughts and immediately Arizona sunshine and golf come to mind. No matter where you live in the US, a Phoenix/Scottsdale golf vacation is just hours away. With over 80 golf courses in the immediate area, and an abundance of outstanding hotels and restaurants to fit any budget, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is a delightful locale for a fun winter vacation. Even though it is the fourth largest city in the US, Phoenix and the surrounding cities of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, along with the close-by Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Nation, offer a relaxed atmosphere where warm sunny days and bright blue skies are the norm during the winter months. On my last winter trip to "The Valley of the Sun", I had the opportunity to play four truly wonderful desert courses, the Arizona State University Karsten course; Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills; Grayhawk, the former home of the Champion Tour's Fry's.com Open; and TPC Scottsdale, where nearly 500,000 spectators gather yearly for the PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open called "The Greatest Party on Grass". These four courses were all within a few miles of the Xona Resort Suites in North Scottsdale, headquarters for the Xona Resort Suites Annual Media Golf Classic which I was attending along with nearly 100 golf writers from the US, Canada and Europe. Located on 14 spacious acres, the "Xona" with one, two and four bedroom suites, four sparkling pools, and a truly professional and helpful staff, offered a welcome retreat for our group of golf writers and for the other leisure and business travelers staying at the resort.
by CHUCK MILLER “THE TRAVELING GUY�
The first course we played was the Arizona State University Karsten Golf Course, a true links-style course designed by famed golf architect Pete Dye. ASU Karsten was
SCOTT
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named in honor of PING golf equipment founder Karsten Solheim, the largest single cash contributor to the project. Since its opening in 1989 it has been the home course for the ASU men's and women's golf teams which have produced 47 Collegiate Golf All-Americans (21 men and 26 ladies) and nine NCAA team titles (2 men and 7 ladies). Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Wendy Ward, Grace Park and Anna Nordqvist all played their collegiate golf there. Whether you play from the Forward Tees at 4,765 yards, the Regular Tees at 5,671 yards, the Championship Tees at 6,288 yards or the Professional Tees at 7,002 yards, you'll find the course challenging yet fun to play. My favorite hole was the course's signature hole, the Par 3 sixteenth. A whopping 248-yards from the tips, it is bounded on the right by a lake from tee to green. Although I played it from only 175 yards, the hole quickly became a favorite when I hit my left-handed slice out over the water, landed it on the green, and two putted for par. With four sets of tees, ASU Karsten provides variety for golfers of all skill levels. Good golf course management and precise shots are essential as a number of greens are partially hidden and/or well guarded by bunkers and water. Speaking of water, the kidney shaped green on the 398-yard Par 4 eighteenth is also well protected by water. Even with a good drive from the Regular Tees, a very accurate second or third shot is imperative if you are to get near the pin on
ASU-Karston
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Grayhawk - Talon Course
TSDALE
what is known as one of the toughest finishing holes in Arizona. The second day we played Eagle Mountain Golf Club which winds through some of the natural box canyons, rolling hills and lush desert valleys of the Sonoran Desert. Golf course architect Scott Miller designed Eagle Mountain so that it has spectacular views of challenging holes that play through and around mesquite, palo verde and saguaro cacti. At 6,771 yards, this Par 71 beauty has some of the greatest elevation changes in Arizona golf. It also has undulating fairways and well-bunkered greens which make you continually think about proper club selection. My favorite view was from the 18th tee which rests some 400 feet above the fairway. As I prepared to tee off, I gazed out across the valley at scenic Red Mountain and was once again reminded of another reason why I love the game of golf. Named by the Arizona Republic as the Best New Public Golf Course when it opened in 1996, and touted by Golf World Magazine as one of the Top 50 Public Courses in the Country, Eagle Mountain Golf Club should make your list of "Must Play" courses when you visit Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Our third day we ventured to Grayhawk Golf Club, which
offers championship golf on two of the highest rated daily-fee golf courses in the US. Its two courses, Talon and Raptor, designed by former US Open and PGA Champion David Graham and golf course architect Gary Panks, are widely considered two of the finest golf courses in the Valley of the Sun. We played the Talon course which we thoroughly enjoyed. With water on three holes and many greens that are both large and multi-tiered, as well as fairways that are wider and more TPC Scottsdale receptive than they appear, we found the course a pleasure to play. Four sets of tees ranging from 5143 to 6973 yards offer good tests for both low and high handicappers. Each of Talon's holes are named. Since the holes on my home course have only numbers, I was quite intrigued with the names of each of the holes. It was easy to understand the importance of the name of the first hole, Farrview, as it is dedicated to the late Heather Farr, a local LPGA standout and Grayhawk Ambassador. Farr, who died of breast cancer at the early age of 28, is memorialized with a statue showing her holding her picture-perfect follow through. Other hole names I particularly enjoyed, and could easily understand how they were named were Three Sisters, the Par 5 third hole with three deep bunkers short and right of the green; #13, a
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orre T drivable Par 4 only 303 yards from the tips named Heaven or Hell because of its risk/reward opportunities; and # 17 the 126-yard Par 3 appropriately named Devil's Drink because an errant tee shot that misses the island green most likely ends up "in the drink". In addition to its great courses, Grayhawk is also known for its impressive pro shop, The Golf Shop and Trading Company, which has been named as one of the top 100 pro shops in the US for the past six years; for Phil's Grill, named after Grayhawk's PGA Touring Ambassador Phil Mickelson; and for the Grayhawk Learning Center originally developed by Peter Kostis and Gary McCord which offers highly personalized golf instruction.
TPC Scottsdale, home to the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open, which has been described as "the largest spectator golf event in the world", was the fourth course we played. When we arrived at the course it looked very inviting. It was in immaculate condition, its fairways appeared wide and receptive, and the blue sky overhead was cloudless. I was ready. When I learned that Mark Calcavecchia had once commented, "I trust everything about the course. I trust my reads on the greens. I trust my yardages. Best ever conditions", I became very excited about playing. Realizing these quotes were spoken during a PGA Tour event, I thought I might be disappointed. This was definitely not the case as the course is kept to PGA Tour standards year round. Playing where more than 40 touring pros regularly practice and play was an exhilarating experience. As anticipated, the
Stadium course's famed 16th, only 162-yards from the tips, turned out to be one of my favorite holes. I pictured myself being loudly cheered by the more than 25,000 fans who pack the stands surrounding the green during Phoenix Open. Since there were no fans when I hit my tee shot into one of the greenside bunkers, I was not booed which is also the custom during the tournament.
My other favorite hole at TPC Scottsdale was the short 332yard Par 4 seventeenth which has bunkers, desert and water that must be avoided. I found out it is also one of Touring Pro Andrew Magee's favorite holes as he scored a double-eagle hole-in-one there during the 2001 FBR Phoenix Open. His hole-in-one was all the more interesting in that Magee, who was not a long driver, didn't think he could reach the green on which Steve Pate, Gary Nicklaus and Tom Byrum were putting. He teed off and his drive bounced in front of and then onto the green. It rolled past Nicklaus and Pate and caromed off Byrum's putter into the cup. This surprising, amazing and unusual hole-in-one also happened to be the first hole-in-one on a Par 4 in PGA Tour history.
When it's cold, rainy or snowing in your hometown, remember the Phoenix/Scottsdale area rates high for winter golf vacations. The more than 80 courses in the area await you. Information on ASU Karsten, Eagle Mountain, Grayhawk and TPC Scottsdale as well as other Arizona courses can be found at www.arizonagolfcourses.com. Xona Resort Suites information can be found on their website, www.xonaresort.com.
THE CUISINE OF ITALY
“Combining Old-World Italian comfort food with personalized service, a congenial atmosphere and an extensive wine list, La Torretta excels as one of Arizona’s most impressive restaurants” — Dining Out
With a menu that utilizes the freshest and most authentic ingredients and pasta made fresh in-house daily, the restaurant’s culinary fare is consistently delicious and refreshing.Their Osso Buco,Taglio del Vitello Farcito con Quattro Farmagio and Veal Piccata have become local legends and inspired positive reviews from the Scottsdale Republic, the New Times, Guest Informant, TravelHost, and Scottsdale Magazine. The combination of La Torretta’s sophisticated interior and authentic food make it a prime candidate for intimate dinners to group celebrations of special occasions.
LIVE WELL
•
LOVE MUCH
•
LAUGH OFTEN
LA TORRETTA Ristorante & Italian Steakhouse
16640 N. Scottsdale Rd • SW corner Frank Lloyd Wright/Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale • 480.991.2000 • www.latorrettaaz.com Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm • Dinner Daily 4:30-9:30pm
RESORTREPORT
HYATT KEY WEST RESORT & SPA AN OFFBEAT TROPICAL RETREAT
K
ey West has this perception of being weird, wild and simply offbeat. Indeed, it does possess these characteristics, but it is so much more! Be it a tropical retreat for some or a water sports destination for others, Key West has it all and then some. Regardless of what might draw you to Key West it’s all about staying somewhere downtown AKA “Old Town.” Front Street, Mallory Square and Key West Bight border this historic area, with the lifeblood of the city running down Duval Street, which terminates at Front Street. The optimum place to stay is along the water somewhere on or near Front Street, which looks westward toward Keys West’s amazing sunsets. One of the most impressive luxury resorts found along waters edge here in Old Town is that of the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa. This tropically inspired resort offers spacious rooms most with gulf-view balconies, thus providing the optimum respite for travelers to Florida’s most famous key. Its numerous amenities include the Blue Mojito Pool Bar and Grill and the highly acclaimed Jala Spa. Evenings here are highlighted by the SHOR American Seafood Grill, which features superb seafood entrees. The restaurant also promotes a “cook your catch” offering which can’t be beat should you be so lucky as to have landed a catch on a day offshore or better yet bagged a few delectable lobsters. Just a short walk from the Hyatt you will find some of Key West’s finest attractions. A favorite is the Key West Aquarium where visitors can see many of the amazing creatures that are found in the waters around the Florida Keys. Daily tours and the thrilling feeding of the sharks occurs at 11, 1, 3, & 4:30. Just across the street from the aquarium, one might run into a reenactment of the early days of the wreckers and the auc-
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By DaleSanders
tions that took place in Mallory Square. If so, you have encountered the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. Here, visitors can explore the two floors of shipwreck artifacts and learn the amazing history of how Key West became such a prominent hub for early mariners.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Key West, FLORIDA
Upon exiting this museum, you are sure to see one of Key West’s most notable attractions…The Conch Train Tour. A trip to Key West without experiencing this classic tour is like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. For over 50 years, expert Conch Train engineers have tantalized more than ten million guests with the legends and history of the Conch Republic. Adjacent to Mallory Square is the world-renowned Mel Fisher Treasure Museum. Inside, one will find the Fort Knox of recovered Spanish gold, silver, cannons and artifacts that came from nearby waters. A trip through the ever changing galleries here will quickly confirm why The Learning Channel declared this to be “The #1 Amazing Treasure in the World.” At this point, it would be wise to re-hydrate, and with two of Hemingway’s favorite watering holes just a block away, it’s an easy call. As you pass the brightly hued Key West Kite Shop, you will immediately see the large goliath grouper of Captain Tony’s Bar, which extends out from this famous drinking establishment. Inside, business cards and ladies braziers adorn every inch of the wall and ceiling. Only a stones throw from here is perhaps the cornerstone of Key West’s best known bars, Sloppy Joe’s. A trip down Duval street know as the “Duval Crawl” would not be complete without a stop at this world famous bar, night club and restaurant. Every day of the week you can find some of the best musical talent appearing live on their stage, and once a year it hosts the Hemingway Days “look alike” festival. As the day winds down in the Conch Republic, one will want to experience the sunset at Mallory Square where every sort of entertainment occurs 365 days a year. G O L F V A C A T I O N S • D E C E M B E R 2010
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RESORTREPORT
(continued) Another option is to climb aboard one of various sailboats, which will ply the waters of the harbor in search of the green flash. Fury Catamarans features an amazing trip aboard its mega-cat, which includes dinner, all you can drink and a live band to dance your way through the twilight moment. Without a doubt, Key West offers a unique combination of fun and sun, with experiences from the mild to the wild. After you have visited Key West, one thing is for sure…you will want to return again and again!
KEY WEST GOLF COURSE Play a round in paradise at Key West Golf Course – the southernmost golf course in the Continental United States. Designed by golf legend Rees Jones, this 6,500 yard course offers 18 holes of challenging and scenic Key West golf. Try out the infamous "Mangrove Hole" – a 143 yard, par 3 hole known for testing even the most skilled golfer. Players of all levels will enjoy this fantastic course, located just four miles from Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa. This full-service Key West golf resort course is open to the public 365 days a year with rental clubs, a driving range, PGA professional instruction, a pro golf shop, tournament services, locker facilities and private parking. Take advantage of the Hyatt’s resort concierge to arrange your tee time or contact the Key West Golf Club at 305-294-5232.
Facilities and Services From an expert staff to an extensive pro shop, you'll delight in the superior amenities of the Key West Golf Club including: • 18 holes of championship golf – with four tee placements, one for every level of golfer. • Pro golf shop – offering a wide assortment of golf wear, clubs, accessories, club and shoe rental as well as on-staff pros to assist you in planning your outing. • Practice facility – including a driving range, instruction area and balls for use during practice. • Locker facilities – with men's and women's locker facilities and showers. 16
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PALM SPRINGS Enjoy this Celebrated Desert Oasis Without Tapping The Trust Fund by Katie Denbo
Eagle Falls Golf Club
Palm Springs golf is both popular and infamously expensive. Some bargain hunters challenge the desert heat in the summer, when green fees plummet. But many courses offer tee times for less than $100 even in the prime-season months of November through April. This means you can enjoy Palm Springs-area golf courses like Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Escena Golf Club and Eagle Falls G.C. without breaking the bank. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -– For decades, Palm Springs and its surrounding area has served as a celebrity safe haven, a buddies' golf trip destination and couples' getaway hot spot. Boutique hotels in Palm Springs beckon travelers to stay in their historic rooms, and some of California's finest restaurants have
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staked their claims along Coachella Valley's main thoroughfares. With more than 100 golf courses in the small but quickly growing area -- framed by the San Jacinto, San Gorgonio and Santa Rosa mountain ranges -- golf is both popular and infamously expensive for travelers and snowbirds alike, especially in the cool winter and spring months. Extreme players and bargain hunters challenge the desert heat in the summer, when green fees can plummet to 20 percent of the prime-season rate. But many properties offer play for less than $100 a round -- including cart -- during the coveted prime-season desert months of November through April. This means golfers can enjoy the Palm Springs golf oasis without breaking the bank.
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Golf in Palm Springs Proper Coachella Valley's golf reputation has extended beyond Palm Springs in recent years, with areas like La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Indio experiencing recent construction of big-priced properties for deep pockets. History takes us back to Palm Springs, though, where a great mix of old and new is up for play at a fraction of the cost of other locations. Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs oozes Old Hollywood for a modest price. Formerly Canyon Country Club -- the haunt for famous names such as Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Walt Disney and Frank Sinatra -the 36-hole Indian Canyons opened its doors to the public in 2008 and remains very much a tucked-away flag because of its past exclusivity. William P. Bell's North Course at Indian Canyons is tight and strategic at 6,906 yards, while the South Course was redesigned by Casey O'Callaghan and LPGA Hall of Famer Amy Alcott in 2004. It tops out at just more than 6,500 yards. Prime tee times from Christmas through mid-April cost upwards of $110, but cap out at a budget-conscious $95 from October through December. While you're there, take a look at the eye-catching Walt Disney Fountain, donated by Disney himself. This floating flower between the ninth and 18th holes shoots water more than 100 feet high. Escena Golf Club, one of Palm Springs' best values, reopened in late 2009 after a closure of nearly two years forced by the economic downturn. The Jack Nicklaus design was the first public course to open in Palm Springs proper in 20 years in 2005, and now it's back and playable as ever, stretching as long as 7,152 yards from the back tees. Escena G.C. offers a terrific value for such a new property. Its design was inspired by the classic, early 20th-century golf courses of the area and features native species like Mexican fan palms and sparse landscaping, making it great for finding errant shots if the ball doesn't hit the wide fairways. A modern clubhouse, recently completed, offers libations and dining for after a round of golf. Stay-and-play golf options in nearby Indio Some of the best golf deals in the desert come by combining a lodging and golf package, especially true if you're looking for unlimited golf at a fraction of the price. Escape heat and high prices by taking refuge at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, complete with gourmet dining, a concert showroom, lounge, bowling, gambling and a value golf course. Desert resident and former European Tour pro Clive Clark designed the resort's centerpiece, Eagle Falls Golf Club, which opened in 2006. The Indio property is the newest golf course to open in the desert, and during its prime November-to-April season, green fees, including cart, cost only $75 on weekdays and $95 on weekends. Summer rates runs $39 to $49. Resort guests can save further, as can holders of the Fantasy Rewards players club card. Eagle Falls' style is Irish-links reminiscent, with its long, native grasses and wide fairways, but fast TifEagle greens and vibrant landscaping provide quality conditions and a nice way to spend a peaceful day. Not far from Indio, Indian Palms Country Club and Resort offers 27 holes of golf from $25 to $80. Designed by Jackie Cochran and Helen Detweiler, Indian Palms is a true resort golf property. Yardages on its three combination golf courses stretch as long as 6,572 yards. And while mature trees line fairways and water features enter play on 15 holes, the golf courses
Escena Golf Club
Eagle Falls Golf Club
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Eagle Falls Golf Club
provide a good but leisurely test that don't leave players feeling beaten up. Indian Palms offers some fantastic stay-and-play deals for those in search of a good value. Some come at less than $100 for golf and lodging. Onsite dining and an extensive practice facility is also available. More Coachella Valley Options Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert is one of the desert's best values. At their highest, green fees are only $85 and drop to as low as $30 during summer months. Located in the growing city of Palm Desert, Mountain Vista is somewhat of a local secret. It includes 36 holes of the Billy Casper-designed golf -- the Santa Rosa course and San Gorgonio course. Both golf courses feature crisp, green fairways, water and wide landing zones. Santa Rosa measures 6,720 yards, while San Gorgonio,
though shorter, is actually the more difficult -- thanks to tighter driving holes and more bunker coverage around the green complexes. If you're looking for a couple different golf options at one property, Cimarron Golf Resort in Cathedral City offers its regulation Boulder Course and the short, 18-hole Pebble Course. Designed by John Fought, Cimarron's Boulder Course stretches to 6,768 yards. With a resort rate of only $39, it test players repeatedly without breaking the bank. It was named one of Golf Digest's best places to play in 2003 because of its green complexes, and it ranks as a local favorite for great value. Cimarron' Pebble Course, a 2,956-yard par-58 facility, runs $19 and provides a good opportunity to work on the short game. Cimarron also offers On the Rocks restaurant, named the best place to watch a sunset in Palm Springs.
Indian Palms Country Club & Resort
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Cimarron Golf Resort
Mountain Vista Golf Club
Escena Golf Club
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DESTINATIONS
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WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO PLAY
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SPOTLIGHT
MALIBU COUNTRY CLUB
PRIVATE SETTING PUBLIC ACCESS
Malibu, CA By KatieDenbo
MALIBU, Calif. -- Thoughts of Malibu, for many people, include visions of sparkling beaches, crashing waves and a flawless southern California coastline replicated in many movies and television shows. A few miles inland, though, Malibu offers sprawling acres of undisturbed mountains, ranches and tucked-away flags that make for a destination among the Los Angeles golf scene. The public Malibu Country Club is one of these hidden enclaves, navigating through Encinal Canyon and into the
Santa Monica Mountains. It's long ranked as a popular venue for celebrity golf tournaments -- like the Women in Film Celebrity Golf Classic. And some big industry names -- country crooner Glen Campbell and actress Tea Leoni, for instance -- tee it up on a weekly basis. Many players choose to escape the chaos of the nearby city in Malibu. Malibu Country Club's reputation of peace and quiet, while providing a private club experience, has drawn people to the area since the facility opened in the late 1970s.
SPOTLIGHT
(continued)
"I like to say that Malibu Country Club is how golf in Los Angeles was meant to be played," said Dan Mehelin, general manager of the club. "It's a beautiful setting, a great test of golf, and it's one of the best-kept secrets in L.A County, while only 45 minutes from downtown. People feel like they're escaping when they come to play out here." Malibu Country Club: The Golf Course Malibu Country Club is a 1977 Billy Bell, Jr. design that winds players up and back into the Santa Monica Mountains. An abundance of Italian cypress trees and other foliage flanks the 6,600yard golf course from the first hole, adding a feeling of maturity but also requiring the use of extra balls if golfers struggle with their
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aim off the three sets of tees. Well-manicured Bermuda fairways are primarily narrow. Straight hitters benefit greatly, but a few holes provide wider and flatter landing areas. Greens range in size from small to medium, so a solid short game benefits. Thanks to the golf course's position within the canyon, elevation changes are abundant. The first hole, a straightaway 398-yard par 4, gradually creeps uphill, while the next several play tight and angular. The most difficult par-3 hole comes on the fifth hole, a 236-yard shot on which, depending how the wind blows, club selection may vary from normal. There's not much water on the golf course, but what water exists certainly can come into play. The 476-yard par-5 sixth hole requires a carry over a creek. A mishit left will land in a lake. The
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Malibu, CA par-7 seventh, at 194 yards, requires all carry over the lake to get to the green. The dogleg, par-4 ninth also makes players approach the green over another water feature to round out the front. As a whole, big hitters could be humbled at Malibu C.C., as control takes precedence from the back tees over length. With other tees set at 6,176 yards and 5,613 yards, golfers get their choice of different tee shot angles and more comfortable yardages from long par 3s. "There are few courses in the area at this price, and of this caliber, that offer such a peaceful day of golf," said Jim Nelson of nearby Simi Valley. "You come out here and know you'll be golfing with few distractions. No traffic, no neighborhoods or noise -- just a nice day of golf in the hills." Carts are required at Malibu Country Club (walking is not permitted), although the GPS-equipped cart is included with the green fee. Malibu Country Club: The Verdict If you're looking for the beach and open views of the ocean that Malibu's image may communicate, you won't find them at Malibu Country Club. If you're looking for an idyllic day in the footprint of the Santa Monica Mountains, this golf course provides an abundance of canyon views, elevation changes and a sense of peacefulness. Don't be fooled by the 6,600-yard length, either; narrow fairways require some thought off the tee, while small-tomedium greens mean chipping and putting skills should be sharpened ahead of time. For the setting and quality of golf, the $65 to $100 green fees, including cart, provide a great value. And for another $25, golfers can test their game again with a same-day replay. Practice Facilities and Instruction at Malibu Country Club Although Malibu Country Club does not include a driving range, it does feature a netted hitting bay and complimentary golf balls to warm up a swing. Additionally, Malibu has an expansive chipping and practice putting green that rolls very true to the on-course greens. Malibu golf professionals offer individual and group lessons. www.golfvacationsmag.com
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HOLIDAY T
he most popular wedge on the PGA Tour—those designed by Titleist master craftsman Bob Vokey--have now been made available to the general golfing public in the special treatments, grinds and customizations that previously had only been produced inside a tour equipment van. Called WedgeWorks Exclusives, this new category for Titleist Vokey wedges is designed for the discerning better player who wants to design their own club—right down to the shaft band color. For the golfer who believes he is a better player when he looks better, this is the ticket.
WedgeWorks is a high performance custom shop within the Titleist production factory where Vokey and his team of artisans design and build wedges for everyone from PGA TOUR players to avid wedge enthusiasts. Each personalized creation is one-of-akind, custom-engraved, hand-stamped and built at WedgeWorks in Carlsbad, California. Two distinctive new finishes – Bright Brushed Chrome and Oil Can Zero – were created specifically for WedgeWorks Exclusives. Every WedgeWorks Exclusives club is custom built and personalized – from length, lie and loft, to toe engraving, paintfill, grips, shafts and shaftbands. The personalization options available on WedgeWorks Exclusives are virtually endless. Three different hand-stamp styles (straight, freestyle, snow) in up to eight letters and/or numbers, plus there are 40 different toe engraving combinations from which to choose. Among the grips available are the New Decade Multi-Compound and full cord Golf Pride Tour Velvet, as well as ribbed and .600 diameter options. You can even have your name stamped on the back of 26
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the club head with a choice of 20 different paintfill colors. These make a great personalized holiday gift for your favorite golfer. “Until now these special M grind designs were only available to Tour players who had them custom made in our equipment vans,” explained David Neville, the Custom Club Manager for Titleist. “The M grind that we had for Tour players has a narrower sole and had a different bounce that we call the Tour Van Design (TVD)”. The Vokey TVD wedges feature a crescent shaped sole and moderate camber. This allows the wedge to easily pivot around its center for versatility and shot making. Vokey TVD wedges are also the only wedges in the Vokey Design lineup that feature a Tour grind in lower lofts, beginning at 52 degrees and increasing to 60 degrees in two degree increments. WedgeWorks Exclusives feature a selection of high performance shafts, including True Temper’s Dynamic Gold, Tour Issue and Project X, as well as the KBS Tour in steel and black nickel. All of the Vokey wedges now adopt the Spin Milled design that utilize special groove cutting tools and a rougher surface on the club face to induce greater spin. For more information: www.titleist.com or www.Vokey.com
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ushnell Golf, which has pretty much been the leader when it comes to laser rangefinders for golfers with over 90% of professional caddies and players reporting using them for practice rounds, has unveiled its latest and most advanced satellite GPS distance finder for recreational players with the Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC+. GPS yardage finders for golf have improved and evolved over the past few years, and this small, but handy and easy to operate unit is like having a yardage book, laser rangefinder and caddie that you can stuff in your pocket. It is pre-loaded with over 16,000 North American golf courses and is ready to use out of the box. Course maps can be easily downloaded off the web through iGolf.com and you can keep your
score, handicap or get the phone number and address of your favorite golf course. The 2.2inch high resolution screen gives you distances to any point on the hole in vivid, sun-light readable color. The vibrant color maps provide a “down the fairway” perspective for easier and better course management. No membership fee is required to use this product, and you can update your device at no charge for up to one year. The GPS satellites will find which course you are on and which hole—or you can manually bring up a course and advance to any hole. You can also set four custom points per-hole on the interactive map, or set your own distance coordinates with the custom mapping feature. With the zoom and advance features, you can also easily calculate yardages to various hazards and landing areas for better course management. For the golfer who is looking to add a little high tech to their game, this is a great addition. For more on Bushnell GPS rangefinders, visit: www.bushnellgolfgps.com.
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or TaylorMade Golf the Burner line of drivers and fairway woods have been among the most popular products on the market. But a year and a half ago the company unveiled its first set of Burner irons-- a line fashioned for players looking for distance and forgiveness—and they became the most successful iron in TaylorMade history. Now, amid much fanfare, TaylorMade Golf has unveiled its latest creation, the Burner 2.0 irons, engineered to combine legendary Burner distance plus more feel and playability. "We've succeeded at creating a better-
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SWEETSTUFF performing iron with the Burner 2.0, which is just as long, easier to play and more refined in its feel and sound," said Bret Wahl, senior director of research and development for irons, wedges and putters. The difference starts at first glance with the Burner 2.0's two-toned "Burner Black" PVD finish, which is more durable and resists glare. Multiple club properties in the Burner 2.0 irons have been enhanced to promote distance, uniform distance-gaps, improved playability and more satisfying feel and sound. The result: each Burner 2.0 iron outperforms the first-generation Burner.
Weight distribution varies in every Burner 2.0 clubhead to improve long-, middle- and short-iron ball flight. In the longirons, weight has been shifted toward the back of the head, to promote easy launch, and toward the toe and heel, to promote greater stability and forgiveness. In the middle-irons, weight is distributed more evenly and slightly higher to promote workability while still providing forgiveness. In the short-irons, weight is positioned even higher, to promote a lower, more controllable ball flight, and centered, to promote increased clubhead control. Every individual Burner 2.0 iron boasts a different face thickness. The thinnest and fastest faces are in the long-irons, with the face in each successive iron growing thicker down through the middle- and short-irons. These new irons are equipped with a new, flight-control shaft design in a light 85gram steel or 65-gram graphite for longer, higher, longer shots. The Women's Burner 2.0 is equipped with a graphite RE*AX® SuperFast 55-gram shaft. For information, visit the TaylorMade Golf website at: www.tmag.com.
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or those golfers wanting to start the New Year with a resolution to walk the course more—or for anyone just wanting a light, very versatile golf bag, TaylorMade Golf’s new Pure Light 2.0 Stand Bag fits the bill perfectly at less than five pounds-but loaded with features usually seen in a much bigger and heavier bag. It is TaylorMade’s lightest full-size stand bag yet which makes for a lighter load and easier walking. Some of the notable features include a six-way top with integrated handle; seven total pockets, including a valuables pocket with internal key/ring clip; Insulated beverage sleeve pocket; ventilated ergonomic shoulder straps; full length dividers; pen holder; Integrated bottom trunk handle and three FAS-TEK receivers. The company’s patented FAS-TEK (Fast Action Snap Technology) is a seamless way for golfers to access important accessories such as GPS, rangefinders, phones, cigar holders and other valuables without having to dig through cluttered pockets during a round. With separate Fast Action Snap Technology cases, golfers can quickly and easily affix these accessories onto corresponding rivets which line the outside of all of the new 2011 bag models. The ultra durable and ergonomically designed four-point strap system with continuous webbing delivers a lower effective weight for proper distribution and fit, helping to eliminate fatigue while walking 18 holes. The Pure Light 2.0 has several sporty color combinations to choose from and with loads of functional compartments and features such as a ball holder and ball marking stencil, this bag certainly is a stylish choice in the light carry bag category. For more information on the new TaylorMade golf bags: www.taylormadegolfgear.com by Terry Ross
T
he PurePutt training aid from Dazz Concepts is living up to its promise of providing teachers and golfers instant feedback to help identify flaws in putting strokes. Matt Flenniken, one of the nation’s top club fitters who is Director of Instruction at the Los Lagos Golf Club in San Jose, CA, has added the PurePutt to his arsenal of club fitting and teaching aids. “It’s a fantastic training aid for teachers, yet isn’t too complicated even for beginners,” he said.
The PurePutt uses gyroscopes to measure the rotation of the putter, providing instant feedback about whether the face of the putter is open, closed or square at impact. It is simple to use. Just clip it on the putter below the grip, set the playing level (beginner, advanced or professional), push the start button, align the putter at the target and make the stroke. Flenniken, who has been the PGA of American Club Fitter of the Year three times in the past 25 years and national teaching pro of the year in 2007, found that the PurePutt helped him to convince one recent student about a serious alignment problem. “I just reach in a drawer of my desk and handed him one,” Flenniken said. “They’re simple to operate, provides great feedback and would make a great stocking stuffer.” The Dazz team has over 20 years of expertise developing innovative products for mobile systems, GPS, and integrated circuits. PurePutt™ is the latest creation. Visit the Dazz Concepts web site at www.dazzconcepts.com for training videos and additional information. by James McAfee
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