Golf Vacations Magazine Early Summer 2009 by Golf Vacations Magazine

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135 HOLES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES I MY TURN I MORE SWEET STUFF

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com

GOLF VACATIONS EARLY SUMMER 2009

ROADTRIP TO TUCSON WHERE THE PROS TEE IT UP AMELIA ISLAND GOING GREEN

ECO-FRIENDLY FLORIDA

PLUS:

Summer Savings At The Fairmont I New Mexico’s Black Mesa

“Best Overall Golf Experience” – VegasGolfer “Golf’s hidden treasure” – Sports Illustrated cascatagolf.com

Tee Times / Stay & Play Packages Call 1.888.727.4427 or visit us online at harrahsgolf.com For groups of 16 or more call 702.294.2010

Cut out the middleman. Reserve directly with the golf course and hotel operators. Choose to stay at Bally’s, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Paris & Rio in Las Vegas and play at Cascata, Rio Secco, or one of over 12 other fabulous golf courses.

Check availability and pricing, and reserve the entire package online at www.harrahsgolfonline.com

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Tropical Fruits

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Customized Thailand Tours starting at $695 6 days - 7 nights in Bangkok includes golf, sightseeing and accommodations For more information call (661) 940-1165 http://gv.myATBtravel.com Ask for code TAT FOR FREE GOLF DIRECTORY Call 1-800-THAILAND or visit www.tourismthailand.org/la

contents I early summer 2009

cover

10 14 16 20

stories

World-Class Alberta Golf Visit the Canadian Rockies golf and resort-lifestyle consortium - a collection of six acclaimed properties with breathtaking mountain golf and an elevated lifestyle experience.

Fairmont Tees Up Summer Specials by Larry Feldman

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands, recently unveiled a host of outstanding values on golf packages at its premier destinations just in time for summer.

On The Road In Tucson by David R. Holland

The natural beauty of Arizona is on display here. Check out the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum and you will learn why this is one of the most special places on earth.

Florida’s Amelia Island Plantation by David R. Holland

Just 20 minutes north of Jacksonville, five miles south of the Georgia border, and situated on the southern tip of Amelia Island, this is a spot in American history that is rich.

departments

16 12 Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

Craftmanship Abounds in Miura Golf Line

26 Personal Postcard

by Fred Robledo

Black Mesa Golf Club

28 My Turn

by Brandon Tucker

Road to Golf Redemption

on the cover: The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Aventura, FL

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G O L F V A C A T I O N S â&#x20AC;˘ E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Larry Feldman is a nationally published freelance golf journalist of more than 17 years. Based in Park City, Utah, his writing has appeared in such high-profile publications as Southern California Golf News, Palm Springs Life, Golf Tips, Sports Profiles and Men’s Look.

David R. Holland is a former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, a football magazine publisher and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Multiple careers best describes this world traveler, who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve, serving during the Vietnam and Desert Storm eras. His final Pentagon assignment took him to Monterey, California, where he started thinking about his next move – travel golf writing. Fred Robledo has been covering professional golf for more than 30 years. He wrote for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and the Los Angeles Times before moving into public relations where he promoted professional tour events for Brener Zwikel & Associates. He is now semi-retired, traveling the country and reviewing golf destinations for Golf Vacations Magazine.

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz Associate Editor Terry Ross Online Content Editor Bruce Binder Features Editor Larry Feldman For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 • e-mail: JD@GVLinks.com

Advertising Representatives

Brandon Tucker is a Senior Writer and Special Projects Editor for the WorldGolf.com Network, where he contributes not only golf and travel articles, but photo essays, videos and more. His golf travels have taken him across the U.S., including more than 50 Myrtle Beach-area golf courses, and to such destinations as Scotland, Wales, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany and Malaysia.

New York • 518-789-3005 Jon Meigs - jon@meigsmedia.com Chicago • 630-871-9417 Patrick Keane - patkeane@comcast.net Atlanta • 770-971-1616 John Reock - reock@mindspring.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.

Dallas • 972-991-4994 Phil Ganz - phil.ganz@gmail.com Hawaii • 760-774-1752 Bruce Binder - bruce@gvlinks.com San Diego • 619-709-4425 Wayne McCollum - wayne@gvlinks.com Inland Empire, CA • 951-237-5042 Tony Smith - tony@gvlinks.com Mexico/Latin America • 949-547-7728 Emilio Pedral - emiliopedral@execs.com

Published by

President Jeffrey Diaz 100 S. Sunrise Way., Suite 257 Palm Springs, California 92262 1-800-940-7816 • fax 214-889-3667

and

Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz 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 2009 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

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orre T RESORTREPORT

SUNSATIONAL SUMMER AT REUNION

GET GOLF READY AT BAY CREEK

CAPE CHARLES, VA - Bay Creek Resort & Club is bringing adults into the game of golf in a fast, fun and affordable way through the new Get Golf Ready in Five Days program. The new industry-wide initiative is comprised of a series of five introductory lessons offered by PGA Professionals in a smallgroup environment from June 29 -- July 3 for the affordable price of $99. The program is open to anyone who wants to learn the game or get a refresher after having been away for a while. Bay Creek can provide clubs to use for the program. Significant on-course learning opportunities will be a part of each lesson. Overall, participants will gain insight into techniques regarding chipping, putting, full swing, half swing and bunker play as well as the fundamental guidelines regarding the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course, among others. For more information, or to register for the Get Golf Ready program at Bay Creek Resort & Club, visit www.GetGolfReady.com or call the facility at 757-337-8623.

ORLANDO, FL - Get your foursome together for the "Sunsational Summer Golf Package" at Central Florida's Reunion Resort & Golf Club. Golfpac Travel is offering two nights and two rounds of golf starting at $290.70 per person. On this terrific package your foursome will enjoy a spacious and handsomely appointed three-bedroom villa at Reunion Resort & Golf Club. On property, you'll find three championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. To book your "Sunsational Summer Golf Package" getaway, call a Golf Travel Expert at 888848-8941 or visit www.golfpactravel.com. Refer to code R-REUY3V to take advantage of this offer.

UNLIMITED GOLF AT HALF MOON BAY

HALF MOON BAY, CA - Half Moon Bay Golf Links, situated just 23 miles southwest of San Francisco International

Airport, and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay are offering an unlimited, stay-and-play golf package throughout 2009. The package includes unlimited golf from 2 p.m. the day of arrival to 7 p.m. the day of departure on Half Moon Bay Golf Links' two award-winning, 18-hole courses: The Old Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, and Ocean Course, an Arthur Hills links land design. Accommodations are provided by The Ritz-Carlton and include: complimentary, overnight valet parking; resort fee (complimentary glass of wine at check-in, gratis WiFi, access to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Spa's co-ed Roman mineral bath and steam room, group exercise classes, gym access, and more); and a commemorative gift. Rates begin at $399 for one player or $519 for two players per night, during the week. Reserve by calling 650.712.2228 or by visiting www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. For more information about Half Moon Bay Golf Links, visit www.hmbgolflinks.com, or call 650.726.1800.

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 v SW corner Frank Lloyd Wright/Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale v 480.991.2000 v www.latorrettaaz.com Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm v Dinner Daily 4:30-9:30pm

World-Class Alberta

Offers 135 Golf Holes in Unspoiled Mountain Setting Kananaskis Country Golf Course ALBERTA, Canada - The Canadian Rockies golf and resort-lifestyle consortium - a collection of six acclaimed properties with breathtaking mountain golf and an elevated lifestyle experience -announces new course features, unique facility upgrades and rates for the 2009 season, furthering the allure of this world-class destination. The six properties -Canmore Golf & Curling Club, The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Kananaskis Country Golf Course, Silvertip Resort and Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club -- have chosen the tag line "Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed." which reflects the area's attributes, activities and resort lifestyle amenities. On-course enhancements are highlighted

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by Canmore's remodeling of the approach to two of its holes -- the 1st and 10th -- with a brand-new entrance at 18. Kananaskis has added an entire fleet of Club Car carts for improved access on both its Mt. Kidd and Mt. Lorette courses, while Stewart Creek created a Director of Instruction position responsible for coordinating lessons and clinics. This role comes a year after the facility constructed a

new clubhouse, golf shop, practice green and concession area. "Each of our six courses are unique -- whether it be the abundant wildlife that roam free, hundreds of challenging bunkers, or playing atop the majestic mountain scenery -- but the one unifying thread is to provide a memorable, life-changing golf experience," says K. Gordon Schultz, spokesman for the Canadian Rockies consortium. "In addition to the spectacular golf, the Canadian Rockies feature a plethora of outdoor activities and summertime daylight hours as late as 11pm so guests truly get the most out of their visit." At Silvertip, golfers will find one of the area's most environmentally sound courses, as it recently earned one of four prestigious

www.gvlinks.com

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Silvertip Golf Resort

Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club

GCSAA/Golf Digest awards given worldwide for ecological stewardship, (Stewart Creek previously won this esteemed award). The two Fairmont properties -- Banff and Jasper -continue to uphold exceptional standards of excellence on classic courses designed by the great Stanley Thompson. Off-the-course, visitors will find enhanced clubhouse facilities at Silvertip and Canmore. The former continues to grow its 600-acre Stone Creek Resorts Club by building additional world-class living and resort-rental accommodations while the latter has augmented its kitchen, washrooms and comfortable dining areas. Golfers will find a variety of delicious dining options from first-rate chefs at all of the Canadian Rockies golf consortium members.

"Canadian Rockies Golf" is defined by historic, top-rated courses designed by iconic architects such as Thompson and Robert Trent Jones. It also features stunning modern layouts by talented designers Les Furber and Gary Browning. Hence, a mix of alluring classical and alpine-style routings complement one another and enhance golfers' experiences. What people are increasingly discovering, however, are the proximity of these properties to one another as well as the combined wealth of resort and lifestyle options accessible by Calgary and Edmonton airports -- from international and commercial to regional and private. This allows visitors to conveniently come and go, and to mention obtain desired tee times and other activity reservations all while

enjoying majestic mountain-view scenery spliced by glacier-fed tributaries. To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca or call 877.323.3633 for more information. THE LINEUP Canmore Golf & Curling Club www.canmoregolf.net 888.678.4785

The Fairmont Banff Springs www.fairmont.com/banffsprings 800.441.1414

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge www.fairmont.com/jasper.com 800.441.1414

Kananaskis Country Golf Course www.kananaskisgolf.com 877.591.2525

Silvertip Golf Resort www.silvertipresort.com 877.877.5444

Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club www.stewartcreekgolf.com/golf 877.993.GOLF

Corporate Golf School & Individual Golf Lessons Available • Schools range from 1 to 3 days

#1 – Golf Vacations Magazine – Winter 2008

• Room accommodations at one of six Harrah’s properties • Ground transportation to and from school included • Limited Availability – call today for details

Please call (702) 777-2444 or visit us online at www.butchharmon.com.

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M M E R 2009 11 G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U10/18/07 1:33:10 PM

S WEETSTUFF M iura Golf, which has developed a reputation among club aficionados as one of the world’s finest manufactures of custom built irons in its 50-year history, has introduced two new putter models to highlight some finely hand-crafted scoring tools that better golfers can appreciate. Each putter will form part of Miura Golf's Series 1957. Series 1957 will be a collection of Miura products which will reflect its founder— Katsuiro Miura's-- commitment to producing the absolute finest golf equipment. The year 1957 represents the start of Miura’s career in the golf business and his pursuit of the perfect set of irons. First off the line will be two new putters. The KM 350 is a classic Blade model while the MP 005 and MP 006 offer a traditional design familiar to most golfers. Miura's Series 1957 putters confirm that it is possible to match looks with performance. Miura putters all undergo the same forging process as the Miura irons. Each model's milled face is extremely forgiving resulting in uncommon feel and distance control. The forgiveness at impact also reduces skid, resulting in a truer roll of the ball. The Miura craftsmanship is evident in these new toe-weighted offset putters, which each feature a classic oiledchrome finish that complements each putter's soft visual features. "We're very excited about these new putters," says Miura Golf Vice President Bill Holowaty. "Katsuhiro Miura is a master craftsman and his putters are works of art that feature looks and technology that will boost confidence and help golfers feel the ball and roll

their putts more smoothly and, consequently, improve their scores." Besides the new putter models, Miura Golf's current product line also includes Blade (Tournament Blade Model); MC-102 (Standard Cavity Model); CB-202 (Cavity Back Model) and CB 301 (Progressive Cavity Back ) irons; and Wedges (Wedge Series and Black Wedge Series, each available in six lofts). 12

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Inspired by the eye of touring professionals, the Miura wedge boasts a clean, classic shape. Forged means better feel. Feel means more control and better shots. Using his own coin forging process,

Miura has produced a forged wedge series with incredible feel. Minimal offset allows tremendous versatility on all shots around the green. A rolled leading edge gives the player the confidence to be aggressive on full shots. Miura's forging techniques rearrange the molecular structure of the mild steel in a pattern that is uniform throughout the hitting area of the club in a manner that is unique to his clubs. This tightness in the grain structure of the metal is what gives Miura-made clubs the controlled, soft feel that other manufacturers cannot achieve. Miura also uses a proprietary “spin welding” process to produce the industries’ most consistent hosel. This unique procedure ensures that the bore depths and hosel heights are identical on every Miura made head and the shaft of every club will be perfectly centered. It is a painstaking hand process that makes these clubs in relatively short supply. “We are a club company—not a marketing company,” added Holowaty. “We are continuing to grow, but with our manufacturing process we can only build about 10,000 sets a year, whereas the major companies may produce 50,000 to 100,000 sets a year. “We listen to players to find out what they like and what works best—and we make changes in our design when we see that it improves performance,” he added. “As Mr. Miura says, ‘our forged clubs are made to perform first and sell second, while a lot of clubs are made to sell first and perform second.’” Miura Golf's corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. More information on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com. Terry Ross www.gvlinks.com

www.gvlinks.com

G O L F V A C A T I O N S â&#x20AC;˘ E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

Summer’s Best Golf Getaways Are Tee’d Up At Fairmont Resorts

Fairmont Algonquin

by LarryFeldman

Fairmont Mayakoba

Free Golf and Much, Much More!

cottsdale, Ariz. – As the global economy begins to show signs of life, golf travelers are discovering a silver lining among the dissipating storm clouds. Premier properties are offering exceptional values, and once-in-a-lifetime golf vacations are now well within the reach of most golfers. For example, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands, recently unveiled a host of outstanding values on golf packages at its premier destinations just in time for summer. Full details and booking information for these packages are available online at www.fairmont.com/promo/golfpackages or by contact Dan Cormier, Golf Coordinator, Fairmont Golf Desk, toll-free 1-888-860-8282 or via email GRC.golfdesk@fairmont.com

The golf vacation packages include: Fairmont St Andrews, Five Rounds. Five Nights Who hasn’t dreamed of a storybook visit to the village of St Andrews, the home of golf? Fairmont St Andrews, in co-operation with PerryGolf, is offering a summer golf package that can bring this dream to life. Five nights accommodations; Five rounds of golf; Fairmont Torrance Course; Kingsbarns – two rounds; St Andrews Old Course – subject to the daily lottery; St Andrews New Course; Free breakfast each day; Shared rental car; Golf concierge. Travel must be completed by Oct. 31, 2009. Prices start at just $2,195 per golfer and $1,295 for each non-golfer.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Golf “Fore” Free Blending iconic luxury, welcoming ambiance and stunning natural

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beauty, Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia is an ideal alpine golf destination. This summer, the resort’s Golf “Fore” Free vacation package provides: Luxury accommodations; Up to two complimentary rounds of golf per person, per day. The package is available from May through Oct. 2009. Rates start at $199, based on double occupancy.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle, Free Golf Beautifully manicured and located near Miami, the resort’s summer package includes: Luxury accommodations; Complimentary golf on either of Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s two 18-hole golf courses; Complimentary daily breakfast buffet in the new Cascata Grille; Complimentary overnight valet parking ; A $50 resort credit per room per night. The package is available from May 21st to Sept. 30th, 2009. Rates start at $309 per night, double occupancy.

Fairmont Banff Springs, Golf “Fore” Free Nestled amidst the resounding beauty of Banff National Park, Fairmont’s “Castle in the Rockies” is offering: Luxury accommodations; Up to two complimentary rounds of golf per person, per day. The package is available from May through Oct. 2009. Rates start at $399, based on double occupancy.

Fairmont Mayakoba, Unlimited Golf Located on Mexico’s beautiful Mayan Riviera, guests will enjoy: Luxury accommodations; One round of golf per adult per day on the El Camaleon golf course (home of the PGA Tour Mayakoba Classic); Breakfast buffet for two adults; Unlimited same-day access

www.gvlinks.com

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Turnberry Isle

to golf per adult after one full round; Daily access to gym facilities for two adults. Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2009. Rates start at $651 per room, per night, double occupancy.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Golf “Fore” Free The jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper Park Lodge is offering: Luxury accommodations; Up to two complimentary rounds of golf per person, per day. The package is available until October 2009. Rates start at $399, based on double occupancy.

Fairmont Orchid, Ultimate Golf Package Located on the Big Island in Hawaii, the property is offering guests: Luxury accommodations; Unlimited golf at the neighboring Francis H. I'i Brown Golf Course per adult, per day (consecutive rounds may be booked after completion of the first round); Complimentary breakfast for two adults per day. The Package is valid through December 31, 2009. Rates start at $651 per room, per night based on double occupancy.

Fairmont Algonquin, Golf “Fore” Free Blending Old-World charm with modern luxury, this breathtaking Tudor-style resort in New Brunswick is offering: Luxury accommodations; Up to two complimentary rounds of golf per person, per day. Package is available from May 1 until Oct. 15, 2009. Rates start at just $199 per night based on double occupancy.

www.gvlinks.com

Fairmont Hamilton Princess

Fairmont Southampton and Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda 400th Anniversary Ultimate Tee Time Package 2009 is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Bermuda. To celebrate, these to exceptional resorts are offering: Luxury accommodations with private balcony; $400 resort credit to use during the stay; Unlimited daily golf on the Fairmont Southampton Golf Course or one round, per day, per person at nearby Riddell’s Bay Golf Course. The package requires a four-night minimum stay and is available until August 21st 2009. Rates start at $439 per night based on double occupancy.

Fairmont Scottsdale, Fourth Night Free Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, this AAA Five-Diamond property is offering guests: Pay for three nights’ accommodation and get the fourth night free; Four rounds of golf on the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, host site of the PGA Tour FBR Open. The package is available until Dec. 31, 2009. Rates start at $1,559 per person, double occupancy.

Fairmont Acapulco Princess and Fairmont Pierre Marques, Acapulco Golf Package In breathtaking Acapulco, Mexico, these two exceptional resorts are offering: Pay for three nights’ accommodation and get the fourth night free; Pay for three rounds of golf and get the fourth round free. This offer is valid until Dec. 21st, 2009. Rates start at just $214 per night based on double occupancy.

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

On The Road In

Tucson: Loews Ventana Canyon

eoff Ogilvy didn’t stare long, but he scanned the stark Sonoran Desert landscape of Marana, just north of Tucson. He saw a forest of giant saguaros and the rocky, rugged, dry Tortolita Mountains rising on a perfect, sunny 80-degree Arizona day.

It was Sunday of the 2009 World Golf ChampionshipAccenture Match Play, a two-round marathon with Paul Casey on March 1. His concentration was steely. When his eyes reverted back to the rolling, curving putting surfaces of the Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, he didn’t aim for the flag on his 40-foot putt at the sixth green. He zeroed in on a spot some 45 feet left and his circuitous putt arched and twisted over a ridge, ending three feet right of its goal. Ogilvy, drew prowess from feeling at home, perhaps. He played many greens like this on the sand-belt layouts around Melborne in his native Australia. He’d also had a bounty of experience on the courses of Scotland, where golfers grow up keeping approaches on the ground and learning how to read contours, bumps and humps. Those who aim for the flag are disappointed countless times. 16

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Two days after Ogilvy hoisted the trophy at Dove Mountain my college roommate and I were staring down the same fairways where crowds watched Tiger Woods’ much anticipated return after knee surgery. Not that the greater Tucson, Arizona area really needs any more golf courses, but The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Nicklaus’ first area design in 25 years, is simply desert rugged and visually stunning. “Stunning,” however, is different from being stunned once you try to two-putt on these contoured, multi-level, tricky greens. If you watched the telecast you heard PGA Tour player Paul Azinger constantly talk about how they had to slow down the greens because of the contours. Finalist Casey said if the greens were regular tournament speed they would be unputtable. But why play golf unless you want to be challenged? If you haven’t figured out that Nicklaus designs usually have generous fairways, taxing approaches, and problematic greens with multiple levels, you probably haven’t played much golf. The PGA Tour golfers played the Saguaro (3,894 yards) and Tortolita (3,955 yards) nines, making it 7,849 yards, the longest par 72 on tour. But there’s another nine, Wild Burro, (3,897 yards)

by David R. Holland

Play Where The Pros Tee It Up which is Nicklaus’ favorite, and one he originally thought would be included in the tournament. “Having rolled in a long putt on the first hole, I came back to reality as the three-putt monster grabbed me on more than one hole, reminding me to stay focused,” said Gary McWilliams, a San Antonio physician. “A forecaddie is a must here, and you'll be thankful when you realize he saved you five to six strokes. A beautiful clubhouse serves as the backdrop.” So if you are planning a golf vacation to Tucson keep this one in mind. It also includes the Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain, that will boast 250 lavish guest rooms, including 24 individual casita rooms and The Ritz-Carlton Club Level and suites, all offering views of the expansive desert terrain, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course or mountain vistas. All of the guest facilities reflect the local landscape, hues and cultures featuring natural elements of stone, wood, fire and stars.

Tom Lehman. It is a desert style layout with steep elevation changes and some unusual uphill/downhill shot opportunities not typically found in Tucson. Old-timers have lots of stories of the days when Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Bob Charles, Miller Barber and Lee Trevino played here. One remembered a day when members realized they knew better than to try to hustle a hustler. "Lee Trevino was on the first tee during one of the practice rounds of the Tucson Open," said former head pro Bob Klewin, "and I called him over to tell him there was a group of members betting the pros that they couldn't reach the par-4, 438-yard first hole in two. Well, you know Trevino, he was famous for hustling in his younger days in Dallas. Lee went over to the members and told him he'd gladly take that bet. Not one member was foolish enough to accept the challenge."

La Paloma Country Club PGA Tour Not New To Tucson Another must stop for Tucson golf is the Omni Tucson National (Ogilvy bunked here and won the 2005 Tucson Open here), where a $92 million renovation has this hotel exceptional again. The long-standing Catalina Course, 7,262 yards, par 73, home to the Tucson Open and Chrysler Open for 30 years, is a parkland beauty with push-up greens. All the greats of the game starting in the 1960s have walked these fairways, and in 2005 the resort opened the Sonoran Course, designed by 2006 Ryder Cup captain

Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain

So what was that design Nicklaus did some 25 years ago? That is La Paloma Country Club with its three demanding nines – Hill (3,63 yards), Ridge (3,554 yards) and Canyon (3,534 yards, all par 36). It includes a luxurious Westin Hotel and target, elevation changing golf, once thought of as the toughest layout in town. “I liked the third hole on the Canyon nine,” said Texan McWilliams,” it is a demanding par three that plays about 10 yards longer (178 yards) than the scorecard indicates, with a steep, deep rocky slope just in front of the green. Any ball that comes up short is

La Paloma Country Club

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

best donated to those brave enough to walk the canyon. It's also easy to see why the seventh hole is the number one handicap hole (445 yards) as a well struck drive still leaves you about 180 yards uphill to a green protected by a hungry trap that catches anything hit short.”

Loews Ventana Canyon The Mountain (6,898 yards, par 72) and Canyon (6,836 yards, par 72) courses of Ventana Canyon are bumped up against the Catalina Mountains, and these foothills acres produces some quick and tricky greens. It is an unspoiled location with a luxurious resort hotel of 398 rooms, a jogging course, nature and biking trails, two pools, lighted tennis courts and spa. Don’t miss dining at the Flying V Bar & Grill, a Southwestern steakhouse that overlooks the 18th hole, a cascading water and city lights. Tom Fazio designed the courses and you won’t forget the Mountain Course’s third hole, a par-three 107-yarder nicknamed “Hole in the Wall” by Fazio. It is one of the most photographed holes west of the Mississippi. The Canyon Course snakes through the rugged beauty of Esperro Canyon and incorporates the massive rock formation known as Whaleback Rock, situated beside the 10th green.

Arizona National Golf Club

Arizona National Formerly The Raven at Sabino Springs, Arizona National, 6,785 yards, par 71, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., has hosted various collegiate golf tournaments over the years as the home course of the Arizona Wildcats golf team. The 18th, a reachable par 5 with a tee box perched some 200 feet above the green, is among the state's best finishing holes at 513 yards downhill. “You need to know where your drives are going because there is almost always 75 to 100 yards from the tee box to the fairway,” McWilliams said. “I particularly liked No. 5 (518-yard par five) with the red, white and blue "A" across the pond from the green and the final hole is a nice finish with a great downhill view of the fairway and city. It’s also fun when your good friend floats his long approach over the water for a great shot at an eagle on the 18th hole.”

The Golf Club at Vistoso Tom Weiskopf fans will like his Vistoso layout (6,935 yards, par 72) that recently replaced its greens with the new small-blade Bermuda. This one has great mountain views, yucca, mesquite, saguaros, deep arroyos, wide fairways, and multi-tiered greens. Golf Digest voted it the best golf course in Tucson in 1999. Water

Stone Canyon Club

is in play on only one hole, No. 8, a 389-yard, par four. This is an experience for the senses, don’t forget the camera.

WHERE TO STAY

Stone Canyon Club Moving to Tucson? Just minutes from Vistoso is my recommendation for the best private layout in the area -- Stone Canyon, a 7,317-yard, par 72, designed by Jay Morrish. “If ever a name fits a course, this is it,” said McWilliams. “Stones and boulders frame picturesque canyons of lush green fairways that terminate at demanding greens. From an elevated tee on the par-three sixth hole, the green seems to sit atop a perch, with waterfalls to the left and a collecting pond short and right. This course has a fun 19th hole at 107 yards to help settle those pesky all even matches, or even better to give you an opportunity to go double or nothing.”

Hilton El Conquistador, Tucson www.hiltonelconquistador.com; 800-325-7832

Tucson resort golf is not cheap, but I find myself wanting to come back here year after year. The natural beauty of Arizona is on display here. Check out the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum and you will learn why this is one of the most special places on earth. It is like nothing you have ever seen. Try it. You will agree.

WHERE TO PLAY

Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa, Tucson www.tucsonnational.com; 520-297-2271 Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain, Marana www.ritzcarlton.com; 520-572-8000 Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson loewsventanacanyon.com; 520-299-2020

Arizona National Golf Club, Tucson arizonanationalgolfclub.com; 520-749-3636 Golf Club at Vistoso, Tucson vistosogolf.com; 877-548-1110

David R. Holland is a former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News and author of The Colorado Golf Bible.

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa, Tucson tucsonnational.com; 520-297-2271 La Paloma Country Club, Tucson lapalomacc.com; 520-299-1500 Stone Canyon Club, Oro Valley stonecanyon.com; 877-219-9100 (private club, play only with invitation from a member or prospective members)

Saguaro #3 at Dove Mountain

Amelia Island Plantation

melia Island Plantation, FL When Jack Healan, president of Amelia Island Plantation, says the resort was green before Kermit the Frog, one has to investigate. What he’s saying is Amelia Island Plantation is a golf playground that even an environmentalist could love. Just 20 minutes north of Jacksonville, five miles south of the Georgia border, and situated on the southern tip of Amelia Island, this is a spot in American history that is rich. The first inhabitants were the Timucuan Indians, dating back to 2000 B.C. White men arrived in 1562 lead by Jean Ribault, a Huguenot Frenchman and no doubt the basket of berries the Indians greeted the French with were organically grown. Today, this is a sprawling campus of 1,300 acres thick with vegetation and trees, restaurants, a spa, hotel, and condos. And the three and a half miles of Atlantic Ocean beach makes for some special golf holes and ocean scenery from various accommodations. But the greening of Amelia Island Plantation starts with the properties’ four golf courses -- Amelia River, Long Point, Oak Marsh and Ocean Links – they are all Audubon Sanctuary certified courses. That means birds and critters appreciate Amelia Island Plantation, too. It is a grassland habitat, with marsh and creek sanctuaries, and massive protected dunes

by David R. Holland

Was Green Before Kermit The Frog

Segway Bridge at Amelia Island Plantation

running along the ocean. Golf Digest took notice and named the resort to its Top 10 Green Golf Resorts of America list in 2008. “We have focused on being in harmony with nature since our founding in 1971,” said Healan. “Our environmental record is unusually strong and our company’s “Green Team” has moved it to an even higher level for the environment, the resort and our island as a whole.”

Backwater Fishing

Amelia Island Plantation, Florida’s premier island resort, covers 1,350 live oak-canopied acres in northeast Florida, just 29 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. With 3 1⁄2 miles of wide uncrowded beach, 72 holes of championship golf, 49,000-plus square feet of meeting and convention space, a two-tiered three pool Beach Club, 10 dining outlets, 23 tennis courts, state-of-theart health and fitness center, award-winning Kids’ Camp Amelia, and much more. Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of Amelia Island Plantation, the program has more than 173 designated properties and more than 335 applicants. What else does the resort do to claim eco-friendly attriubutes?

Horseback Riding on the Beach

• Amelia Island Plantation uses reclaimed, or gray water to irrigate its courses and its landscaping. • There’s resort-wide recycling in all of its food, beverage, lodging and office venues. • It uses of biodegradable chemicals for pest extermination and plant fertilization. • It uses only green-friendly lighting and printing. • It also uses disposable corn- and potato-based containers for carry-out products. One can even hop aboard Segways to explore the many trails of the resort, and in the future they will be geared for golf bags, and will make your trek around the golf courses something that is rarely done today. The golf at Amelia Island Plantation is scenic and formidable. Pete Dye designed Oak Marsh, a 6,580-yard par 72, that darts in and through corridors of Spanish moss-covered oaks and slash pines, forces you to carry the dangerous marsh bumped up against contoured greens, and then takes you out to the ocean, where the breezes can make you think about club selection. Amelia Island Plantation claims its seven seaside holes are more than any other Florida resort that play directly on the ocean. Water comes into play on 14 holes, and an accurate short game is required to hit numerous bulkhead greens. When you arrive at the 16th, a par-three island green with Dye’s traditional railroad-tie bulkheads, you might be thinking of his TPC Stadium Course and its 17th island green less than an hour south in Ponte Vedra Beach.

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The Amelia Inn at Amelia Island Plantation

I arrived at the tee just as a fisherman was walking to the inlet left and behind the green, where he said redfish were awaiting him that day. It also reminded me of the 12th, a par-three 193yard carry over the marsh. Most first-timers look at Ocean Links’ scorecard that says 6,108 yards, par 70, and think of personal bests. But this Bobby Weed design with Dye is tight and difficult. Since there are six par-three holes, the length is a bit deceiving. Prevailing winds and narrow fairways also add to its difficulty, but you will be admiring the five holes that include views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nos. 4 through 5 on the front nine and 15 and 16 on the back nine take you right up to the sand dunes and within smelling distance of the ocean. Ten other holes feature marshes and lagoons and finishes with a 135-yard par three whose green is placed strategically in the middle of Red Maple Lake. Dye’s design elements have always reflected nature preservation and Oak Marsh is no exception. Appropriately named for its location under the centuries-old Live Oaks and tall pines, through serpentine marshlands and lush forest, the 6,500-yard par 72 Oak Marsh has earned the reputation as the most demanding course at Amelia. Water comes into play on 14 holes, and an accurate short game is required to hit numerous bulkhead greens. Oak Marsh’s par-four eighth is typical Dye, challenging players to cross two tidal creeks before reaching the raised narrow green. The 441yard sixteenth is an ideal layout for the novice and presents the more skilled golfer with a tantalizing risk-reward proposition, confronting each player’s skill level. www.gvlinks.com

Designed by Tom Fazio, Long Point is actually a private layout, but you can get access if you are staying at the resort. It winds through marshland, natural dune ridges, and catches views of the Intracoastal Waterway, known as Nassau Sound. Long Point has been noted as one of the "Top Twenty Courses in Florida" and has been ranked fifth in the state by the Miami Herald. Rolling out to 6,702 yards at par 72, the 18 holes include protective 50-foot tall dunes, natural waste bunkers, large contoured greens and distinctive back-to-back oceanfront par-threes. Eight forced carries over water also make you back off and make a solid swing. Many believe its signature hole is classic Fazio – a 540-yard par five winding between numerous deep, narrow bunkers. Putting surfaces have been upgraded to new TifEagle Bermuda grass, the leading greens turf used on new courses today in the southeast, providing outstanding color, smoothness and the opportunity for stimpmeter quickness. Long Point is also home to the Amelia Island Plantation Golf Academy led by Ed Bowe, director of ESPN’s Golf School instructors. The Academy offers one-on-one instruction to golfers of every skill level by PGA professionals under the direction of Bowe and includes unlimited range balls. The school focuses on longterm development and improvement of the golfer's game. Amelia River Golf Club, the newest addition to the Amelia Island Plantation Resort's portfolio, is located just three miles from the resort’s main entrance and could be the best-conditioned course in the area with smooth TifEagle greens. After playing through the tight fairways of Oak Marsh, Ocean Links and Long Point, you will welcome the wider fairways, but still see a course G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

Family Dining at Amelia Island Plantation

The Amelia Island Plantation tennis program has been recognized as one of the finest resort tennis programs in the world, offering a variety of tournaments and facilities that cater to the whole family and every level of play. With 23 Har-Tru® fast-dry clay courts shaded beneath live oaks in a beautiful Florida tennis setting, guests can enjoy day or night play. Teaching pros provide excellent individual tennis or group instruction, and utilize ball machines that provide topspin lobs to shots down the center line. So besides superior golf, tennis, spa, wedding opportunities, nightlife, conference facilities, real estate and countless outdoors activities, Amelia Island Plantation is proud of the attitude that permeates the island. Dining is memorable at The Falcon's Nest or a nightcap at the Amelia Lobby Lounge.

sculpted through a forest of southern pines, live oaks, Sabal palms, and wax myrtles. The first hole is located next door to the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, as are holes five and 13. The final hole ends at the edge of the Amelia River and its expansive tidal marsh -- it is 550 yards strength and brainpower -- forcing you to lay up or negotiate a huge ravine on your second shot. And then the green is tucked left of all that earlier trouble. Tom Jackson designed this par 72 that is 6,823 yards long with undulating fairways, tricky bunkers and a par-three at number 17 that will make you take a big breath. Yep, here's that TPC Sawgrass replica again, the one with the bulkheads and water everywhere. But instead of hitting 130 yards like the pros do, this one is 164 from the back tees.

“When we see people, they’re happy,” said Joe Wise, an Amelia golf ranger. "I love it when folks come in from all over the country to meet up here. They play like 1,000 holes of golf, and they’re fun to watch because they’re yukkin’ it up, reliving their college days, hitting the bar afterwards and just enjoying their days gone by and their present days. It is always such a pleasant experience to watch and almost be a part of it.” That seems to be a theme here at Amelia Island Plantation -- slow to a snail's pace or race to 1,000 holes of golf. But it is always fun.

Amelia Island Plantation 6800 First Coast Highway • Amelia Island, FL 32034 (866) 213-8045 • (888) 261-6161 • www.aipfl.com

Oak Marsh Hole #16 at Amelia Island Plantation

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ew Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment, will dazzle visitors with its rich history of Indian and Hispanic cultures, its spectacular array of colorful landscapes and some stunning mountain ranges. Now it has another enticement that is drawing attention, not only locally, but from all over the globe. It is the Black Mesa Golf Club, which has been gathering national acclaim since its inception in 2002. Golf Digest ranked it as the third best course in the state and No. 55 among America's Greatest Public Courses. Golf Magazine pegged it at No. 35 among the top 100 courses in American you can play. Golfweek calls it the second best course in the state. Located in Espanola, which is about a 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, Black Mesa is in the heart of the Santa Clara Indian Pueblo, one of New Mexico's 19 pueblos. When approaching the course from State Road 399, the first thing one notices are the hills and valleys which appear to be draped by ribbons of lime-green carpet. Sprouting up from within and around are the purple, red, gold and blue hues from the many species of desert flora. Rising above the ground are many colorful sand26

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stone rock formations. There is no majestic opening to the site like many of the world-class resort golf courses being built today. There is a sign at the modest entrance and a dusty road that winds its way to a dirt parking lot next to the cart barn. The small clubhouse and grill room sit atop a hill next to a creaky windmill that spins noisily most afternoons, warning you of the kind of wind to expect. Nothing, however, can prepare you for the majestic beauty of the course that will unfold before your eyes 18 wonderful times. “That's my baby,” says Eddie Peck, the proud owner of the course which has panoramic views of the Sangre De Christo and Jemez mountain ranges as well as the badlands of New Mexico. The most prominent view, however, is a rock formation in the distance known as the Black Mesa, from which the course got its name.. “Baxter Spann designed the course and did a wonderful job,” Peck said. “It is everything we could have asked for and more.” Spann didn't need to move much dirt when he routed the course. He only had to move about 200,000 cubic yards in carving out the 18 holes.

One unique feature of the design is that no consecutive holes run in the same direction. It's just pure golf with no visual distractions. When asked if the course had a signature hole, one that would stand out above the others, one that would be used exclusively to market the course, Peck thought for a moment and said, “You know, there really isn't one single hole like that. There are a lot of holes that stand out.” Peck is correct. Each hole has its own distinctive feature. All have breathtaking views. Some have blind or semi-blind tee shots depending on the tee you play, others force you to decide whether to try to drive the green or play to a safe lay-up place in the fairway. Some of the par-fives are reachable in two but can leave you scratching your head if you spray your tee shot. The four par-three holes are distinctive because they each play in different directions. The greens are quite undulating, but fair because the speed of the greens still allow a player to charge a putt without fear of the ball rolling too far past the hole. The greens are also large, providing ample targets for iron shots, but you have to land in the right spot to leave yourself makeable www.gvlinks.com

BLACK MESA GOLF CLUB by Fred Robledo

putts. Some of the longer putts can have several breaks. The fairways have humps and bumps and wind seamlessly through the beautiful canyons and desert. Bunkers? Of course. There are 105 of them and they all are shaped by the existing contour of the land. They remind you of the links courses in Scotland and Ireland where the bunkers are part of the natural land, created to give animals relief from the wind. The good news is there is no out of bounds. You miss the fairway and you can wander through desert to find your ball. The bad news is there are rattlesnakes in much of the desert, so beware. The course measures 7,307 yards from the tips and can be played as short as 5,157 yards, but the key to enjoying a round is to select the proper tee. At an altitude of 5,400 feet, one must calculate about 10 percent more distance on solidly struck shots. You also have to factor in roll on the firm fairways. There are decisions to be made on nearly every hole. From the first tee, you can see the half of the fairway winding left toward the green. The left side is protected by an arroyo. There is small hill that blocks the www.gvlinks.com

view of the right and center of the fairway. The perfect tee shot is aimed over the lower third of the hill. From the safety of the fairway comes another decision if the pin is tucked on the left side because that means you have to hit your shot over the corner of the arroyo to land on the green. Come up short and you are in the arroyo. Hit it a little long and you can wind up is some heavy rough behind the green. When the wind swirls, as it often does, you must calculate how much the wind is going to move your ball in the air. From the blue tees, the 319-yard seventh hole and the 340-yard fourteenth hole are reachable for long hitters. But rock croppings and bunkers make attempting to drive the holes a dangerous play. The greens are large enough to reward wellstruck shots but danger abounds if a drive is pulled or pushed. The 16th hole is called the Stairway to Seven because although it only plays 494 yards from the blues, it is all uphill to plateaus, narrow, and filled with trouble on both sides. One bad shot will result in a double or worse. The finishing hole is a dogleg right to an angled fairway. A deep arroyo is on

the right side of the fairway and you must decide how much of the dogleg you think you can cut to get you closer to the green. It is a great way to finish a course that is certain to make you feel like you want to try it again.

ABOUT THE COURSE: • Public Golf Course • 7,307 Yards • Par 72 • 74 Rating • 141 Slope • Multi-level driving range with 7 target greens • Short game practice area with green and bunkers • Two practice putting greens • Gas carts with GPS systems • Pro shop offering club fitting • Clubhouse Bar & Grill with panoramic patio views RATES: • $87 on weekends, includes cart • $82 on weekdays, includes cart • $55 twilight, includes cart

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

MYTURN

Road to Golf Redemption:

Conquering Ghosts at the Old Course in St. Andrews

T. ANDREWS, Scotland - Hitting a few practice putts beside the first tee of the Old Course in St. Andrews, I can barely focus on the stroke.

My mind keeps wandering back to that damn shot: Oct. 28, 2006. In fact, practically every time someone asks me about the Old Course, a nightmarish vision of that ugly, pathetic excuse for a tee ball on the first hole resurfaces. On a calm, sunny October afternoon, with scores of onlookers, from R & A brass in their sport coats to Japanese tourists behind their video cameras, my tee shot off the first flew so far right it went over the white fence and practically onto the West Sands beach. I'm a single-digit handicap and I missed the widest fairway in golf. It wasn't even close. The member I was with wouldn't even let me hit another tee ball. I had to drop a ball in the fairway. My score was officially bogus without finishing one hole. I walked down about 220 yards, dropped a ball by the fence and bladed a 5-iron dead left and into the burn. I fished my ball out with the embarrassingly large metal retriever, then gave the ball right back to the burn with a chunked wedge. I walked off the first hole DQ'd, but gave myself a "10" for good measure. Then on the second, I blasted my drive right into the gorse. So much for the "Left is right, right is wrong" advice on the Old.

BrandonTucker WorldGolf.com

Finally, I've got a shot at my ghosts. I decide to let my partners, who were playing the Old for the first time, go first. Peter, a kid who can't be more than a year or two out of college, stepped up to the tee. A 4handicap, he gave a quick swing to the ball, which caused a hook that barely made it off the ground and scooted across the 18th fairway, settling just a few feet from the white fence that separates the course from the road. For some reason, this horrible shot from a good player calmed me down. I walked up to the tee swelling with confidence for some reason. Suddenly I felt like a member who'd played this shot a thousand times. My hands still feeling a little too light for my liking, I picked out a point in the distance on the left side of the fairway. "Slooooooooow" I told myself in my backswing - and to swing through the ball toward my target on the followthrough. I looked up and the ball was in the air with a little fade, landing smack dab in the middle. I picked up my tee and strutted down the fairway like it was no sweat. Inside, I felt like I had just solved the stock market. It didn't matter that I botched my approach shot and finished the first with a bogey; I had stepped up to the first tee and knocked one right down the middle like a grizzled member. Next up: The Road Hole I had one other ghost to slay that day: my tee shot on the Road Hole 17th, which I blasted off the Old Course Hotel O.B. last time around. This time, I aimed especially left, as wind was blowing balls straight to the right, and hit it safely into the left rough, like an Open Championship leader protecting a two-shot lead.

Fast forward to the present. I'm on the practice green waiting to get paired up as a single, but my head is on a continuous swivel toward the starter's hut. Having played the new Castle Course in the morning, it's close to 4 p.m. now, and I fear my window for a full 18 holes is shrinking on this late April day.

Though I had slain my two ghosts, a few more surfaced, like a slice on No. 9 into the gorse (causing a double bogey), and an idiotic layup that landed inches away from the Hell Bunker that didn't give me a stance on the ball (you don't want to fall in about 10 feet).

Minutes later, the starter finally emerges from his shack and tells me two Swedes have agreed to let me play with them.

So that's all the more reason to start thinking about how I can get back to the Old Course just one more time...

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DESTINATIONS

WHERE TO STAY • WHERE TO PLAY

Southern California Sat-S Holidaun ys

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$45

$40 rd

Standa rd

Standa

$35

$30ht

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Twilig

SUMMER RATES THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25

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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • E A R L Y S U M M E R 2009

You Don’t Have to Live Here to Play Here...

As a Golf Vacations Magazine subscriber, you are invited to receive a preferred invitation for golf membership at Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club. • Enjoy 36 holes of championship golf • Extensive practice facilities • Our new spa and sports club • 10 lighted tennis courts • Active tennis leagues and programs • Swimming pools • A full schedule of social and dining events Limited Memberships available. To find out more about Membership, please call the Membership office

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