Golf Vacations Magazine November 2017 by Golf Vacations Magazine

OUR 16th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS NOVEMBER 2017

NORTHERN

MICHIGAN WORLD CLASS GOLF MEETS WORLD CLASS SCENERY

GAIN AN ELEVATED VIEW IN ARIZONA FLAGSTAFF’S PINE CANYON PRESCOTT’S TALKING ROCK

www.golfvacationsmag.com Vacations • November 2017 1 Plus: THREE TOP GOLF DESTINATIONS Golf FOR FALL 2017

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GOLF VACATIONS NOVEMBER 2017

Hounds on Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club, Keswick, Virginia

Chip Shots

Welcome to Northern Michigan

An Elevated View in Arizona

by David R. Holland

The breeze off Lake Michigan is steady, and from the elevated 10th tee at Arcadia Bluffs, with massive sand dunes and menacing tall fescue waving, you could close your eyes and think this is Scotland or Ireland.

by David R. Holland

The view from Pine Canyon’s 18th fairway makes you want to take an Adirondack chair, plop it down on the tee box and enjoy a twilight drink with friends.

3 Top Golf Destinations for Fall 2017

by JD Latorre

Each year from mid-September to November, the Ozark Mountains surrounding Branson change from luscious shades of green to the rich fall colors of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the perfect season to catch a glimpse of the Ozarks from afar at a scenic overlook or get up-close-and-personal by taking a stroll on one of many area nature trails. Set your own pace by taking a self-guided fall foliage tour through the hills.

Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross

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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS 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.

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz

David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. “Multiple careers” best describes this world traveler (visited 35 countries), who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve. Holland splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine and Fairway to Green. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, UPI and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Follow Dave on Twitter @David_R_Holland.

Tim Cotroneo is a Mineapolis-based freelance writer specializing in Caribbean travel, business, and golf. Tim is a long-time contributor to Tee Times Press and he’s also the Travel Writer for American Business Magazine.

Associate Editor Terry Ross

Features Editor Larry Feldman

Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo

For Editorial:

call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com

JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Tenerife, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.

Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com

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portsMedia publications

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455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655

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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 2017 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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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Danzante Bay Golf Club At The Islands Of Loreto Ready For December Unveiling LORETO, Baja California, Mexico (Nov. 9, 2017) — The newly completed Danzante Bay Golf Club, the stunning Rees Jones showpiece of Villa del Palmar Resort at The Islands of Loreto, is undergoing final preparations for its Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. Part of a luxury master-planned community adjacent to the coastline of Baja’s inland Pacific marine sanctuary, Danzante Bay Golf Club debuted 11 holes late last year. The new seven holes will play as No. 2 through No. 8. “We’re thrilled to unveil the completed 18 holes,” said Owen Perry, owner and president of The Villa Group, developer of the property. “It is like no other place. We have been able to create a golf experience

that changes as you play, on a golf course that allows you to see and landscape and wildlife that you never would have seen before.” The views at Danzante Bay stretch out toward the indigo horizon, amplifying the shimmering waters of the Sea of Cortez. Golfers can enjoy glimpses of migrating whales and other marine life that surfaces below the jutting cliffs. The seven new holes cover many different terrains, including beach, cliff, and canyon. They combine the genius of Jones with the natural scenery provided by Mother Nature to charm golfers with views that spread out in virtually every direction. “The creation of the newest holes is an opportunity for us to showcase a completely different part of the property to golfers,” Jones said. “There are interesting landforms that allow us to create unique

holes that are different from, but also complementary to, the other 11 holes.” Known as “The Open Doctor” for his renovation work on golf courses preparing to host the U.S. Open, Jones fashioned Danzante Bay between the breathtaking Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, finding a unique balance for a challenging course that is not overly long or grueling – and thoroughly enjoyable. Now playing between 4,916 and 7,237 yards from five sets of tees, Danzante Bay features wide fairways and greens that must be carefully judged but are never unfair. Most of the entrances to the greens are open as well — allowing approach shots to run on safely — while the holes along the cliffs feature strategically placed collection areas to keep errant shots from taking the plunge into the blue water below.

Danzante Bay Golf Course

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Along with the changing terrain come winds that can be different day to day and during the day, conditions that influence shot value and strategy. That, says Jones, makes for a new challenge at Danzante Bay every time. “The golf course is a complete journey that golfers will really enjoy taking again and again,” Jones said. Perry believes the new golf course has the potential to position Loreto as one of the best and most sought-after vacation destinations in the world, while still maintaining its serene and secluded environment. “We are being extremely careful about the integration of the real estate with the golf course,” Perry said. “That is why we gave Rees all the time necessary to build Danzante Bay. His only mandate was to get it right.” Villa del Palmar Resort takes full advantage of the region’s unique beauty, authentic culture, quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history, and natural habitats. The resort’s complimentary shuttle service enables guests to explore historic Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site.

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Guests can also experience Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa’s 4,447 acres of unspoiled beauty. The resort boasts stretches of exquisite shoreline, stunning ocean and mountain views, three outstanding restaurants, five swimming pools, the 39,000-squarefoot luxurious Sabila Spa, tennis courts, miles of hiking trails, glass-bottomed kayaks, and sport fishing. Danzante Bay Golf Club and Villa del Palmar Resort at The Islands of Loreto are only a two-hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Alaska Airlines. They also are accessible with non-stop flights from Calgary, and from Tijuana via Calafia Airlines (three times a week year-round). For additional information on the golf course, go to www. danzantebay.com

PGA National Resort & Spa Announces Opening of Renovated Palmer Course PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic and former Ryder Cup venue – announces its newly renovated Palmer Course will reopen for play Nov. 10. Fittingly named after its original designer and the game’s greatest legend, Arnold Palmer, the course changes were executed in consultation with the Arnold Palmer Design Company. In 1984, with Arnie’s Army cheering like mad on his every shot, Palmer captured the PGA Seniors Championship played on the legendary resort’s mighty Champion Course. “Our ‘new’ Palmer Course ensures the legend of the great Mr. Palmer will grow nothing but stronger for years to come here at PGA National,” says Greg Saunders, vice president, managing director. “We offer a golf experience few resorts can match with five exceptional courses, world-class amenities and advanced instruction that is second to none.” Perhaps most notably, golfers will discover all 62 bunkers on The Palmer have been modernized and reshaped to improve sight lines off the tee as well as on approach shots into the greens. Also, all 18 fairways were re-turfed with scientifically-advanced Celebration grass – a deep blue-green bermudagrass that has finished best in numerous university research studies and safeguards prime playing conditions year-round. Multiple tee-boxes on all holes were added to create greater playability. Providing additional visual appeal, the native areas have undergone a complete overhaul with the addition of fresh, naturalcolored Coquina creating an appealing contrast to the new sand in the bunkers and vibrant turf on the fairways. All the greens were re-built and re-grassed to honor the shape and contours of Palmer’s original design. The renovation has added over half-an-acre to the total square-footage of the putting surfaces thus allowing for additional pin placements for both tournaments and everyday play. “The overall goal was to build upon core principals of the original design while taking advantage of the opportunity to make key agronomic, strategic and aesthetic improvements to the course,” says Brandon Johnson, vice president and senior golf course architect of the Arnold Palmer Design Company. “The changes will meet the demands of the modern game and subtly reflect how our company’s design philosophy has evolved since originally opening the course in 1984.” “It was wonderful to work closely with Brandon and his team from the Arnold Palmer Design Company,” says Brad Nelson, PGA National’s director of agronomy. “Our members and guests are going to love the changes to The Palmer as a great course is now even better.” For more on PGA National Resort & Spa: www.pgaresort.com, 561.627.2000.

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PGA National Resort ‘s Warren Bottke Named South Florida’s ‘PGA Teacher of the Year’

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic and former Ryder Cup venue – announces its PGA Teaching Professional, Warren Bottke, has been named “Teacher of the Year” by the South Florida PGA. This annual award recognizes golf instruction professionals providing outstanding service with their students as well as promotion of the game and training techniques for junior players. In 1988, Bottke became the youngest Master Professional in PGA history. He currently serves as a faculty member for the PGA Master Professional certification program, where he mentors PGA Professionals working to earn their certification as Master Professionals. Through his dedication to developing and improving educational opportunities for PGA Professionals, Bottke was awarded the PGA of America’s National Horton Smith Award

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in 2005. He received the same award at the Section level in 1987, 1989, 2004 and 2005. In 2015, Bottke earned the “Golf Professional of the Year Award.” “ Wa r r e n is incredibly passionate about teaching the game of golf and we’re thrilled he received this coveted honor,” says Jane Broderick, director of golf. “With five exceptional courses and Warren Bottke world-class golf amenities including Warren’s expertise in helping our members and guests improve their games, PGA National is in the upper echelon of premier golf facilities in the U.S.” For more on PGA National Resort & Spa: www.pgaresort.com, 561.627.2000.

PGA of America to Host 2028 PGA Championship and 2032 Ryder Cup at The Olympic Club in San Francisco PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – The PGA of America announced today that The Olympic Club in San Francisco will host the 2028 PGA Championship and the 2032 Ryder Cup. This will be the first time the PGA of America will stage any of its pillar events at The Olympic Club, which sports a rich championship heritage having hosted 10 USGA events, including five U.S. Opens, on its famed Lake Course. “This is a special moment for our Association, to return the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup to the West Coast,” said PGA of America President Paul Levy. “We’re excited to showcase The Olympic Club and its Lake Course, and combine them with the many tastes, sights and sounds that make San Francisco and the Bay Area so distinct.” The PGA Championship is the only allprofessional major in men’s golf. It began in

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Olympic Club In San Francisco 1916, just months after the birth of the PGA of America and today features one of the deepest international fields in golf. Since 1994, it has perennially featured the most top-100 players in the Official World Golf Rankings of all golf Championships. The Ryder Cup, golf’s most compelling event, began in 1927, bringing together the finest tour professionals from the United States and Europe. In September 2018, Europe will host the U.S. in the 42nd Ryder Cup in the shadows of Paris, at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France. “Our membership is elated to host the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, two more gems that add to the rich multi-sport history of America’s oldest athletic club,” said Dan Dillon, President of The Olympic Club, which was founded in 1860. “Our collective anticipation for these signature events has already begun as we look forward to again welcoming golf’s finest players to the famed Lake Course. I also want to thank the PGA of America for this opportunity, their partnership and service to the game of golf.” The Olympic Club’s Lake Course, designed by Willie Watson and built by club superintendent Sam Whiting, opened in 1924. After winter weather damage, Whiting redesigned the course in 1927. Its roster of champions includes Jack Fleck (18-hole playoff victory over Ben Hogan in 1955), Billy Casper (18-hole playoff over Arnold Palmer in ’66), Scott Simpson (1987), Lee Janzen (1998) and

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Webb Simpson (2012). These 2028 and 2032 events provide Bay Area golf fans three PGA of America events during a 13-year window (2020-2032), as the 2020 PGA Championship will be played at Harding Park, a San Francisco municipal course located just a few miles from The Olympic Club. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGAMediaCenter.com, follow @PGA on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Cannes to showcase its glamorous golf attractions during 20th edition of IGTM Golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media attending the 20th edition of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will experience first-hand why Cannes and the wider Provence and Cote d’Azur regions in southern France are so appealing to visiting golfers. The landmark edition of IGTM, which will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès from December 11-14, 2017, will also highlight the opportunities for substantial golf tourism in one of Europe’s most glamorous golf destinations. Named IAGTO Golf Destination of the Year – Europe, in 2010, the Provence and Cote d’Azur region has continued to develop its stature on the global golfing map and now boasts 69 golf courses, including one of continental Europe’s leading layouts, The Chateau, at Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort.

David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and President of the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT) Côte d’Azur France, said: “With the variety of courses within the region and the mix of classic and modern architecture from some of the world’s leading course designers, we are able to meet the needs of every visiting golfer. “However, despite the abundance of golfing opportunities, there remains a huge, untapped potential within the region, as it remains better known for its culture, fashion, food and wine – all of which are essential elements for any golf break. The appointment-based event will further highlight the opportunities for golf tourism growth, not only within the region, but, with the third highest number of courses in Europe behind the UK and Germany – over 600 in total – throughout France as well. Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager, commented: “Our latest figures show that this year’s event is set to attract up to 420 buyers from across the globe, including a number of new buyers from the luxury and MICE sector, as well as more than 550 golf travel suppliers, highlighting Cannes’ broad appeal to everyone involved in the golf travel market.” The 20th edition of IGTM will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, in the south of France, from December 11-14, 2017. For more information about IGTM and the venue for the 20th edition of the event, please visit: igtm.wtm.com

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Pga Golf Club Unveils Fall Stay-And-Play Packages

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – PGA Golf Club – the 54-hole, flagship property of the PGA of America – unveils a wide selection of “Port St. Lucie” stay-and-play packages available throughout the fall. Known as the “Ultimate Golf Resort Destination,” PGA Golf Club is home to three distinct golf courses at the facility, and another championship layout nearby. The entertaining layouts are designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio, Jim Fazio and Pete Dye. Starting at $224 per person per night, the golf packages feature a variety of accommodations for small and large groups at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn, Perfect Drive Vacation Rentals and Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort. The packages also offer rounds of golf on the Dye and Wanamaker Courses at PGA Golf Club, and at St. Lucie Trail Golf Club, which is a located just minutes from PGA Village. The getaways are based on double occupancy and available throughout the fall. Prices do not include taxes and are subject to change without notice. For

reservations, visit www.pgavillage.com/ visit or call 800-514-5131, and use the corresponding package code. “We are excited to unveil these desirable golf vacation packages with our lodging partners,” says Jimmy Terry, General Manager. “These fall getaway packages once again spotlight PGA Golf Club as an attractive destination for golfers.” In addition to spectacular golf, Port St. Lucie is home to 21 miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches, vibrant culinary options, cultural scenes, and year-round sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Considered the “Jewel of the Treasure Coast,” Port St. Lucie is the spring training home of the New York Mets. For more information about PGA Golf Club, visit www.pgavillage.com. Getting There: PGA Golf Club is less than a two-hour drive from Orlando and Miami – and under three hours from Tampa, Fort Myers and other Florida population centers. PGA Golf Club is conveniently located 50 minutes north of Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), off Interstate 95 in Port St. Lucie. PBI offers nearly 100 nonstop flights to more than 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Fall In Line: Omni’s Guys—Or Gals—Golf Package Perfect For Autumn Getaways Available now through Nov. 21 (or sooner if weather dictates)—and good for groups of guys or gals and couples—Golf Getaway packages feature the full VIP treatment at 11 destinations in the Omni Golf Collection: Arizona – Omni Tucson National Resort; California – Omni Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, and Omni La Costa in Carlsbad; Colorado – Omni Interlocken Hotel in Denver (Broomfield); Florida – Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, and Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort; New Hampshire – Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods; North Carolina – The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville; Pennsylvania – Omni Bedford Springs Resort; Texas – Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin; and Virginia – The Omni Homestead Resort The three-night packages include unlimited golf (per person/per night, including

PGA Golf Club Dye Course

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arrival and departure days), unlimited use of the resort’s practice facilities, a $50 golf retail credit, and club storage. It also features an in-room welcome amenity with an Omni “Brewski Bucket” full of beer (for those 21 years of age and older) and chef’s selection of appetizers, daily breakfast, plus access to all resort amenities. Package prices start at $275 per person per night based on a three-night stay and vary by resort and visit dates. For more information, visit www. omnihotels.com/destinations/golf or call 1-800-The-Omni (1-800-843-6664).25 cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Troon North Golf Club’s Award-Winning Monument Course Reopens SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon North Golf Club’s award-winning Monument course reopened for daily-fee play this past October 7th, following a four-month enhancement project. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Troon North features two 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf courses – Monument and Pinnacle. Course enhancements included updating green complexes to their original shape, size and contours by utilizing GPS coordinates gathered from Weiskopf’s original design. In addition, greens were resurfaced with creeping A4 bent grass and collars were resurfaced with TifGrand semi-dwarf Bermuda grass. Bunker renovations included updating the drainage in all greenside and fairway bunkers, new bunker liners and new Pioneer bunker sand. Troon’s Vice President

of Golf Course Development Ron Despain oversaw the project and work was performed by the club’s agronomy team led by Senior Agronomist Brad Anderson. “The green and bunker changes on Monument have further elevated an already tremendous golf course,” said Mitch Harrell, president, Troon Golf. “By proactively improving and reinvesting, we are wholly committed to maintaining Troon North’s standing as one of the top daily-fee facilities in the world. To that end, we will be executing a similar improvement project on the Pinnacle course during the summer of 2018.”

Limousines, chefs and yachts? This isn’t your average Myrtle Beach golf vacation Myrtle Beach has long been known as a value golf destination, which has helped it become one of the leading golf locations in the world and an ideal landing spot for buddies’ golf trips. But the area has some high-end offerings as well. Some of them were paired last year to create the Honors Package – a five-night, sevenround trip that included eight courses that have been ranked among the top 100 public layouts in the U.S., lodging at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes and meals at the Marina Inn and Waterscapes restaurant – starting at $1,195. Area resident Jason Dores is taking the high-end package a step, if not a few steps or a full staircase, further. Dores, a Marine veteran who is the area director of the Golfweek Amateur and Golfweek Senior Amateur tours, is the

founder and chief executive officer of Myrtle Beach VIP Vacations, which is combining high-end golf with numerous other activities that are all included in packages. Dores said the courses include The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation, The Surf Golf and Beach Club and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, and he is booking the rounds through Myrtlebeachgolf.com. Lodging includes eight- to 12-bedroom houses on the north end of the Strand through Together Resorts, some of which have movie theaters and others have golf simulators being installed. The trip will include in-home chefs or meals at fine restaurants, including one at Greg Norman Australian Grille that can include transportation to the Intracoastal Waterway restaurant in a 54-foot Hatteras yacht. The package can include a deep sea fishing trip or Intracoastal cruise on the boat. All transportation will be through Extreme Limousine, with a company van following with golf clubs when needed. Packages start at $2,300 per person for four days and three nights, and the platinum package is $4,999 per person for six days and five nights and includes all upgrades. Dores plans to attend several consumer golf shows in golfer-heavy areas to promote the VIP deals, and in late 2018 or 2019 he hopes to expand the offerings to Miami. “It’s a trip where guys can come to town and they don’t have to pull their wallet out, everything is already taken care of,” Dores said. “Maybe we’ll get some customers to come back to Myrtle Beach, or attract new customers.”

Troon North Golf Club’s Monument Course

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Welcome to Nor

Forest Dunes Golf Club Weiskopf Course

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rthern Michigan By David R. Holland

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Arcadia Bluffs

Arcadia Bluffs The Lodge

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he breeze off Lake Michigan is steady, and from the elevated 10th tee at Arcadia Bluffs, with massive sand dunes and menacing tall fescue waving, you could close your eyes and think this is Scotland or Ireland. There’s a sliver of green fairway snaking down toward the lake. That’s your target. The adventurous strike a draw taking on an aiming pole that goes over a tall dune to safe green grass. Welcome to Northern Michigan where there are more quality, world-class golf courses than you shake a nine iron at. It’s a road trip adventure that’s no big deal for a Texan on a seven-day exploration. While Arcadia Bluffs is the top-ranked public course in Michigan it is not a perfect bumpand-run grounder above places like Bay Harbor Golf Club and the must-stay Inn at Bay Harbor, which is an admirable clone of San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado. It’s not that greater than the incredible 10 courses in the Boyne portfolio or most talked about new Michigan layout -- the USA’s first reversible 18-hole course designed by Tom Doak at Forest Dunes named The Loop. You might like Tom Weiskopf’s Forest Dunes Golf Club even better. And I still haven’t mentioned the Upper Pen-

insula -- an adventure over the world-famous Mackinac Bridge to Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort and Casino and Marquette Golf Club’s amazing scenery of Greywalls. Northern Michigan has become a golf destination few avid golfers would ever take off their must-play list. Here’s a capsule look: Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, Arcadia, Mich. Since I haven’t played Lahinch or Ballybunion my first impression was that Arcadia Bluffs reminded me of Trump Scotland, but with a better view of water -- Lake Michigan. The 7,300-yard Warren Henderson-Rick Smith design (1999) has 3,000 feet of lake frontage, 265 acres, non-ending views, 40 sod-walled bunkers, wide fairways and greens so rolling you will have some three putts. Lodging started with a second floor to the clubhouse, named The Lodge, where I spent the night. Since then Arcadia has added The Cottages and The Bluffs Lodge. The Dining Room, The Lakeview Room and The Sunroom serve excellent food and unparalled views of the lake. The new South Course will have a soft opening next fall and is an ode to Chicago Golf Club with square greens and linear bunkers with deep bottoms. Dana Fry is the lead architect.

Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor, Mich. Boyne’s flagship is Bay Harbor Golf Club with three diverse nines -- Links, Quarry and Preserve. These nines, designed by Arthur Hills, are scenic, fun, challenging and sport photo ops throughout. “There’s a very short list of resort’s that have 10 courses with such variety and long summer days with temperatures from 72 to 82 and low humidity,” said Ken Griffin, general manager. At the Inn at Bay Harbor you frequently hear “Pebble Beach of the Midwest” and “best sunset on Lake Michigan”. Other Boyne golf options include Crooked Tree Golf Club, and Boyne Highlands’ The Alpine and The Monument. Also think about these top courses when you are in the area: Belvedere Golf Club and Dunmaglas Golf Course. Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, Mich. Just a short drive away is Boyne Highlands, also a ski resort, with a variety of 1,500 room and condos, you will arrive at the 50-year-old classic Heather Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., but that’s not all. A few minutes away tee it up at the Donald Ross Memorial Course and a Arthur Hills’ classic The Moor. There was such a buzz when I got out of my car I thought there must be a massive tourna-

Arcadia Bluffs - Hole #5

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ment day, but one of the greeters said, “Nope this is just a normal day”.

to play it frequently.

My road trip over Mackinac Bridge to more impressive golf on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Marquette Golf Club is also home to the Heritage Course, designed by William Langford and David Gill. This parkland course opened in 1926, and both courses are an easy drive from Island Resort & Casino.

Sweetgrass Golf Club and Island Resort & Casino, Harris, Mich. Tony Mancilla looks over Sweetgrass Golf Club like a proud general manager. “We have the budget of a private club, but we are smart when we spend money,” he said. Smart also is building Sage Run Golf Club, a few miles away from Sweetgrass, which is flat and linksy. Sage Run will climb forested hills and have lots of elevation fun. “When we first built the Sweetgrass course, we wanted to have golf as an amenity for our resort guests,” said Mancilla. “But over the years we have had more and more golfers coming to the resort and have evolved into a top golf destination. Adding a second golf course was a natural move for us and something that our golfing guests were demanding. “Paul Albanese is an architect who lets the land dictate what the course will be, and at Sage Run the land is 180 degrees in contrast to the land where Sweetgrass was created,” Mancilla said. When Sage Run opens in June 2018 it will be the fourth new Michigan golf course to open in the last four years -- Forest Dunes’ The Loop and Stoatin Brae Golf Club in Augusta are on the list and Arcadia Bluffs’ South Course is the other. Marquette Golf Club’s Greywalls, Marquette, Mich. Greywalls was a favorite because of the rugged gray granite walls and an opening perched first tee box with a view of Lake Superior. This Mike DeVries design is by far from an easy journey, but it was loads of fun. Greens are tricky and there are some blind drives but I’d love

Final road trip stop is Forest Dunes, Roscommon, Mich. Owner Lew Thompson wasn’t wowed by the first couple of plans Tom Doak rolled out in front of him for a second golf course at Forest Dunes. But when Doak placed one plan over the other and suggested the first reversible 18-hole golf course in the USA Thompson was sold. Two golf courses for the price of one. The Loop was born. It plays hard and fast on fescue and you better learn to bump it along the ground early in your round or you will be walking to the back of the greens all day. The Black is played clockwise one day, and The Red is played counterclockwise the next day. With the truly unique yardage book it’s not hard to figure out where you are going and its a fun mandatory walk (push carts and caddies available). Forest Dunes Golf Club designed by Tom Weiskopf was my favorite though. It is green, lush and forested with the Huron National Forest bordering. Water features, bunkers and trees must be avoided, but it is a blast. The 19th hole, an extra par 3, looks toward the excellent clubhouse and stay-and-play options are available and comfortable along with fine dining options. An hour’s drive back to Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport and you are on your way home -- dreaming all the way of your next adventure in Michigan, which is a total winner for a golf vacation. Don’t dare leave it off your bucket list.

Boyne Highlands Arthur Hills Course No. 18

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Sweetgrass Hole 7 photo by Brian Oar

Greywalls

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Elevated View

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w in Arizona

by David R. Holland www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ November 2017 21

LAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The view from Pine Canyon’s 18th fairway makes you want to take an Adirondack chair, plop it down on the tee box and enjoy a twilight drink with friends.

Symmetry, a residential and lifestyle company dedicated to premium, resort-influenced amenities and first-class hospitality was launched last summer as a division of the True Life Companies.

It’s a landscape ready to paint right next door to the Coconino National Forest.

These two gated communities were founded to offer authentic Western lifestyles and to be in harmony with the land. Sign me up. I loved both landscapes, lifestyles and golf socializing.

The San Francisco Peaks in the distance are perfectly framed, and includes Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet.

Here’s a closer look at the two awesome golf communities you could be a part of.

The downhill final hole, at 7,000 feet in elevation, looks wide, inviting and lined with beautiful Ponderosa pines, a trout-filled pond and high-country wildlife in multitudes. There’s even a towering dead Ponderosa that is home to an osprey family.

Pine Canyon Club It only takes a minute or two once you drive on to the property to fall in love with this special golf community minutes from historic downtown Flagstaff.

Hey, this is Arizona where are the saguaros? Where’s the desert?

The beauty is instant. The golf course is one of the most scenic and fun I’ve experienced. The ownership opportunities are upscale and pricey.

Not here -- this is Northern Arizona where winter skiing is close by and the elevation and views might make you think of Colorado. But Arizona’s diversity doesn’t stop at Pine Canyon. Just 100 miles south is Prescott, an old-west town, which was once the capitol of Arizona. It has a “Whiskey Row”, tourist adventures and another upscale golf community called Talking Rock, where the land turns to piñon pines and junipers with petroglyphs dating its history before ranching dominated. The golf is outstanding at Pine Canyon and Talking Rock -- both courses are Jay Morrish designs, and the housing opportunities are numerous, earthy, luxurious and to be celebrated.

We bunked down in the brand-new Club Cabins that had just opened -- a place where non-home owner golf members can rent out on frequent visits or while building their own dream home. Our Club Cabin had four bedrooms, two downstairs and two upstairs (with balconies and a golf course view) and laundry room. A spacious kitchen, dining area, fireplace and deck, make the first floor an awesome place to entertain. Just step outside and a path leads to the putting green and next door to the golf shop. Go a little farther and the 35,000-square-foot

Pine Canyon No. 18

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Pine Canyon Club Cabins

Pine Canyon Clubhouse

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Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;¢ November 2017 23

clubhouse will blow you away with its western decor, spa, bar and restaurant. Sit outside on the deck of the restaurant for a striking view of the 19th hole, a beautiful island green, with aspens turning yellow and maples transitioning to a bright red on an splendid, warm late September afternoon. At Pine Canyon, members become friends for a lifetime and families share experiences that are cherished for generations. The Club provides a full calendar of social events and activities for all members, from weekly Happy Hour to Snow Days on the 18th tee box and pool parties in the summer months. Full golf members can take advantage of the Troon Privé benefits and golf privileges at private courses around the world. View the new membership plan and amended and restated membership plan or call 866.779.5700 for more information. Talking Rock, Prescott, Arizona Piñons and junipers, Granite Mountains, Williamson Valley, prickly pear and barrel cacti, rugged, rocky, ranch atmosphere and starry skies that seem to go on forever -- that’s Talking Rock. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown but dates back to ranches of

early pioneers and even older habitation by the Yavapai Indian Tribe. Early residents coined the name “Inscription Canyon” where 1,200 ancient petroglyphs were discovered, authenticated and protected. Talking Rock developers set aside four acres of this sacred land for the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe. The Ranch Compound is classic convenience inspired by early ranching communities. This cluster of buildings includes the Ranch House Restaurant with view of the golf course. Step outside of the pro shop or restaurant and there is a Fitness Barn, Coop’s Coffee House, swimming pool, tennis courts and bocce courts. I had the good fortune to spend the night in one of the awesome homes just steps from the swimming pool. Three bedrooms and a huge open kitchen-living room space made me want to spend a week. Name the amenity and this home has all of them. The golf course is fun and non-penal and scenic with the ninth and 18th converging at a huge pond beneath a windmill and tons of sand (80 bunkers dot the course). “At Talking Rock we were given the freedom to design the holes where they wanted to go,” said the late great designer Morrish. “We didn’t resort in tricks or gimmicks. The course is a pleasure to play and walk and feels like it has been here for years.”

Talking Rock Real Estate

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Talking Rock Ranch Compound

It all feels huge. There’s 1,000 acres dedicated to open space, lots of room for about 1,500 homesites on 3,600-acres and at 5,000 feet in elevation you can play golf year around and count on cooler summer days. Log on to TalkingRockRanch.com or call (928) 776-4440 for more information about owning your own home and golf memberships.

The Valley of the Sun (Phoenix area) is an remarkable winter getaway, but Talking Rock has it all and more comfortable temperatures year around. Don’t miss out. Talking Rock and Pine Canyon are expansive but some day there just might be an end to the offer of these two special lifestyle opportunities.

Talking Rock Golf course

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3 Top Golf Destinations for Fall 2017 BY JD LATORRE

Mountain Top

member Gary Player – brings to three the number of Big Cedar golf courses available to the public. The other two – Buffalo Ridge and Top of the Rock – are played annually as part of the PGA TOUR Champions Legends of Golf each spring. Breathtaking Ozark views and premier golf extend to other courses like Branson Hills, a topranked Missouri course for the last five years by GolfWeek, and Thousand Hills, a Bob Cupp design the belies the first impression its par-64 routing invokes. From the family-friendly Mountain Top Course at Big Cedar, to shoulder-season discounts at any of Branson’s best in state 18-hole courses, golfers of any age or experience can enjoy world-class golf at this Ozark Mountain oasis.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

BRANSON, MO.

ach year from mid-September to November, the Ozark Mountains surrounding Branson change from luscious shades of green to the rich fall colors of red, orange, and yellow. It’s the perfect season to catch a glimpse of the Ozarks from afar at a scenic overlook or get up-close-and-personal by taking a stroll on one of many area nature trails. Set your own pace by taking a self-guided fall foliage tour through the hills. Other favorites include boat, plane, helicopter and train tours, as well as lake cruises on one of the spectacular lakes that recently earned Branson a spot in Country Living’s 25 Best Small Lake Towns in America. While leaves burst into full color and the landscape undergoes its annual transformation, the city celebrates the new season and American heritage with numerous craft and music festivals, patriotic events and outdoor sporting activities. Branson Golf remains a must for those visiting the area this fall. The fastest-growing golf destination in America, likely the world, welcomed the new Gary Player Mountain Top Course this past August. The unique 13-hole course – a collaboration between Big Cedar Lodge founder Johnny Morris and World Golf Hall of Fame

he rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, dotted red by Virginia’s state tree, the Dogwood, are breathtaking in the crisp fall air. Along Virginia’s scenic roadways you’ll find apple picking, harvest festivals, breweries and striking natural beauty that provides the perfect background for golf. Nestled in historic hunt and wine country, Keswick Hall & Golf Club is a 600-acre boutique resort that proves to be an exceptional place to view the brilliant fall foliage. Like the area surrounding Keswick, the golf course is rich in history. A members-only club, Keswick Club was introduced in 1948 when renowned architect Fred Findlay added its first nine holes of golf. The course expanded to 18 holes in the mid- ‘50s and was renovated in 1992 by Arnold Palmer. World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye was commissioned to create its dramatic new Full Cry layout. Since its opening in 2014, the course has received numerous accolades including being ranked No. 4 in Golfweek’s 2017 roster of “Best Courses You Can Play” in Virginia as well as ranked No. 45 in Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses.” Players of all abilities will savor the experience of this scenic Dye masterpiece. Special stay-and-play packages offer guests a chance to enjoy accommodations in the 48-room luxury Keswick Hall hotel, nationally-acclaimed golf and fantastic amenities including a full-service spa ideal for enjoying a getaway in the autumn splendor of Virginia. Another location worthy of a fall outing, located 30 minutes southwest of state capitol Richmond, is Magnolia Green Golf Club.

Top of the Rock

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Keswick Golf Club

The 18-hole course includes Bermuda grass fairways and tees, bentgrass greens and natural, flowing streams. Draped over undulating terrain and measuring 7,150 yards from the back tees, lead architect Chris Cochran from Nicklaus Design expertly incorporated five sets of tees for players of all abilities. Wildlife is abundant and streams have been fully-restored and lined with native shrubs and grasses to create this natural and environmentally-friendly course. A new clubhouse with a 1,300 square foot covered outdoor dining porch perfect for enjoying a local brew and taking in the fall foliage is set to open in October.

NEW YORK

entral Park dresses itself in red and orange as the golden sun sparkles off the Manhattan skyline, but a fall trip to New York shouldn’t just be to the Big Apple. Travel an hour north to the only course in New York designed by the legendary Pete Dye. Located in Westchester County, Pound Ridge Golf Club is the premier high-end, public course in the metropolitan New York area. Crafted by Dye, his son Perry and long-time Dye construction manager/lead shaper Michael Langkau, Pound Ridge Golf Club is a full bentgrass facility, hewn from

172 acres of magnificent cliffs, streams and wooded hills. Dramatic rock formations and boulders were left onsite, creating one of the most visually stunning settings for golf in the United States. More than 14,000-linear-feet of rock wall surrounds trees, wetlands and water hazards on the course. These frame contoured fairways wind through hardwood forests and fescue mounds leading to open meadows with picturesque green complexes. Fans of Dye will find all the legendary designer’s renowned touches on display: dramatic mounding, rhythmic routing and subtle deception meld to create an imminently challenging and fair golf experience.

Pound Ridge Golf Club

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SWEETSTUFF Respect the Path

ood putting might be one of the most—if not the most important ingredients when it comes to low scoring in golf. This part of the game has confounded both amateurs and professionals alike since the game began. A new training tool that is simple and can be used anywhere threatens to cure many of the putting ills players have with--an ingenious device called Respect the Path—based on the premise that the foundation of good putting starts with a stroke that begins and ends with the proper back and forth motion of the flat stick. The Respect the Path training aid consists of two curved walls made of plastic which form a path through which the putter head should travel. The concept is to swing the putter within the walls, but without the head touching either side wall. Starting out practicing with a wide path and narrowing it as you get more competent and confident. When you touch the walls, it creates a sound on the plastic, so you know you must tighten your stroke and keep it on the proper line. Developing good habits and a repeatable putting stroke is the goal, and the great thing about Respect the Path is that it can be used on the putting green, at home or in the office—even without golf balls. It is easy to carry anywhere in the handy carrying case that comes with it. The object is to grove a slightly in-to-out path—which is natural for most players—and practicing with your eyes closed is encouraged to develop the muscle memory that this promotes. “This is so simple and easy to use. Once your body remembers the feel of a correct putting path you can take it from the putting green straight to the course and never fall into bad habits again,” said Mike Krantz, the inventor of Respect the Path and a golf instructor for the past 35 years in Long Beach, California. “Start out using the length of your putter head to insure (the two walls) are the same distance apart,” added Krantz in describing how to use his invention. “As a beginner, give yourself a generous width, insuring you can make a stroke without touching either side. As your stroke improves, you can gradually place them closer and closer together. The closer the devices are to one another--and

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you are able to not touch either of them during the stroke--the better your putting path is becoming.” Krantz was a touring professional before embarking on his teaching career in the 1980’s. He won the 1975 Queen Mary Open and traveled to the many tours in Asia and South America for eight years. His overseas wins included the 1978 Dunlop Match Play, 1979 Thailand Open and 1980 Otago Charity Classic. He partnered with Simon Owen to win the New Zealand Team Match Play, defeating British Open winner Peter Thompson and US Open Champion Kel Nagle. He qualified for two British Opens, at St. Andrews and Royal Lytham and St. Annes. One of his junior students inspired Krantz to develop Respect the Path, and after building a proto-type to help him with his stroke, the 15-year old made 54 five-footers in a row without missing! In the few short months since it has been mass-produced, former US Open Champion and PGA Tour veteran Retief Goosen has been using the device, as have nationally-known teachers like Gary Gilchrist and Marius Filmalter—both highly respected putting coaches of PGA and LPGA Tour players. To learn more, visit www.respectthepath.com

Tour Edge CBX Fairway Wood

our Edge has nicknamed its new line of Exotics CBX fairway woods “spin killer” for the way the club reduces golf ball spin and thus creates more distance, and players all the way from the professional level to the recreational golfer are seeing significant distance gains with the new technology. The Batavia, Illinois company has long been famous for its fairway woods and the technological innovations of its founder and president—David Glod—who has developed a Beta Ti cup face brazed with a Hyper Steel body to perfect a revolutionary launch and low spin combination in the head of the new CBX. For those that follow the technical side, the lower the spin on the ball that a club produces the further it will travel—and the golf industry spends no small part of its research and development resources in trying to find ways to get the spin down and produce more yardage. “The CBX wood is a game-changer. The distance gains from the independent tests are phenomenal. Then we saw the spin numbers and started calling it the ‘spin-killer’ around the office,” said Glod. “Everything has lined-up for the CBX, the design, compilation of materials, and CG location to make it our next BEST fairway wood.” The CBX design alters the club’s center of gravity to manipulate initial launch angle and velocity, also reducing the amount of spin the ball will have on release. Independent testing proves that the CBX fairway wood outdistances its most popular competitors by an average of over 16 yards. The absolute CG location in the CBX fairway wood is combined with precise weighting throughout the club head. The club has a very light feel and powerful look at address and compared to just about any other fairway wood, gets off-the chart numbers when you put it on a launch monitor in terms of ball speed, swing speed and distance. Compared to some of the other offerings in the Exotics Tour

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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross

Silver Dual Core. Custom premium shaft options—at no additional charge--include the Aldila Rogue Silver and Black series, Exotics Fujikura Pro series, Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana series, and Mitsubishi Rayon Tensei CK Blue series. Every Tour Edge club comes with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee. For more information on the Tour Edge Exotics CBX fairway woods: www. touredge.com

New Balance Minimus Shoes

Edge family, this club has a more compact design, has a lower trajectory that a lot of better players desire and has all the performance features that a stronger, more accomplished player looks for in a fairway wood. The longer toe to heel and shorter front to back head shape of the CBX optimizes performance with CG location. The higher CG location minimizes spin for optimal low-spin distance. Engineers developed the new Speed Ramp sole based on the design of the SlipStream™ sole waves in the CB PRO fairway wood. The Speed Ramp sole is the next generation of design to minimizes ground contact and maintain speed through impact. The club has achieved notoriety in the playoffs for the PGA Tour Champions as they wind-up their season. In the last three weeks of October, five players have put CBX clubs in their bag, including the # 2-ranked player on the circuit. The CBX fairway woods comes in four lofts; 3 (13.5 degree), 3 (15 degree), 4 (16.5 degree), and 5 (18 degree). Premium shafts include the Project X HZRDUS series and Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage

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ew Balance has announced two new additions—one with spikes and one without--to its highly successful Minimus golf shoe lineup for the Fall of 2017. The Minimus has been one of the most successful footwear collections since New Balance entered the golf market several years ago. The new Minimus Tour and the Minimus SL are high performance, lightweight, athleticstyle golf shoes that feature waterproof uppers and a REVLite® midsoles designed for ultimate comfort. The Minimus Tour is New Balance’s first Minimus golf shoe with spikes. The athleticlooking style shoe is built on a NL-1 last with a wider forefront and lower instep.

The wider forefoot allows the foot to spread out for balance, while the lower instep height helps the foot to stay connected to the ground, which improves overall feel and power. The shoe features a waterproof upper with a FantomFit® support system, providing ultralight support and fit. The REVlite® 4mm drop midsole gives golfers a lightweight ride without sacrificing cushioning and stability. The outsole is made of Ultra-flexible Ndurance® rubber and has six Champ Slim-Lok® Zarma Tour cleats. The shoe also has a Ortholite® insole for cool, dry comfort. The Minimus SL is a spikeless addition to the line-up for Fall. The modern athleticstyle design is also built on the NL-1 last and features a breathable waterproof microfiber upper with ultralight FantonFit® support. The REVlite 4mm drop midsole offers a lightweight ride without minimizing construction or sacrificing underfoot cushioning and stability. The outsole is a flexible Ndurance® spikeless rubber with flex grooves strategically placed to move with the natural motion of the foot. For more information on New Balance and the new styles of Minimus golf shoes: www.newbalance.com

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“SCOTTSDALE IS transformative. IT encourages YOU TO BE OUTDOORS AND play.”

200 Area Courses | 70+ Resorts & Hotels | 600+ Restaurants | 100+ Downtown Nightlife Options | EXPERIENCESCOTTSDALEGOLF.COM

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The Best Gift Of The Year!

Enjoy a vicarious trip with Chuck Miller “The Traveling Guy” as he reflects on his incredible, fun and amazing 50-week, 50-state golf odyssey. Golfing The U.S. makes for a delightful and inexpensive birthday or holiday present.

available on Amazon.com at $14.95 and on Amazon Kindle at $8.95.!

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32 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ November 2017