OUR 10th YEAR
THIS MONTH: SweetStuff • Destinations • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2012
GOLFING THE GREAT NORTHERN CATSKILLS FINDING YOUR TRUE SOUTH IN MISSISSIPPI PARK CITY’S JEREMY RANCH
Plus: UNITING NATIONS CUP • GOLF ACADEMIES 1
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012
2 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 3
4 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 5
MAY 2012
Palmas Del Mar • Puerto Rico
GOLF VACATIONS
9
•
ChipShots
10 • Uniting Nations Cup
by Dave McKibben
The Uniting Nations Cup was dreamed up a few years ago to highlight the alliance between the U.S. and Mexico beyond the countries commercial and cultural ties. In just one year, tournament director Vito Berlingeri said the UNC exceeded all expectations.
14 • Golf The Great Northern Catskills The Catskills of Greene County are known for their majestic natural beauty and family friendly atmosphere. Nine golf courses are set like green jewels among the mountains and valleys of the Great Northern Catskills, each offering unique experiences and incredible value. Here, you’ll find a number of championship courses with PGA Pros throughout.
18 • Jeremy Ranch
by Larry Feldman
Most people know of Park City, Utah for one thing. Skiing. You know, the greatest snow on Earth. Well, it’s all that and more if bulleting down black diamond runs is your thing. Holding the 2002 Winter Olympics here was a no-brainer.
22 • Elite Golf Academies
by JD Latorre Golf’s a game of peaks and valleys. Ups and downs are inevitable. Plateaus, however, are frustrating; when you can’t shave that stroke or two it takes to finally break 80, 90, or 100. But help is out there. On the following pages is a list of elite instruction programs with a reputation for taking students’ performance to the next level.
28 • Finding Your True South In Mississippi
by Andy Reistetter
Mississippi “packs the punch” when it comes to a golf and coastal life style. Yes its 44 miles of coastline is far less than that of Florida (1350) and California (840). So too is the number of golf courses- Mississippi (124), Florida (1218) and California (906).
32 • SweetStuff 6 Golf Vacations • may 2012
by Terry Ross
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 7
8 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
CANADIAN ROCKIES GOLF BEST 2012 VACATION PICKS
Canadian Rockies Golf (www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca) – a group of best-in-Canada courses and resorts located in central Alberta – unveiled its 2012 signature golf packages, including a 144-hole, five-day golf extravaganza, or a relaxed golf-and-fly fishing or spa trip, beginning this May. Golf vacation experiences in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Kananaskis Country are included in the group’s varied offering, with rates starting at $174 CAD per person, per night. Here are five travel picks worth reviewing: 15-hour Daylight Golf Marathon: Visit the Canadian Rockies near the Summer Solstice, and expect the sun to rise at 7 am and fall around 10 pm daily – making 36 holes a day not only manageable, but easy. Try the Iron Man Golf Package, including eight rounds and five night’s stay, starting at $1,439 CAD per person. You might actually fit in three full rounds with this much sun. Canmore and the Calgary Stampede: The famed Calgary Stampede will celebrate its Centennial in early July. Enjoy the popular Chuckwagon Races and then drive a quick hour west to the hip and fresh Canmore, playing the meaty Silvertip or Stewart Creek
www.golfvacationsmag.com
mountain courses with the laid-back Canmore Golf & Curling Club. May Canmore packages start at $174 CAD per person, for a round and an overnight stay. Drive and Fly (Fishing, That is): Golfers and anglers will love the Pins and Fins package, combining two days of golf with a full-day flyfishing excursion with guide and equipment included. Stay four nights, starting at $979 CAD per person. Celebrate our Birthdays: Two courses are celebrating birthdays in 2012: • Visit in May 11-17 to celebrate Kananaskis Country’s 30th Anniversary and enjoy $20 rounds (a flashback from 1983). Packages start at $249 CAD/for two nights and two rounds. • The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is celebrating their 90th Anniversary with their Jasper Great Golf Getaway, including three nights, two rounds, golf lessons, private Scotch tasting, fly fishing and lakeside barbecue, starting at $3,125 CAD per person.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Golf Magazine Gold Resorts: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and The Fairmont Banff Springs were named 2012 Gold Resorts by GOLF Magazine, and Golf Digest’s 75 Top Golf Resorts in late 2011. Stay and play both, and enjoy a bonus night at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, through the Fairmont Classic Package, a seven-day excursion through both National Parks and the famed Icefields Parkway. May rates start at $1469 CAD per person. All packages can be booked through www. canadianrockiesgolf.ca, and include all taxes, gratuities and service charges were applicable.
Golf Vacations • may 2012 9
10 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Uniting Nations Cup
B
ag pipes won’t be played during opening ceremonies, steak pie won’t be served in the clubhouse restaurant and the competition won’t be televised internationally. But the Uniting Nations Cup--matching amateurs from the United States against a team from Mexico--might be just as culturally significant as those matches between the U.S. and Great Britain that began in 1927.
with Andrew Gilchrist, the Mayan Palace’s director of golf. By bringing an international golf event to the seaside resort, Berlingeri and Gilchrist are hoping to bring some much-needed attention to the town of Puerto Peñasco and the golf resort. Located an hour south of the Arizona border, Puerto Peñasco and the Mayan Palace have been rocked by the global economic recession in recent years.
The Uniting Nations Cup was dreamed up a few years ago to highlight the alliance between the U.S. and Mexico beyond the countries commercial and cultural ties. In just one year, tournament director Vito Berlingeri said the UNC exceeded all expectations.
Most of the players and their families will be staying at the Mayan Palace, a luxurious family-friendly beach resort and spa that features a variety of fine dining options, a 300-foot swimming pool, miles of pristine beaches and 80-degree ocean temperatures.
“We utilized golf as an ambassador,” he said. “What developed was way beyond our expectations. Golf brought the two countries together.”
“We wanted to make the Mayan Palace a place that the players and their families keep returning to year after year,” Berlingeri said. “We also wanted to make the tournament a wow factor, so that everyone would like to come back and play year after year.”
The countries will come together again May 17-20 at the Mayan Palace golf resort, which sits alongside the tranquil Sea of Cortez in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. The U.S. won last year’s inaugural event, but Mexico’s Rodrigo Del Corral said the results were insignificant compared to the goodwill that was fostered between the neighboring nations. “Because of the nature of a foursome, golf is a sport where you can develop unique bonds with your competitors,” said Del Corral, who has also represented Mexico in international badminton and volleyball competitions. “The competition was fierce. But after it was over, I exchanged emails and phone numbers with my American competitors so that we could play again sometime.” But building camaraderie between the bordering countries wasn’t the only objective Berlingeri had in mind when he created the UNC
Along with 10 professionals and 40 amateurs from each country, last year’s opening ceremonies were attended by several dignitaries, including Guillermo Padres Elias, Governor of Sonora, Mexico and Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson. “You knew it was going to be a special event when you saw a convoy of cars lined up for a quarter mile during the practice rounds,” said Gregg Hayes of Phoenix, who played in last year’s UNC. This year’s competition won’t include professionals, but 48 amateurs from each country will play in the three-day Ryder Cup style tournament, which is organized by the Arizona Golf Assn. Despite the lackluster economy, the tournament has received gen-
By DaveMcKibben www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 11
erous backing by a number of big name sponsors, including Bose, Zagas, Johnson Controls and the Puerto Peñasco Tourist Board. The Mayan Palace’s six-year-old Peninsula de Cortez course has landed a few big tournaments, including the Pac-10 women’s championships in 2009. Vidanta Golf, which operates the Peninsula course and four others in Mexico, plans to have the UNC on its calendar every May. “Our strategic plan is to lift the tournament’s profile in each subsequent year,” said Jesus Torres, director of Vidanta Golf. “We have high hopes that the Uniting Nations Cup tournament will be entrenched in the future as one of the most desirable events in the region.” John Brambert, an amateur from Phoenix who’ll be playing in his first UNC, isn’t sure what he’s more excited about: representing his country or playing Peninsula de Cortez for the first time. The Nicklausdesigned course’s 7,100-yard, par 72 layout is one of the most challenging and breathtaking in Mexico. In typical Nicklaus fashion, golfers will see the good in seven seaside holes, the bad in sloped greens, uneven fairways and thick rough and the ugly in blind shots, pot bunkers and stiff breezes. “My friends have just raved about this course,” Brambert said. “You don’t get too many desert courses that are built right on the water. I’m hoping I don’t get too caught up in the scenery, so I can keep my focus on golf.” Brambert said he is looking forward to getting to know a few of his Mexican competitors, even if he doesn’t speak their language.
rier. “A lot of communication in golf is non-verbal anyway,” he said. Tony Rubino, who plays out of Avalon, N.J., said he is looking forward to little friendly competition. “I want to encourage conversation and I’ll definitely be giving highfive to my Mexican competitors for great shots,” he said. “But I’m also a competitive guy. I absolutely want to win.” Special: The Mayan Palace resort offers three nights lodging, four days of unlimited golf and all meals for under $400 per person. A two-night package is priced under $300.
“I’ve played in a lot of golf tournaments over the years,” he said. “But never one that has the diversity and uniqueness of the two cultures like the Uniting Nations Cup.”
For more information and details, please email: golfpuertopenasco@grupovidanta.com
Brambert said he doesn’t foresee any problems with the language bar-
For current tournament information, visit http://unitingnationscup.com
12 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 13
Golf the Great Northern Catskills
of New York and Save All Season Long
T
his season, golf the Great Northern Catskills’ scenic terrain and find un-crowded courses in a gorgeous setting close to home. Just two hours north of New York City and 3.5 hours west of Boston – Greene County’s golf courses are a golfers dream. Challenging links, incredible scenery and unhurried tee times provide the perfect weekend getaway. The Catskills of Greene County are known for their majestic natural beauty and family friendly atmosphere. Nine golf courses are set like green jewels among the mountains and valleys of the Great Northern Catskills, each offering unique experiences and incredible value. Here, you’ll find a number of championship courses with PGA Pros throughout. For added adventure, golf “The Catskill Seven,” a series of courses along the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail. From April through October, these courses offer a great respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Catskills Seven
Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club’s 18-hole par 72 championship course is located in the town of Round Top. A tuckedaway gem, Blackhead’s golf course was designed by Nicholas Psiahas – a famous golf course architect who also designed courses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The course, carved into Blackhead Mountain’s terrain, offers a majestic layout, challenging sand, water and two-tier greens. Enjoy an on-site restaurant, conference facility and a bar for relaxing after a game.
Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club’s
14 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Christman’s Windham House
Christman’s Windham House offers an 18-hole championship 7,072 yard mountain course in Windham. The Mountain Course provides tournament conditions every day, spectacular scenery and USGA rated handicaps. The parkland layout is perfect for golfers of any skill level and families with young golfers will enjoy the 9-hole Valley Course. Multiple putting greens offer plenty of space for you to perfect your swing. Home of the Ben Sutton Golf School, Christman’s specializes in golf getaways for families and groups. Resort facilities include classic Catskill lodging, 1805 Tavern restaurant and family friendly activities. Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course in Greenville is known for its challenging 18-hole course, with a par 66 on 300 acres of panoramic views of the Great Northern Catskills. Perfect your game at the driving range and visit the pro shop, then enjoy lake and picnic facilities. Sunny Hill offers a family friendly getaway for golfers and non-golfers alike. Find all-inclusive golfers packages, live entertainment on Friday nights and golf tournaments.
Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 15
Thunderhart at Sunny Hill
Thunderhart at Sunny Hill offers an 18-hole, par 72 championship course over 6,800 yards long in Freehold. Enjoy a 250-yard driving range, fully staffed clubhouse and relaxing in the outdoor pavilion. Golf the championship and resort-style courses, set against the scenic beauty and challenging design. Special events, tournaments and an online tee-time booking system offer guests a unique Catskills golfing experience.
Windham Country Club has been awarded 3.5 stars by Golf Digest Magazine. This 18-hole, 6,024 yard par 71 championship course is located in the town of Windham. Designed by Len Raynor, the course offers scenic yet challenging terrain and PGA Pro Brian Lowe oversees a knowledgeable staff. The County Club offers everything you need to enjoy golfing in Greene County, including a new clubhouse and restaurant, a five-acre driving range, putting green and an award-winning pro shop. Rainbow Golf Club in Greenville offers an 18-hole USGA regulation championship golf course and driving range. Five sets of tees and a picturesque location add to the Rainbow’s golf experience. One of the Catskills’ best kept secrets, Rainbow provides a challenging layout and one of the region’s only island greens. Fly in to the Club’s on-site airport and enjoy an overnight stay in one of their comfortable suites. Rip Van Winkle Country Club in Palenville incorporates a Donald Ross design for a beautifully scenic course. The 9-hole course offer 3,120 yards, and par 36, while the 18-hole course offers 6,006 yards. Exceptional facilities offer the perfect spot for your next golf outing. Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, plan a group getaway and enjoy nearby Catskill attractions.
The Greene International Golf Association’s nine participating courses now offer mid-week, two-for-the-price-of-one green fees to Greene Card Holders. Participants include the Catskills Seven, as well as the Catskill Golf Club and the Colonial Country Club. Sign up for a free Greene Card online at www.greatnortherncatskills.com/greene-card and receive buy-one, get-one green fees and passes to additional Catskill Region attractions. Windham Country Club
16 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Catskills Stay & Play Golf Packages
Christman’s Windham House offers early season unlimited golf packages. Book two nights and enjoy three days of unlimited golf with cart and guaranteed tee-times. Package includes two breakfasts, is interchangeable with play at any other participating Greene County golf course. Starts at $235 pp based on double occupancy, and weekend packages start at $300 pp, based on double occupancy. Rainbow Golf Club is currently offering two package options for spring. Mid-week specials start at $300 pp. Package includes four nights’ accommodations and four 18-hole rounds of golf with cart. Weekend Packages start at $175 pp and includes two nights’ accommodations and two 18-hole rounds of golf with cart. Windham Country Club’s Golf Getaway package includes one night’s accommodations at the Hotel Vienna, golf for two and breakfast. Mid-week rates start at $157 pp/pn and weekend rates start at $213 pp/pn. Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club offers a mid-week Golf Getaway package which includes accommodations, golf with cart and breakfast, starting at $100 pp/pn. Package available on non-holidays from April 23 through Sept. 26. Thunderhart at Sunny Hill’s 2 day Getaway Package offers unlimited championship golf with cart, accommodations, breakfast and dinner. Packages rates start at $198 pp. Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course offers a mid-week all-inclusive Golf Special starts at $198 pp with a 3 night minimum. Package includes accommodations, free unlimited golf, and 3 meals per day, activities and excursion transportation. Weekend packages start at $238. Additional information about stay and play packages can be found at www.greatnortherncatskills.com. Rainbow Golf Club
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 17
JEREMY RANCH by Larry Feldman
I
t’s the only place I know where you can drop down and get to Heaven.
Most people know of Park City, Utah for one thing. Skiing. You know, the greatest snow on Earth. Well, it’s all that and more if bulleting down black diamond runs is your thing. Holding the 2002 Winter Olympics here was a no-brainer. But, as a lifelong skier, summer in Park City just didn’t register. Well, put simply, I was mistaken. Not only did my wife and I fall in love with the sheer beauty and charm of Park City, we ended up building our dream home where we now live. It was the greatest decision of our lives. In short, Park City is hands-down one of the hippest yet quaint towns I’ve come across in quite some time. Whether you are schussing down some famous Park City powder or teeing off from the tips with the Wasatch Mountains staring you down, Park City is a must visit for everyone at least once.
18 Golf Vacations • may 2012
Dining is a marvelous experience in Park City. My suggestion is to walk up and down Main Street. You’ll satisfy your taste without starting up your engine, plus there’s nothing better than finishing a good meal, then strolling the streets on a crisp summer’s eve, puffing on a cigar and spending a few bucks in the local shops. Of course, a major criteria for yours truly is the golf. The region is blessed with a plethora of great golf courses, but the diamond in the rough may well be The Jeremy Golf & Country Club. When Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay designed the course in 1981, golfers from all over the world have fallen in love with its charm. And, it’s easy to see why. Arnie and his army designed the course in one of the most beautiful settings in the West, the high foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Using beautiful East Canyon Creek as both a companion and, occasionally, an adversary, the sprawling, gently rolling course offers a diverse challenge for every level of golfer.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
No matter what the handicap you play to, you’ll quickly agree on one thing…The Jeremy is a championship test of golf in the truest sense. The Jeremy is one of the most challenging courses in the state with the Blue Tees rated at 73.6. The fairways are dressed in pine, aspen trees and low brush, with almost every hole well-bunkered. The course generously rewards accuracy from the tee, but isn’t too punishing if you miss a fairway or two. The lush bent grass greens are slightly larger than average in size, however you’ll need to consider their diabolically placed bunkers when you get close. The front nine eases you nicely into play with a chance to get off to a good start. Then, comes No. 4 and 5, a Par 3 and Par 4 that
www.golfvacationsmag.com
hits you between the eyes if you’re not careful. The fourth hole measures 193 yards and has an elevated tee some 150 feet above the putting surface. Club selection is key. Miss left or long and you’re toast. Miss short and good luck getting up and down for par. Great hole. The fifth, which checks in at 460 yards, offers another elevated tee and demands an accurate drive in order to set up the approach. You then must softly land a downhill, traditionally downwind second shot to a green that runs away. Take par and run for the hills, which surround you on both sides. The front side ends with a great risk/reward Par 5. A good drive
Golf Vacations • may 2012 19
sets you up with a hybrid or long iron into a green flanked on the front, left and right by the river that runs throughout the most of the course. Find the putting surface and you could throw two circles around a number on the scorecard. But, find the water and the dreaded box will show up on your card. The back side has a great mix of holes, one being the Par 4, 12th at a mere 458 yards. A good drive is a must, but the approach must be accurate or one of the three massive bunkers that surround the green will swallow it up. Par is a great score here. At 515 yards, the Par 5, 16th is reachable in two, but trouble is everywhere. Water down the left on the drive, down the right on the second and five bunkers guarding the green are calling your ball’s name. You might want to tackle this one with three shots. Finally, the 18th at The Jeremy is possibly the toughest hole in all of Utah. Uphill and usually into a prevailing wind, the 442-yard, Par 4 plays more like 490. A good drive is a must and it’s doubtful an iron will be in your hand for the second. Four bunkers guard a tiered green that slopes from back to front. All in all, The Jeremy Golf & Country Club is where it’s at. And, if you’re in Utah or visit Park City often, the club is running a screaming deal on membership. For as little as a $1,000 initiation fee, you can play this marvelous tract all summer long. It’s the deal of a lifetime.
20 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 21
Elite Golf A
Golf’s a game of peaks and valleys Plateaus, however, are frustrating; or two it takes to finally break 80, On the following pages is a list of e reputation for taking students’ per
22 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Academies
s. Ups and downs are inevitable. ; when you can’t shave that stroke 90, or 100. But help is out there. elite instruction programs with a rformance to the next level.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 23
24 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
ANNIKA Academy at Reunion Resort Orlando, Fla. Annika Sorenstam is known as the greatest female golfer ever. Her Academy offers instruction from the very same coaches who helped her win 89 professional tournaments (including 10 majors), more than $22 million in prize money and eight “Rolex Player of the Year” awards. The state-of-the-art, “boutique” teaching facility blends golf and fitness. Sorenstam’s long-time personal coaches, Henri Reis (lead swing instructor) and Kai Fusser (personal trainer) provide students with simple techniques allowing them to transfer energy and power to the golf course. One of only 15 certified Callaway Performance Centers in the country, the Academy provides custom-tailored corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting and even opportunities to play with Annika. With a student body that’s about 70 percent female, it is the perfect place for executive women and recreational players to learn the game in an inviting atmosphere. For more information: www.theannikaacademy.com; 888-266-4522
Old American Golf Club’s Marius Golf School The Colony, Texas Marius Filmalter is golf’s leading short game technician. He’s worked with the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. Marius and his team have measured and analyzed more than 54,000 professional and amateur putting strokes and discovered the 10 characteristics shared by all great putters. Marius Golf School covers putting, chipping, pitching and bunker play. Golfers learn a basic technique for each discipline, enabling them to play a “stock shot” that can be applied in all circumstances. More information: www.mariusgolf.com, www.oldamericangolfclub.com; 972-370-4653
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 25
John Jacobs Golf School and Academy at Black Diamond Lecanto, Fla. Black Diamond is one of the most exclusive golf experiences in the country. Earlier this year, the community teamed with the storied John Jacobs Golf School and Academy to provide elite instruction to its members and visiting golfers. John Jacobs Golf Schools (two- and three-day) cover every facet of the game from full-swing video analysis, to short-game technique, to trouble shots and uneven lies. The Academy offers a variety of customized programs tailored to students’ needs. Non-members interested in attending the John Jacobs Golf Schools and Academies can reserve a guest home in the community. More information: www.jacobsgolf.com, www.blackdiamondranch.com; 800-472-5007
Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hank Haney is renowned as one of golf’s greatest teachers. His list of students (past and present) includes household names like Tiger Woods, Charles Barkley, Ray Romano and, recently, Sugar Ray Leonard. However, Hank is more actively involved molding the future stars of the game. The Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) is the world’s only academy to combine training, competition and academics for serious junior golfers (ages 10-18). Each day, students receive instruction in full swing, short game, course management, fitness training, mental preparation and college placement from Hank Haney certified coaches. Every 4-6 weeks, Hank personally works with them on the development of their swing. In addition to the full-time regimen, Hank Haney IJGA also offers weekend and summer training, or juniors can design their own program for one to 365 days. More information: www.ijga.com, 800-791-8229.
26 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Dave Pelz and David Leadbetter Academies at PGA National Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic, PGA National Resort and Spa houses two of the premier golf instruction programs in the entire country. The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Golf School focuses on a combination of the short game and putting. Research from instructors shows golfers lose almost 80 percent of their shots to par within 100 yards of the hole. At Dave Pelz Scoring Game Golf School, the instruction focuses on distance wedges, pitching, chipping, sand play and putting. The David Leadbetter Golf Academy, opened in 2008, offers everything from full swing analysis to putting. The Academy has four classrooms outfitted with the latest in V1 Golf swing analysis computer technology, the SAM PuttLab and K-Vest, all of which deliver precise measurements in minimal time. More information: www.pgaresort.com, 800-863-2819
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 27
by Andy Reistetter
Finding your True South in Mississippi Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “Play-Write” series on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. On a recent golf travel assignment he was introduced to four golf courses- The Bridges, The Oaks, The Preserve and Fallen Oak where the Champions Tour’s Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic is held in March. Join Reistetter as he not only plays golf in some very special places but enjoys true Southern hospitality in some unusual places.
One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi … I played four Mississippi golf courses in four days!
W
ell almost, the most anticipated fourth round playing with Nick Price in the pro-am at Fallen Oak was cancelled due to an overnight rain storm. Any other golf course, any other day we would have played but preserving the condition of the golf course is of paramount importance when you are scheduled to host a Champions tour event the next day. The Tom Fazio design looked spectacular on television as Fred Couples won yet another championship. I can’t wait to return to the Magnolia State to play Fallen Oak. Mississippi “packs the punch” when it comes to a golf and coastal life style. Yes its 44 miles of coastline is far less than that of Florida (1350) and California (840). So too is the number of golf courses- Mississippi (124), Florida (1218) and California (906). If you look at the ratio of golf courses to coastline miles Mississippi (2.8) has three times the intensity of Florida (0.9) and California (1.1). The bottom line is once you arrive, don’t expect to drive far to play a variety of golf courses and enjoy the coast as well.
Preserve Golf Course Hole 16
I explored the coastal region of Mississippi from west-to-east. I played The Bridges and stayed at the Hollywood Casino Resort in Bay St. Louis the first day. Where there are bridges there are water hazards. This Arnold Palmer signature design is a fair test of golf in a tranquil and scenic setting.
On the second day I headed over to The Oaks in Pass Christian where Golf Channel’s Trip Isenhour set the course record with a third round 64 on his way to victory in the 2000 Buy.com Mississippi Gulf Coast Open. This is where the eye of Katrina passed over yet many oak trees remain to challenge your course management skills. With Hooter Girls as beverage cart attendants this must be a favorite of John Daly as well. Heading east my last stop was a few nights at the smoke-free Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi. The name of the Head Golf Professional at the resort’s Preserve Golf Club- Chris Champagne says it all when it comes to the quality of this golfing experience. Throw in Golf Superintendant Stephen Miles and his trusted Golden Retriever Tucker on the golf cart and you know the playing conditions are pristine and memorable. Jerry Pate the 1976 U.S. Open and inaugural PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass champion is the golf course designer. You won’t forget his par-3 16th hole with its scraggly-edge bunkers and sweeping green. I highly recommend lunch at The Preserve in the Sweet Bay restaurant. I had the seafood gumbo, hardwood smoked brisket drizzled with Jack Daniels BBQ sauce and the sweet potato nuggets. The meal was so good that I would go back with only a table 28 Golf Vacations • may 2012 www.golfvacationsmag.com
and no tee time reservation. As good as lunch was, dinner at Mignon’s in the Palace Casino Resort was even better. After sampling a variety of appetizers including BBQ shrimp, fresh oysters and crab cakes I feasted on the namesake filet. The dinner was hosted by Lisa Quirch who manages public relations for the resort. She’s been there 16 years, starting the day before it opened. Perfect for the job since she likes meeting people and people like meeting her. The three story barge casino that Katrina put out of business on August 29th is now located on the first two floors of the 236 room and suite 11-story hotel. Lisa help put 500 people back to work before the end of the year and it is those people, their hospitality that is hard to find elsewhere. Since the fourth round was a rainout I took a quick Biloxi Lighthouse from steps of Visitors Center shuttle over to the Coast Nightclub at the Beau Rivage to catch Las Vegas regular Dian Diaz’s show. Talk about an up close and personal experience. Great club, great show! Though I was disappointed we did not get to play in the pro-am honestly the day off the golf course was more fun. I recommend adding another off-day to any golf trip visiting Mississippi. Lunch at The Phonecian and a walk around Ocean Springs was the perfect respite from golf. Ocean Springs is the Cabot Cove of Mississippi. I met Laurel Luckey by chance the new editor of the Gazette. With a name like that I wanted to take her to the casino with me. She went to Ole Miss and came back via New York City and will likely add even a bit more zest to her hometown. Another nice young lady named Mabelle gave me a ride over to the Walter Anderson Mu-
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 29
seum of Art. I could have moseyed except for the brief rain shower. I was mesmerized by the biographical video of the mysterious, Rod Serling like artist. He ventured out to Horn Island to renew his youth and in the process created some artful renditions of birds and their habitat. Then I met Carla Beaugez of the Biloxi Tour Train who took me on a private tour that I will never forget. For sure she is the Angela Lansbury of Biloxi. While there was no murder to solve she revealed the mystery of Biloxi by noting at the start that “it is the humblest of humanity, not a melting pot.” Hurricanes have a way of bringing the strengths of people to the forefront. Carla lost the original train engine in Katrina and now makes due using her jeep to pull the passenger cars for her tour.
Tabitha & Inga outside Ole Biloxi Schooner
Her tour wasn’t what I expected, it was so much more. “If you ride with Carla you are a celebrity,” sounded like a cliché but isn’t. Yes you get the basics such as “the original Biloxi Lighthouse was made in Baltimore, Maryland and shipped in pieces by barge.” But you also get the personal insider view when she pulls over in front of the Old Biloxi Schooner restaurant and Tabitha and Inga come out on the sidewalk to chat with you for a while and offer you a Barq’s Root Beer. The Weather Witch of Biloxi is still there since1896. “Yes, Katrina aged our sails a bit,” Carla emphasizes, “but there is lots of love on my tour, both ways.” Whichever way you go in Mississippi I think you will find the warmth of its people and understand why it is also known as The Hospitality State.
The Bridges Golf Club at Casino Magic
What is great about the state of Mississippi is that the Coastal Region is only one of five tourist sections. The four other regions are the Capital/River, the Pines, the Hills and the Delta. Did you know that the Mississippi River is the entire western border of the state? I did not realize that and look forward to returning to explore the rest of Mississippi someday very soon. For more information on golfing in Mississippi go to the website http://visitmississippi.org/golf/ where you will be able to access complete information about the golf courses throughout the state, including stay-and-play packages. Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer as well as a Spotter, Research and Broadcast Assistant for The Golf Channel, NBC and CBS Sports. He spends time on all four major American golf tours- the PGA TOUR, Champions, Nationwide and LPGA Tours. A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and. Friend Andy Reistetter on Facebook to enjoy daily updates on his GolfWriter59 page. Or contact Reistetter by e-mail at AndyReistetter@gmail.com
Andy Reistetter Mr Hickory Golf Pairing Party Champions MS Gulf Resort Classic
30 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 31
SWEETSTUFF C ontinuing with its foray into a full line of performance golf apparel, FootJoy is expanding its line of new offerings with the debut this summer of its Fall, 2012 collection led by four all-new contemporary color collections and that feature new and exciting performance pieces for all style preferences and playing conditions. Featuring contemporary colors and patterns in a variety of style and performance fabrics, the design focus for FJ performance apparel is totally on golf-- and in this regard this traditional leader in golf shoes and gloves can claim a birdie with some very stylish new arrivals to their growing line of clothing.
The fall, 2012 color collections will be supplemented by a core range of Essentials shirts, rain and outerwear pieces and accessories, including: CAPTIVA - a vibrant collection featuring Navy, Sky, Raspberry and White color combinations; SEDONA - this desert-inspired collection features Slate, Orange, Khaki and Stone; BAR HARBOR - this classic collection uses the strong, traditional colors of Black, Royal, Steel and White; ADIRONDACK - the colors of Navy, Burgundy, Gold, Hunter and Cream give Adirondack a true, Autumn feel. In addition to the fashion collections and based on consumer demand, FJ will also expand its Essentials shirts to include a number of Pencil Stripe ProDry Performance Lisle shirts and will also introduce a new ProDry Performance Lisle Solid with a knit collar. The FooJoy shirt line sports an especially
32 Golf Vacations • may 2012
flattering full-cut that offers ample room in the shoulders and an extra-long back shirt tail for a stylish, elegant look on or off the course with a rich, silky feeling blended ProDry® fabric that is moisture wicking. These shirts also are antimicrobial with an easy care fabric and doublestitched seem and lock stitched hems. Moving to the outer layer, FJ will debut a new Performance Light Rain Jacket with zip-off sleeves, new four-way stretch fabric, a two-way front zipper and enhanced overall waterproofness. In addition, to complement the successful Performance Lined pullovers, a new line of fine Merino Wool Sweaters and Vests is also on tap. The Performance Half-Zip Pullover is a great addition to a golf wardrobe as a mid-layer for a variety of weather conditions. Available in seven colors, the Half Zip Pullover offers a generous cut that will look great having cocktails but won’t inhibit your swing on a cool day with full-cut shoulders. The four-way stretch fabric provides UV sun protection; breathability and the elastic knit collar and sleeve cuffs give this pullover a smart look and feel. For those warmer days, the FJ Performance Shorts, available in five colors, offer a country-club length cut to the knees with a flattering, trim cut in a durable blended fabric that wears well. The FJ Performance Pants are available in four basic colors and a light fabric blend with athletic cut that gives a sharp look on or off the golf course. For more info: www.footjoy.com/apparel
W
ith summer right around the corner anyone enjoying outdoor activities— especially those playing golf—will be looking for ways to stay cool and refreshed. A new solution to this problem called Cool Off® wipes is an ingenious new product that comes as a small sealed towelette that resembles a baby wipe, but does so much more. Initial tests with thermal imaging reveal that Cool Off®, if used correctly, can lower the user’s surface skin temperature up to 12 degrees within 5 minutes and maintains the coolness for 60 minutes or more. These portable, min towelettes are perfect to put in a golf bag or simply in your pocket. Less bulky than a gym towel and easy to pack and go,
Cool Off® natural mini wipes quickly cool you down by using cooling herbs, moisturizing botanicals and essential oils. These are a perfect way to cool off mid-way through practice or in a tournament and make it easy to renew, re-energize, and refresh, anytime in a convenient, pocket sized packet. The product team behind Cool Off® carefully researched the herbs and botanicals to find the best combination possible. While there are no medical claims, the ingredients are known natural ingredients that promote a therapeutic reaction when applied to the skin, such as Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Arnica, Sea Weed Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Red Clover, St. John’s Wort Extract, Oat Kernel Extract and Flaxseed. The product also contains White Tea Leaf, a natural anti-bacterial plant that is effective as an energy-booster. With convenience a priority—especially for those that travel—these small packets of cooling can make all the difference during those hot summer days on the course. For more info, visit: www.thequickchill.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
SWEETSTUFF J by TerryRoss
ust as playing golf takes the right equipment, traveling also requires the proper accompaniments and having luggage up to the task to help with an enjoyable trip is probably as important— or more so--than golf gear when it comes to being comfortable in the air, on the road and in hotels. Club Glove, the Huntington Beach designer and manufacturer of premium luggage and golf travel bags has taken the art of packing and transporting travelers’ valued clubs and belongings to another level with some innovative new additions to their lineup in 2012. It is no wonder that more than 90 percent of PGA Tour and Champions Tour players and six Ryder Cup captains have chosen this brand of luggage for their travel. The TRS Ballistic line of ultra-premium luggage tops the company’s new line and is specifically crafted to redefine the first-class travel experience for those golfers seeking the most durable and stylish luggage. The TRS Ballistic set consists of a carry-on; check-in and XL checkin--and is also available as a set. Made-in-the-USA and specifically crafted to complement the first-class travel experience, the TRS Ballistic line showcases a sleek, amazingly
www.golfvacationsmag.com
functional design and the most durable materials used in the luggage world today. All pieces are constructed from U.S. woven INVISTA CORDURA® 1050 denier Nylon Ballistic fabric, which offers double the abrasion resistance and four times the resistance of other premium materials. “When we launched TRS Ballistic, our goal was to create the absolute best luggage on the planet,” says company founder Jeff Herold. “Our original all-black line was so popular with globetrotting celebrities, business executives, leisure travelers and PGA Tour stars that we recognized a definite need to introduce even more color options.” Additional features of this new line include patented, ultra-durable wheel base and retractable handle – engineered to provide ideal balance and convenience; premium zippers, easyto-open flap, internal webbing with superior tensile strength and packing modules for the perfect compartmentalization of clothing, toiletries, shoes and other items. Another innovative creation from Club Glove is the Train Reaction™ System, a patentpending method for drastically reducing the effort needed to pull or push gear by creating
a perfect center of gravity to make bags feel weightless. This allows for three pieces and over 90 pounds of luggage to be rolled with just one hand with an assembled luggage “train” that self-balances without toppling over—such as a Rolling Duffle, Gear Bag and Burst Proof with Wheels golf cover—enough for a week-long trip. This is accomplished with the Train Reaction™ plastic connector that secures the luggage pieces together to be pulled as one. The newlyreleased J-Hook is an alternative method of creating a luggage train system and centers upon a new attachment point. Simply fasten the device to the fully extended handle of a carry-on piece and place the carry grip of a Last Bag® XL, Last Bag® or Burst Proof w/Wheels II in the hook. “This amazing method allows avid golfers already using Club Glove travel gear to duplicate the effect of our patented Train Reaction™ System without having to upgrade their luggage,” added Herold. “The ensemble self-balances, is ready to roll in seconds and so easy to transport that even a six-year old can easily pull 100 pounds of gear.” For more information on the Club Glove line of luggage: www.clubglove.com
Golf Vacations • may 2012 33
34 Golf Vacations • may 2012
www.golfvacationsmag.com