OUR 20th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2021
SWING INTO SPRING IN THE SOUTHEAST USA
PUERTO RICO GOLF ON WORLD STAGE TROPICAL ISLE IDEAL FOR TRAVEL
Plus: TRUE LINKSWEAR NAILS IT AGAIN
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GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2021
The Ritz Carlton, Abama • Canary Islands, Spain
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Chip Shots
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Puerto Rico Shines On World Stage
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by Dakota Diaz Puerto Rico has earned its esteemed status as a premier tropical golf destination. It is home to 18 courses – with new ones planned – world-class beaches, dozens of resorts, thousands of restaurants, and is traveler friendly. As the air hub of the Caribbean, a top Airbnb destination, and a bilingual Island that requires no passport for U.S. citizens, it is ideally suited for invigorating escapes.
Swing Into Spring In The Southeast
by Shane Sharp The dogwoods and azaleas of the Southeastern U.S. are blooming, and the first round of the 2021 Masters is about to get underway. Put simply, the golf season is upon us. And oh what a season it is shaping up to be.
TRUE Linkswear Nails It Again
A handful of apparel brands in golf have a true cult following. Sure, plenty of them have followers, loyalists and even fanatics. But there are a select few companies out there for which golfers actually swear by their gear and will wear nothing else.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dakota Diaz is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Growing up in the golf mecca of Palm Springs, CA, Dakota is no stranger to the golf resort lifestyle. You’ll find him at his “real job” as Partner/Chief Investment Officer at Green Cloud Capital, a Southern Californa based private equity firm.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
Associate Editors Shane Sharp is a freelance writer and the owner of Southbound 4, a content marketing and PR shop in Greenville, S.C. He’s a contributing editor with GOLF Magazine, Club & Resort Business, Golf Inc. and Club Management.
Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers 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.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
For Editorial:
call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling the Pocono Mountains 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 • (678) 906-4050 harold@chamblissmediagroup.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774–2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
Cimarron Communications 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 2021 Stony Creek Media, LLC, 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 Firestone Country Club Announces Limited Spring Stay-and-Play Packages for 2021
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KRON, OH – Firestone Country Club, renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf, announces special spring stay-and-play packages ideal for memorable buddy trips and golf getaways. Through May 31, the exclusive stayand-play packages include overnight accommodations in Firestone’s standard club rooms and rounds of golf. The 1 Day | 1 Night experience starts at $300 (per person, per night) and includes golf on the North Course. Starting at $500, the 2 Days | 1 Night offers a round of golf on the South and North Courses, while the 2 Days | 2 Nights package starts at $600 and includes golf on the South and North Courses. Golf and lodging upgrades to the guest villas are available with each package at booking, and additional rounds of golf may be included at a fee. Course replays can be added based on availability, and season demands could reflect an increased rate. Other restrictions may apply, and rates do not include service charges, tax or tips. Stays and experiences exceeding two nights will be customized by Firestone’s Club Concierge Team. Specializing in providing personalized experiences for any group, the Club
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Concierge Team handles services such as dinner reservations or curated dining experiences, private event services, tee time scheduling, off-property activity planning, personalized villa stocking and amenities, and individual private golf lessons or group golf clinics. “The spring is a perfect time to enjoy our incredible courses and fantastic accommodations at great rates,” says Jay Walkinshaw, General Manager at Firestone. To book these limited golf packages or for more information, please visit clubcorp.com/Clubs/Firestone-CountryClub/Stay-Play or call 330.245.3280. Since the 1950s, Firestone and its famed South Course have annually hosted the biggest names in professional golf. In addition to being site of three PGA Championships, the club was the long-time venue for the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and its predecessor, the World Series of Golf. It currently hosts the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions. The North Course is a splendid Robert Trent Jones design that opened for member play in 1969. Marked by numerous lakes and streams, the North Course has played host to both the
American Golf Classic and World Series of Golf. Several publications have listed the North Course among the “Top 100 Modern Courses”. Formerly known as the West Course, the Fazio Course is undergoing a bunker enhancement project that should be completed by this spring. The dormitory-style club rooms each feature a view of Firestone’s layouts, and pay homage to more than 50 years of incredible golf history. For a resort experience at Firestone, there are 57 golf villa rooms sprinkled throughout the property. Dining is available at three on-property establishments, including the clubhouse’s 1929 Grille & Legacy Pavilion and 55th Hole Bar, both of which offer open-air dining and golf course views. Firestone is conveniently located less than an hour from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and 15 minutes from Akron-Canton Airport. It is also within easy driving distance of other major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Nearby off-course attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. For more information, www. firestonecountryclub.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Author Leamon Boddie’s New Book “Driver First: My Perspective” Leamon Boddie, a senior citizen and lifelong Alabama resident who took up the game of golf in his early thirties, has completed his new book “Driver First: My Perspective”: a thought-provoking discussion of various golf clubs and their respective roles in the success of the game.
This book was written by someone who came to golf late. He has a conflicted look back in time when he began playing golf, knowing now he did not see the whole picture but only that he wanted to play golf. No consideration of what playing golf would entail. He knows very well a clear-headed and well-thought-out approach to start playing golf probably would have stymied or created mental crutches rather than playing golf. He would have discovered reasons not to play. He obviously did not think of the “driver first” approach—to start with the driver and find out what to expect going forward. The bulk of this book is not about golf. It is about being an adult when he decided to start playing golf. Some of what happened on and off the golf course. It is not about the fine points of a good golf game. Published by Page Publishing, Leamon Boddie’s entertaining book is an excellent choice for avid and beginning recreational golfers. Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “Driver First: My Perspective” at bookstores everywhere,
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or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866315-2708.
Golf Saudi Launches ‘Power Of The Game’ Podcast RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Listeners interested in the rapid development of golf in Saudi Arabia can now get the inside track to its trailblazing plans via Golf Saudi’s brand-new podcast – Power of the Game. The series has been launched to explore the creation of new golf courses, efforts to bring new players into the game and shed light on Saudi Arabia’s sustainability in golf mission, and much more, as it seeks to establish the world’s most integrated golfing ecosystem. The podcast series is hosted by Dubai Eye’s golf obsessive Robbie Greenfield, who will regularly invite guests to discuss their involvement in golf development in the Kingdom. The first five episodes have today been released as a ‘box-set” and include discussions with Ladies European Tour CEO, Alex Armas, 2018 Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjorn and an exclusive feature with Jack Nicklaus, who describes the designs for his new golf course at Qiddiya. The podcast series underlines Golf Saudi’s ambition and its connectivity to the national Vision 2030 social-economic development programme and will emphasise Saudi Arabia’s role in establishing new global benchmarks across its six pillars: Access and Infrastructure, Events, National Team and Academies, Sustainability, Mass Participation and Tourism.
These will deliver key metrics in the next decade for the country, including having 13 – 27 thousand registered golfers in the Kingdom and ensuring over one million Saudi nationals have actively tried golf. Commenting on the new podcast for the country, Majed Al Sorour, CEO of Golf Saudi and The Saudi Golf Federation, said: “At Golf Saudi, we have a number of over-arching aspirations for golf in the Kingdom and we wanted to give our new listeners the chance to hear more about these. We have laid out major plans for the socio-economic growth and development of the golf in the Kingdom, through tourism, commerce, investment and the entertainment sectors and are working with many amazing organisations and people to deliver these. “These are hugely exciting times and through the ‘Power of the Game’ podcast series we hope the stories of the work we are doing and the passion shown by these individuals shines through and gives our listeners a better view than ever of the scale of our ambition.” Listeners will be able to tune into each episode via major podcast providers: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher. The first five episodes are now also available to view as Vodcasts at GolfSaudi.com/podcast, kicking off with Ladies European Tour CEO, Alex Armas, who discusses the newly-launched Aramco Team Series, the impact of the pandemic on women’s sport, and the Ladies European Tour’s work with Golf Saudi. To find out more about Golf Saudi, visit: www.golfsaudi.com
Camilla Lennarth & Amy Boulden
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Sir Nick Faldo Annouces New Design In Vietnam With Thanh Lanh Golf Club WINDSOR, UK – Sir Nick Faldo has revealed his latest golf course design with a new peninsula layout near Hanoi, Vietnam – Thanh Lanh Golf Club – wowing golfers with lakeside views and mountain horizons. The unique setting is celebrated from all angles of the design with the site’s returning nines routing reimagining the peninsula layout and inviting the landscape into the playing experience across every hole. Away from the surrounding views, the design harnesses the natural context of the course and responds to it through the detailing of features, most notably using unique bunker shaping to mirror the overlooking mountain skyline. Having recently adapted to remote working and virtual design direction in the latter stages of construction, the six-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer is set to complete work this summer on the new 18-hole course in Vinh Phuc Province near Hanoi. Sir Nick Faldo commented: “This is a special site and presents us with an opportunity to create a memorable, world-class golf course. In addition to 9 lakeside holes, our design features spectacular mountain and lake views from all 18 holes. We are also very fortunate to be working with a client who shares the same vision as we do in terms of incorporating the existing natural landscape into a high-quality strategic golf course and development.” The course will measure at over 7,000 yards and present a strate-
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gic challenge using preserved local features, such as natural streams and relief, to create interest and shot variation around all 18-holes. However, with five sets of tees, the design offers an inviting playing experience for all golfing abilities with generous tee shots and downhill run offs supporting shorter hitters. Inspired by the local surroundings, Faldo Design Lead Architect, Andrew Haggar, said: “From the start of design to the completion of construction we have looked to be creative and innovative on this project. Establishing returning nines which both play out and back, and which share in the beauty of the lakeside, really set the foundation for maximising the site’s surrounding assets.” “The closing stretch, I think quite fittingly, encompasses much of what we’ve tried to achieve by returning players along the shoreline of the lake to the new clubhouse with a magnificent mountain backdrop. This place certainly has memorability and once visited players will definitely want to return.” Sustainable practices have also remained at the forefront of the design’s decision making, implementing a comprehensive planting programme to support an ongoing thriving environment in addition to the ‘cut and fill’ practice used during the course’s construction phases to eliminate any earthmoving waste at the site. For more information on Faldo Design go to www.nickfaldodesign.com or follow Faldo Design on social media: Twitter: @FaldoDesign | Facebook: @faldodesign | Instagram: @ faldodesign
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Leadingcourses.com partners with GolfUS
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o increase traction in the Italian market Leadingcourses.com - the leading review and booking portal in Europe - has partnered with GolfUS to ensure more golf clubs in Italy will become bookable. GolfUS is the official Italian reseller of Chronogolf by Lightspeed, which is a golf course management system used by more than 1,000 golf clubs worldwide. Italy destined to become a real golf destination Leading Courses - who has been active for over 10 years - has a very positive outlook in golf tourism in Italy. Italy is home to many golf courses, often designed by famous golf course architects. More and more Italian golf clubs are opening their doors to green fee players and are less focused on members only. Jeroen Korving, founder of Leadingcourses.com and responsible for the growth of bookable golf clubs on the site: “In the summer of 2020 - when covid-19 was less prominent and people could travel again - we noticed a huge increase in demand for countries like France and Italy. People decided to travel by car and I expect that that trend will also continue in 2021. France and Italy are countries with a great infrastructure for tourism, the cuisine is great and both have lovely golf courses.
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The only thing Italian clubs need to do is to digitise their golf operation.” Paulo Vittadini, president, and CEO of GolfUS couldn’t agree more: “Italy is such a beautiful country and this is well known all over the world. Tourists however are not aware that Italy has such stunning golf courses, often nearby other famous attractions. Most Italian courses are playable all year long and it’s a pity that tourists are not aware of this. Our goal is to grow the Italian golf business, giving clubs the chance to increase their revenues with golf tourism.” Local presence in Italy Leading Courses connects to many different tee sheet providers - basically digital agendas - throughout Europe. Each country has its specific suppliers, but many of them also are quite outdated in terms of technology. Chronogolf is a powerful cloud-based tee sheet and we can only applaud a company like GolfUS which is willing to invest and roll-out such technology in a country like Italy. Jeroen Korving: “The partnership will help us to grow more rapidly in Italy, as we already have connected many golf clubs using Chronogolf. For us the language barrier is difficult and the GolfUS team only consists of
Italian people who are well networked in the Italian golf market. They speak the language and know the culture. That helps a lot. Davide Fasci, head of Digital at GolfUS explains the need to open up: “Key for Italian golf industry is asset management, with tee times being the most valuable asset of a golf club. Digital evolution, with proper tools and reliable channels, will help revenues grow, it will enhance the experience of members and it will simplify the work of golf club employees. Prepare now, profit later Because of covid-19 and because the Italian golf competition season has not yet started, Italian clubs must spend their time wisely. Jeroen Korving: “This is the perfect time to start using a digital tee sheet and to plan for the future. Such a tee sheet will help to increase insights into when members golf and when they don’t. This will help a golf course manager to increase the yield and thus overall revenue. And, that is something clubs can use after the last year. Luca Bergnacchini, Marketing Manager at GolfUS couldn’t agree more: “Digital marketing is the only way to promote Italy as a golf destination abroad. Market leaders as Leadingcourses will help us seamlessly connect Italian golf courses to the world.” (from JD Latorre)
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Champion Hills
Champion Hills Swings into 2021 Golf Season with New Membership Offerings, Luxury Home Ownership Opportunities HENDERSONVILLE, NC – Champion Hills, home of Tom Fazio’s seminal “Mountain Masterpiece,” is swinging into 2021 with new membership offerings and luxury home ownership opportunities, responding to a surge in relocations to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. A year-round golf community and club, Champion Hills is ideally situated 45 minutes south of the craft beer capital and cultural center of Asheville and an hour north of award-winning Greenville, S.C. Downtown Hendersonville, a charming main street town with shops and restaurants, is only a few minutes away. “With majestic mountains, pristine lakes and vibrant towns, Western North Carolina continues to be a top relocation destination for retirees, second-home owners and those of all ages looking for a mild four-season climate with a low cost of living,” says Champion
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Hills General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Dana Schultz. “Our membership plans have been enhanced and expanded to meet this demographic shift.” Membership Plans Earlier this year, the club announced its new Equity 55, a full golf membership designed for those age 55 and under. The $40,000 initiation fee is divided into four equal payments over four years, dues and replacement reserve fund contributions are reduced by 50% and the club’s $800 annual food and beverage minimum is prorated for new members. Coming off a record sales year, Champion Hills’ newly enhanced National Membership is for those who don’t own property in Henderson County but want to enjoy all the privileges, social activities and friendly competition that come with belonging
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to a premier private golf club. The initiation fee is $5,500 and monthly dues are $265 with 30 rounds of golf included before incurring a guest fee. The Annual Explorer is a 12-month trial membership showcasing the complete Champion Hills experience. The Initiation fee is $3,500, which can be applied to any membership at the end of the year, and monthly dues are $955. It’s ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in club life before selecting their long-term membership plan. Champion Hills’ flagship offering is the Full Equity Golf Membership, which in addition to full access to all club activities and amenities includes both vertical family
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and Troon Privé benefits. One of the most valuable benefits a club can offer, vertical family membership enables a members’ parents, children and grandchildren to experience all aspects of the club, unaccompanied, regardless of age. Member-owned and managed by Troon, Champion Hills’ Full Equity Golf members enjoy entree to 100+ Troon Privé golf courses, preferred rates at more than 150 Troon Golf resort and daily fee locations, enjoyment of amenities at participating private clubs and preferred benefits at participating Cliff Drysdale Tennis clubs and resorts. The Community Champion Hills boasts a broad array of residential options – luxury homes,
low maintenance cottages, lock-and-leave villas and a limited number of building lots – suiting a wide variety of buyers. With the U.S. housing supply near a twodecade low, buyers appreciate being able to source a move-in ready home that checks all the boxes. With a diverse mix of resale homes, buyers can also find the mix of floorplans, finishes and outdoor amenities they seek. If not, money saved by going with an existing resale can be invested in renovations and upgrades. On the other hand, those retaining their current residence have ample time to engage a builder for a custom-built home. New residents are often pleasantly surprised by how much home they can afford in one of Western North Carolina’s most exclusive mountain communities. Building lots typically range from .5 up to 1.5 acres, with prices from $50,000 to $300,000. Move-in ready luxury residences range from $500,000 to $3 million featuring golf course, mountain and wooded views. The Golf Course Fazio’s former home course and club, and the legendary golf course architect devised a brilliant routing at Champion Hills, wending through heavily forested hills, deep ravines and cool mountain streams in a scenic Blue Ridge Mountain setting. He and his team of shapers pulled ridges into valleys and filled hollows to create “playing platforms” providing golfers with level lies amid 350-feet of elevation change. The course recently moved up six spots on Golfweek’s list of the “Best Residential Golf Courses,” and additional enhancements are planned through 2021 to further elevate its playability. Of note, Champion Hills is one of the few golf courses in the Carolinas to feature five sets of tees rated for women, responding to the growth in this player segment. About Champion Hills Champion Hills is a private boutique club in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just above Hendersonville and 30 minutes from Asheville. At Champion Hills, residents enjoy the perfect balance: a relaxed lifestyle that offers golf, tennis and much more. All surrounded by the recreation, entertainment and culture of western North Carolina. Unlike many private, seasonal, mountain communities, Champion Hills offers year-round golf, activities, and casual and fine dining options. And since 2013, property ownership is no longer a requirement for Champion Hills membership. For more information, visit www.championhills.com or call (828) 696-1962.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Ridge Course at Lodge of Four Seasons
The Lodge Of Four Seasons Introduces 2021 Golf Stay & Play Packages LAKE OZARK, MO – The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri has introduced four golf stay and play packages for the 2021 spring and summer seasons. Guests can choose from a wide variety of accommodations that suit single travelers, couples, groups and large families. The Best of the Lake Package – Play both golf courses at The Lodge, plus experience one of the “Top 5 Courses in Missouri” when you play The Club at Porto Cima, the private Jack Nicklaus Signature design across the lake. The Best of the Lake Package starts at $199 per person, per night based upon double occupancy and includes: • Two night’s lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons •One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima • One round at The Cove Golf Course at The Lodge of Four Seasons •One round at The Ridge Golf Course at The Lodge of Four Seasons The Eagle Golf Package – This package includes private golf at The Club at Porto Cima (named by Golf Digest as one of the Top 5 Best Courses in Missouri) and one round at The Cove or The Ridge. The Eagle Golf Package starts at $149 per person, per night based upon double occupancy and includes: •Two night’s lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons •One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima •One round at either The Cove or The Ridge The Unlimited Golf Package – With the Unlimited Golf Package you get unlimited golf on The Ridge and The Cove courses, plus arrival day golf after noon. The Unlimited Golf Package starts at $140 per person, per night based upon double occupancy and includes: •Two night’s accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons •Unlimited golf on The Cove and The Ridge • Arrival day golf: tee it up beginning at noon on the day of arrival and receive unlimited golf on days two and three
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Stay and Play Package – The Stay and Play Package is perfect for a quick overnight getaway and a great value to boot. The Stay and Play Package starts at $105 per person, per night based upon double occupancy and includes: • Nightly accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons • One round of golf per night on either the Robert Trent Jonesdesigned Cove Course or the Ken Kavanaugh-designed Ridge Course. Single occupancy and single golfer pricing is also available for all golf packages. For more information on all of The Lodge of Four Seasons’ golf packages, visit www.4seasonsresort.com/golf-packages or call 888-265-5500.
Troon Announces Strategic Partnership With Manifest Lifestyle and Travel Club SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon®, the leader in club management, development, and marketing, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Manifest, the exclusive, chapter-based lifestyle and travel club that provides custom-crafted getaways to unique destinations within the U.S. paired with private air service. This strategic partnership between the two luxury lifestyle brands will provide enhanced benefits to each company’s members and increase member acquisition opportunities as well. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Troon, one of the world’s largest and most reputable golf management companies,” said Dan Cohn, Vice President of Corporate Strategy for Manifest. “This new partnership will not only provide preeminent golf experiences and access for Manifest members, but will also increase Troon member benefits by providing private air travel as well as access to Manifestcurated adventures across the U.S.” The strategic partnership provides Manifest access to marketing opportunities to Troon members via Troon channels for member acquisition. In addition, a limited number of Manifest members
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS experience per week in a combination of three-, four-, six- and seven-day trips. Members can invite up to three guests per trip and most trips will have between four and eight people. The experiences will range in price depending on the activity, location and length of stay. Manifest designs, curates and manages all of the logistical components of each experience. About Manifest Based in Denver, Colorado, and founded by Jeff Potter, the former CEO of Frontier Airlines, Exclusive Resorts and Surf Air, Manifest is an exclusive, chapter-based lifestyle and travel club that provides custom-crafted getaways to unique destinations within the U.S., removing the hassle of typical travel by providing private air service. Currently, Manifest has chapters in Denver, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Basin, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Phoenix with additional chapters to follow. To date, the company has raised over $2 million and is currently filling out its seed round. For more information, visit www.manifestescapes.com.
IAGTO Asia Golf Tourism Convention Heads to “Magical” Miyazaki, Japan, in April 2021
from each of its first six chapters will be given access to Troon Evergreen benefits, which includes savings on greens fees and merchandise at 125 courses (100 domestic and 25 international). Manifest members will also receive access to Manifest-hosted events at Troon-managed properties within their chapter region. As part of the agreement, Manifest will design, curate and manage a variety of trips for members of Troon-managed clubs including adventure, wine/culinary, cultural, and romantic destinations. Manifest will also act as a white label private aviation contact for members of Troon-managed clubs who wish to travel via private aircraft – whether it be to other Troon destinations, for business or other leisure purposes. Members of Troon-managed clubs who choose to become a Manifest member will have their first annual dues ($2,500) applied to their first Manifest trip and will receive 25% off annual dues for the remaining two years. “We are delighted to launch this partnership with Manifest to provide bucket list lifestyle trips and excursions to members and customers of Troon-managed clubs,” said Brett Brooks, Troon’s Director of Global Partnerships. “Manifest’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and custom travel opportunities to members and customers aligns perfectly with the Troon experience.” Manifest has club “chapters” that are geo-located in the top 50 to 60 U.S. markets. Current chapters include Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Phoenix with additional chapters to be launched later this year. Each chapter begins with limited memberships of only 175 members. Members pay annual dues of $2,500, which provides access to Manifest’s exclusive members-only experiences with private air service included. Those interested can join a waitlist in each of the future chapters for a refundable $500 fee. During the first year, Manifest will offer members one
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After a one-year hiatus, IAGTO has announced that the ninth edition of its Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in the Japanese prefecture of Miyazaki in April 2021. The event, taking place from 20-22 April, 2021, provides an opportunity for golf tour operators from around the world to meet with golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and other golf tourism suppliers from across the Asia Pacific region and to experience the incredible year-round golf destination of Miyazaki on Kyushu Island in southern Japan. Tour operators will arrive on 17 April for three days of golf before the convention gets under way on 21 April with golf inspection trips to other parts of Japan beginning two days later. IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “After skipping a year due to Covid-19, we are really excited to have this opportunity to reconvene the convention in the iconic and magical golf destination of Miyazaki, just three months before the rescheduled Olympics. “Having staged a number of familiarisation tours and events in Japan since 2010, we know that there is enormous interest in the country from golf tour operators and their discerning clients. For decades, Miyazaki has been very well known as a tremendous golf destination domestically and now, thanks to the support of the Governor of Miyazaki Prefecture, we will be able showcase the destination to the world, just as all eyes turn to Japan.” AGTC 2021 will take place at the Phoenix Seagaia Resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean just 20 minutes from Miyazaki Airport. The resort’s 27-hole Phoenix Country Club has hosted the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament every year since 1974. Past champions include Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, a youthful Seve Ballesteros and, more recently, Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka. At an announcement in Miyazaki City on 13 July, the Governor of Miyazaki Prefecture, Kouno Shunji, said: “We are delighted and honoured to hear that Miyazaki has been selected to host the AGTC 2021. Since Miyazaki Prefecture has plenty of great golf courses and is blessed with a warm climate that makes for great golfing all year round, we stage a number of pro tournaments and receive thousands of golf visitors every year. We very much look forward to seeing everyone at AGTC 2021!” Walton added: “In the months ahead we will continue to closely track the course of and, hopefully, recovery from, Covid-19 around the globe and we will implement all necessary precautions that may still be required next year.”
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Pronghorn - Nicklaus13th Hole
Oregon’s Pronghorn Resort Announces 2021 Stay & Play Packages BEND, OR – In preparation for what experts predict to be a busy travel season, Pronghorn Resort, a leading luxury hotel and residential community in Bend, Ore., announces its 2021 Stay & Play golf packages. Packages include luxury accommodations at Pronghorn Resort’s Huntington Lodge, the beautiful 104 guest room and suite hotel which opened on the property in 2019. Surrounded by views of the Cascade Mountains, Pronghorn’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and Tom Fazio Championship Course are bucketlist destinations for golfers of all levels. Stay and Play at Pronghorn – Created for the golf enthusiast, the Stay and Play at Pronghorn package includes a night in the Huntington Lodge and two rounds on Pronghorn’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Special midweek rates are available. Guests booking this package save 10 percent on lodging. Midweek Golf Getaway – Play hooky and getaway during the week when the crowds are slim and rounds are fast. This sweet deal includes four rounds of golf, dinner and drinks for two. Valid for two-night minimum stays Monday-Thursday, with guests saving 15 percent on lodging. The Ultimate Pronghorn Experience Golf Package – This experience has all the essentials covered with four rounds of golf and two nights in the Huntington Lodge. The Ultimate Pronghorn Experience Golf Package is valid for stays Sunday through Saturday, with guests saving 10 percent on lodging. Stay, Play and Get Fit – For a limited time at Pronghorn Resort, True Spec Golf, the world’s premier brand agnostic club fitter, is
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offering 50 percent off custom club fittings. With over 35,000 club head and shaft combinations, True Spec Golf will custom-fit and hand-build the most precise set of golf clubs you’ve ever played. To schedule a fitting, email info@truespecgolf.com or call (844) 7298809. Mention promo code PRONGHORN50 to receive 50 percent off your fitting at True Spec Bend. Each of Pronghorn Resort’s Stay and Play packages can be scheduled at https://pronghornresort.com/special-offers or by calling 866-320-5024. Located at the heart of the 640-acre community of Pronghorn Resort, Huntington Lodge overlooks the 18th hole of the Tom Faziodesigned Championship Golf Course and offers stunning views of the surrounding juniper groves and nine peaks along the Cascade Mountain Range. The Lodge features a vibrant lobby lounge and gathering place that connects indoor and outdoor dining spaces; an outdoor pool created for year-round use with a spacious deck and a central fireplace. The Lodge is conveniently located near the 55,000-square-foot clubhouse and the Trailhead recreation center with a family swimming pool and fitness center. Each of the Lodge’s 104 guest rooms and suites feature panoramic views of the surrounding forest and bordering mountains. With the intention of connecting guests to the outdoors, rooms offer private outdoor terraces and expansive glass windows. Additional luxury amenities include in-room fireplaces, full kitchens and en suite master bathrooms with a full shower and tub. The décor is inspired by natural tones and textures of the high desert with organic wood and expressive, modern furnishings that are brightened with contrasting choice accents. Larger configurations are available with connected
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS living rooms. Two-bedroom suites are also available for larger groups or families. Resort and golf operations at Pronghorn Resort are managed by Troon, the world’s largest club management company. About Pronghorn Resort Pronghorn Resort has received recognition as the premier resort community in the West and was the first to offer a side-by-side Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course, both of which are managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon. The development offers a range of vacation homes and Residence Club; a full-service spa with five treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, and indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms; fitness center with a movement studio for spin, yoga and Pilates classes, as well as a full gym with LifeFitness equipment; Pronghorn Academy by Jeff Ritter; and the Trailhead Center, a facility for family recreation and outdoor pursuits with immediate access to Central Oregon’s numerous outdoor activities. Dining options include Grill on the Green, Ghost Tree Lounge, Trailhead Grill and Cascada. Pronghorn is conveniently located minutes from downtown Bend’s budding art and dining scene and renowned craft beer culture, with 18 breweries along the Bend Ale Trail. The resort is the ultimate jumping-off point for exploring the countless year-round recreational activities and outdoor adventures available in Central Oregon, including hiking nearby volcanoes, world-class rock climbing at Smith Rock, fly fishing and whitewater rafting on the nearby Deschutes River, paddle boarding, road cycling, mountain biking, and skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, North America’s fifth largest ski resort. For more information on Pronghorn Resort, visit www.pronghornresort.com.
Open de France returns to Le Golf National The European Tour and the French Golf Federation - ffgolf, announced on February 1st the Open de France will return to Le Golf National from May 6th to 9th 2021, with Grégory Havret becoming the first tournament host in the event’s illustrious history. Future host of 2022 World Amateur Team Championships and Golf at 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Parisian Venue will see the continental Europe’s oldest national Open return to the European Tour’s International Schedule after being cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like other tournaments on the 2021 Race to Dubai, the Open de France will be played under the auspices of the European Tour’s health strategy which will continue to evolve in line with French Government guidance. The European Tour and the French Golf Federation plan to stage the event without general admission in May. Pascal Grizot, President of the ffgolf, said: “On behalf of the ffgolf and all French golfers, I warmly thank the European Tour for the support brought to the 2021 edition of our Open. After such a difficult year, this comeback of the Open de France on the international schedule is a first step in our common effort to lay the groundworks of a greater future for this historical tournament.” “The Albatros remains a real golf test for European Tour players as well as for the World Amateur Team Championships 2022 and the Olympics 2024.” Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, added: “The Open de France is one of our most historic tournaments and Le Golf National is one of the leading venues in Europe, so we are delighted to confirm that both will feature as part of our schedule this year.” The Open de France will also have a tournament host this year, with three-time European Tour winner Havret becoming the first player to take on the ambassadorial role. He said: “The Open de France means so much not only to golf fans in France but also to all of the French players, as shown by the commitment made today by
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so many of my fellow professionals to the event.” He will be joined at Le Golf National by France’s current crop of exciting European Tour players led by Victor Perez, World Number 35. The 2021 Open de France, which will have a prize fund of €1.5million, will be the 104th edition of the tournament and the 19th consecutive to be played at Le Golf National, the venue which also hosted The 2018 Ryder Cup when Europe defeated the United States by 17½-10½. Le Golf National will stay open until a few days before staging the event so that golfers can indulge themselves on the Albatros course as much as possible. The venue will reopen just after the event - on May 11th, enabling golfers the exclusive chance to brave the Albatros in stunning championship conditions. In addition to French golfers, pro groups and international guests will be more than welcome if travel restrictions are reduced by that time of the year. Several pro groups offers and play and stay packages are available. On the one hand, golfers can make the most of their stay enjoying the onsite four-star Novotel Saint Quentin en Yvelines, overlooking the spectacular 4 final holes of the 2018 Ryder Cup Course. On the other hand, they may delight in experiencing the French art de vivre staying in Versailles, less than 10 km from the venue. The five-star hotel Trianon Palace Versailles - A Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the Le Louis Versailles Château – a MGallery fourstar hotel, offer special conditions for Le Golf National golfers.
Top Palm Springs Courses To Host 2021 GCSAA Golf Championships After being rescheduled and revamped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Golf Championships will take place Oct. 11-12 in Palm Springs, Calif. The competition, presented in partnership with The Toro Co., will take place at three courses in Palm Springs and offer three different events for members of all abilities. Registration will open Aug. 13 with a more limited number of slots available than in previous years. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort will be the host resort, with play taking place on its Valley Course. Other courses welcoming golfers over the two days of events are the Desert Willow Golf Resort Mountain View Course and Indian Wells Golf Resort Celebrity Course. The GCSAA National Championship is limited to 72 GCSAA members with a 5.0 handicap index or lower and will be played over two days. The two-day Golf Classic is limited to the 120 players and will use a point-quota scoring system with flights to be determined at a later date. Finally, the 3-person team scramble fun event will be limited to the first 36 teams or 108 players. The championships are traditionally held in conjunction with the annual Golf Industry Show, but the 2021 GIS was presented virtually in February. Moving the championships to October will allow more time for vaccine distribution and give the opportunity for those who have not been able to attend in the usual February timeframe to take part. The Toro Co. will mark its 27th year as the presenting partner of the GCSAA Golf Championships. Toro, a GCSAA Platinum Partner, is a global leader in providing maintenance equipment and irrigation systems to golf courses. More than 400 GCSAA members participated in the 2020 championships in Orlando. Deron Zendt, superintendent at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, Fla., won the 36-hole, stroke play National Championship at ChampionsGate’s International Course with a 5-under-par 139. For more information about the courses and competitions visit www.golfindustryshow.com/gcsaa-golf-championships
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS 18th Green of Harbour Town Golf Links
Hilton Head Golf Island Announces Spring Golf Packages HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI), comprising 26 courses across Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper counties, invites golfers to experience pure Lowcountry golf this spring with packages from The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and the Heritage Golf Collection. With March and April temperatures up to 10 degrees warmer than other areas of the Carolinas, HHGI offers golfers a head-start on the 2021 golf season. Between rounds, visitors to “Golf Island” enjoy award-winning restaurants, boating, fishing, biking, stand up paddle boarding and other island activities and amenities, all served with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality. “We can’t wait to welcome golfers back this year, and our golf courses, resorts, restaurants and merchants are all ready to help make it a trip of a lifetime,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association. “Whether flying in to stay and play for a few days or driving here to relax for a couple weeks, our golf and lodging partners are available to customize the perfect golf getaway.” Featured golf packages and experiences for spring 2021: The Sea Pines Resort The Sea Pines Resort, home of Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus’ famed Harbour Town Golf Links, is offering accommodation specials for the PGA TOUR’s upcoming RBC Heritage April 15-18. With a limited number of spectators this year, RBC Heritage accommodations at Sea Pines guarantee a place among the gallery at one of the TOUR’s most popular stops. Lodging options include the Inn and Club at Harbour Town, the island’s top rated luxury hotel next to Harbour Town’s first tee and just a short walk to the clubhouse, and an array of golf villas and homes
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just steps from the course. Guests can purchase two tournament tickets, daily, for each room or bedroom during each night of their stay. Inn and Club at Harbour Town rates start at $599 nightly for a king or two queen room. Search villa and home rates at Sea Pines Hilton Head Vacations using promo code HERITAGE. The package offers several additional perks: a $50 resort credit, complimentary private transportation, use of two adult bikes and parking (self or valet); complimentary use of premium beach chairs, umbrellas and towels as the Sea Pines Beach Club; and preferred rates at Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Heron Point by Pete Dye. All guests also have access to the pool at the Inn and Club and Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center. For more information on rates or to book RBC Heritage accommodations, visit www.seapines.com or call (866) 561-8802. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, home of three tournamentcaliber layouts including the renowned Robert Trent Jones Course, is bringing back its wildly popular “Birdies and Beer Getaway” for 2021. Featuring three nights’ lodging in the resort’s vacation rentals and three rounds of golf on the Jones, George Fazio or Arthur Hills courses, the package is completely customizable with golf, accommodations and amenities. New for 2021, Palmetto Dunes announces special savings for golf groups of 16 or more. Group leaders who bring a group of 16 or more, stay at least three nights and book a minimum of three rounds of golf will receive complimentary golf during their trip. All rounds must be pre-paid and are based on the applicable group rate. The offer is available for stay-and-plays booked before May 31. For more information or to book visit www.palmettodunes.com or call (877) 460-0027.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Heritage Golf Collection Heritage Golf Collection’s “Spring Fore 2021” package starts at $575 per player and features four nights’ accommodations in a spacious vacation rental villa (quad occupancy), unlimited golf on Heritage’s 81 holes of golf spanning 18-hole Oyster Reef, 27-hole Shipyard and 36-hole Port Royal, as well as unlimited range balls, cart fees and a $100 resort gift card. Showcasing layouts designed by Rees Jones, George Cobb and Willard Byrd, the Heritage Golf Collection offers golfers a variety of options, whether they prefer playing 18, 27 or 36 holes, daily. For more information or to book visit www.hiltonheadgolfnet or call (843) 681-1750. About Hilton Head Golf Island Hilton Head Golf Island is a marketing collective of 30-plus member courses across Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper counties in South Carolina’s stunning Lowcountry region. Golf enthusiasts relish the region’s Southern hospitality and world-class golf venues sculpted by vaunted architects Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, George Fazio, Arthur Hills, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, Willard Byrd, Davis Love III and Clyde Johnston. Home to the world-renowned Sea Pines Resort, the PGA TOUR makes its only South Carolina stop each April at Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Getting to “Golf Island” has never been easier. The destination is served by two award-winning airports: Savannah / Hilton Head International (SAV) and Hilton Head Island (HHH). Together, they offer direct flights from 20 major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association, in conjunction with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Visitor and Conventions Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, launched Hilton Head Golf Island to support the island’s thriving golf market through promotion of golf rounds and packages.
Majestic Oaks Golf Course Opening Day Announcement And Overnight Packages DELAVAN, WI – Golf and the desire to be active and safe outdoors is more popular than ever. With spring on the horizon in the Midwest, Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort on beautiful Delavan Lake, just minutes from Lake Geneva, WI, opened for the 2021 season on March 19. “Majestic Oaks is already busy accepting new members, reserving tee times, and booking 2021/’22 golf charity outings,” said
Thomas Howe, director of golf operations. “Our Family Golf Nights are also really popular as it’s a really affordable, fun and safe way to take the family out,” Howe continued. In 2021, golf enthusiasts, families, couples and locals alike can anticipate a season full of socially distant fun, as well as special packages to enjoy, including: • Overnight Golf Resort Packages: - The Stay & Play Package is popular with couples and families and includes a one-night stay, one round of golf per adult, and a 10% discount on services at Calladora Spa. - Majestic Oaks Experience Package is for the ultimate golf enthusiast and includes a two-night stay at Lake Lawn Resort, three rounds of golf per adult, a $50 resort credit per adult, and a 10% discount on services at Calladora Spa. • The Majestic Oaks’ Family Golf Nights are the perfect opportunity for families to get active and have an affordable night of fun while staying safe. - Every Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. - Requires at least one junior player in the group (14 years old or younger) - $13 per person includes golf, shared cart for the family, a snack item and fountain beverage for junior players • Seasonal Rates: Majestic Oaks encourages golfers of all skill levels to swing into the golf season early, as weekday rates in April start as low as $30 for 18-holes of golf and weekend rates start as low as $40. Rates fluctuate throughout the season so golfers should be sure to check the 2021 rates page regularly and book tee-times early. • Majestic Oaks Memberships: 2021 membership enrollment is open and includes annual offerings to fit any budget. Experience Passes start at $225 for seniors and $250 for those under 60 years, and a variety of annual memberships are available starting at $475. • Wednesday Senior Special: Majestic Oaks welcomes golfers age 60 and older to play on Wednesdays from opening until 12:00 p.m. for only $45. This special offer includes 18-holes of golf with a cart, one grilled menu item, chips, and a choice of one draft beer or soda at the Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill. • Safety Is Top Priority: Majestic Oaks is thrilled to welcome back players for the 2021 golf season and has established COVID-19 protocols to ensure player and staff safety. Spring activities, rates, and packages may change and are subject to applicable taxes and fees. For more information or to book a tee-time, golfers can call 262-728-7950 or visit www.lakelawnresort.com/golf.
Majestic Oaks Golf Course - Hole #18
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by Dakota Diaz
PUERTO RICO’S BEST
Puerto Rico Golf Shines on World Stage
I
Caribbean Destination Ideal for Tropical Travel
t was an exceptional week for Puerto Rico on the world golf stage recently. Not only did Island native Rafa Campos play brilliantly during the PGA TOUR’s 13th Puerto Rico Open, but the United States Golf Association announced that the Puerto Rico Golf Association has joined its network of Allied Golf Associations (AGA), becoming the 59th AGA and the first outside of the 50 United States. Puerto Rico has earned its esteemed status as a premier tropical golf destination. It is home to 18 courses – with new ones planned – world-class beaches, dozens of resorts, thousands of restaurants, and is traveler friendly. As the air hub of the Caribbean, a top Airbnb destination, and a bilingual Island that requires no passport for U.S. citizens, it is ideally suited for invigorating escapes. The plethora of health and safety protocols in place enabled the world-class golf tournament and Island to continue their long-standing partnership, mirroring the positive emerging trends in Puerto Rico. “The Puerto Rico Open was the largest, highest-profile event to be held on the Island since the pandemic began, and the wonderful partnership illuminated Puerto Rico’s positive shift pertaining to events and travel,” said Brad Dean, CEO, Discover Puerto Rico. “Our Destination Marketing Organization’s mission is to showcase Puerto Rico’s global brand, and the PGA TOUR partnership and Golf Channel coverage highlighted our golf courses, culture, history and many other attributes.” Campos, who grew up in San Juan, thrilled the golf world with his play on the Championship Course at Grand Reserve Golf Club, an amenity of the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, in Rio Grande. Finishing tied for third, he was in contention to win the championship until the very end. “It was a great week, and I’m very happy,” Campos said after his final round. “I’m very fortunate and want to thank all the fans out here, the supporters in Puerto Rico.” Past Puerto Rico Open champions and runners-up include Tony Finau, Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, and 2020 winner Viktor Hovland. Along with PGA TOUR member Campos, Puerto Rico was represented in the professional tournament by Edward Figueroa, who
qualified by finishing in the top two of the 2020 Golf Puerto Rico Island Championship / Puerto Rico Open Qualifier. Campos and Figueroa added to Puerto Rico’s rich golf history. Island native and legendary champion Chi Chi Rodriguez won eight times on the PGA TOUR. He designed El Legado, a popular 18-hole course in Guayama, within minutes of the ocean on the south coast. It is one of Puerto Rico’s wonderfully diverse yet complementary playing options, including four of the top 50 rated courses in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the Atlantic Islands (source: “Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play”). Other course designers represented on the Island include Tom and George Fazio, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Rees Jones, Tom Kite, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and his son Robert Trent Jones, Jr. All are open to the public, and many are amenities of beautiful resorts, including Royal Isabela; Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino; The St. Regis Bahia Beach; Wyndham Grand Rio Mar; Palmas del Mar; Dorado Beach, a RitzCarlton Reserve; and the forementioned Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve. Learn more about visiting Puerto Rico at DiscoverPuertoRico.com, including Travel Advisory and Q&A The Island’s golf venues include: TPC Dorado Beach (36 holes) – 787-626-1020 Costa Caribe (27) – 787-812-2650 Fort Buchanan (9) – 787-707-3980 Wyndham Grand Rio Mar (36) – 787-888-6000 Rio Bayamon (18) – 787-740-1419 Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve/Coco Beach (36) – 787-657-2000 The St. Regis Bahia Beach (18) – 787-809-8000 Caguas Real (18) – 787-653-1573 Royal Isabela (18) – 787-609-5888 Deportivo del Oeste (18) – 787-851-8880 Palmas Athletic Club (36) – 787-656-3000 Punta Borinquen (18) – 787-890-2987 El Legado (18) – 787-866-8894 El Conquistador (18) – 787-863-1000
Costa Caribe
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PUERTO RICO’S BEST
TPC Dorado Beach
Royal Isabela
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Golf Vacations • April 2021 21
Innisbrook Golf Resort
Swing into Spring at These Sou
Rumbling Bald
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Pinehurst Resort
utheastern Golf Destinations By Shane Sharp
Royal Isabela
Harbour Town Golf Links #18
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T
he dogwoods and azaleas of the Southeastern U.S. are blooming, and the first round of the 2021 Masters is about to get underway. Put simply, the golf season is upon us. And oh what a season it is shaping up to be. Golf participation surged in 2020 as avid golfers played even more golf, new players were introduced to (and stuck with) the game, and an influx of juniors has the future of the game looking brighter than ever. And if 2020 was the year for playing golf around town, 2021 is looking like the year to grab the clubs and hit the road. For have-clubs-will-travel golfers, this golf-rich region serves up some of the best golf destinations the country has to offer. Here’s a sampling of top shelf resorts from the land of BBQ, bourbon and college football.
Florida
Innisbrook Golf Resort – Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is a favorite among PGA TOUR pros, and it’s also one of the most difficult on the circuit. This highly amenitized resort west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico houses four courses along with a variety of rooms, suites and vacation rentals. PGA National Resort and Spa – Palm Beach County is a hotbed of golf, and it doesn’t get any hotter than PGA National Resort and Spa, home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic. Five courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed Champ, await golfers willing to test their mettle against this tournament tested venue. PGA Golf Club – The flagship public property of the PGA of America, PGA Golf Club is a 54-hole golf panacea with a worldclass practice range, short game area and short course. Catch a bite to eat in the Taplow Pub and stay a few nights in the adjacent Perfect Drive Villas or neighboring Hilton Garden Inn.
Streamsong Resort – One of Florida’s newest golf resorts got even newer with the opening of its Gil Hanse-designed Black Course in 2018. The resort’s Red and Blue courses have also quickly moved atop the national rankings, and the Streamsong Lodge is the perfect place to kick back and relax, post round.
Georgia
Callaway Resort and Gardens – Golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind at this famous water-skiing stronghold, but the 18-hole Lake View and Mountain View Courses are a couple underrated gems. Golfers can chose from the AAA Four Diamond Lodge, cottages or villa accommodations. Reynolds Lake Oconee – Reynolds Lake Oconee is to Georgia as Pinehurst Resort is to North Carolina. That is to say, a seemingly endless supply of golf in the form of six highly-ranked layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Bob Cupp and Jim Engh. Lodging ranges from cozy cottages to the luxurious RitzCarlton, Lake Oconee. Sea Island Resort – While Georgia is better known as the home of The Masters, the RSM Classic at Sea Island Resort is a PGA TOUR player favorite. So much so, several pros make their home at this golf haven on Atlantic. The Seaside Course is a Tom Fazio redesign perched hard on the Atlantic, the Plantation Course was recently renovated by natives Davis and Mark Love, who also recast the Retreat Course in 2001.
North Carolina
Grandover Resort – Golfers need only veer off I-85 in Greensboro to access this 36-hole collection designed by Gary Panks. A full-service onsite hotel offers all the accoutrements, from casual and fine dining to a spa and fitness center.
Cherokee Valley
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Palmetto Dunes
Pinehurst Resort – Nine 18-hole courses, including the famed No. 2, frequent U.S. Open host course, make Pinehurst Resort the largest golf resort in the U.S. Golfers also love The Cradle, a ninehole short course designed by Gil Hanse, and Thistle Dhu, a 75,000 square-foot putting course. Golfers can choose from three hotels, including the recently renovated Manor Inn, just a short walk to the new Pinehurst Brewing Co. Rumbling Bald – Spring in Western North Carolina means mountain golf and Rumbling Bald along scenic Lake Lure obliges with two 18-hole tracks, Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, designed by W.B. Lewis and Dan Maples. Spacious vacation rentals are available for stay-and-plays, and the lake offers endless off-course activities.
South Carolina
Cherokee Valley Course and Club – Upstate South Carolina’s premier golf destination, Cherokee Valley is home to a P.B. Dye mountain-style layout, on-site cottages and a brand-new casual dining restaurant, Core 450. Get game ready at one of South Carolina’s most expansive practice facilities. Kiawah Island Golf Resort – For golfers who want to play where the pros play this year, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course is hosting the 2020 PGA Championship in May. If Pete Dye’s diabolic
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oceanside layout it too tough to tackle, four other 18-hole courses adorn this majestic barrier island near Charleston. Catch a good night’s rest at the Sanctuary at Kiawah, a AAA Five Diamond hotel. Myrtle Beach – While it’s not a resort, per se, the Grand Strand one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. Accommodation options are limitless, and lineup cards can be filled with vaunted venues like Tidewater Golf Club, Grande Dunes Resort Course, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head is known as “Golf Island,” and the three brawny layouts at Palmetto Dunes are a big reason for that moniker. The Robert Trent Jones features one of the island’s only oceanfront holes, and the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses round out the bill. Golf groups love the popular “Birdies and Beer Getaway” and the resort’s comfy vacation rentals. Sea Pines Resort – Settled along Hilton Head Island’s south end, The Sea Pines Resort is home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament and famed Harbour Town Golf Links. Two other championship caliber tracks reside inside the gates, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. The Inn and Club at Harbor Town is just a pitching wedge from the clubhouse and the famed Yacht Basin is a short jaunt away.
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TRUE Linkswear
NAILS IT AGAIN WITH THE TRUE LUX KNIT
A
handful of apparel brands in golf have a true cult following. Sure, plenty of them have followers, loyalists and even fanatics. But there are a select few companies out there for which golfers actually swear by their gear and will wear nothing else. TRUE Linkswear, based in Tacoma, Wash., is one such brand. All it takes is one visit to the website to understand golfers’ depth of love for TRUE’s artfully-engineered shoes. The five-star reviews are legion – and lengthy – and it’s not uncommon for golfers to gobble up limited releases in a matter of hours. Founders Jason and Ryan Moore love walking golf, and they love doing so in their native, rain-soaked Pacific Northwest. Ryan, who’s played on the PGA TOUR since 2005, would always end up with soar (or wet) feet when walking the courses throughout the nearly year-long season. He and Jason were approached by a group of investors in 2009 about launching a golf show company with a focus on performance, first, and style a close second. The result (following a few rounds of coffee and Guinness, as the story goes) was the launch of TRUE Linkswear. A few years ago, the brothers took back control of TRUE and pivoted to a consumer-direct business model, selling shoes from the website. Since then, TRUE has just been absolutely nailing the casual performance category while remaining true (no pun intended) to those to prefer to walk the game. The company doesn’t get the big budget media hype like Puma, Adidas and FootJoy, but it has “street cred” among avid golfers, similar to ECCO.
Among soft goods aficionados, TRUE’s Lux line was one of the most anticipated shoe launches at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (2021 was virtual). The Lux Knit line looks sleek but still boasts the oversized, comfy toe box that TRUE is known for. And as with all TRUE shoes, the Lux Knit come with a two-year waterproof guarantee. The new WANDERLUX midsole technology offers superior rebound, energy return and durability that kicks the entire experience up a notch. TRUE has also added a new WANDERLUX interior featuring a snug, padded heel cup and all new super foam insert. There are premium leather accents and welting, and a 6-millimeter transitional drop isn’t quite as “minimal” as TRUE’s zero-drop offerings. We test drove the Lux Knit right out of the reusable shoe bag and walked 72 holes in them over the course of two weeks. They require virtually no break-in period whatsoever, a TRUE trademark from the moment it hit the market more than a decade ago. The tour-tested spikeless rubber tread is phenomenal all offers all the traction needed to traverse any golf course surface. While the OG Feel will remains our personal favorite, the Lux Knit is a close second, and wears much better off the course, where a pair can easily transition to a post-round night out or an afternoon in the office. Lux Knit retails for $185 and is offered in Player Black, Timeless Grey and Heathered Navy. For more information, visit www.truelinkswear.com.
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Golf Vacations • April 2021 27
SWEETSTUFF FJ Hyperflex & Premiere Shoes
S
pring is blooming throughout the country and as the prime golfing season begins, FootJoy has introduced two new innovative shoe lines that really have something for every type of golfer—those looking more for comfort and those that demand the latest in stability.
and the midsole design provides the perfect blend of cushioning-which helps absorb shock while maximizing energy return to reduce foot fatigue. The all-new OptiFlex outsole design features dual flex grooves that flex naturally with your foot for comfort as well as a thin, semirigid TPU flex plate that promotes multidirectional flexure and traction where you need it in the golf swing—with the added help of Pulsar LP cleats by Softspikes. HyperFlex features breakthrough performance fit technology, delivered with athletic-inspired styling and materials in both a laced version as well as the all-new WRAPID, powered by the BOA® Fit System. This innovative new system features an asymmetrical configuration that ensures a dialed-in, precision fit with a reduction in pressure on the top of the foot. The engineered mesh with hot melt yarns adds enhanced structure and support. It enables the shoe to move with you, wrapping your foot in complete security, all while providing powerful support through the swing.
The all-new Hyperflex and the Premiere Series run the gamut from the ultimate in comfort and high tech to the classic golf shoe with a modern touch. The Hyperflex might be the most comfortable golf shoe that FootJoy has ever made—especially the version with the Boa® fit system that lets you dial in a custom fit with the twist of the dial on the back of the shoe. It not only fits like a glove but has crazy-soft comfort and feels like you are walking on air. The large toe-box is a plus, and these shoes look as good as they feel. FJ’s StratoFoam cushioning in the shoe is a proprietary foam blend that provides optimal support and comfort in any conditions,
“When you take the first steps in HyperFlex, you’ll notice that the shoe moves in unison with the foot,” said Chris Tobias, Vice President, FJ Footwear. “This new outsole technology is designed to mimic the natural flexure of the foot, so not only are you getting a great walking shoe, but a shoe that will maximize the ground force throughout every movement in the golf swing.” Tour players have already made the switch to incorporate HyperFlex in practice and in play at tournaments around the world, including Rafa Cabrera Bello and Bernd Wiesberger. “They look and feel so athletic,” said Rafa Cabrera Bello. “Super comfortable the moment you put them on.” “It’s a great looking shoe that you can just slip into,” said Bernd Wiesberger. “You get that great stability without sacrificing on comfort.” Hyperflex with the traditional laces comes in Blue/Grey, Navy/
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
White and Charcoal/Grey, while the version powered by the BOA® Fit System is available in Grey/Red, Midnight Blue and Black/Black. For the traditionalist, the Premiere series offers a wide range of styles that can my customized from the ground up through the MyJoys program. Designed in collaboration with several PGA Tour pros, the Premiere series is called “a modern representation of the classic golf shoe” and comes in styles for both men and women. The predominant feel of this shoe is stability and connection with the turf—two things that help achieve a good golf swing. It has a light feel for a performance shoe, but is comfortable to walk in. “We saw a terrific opportunity to completely reinvent the classically inspired golf shoe from the ground up,” added Tobias. “And to accomplish that, we leveraged every ounce of innovation, as well as direct input from the world’s best players, to deliver nextlevel performance with a distinctly modern take on classic design.” While timeless in design, the Premiere Series is infused with performance innovation, led by the all-new VersaTrax+ outsole. This revolutionary anti-channeling tread pattern is engineered to provide grip for any lie or angle, providing total traction coverage, reducing any slippage. VersaTrax+ utilizes multiple TPU compounds to grip any surface – a harder TPU for on-course grip and a softer TPU for traction on harder surfaces. The Premiere Series features an Ortholite EcoPlush FitBed® that delivers perimeter stability in the heel as well as super-soft and comfortable custom underfoot cushioning. The Premiere Series will be worn by more Tour players in 2021 than any other golf shoe, according to FootJoy, including Justin Thomas, Adam Scott, Ian Poulter, Webb Simpson and many more. In fact, even during testing, the Premiere Series was the shoe chosen by more players at the 2020 Masters Tournament than any other.
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“I love ‘em,” said Webb Simpson. “They are a bit classic, which remind me of what I wore growing up, but definitely have a super modern twist while keeping that FootJoy look.” The Premiere Series will feature three new upper designs, inspired by the company’s past but made relevant for today. Each collection uses soft, supple premium leather uppers and ultralightweight materials, as well as exquisite detailing that deliver distinctly modern classic styling. The Tarlow collection is inspired by Bill and Dick Tarlow, who bought the FootJoy business in 1957 and focused the brand primarily on golf. The Tarlow collection, a modern interpretation of the timeless cap toe design, uses a natural grain leather in the vamp and the quarter, complimented by a coordinated croc print in the heel, cap toe and eyestay. The midsole is complimented by a natural leather welt and contrast stitch. The Packard collection is inspired by Frederick Packard, FootJoy’s founder and a shoe pioneer who drove the adoption of many modern manufacturing and design innovations still employed today. The Packard collection features exquisite detailing and a pebble grain leather in both the vamp and the quarter. The collection uses a calfskin croc print accent in the saddle area, complimented by a natural leather welt and contrast stitching. The Flint Collection is inspired by Perley Flint, a young Harvard graduate and avid golfer who designed FootJoy’ s first golf shoe in the 1920’s. This collection is clean and refined. A smooth ChromoSkin leather is used in the upper, highlighted by embossed detailing on the saddle area, a refined FJ ornament as well as a nice piping on the side. Inside the shoe, you will find premium lambskin
linings and a new fitbed for exceptional comfort. The Premiere Series sports a dozen color combinations for men—including Boa® styles among the three collections, in addition to four color ways (including Boa®) for women. For more information: www.FootJoy.com
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SWEETSTUFF Tifosi Centus Sunglasses
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ver the years Tifosi has produced sunglasses with the active lifestyle in mind—and the brand has become popular with the golfing public looking for protective sun protection that is both fashionable and functional. The newest model just recently released called Centus hits the mark in several ways. In addition to shielding eyes from the sun and offering 100% UVA/UVB protection from harmful sunlight while on the course, these sporting-looking glasses also offer glare guard that reduces eye strain.
good stroke and square, solid contact when they see the ball clear the posts and roll on the proper line. “Nearly half the strokes a golfer takes in any given round are putts. If you want lower scores, you must practice putting with purpose and correct feedback. The Goal Post makes that easy, instructive and fun,” noted Swing Align Founder Chris McGinley. “A square putter face at set-up, throughout the stroke, and especially at impact, is going to deliver solid contact, and better roll, every time. With immediate feedback, golfers can groove a consistent stroke to deliver a square face every time.” The putting trainer is especially effective because of the kind of feedback it delivers. If you even hit the ball slightly off the sweet spot, the Goal Post will knock the ball off-line and slow it down. A good stroke is rewarded with clean roll and a hole out on the practice green. It also forces you to practice good habits such as a square putter face that is on-target and a good smooth stroke with a light touch that helps keep the club on-line. The center alignment rod mounts on the back of the trainer and adjusts so regardless of your set-up posture, the length or lie of your putter, it can always be positioned perfectly centered between the two goal posts. As an option, the alignment rod can be lowered closer to the toe to line up with the toe side edge of the putter head to help you see the path of your stroke as you putt.
This new model is extremely lightweight with a large, light lens and frame that is both comfortable and offers excellent clarity with its polycarbonate lens that is both scratch resistant and shatterproof. The frames are made with Grilamid TR-90—a light and durable nylon material—that is exceptionally durable. Centus’ wrapped lenses are optically decentered, delivering clearer visuals. Hydrophilic rubber nosepieces are designed to keep your glasses in place, no slipping or bouncing. These are one of the better-fitting and comfortable sunglasses among the newer releases this year— they feel like they are hugging your face. Centus’ sleek design comes in Matte Black with a Smoke lens, Gloss Black with a Smoke Bright Blue lens, Iron with a Brown lens and Midnight Navy with a Smoke lens. All Tifosi sunglasses are backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects and are available at retail locations as well as online at dozens of e-tailers. For more information: www.tifosioptics.com
Swing Align Goal Post
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s almost any golf instructor will tell you, putting is the key to lower scores—and yet it is perhaps one of the toughest parts of the golf game to master. The creators of the Swing Align—a popular training aid that helps players with their alignment and rotation—recently introduced their Goal Post product that attaches to the head of a putter to help with aim, alignment and swing path while practicing. The lightweight Goal Post frame rests across the topline of a putter with two alignment posts positioned at the toe and heel of the putter face forming a gate. The Goal Post rewards a square putter face and center-face contact. If the putter face is open or closed, the ball contacts the posts on the takeaway or return stroke and veers off-line, providing instant feedback. Users know they have made a
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“Golfers need a guide to help them consistently set-up and deliver the face squarely at impact. The Goal Post provides a way for you to improve and maintain good putting habits as you develop an understanding and innate feel for their putting stroke. Using the Goal Post over time yields more consistency, more confidence, more holed putts and lower scores,” McGinley added. Swing Align, Swing Align Short Game and the new Goal Post have been developed by golf industry veterans with more than 60 years’ experience, and with input from PGA Tour players as well as top golf instructors. For more info on the Goal Post, go to: www.swingtrainer.com
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SWEETSTUFF Hot Girls Pearls
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ith the hotter months for golf just around the corner, players will be looking for a little relief while on the links. While cooling towels and fans have been around for a while, a new, much more fashionable approach for the ladies is now available. Hot Girls Pearls has introduced a line of light-weight necklaces that are filled with a non-toxic gel that can be frozen like an ice pack in a smart-looking insulated travel pouch that fits handily in a golf bag or purse. The case keeps the gel-filled pearls cold for hours and then they can be worn as both a fashion accessory and as a wearable cooling device that keep you comfortable on warm days. You can look cool and be cool—all at the same time. The necklaces and bracelets stay cool for at least a half hour, so having a couple on hand is a good idea. These are likely to be a hit as gift items—and of course the best part is keeping cool. For more on Hot Girls Pearls: https://www.hotgirlspearls.com
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