OUR 21st YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2022
ALBEMARLE PLANTATION EXUDING SOUTHERN CHARM
LONG WEEKEND AT HORSESHOE BAY
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GOLF Plus: COURSE REPORT: GOLF IN SANTEE, SC
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GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2022
Silverado Resort and Spa • Napa, California
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Chip Shots
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Spain’s Best
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Weekend at Horseshoe Bay
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by Dakota Diaz
BARCELONA, SPAIN - Real Club de Golf de El Prat, one of the most historical clubs in Spain, will host of a new tournament of the PGA National Tour that this year bears the name of “Spain Golf 50th Anniversary Tour”, in honour to those 50 years of service to Spanish golf professionals.
by James McAfee
The Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, has plenty of golfing options with the epicenter of the game at the Horseshoe Bay Resort shores near Lake LBJ, named for President Lyndon Johnson. It’s the perfect place for a long golfing weekend with three Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole resort courses—Slick Rock, Ram Rock and Apple Rock— available for visiting golfers wanting to test their games against some of the most challenging layouts in the state.
Albemarle Plantation
by David Theoret
Albemarle Plantation is an authentic coastal community and occupies a special place in the hearts of all who call it home. Although it’s home to one of the area’s most spectacular golf courses, the Sound brings life and energy to a community with unlimited ways to enjoy it. In fact, the attraction to the water may be bigger than the attraction to golf at Albemarle Plantation, as can be seen by the beautiful assortment of boats docked at the marina.
Course Report: Santee, South Carolina
by David Theoret
Santee, South Carolina is about as small a town as you’ll find. The town sits at exit 98 off of I95 and consists of three stoplights moving east to west. At first glance it doesn’t seem like there’s a whole lot to the town – several restaurants, gas stations, and motels – all owned by hard-working locals who have made this their life’s work- clutter the real estate off the exit ramp. A little further down is Clarks Inn and Restaurant, owned by the Clark family who pretty much founded the town. However, if you’re a golfer, Santee, SC could easily become your dream destination.
Sweet Stuff
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by Terry Ross www.golfvacationsmag.com
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Golf Vacations • April 2022 5
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
David Theoret (aka The Golfin’ Guy) grew up in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, where it was naturally assumed he would play hockey. Beginning at the age of 3 and continuing into his late 30s, he did just that, however, after one too many pucks to the head, he realized that golf was a lot easier on the body and took the game up. From 2003 until 2009, David ran the sales and marketing department of TravelGolf Media – now known at GolfNow.com. While at TravelGolf, an editor told him he had a flair for writing and he started writing articles about anything golf-related. He currently resides in Lake Tansi, TN with his wife Belinda and their four-legged “kid,” Louie.
Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers 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.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
For Editorial:
James McAfee is a Plano-based writer who retired recently after seven+ years as editor of the Knox County News-Courier. Previously he served 17 years as a sports writer and editor with Texas and Oklahoma daily newspapers and also was as a editor with Golf Digest Magazine and Texas Golfer for 10 years. In addition, he was the executive director with the Northern Texas PGA for 17 years and served in similar position with the Dallas Golf Association for six years. McAfee also was director of golf and marketing at a Costa Rica resort. He is a life member of the Golf Writers of America and also a member of the Golf Travel Writers. He currently writes for Getting on Travel and has posted articles for Hawaii Golf and Travel, DFW Avid Golfer and several other Texas magazines.
call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
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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 2022 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 Black Desert Resort Golf Course
Tom Weiskopf-Designed Black Desert Resort Golf Course To Open Fall 2022 The new Tom Weiskopf-designed Black Desert Resort Golf Course will open this fall in Ivins, Utah, a suburb of St. George. Set amid ancient black lava fields, the 18-hole resort/daily-fee facility is currently in the final phase of construction, with grassing underway. Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, will manage the golf operations, golf course agronomy, food and beverage, and marketing for the golf facility, the centerpiece of the 600-acre resort community. Tee times for daily-fee guests will begin to be made available by midsummer 2022. Weiskopf, the designer/co-designer of 70-plus courses around the world, and architect Phil Smith have designed the par-72 Black Desert Resort Golf Course with playability in mind, with most fairways 70 to 100 yards wide. The property’s distinct black lava rock, called basalt, originated as lava that intermittently flowed from small local volcanoes approximately 2.3 million to 20,000 years ago. No stranger to working in an ancient lava landscape, Weiskopf also designed the award-winning Ke‘olu Golf Course at Hualalai Resort on the island of Hawaii, which is set in the dramatic lava fields of Ka’upulehu. “Black Desert Resort is located at the convergence of three unique landscapes – jet-black lava beds, towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park, and Utah’s beautiful Mohave Desert,” said Jared Lucero, Reef Capital CEO. “The emerald fairways and greens laced among the lava fields are set against the red rock backdrop,
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making for an awe-inspiring golf setting.” In true Weiskopf-style, Black Desert will feature two drivable par 4 holes (5th hole and 14th hole) bringing both strategy and the risk/reward element into play. “This 19-hole course at Black Desert is a rewarding course. Truly a spectacular place with many photographs taken. Great backdrops with the red mountains that remind me of Sedona (Arizona),” said Weiskopf. In addition to the 18-hole, Weiskopf-designed golf course, guests of Black Desert will enjoy a 36-hole illuminated putting course for day or night play. The resort’s 19th-Hole, an amphitheater-style lakeside gathering place terraced into the black lava, will be the ultimate venue for winding down after a day of golf. Reef Capital Partners is developing Black Desert Resort. Upon buildout, the property will offer 150 hotel rooms; 1,050 residences; miles of nearby trails; a wellness spa; and 46,160 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The property will also feature 32 single-family estate lots and approximately 214,000 square feet of commercial space, with the amenities of the resort center available for full-time residents. The golf course will serve as the home course for the Dixie State University golf teams. Top-rated courses designed by Weiskopf include Double Eagle Golf Club in Galena, Ohio, the original Forest Dunes Golf Course in Roscommon, Mich., Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland, and both Troon North Golf Club and Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information on Black Desert Resort, visit www. BlackDesertResort.com
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Short Drive, Big Time: Daytona Beach’s Inland Golf Courses Are a Treat to Play DAYTONA BEACH, FL – A Daytona Beach golf trip offers the opportunity to play within a 7 iron of the Atlantic Ocean, but for golfers willing to venture from the beauty of the coast, Volusia County is home to a trio of outstanding inland layouts. While they fly under the radar, the area’s landlocked courses are among Daytona Beach’s best, delivering memorable architecture, outstanding conditions, and an unrelenting commitment to customer service. If your group wants to challenge some of Daytona Beach’s best and most underrated layouts, these three courses should be on your must-play list: • A former U.S. Open Qualifying host, DeBary Golf & Country Club has a different feel than its more coastal cousins. Water comes into play on only two holes - No. 9 and No. 18 - on a layout routed through land that was once home to an orange grove. While any mention of the U.S. Open conjures up images of difficult courses, DeBary, with five sets of tees ranging from 5,060 to 6,776 yards, is playable for golfers of all skill levels. The Lloyd Clifton design is worth the trip. • It might be difficult to call a course Golfweek has ranked among the Sunshine State’s top 15 public layouts underrated, but Victoria Hills doesn’t receive near the attention it deserves. The Ron Garl design, which features rolling property and pine tree-lined fairways, evokes comparisons to courses in North Carolina’s famed Sandhills, distinguishing it from many of its Central Florida peers. Victoria Hills is a treat to play and DeLand is a charming town, offering the opportunity to soak up a little history and enjoy a great meal after your round. • There isn’t a drop of water for golfers to contend with at The Deltona Club, minimizing penalty strokes on a course that has been ranked among Florida’s top 20 public layouts by Golfweek. Combine the quality of Bobby Weed’s design work with an unwavering commitment to keep the course in prime condition and the appeal of the Deltona Club is readily apparent. A Daytona Beach golf trip provides players the chance to enjoy a
variety of experiences, and golfers, despite the drive, are well served to keep the area’s inland offerings in mind. For more information, visit DaytonaBeach.Golf.
Destination Golf launches its SIXTH annual edition to Scotland’s Top 100 Courses It was from Scotland that golf spread to the rest of the world. It was a gift that we are grateful for and today this planet of ours boasts in the region of 34,000 golf courses. Over 600 of them are here in Scotland. The greatest early designers came from here – names such as Old Tom Morris (1821-1908), Willie Park Jr (1864-1925), James Braid (1870- 1950), and Donald Ross (1872-1948) spring to mind – and their legacy can be found on every fairway you walk because their creations helped to influence the generation of designers that followed. ‘The Home of Golf’ says it all and 2022 sees the hosting of the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews. You can be sure that Prestwick - The Birthplace of the Open - will be celebrating the occasion. In our 2022 guide you will find 100 exceptional courses*. Some are clustered together to the point they run into each other, while others sit miles from anywhere, clinging to a peninsula or tucked away on the islands that sprinkle the coastline like confetti. Rich pickings are to be had and your toughest decision will be choosing where to start. Scotland boasts six excellent golfing regions. Everyone has their favourites, but our team have always been thrilled by the courses this country has to offer – indeed, many of them don’t even appear in this Top 100, emphasising the country’s quality in depth. Scotland is not only about golf. It is a stunningly beautiful place to spend time and explore, and it boasts a proud and rich history… and even richer whisky. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to combine all of these on one visit and sometimes on one course, so use this guide to map out the perfect golf trip. The people of Scotland will welcome you with open arms. To view all of our Golf Guides, visit: www.destinationgolf.travel
Victoria Hills
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Dundonald Links
Dundonald Links Expands North American Reach; Announces New Luxury Lodging, Clubhouse and More Ayrshire, Scotland – Dundonald Links – home to the world-class, Kyle Phillips designed golf course and burgeoning resort in Western Scotland – today announces that it has retained Dan Shepherd Public Relations to provide publicity and media relations services in North America. Dundonald Links has entered an exciting new era with the opening of 18 luxury lodges, 22 hotel rooms, a new clubhouse with Michelin-caliber restaurant, whisky tasting room, and more – the latest phase of a £25m investment transforming the esteemed Scottish venue into one of the UK’s most modern new golf resorts. The collection of brand-new 2-, 4- and 6-bedroom lodges are inspiring guests in this their first full season. They were customdesigned with golfers in mind, with bag storage and drying areas, en-suite bathrooms, large living spaces, and fully equipped kitchen and dining facilities. Each of the lodge clusters surround a private practice putting green. Resort owner Darwin Escapes also invested £1m in upgrading the 18-hole championship course, including the addition of a new halfway house. “The opening of the new lodges, clubhouse and hotel rooms are the perfect complement to an already incredible golf course, and with the project recently completed, it is the start of an exciting new chapter for Dundonald Links,” said Ian Ferguson, Dundonald Links Club Manager. “We are thrilled by the feedback from our first guests in them, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming others, including the world’s best female golfers in late July for the Trust Golf Women’s
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Scottish Open.” Said Kevin Paver, Darwin Escapes Golf Marketing Manager: “Our mission is to deliver the very best experience for all that visit our venues. With everything new and first-class at Dundonald Links, we retained Dan Shepherd Public Relations to help us inform North Americans that not only does the resort boast some of the finest golf accommodation facilities in the UK, but it has become the perfect base for golfers and their families to experience everything that this famous part of Scotland has to offer.” Set amongst the picturesque Ayrshire countryside in Western Scotland, the new clubhouse at Dundonald Links has been created from natural materials and finished with local whinstone and a grass roof. This not only helps it to blend seamlessly with the rugged landscape and surroundings but also reinforces Dundonald’s longterm commitment to sustainability, conservation, and nature. The brand-new hotel rooms are situated beside the clubhouse for ease of access to the restaurant and club facilities. Already a wellrespected test for golfers from across the world, Dundonald Links has hosted many major professional golf events since 2008 – including the Ladies’ Scottish Open in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in 2017. “Dundonald Links is located in a special place on Earth near extraordinarily good and famous courses like Prestwick, Western Gailes, Loch Lomond, and Royal Troon,” said Dan Shepherd. “That it has created a modern resort providing luxury amenities makes it a bucket-list destination for discerning golfers the equal of any in the world.” For more details and to book a stay at Dundonald Links, please visit dundonaldlinks.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Skyhawks Sports Academy Boosts Programming through Partnership Payne Stewart Golf Experiences
Golf with
SPOKANE, WA – The nation’s leading youth sports camp franchise, Skyhawks Sports Academy powered by Stack Sports, is excited to continue building its impressive sports programming by becoming the Official Youth Sports & Camp Partner of Payne Stewart Golf Experiences. This five-year partnership establishes Skyhawks Beginning Golf, advancing the Spokane-based brand’s commitment to providing accessible, enjoyable, and positive golf instruction to young kids no matter their proximity to a golf course.
“Payne Stewart Kids Golf Experiences adds significant value to our Skyhawks Golf Camps through their programming and game-based curriculum developed specifically for younger kids,” said Jason Frazier, COO and President of Skyhawks. “The PSGE team has significant PGA experience and hopes to alleviate issues of accessibility, cost, and exclusivity by creating a new pathway for kids learning golf away from the golf course.” Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. By improving curriculum and training for coaches, more kids will be able to build their confidence by learning golf both inside and outside. “They have a well-established recreational sports footprint where we can add our Payne Stewart Kids Golf Experiences program and have an instant impact in getting more kids exposed to the fun side of golf,” said Kelly McCammon, Founder and CEO of the Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation. “Younger kids, especially from the age of four and up, have to first get exposed to golf in recreational settings away from the golf course and in local neighborhoods. Our partnership will bring golf to the kids where they are.” The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching, and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions, and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age-appropriate golf equipment is provided. This instruction and Skyhawks Beginning Golf programming will soon be implemented in locations throughout the United States. Local camp operators are currently preparing for the summer camp season, which experienced record nationwide participation in 2021.
in Central Florida since 2005. It is the only resort in the world to feature three championship, signature golf courses designed by golfing legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. And now, Reunion Resort is adding another golf name to its long heritage of legends, David Leadbetter. David Leadbetter and the Leadbetter Golf Academies have been synonymous with world-class instruction for nearly 40 years, developing 26 Major winners and 7 World number 1 players, many of whom trained and perfected their skills at its academy headquarters in Central Florida. Since 2018, under ownership of the Golfzon Group, Golfzon Leadbetter has further expanded its operation to 36 academy locations in 15 countries as well as developing new technology to make golf easier to learn. “I have taught golf all over the world and there are few places as well suited for golfers to learn and play as the Reunion Resort and Golf Club. We share Kingwood International Resorts’ vision for offering the very best golf experience at Reunion. Reunion already has 3 great golf courses; now they’ll have a golf academy to match. I can’t wait to give the first lesson from the new facility,” says David Leadbetter. Golfzon Leadbetter’s World Headquarters at Reunion will feature the latest golf technology for instruction and practice, including lesson studios with launch monitors, 3D swing analysis, range radar ball tracking, club fitting, golf fitness and biomechanics. The facility will also feature a state-of-the-art Golfzon TwoVision simulator studio to host virtual golf tournaments. Leadbetter’s award-winning team of instructors will offer instruction to all levels of players, including U.S. and international Tour players, elite juniors as well as a range of programs to help amateurs and beginners. “Reunion Resort and Golf Club gives us the perfect location to expand the Golfzon Leadbetter business as well as offering golfers a unique facility to work on every aspect of their game, whatever their level of play,” says Benedict Riches, CEO, Golfzon Leadbetter. “Nowhere else in the world can you play three signature golf courses designed by legends Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus. This new partnership is a natural fit, bringing yet another legend to our resort with the Golfzon Leadbetter World Headquarters,” says Anthony Carll, General Manager, Reunion Resort. “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer this experience this fall with such a respected legend in the golf community.” For more information on Reunion Resort, visit www.reunionresort. com or call 833.258.0472. For more information on the Golfzon Leadbetter World Headquarters, visit www.leadbetter.com or call 407.787.3330.
Golfzon Leadbetter New World Headquarters to Open at Reunion Resort and Golf Club ORLANDO, FL – Golfzon Leadbetter and Reunion Resort and Golf Club are proud to announce a partnership that will establish Reunion Resort as the new home of the Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters. Situated on more than 2,300 pristine acres, Reunion Resort has been consistently recognized for providing a premier golf experience
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Circling Raven Golf Club
Circling Raven GC Opens for Play on April 8 Worley, ID – Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel today announces that Circling Raven Golf Club will open for play on April 8, starting a season filled with programs for players of all types at the nationally ranked course where the “frequent player” Advantage Card and other offers provide golfers with impressive deals for golfers and groups. “We pride ourselves on the experience Circling Raven provides golfers – they love that our programs, packages and rewards through our Advantage and Player Development cards enables them to improve their game on a course that some of the best women professional golfers in the world applaud for its excellence,” said David Vonbrethorst, PGA, Circling Raven’s Head Golf Professional. Vonbrethorst is referring to the Circling Raven Championship, an Epson “#Road2LPGA” Tour event that was played for the first time last year. Several players who competed in the event went on to earn their LPGA Tour membership, testament to their exceptional play, and the field had unanimous praise for the layout and course conditions. For local players who can’t wait to test the course for themselves, and visitors enjoying stay-and-play packages, early season golf rates beckon. From April 8-14, golfers pay $65 for an 18-hole greens fee, Monday-Sunday. From April 15-May 22 the rate becomes $89 MonThurs and $99 Fri-Sun and holidays. The peak summer 18-hole greens fees are $129 Mon-Thurs and $149 weekends and holidays. Players who seek extreme bargains can purchase the Circling Raven Advantage Card for $199 and receive hundreds of dollars of savings during the season. Cardholders get their first round free ($149 value), free entry into the year-end Advantage Tournament ($129 value), 15% off non-sale merchandise, 10% off non-sale clubs, free entry into the Circling Raven Championship ($40 value) and other exclusive benefits throughout the year. The club’s Player Development Card also costs $199 and it provides free use of the 25-acre practice facility, 15% off golf instruction, access to play Circling Raven two hours before dark for $25 (Mon-Thurs), free
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monthly golf clinics, and other benefits during the season. An array of programs for women, men, and juniors are designed to provide a variety of experiences – ranging from competitive tournaments and leagues, couples’ events and wine tastings, instruction, and equipment demo days. Stay-and-play packages are available starting at $209 from April 8-14, starting at $262 from April 15-May 22, and starting at $323 from May 23-October 2. Rates include golf for two and a one-night stay at the resort. To book packages and tee times call 1-800-523-2464. The Circling Raven Championship, an Epson “Road to the LPGA” Tour event, is scheduled for Aug. 22-28. It will spotlight a field of approximately 132 players, including some of the best female players worldwide. Competitors will vie for $200,000 in prize money. For more information about the casino resort or golf club, call 1-800-523-2464, or visit www.cdacasino.com.
"Swing” Over To JW Marriott San Antonio For A Spring Tee Time The TPC San Antonio, a 36-hole PGA TOUR golf facility, is located on property of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and features two courses open only to guests of the resort and members of TPC San Antonio and is the home of the Valero Texas Open. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is the largest JW Marriott Resort in the world, boasting 1,002 richly appointed guest rooms with expansive views of the Hill Country terrain. The award winning resort encompasses 600 picturesque acres of rolling hills, meandering creeks and Live Oak trees, all just minutes away from San Antonio International Airport. Images are available here. “Swing” to JW Marriott San Antonio in the spring for a round of golf at TPC San Antonio. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, in partnership with TPC San Antonio, offers several Golf Getaways to come and play where the pros play in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Golf Getaways can be booked online here.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS For those that want to take their golf game indoors, the resort’s sports bar, High Velocity, now houses two Topgolf Swing Suites with two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games featured. Games are available for guests of all ages and are powered by Full Swing simulator technology including signature Topgolf target games, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey, Baseball, Football, Carnival games and more. The suite is paired with comfortable lounge seating, HDTVs, and food and beverage service. The Ultimate Golf Experience: • TPC San Antonio at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country is pleased to be included among the best courses in America. The club was named one of the Best Courses You Can Play by Golf Week. • TPC San Antonio’s The Oaks Course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman and The Canyons Course was designed by golf visionary Pete Dye. • The Pete Dye-designed Canyons course is perfect for the casual player, while the Greg Norman-designed Oaks course is as challenging as it is scenic. • In addition to two challenging 18-hole golf courses, TPC San Antonio features a 23acre practice facility with two putting and short game practice areas as well as best in golf instruction at The Learning Center. •The topography of the Texas Hill Country and the beauty of the resort’s landscape create the ideal canvas for golf course designers. The
area is home to more than 30 golf courses, many of which are highly ranked by national golf experts. The Learning Center • The Learning Center at TPC San Antonio is a brand-new instructional facility providing the best in golf instruction utilizing the latest technology. Whether you golf with friends, family or business colleagues, The Learning Center makes learning and improving your golf game easy. Designed for new golfers or those who want to play like a pro, golf instruction at TPC San Antonio can help you reach your goals. Visit tpcsanantonio.com to learn more. PGA Junior Golf Camps at TPC San Antonio: •In partnership with the PGA of America, PGA Junior Golf Camps at TPC San Antonio offer kids golf instruction from the country’s top PGA instructors. The summer golf camps provide a safe, fun, instructional environment where young golfers will learn, refine and improve their skills. Visit tpcsanantonio.com for more information.
Hawai‘i Island’s Oldest Golf Course Reopens For Play VOLCANO, HI – Volcano Golf Course, Hawai’i Island’s first and oldest golf course, welcomed back golfers today after being closed for nearly two years. Golfers are back enjoying the natural beauty and panoramic views of the challenging par 72 golf course.
“The Volcano Golf Course has served the Hawai‘i Island community for over 100 years,” said Volcano Course General Manager Dawn Crozier of Indigo Sports, the course’s management company. “It was great to see golfers again enjoying the unique golf experience that this course has to offer.” The Volcano Golf Course is now open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Kama‘aina rates for a walking round of golf are $36 on weekdays and $40 on weekends (Friday – Sunday). Clubs and push carts are available for rent. Golf course staff will serve golfers from a temporary mobile office and grab-n-go snack and drink stand while landowner Kamehameha Schools explores options to construct a new clubhouse. Payment for golf and snacks will be by credit card only and the course recommends booking tee times in advance online at www.volcanogc.com. About Volcano Golf Course For over 100 years at Volcano Golf Course guests have been treated to panoramic views of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea while playing alongside endemic ‘ohi‘a trees that bloom vibrant red, and the nene, Hawai‘i’s state bird that nest throughout the property. This 18-hole golf course is set on the rim of the active Kilauea volcanic crater 4,000 feet above the sea, making it a truly unique golfing experience. For more information on the Volcano Golf Course, visit www. volcanogc.com.
Volcano Golf Course
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Champion Hills
Champion Hills Sets Out 2022 Membership Plans HENDERSONVILLE, NC – Champion Hills, home of Tom Fazio’s seminal “Mountain Masterpiece,” is swinging into 2022 with a variety of membership offerings to meet the seismic demographic and geographic shifts of the past two years. The exponential increase in remote work and the resulting freedom to move from densely populated urban areas in cold climates to Sun Belt states has led to a surge in relocations to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. That, coupled with the increase in new members joining private clubs for the first time, has led to record membership sales at Champion Hills. As a year-round golf community and club, Champion Hills’ members enjoy golf, tennis, hiking and other outdoor activities during all four seasons. Its enviable location in bucolic Henderson County is just 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. “The majority of our members live here full-time, which has changed the way they engage and utilize the club,” says Champion Hills General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Dana Schultz. “Our memberships are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of lifestyles and our location in the majestic mountains, pristine lakes and vibrant towns of Western N.C. makes Champion Hills a top choice for those looking for a mild four-season climate with a comparatively low cost of living.” Membership Plans Champion Hills’ new Equity 55 is a full golf membership designed for those age 55 and under in search of a club to call home. 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
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prorated for new members. 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 to a premier private golf club. The initiation fee is $7,500 and monthly dues are $275 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 / replacement reserve are $1,212. 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 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 being near a two-decade low, and Western N.C. following suit, we encourage prospective member-buyers to
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS continually visit our website for an update on existing inventory. 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 (inventory is subject to availability and prices are subject to market fluctuations). The Golf Course Champion Hills is Fazio’s former home course and club, and the legendary golf course architect devised a brilliant routing 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 has moved up 19 spots in two years on Golfweek’s list of the “Top 200 Residential Golf Courses in the U.S.” to 51st, and additional enhancements are planned through 2022 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 rapidly expanding player segment. About Champion Hills Champion Hills is a private boutique club in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, situated just south of the acclaimed “Main Street Town” of Hendersonville and 45 minutes from burgeoning Asheville. Its Tom Fazio-designed “Mountain Masterpiece” is ranked among the top private courses in the state by Golfweek and is the No. 1 yearround private course in Western North Carolina in Golfweek’s “Top
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200 Residential Golf Courses in the U.S.” Champion Hills is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon, the world’s largest golf management company. Resident-members enjoy a balanced and relaxed lifestyle steeped in golf, tennis, fitness, hiking and swimming, all surrounded by the recreation, entertainment and culture of Western North Carolina. Unlike many private, seasonal, mountain communities, Champion Hills offers year-round golf and activities, as well as casual and fine dining options. For more information, visit www.championhills.com or call (828) 696-1962.
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SPAIN BEST by Dakota Diaz
Open de Barcelona by Pablo Larrazábal: PGA Tour opens at Real Club de Golf de El Prat From April 5th to 9th, the “Spain Golf Tour 50th Anniversary PGA” Tour starts in Barcelona, in a great club with a lot of significance for Spanish professionals, which also has the support of one of the greatests of Spanish golf: Pablo Larrazabal BARCELONA, SPAIN - Real Club de Golf de El Prat, one of the most historical clubs in Spain, will host of a new tournament of the PGA National Tour that this year bears the name of “Spain Golf 50th Anniversary Tour”, in honour to those 50 years of service to Spanish golf professionals. Open Barcelona by Pablo Larrazábal will take place from April 5th to April 9th at the Barcelona’s golf under the presence of one of the greatest national icons, the European Tour professional Pablo Larrazábal and member of the Catalan club. Along with Pablo, other great profesional golfers such as Álvaro Velasco will be playing this tournament, which will kick off one more year – and there are now seven editions – of the PCA España Tour.
The tournament will consist of 3 days of individual stroke play, from the 6th to 8th of April, with a cut on the second day. Of the maximum number of players established at 144, only 40 and ties will be able to play the final day. In addition, international players members of any PGA can play and amateurs with a handicap of 4.4 or less are also given the opportunity to participate in the tournament, and be able to compete with professionals of the highest level. April 5th is the official practice day for the RCG El Prat Pink Course, considered the most challenging course of the Barcelona club and designed by the Australian “White Shark” Greg Norman. To finish the tournament, some of the professionals will play a Pro-Am on the 9th with members and friends of Real Club de Golf El Prat.
Real Club de Golf de El Prat
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SPAIN’S BEST
Pablo Larrazábal, icon of the tournament, comments that “this tournament makes me very happy. Álvaro Velasco asked me to collaborate with the tournament and here we are at home, playing and hosting this Tour on this 50th Anniversary where I started and helped me get where I am today”. An example of the importance of organizing tournaments at home is that, in addition to helping the most experienced professionals to complete their schedule, it also gives the youngest players the opportunity to gain the necessary experience they need while playing and learning from great players. RCG El Prat welcomes this tournament with enthusiasm and encourages all professionals to play and support golf at the Open de Barcelona by Pablo Larrazábal, in a high-level course where the Club’s staff has worked to have it in excellent condition at the characteristic style of Real Club de Golf El Prat. A course That has hosted many big tournaments as the Spanish Open of the European Tour.
The renowned club has hosted the Spanish Open on 10 occasions: 1956, 1959, 1963, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2015. The current 45 holes were designed by Greg Norman over an exciting mix of three highly acclaimed courses: the Pink – highly positioned in the most trusted and authoritative international rankings – Yellow and Green. It is listed Top20 by Golf World magazine’s coveted ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe’ rankings and also by National Club Golfer’s ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe’. The multi-award-winning El Prat was recently named as one of the 125 Platinum Clubs of the World – Five Star Private Club, as well as being granted the Golden Plaque of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit. It has played host to more than 250 top-level national and international championships, including European Tour events, with top stars of the calibre of Sergio Garcia, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, José María Olazábal and Tommy Fleetwood taking part.
For more information and registration visit www.pgaspain.es Among the large number of tournaments organized at El Prat there are competitions such as the Audi Tournament, Audemars Piguet Tournament, or internationally amateur championships such as the Barcelona Championship or the Kings’s Cup that can only be played in high-level courses as the Real Club de Golf El Prat. Dating back to 1912, Real Club de Golf El Prat is one of the most renowned clubs in Spain and was granted ‘Real’ or royal status, by King Alfonso XIII after his visit.
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The club has hosted some of the biggest names in golf, with Spanish legends Severiano Ballesteros and José Maria Olazábal, eighttime Major winner Tom Watson and European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn among its roll call of previous winners, while Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Pablo Larrazábal are both members. For more information, please contact Gemma Fuster on +34 937 28 10 00, 689028385 or email gemma@rcgep.com Visit: www.realclubdegolfelprat.com/en
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A Perfect Long Golfing Weekend at Horseshoe Bay
By JAMES MCAFEE
You’ll Want to Add One or Two More Days 18 Golf Vacations • April 2022
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T
he Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, has plenty of golfing options with the epicenter of the game at the Horseshoe Bay Resort shores near Lake LBJ, named for President Lyndon Johnson. It’s the perfect place for a long golfing weekend with three Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole resort courses—Slick Rock, Ram Rock and Apple Rock—available for visiting golfers wanting to test their games against some of the most challenging layouts in the state. Golf continues to thrive, now better than ever. after Horseshoe Bay Resort did a $200 million enhancement, including adding a new pro shop 18 months ago and a new clubhouse at Caprock in May, 2021 after the original one burned down more than 10 years ago prior to celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long. For the luxury travelers, the Horseshoe Bay Resort, of course, is the place to hang your hat, offering 400 rooms. The Resort Tower offers 249 oversized luxury rooms and suites that are elegantly designed and decorated with access to restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms and recreation just an elevator ride away. The 100-unit Palm Villas, located adjacent to the tower, offer one, two and three-bedroom units that are perfect for families or large groups. A few units are available as petfriendly, too. The Waters offers 51 one, two and three-bedroom units near the lakefront. In addition, some private homes are also available for rent.
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The resort offers a mixture of elegant and casual lakeside dining options at the Yacht Club, including the Y Bar and the Beachside Bar, plus the recently re-opened Waterfront Bar and Grill. Authentic Hill Country cuisine is offered at J’s Restaurant while you can get your Starbuck’ fix at The Market in the tower, Golfers can dine at both the Slick Rock Grill and Bar or the Cap Rock Cabana. Visiting golfers can enjoy rounds at any of the three resort courses, all ranked in the “50 Best Courses Open to the Public” in the Dallas Morning News’ listing for the state since they were started. Of course, you’ll pay up to $150, but won’t be disappointed. Slick Rock, opened in 1971, operates out of a clubhouse nearer the accommodations. Start your play there as it provides the most player-friendly conditions. It was ranked 29th. Ram Rock, opened in 1981, and Apple Rock, opened in 1985, operate out of the Caprock clubhouse, a few miles to the west. Ram Rock, is ranked ninth and regarded as the toughest challenge while Apple Rock, regarded as one of the most scenic in the state, was ranked 20th. In the list of the top 100 that also includes all the private courses, Ram Rock was 46th. The most unique golfing opportunity at the resort is the 18hole Whitewater Putting Course, an 18-hole, par-72 layout on Bermuda grass designed like a regular course with
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fairways, bunkers and water hazards where you use your putter for all shots. Horseshoe Bay members also have exclusive privileges at nearby Summit Rock, a signature Jack Nicklaus design opened in 2010. It was ranked No. 20 in the rankings of the top 100 in the state. The best attractions for non-golfers at the resort include boating and fishing on the lake and eight courts each for tennis or pickle ball. If you are a wine enthusiast, there are three wineries— Spicewood Vineyards, Stone House Vineyards and Fall Creek Vineyards— located less than a 45-minute drive away. If you have your own airplane, the Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center has the longest private runway in the area that can handle all personal and business aircrafts up to a regional jetliner.
players looking for less expensive golf experiences not to overlook Blue Lake Golf Club, located just miles away on Highway 71 toward Llano, featuring a nine-hole layout that includes five par-3s that sometimes call for hybrids or fairway woods from the tees for a couple of 80-year-old golfers. It was ranked No. 12 in the top 25 9-hole courses by the Morning News. In addition, he along with golf professional Gary Parsons also pointed to Hidden Falls in Marble Falls and The Lighthouse and The Legends in Kingston as other viable options if time permits. Why it’s appealing to over-50 luxury travelers • A relaxing atmosphere offering scenic lake views away from crowded places back home. • No need to leave property for fine dining. Take note:
Also nearby is the Escondido Golf and Lake Club, a Tom Fazio design that opened in 2006, offering a picturesque hamlet of luxury villas and casita homes. It also is exclusive for members of that club, not the public. It was ranked ninth in the list of the top 100. Cousin Eldon Tarver, who used to own a home north of Horseshoe Bay in Blue Lake Estates, recommends www.golfvacationsmag.com
• For first time on any of the resort courses, don’t just go to one of the back tees, you’ll enjoy the round a lot more from No. 3 or the executive or forward tees. • Be aware that it can be a little hot in the summer, considering playing earlier in the day and always drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Golf Vacations • April 2022 21
Albemarle Plantation
Redefining What A Golf Community Is All About by David Theoret
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T
he Albemarle Sound has been a prized locale for centuries; time and Mother Nature have made it the beautiful destination that you now see; rugged shoreline and endless seas.
Albemarle Plantation is an authentic coastal community and occupies a special place in the hearts of all who call it home. Although it’s home to one of the area’s most spectacular golf courses, the Sound brings life and energy to a community with unlimited ways to enjoy it. In fact, the attraction to the water may be bigger than the attraction to golf at Albemarle Plantation, as can be seen by the beautiful assortment of boats docked at the marina. A lot of the success of the community has to do with the harmony that seems to exist within the gates; neighbors genuinely like each other and people just seem to get along. In 2012, this community of friends took it one step further; they decided to buy the place. Everything. Golf club, marina, pool, tennis facilities, walking trails, restaurants — all of it. Residents saw it as an opportunity to control the future of the community, and to keep membership costs low and property values high. So far, it has paid huge dividends! Albemarle Plantation is not a collection of over-priced waterfront and golf course homes. The few that are for sale are priced right and come with a bevy of recreational amenities. The marina is one of the largest private marinas on the east coast. It even has its own dining venue that caters more to boaters but is thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Dockside Café is a special place, with its large,1,700 square foot deck and both screened-in and open dining areas. The fare is a lot more casual with salads, burgers, sandwiches, wood24 Golf Vacations • April 2022
fired pizzas as well as beer and the well-stocked Albemarle Plantation Wine Store. The clubhouse at Albemarle Plantation exudes Southern charm. It overlooks both the Sound and the 18th green with a formal hedge garden and well-manicured lawn creating a picturesque backdrop that is popular for weddings and special events. Inside you’ll find an intimate full-service bar in the casual Grille Room; walk a little further and you’ll come to the formal dining room which also offers a spectacular view of the Sound. In either dining area, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner or choose to dine al fresco on the verandah and take in a beautiful sunset. They also serve a fantastic Sunday Brunch. Dinner entrees include a variety of steak and seafood selections including Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Risotto, and cornmeal fried oysters. The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation is an incredible, nationally acclaimed Dan Maples design that opened for play in the fall of 1990. In planning this masterpiece, Maples made the most out of the woodlands and unique waterways and created a course that has something for everyone, regardless of how good or bad your game is. Several members have described the layout as very peaceful; it’s as if you are playing a new course every time you’re out there. From the White Tees, The Sound plays 5,794 yards, which seems short, But throw in a course rating of 69.6 and a slope of 124 for the men and you’ll find it’s a challenge. The Sound Links at Albemarle Plantation is full of memorable golf holes. Number 8 is a fun and challenging Par 4 that is a genuine risk vs reward hole. At 256 yards from the White tees, www.golfvacationsmag.com
the hole screams “Go for it!” Brains over brawn is the key here as driving the green requires pinpoint accuracy. The marsh pinches in on both sides and anything but a straight tee shot usually means hitting your next shot from the drop area. The smart play – which is not my strong suit – is to hit a club much less than driver off the tee and leave a manageable shot into the green.
you’ll most likely find it in a bunker. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll be looking at a short chip shot into an uphill green. Don’t be afraid to leave your drive in the bag. Don’t be surprised if you hear some cheers and jeers from the clubhouse verandah as you’re finishing up. Even if you’re not at the top of your game, the unrelenting beauty of the natural surroundings will keep you coming back round after round.
The three finishing holes will likely become etched into your memory. Number 16 is a relatively short par 4 at 253 yards and is the first of the three holes that features a stunning view of the Sound. This short dogleg left requires a well-placed tee shot; if you try to cut the corner, you’re flirting with the trees and OB. A well-played approach shot may well lead to a birdie opportunity.
If neither golf nor boating tickles your fancy, there are plenty of other social, fitness, artistic and educational activities to keep you busy. There are two tennis/pickleball courts, three bocce ball courts, almost 1,000 square feet of the latest cardio and strength equipment, and a community garden area with garden plots available for residents.
Albemarle Sound dictates the shape of the par 5, 17th hole. Seventeen plays 468 yards from the White Tees and you’ll need a long drive if you want to put up a good score. Should you decide to go for the green in two, you’ll need tremendous accuracy as the green is guarded on all four sides by bunkers and marshlands.
The residents of this member-owned golf community take ownership to a new level. It’s not uncommon to find residents who live on the course out on the hole behind their residence fixing pitch marks and filling divots. Their passion is evident and their efforts shine through as they do their part to keep this an incredibly well-maintained facility.
Number 18 is a powerful finishing hole. Although it’s not the longest, it has proven to be the difference between victory and defeat for many golfers. Albemarle Sound runs down the entire right side of this dogleg right par 4, with a 150-yard sand bunker situated between the fairway and the Sound. Hit anything through the left side of the fairway off the tee and
Whether you’re looking to retire or relocate to the Carolinas, Albemarle Plantation is well worth your consideration, you’ll never run out of things to do. For more information on becoming a member or resident of Albemarle Plantation, give them a call at (800)523-5958 or visit them online at www. albemarleplantation.com.
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COURSE REPORT
Santee, SC
Santee Cooper Country Club
A Fun and Affordable Golf Destination S
antee, South Carolina is about as small a town as you’ll find. The town sits at exit 98 off of I95 and consists of three stoplights moving east to west. At first glance it doesn’t seem like there’s a whole lot to the town – several restaurants, gas stations, and motels – all owned by hard-working locals who have made this their life’s work- clutter the real estate off the exit ramp. A little further down is Clarks Inn and Restaurant, owned by the Clark family who pretty much founded the town. However, if you’re a golfer, Santee, SC could easily become your dream destination. Santee is home to three championship golf courses and some wallet-friendly golf packages at Santee Cooper, Santee National, and Lake Marion. All are located within about 10 minutes of each other. Each course has its own driving range and practice green. Lake Marion’s driving range is lit and it’s not unusual to see players out there after dark working on their game. With Lake Marion serving as the backdrop, Santee Cooper Country Club has the most scenic views of any golf course in the area. The course was designed by George Cobb and opened for play in 1967; it’s still in fantastic condition. SCCC sits amid majestic pines and native foliage; the course is well-conditioned and will have you using every club in your bag through a series of beautiful dogleg holes, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging par 3s that require crisply struck tee shots. You’ll find considerable elevation changes considering the area and enjoy several risk-reward opportunities. Santee Cooper Country Club has the most scenic holes in Santee with a panoramic view of Lake Marion.
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by DAVID THEORET
SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA
The first hole on either side at Santee Cooper Golf Club provides a good challenge. Number 1 is a nice risk-reward par 4. From the No. II Tees this dogleg left hole plays 335 yards over water to a well-protected green. A good drive will leave a short pitch shot into an undulated putting surface. Number 10 is a short dogleg left par 4. Bite off as much of the dogleg as you can off the tee without hitting through the fairway. Pull your tee shot left and you’ll have to deal with some pine trees. A good drive that finds the fairway off the tee will leave a short uphill pitch shot into a well-protected, elevated green. The golf course at Santee National Golf Club features Bermuda fairways and Champion Bermuda greens. The club has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. Rolling hills and mossy oaks combine to offer highland terrain with Lowcountry charm. Five lakes bring water into play on 8 holes and strategically placed bunkers will have you thinking about each shot placement. The course offers four tees and can be enjoyed by every level of golfer. Matt Beischlag and his group have been coming here from Ohio for over 20 years. Numbers Ten and 11 are two memorable golf holes. Number Ten is a 460-yard par 5 with a lake that keeps you honest off the tee. Most players can’t reach the water off the tee and a well-struck drive down the left side may result in the opportunity to go for the green in two. Your layup and approach shot play uphill and the green is well guarded by a large deep bunker and a lot of grass mounding. Number 11 is a beautiful tree-lined par 4 dogleg left with a fairway bunker at the corner of the dogleg. A well-struck drive down the right side will leave the best angle into the large green fronted by a deep-faced bunker.
Santee National Golf Club
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COURSE REPORT Lake Marion Golf Club
Lake Marion Golf Club is a perennial favorite with traveling golfers and presents one of the more rewarding golf experiences in the area. The course opened in 1978 and was designed by Eddie Riccoboni; it has been delighting locals and golf travelers ever since. Lake Marion features pine tree-lined fairways, plenty of strategically placed hazards in the form of sand and water, and incredible Miniverde greens that are in perfect shape all year round. Five sets of tees provide yardages suitable for every level of golfer. Number 14 is a risk/reward par 4. The lakes on the right side create a dogleg right and the tall pines dare you to try and carry the water. The fairway’s not real deep and the more you try and cut off, the harder it is to hold. A good tee shot over the water will leave a short chip shot into a green protected on the right side by a deep bunker. Even with a great tee shot, par is a great score here. In addition to a great layout, Lake Marion also boasts the largest golf pro shop in the area with a lot of the latest and greatest equipment, apparel, and accessories. Lake Marion Golf Club is also home to the Palmetto Traverse, a 35,000 square foot natural grass-putting surface with all kinds of twists and turns and humps and bumps. It’s lit and sees a lot of night play too.
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SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA Lake Marion and Santee Cooper Golf Clubs offer some great package specials. Lake Marion offers several townhomes and villas that are spacious and roomy. All have two bedrooms with 4 double beds and flat-screen TVs in each, 2 bathrooms, a living room, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a hospitality room and a swimming pool. They offer the only “all-inclusive” golf package in the area, which includes daily buffet breakfasts and dinners during the golf season, range balls, and replay rounds. With access to 15 local golf courses, the packaging staff at Lake Marion can put together a package to delight and please every golfer. Local players can join their Golf Advantage Club for $80 which includes a free round of golf, a $25 gift card, and a ton of added benefits. A popular local restaurant can be found at Clark’s Inn and Restaurant. It was founded by William E. “Bubba” Clark in 1946, moved to its current location in 1971, and continues to meet its high standards of Southern hospitality and delicious food. Enjoy such southern favorites as a Calabash Seafood Platter, Southern Style Shrimp & Grits with lightly blackened shrimp, and a local favorite, the Lowcountry Stir Fry; shrimp, chicken, and kielbasa sautéed with a blend of fresh vegetables in a light teriyaki sauce served over savory brown rice. For dessert, Clark’s Famous Apple Crisp, made from a 60-year-old original family recipe is a must-try. Lake Marion is also one of the top fishing destinations in the Southeast and has held state records for more than 8 species of fish. Several guides are available and can be found through their website, www.SanteeCooperCountry.com. Golf course and hotel information can be found there as well. Santee, SC is proof that northerners seeking sunshine and golf don’t have to go as far south as Florida to enjoy great golf opportunities. The weather is more predictable and not as humid, the golf courses are scenic and challenging and the golf packages are a lot more affordable. Between the time you’ll save not driving as far south and the money you’ll save, you can probably stay an extra couple of days. For more information, visit their websites at www.santeecoopercc.com and at www.golfsantee.com.
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
Vokey SM9 Wedge
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hen Bob Vokey is excited about one of his new wedge creations, you know you are in for something special. Titleist’s master wedge craftsman has been responsible for the most played wedges on the PGA Tour since 2004, and his just-released SM9 model has more options and personalization than ever of loft, grind and bounce combinations. It is no wonder Tour players took to these clubs right off the bat as soon as they were made available to them in January. They are smoother, easier to hit and have better turf interaction—not to mention the superior spin and control. “It is important to fit your wedges to your swing type, style of play and course conditions,” noted Vokey. “That selection process should begin by determining the proper grind for the shots you hit most. The correct grind provides the best turf interaction, contact and shot performance. “It sounds simple but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has a direct impact on scoring performance,” he added. “The most important thing for golfers at every level is to know when and where to use the variety of wedges in their bag. That can be achieved by being properly fit based on swing and style of play-and understanding the roles for each.” If versatility is what you are looking for, these wedges have it. The SM9’s offer six grind options and a total of 23 different models ranging in lofts from 46 to 62 degrees for precision fitting. The aspect of these new wedges that Vokey is most excited about Is the improved Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design concept originally introduced with the Vokey Design SM8. The new SM9 pushes the envelope again with even more innovation as the new SM9 maintains the innovative forward CG – a position that hovers in front of the wedge face --to produce a solid feeling wedge that squares up at impact for more consistent results. The CG has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position. Progressive hosel lengths are also used to help raise the CG in the higher lofts, particularly 58 to 62 degrees. The result is improved distance and trajectory control, and increased stability for more consistency. Vokey has spent decades working with Tour players to design an array of sole choices that make these wedges the ultimate when it comes to customization and available options. His six Tour-proven
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sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D – allow golfers of all skill levels to be precisely fit for their swing type (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style (sweeper, digger) and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft). A new Spin Milled cutting process in the SM9 models – which includes tightening the allowable tolerances --produces consistently sharper grooves wedge after wedge, resulting in higher, more consistent spin. The Spin Milled Grooves are the gold standard in groove cutting precision and are meticulously engineered and cut to the edge to maximize spin and shot control. Each groove on every head is 100% inspected for conformity to the rules of golf. Another unique aspect of the SM9’s are the micro-grooves that are individually cut in between grooves, which maximizes spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area to double the durability of the groove without impacting feel. Each groove is individually cut based on loft and finish with the lower lofts (46-54 degree) designed with narrower, deeper grooves and higher lofts (56-62 degree) with wider, shallower grooves.
The customization for these new wedges is also impressive, with six unique toe engravings offered and 10-character straight/freestyle stamping options—along with custom paint-filled loft, bounce and grind markings. SM9 wedges can also be custom ordered with a wide selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules, with the stock shaft being the True Temper Dynamic Gold S200. The wedges are available in three stock finishes – Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black – with Raw as a custom option. Another nice feature is the Vokey Wedge Selector tool on Vokey. com that helps golfers select the proper loft, bounce and grind options for their swing and course conditions. Vokey recommends that golfers visit their local Titleist fitter to confirm the results. The Vokey Wedge Selector tool can be found at: https://www.vokey. com/tools/wedge-selector-tool.aspx. For more information on the SM9 wedges go to: www.Vokey.com
FJ Fuel Shoes
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ow that the golf season is well underway in most areas of the country, FootJoy is looking to bring more heat to the game with the introduction of its ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable Fuel line of shoes for men, women and juniors. You can readily feel the comfort of these shoes and how light they are compared to anything else on the market. They have an athletic feel with a full-rounded toe design and a slightly narrow heel for a snug fit. Stratolite foam engineered to deliver lightweight
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SWEETSTUFF Nexbelt Masters Belt
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cushioning is one of the key features of this shoe. Fuel looks like an athletic shoe, but the on-course traction provided by the power stabilizer outsole makes these shoes an excellent choice for better traction, support and control during the swing—even though they are soft spikes. The Fuel’s Stability Bridge— new to this shoe—helps provide additional support and comfort. After just a few minutes these shoes feel like they have been broken in for months—and with the style and design make an excellent choice for an after round social. The durable construction of this shoe carries a one-year waterproof warranty. For the men, the available colors include white/white laced; white/blue laced; navy/white laced; black/white laced; black/black Boa and white Boa. For the women’s models, Fuel has introduced some vibrant colors to go along with innovative technology in this shoe. These are solid and well-constructed shoes with excellent arch stability and a soft feel that ladies like. One of FootJoy’s newest head-to-toe ambassadors—Jessica Korda—has switched to the shoe and raves about it. “I love the spikeless feel, I love how light it is, the comfort is great, and I am a big fan of the Boa® technology,” noted Korda, former No. 1, and the reigning Olympic Champion. “It’s everything I am looking for and I am really pumped to be in the shoe this year.” The women’s shoes come in Navy/hot pink laced; gray/white laced; white light pink laced; white light pink Boa. For more information: www.FootJoy.com
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ith the arrival of spring, it is time for golf to begin its major championship season. There are more people playing golf and more traveling to find that certain course that they want to experience. For those wanting to see the best golfers in the world at this time of year— there is one place like no other. Since 1934, Augusta, Georgia has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments. Amidst the azaleas, towering pines and flowering dogwoods, April means it is time for the Masters. Over four days and 72 holes, the smallest field in championship golf competes for a chance to capture the famous Green Jacket and a place in history. Not everyone can get a ticket to see this event in person, but Nexbelt, “The Belt With No Holes,” is celebrating this year’s Masters—the week many call the greatest week in golf—with its very own Augusta Braided Series Belt. The Nexbelt Braided Series Golf Belts offer all the beauty of
a nylon braided belt but none of its deficiencies. These braided belts offer great comfort because they stretch a tiny bit to allow a little more flexibility on the course. The Augusta belts offer cutto-fit and will accommodate up to 50” waist, Green, Yellow and White nylon material, buckle size 1 5/8” x 2 5/16” and the strap is 1 3/8” high With over 40 players now wearing Nexbelt on the Professional Golf Tours, Nexbelt is considered “The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf”. Its team of PGA TOUR Staff Professionals for 2022 includes Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, Marc Leishman and many others. Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel and fashion available. Nexbelt®, Precise FitTM and “The Belt With No Holes” ® are registered trademarks. Nexbelt creations are available at retail pro shops, golf outlets and specialty stores nationwide--and online at www.nexbelt.com and at : www.nexbelt.com/products/braided-augusta
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32 Golf Vacations • April 2022
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34 Golf Vacations • April 2022
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