OUR 18th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2019
EYE OF THE HURRICANE
ROCKIN’ COPPER ROCK
CAROLINAS GOLF VARIETY, VALUE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Golf Vacations Plus: CLUB SELECTION: GRAYHAWK GOLF• December CLUB2019 1
www.golfvacationsmag.com
2 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 3
GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2019
Sand Hollow Resort, Hurricane, Utah
8
Chip Shots
16
Rockin’ Copper Rock
20 26 30
by David R. Holland Four national travel golf journalists stood on the lofted No. 17 tee at the brand-new Copper Rock Golf Course in southwest Utah beneath a rugged panorama of the Wasatch Mountain range’s southern tip, the Vermillion Cliffs, Pine Mountain and sand dunes to the west.
Carolinas Golf Resorts
by Shane Sharp It’s a tight window, but the four weeks between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday can tee-up perfectly for quick golf getaway in the Carolinas. Daytime temps still climb well into the 60s and low 70s along coastal South Carolina while North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina highs hover around 55 to 60.
Club Selection: Grayhawk Golf Club
by David R. Holland When the NCAA announced that Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor Course, a par-72, 7,090-yard Tom Fazio design, had been picked to host the Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships from 2020 to 2022, I applauded the pick.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
4 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 5
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS 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.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
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.
Associate Editor Terry Ross
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 David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. “Multiple careers” best describes this world traveler (visited 35 countries), who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve. Holland splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine and Fairway to Green. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, UPI and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Follow Dave on Twitter @David_R_Holland.
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
S
tony Creek Media
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774-2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
and
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 2019 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.
6 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 7
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Quivera Golf Club
Special ‘5th Anniversary Package’ at Quivira Golf Club
Los Cabos, Mexico – To commemorate the 2014 debut of Quivira Golf Club, the epic Jack Nicklaus-designed course etched across a dazzling site at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts has put together a special package for golf enthusiasts. Opened to acclaim on Dec. 4, 2014, the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira has been recognized as one of the finest resort venues in the hemisphere. It has been voted to Golf Digest’s elite roster of the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” and is ranked No. 2 on Golfweek’s list of the “Top 50 Courses in the Caribbean and Mexico.” Created as an exclusive amenity for guests of Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts and Quivira Los Cabos residents, the bold risk-reward design, marked by sheer granite cliffs, massive windswept dunes and rolling desert foothills, features breathtaking views and dizzying drops from tee to fairway. In a sun-splashed destination 8 Golf Vacations • December 2019
celebrated for its unique ocean-desertmountain ecosystem, Quivira boasts more oceanfront exposure than any other course in town. This 7,085yard, par-72 tour de force presents an unforgettable test from any set of tees and offers players the biggest “wow” factor in Cabo. “Our team worked with the canvas Mother Nature provided to create what we hope is one of the most spectacular courses in the world,” Nicklaus said when the course opened five years ago. “This property afforded us a rare opportunity because of its topographic diversity and natural environment.” Completing the experience at Quivira Golf Club is a stylish, thatchedroof clubhouse that offers a large rectangular bar, a casual steakhouse and ample outdoor seating overlooking the sea. Adjacent to the clubhouse is a spacious double-ended driving range that parallels the ocean within earshot of the thudding surf. There’s also an elongated practice putting green and a
short-game practice area. In addition to two rounds of golf and deluxe accommodations at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, an adults-only, all-inclusive beachfront property located within Quivira Los Cabos, a range of enticing perks and amenities boosts the appeal of the ‘5th Anniversary Package.’ Pricing for the ‘5th Anniversary Package’ starts at $2,367 per person for a deluxe room at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica or at $3,605 for a Private Pool Suite at The Towers at Pacifica, double occupancy, depending on dates and choice of accommodations. The package offer runs from now through April 30, 2020, subject to availability. For additional information or to book the 5th Anniversary Package, please call 1-800-990-8250. For more information regarding Quivira Golf Club and Pueblo Bonito Resorts please visit www.quiviraloscabos.com and www.pueblobonito.com. www.golfvacationsmag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Eagle Ridge Resort And Spa Receives Esteemed Gold Stella Award For Best Golf Resort In The Midwest
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is honored to announce that is the proud winner of a prestigious Stella Award from North Star Meeting Group. The destination resort received the gold award in the Regional Hotel Category for the Best Golf Resort in the Midwest. Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa features four golf courses, including one of the top one hundred golf courses in the country, The General. The Stella Awards honor excellence in the meetings industry. The program distinguishes suppliers from around the globe that consistently deliver quality service and innovation to meeting and event professionals. Winners include the very best hotels, convention centers, conference centers, convention and visitor bureaus, destination marketing organizations, destination management companies, airlines and cruise lines. “We are ecstatic to receive such a prestigious award, as the Stella Awards reinforces the level of excellence that Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa delivers to all resort
and golf guests each day,” says Colin Sanderson, director of sales and marketing at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. “The incredibly talented resort team aims to create the best experiences possible for our guests, and we couldn’t be more honored with the recognition we’ve received from our industry peers, meeting and event planners, golf enthusiasts and the surrounding communities.” For more information about Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, its 2019 Stella Award recognition, award-winning golf offerings, or to book a reservation, please visit www.eagleridge.com or call 800-892.2269.
Seabrook Island Club Named Sc Golf Club Of The Year The Seabrook Island Club (SEAC) announced that the Club has been named the 2019 Club of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Association (SCGA). The decision-making committee was comprised of a group of SCGA board members and staff that took into account a club’s willingness to host championships, non-tournament events, and various initiatives to help grow the game of golf. “This is an incredible honor for our
Club and Seabrook Island as a whole,” said Caleb Elledge, general manager and chief operating officer, Seabrook Island Club. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our golf operations, golf maintenance, and food and beverage teams. We’re thrilled to receive this prestigious designation and look forward to continuing to grow the game of golf with the SCGA and being a place for avid golfers to call home for years to come.” The Seabrook Island Club stood out to the committee as a Club that has a strong record of hosting SCGA Majors and South Carolina Junior Golf Association seasonending events, including most recently the 2017 SCGA Mid-Amateur Championship and the 2018 SCGA Senior Four-Ball Championship played on Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks. The Club has also been home to the Hootie & the Blowfish Chapter program’s season finale, the Tommy Cuthbert All-Stars Championship since 2007. To learn more about becoming a member of the Seabrook Island Club, visit www.discoverseabrook.com.
some greens are better when you add a little salt.
View or request a vacation guide There’s nothing like the salty sea air on a warm Gulf breeze while playing on one of 14 unique courses in the coastal Alabama area. From sparkling coastlines to rolling hills and links-style golf, you’ll find an abundance of ways and places to play both on and off the course.
www.golfvacationsmag.com GSA701 Golf Vacations March 2-pg spread .indd 1
GulfShores.com/Golf 877-852-3618
Golf Vacations • December 2019 9 2/6/19 4:33 PM
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Costa Brava Golf Club
Costa Brava hits environmental focus
the
green
with
The Costa Brava is making a concerted effort across the region to find the green more often – in more ways than one. PGA Catalunya, one of seven resorts or clubs in the region 100km north of Barcelona, collected the Sustainability Award for Nature Protection 2020 at the IAGTO Awards during the recent IGTM in Morocco. Its work to use recycled water and assist natural habitats and wildlife to thrive, saw the 36-hole resort recognised among its peers. But it is not an isolated achievement as it is part of an ongoing commitment from the region to improve the environmental sustainability. Earlier this year, Club Golf D’Aro Mas Nou underlined its commitment to preserving the stunning Costa Brava landscape with a new fleet of eco-friendly buggies, while it already boasts a GEO Foundation certificate. The club is also among several which are irrigated entirely with treated wastewater. Other partners within the association are also on board with the collective push. Gualta – the challenging par-three course – has installed several solar panels in recent times to help power the
10 Golf Vacations • December 2019
clubhouse facilities and is now using electric mowers for course maintenance. The Costa Brava also played a high-profile role in the recent IGTM, with a new promotional video also launched during a dinner hosted by the region at the annual golf industry get-together. The video depicts many of the key figures in the Costa Brava golf industry outlining many of the other attractions of the region. You can view the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=D_bn_ tjCnx0. Laia Cunill, marketing and promotion manager at Golf Costa Brava, said: “The IGTM was a great success and another opportunity for us to showcase our region and meet with like-minded resorts and destinations. “Our collective ambition is to deliver attractive golf courses but we all need to be more conscious about the environment, which is always at the forefront of our thoughts in Costa Brava. We believe both objectives can be delivered with a commitment from everyone associated with the association and we are working on introducing more initiatives in the coming months and years.” To learn more about playing golf in the Costa Brava, visit golf. costabrava.org
www.golfvacationsmag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Barefoot Resort & Golf To Host Family Golf Week
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Family Golf Week, which includes the Father-Son Team Classic, will call one of America’s Top 100 Golf Resorts home in 2020. Barefoot Resort & Golf, home to courses designed Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, Greg Norman and Pete Dye, will host next year’s Family Golf Week. Barefoot is an ideal hub for an event that attracts golfers from across the nation and celebrates the familial bonds the game helps create. Family Golf Week, a four-day event highlighted by the playing of the Father-Son and the Parent-Child team classics, will be held July 15-18, 2020 on seven of Myrtle Beach’s best courses. The 23rd annual event is again expected to attract 350 teams and 700 golfers from 40+ States and three countries. Moving the tournament’s base of operations to Barefoot, which was recently ranked among America’s Top 100 Golf Resorts by Golf Magazine and was named
14
www.golfvacationsmag.com
the International Association of Golf Tour Operators North American Golf Resort of the Year in 2017, will be a popular one with participants. Barefoot, which has a pair of clubhouses featuring ample meeting and dining space, will host pre and post-event functions, including the tournament awards luncheon, one of the highlights of week. “We are thrilled to have Barefoot Resort join the Family Golf Week team as our host property,” said Mike Buccerone, president of East Coast Golf Events. “Barefoot is one of America’s premier golf resorts and will be an ideal host venue, helping us deliver an unforgettable week of golf and good times to the families that participate in the tournament.” The benefits of Barefoot serving as Family Golf Week’s hub extend off the course, including an expanded two-day check-in window beginning on July 14. The Resort is part of a community that includes onsite accommodations, Barefoot Landing, a
2,300+ acre shopping and dining complex, the ever-popular Putter’s Pub, and it provides easy access to host courses and North Myrtle Beach’s abundant attractions. The Father-Son and the Parent-Child Team Classic, which has brought mothers, daughters and grandparents into the tournament fold, are both 54-hole events. Entry fee is $995 per team and includes three rounds of golf, daily lunch, pre- and post-event functions, and a gift bag valued at $300. Included among the gift bag items are a $150 tournament gift card that can be used at host courses for food, merchandise and golf, a logo’d polo shirt, a dozen golf balls and more. Both Family Golf Week tournaments require participants to have a USGA approved handicap and feature new formats of play in 2020, beginning with best ball followed by a Texas scramble and captain’s choice in the final round. For more information, go to http://www. familygolfweek.com
15
Golf Vacations • December 2019 11
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Entrada at Snow Canyon
David Mclay Kidd Selected To Lead Entrada At Snow Canyon Golf Course Renovation ST. GEORGE, UT – Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club’s award-winning golf course in St. George, Utah will undergo a $7 million dollar renovation project led by golf course designer David McLay Kidd. On-course work is expected to begin in November 2020 and be completed by September 2021. During the 10-month project, the golf course is expected to be fully closed to member and guest play for approximately five months. McLay Kidd, whose course designs include Bandon Dunes in Bandon, Ore., Gamble Sands in Brewster, Wash., Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley Golf Resort in Nekoosa, Wisc., and the Castle Course at St. Andrews, Scotland will be assisted on the Entranda project by Troon’s Design, Development and Agronomy team. Renovation enhancements will include: replacement of the course’s irrigation and drainage systems and renovation of the irrigation lakes and the club’s practice facility. In addition, all greens will be redesigned and resurfaced with state-of-the-art Bentgrass; fairways will be recontoured; tees will be relocated and/or renovated; and every bunker on the golf course will be replaced. The entire golf course, including tees, fairways and roughs, will be re-grassed with improved cultivars of Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass. “In the twenty-five years since the opening of the golf course our membership has enjoyed playing the pristine-conditioned course set against the dramatic red sandstone and black lava rock surroundings that define Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club,” said David Hall,
12 Golf Vacations • December 2019
General Manager, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club. “Entrada is now excited to set our path into the future by investing millions into the golf course. We are thrilled to have landed one of the most sought-after golf course architects in the world in David McLay Kidd, to renovate and modernize our golf course.” Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club was founded in 1996. The Club’s Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss-designed golf course has been consistently rated as one of the best courses in Utah by Golf Digest, GOLF and Golfweek. The golf course currently plays to a par of 71 and measures 7.062 yards from the tips. “When a golf hole offers options on how to play it, the game becomes so much more interesting,” said McLay Kidd of the Entrada renovation. “We want to increase those options at Entrada, allowing players to use their imagination, creativity and skills to play holes and attempt to score. Options might manifest themselves with a strong player trying to hit a high approach with backspin, while another player might use guile to read a slope and play a running shot into the same green. Neither approach is better or worse if the result is the same, but it sure is more fun to have the option.” “Mr. Kidd’s vision for Entrada is spot on; to increase the fun factor and excitement of playing our course by injecting more strategy, shot options and recoverability when you hit a poor shot,” adds Hall. “Kidd’s design will touch every aspect of the course and the end result will be a totally new golf course that is fun, fun, fun!” For more information on Entrada at Snow Canyon, visit www. golfentrada.com or call 435.986.2200.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
A New Era Begins At The Club At Weston Hills
The Club at Weston Hills—the Fort Lauderdale area’s preeminent luxury lifestyle club—has been reimagined from the ground up. Formerly known as Weston Hills Country Club, the new name is just one part of an extensive transformation to this family-oriented club that has been operated by Arcis Golf since August 2018. More than $2 million has been invested in the golf courses as well as to upgrade and invigorate facilities, programming, and amenities— from landscaping, clubhouse, and event spaces to the introduction of exciting food and beverage offerings. The new name and branding were unveiled at a member celebration last evening, according to General Manager Eric J. von Hofen. “The steady stream of upgrades and improvements to the club during the past year has been wholeheartedly embraced by both long-time and new members,” von Hofen said. “It’s only fitting that these changes come with a fresh name and rebranding. The future of The Club at Weston Hills is very bright.” The 7,069-yard Tour Course, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. (RTJ II) design, has been completely renovated with new bunkering, the installation of Celebration Bermudagrass on all fairways, and the addition of a new short-game area at the Weston Hills Learning Center, the club’s state-of-the-art instruction facility. The multimillion-dollar project was led by award-winning Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design. The Tour Course was previously home of The Honda Classic (1992-95), the Dan Marino Celebrity Invitational, and the LPGA Chrysler Plymouth Tournament of Champions. It will host a 2020 U.S. qualifying event for the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Jan. 7-10, 2020. The Club at Weston Hills features a second Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design—the Players Course—which plays to 7,272 yards from the
www.golfvacationsmag.com
championship tees. “Beyond the new name, this change is about a renewal of the club’s individuality and character,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO, Arcis Golf, which owns and operates The Club at Weston Hills. “It is a more suitable representation of our memberships’ identity and the relationships the club has built throughout the community.” The Club at Weston Hills provides an amenity-rich, lifestyle environment for members, their families, and guests, including eight, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts served by a dedicated tennis clubhouse, an extensive fitness center, and heated, outdoor swimming pool, in addition to very active men’s and women’s golf associations. A full slate of year-round programming—from wine and culinary events to swim lessons, kite flying, and holiday festivities—entertains all age groups and interests. Additionally, the nearby neighborhood boasts resort-style living in beautiful lakefront homes with breathtaking views of shimmering lakes and the golf courses. In six years, Arcis Golf has skyrocketed from a small start-up to the second-largest owner and operator of private, resort, and daily-fee clubs in the United States. The company’s current portfolio features 65 clubs and golf courses in 14 states, positioned in or near major metropolitan areas from coast to coast. Arcis Golf has invested more than $60 million in upgrades, amenities, personnel, training, and systems to maximize the growth and future success of its collection of clubs. The company appeared on the Inc. Magazine 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies in 2017 and 2018. As well, in 2018 Walker was recognized by EY as the Entrepreneur Of The Year® in the hospitality category for the Southwest region. For additional information about The Club at Weston Hills, visit www.theclubatwestonhills.com.
Golf Vacations • December 2019 13
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Reflection Bay
Defeating the Odds: Reflection Bay Golf Club Named Top Golf Destination in Las Vegas HENDERSON, NV. – Reflection Bay Golf Club, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus designed course, has made a comeback unlike any other. The course, which was closed during the recession and reopened in 2014, was recently recognized as the Gold Winner in the Best of Las Vegas awards. In the past two years, the course has made a comeback for the books, with improved golf course conditions, updating and expanding its clubhouse offerings, launching a golf academy with PGA Tour professionals as instructors and making overall improvements to create the resort golf experience Lake Las Vegas residents and visitors have come to expect. “It’s very satisfying, not only to have received this recognition, but also to see how far Reflection Bay has come in the last two years,” said Eric Dutt, Reflection Bay’s manager of operations. “The club’s success is solely due to our staff members who have all worked diligently to bring the golf course back to a truly great guest experience from start to finish.” Dutt also pointed to Raintree Investment Corporation and its leaders Cody Winterton and Patrick Parker, for re-establishing the reputation of Reflection Bay as an integral
14 Golf Vacations • December 2019
part of their real estate vision at Lake Las Vegas. Raintree currently directs the development of the 3,600-acre Henderson community, along with developments in California, Arizona and Colorado. “The team at Raintree saw the value of providing a resort-style golf experience for a new generation of players,” Dutt said. “Reflection Bay’s success mirrors the growth we’ve seen throughout the Lake Las Vegas community,” said Parker. “Our residents told us they wanted a world-class golf experience and we worked diligently to deliver it.” In the last two years, Reflection Bay has become a top destination for high-profile national tournaments and world-renowned athletes. The club also offers more than just a round of golf – it announced the opening of its golf academy, The High Performance Golf Institute, last year and now coaches more than 100 junior and adult athletes. “We’re proud to have three of the nation’s top elite junior golfers training here with our instructors,” Dutt said. “The club has come a long way in offering the best facilities, PGA Tour professional instructors, all-new technology in our golf carts and training amenities and so much more.” To learn more about Reflection Bay Golf Club, visit http://www.reflectionbaygolf. com or call 702-740-4653.
The Road To The 149Th Open Begins In Australia Through The Open Qualifying Series The road to The 149th Open at Royal St George’s will begin at the Emirates Australian Open, the first of 16 events in 11 countries across five continents that will make up The Open Qualifying Series for 2020. The Emirates Australian Open, which is being played from 5-8 December at The Australian in Sydney, will be the first opportunity for players to secure their place at Royal St George’s next year. The Open Qualifying Series will visit Morocco for the first time with the European Tour’s Trophee Hassan II event offering one qualifying place for golf’s original championship, while the Travelers Championship on the PGA TOUR returns to the schedule for the first time since 2015 with two qualifying spots available. A minimum of 46 places in The Open are available through the Series, which provides golfers with opportunities to qualify at events around the world on the PGA TOUR, the European Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, the Korean Tour, the Japan Golf Tour and the Sunshine Tour. Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “We have agreed an exciting schedule of events with our colleagues at the leading professional tours around the world and we will look forward to
www.golfvacationsmag.com
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS finding out which golfers qualify for Royal St George’s. “We know there is real excitement among fans at the prospect of The Open returning to Royal St George’s which will undoubtedly spur on players to qualify to compete over the famous Kent links come July next year.” The South African Open hosted by The City of Joburg will be played at Randpark, Johannesburg from 9-12 January and three qualifying places will be on offer. Four places in The Open will be available at both the SMBC Singapore Open, which is being played at Sentosa Golf Club, and The Mizuno Open taking place at The Royal Golf Club in Japan. On the PGA TOUR, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard and RBC Canadian Open will each have three qualifying places, while the last qualifying place will be confirmed at the John Deere Classic on the eve of The 149th Open. On the European Tour, four places at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will be available. Two places will also be available at the KOLON Korea Open in June. Regional Qualifying events will take place throughout Great Britain and Ireland with Caldy, Rochester & Cobham Park and Moor Park confirmed as three new venues for 2020. A minimum of 12 places will then be available at Final Qualifying events taking place at Fairmont St Andrews, Notts (Hollinwell), Prince’s and St Annes Old Links. Tickets for The 149th Open at Royal St George’s are available at www.TheOpen.com/Tickets2020
Pga Golf Club Unveils 2019 Holiday Promotions PGA Golf Club – the PGA of America’s award-winning 54-hole facility – kicks off the holidays with promotions that include reduced fees when donating to Toys for Tots, Black Friday specials and more. Through Dec. 31, guests of PGA Golf Club who bring an unwrapped toy ($10 value or more) for Toys for Tots will receive 30 percent off the resort rate. Blackout dates may apply, and reservations may be booked up to 48 hours in advance by calling 800-800-GOLF (4653). To commemorate Black Friday (Nov. 29), the club will offer discounts up to 20 percent off in black balloons throughout the golf shop. With the purchase of any item from noon–4 p.m. (excluding hard goods, special orders and sale items), each guest can pop a balloon at checkout. PGA Golf Club is also selling gift cards, which are valid for golf, merchandise, equipment and instruction. These can be purchased by visiting PGA Golf Club or online via PGAVillage.com. “The gift cards are perfect stocking stuffers for golfers, as they can use them towards their next round, lesson, as well as to purchase equipment and apparel,” said PGA Golf Club General Manager and Director of Golf Jeremy Wiernasz, PGA. “We are also excited to resume our Toys for Tots promotion, which ensures children in our community will have a memorable holiday season.” Known as the “Ultimate Golf Destination,” PGA Golf Club is home to three championship golf courses designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. In 2020, PGA Golf Club will host the Boys and Girls Junior PGA Championships. The Boys Junior PGA Championship will be contested July 13–16, 2020; the Girls Junior PGA Championship will follow on July 28–31, 2020. Each event features 144 players in a four-round, 18hole, stroke-play format. In 2021, PGA Golf Club will host the PGA Professional Championship on the Wanamaker and Ryder Courses. The Championship will be comprised of players who advance from the 41 PGA Section Championships, along with past champions, competing to finish in the Top 20, in order to secure a spot in the PGA Championship. All four rounds will be broadcast live on Golf Channel. To learn more about PGA Golf Club, visit PGAVillage.com.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 15
ROCKIN’ COPPER ROCK
H
URRICANE, Utah – Four national travel golf journalists stood on the lofted No. 17 tee at the brand-new Copper Rock Golf Course in southwest Utah beneath a rugged panorama of the Wasatch Mountain range’s southern tip, the Vermillion Cliffs, Pine Mountain and sand dunes to the west. The four, first to play here, had this 146-yard shot, drop-kicked it and four strikes gathered on the pristine putting surface. It was a painting of rugged beauty.
said he enjoyed the peripheral views from the high point where the future clubhouse will be built. “I’m a naturalist and this land lends itself to a combination of prairie, desert, a little of what you see in Ireland and is perfect to let the bunkers rise out of the terrain,” Beddo said. “I saw a nice grassy valley for the front nine, and then hillier land on the back nine with the awesome views. The land allows gentle movement and in the rugged, higher areas I was able to place greens on hillsides and use ridge points for tee locations.”
Golf-course architect Dale Beddo painted it, but at Copper Rock it’s up to you to figure out the puzzle that takes you through a journey of pushed up bunkers, fescue-covered moguls, verdant fairways and smooth rolling greens. Jeff Brauer also gave Beddo help on the design.
This 960-acre golf course community also will have the luxury of being in ideal condition when it finally opens in the spring of 2020. Heck, it is already in better condition than some courses where I attended grand openings.
Too bad you have to wait until the course opens in the spring of 2020. And, oh yeah, discussions for a third nine west of the original layout are slated for the first of the year. From first sight, Beddo, who has roots in Texas and Oklahoma,
Copper Rock doesn’t pound on you. “It will play 6,865 from the back tees, has wide fairways with marginal forced carries, playable greens, no blind hazards and bunkers that you have a good chance of recovering from,” Beddo said. “Still, it will
Copper Rock No. 9
16 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
By David R. Holland
Green Spring No. 5
be strong enough for really good players.” A double green highlights the 9th and 18th with a bunker menacing the middle of the massive putting surface. Both holes climb in elevation past an irrigation lake that separates the two fairways. Your approach will be to elevated putting surface and there are plenty of fairway bunkers to dodge. My favorite, the short par-4 third hole, is only 305 yards, but moguls covered with fescue dot the fairway and could result in a lost ball. On the resort and golf-course community angle, Copper Rock plans to have an upscale clubhouse with guest rooms and a luxury hotel adjacent, multiple restaurants and a spa. It’s about 20 minutes from highly-regarded Sand Hollow Resort and close to Sky Mountain Golf Course, a municipal operated by the City of Hurricane.
More Beddo work set for Coral Canyon Golf Course
Beddo is not finished in the Hurricane and St. George area. Coral Canyon Golf Course, designed in 2000 by Keith Foster, has had recent flooding issues, is next on his docket. “We are going to give Coral Canyon a complete redesign,” Beddo said. “We will relocate seven holes and have eight new green locations. I also want to bring in lakes features that the desert has pretty much taken over.”
Greater Zion Golf includes much more
My visit also included golf at Sand Hollow Resort, The Ledges and Green Spring Golf Course. The Ledges has remarkable, rugged views to the rim of Snow Canyon State Park. Architect Matt Dye designed this 7,145yard, par 72, that sits 900 feet above the St. George valley.
Ledges No. 15
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 17
he Ledges features an acclaimed Golf Academy, a teaching T facility that includes a championship short game area, threeclimate controlled teaching bays, precision video cameras and swing-putting analysis software. Also, don’t miss the Fish Rock Grille for an excellent dining experience and snacks for the golf day. The Ledges also has great Stay and Play units on the golf course. Green Spring is a top-rated, municipal golf course owned by Washington, Utah, and could be the toughest test of golf in the entire area. Designed by award-winning golf course designer Gene Bates, Green Spring opened in 1989 and was ranked in the Top 5 Best New Public Golf Courses in America by Golf Digest in its debut year. It continues to receive awards from Golf Digest and Golfweek as one of the top course in the state. The signature holes 5 and 6 have you shooting across lava rock ravines that make you re-think going for it or laying up. Pine Mountain is a stunning backdrop with views to Red Cliffs State Park Recreation Area. Hole No. 6 was ranked as “The Hardest Hole in Utah” for many years by the Salt Lake Tribune. Sand Hollow Resort’s back nine is like play on a red-rock ledge – signs warn you of the steep dive to your left – that’s the Virgin River far below. It was designed by John Fought, a U.S. Amateur champion. Gaze off the side and you will see where early Morman settlers farmed the river valley far below.
Utah’s No. 1-rated course also has stay and play options and there’s more golf. Inspired by the “Links Land” courses of the British Isles, Sand Hollow Resort’s Links Course is a 3,600yard par-36 layout. The Wee Course, is Southern Utah’s only, par-3 course. Lodging is also abundant. I stayed in one of its brand-new condos that you can see from the first fairway. From Red Rock Golf Trail to Greater Zion Golf Long known as the Red Rock Golf Trail the name could be changed in the near future to Greater Zion Golf. It is just 90 minutes northeast of Las Vegas on I-15, and has 10 golf courses in a 20-mile radius. Also, the outstanding St. George airport has daily non-stop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Great Zion could be your next outstanding recreational vacation
Don’t dare miss spending a few days at Zion National Park, just 30 minutes away, and a outdoor’s adventure is even closer. The short hike we took in Snow Canyon State Park will make your iPhone camera fill up quick. And just consider the area’s explosion of Extreme Sports opportunities. Mountain bikers come for its over-the-top trails and the Red Bull Rampage. The destination just announced it will host the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon. Greater Zion is for golf, for outdoorsmen and just unbelievable mountain beauty.
Sand Hollow
18 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Sand Hollow
Photos by Brian Oar, Evan Schiller, Joe Newman, Doug Boyer, Kenneth Barney, David R. Holland www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 19
These Carolina
Offer Variety, Value B
Pinehurst No. 4, 11th-Hole
20 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
as Golf Resorts
Between the Holidays
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 21
By Shane Sharp
I
t’s a tight window, but the four weeks between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday can tee-up perfectly for quick golf getaway in the Carolinas. Daytime temps still climb well into the 60s and low 70s along coastal South Carolina while North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina highs hover around 55 to 60. What’s more, many golf resorts shift from “shoulder season” to “off-season” rates the first week of December. By this time, most course maintenance is complete (such as punching greens) and if courses do overseed with winter grass, it will have grown in by then. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your sticks and hit the road: the Carolinas are within a four- to six-hour drive of nearly half the East Coast’s population.
North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst) – No resort has been busier – or – buzzier than Pinehurst over the past few years. The new No. 4 course designed by Gil Hanse re-opened to rave reviews in the fall of 2018, and the like-new Cradle short-course, opened in 2017 is perfect for families, couples and settling bets. What’s more, the Pinehurst Brewing Company just completed its first full year of serving award-winning craft brews and BBQ.
Home to 10 courses and three AAA Four Diamond hotels, Pinehurst’s Manor Inn reopened in August following a multimillion-dollar facelift. Now, golf groups have a true place to call home. It features two private hospitality suites with room for 20 that can be reserved for the entire length of stay. The new North and South Bar serves a curated selection of whiskies, cocktails and craft beers from the “PBC.” The resort’s Donald Ross golf package is its most popular, and rates drop considerably after Dec. 1. Rumbling Bald Resort (Lake Lure) – A short drive from most major Southeastern cities, Rumbling Bald’s two mountainstyle courses set up perfectly for late fall golf (golf sweater not included). Apple Valley is a Dan Maples design that’s spacious off the tee but demanding on approach shots. Bald Mountain is shorter, sporty and conveniently located near onsite lodging. Rumbling Bald is also perfect for side trips deeper into the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking or sightseeing. Situated on the north end of Lake Lure, the mountains-meet-lake crescendo was the setting for many a Dirty Dancing scene. The resort’s Hole-in-One package starts at $290 per person and includes two nights’ lodging, two rounds of golf, range balls and breakfast.
Rumbling Bald Resort (Lake Lure)
22 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
For larger golf groups, Rumbling Bald offers up personal event coordinators to assist with every detail of planning and execution. Post round, Legends on the Lake is the ideal spot for hearty fall fare like hand-crafted pizzas and house-ground burgers. Grandover Resort (Greensboro) – This 36-hole resort with its recently re-imagined hotel conveniently located off I-85 between Charlotte and Raleigh is one of the state’s best kept golf secrets. Golfers can experience both the East and West courses – wrought by Gary Panks – over the course of two days while bedding-down in elegant AAA Four Diamond digs. Grandover’s most popular golf package features one-night’s lodging, full breakfast for two, two rounds of golf, range balls, golf cart and bag storage starting at $349 plus tax. There several outstanding options for dining, but golfers flock to the 19 & Timber bar for its sports bar atmosphere and pub fare.
South Carolina
Cherokee Valley (Travelers Rest) – One of the mottos at Cherokee Valley Course and Club north of Greenville is “expect the unexpected.” From music wafting across the practice range, Sun Mountain Finn Cycles for rent at the golf
shop and an array of local craft beers on tap, this is golf’s future new norm. Cherokee Valley is also one of Upstate South Carolina’s only true stay-and-play destinations. Cottages conveniently situated across from the event center are ideal (and affordable) for golf packages starting at $130 per golfer (not including tax) during the shoulder season. The mountain-style layout is widely regarded at one of P.B. Dye’s best designs. And golfers expecting dormant Bermuda grass will be pleasantly surprised to find a lush winter grass overseed. A new, full-service restaurant, CORE 450, is opening in the spring of 2020 featuring a Blue Ridge Mountain theme and diverse menu ranging from small plates and pizza to five course meals. Just 30 minutes from Greenville and 45 minutes from Asheville, N.C., Cherokee Valley is an ideal basecamp for exploring the Western Carolinas. Sea Pines Country Club (Hilton Head) – The Carolinas are inarguably the greatest two-state golf region in the U.S. But why settle for annual golf trips to the land of sweet tea, BBQ and Lowcountry boils when you could live here year-round? Sea Pines Country Club is a private, invitation only enclave
Grandover Resort (East Course)
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 23
situated just behind the gates of famed Sea Pines Plantation. Members are not required to live “inside the gates,” so the club is perfect for those relocating to Hilton Head or Bluffton who want freedom of residential choice. A two-month “Preview Trial Membership” invitation is being offered through Dec. 31, highlighted by the Full Use Heritage Membership including access to the 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed signature course. Updated by local architect Clyde Johnston in 2001, the “Club Course” is often compared favorably to neighboring Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort, home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage. The Preview Trial Membership also features a complimentary 30-minute golf lesson, five free fitness classes, a personal training session, $30 off a massage and a lunch certificate for two at the Club Course Café. For more info on pricing, email Nic Booth, nbooth@seapinescountryclub.com.
Barefoot Resort and Golf (Myrtle Beach) – Barefoot Resort in the heart of the Grand Strand is home to four signature courses from Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Davis Love III. True to its maker’s maverick personality, the Dye Course does its own thing: it is the only semi-private venue of the four and hosts the wildly popular Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Tournament, annually. There is plenty of variety among the quartet. The Norman Course features seven holes along the Intracoastal Waterway. The Love Course incorporates the recreated ruins of an old plantation home along holes 3 through 7. Lined with live oaks and Carolina pines, the Fazio Course is the most traditional “Lowcountry” layout. Barefoot Resort was built with the proverbial large golf group in mind, and villas are offered in two-, three- or four-bedroom varieties on the golf courses or at the Yacht Club. Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the golf package, and there is no shortage of stay-and-play options at Barefoot Resort.
Cherokee Valley Signature Hole
24 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
What To Wear When in the Carolinas, do as the Carolinians do. Many golfers don’t realize that two of the game’s biggest apparel brands, Peter Millar and Southern Tide, are headquartered in Raleigh and Greenville, S.C., respectively. Peter Millar’s All-Day Reversible Vest is one of my go-to outerwear pieces in the late fall. The two-way zip front closure pulls the two sides together seamlessly. The windproof, water resistant shell side features a timeless diamond quilt pattern. The reverse side is cuddle-soft microfleece for optimal warmth. Don’t get me wrong, I love – and have – several pairs of Peter Millar pants. But for playing on and off the course, Southern Tide’s Intercoastal Performance Pant is hard to beat. The nylon-stretch fabric is breathable, flexible and moisture-wicking. And if you want to roll into the Carolinas flaunting your school pride, Southern Tide has an diverse and robust line of collegiate tailgate apparel.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 25
CLUB SELECTION
Talon, Raptor Designs Pose Many Chances for Ambush S
COTTSDALE, AZ – When the NCAA announced that Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor Course, a par-72, 7,090yard Tom Fazio design, had been picked to host the Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships from 2020 to 2022, I applauded the pick. It was almost comical when I read one major national golf magazine asked the question: “Is this fair to east coast teams?” Give me a break. The eastern part of the USA has hosted enough “major” type golf tournaments to last a lifetime. It is time for the more beautiful part of the country to host more often. “By choosing one host location for a three-year period beginning in 2020, we will be able to maximize the operations efficiency around the championships while building marketing continuity that will continue to showcase our student-athletes, coaches and teams,” said Jim Fee, chair of the Division I 26 Golf Vacations • December 2019
Women’s Golf Committee and associate director of athletics for events and championships at the University of South Florida. “We are at an unprecedented time for our game and are looking forward to the 2018 championships and beyond.” Arizona has played host to two past NCAA Division I Golf Championships, with the men’s championships played in 1971 at the Tucson National Golf Club, while the women’s championships were held at Karsten Golf Course in Tempe in 1992. “It was difficult choosing a site that could host for three years and the committee appreciated the amount of hosting interest from across the country for the national championships,” said Brad Hurlbut, chair of the Division I Men’s Golf Committee and deputy director of athletics at Sacred Heart University. “Grayhawk and Arizona State will be great hosts for the 2020 to 2022 national championships.” www.golfvacationsmag.com
by DAVID R. HOLLAND
Prior to being played in Scottsdale in 2020, the 2018 Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships will be held at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while the 2019 championships will be held at The Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Grayhawk Golf Lifestyle Grayhawk Golf Club was a hit from its inception and I can remember hearing about the piped in rock music that could be heard on the range. The first time I played here Miller Barber was walking out the front door as I entered. Grayhawk’s version of happy hour with live music on Wednesday nights routinely packs the patio. Phil’s Grill, decked out with a variety of his golf memorabilia, provides a comfortable leather-clad “hang” that should be considered mandatory after every round of golf. And the club’s blowout parties that piggyback on the competitive golf events held at www.golfvacationsmag.com
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Grayhawk are renowned. To this day, Phil Mickelson (Phil’s Grill) has the Grayhawk logo on his PGA Tour golf bag and he serves as the club’s ambassador. An exclusive collection of Mickelson’s memorabilia adorns the clubhouse -- gear he used during his many Ryder Cup appearances; an old persimmon driver he swung as a Sun Devil; signed Masters pin flags; and a Talon course record scorecard, 61, with a bunch of circles. “Talon is a little more scenic with a box canyon and island green,” said Grayhawk’s Director of Golf Joe Shershenovich. “Raptor is also scenic, has wider fairways, but you will face tougher saves from off the green. The greens are very tough -- there’s lots of undulation and hard putts, typical of Fazio. If you poll our guests you will find a split -- 50 percent like Talon, 50 percent like Raptor. But I find most people get their butts kicked on Raptor and want to come back and try it again.” Golf Vacations • December 2019 27
CLUB SELECTION
28 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB Raptor has arroyos and bite Raptor makes you play a high-stakes game of risk-reward. It opened for play on December 9, 1995 and is considered the tougher of the two layouts. It’s ranked No. 59 by Golf Magazine. With hills and natural arroyos found in this picturesque corner of the Sonoran Desert, Raptor can bite and is a striking test.
They came, they dueled Tim Herron will never forget the day, October 21, 1999, when he got ambushed at Grayhawk.
Most of Raptor’s fairways are generous, and the greens are large with sweeping undulations. Misses tend to find deep greenside bunkers and tightly mown grass collection areas, making the scramble to get up and down a true test of the short game.
Herron joined Mickelson, who was partnered with Rocco Mediate, at the turn of the Talon Course on this unsuspecting day. Two of the better amateurs in the area - Jim Strickland and former Arizona State University assistant golf coach Rob Mangini - were playing a friendly match against Mickelson and Mediate.
Raptor presented three new holes in 2015. Longer, more difficult holes were replaced by the par-3 16th (151 yards) and a drivable par-4 17th at 331 yards. The redone 15th hole now heads right off an elevated tee.
Mickelson had just shot 32 on the front nine and it probably took only a few more holes before Herron realized he was a deer caught in the headlights.
Talon presents box canyons, steep drops Designed by 1981 U.S. Open and 1979 PGA Champion, David Graham, and golf course architect Gary Panks, Grayhawk’s Talon course is a dramatic test of the Sonoran Desert golf.
Mickelson finished the back with a 29, registering the course-record 61. Mediate had his mind on other things that day and shot 84, but his eagle at the par-4 14th and a birdie on No. 4, boosted teammate Mickelson in the money department.
The 6,973-yard layout one of the highest rated daily-fee golf courses in Arizona, and has been included on Golf Magazine’s prestigious list of the “Top 100 You Can Play in the U.S.”
Also ensnared were Mangini, who shot 71, and Strickland, who recorded a 69. “You can see the scorecard, we framed it and its in the foyer leading to Phil’s Grill,” Shershenovich said.
The Talon course views of the nearby McDowell Mountains as well as the PhoenixScottsdale skyline are scenic. And uniquely, Talon’s back nine is built around a series of deep box canyons with a handful of holes laid out along steep drop-offs and thick stands of Mesquite, Palo Verde and Ironwood trees.
The 2020 championships are scheduled to be held from May 22-27 for the women and May 29-June 3 for the men. In 2021, women’s play will take place from May 21-26, while the men’s championships will be decided May 28 through June 2. In 2022, women’s championships will be held from May 2025, while the men’s championships will take place May 27-June 1. Arizona State will serve as host as well as Grayhawk.
From the vantage point of the tee boxes, several holes appear tighter than their true size, placing a premium on positioning off the tee. Most of the greens are large with distinctive tiers. Careful consideration of the day’s pin sheet is a good idea to avoid challenging putts from tier-to-tier. The areas around the greens are typically generous, giving golfers a fair shot at salvaging par after wayward approaches. www.golfvacationsmag.com
“Tim came to the club to just do a little practice putting,” said Shershenovich. “The next thing he knows, three hours later, he has dropped $300 to Mickelson.”
No doubt there will be plenty of ambushes in the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Championship and the entertainment value should not be missed if you love amateur golf.
Golf Vacations • December 2019 29
SWEETSTUFF FootJoy Contour Series
F
ootJoy has gone back to an old staple— the Contour shoe—and has reimagined one of its best-selling lines of all-time into a new, classic yet casual shoe that is one of the most comfortable on the market today. Today’s players are looking for style that fits on and off the course with the feel of an athletic shoe that also performs on the golf course—and the new and improved Contour line checks all the boxes when it comes to a trendy shoe that you can wear anywhere with maximum comfort and support. “Building off of the successes of the Contour Series, we wanted to refresh the category with a more contemporary design,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “This line of Contour is completely reimagined from the ground up with an entirely new outsole configuration, a luxurious new upper package, but the same Contour fit and commitment to comfort that has made it one of the most successful
golf product franchises of all time.” The new Contour shoe line for 2019 features the cleated Contour and the Contour Casual that features a molded sole that many players will find has excellent traction and offers the feel of a loafer with the versatility of being able to wear off-course as well as on. Both styles are extremely light and comfortable. The Contour line starts from the ground up with a cup sole construction and an ERGO-sole that is proven to be comfortable and durable. The updated outsole has been modified with a wedge-shaped EVA insert to improve cushioning, reduce weight and add ergonomic support. The famous Contour Last provides a proven fit appreciated by the millions of golfers who have worn Contour over the years, while the upper construction features a proprietary NappaLUXE Leather. The new Contour Series also features one-year waterproof protection.
Chippo Golf
O
The Contour in the laced version comes in white, black, navy and grey, while the BOA version comes in black/charcoal. For the Casual version of the Contour shoe, it comes in a laced model in four colors: charcoal, navy, taupe and brown. Released in unison with the new footwear, FootJoy has introduced a new and improved ContourFLX™ glove that sports an exceptionally soft feel and comfortable fit combined with a cool feel with its breathable features such as the PowerNet mesh along the back of the hand and improved elastics across the knuckles for increased moisture control. “We continue to push for new ways to
30 Golf Vacations • December 2019
advance all of our products, and that’s evident here with the all-new ContourFLX,” said Maria Bonzagni, Senior Director Acushnet Golf Gloves & FJ Gear. “We’ve identified key enhancements to provide improved softness, fit and excellent durability, all while maintaining a price-point that will appeal to all golfers.” In addition, the CabrettaSof Palm™ provides a soft, comfortable feel and durability-along with excellent water and perspiration resistance. The FiberSof™ material located on the back of the hand helps to provide a soft feel, consistent fit, breathable comfort and added flexibility of the glove, while the moisture-wicking elastic cuff improves fit and comfort. Strategically placed perforations also improve breathability. For more information: www.footjoy.com
ne of the more appealing aspects of the game of golf is that it can be enjoyed in many ways and formats today—and innovative people are finding new ways to get more involvement. A new way to incorporate the sport into just about any social setting—be it a backyard party, on the beach, a tailgate or even in the office is a new game called Chippo Golf that is both easy to play and can create a friendly competition in just about any setting. Lovingly described by its creators— Matt Moss and Brendan McAuley-- as the “glorious lovechild of cornhole and golf,” it is the perfect mix of competition and fun that will resonate with avid golfers and beginners alike. Named “Best New Product” at the PGA Merchandise Show, the Chippo Starter Pack includes two target boards, heavy duty chipping mats and six high-density foam practice balls from almostGolf. There are three official rules variations that pit two teams or individuals against each other, which can be found on the company’s website. Whether being used to perfect a player’s short game or introduce golf to friends/ family, Chippo is easy to use for both golfers and non-golfers alike and can be a perfect addition to a backyard games collection. The two-year-old company now offers Chippo Golf users the ability to add a variety of unique personal touches to their Chippo
www.golfvacationsmag.com
SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
board, including names, company or organization images and more. “Custom products are quickly becoming the norm and we wanted to be sure our fans know we have a unique and fun way they can design their boards,” said McAuley, the CEO of Chippo Golf. “Now golfers or gift givers can add a design to match their personal style, order corporate gifts or customize boards for special events.” Thus far, Chippo has produced one-of-kind boards for companies such as Michelob Ultra, The Tiger Woods Foundation and Darius Rucker among others. Most recently, a custom Ralph Lauren Chippo set was featured at the company’s third annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament. At events, Chippo is most commonly used for mini-competitions, or as an auction item / prize. In addition to adding custom capabilities, the company recently launched its charity program, Chippo for Charity. It is designed to help charity events of all types and sizes by providing Chippo sets to entertain guests or be used for prize giveaways and silent auctions. Chippo is now being played by thousands of golfers around the world and is available online at www.chippogolf.com, amazon.com and a variety of retailers nationwide.
Swiftwick New Styles for 2020
stability during quick movements. The GripDry™ Fiber creates tiny micro treads that grip shoes to keep feet stable in footwear while the AnkleLock™ Technology provides targeted support and extra protection around ankles. Flex channels constructed with Olefin improve range of motion and moisture control for dry, comfortable feet. The medium cushion absorbs impact and moderate compression gently hugs feet to support muscles and keep socks in place. Swiftwick’s most popular sock-- ASPIRE™-- is now available in eight new colors and two cuff heights: Red and Hi-Vis Yellow; Fuchsia, Lagoon Blue, Fuchsia/Navy stripe, Navy/Citron stripe, Sky Blue/Navy stripe and White/Navy stripe. It is a thin, breathable design with minimum cushion that keeps feet cool without any bulk in shoes. It is their firmest compression sock and supports muscles and reduces fatigue. MAXUS™ is available in five new colors in a Zero micro tab and new colors: Wildflower Pink, Waterfall Blue, Spring Green, Sedona Orange and Midnight Blue. It is the company’s plushest footbed and helps absorb impact with every stride for a soft feel. The Hydrotec Polyester provides 40% better moisture wicking than competitive materials, keeping feet dry and blister-free. The breathable upper keeps feet cool while the relaxed compression loosely hugs feet--keeping socks in place without any bunching. The VISION™ sock is available in four new styles and eight colors, in a six-inch cuff height. The new styles/colors include Sprint Black, Sprint Gray, Echo Black, Echo Navy, Flare White, Flare Black, Spectrum Green and Spectrum Navy. This sock features medium cushion and moderate compression that gently hugs feet to support muscles and keep socks in place. Another version of this sock—the VISION™ Impression— is available in four new styles and in a six-inch cuff height. The new styles include Radiate, Quest, Illusion and Vapor. The highperformance fibers regulate temperature and keep feet dry while the medium cushion provides all day comfort. Moderate compression gently hugs feet to support muscles and keep socks in place. A 360° print technology provides unique patterns in this sock without compromising performance for those looking for some flair with their footwear. For more information on Swiftwick golf socks: www.swiftwick.com
S
wiftwick performance athletic socks have announced new styles and colors for their spring 2020 lineup of golf-targeted socks as the company continues to be one of the industry innovators when it comes to compression footwear. The variety and technical detail for Swiftwick’s various lines of golf compression socks is impressively extensive, and the company is expanding its offerings for the coming year. There are new colors and styles in the FLITE XT®, ASPIRE™, MAXUS™ and VISION™ lines as each Swiftwick sock features a FiberFirst™ Moisture Wicking Technology and Contoured Compression® Fit, providing a dry feel and superior fit. Produced and made in the USA, every pair of socks is backed by Swiftwick’s ‘Best socks you will ever wear’ guarantee. The FLITE XT® is available in three new colors in the Zero cuff height with micro tab: slate blue, soft coral and white. Their most technologically advanced sock ever developed, it is designed for
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 31
32 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2019 33
34 Golf Vacations • December 2019
www.golfvacationsmag.com