OUR 13th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2015
MY TURN PRESIDENTIAL PLAYGROUND IN THE DESERT
WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB
IN ARIZONA
TOP 5 REASONS TO PLAY
TPC SAWGRASS
Plus: KANANTIK BELIZE IN COASTAL SOUTHERN BELIZE www.golfvacationsmag.com
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GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2015
TPC Sawgrass - Ponte Vedra, Florida
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Chip Shots
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Top 5 Reasons to Play TPC Sawgrass by Tim Cotroneo If you’re a golfer, there are certain courses around the world that are considered sacred ground. One such layout is the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra, FL. This Pete Dye-design is where The Players Championship is held each May. The Players is believed by many to be the PGA tour’s fifth major.
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Arizona’s We-Ko-Pa Golf Club by David R. Holland We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is just another example of how the white man might have out-foxed himself. Surely, when the United States government created the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation by executive order on September 15, 1903, it thought the mighty white man had given the Yavapais a 40-square mile reservation that was virtually without value -- a rocky, desert landscape.
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Belize: Residences at Kanantik Belize by JD Latorre Residences with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea, a commitment to low-impact design, and amenities usually found only in the most exclusive luxury developments await investors at Kanantik Belize, now offered by Mango Springs Development.
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Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Tim Cotroneo is a Mineapolis-based freelance writer specializing in Caribbean travel, business, and golf. Tim is a long-time contributor to Tee Times Press and he’s also the Travel Writer for American Business Magazine.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Holland, whose favorite golf moment was teeing it up with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, 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 (UK). He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, United Press International and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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.
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, 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 Larry Feldman
Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo
For Editorial:
call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
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portsMedia publications
President Jeffrey Diaz
455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655
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Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2015 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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MYTURN story by TERRYROSS
Presidential Playground in the Desert Beginning the year in golf in a place like the Palm Springs desert region of Southern California has its rewards. For starters there is the winter sunshine and the 70 and 80 degree temperatures during the day, not to mention the finely manicured courses and lots of them—numbering more than 120 over this area known locally as the Coachella Valley. Then there is the PGA Tour event that entertainer Bob Hope was a part of for so many years that has been a staple of this resort area since 1960 and is now-known as the Humana Challenge. It is played at three of the best courses in the City of La Quinta in the eastern valley, which has developed into the center of this golf mecca. A unique aspect of both this golf tournament and this particular desert region is the attraction it has had for Presidents of the United States—both past and present. Probably like no other place in the country—at least as far as desert golf destinations are concerned—the Coachella Valley has been both a home and getaway for men of the most powerful office in the world for well-more than half a century. Current President Obama has come to this area to meet world leaders and conduct summit talks—while getting plenty of time to test drive some of the area’s best golf layouts. Going back to the beginning, President Eisenhower—during and
after his time in office—was a frequent visitor to this area for golf. Roads and hospitals in the area are named after him and he and Hope were fast friends in golf and charity in the area during the early days of the PGA event that became the Bob Hope Desert Classic. In fact, one of the oldest courses to play a part in hosting the Classic and still a part of the rotation today—the La Quinta Country Club—had Eisenhower cut the ribbon to dedicate the opening of the club in 1960 during his final year as president. The La Quinta Country Club celebrated its 51st-year as part of the tournament during this year’s event in January, going back to 1964 when it was added to the four-course rotation in use at the time. A favorite of Tour pros, the La Quinta Country Club is known for its tight fairways but has the “best greens on Tour” according to Phil Mickelson, one of the top names in this year’s event. Both Eisenhower and former President Gerald Ford were members of the club, and of course Ford made his permanent home in this desert region after leaving office. He was part of another milestone Presidential event in this region 20 years ago when Hope played the first round of his tournament in 1995 with then-President Bill Clinton, Ford and former President George H.W. Bush alongside defending champion Scott Hoch. It marks the first and only time that a sitting President has played in a PGA Tour event and is certainly a highlight of this unique Pro-Am format that features pros and amateurs playing together for the first three days of the tournament. And growing out of this experience with desert golf in the Palm Springs area, former President Clinton is now the host of this event and for the past four years his Clinton Foundation has co-sponsored the tournament and taken up the charge of promoting wellness and health as a major theme along with title sponsor Humana. At the conclusion of this year’s tournament President Clinton handed Bill Hass the Bob Hope Trophy as the 2015 champion and spoke about his coolness under pressure during the awards ceremony—just as Hope used to do as host for so many years. Hass could only smile later about how cool it was to be handed a winning trophy by a former President, which is something that you see nowhere else. A true testament to this love affair with golfers, the desert and Presidents. photo by Paul Lester
photo by Paul Lester
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photo by Paul Lester
Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.
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Augusta’s Historic Partridge Inn To Open in Time For The Masters Golf Tournament
After $6 million in improvements that have restored the property to its status as Augusta’s Grand Dame of Hospitality, Augusta’s landmark hotel, The Partridge Inn, will re-open just in time to welcome guests to The Masters golf tournament. Those who for many years have associated The Partridge Inn with the quintessential Masters experience, and those who have always wanted to stay at the iconic property, will be pleased to know that rooms are still available. The historic hotel, which originally opened in 1910, has always been linked with golf. When the weather was not favorable, guests would gather for putting contests in The Partridge Inn’s lobby, which in present day serves as the ballroom. The hotel has hosted royalty, presidents, golf’s greats and guests who appreciate fine service and amenities. Every year, The Partridge Inn’s staff looks forward to continuing this longstanding tradition. The newly renovated Partridge Inn is taking reservations for bookings and private parties for Master’s Week by calling (706) 396-2614. The Partridge Inn is still the place to
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be and be seen during The Masters Golf Tournament and has always been the hotel of choice for corporate titans, golf writers and sports scene followers. The streets in the historic Summerville neighborhood are bustling with people, limousines, tour buses and vans. It is fitting that at golf’s most revered tournament, all the best action is at the town’s most cherished landmark. “Returning to The Partridge Inn for Masters Week is like returning home for many who spend every tournament at the historic hotel,” said Bill Mish, General Manager of The Partridge Inn “Guests will be pleased to find some familiar employees along with an impressive renovation that honors the memorable architecture and ambiance of the historic property.” “Masters Week is a busy yet thrilling time for us as we prepare to welcome visitors from all corners of the globe,” said Tijuana Jenkins, Director of Sales and Marketing, who has been with the hotel for 23 years. “Each year, the staff logs all our experiences, food and beverage needs, guest preferences and service tips into a special ‘Masters Bible,’ so that we can provide an extraordinary guest experience.” The hotel was purchased in June 2014 by Partridge Inn Holdings, LLC. and NorthPointe Hospitality Management, LLC. was named the new management company.
Their goal was to bring the property up to standards and amenities that today’s travelers have come to expect. Prior to opening the hotel, world-wide service and renowned training company, Fresh Revenues, will have intense and in-depth, week-long training events that will cement a four diamond culture of service throughout the hotel. Additionally, all associates are required to be formally pre-screened with new, cuttingedge technology that ensures each person hired matches NorthPointe’s core values. “We want our commitment to our guests to be unparalleled by earning the reputation of being Augusta’s premier hotel, not only in terms of appearance, but also in providing the highest level of service and hospitality,” said Greg Winey, President of NorthPointe Hospitality Management, LLC. Guests who visit the property during The Masters will be greeted with new design accents including the use of rich, deep-toned woods, richly-textured fabrics, neutral colors and a modern, timeless design and will be the first to experience the new-era of The Partridge Inn. For reservations, visit The Partridge Inn’s website www.partridgeinn.com, or call (706) 737-8888. The public is also invited to visit The Partridge Inn’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ThePartridgeInn.
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Hilton Head Golf Island Announces 2015 Spring Golf Packages
Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI) – a collection of 28 of the Lowcountry’s premier golf courses – announces a wide selection of stay-and-play packages available through May 2015. With world-class courses, oceanfront views and pleasant temperatures, Hilton Head Island remains a premier destination for springtime golf escapes. Ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Courses” and “Best Weather,” HHGI offers an array of exceptional golf course and accommodation options. Sample packages include: • Palmetto Dunes – “Spring Stay-andPlay”: Stay three nights and play two rounds at any of the resort’s championship courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Enjoy additional resort activities including tennis, bikes, dining and merchandise discounts. Starting at $118 per person, per night, all taxes and resort fees are included. For package and reservation information: 877.567.6507, www. PalmettoDunes.com. Customized stay-andplay packages for groups of 12 or more are also available: Matt Krelis, 888-322-6921 or email mkrelis@palmettodunes.com.
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• The Sea Pines Resort – “Sea Pines Resort Group Golf Package”: Experience three nights in private villa accommodations and three rounds at Sea Pines’ championship golf courses (Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Ocean Course) with complimentary green fees for afternoon replays at Heron Point and Ocean Course based on availability. This valuepacked offer also includes a warm-up bag of range balls per round, a complimentary gift card, a personal on-site coordinator and the group organizer plays for free. Packages start at $199 per golfer, per night. For package and reservation information: Chris Beck, 843.842.1488 or email cbeck@seapines.com. • The Heritage Golf Collection – “Spring Stay-and-Play”: Enjoy a stay at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa with a round of golf at any of the seven Heritage Golf Collection courses on the Island. The four clubs, Port Royal Golf Club, Shipyard Golf Club, Palmetto Hall Golf Club and Oyster Reef Golf Club offer a different and unique golfing experience. Also included are complimentary range balls prior to each round and discounts on clubhouse dining options and golf shop purchases. Packages start at $150 per golfer, per night. Special price is based on double occupancy and is subject to change based on season.
Visit us at www.hiltonheadgolf.net. For package and reservation information, please contact Vanessa Castaneda at vcastaneda@ heritagegolfgroup.com or 843-381-1706. “These valued packages make spring the perfect time to head down to the Lowcountry’s elite golf destination,” says Cary Corbitt, president of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and Vice President of Sports and Operations at Sea Pines Resort. “Every year we look forward to the return of the azaleas, the pristine greens and our out-of-town guests.”
Pound Ridge Golf Club Announces 2015 Season Plans
Pound Ridge Golf Club, New York’s only Pete Dye design and Westchester County’s award-winning daily fee course, announces its 2015 Golf Plans featuring Individual and Deluxe options. New for 2015, the Deluxe Plan is a $15,000 debit account offering the holder and all guests 20% off peak weekday and weekend rates. The Individual Plan is a $3,000 debit account entitling the holder to 10% off applicable green fees. Both plans include exclusive access to the entire 2015 tee sheet for booking advance tee times, are nonrefundable, non-transferable and for golf, only. “The Deluxe and Individual Plans are two strong values for serious players who relish convenience and exclusivity,” says Pound Ridge General Manager Todd Leavenworth. “Paired with the recent expansion of the clubhouse, these annual programs present a viable alternative to the multi-year commitment of private clubs.” For game tracking and improvement, the Individual Plan includes USGA handicap tracking via GHIN and use of all practice facilities (range, short game area and putting green) 4 p.m. to close, Monday through Thursday (April – Oct.). For more information, visit www.poundridgegolf.com/golf-plans or call the golf shop at 914.764.5771. Ranked top five in New York by GOLF Magazine and Golfweek, Pound Ridge is less than an hour drive from New York City and a half-hour from White Plains, Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk (Conn.). All guests receive a complimentary yardage book, bottled water and range balls. Carts are equipped with GPS for obtaining dead-aim-accurate yardages from any position. Offseason (through May 3), peakseason (May 4 – November 1), and nine-hole rate information and policies are available at http://www.poundridgegolf.com/ratespolicies.
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Atlantic City dominates the 2014 GolfStyles New Jersey Magazine rankings of New Jersey’s best golf courses
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – GolfStyles New Jersey Magazine has released its Readers Choice Rankings of the “Best Golf Courses” in New Jersey. For the growing legion of devotees to golf around Atlantic City, the news hardly comes as a surprise. Led by perennial favorites Atlantic City Country Club, Shore Gate, Stockton Seaview Bay Course, Ballamor, Blue Heron Pines, Harbor Pines and Twisted Dune, many of the 17 layouts in the Greater Atlantic City area dominated the GolfStyles New Jersey’s “Public Golf” category. At Nos. 1 and 2, Atlantic City Country Club and Shore Gate topped the rankings of the 10 “Top Clubs” in New Jersey, while Ballamor was close behind at No. 4 on the list along with Scotland Run (6) and Running Deer (8). The ranking’s honorable mention included Stockton Seaview Bay and Pines courses, Vineyard Golf at Renault, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, The Links
at Brigantine Beach and Cape May National. Atlantic City CC finished second among the state’s “Favorite Courses” ranking, with Running Deer, Ballamor and Shore Gate rounding out the Top 6 and followed closely by Scotland Run (9) and Harbor Pines (10), while the honorable mention category included Twisted Dune, Blue Heron Pines, McCullough’s Emerald Links, Cape May National, The Links at Brigantine Beach and Stockton Seaview Resort Bay Course. The popular category “Best Course At The Shore” was dominated by Atlantic City area courses. The Top 5 was, in order, Atlantic City Country Club, Shore Gate, Stockton Seaview Bay Course, Ballamor and Blue Heron Pines, while Harbor Pines came in sixth on the list and Twisted Dune seventh, followed by Sea Oaks (9) and McCullough’s Emerald Links (10). Honorable mention included Sand Barrens, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Cape May National and Stockton Seaview Pines Course. When it comes to the state’s “Best Bargain” in the public golf category, Running Deer Golf Club was the top choice while Cape May National checked in at No. 4.
Honorable mention went to Blue Heron Pines, McCullough’s Emerald Links, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Harbor Pines, Ballamor and Scotland Run. The state’s “Top Golf Resorts” included Sea Oaks, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, and Renault Winery and Vineyard Golf. The always-important “Best Conditions” category was dominated by Atlantic City. Atlantic City Country Club topped the category ranking while Ballamor was ranked No. 3 in the state followed by Running Deer, Shore Gate and Harbor Pines rounding out the Top 6, just ahead of Blue Heron Pines (9), Stockton Seaview Resort (10) and the honorable mentions including Scotland Run, Sea Oaks and Twisted Dune. Not surprisingly, many of the state’s “Best Golf Instructors” are spreading their wisdom around Atlantic City, led by Jeff Bonicky of Sea Oaks at No. 4 in the state, followed by Running Deer’s John Tyrell at No. 9 and Bruce Chelucci of Blue Heron Pines at No. 10. Bonicky also finished second in the “Top Golf Professional” category, followed by Heron Glen’s Tim Ward at No. 3, along with Shore Gate’s Harry Bittner,
Ballamor Golf Club
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS (8) and Atlantic City’s Fran Mulholland, (10) rounding out the Top 10. Honorable mention in that category included Twisted Dune’s Scott Dunn, Ballamor’s Mike Tucci, Bob Ewing of Harbor Pines Golf Club and Running Deer’s Klay Knerr. Atlantic City CC topped the “Most Scenic” category, followed by Scotland Run Golf Club (4), Shore Gate (8) and Blue Heron Pines (9). Honorable mention went to Ballamor, Harbor Pines, Twisted Dune, Vineyard Golf at Renault and Stockton Seaview Bay Course. Among the “Best Family Clubs” were Running Deer (3), Harbor Pines (9) and Scotland Run (10), while Blue Heron Pines made the honorable mention list. In the category of “Favorite Golf Course Management” Ron Jaworski Golf and its four courses topped the rankings, with the Ottinger Family Golf (3 courses) at No. 3 and Cape May National at No. 5, while Harbor Pines (6) and Troon Golf - Seaview Resort (8) made the Top
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10. Honorable mention included Sea Oaks and Mays Landing. Finally, Atlantic City CC also topped the all-important “Best Food” category for New Jersey golfers followed closely by Scotland Run at No. 3, Stockton Seaview Resort at No. 4 and Running Deer at No. 5, while Blue Heron Pines (8) also made the Top 10. Honorable mention went to Library III at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, Harbor Pines and Renault Winery and Vineyard Golf. Learn more about all 17 Atlantic City courses and book your golf getaway at www. PlayACGolf.com. PlayAC Golf in 2015 For all the glitz and glimmer of the highrise gambling casinos that light up the night across this unique Atlantic Ocean-side city, there’s another side to the destination — a daylight version beyond the reimagined worldfamous boardwalk and beaches. An easy drive from the major metropolitan areas along the
East Coast, Atlantic City caters to golfers with a wide variety of accommodations from economy rooms to full-scale suites, casinos, more than 150 restaurants and bars, worldclass spas, top name concerts and comedy shows, innovative nightlife, designer shopping, the beach, the boardwalk and pulsating casino games. These layouts range from links style to parkland style to classic gems to out-of-control modern marvels. Whatever your passion, every golf course within the Atlantic City arsenal has been ordered to deliver an experience that you will not soon forget. PlayACGolf social media access available at: Facebook – www.facebook.com/ p a g e s / G r e a t e r- A t l a n t i c - C i t y - G o l f Association/1598557257029926 Twitter – www.twitter.com/playacgolf Instagram – www.instagram.com/ playacgolf
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Top 5 Reasons to P
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photo PGA
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Play TPC Sawgrass By TimCotroneo
Home of The
Players Championship in Ponte Vedra, FLorida
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I
f you’re a golfer, there are certain courses around the world that are considered sacred ground. One such layout is the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra, FL. This Pete Dye-design is where The Players Championship is held each May. The Players is believed by many to be the PGA tour’s fifth major. There aren’t too many courses on the planet whose clubhouse alone will stop you dead in your tracks. Built in 1982, this Mediterranean style icon is no less than 77,000-square feet. This Taj Mahal-like presence has a golf history all its own. A tour will reveal a glimpse into a setting in which former PGA Commissioner Dean Beman’s vision for golf theater came alive. TPC Sawgrass is a historical, agronomical, technological, and fan-friendly marvel. Here are five fascinating reasons for playing TPC Sawgrass. 5. Practice Like the Pros Your home course may or may not be a place where you’re treated to professional conditions. At the TPC Sawgrass, you’ll be delighted to warm up for your round by hitting Titleist Pro v1 golf balls. You’ll love putting and chipping in the shadows of The Players Circle of Champions, a monument revealing past winners’ such as Nicklaus, Mickelson, and Woods.
There’s also a TourAcademy instruction facility on site if you’re looking to fine tune your game. 4. Bump into your Favorite PGA Players No less than 31 PGA professional players call the Ponte Vedra/Jacksonville area home. It’s a good bet you’ll see notables such as Vijay Singh, Matt, Kuchar, or Jim Furyk honing their games, being fit for clubs, or just having a bite to eat. 3. Get Shivers From the Names Inside Maroon-jacketed ambassadors in the clubhouse’s front lobby are present to answer any Sawgrass question you may have. On the days an event isn’t occurring, these affable golf aficionados will be happy to take you for a tour of the Sawgrass locker rooms. Inside you’ll discover an environment dripping in golf history. The lockers reveal nameplates of the greatest players in golf. If you’d like to hear a captivating insider story, ask about Terry Bradshaw’s signature moment with Jim Furyk’s locker. 2. Who’s Your Caddy? One of the best parts of playing TPC Sawgrass is the caddy who joins your foursome. In addition to providing your group with critical course information to help manage your round, each caddy has a story all his own. Many of these loopers have walked side-byside with the legends of the game.
1. Play the 17th hole For most golfers traveling near or far to play TPC Sawgrass, there is both excitement and fear in tackling Sawgrass’ legendary 17th hole. Though this par three is a mere 130-yards, the island green is completely surrounded by water. During the 2007 Players Championship, no less than 50 pros landed their golf balls in the drink. This memorable short iron shot will be one you won’t soon forget. If you’ve yet to add the TPC Sawgrass to your golf wish list, there is no time like now. After playing a dream-round at Sawgrass, tell friends you’ve played where the best in the world played before you. It’s also your chance to tame one of the most iconic par three shots in golf. Take the plunge and play the TPC Sawgrass. www.tpc.com/tpc-sawgrass www.pgatour.com/tournaments/theplayers-championship.html Tickets to the Players Championship: go to www.playerschampionship.com or www.playerstravel.com Tim Cotroneo is a Minneapolis-based golf writer. Find more of his work at www.timcotroneo.com
photo PGA
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photo PGA
photo Tim Cotroneo
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Arizona’s We-K By David
The We-Ko-Pa experience “Travel golfers love that there are no houses to be seen,” said M golfers enjoy that the courses are designed by two different arc
The scenery is as good as it gets in Arizona. Views include the tions, Matazal Mountains and Four Peaks (We-Ko-Pa in Yavap
“Lots of people think we are way out in the middle of nowhere International Airport is worth the ride just for the rolling scen FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ - We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is just another example of how the white man might have out-foxed himself. Surely, when the United States government created the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation by executive order on September 15, 1903, it thought the mighty white man had given the Yavapais a 40-square mile reservation that was virtually without value -- a rocky, desert landscape. But when the Cholla 18 opened on December 14, 2001, the last laugh was heard by the Yavapais, a Native American nation of about 900. Needless to say, the excellence of the golf courses, financed by the Fort McDowell Casino, is a source of great pride among tribe members. Today, the white man is ooing and ahhing, saying golf architect Scott Miller has created a target-golf course that is now mentioned in the same conversations with upscale daily-fee desert award-winners such as Troon North, The Boulders, Grayhawk, Legend Trail, Talking Stick, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, the Golf Club at Dove Mountain and semi-private Quintero Golf Club. But just to solidify its ranking as one of the best golf complexes in Arizona Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore added the Saguaro 18 in 2006. Both courses are rated at the top of all the publications that rank courses in the USA.
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We-Ko-Pa Cholla Scottsdale-based Miller, a protégé of Jack Nicklaus for more t the back tees that transitions smoothly into larger target landin
Small amounts of dirt were moved in construction meaning th by situating greens into natural draws or arroyos and box can centuries-old saguaros and rock outcroppings.
And talk about an economy of bunkers -- there’s only 75 of them shots on 13 through 18 have zero bunkers in front creating an op
No. 8, a 587-yard par-5 is dowhill dogleg that runs along a box an arroyo waste area left and a pint-sized piece of fairway slop section of the fairway you are on a severe downslope. This cou
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Saguaro has more traditional features than Cholla. “Tees are clo the desert,” said Barr. “Also the bunker fringes have more rag
“This piece of land has some very interesting natural movemen golf course is unique for the desert. Golfers are induced to p playing this course.”
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Ko-Pa Golf Club R. Holland
Matt Barr, general manager. “It can be tranquil and serene. And chitect firms. You can play all day long and get so much variety.”
e Verde River, McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Superstipai) rises 7,000 feet in elevation.
e,” Barr said. But the 25 mile drive from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor nery of the Sonoran Desert.
than a decade, created a challenging 7,225 yards, par 72, from ng areas from all tees.
he holes blend with the natural landscape. Miller was an artist nyons, then framing them with sculpted bunkers, waste areas,
and holes 1, 2, 8 and 13 don’t have any greenside traps. Approach pening to run your Pro V1 up with a pitch or the Texas wedge.
x canyon. In front of the green the landing area seems tiny with ping down to the putting surface. If you lay up back from this uld be the most photographed hole.
oser to greens, the fairways are wider and the rough creeps into gged edges.”
nt to it,” said Ben Crenshaw of the Saguaro course. “I think this play different shots and find solutions to new challenges when
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This routing allowed for a blend of short and long par four holes with less than 25,000 cubic yards of material moved. That created 68 acres of turf that plays to 6,966 yards at par 71 from the back tees. The prevailing southwest wind creates many crosswind situations. Coore and Crenshaw have always debated the use of alternate fairway holes, but Coore thought about Red Lawrence’s 1962 Desert Forest design, 30 miles north in Carefree, when they laid out No. 14, which has an alternate smaller fairway right. This 538-yard par 5 allows you to hit to a left fairway, which is safer, but if you negotiate the smaller right fairway it gives you a shorter approach with a better angle. The course is all about attack angles. Saguaro, like Cholla, has already been featured in numerous golf publications including Golfweek, which currently ranks it as the #1 public access course in Arizona. In addition, GOLF magazine named it one of the “Top 10 Best New Courses You Can Play” in the United States 2007. Stay and Play We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center features 246 contemporary guestrooms and suites designed with Native American traditions. Amenities include Southwestern cuisine at Ahnala Restaurant, spa treatments and salon services at the Amethyst Spa and a huge heated outdoor pool with two whirlpools. Fort McDowell Casino, right next door is for gaming, and there are numerous outdoor activities at Fort McDowell Adventures. Check out the 36-Hole Package includes green fee, golf car, practice balls prior to play and two rounds to be played within 72 Hours of each other.
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Kanantik Belize • • • • • • •
Affordable, Sustainable Living in Coastal S
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Southern Belize
Residences with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea, a commitment to low-impact design, and amenities usually found only in the most exclusive luxury developments await investors at Kanantik Belize, now offered by Mango Springs Development. This first-of-its-kind master planned community is the ideal vacation retreat or retirement destination for buyers who want to preserve the raw beauty of Belize’s diverse ecosystem while investing in a residential and golf development that offers a superior living experience — and benefit from the surging real estate market as Belize’s profile rises internationally. “In planning Kanantik Belize, we committed to creating one of the first sustainable, eco-sensitive and low-impact designs in Belize,” said Luke Chadwick, founder, Mango Springs Development. “And the result is a stunning model, where affordability intersects luxury, and ways to protect Belize’s natural resources while enjoying its immense treasures are built into daily life.” Once completed, the private 5,800-acre gated community will offer 2,800 residential home sites, with 300 beachfront condominiums served by a private concierge. In addition to being the leading model of resort-style sustainable living in Belize, Kanantik Belize will boast the only 18hole championship golf course in the country, designed by Casey O’Callaghan, the famed Orange County, Calif. golf course designer. It is slated to open in late 2016. Live, Work and Play in this Beachfront Wilderness In addition to the golf course, homeowner-investors of Kanantik Belize will have access to an abundance of amenities unique to this ecosystem that are typically reserved for higher-end developments. Kanantik Belize features a 7.5-acre private island and Island-Club, created exclusively for its homeowners. The island pops with a restaurant, bar, dive shop and fishing charters, offering residents hospitality and ocean adventures. Plus, a Caribbean Sea-front beach club showcases the 4,500-foot, palm tree-lined pristine beach featuring a Caribbean & Cuban inspired ‘Rumbar,’ a rum distillery & cigar bar. When seeking relaxation or entertainment, Kanantik Belize owners can head to one of the 26 individually thatched cabanas, three restaurants or two bars — or get down to business in the well-appointed conference center. When seeking ways to experience Belizean flavor, look no further than the 80-acre organic farm on the development. Kanantik Belize also will be home to the only hospitality and culinary institute in Belize. This innovation will aid the local economy by providing career training to local Belizeans while offering residents fresh fare from the only organic, farm-to-table restaurant in Belize. Another attraction of Kanantik Belize is its accessibility. Situated in the heart of Central America, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, Belize is a short flight from the United States. Kanantik Belize also is easily reachable from its private paved airstrip, and pilots can access hanger estates and FBO facilities. Demand for Belizean Real Estate is on the Rise Investors interested in Kanantik Belize have access to easy in-house developer financing, including mortgage financing typically not found in other Caribbean and Central American countries, and rates on par with those offered in the United States or Canada without the usual qualifications. About Kanantik Belize Kanantik Belize is a new, private 5,800-acre gated community in the tropical Central American country of Belize. Part of the Belizean real estate investment portfolio from Mango Springs Development, Kanantik Belize is a close-knit master-planned community situated on the Caribbean coastline, offering 2,800 residential home sites, with 300 beachfront condominiums served by a private concierge. In addition, Kanantik Belize boasts the only 18-hole championship golf course in Belize, designed by Casey O’Callaghan, the famed Orange County, Calif. golf course designer. Phase 1 of this development now is open to investors. Learn more at www.kanantikbelize.com. About Mango Springs Development Mango Springs Development is an independent, fee-simple real estate development and management company based in Belize, and with affiliate offices in Newport Beach, Calif., that promotes sustainable, safe international development. Mango Springs Development, an Englishspeaking company, is the creation of accomplished U.S. real estate developer, Luke Chadwick. He is well-respected for his global market insight as well as his development leadership of ventures in Australia, Central and South America and the United States.
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SWEETSTUFF N
ew styles for its men’s collection for the spring of 2015 highlight the Antigua Group’s most technologically advanced clothing lineup yet. It features the exclusive Desert Dry™ technology that absorbs and wicks moisture quickly and evenly, achieving the most-efficient evaporation possible to keep golfers comfortable and dry in many types of conditions. The Desert Dry™ family now includes poly/cotton blends. Antigua has taken Desert Dry™ moisture management technology and constructed fabrics with fine cotton fibers blended with synthetic filaments to create Desert Dry™ Performance Cotton. Customers have been requesting a more casual fabric, without compromising the wicking capabilities of the poly fabrics. Meanwhile, Desert Dry™ Xtra-Lite combines the Desert Dry™ moisture-wicking feature with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort. New additions to this category are 100% poly fabrics that feel and look like cotton. The garments feel like cozy cotton, but handle perspiration like poly. These new cotton-like poly fabrics open up a whole new world for golfers, who can have the comfort of their favorite tee while maintaining the ease of poly’s wear and wicking power. The spring 2015 men’s golf collection includes 11 new shirt styles featuring proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite technology, as well as an assortment of pullovers, jackets, shorts, vest and hats. “Antigua’s Men’s Performance 72 Collection--spring 2015 reflects the inspiration of defined and refined lines and angles both symmetric and asymmetric,” noted Sean Gregg, Antigua’s director of product development and marketing support. “Each piece offers this distinction from our newly introduced style Soul with its high-low horizontal multiwale double knit stripe in solid colors to style Vantage with its contrasting elastic taping details that highlight the style’s linear raglan form.” Additionally this season, Antigua has reintroduced some fashion Performance
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72 classics--updated in performance fabrics and offered in new colors representing the seasonal palette. Style Major has been a popular performance spin on the classic 5050, color-to-white horizontal feed stripe with a matching flat knit collar. Style Rush has carried forward in new colors and represents fashion newness with its self-fabric collar and dress shirt-inspired collar band, and updates the classic narrow pin stripe with added flexibility and a soft-touch fabric hand that includes spandex. Less classic and more staple, style Titan is a derivative of Antigua’s own essential style Icon with its pique, single wale oneinch repeating texture stripe
and seam-engineered contrasting color filament chain stitch. Titan’s newness is demonstrated in its dual color spun micro-filament yarn knit, to offer a heather appearance in all the neutral ground shades. Antigua has also developed several new styles with “self-flat knit collars” that invoke a self-collar appearance with the stability of a yarn-dyed flat knit collar. These include the irregular stripe body fabric pattern of style Trend; style Striker, which incorporates a pop color body fabric stripe and places it as a collar-tipped edge; and style Hue that utilizes the same concept adopting the narrowly repeated neutral body stripe as a matching collar effect. This season’s newly developed color palette also contributes to the collection’s fashion appeal. After seasons of color building to a crescendo which piqued with the cleanest of bright shades, this season’s inspired palette has transcended to a softer range with less flare and vibrancy. The shades are not muted, though they lack the intensity of seasons past. The color names similarly reflect their inspired depth of saturation. In addition to maintaining optic white as the base around which this Spring ‘15 collection’s colors revolve, colors Papaya, Pistachio, Purple Haze, Chambray and Electric are a new balance of scaled-back brights that retain the sportswear appeal while being cleverly fashion friendly. For more information on Antigua’s new men’s collection: www.antigua.com and shop.antigua.com
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SWEETSTUFF L S by TerryRoss
iteGear™ bags are a relative newcomer to the luggage industry, but by the looks of things their new lightweight yet durable offerings for just about every kind of travel will be a hit with golf vacationers. The mantra of this luggage line is building products that are lightweight, durable and crafted with features that simply make life easier. All of their travel items are made with the customer in mind with a satisfaction guarantee. For instance, the Trifold Garment Sleeve is a handy accessory for overnight or to fit in a larger bag. It can be folded up to fit in even the smallest of carry-on bags, or can be used as a stand-alone bag with its hanger carry handle. This innovative and light weight bag keeps suits and dresses wrinkle-free with padded fold points, two inside mesh pockets as well as one large pleated pocket for shoes, and features two side release adjustable buckles that accommodates small and large loads. It weighs just more than one pound, is made of Polyester and unfolds to 37” x 19.5” x 2” and comes in black. The 26-inch Hybrid Bag is made to be checked and smartly designed with loads of thoughtful pockets and zippers for great versatility. It is extremely lightweight but carries much more than you would think in its well-designed size as a mid-size carry-on. Plenty of room for days on the road with 4,430 cubic inches of space in a bag that measures 15” x 11” x 26” Weighing only 7 lbs., 10 oz. and ruggedly constructed, the Hybrid’s hi-density molded foam technology coupled with soft-side front pocket panels make these bags super light and super durable. Features include locking telescoping handle, Inline skate wheels with sealed ball bearings, zippered expansion panels adds 3 inches of depth, padded handles on top and side, three huge external zippered pockets, two internal compression straps, large internal mesh pocket and an adjustable piggy-back strap. This bag comes in black and Mallard Green. The small and large Kompressor Cubes are a nice accessory offered by the company to help organize your life while travelling. Useful for packing anything like cords, socks and hosiery--these cubes compact items and keep things separate for better organization and overall packing. The cubes compress to nearly half of the size once zipped up so you can pack more and keep items organized. For more information on LiteGear luggage: www.litegearbags.com
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tretching out and warming up for a session on the range or a round of golf is not only good for your body but your game as well. A new warmup club that serves as a hitting tune-up before practice or playing from DST Golf has that goal in mind with its new lineup of Compressor Warm-Up Clubs featuring patent-pending Delayed Strike Technology designed to speed game improvement among players of all skill levels. Based on extensive analysis of the greatest ball strikers in history, DST’s Compressor clubs feature a scientifically-curved shaft engineered to replicate the shape of a normal shaft in the optimal impact position. This unique design helps players learn how to control the club face through impact and compress the ball, which leads to improved consistency, control and accuracy. Additionally, the club’s “Hand Position Alignment Marker” ensures players replicate the optimal impact position at set-up, thus simplifying the swing and ingraining the muscle memory needed to consistently achieve this scientifically-proven optimal position. “Our warm-up clubs are the first in history that teach the optimal impact position and enable golfers to feel what it’s like to control the club face through impact, making them an intuitive way for all players to ingrain a repeatable and reliable swing,” said DST Golf Founder and CEO Bertie Cordle. “The Delayed Strike Technology we’ve pioneered is already receiving widespread praise and rapid adoption among Tour players and Master Professionals worldwide.” Available in 8-iron and wedge models, DST Compressor clubs simplify the swing by stripping out complicated and unnecessary movements. This is achieved by automatically pre-setting the hands in the optimal impact position, which is identical for all normal shots (chip, pitch and full swing). Developed by a former tour player, DST Compressor clubs reinforce the correct position at impact, the moment of truth. This gives the golfer control over the club face until after the ball is struck which promotes improvement and consistency in all areas of the game, translating to quantifiable success on the course. For more information visit www.dstgolf.com
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