Chip Shots

Querencia Country Club

Los Cabos a Major Presence on Golfweek’s Top 50 Roster

Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes has been released, and once again Los Cabos shines on the magazine’s roster of the ‘Top 50 Mexico, Caribbean, Atlantic Islands and Central America’ courses.

Thirteen golf facilities in Los Cabos, the dazzling Land’s End destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, appear on the updated 2022 list, with seven courses in the top 20. In addition, TPC Danzante Bay, an outstanding seaside venue in Loreto, a marine sanctuary north of Los Cabos, was voted to the No. 12 spot on the roster.

According to the publication, “The hundreds of members of our course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them based on our 10 criteria. They also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings on each course are averaged to produce a final, cumulative rating. Then each course is ranked against other courses in the region.” The list focuses on the golf courses themselves, not the resorts as a whole or other amenities.

Commanding the No. 2 position on Golfweek’s list is Diamante (Dunes Course), the flagship of a 1,500-acre private resort community on the destination’s Pacific coast. Opened in 2009, the Dunes Course is a 7,022-yard behemoth carved by Davis Love III into massive rolling dunes set back from the ocean. This windswept, topsy-turvy links, renowned for its risk-reward options and spectacular views, rambles past big blowout bunkers and towering sand hills on its journey to and from the sea. Guests of the on-site Nobu Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel enjoy exclusive access to the Dunes Course, subject to availability.

Cabo del Sol (Cove Club), ranked No. 11 and formerly known as the Ocean Course, is the pioneering layout that put Los Cabos on the international golf map when it opened in 1994. Intent on producing the ‘Pebble Beach of the Baja’ on what he described as “the best piece of golf property I’ve ever seen,” designer Jack Nicklaus charted holes across sloping desert terrain creased by sandy arroyos and framed by granite outcrops. Nicklaus returned in 2019 to create a handful of new holes at the renamed Cove Club (now private). The revised layout, which visits the sea on both nines, has upgraded playing surfaces, restyled bunkers and new landscaping.

Chileno Bay (No. 13), a splendid Tom Fazio-designed golf course marked by graceful, flowing landforms intended to simulate rolling ocean waves, benefitted from a makeover by Discovery Land Co. that introduced colorful vegetation and bright white sand in its formal bunkers. The immaculately-groomed course, routed through rolling desert foothills and interlaced with sandy arroyos, features interior mountain vistas and a sea view from every hole. The otherwise-private club is accessible to guests of Chileno Bay Resort & Residences (Auberge Resorts).

Tied with Chileno Bay at No. 13 is Querencia, a private 1,800acre golf community anchored by a solid Tom Fazio-designed course. Known for its slick, multi-tiered greens, Querencia, set in desert foothills high above the sea, takes players on a roller-coaster ride around and across steep hills. Several holes skirt the edges of deep canyons and rocky arroyos. Fazio’s attention to detail is evident at every turn at Querencia, with palm trees and lush vegetation blended with the native desert border on this challenging yet playable course.

Opened in 2020, the Greg Norman-designed course at Rancho San Lucas (No. 16) spans three different ecosystems, rambling through windswept dunes at the start, climbing through a cactus forest bisected by arroyos, and returning players to the beach and

sea on the back nine. Known for his ‘least-disturbance’ approach, Norman throttled back the bulldozers to retain the site’s native contours. Steep-walled pot bunkers constructed from recycled artificial turf dot the breezy, links-style course. The club is accessible to guests of Solmar Group hotels, including the on-site Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort.

Originally built as a resort course in 1999, El Dorado Golf & Beach Club (No. 18) is now a private resort community under the aegis of Discovery Land Co. The Jack Nicklaus-designed layout, featuring rolling saddled fairways, huge bunker complexes and picturesque green sites, meanders through a pair of stark canyons divided by a huge rocky hill. Bristling desert vegetation, dramatic rock formations and four interior lakes flank the fairways, with water in play at several holes. The club’s par-3 16th hole is set directly above the beach.

Twin Dolphin (No. 20) occupies a superb parcel along the corridor linking the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Centerpiece of a 1,400-acre master-planned community, the golf course, opened in 2018, was built by Fred Couples and Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design. Stretched across a broad sloping plateau notched by three major arroyos high above the sea, the layout is known for its firm, fast conditions, dramatic rock outcrops and panoramic ocean views. Twin Dolphin is a private club accessible to guests of Montage Los Cabos, a resort hotel on Santa Maria Bay; as well as the Montage Residences.

The other Los Cabos courses voted to Golfweek’s Top 50 roster include Diamante - El Cardonal (T-33), Quivira (T-33), Puerto Los Cabos – Norman/Nicklaus (No. 36), Costa Palmas (No. 40), Cabo del Sol - Desert (No. 41), and Cabo Real (No. 47). Flavio Papa to Oversee Exciting New Era at Empordà Golf, Spain

Flavio Papa is relishing the opportunity to play a leading role in an exciting new era at Empordà Golf Club after taking over as director of golf at the popular 36-hole Spanish golf resort.

Papa took up his new position at the start of the year and joins Empordà at a pivotal time in the resort’s history following a recent €21m investment and upgrade of its golf and lifestyle facilities.

The Spaniard has a wealth of experience of the golf industry having worked in a number of key roles over the last seven years, most recently as golf operations manager at La Cala Resort. One of his first tasks will be overseeing the staging of the 2022 Empordà Challenge, with the European Challenge Tour event set to take place on the resort’s Links Course from June 9-12.

Papa said: “It’s a thrilling time to join the Empordà golf team. I am very much looking forward to hosting the Empordà Challenge in June and working with the fantastic team that we have. I like to think outside of the box and go above and beyond for clients.”

“I am fully committed to upgrading the golf experience for our members and all those that visit. This extends beyond the two golf courses and includes the whole experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.”

Located 30 minutes from Girona Airport, Empordà Golf Club’s impressive facilities include two 18-hole championship courses – the Links Course and the Forest Course, both designed by worldrenowned architect Robert von Hagge.

Both golf courses have undergone significant investment to elevate the golf experience being offered to members and guests. Recent renovation work undertaken has included includes the reconstruction of all bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker method, a comprehensive tree clearance programme and purchase of new greenkeeping equipment to improve the all-round condition of tees, fairways and greens.

Away from the fairways, Hotel Empordà Golf rebranded as Hotel Terraverda at the end of last year and has been transformed with a contemporary new look following the redesign and renovation of its bedrooms, communal areas and restaurant. In addition, hotel guests can also relax and unwind in the new outdoor swimming pool that has been installed.

For more information on Empordà Golf and Hotel Terraverda, please visit: www.empordagolf.com

Falvio Papa

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Championship Course where PGA TOUR Puerto Rico Open played

Puerto Rico Flourishes in World Golf Spotlight

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – The year is just beginning, and Puerto Rico is already enjoying one of its biggest golf years ever, after being named to host top events, continuing to be home to the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open, and having players make international headlines through their play.

Last week the Island’s Grand Reserve Golf Club was named as the 2023 Latin America Amateur Championship host venue (January 12-15). This will be the first time the top-tier tournament will be held in Puerto Rico.

The tournament is important because it’s the pinnacle amateur golf event in Latin America and the LAAC champion receives an invitation to compete in two of the game’s biggest events – the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool in England.

The winner also receives full exemptions into the U.S. Amateur Championship and any other U.S. Golf Association (USGA) amateur championship for which he is eligible and is exempt into the final stage of qualifying for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at Los Angeles Country Club. LAAC runner(s)-up will be exempt into the final stages of qualifying for the 151st Open and the 123rd U.S. Open Championship.

Puerto Rico’s Roberto Nieves led the field after two of the four rounds in the 2022 LAAC at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, that concluded earlier this week. He finished in fifth place, one stroke from joining a three-way tie for second, and two strokes behind the winner. Given the elite company, the first-class performance bodes well for Nieves’ golf future.

Last year, the USGA brought the Puerto Rico Golf Association into its network of Allied Golf Associations. The PRGA became the first association outside the U.S. designated to host a USGA championship – the 7th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship on April 30-May 4, 2022, at Grand Reserve. That week will also mark the first time a USGA championship is held outside of the U.S. mainland in a U.S. territory.

Add that the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open (Feb. 28-March 6, 2022) will be held at Grand Reserve’s Championship Course, that the Island hosts NCAA Division I tournaments annually, and that Island native Rafa Campos almost won the 2021 Puerto Rico Open, and the global golf spotlight is increasingly shining on Puerto Rico.

The Island is not just for top-level amateur players and professional tour members. With 18 courses, world-class beaches, dozens of resorts, thousands of restaurants, and the Caribbean’s most traveler friendly destination, Puerto Rico is ideal for all travelers. Golfers playing in Puerto Rico have the added benefit of doing so in a natural paradise on courses that inherently promote safe recreation and social distancing amid the pandemic, and the Island has one of the highest vaccination rates in the United States.

“Last year was an all-time record year for Puerto Rico tourism,” said Brad Dean, CEO, Discover Puerto Rico. “Golfers were an important and welcomed group of visitors contributing to the whole, and these latest high-profile events announced for the Island will continue to fuel our golf momentum.”

Golf course designers represented on the Island include Tom and George Fazio, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Rees Jones, Tom Kite, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and his son Robert Trent Jones, Jr. All Island courses are open to the public except two (which can be played by

guests of the resort where they’re located), and many are amenities of beautiful resorts, including Royal Isabela; Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino; The St. Regis Bahia Beach; Wyndham Grand Rio Mar; Palmas del Mar; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; and Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, home to Grand Reserve Golf Club.

Learn more about visiting Puerto Rico and playing golf at DiscoverPuertoRico.com

The Lodge Of Four Seasons Unveils 2022 Golf Stay And Play Packages

LAKE OZARK, MO – The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri has introduced four golf stay, play packages for the 2022 spring and summer seasons. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodations that suit all travelers whether they be single players, couples, groups or large families.

The Best of the Lake Package – Play both golf courses at The Lodge, plus experience one of the “Top 5 Courses in Missouri” when you play The Club at Porto Cima, the private Jack Nicklaus Signature design across the lake. The Best of the Lake Package starts at $199 per person, per night and includes:

Two nights lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons

One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima

One round at The Cove Golf Courses at The Lodge of Four Seasons

One round at The Ridge Golf Courses at The Lodge of Four Seasons

An “All American Breakfast” at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package

The Eagle Golf Package – This package includes private golf at The Club at Porto Cima and one round at The Cove or The Ridge. The Eagle Golf Package starts at $169 per person, per night and includes:

Two nights lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons

One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima

One round at either The Cove or The Ridge

An “All American Breakfast” at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package

The Unlimited Golf Package – This package comes with unlimited golf on The Ridge and The Cove courses, as well as an arrival day round in the afternoon. The Unlimited Golf Package starts at $169 per person, per night and includes:

Two nights lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons

Unlimited golf on The Cove and The Ridge courses

Arrival day golf: tee it up beginning at noon on the day of arrival and receive unlimited golf on days two and three

An “All American Breakfast” at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package

Stay and Play Package – The Stay and Play Package is a quick overnight getaway and great value to boot. The Stay and Play Package starts at $129 per person, per night and includes:

Nightly accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons

One round of golf per night on either the Robert Trent Jonesdesigned Cove Course or the Ken Kavanaugh-designed Ridge Course

An “All American Breakfast” at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package

For more information on all of The Lodge of Four Seasons’ golf packages, visit www.4seasonsresort.com/golf-packages or call 888265-5500.

Lodge of Four Seasons Golf

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe Invitational invites the Top Minority Junior and Professional Golfers to Orlando

Orlando, FL – The United Golfers Association (UGA) announced today the inaugural Jim Thorpe Invitational(JTI) in Orlando, Florida. This special event is set to take place the weekend of February 25 - 27, 2022 on the National and International Courses at Omni ChampionsGate Golf Resort and Club. The Jim Thorpe Invitational will invite the nation’s top minority junior golfers from the ages of 8 through 18 and many of the talented Professional Tour Players an opportunity to compete in this inaugural event.

“I am so honored that the UGA has chosen to partner with me to create this commemorative event that will shine a light on these young people who work tirelessly to compete at the highest level in this sport we love. This event will not only bear my name, but also create a golf experience like no-other for minority golfers and the supporters who also want to see change in the sport of golf,” says Jim Thorpe. “I am also excited to have Justin Blazer and Michael Chappell serve as Tournament Directors for the Junior and the Professional Events for the JTI. These young men are good at what they do and can’t wait see them create something special for the tournament.”

This event will offer more than simply 36 holes of golf and a trophy for the juniors and professionals, but more of a feeling of a golf community coming together to encourage growth and development. This robust networking and panel experience will provide juniors, parents and professionals an immersive opportunity to discuss along with absorb including trusted advice and learned experiences from industry professionals, current and former college & tour players, college coaches, parents of successful golfers, as well as, golf legends who will share their priceless memories on and off the course.

UGA’s Executive Director, Tarek DeLavallade shared “Jim Thorpe is a legend in the game of golf and loved by all for his smile, spirit and that signature finish of his golf swing. It is our honor to plan the Jim Thorpe Invitational for him and create a legacy that will align with his dreams of leveling the playing field for minority golfers of all ages. At the UGA, our commitment is to increase the introduction, development, and advancement of minority golfers into the sport, so that they can be two steps closer to having access to the same resources their counterparts have to ensure their success on and off the fairways,” said Tarek DeLavallade.

The UGA and its industry partners are committed to changing the face of golf. An effort that United Golfers Association, the 501(c) (3) charitable foundation that was founded in 1925 as the primary organization for golfers of color. The proceeds of the event will fund an Elite Golf Academy for minority golfers in Central Florida with private and group golf lessons with nationally recognized teaching professionals including Mr. Jim Thorpe. All of our instruction programs feature highly personalized attention to your unique needs and skill level, and include video swing analysis, comprehensive instruction manuals, and a written game plan for improvement.

To learn more about the event visit www.jimthorpeinvitational. com and to find out more ways to increase diversity in the sport of golf and support the mission of the United Golfers Association, visit www. unitedgolfersassociation.org

Patriot Golf Days Returns to Memorial Day Weekend

ORLANDO, FL – For the second consecutive year, Patriot Golf Days will be held over Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30) as a way to further honor our nation’s heroes.

PGA REACH, the 501(c)3 charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members, will jointly host the nationwide annual fundraiser. The two organizations will help PGA Members and golf facilities put on fundraising efforts throughout the weekend.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program includes a six-to-eight-week golf instruction curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

To donate or register for Patriot Golf Days, visit patriotgolfdays. com.

“It’s exciting that Patriot Golf Days will again be held during Memorial Day weekend, and the PGA Show is the ideal venue to kick off this life-changing event,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “The partnership between Folds of Honor and PGA HOPE helps both Veterans and military families. As a PGA Professional, I’m grateful to my fellow PGA Members, the golf businesses participating in Patriot Golf Days and patriotic Americans who contribute to our mission. All money that is raised will directly benefit individuals and families in the community and the PGA Section where it was raised, and provide financial resources for Folds of Honor academic scholarships and PGA HOPE programs.”

Patriot Golf Days began as a grassroots fundraising initiative in 2007, with golfers across the country encouraged to add an extra dollar to their green fees to fund Folds of Honor scholarships for families of fallen or disabled Veterans. Over the last 15 years, the effort has grown to encompass a variety of fundraising efforts led by PGA Professionals and golfers in all 50 states and 41 PGA Sections.

These efforts, and other related yearlong activities, have raised more than $60 million and funded more than 12,000 scholarships to help Veterans, their spouses and children.

About PGA REACH

PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to Impact Lives Through Golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @ PGAREACH on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

About Folds of Honor

Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, as well as post-secondary tuition (two- or four-year college/university, technical or trade school). Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 35,000 scholarships totaling over $160 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 41 percent are minorities. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot and PGA Professional, who is currently stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida as a member of the 301st Fighter Squadron. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org.