OUR 18th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2019
MICHIGAN MAGIC
GREAT LAKES GRANDEUR
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC LA CANA GOLF COURSE
LAKE CHARLES SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE
Vacations • February 2019 1 Plus: 60 YEARS OF A DESERT Golf CLASSIC
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GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2019
Puntacana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic
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Chip Shots
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Michigan Magic
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La Cana Golf Course
by David R. Holland
The friendly face that appeared from behind the counter at Pohlcat Golf Club greeted my group with a firm handshake and welcome. Dan Pohl, 1982 Masters runner-up, who lost in a Monday playoff to Craig Stadler, and pocketed $39,000, is a 34year veteran of PGA Tour golf and a talking treasure to that great era of the tour.
by Tim Cotroneo
“Punta Cana is the nearest point to paradise in the middle of nowhere.” That’s how Olivier Brizon describes his home of the past eight years, located on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
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Lake Charles: Sportsman’s Paradise
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Sweet Stuff
by David R. Holland
LAKE CHARLES, La. – On one golf hole you might see an alligator stalking prey in a pond. On the next a bald eagle could be gliding above. It doesn’t take long to know why Louisiana calls itself a “Sportsman’s Paradise”.
by Terry Ross
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Your gateway to 120 golf courses . . . A boutique hotel for your next desert trip
74-470 Abronia Trail, Palm Desert CA
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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
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
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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.
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60 Years of a Desert Classic
Desert Classic Photographer Daniel Ennaco
By Terry Ross
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But this venerable tour stop, which is annually the first of the year in the continental United States, hasn’t been shy about changing with the times and has made strides in becoming a fan experience as much as a sporting event to watch. The enhanced fan experience with expansive public hospitality venues and the Desert Classic Concert Series on the weekend evenings following play created a festival-like atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Coachella Music Festival that is world-famous during the spring in this area. Sammy Hagar and the Circle got the crowd roaring on the first night of entertainment, while Bad Company, with legendary singer/songwriter Paul Rodgers, rocked the Saturday evening gallery. The golf competition also lived up to its reputation as World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, crowd-favorite Adam Hadwin and Tour rookie Adam Long went to the 72nd hole all tied at 25 under—with the rookie Long holing a birdie putt for his first Tour victory. Not a bad way to finish off six decades of professional golf in this vacation stop that is synonymous with the sport and good times.
Winner Adam Long
Desert Classic Photographer Scott Avra
S
ixty years in the life of a professional golf tournament is a long time, but the annual PGA Tour stop in the Southern California desert celebrated its 60th playing this past January as the Desert Classic, presented by Workday, played at three of the finest courses in this winter vacation spot famous for sunshine, mild temps and lots of fun thrown in. This tournament, which began in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic, and for most of its history was known as the PGA event that Bob Hope championed, celebrated its rich history by unveiling a Hall of Fame and inducting its first three members—Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer and event founder Ernie Dunlevie. Hope, who hosted the tournament from 1965 to 2002 and pretty much put his stamp on it for decades as he enlisted an A-list group of celebrities—not to mention an occasional U.S. President— to participate. Palmer is the World Golf Hall of Famer who won the event a record five times and Dunlevie was the founder of the tournament and a Coachella Valley golf course developer who was largely responsible for pioneering the “country club” lifestyle in this resort community.
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Desert Classic Photographer Daniel Ennaco
Crowds rocked out to Sammy Hagar and Bad Company
Gravity Golf at Boca Lago CC
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Desert Classic Photographer Daniel Ennaco
View from Executive Suite Hole 17
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Horseshoe Bay Finalizes $70 Million Resort Renovation Project in 2019
Serious golfers are always on the lookout for new golf destination experiences. Horseshoe Bay Resort, nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, is putting the final touches on a $70-million resort and multi-course renovation that has the AAA-Four Diamond- and Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award-winning property poised to become one of America’s premier golf destinations. With four acclaimed championship golf courses and the innovative Whitewater Putting Course, Horseshoe Bay offers an appealing array of unforgettable golfing experiences designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jack Nicklaus. In 2016, Horseshoe Bay embarked on an expansive $7.5-million project to upgrade all three of its Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designs, Slick Rock, Ram Rock, and Apple Rock. The improvements to the courses and overall golf product has the resort community in position
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to earn nationwide attention and a rise in outof-state rounds. Situated on the gleaming shores of the constant-level Lake LBJ and meandering through a rugged 7,000-acre expanse of rolling Hill Country, the scenic Horseshoe Bay Resort is the only waterfront resort in Texas. Tropically adorned with palm trees, bold water features and the most colorful vegetation this side of Hawaii, this resort stands apart, both visually and in the guest experience. The golfing experience matches that uniqueness. Before there was ever a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Horseshoe Bay was home to three very distinct courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The Ram Rock course, constructed in 1981, has made its reputation as one of the toughest courses in Texas. Slick Rock, the first golf course built (in 1971) at Horseshoe Bay, features a classic parkland setting and classic elements of Jones’ renowned architectural sensibility. Wall-to-wall renovations to both courses have enhanced playability and fun
from the forward and middle tees while maintaining each layout’s legendary challenge for scratch players. Each of the course renovations included installing the latest 007 bent grass greens to improve quality of turf, expanded green sizes by as much as 50 percent in some areas, renovating bunkers, re-shaping and leveling tee-boxes, new irrigation, as well as adding beautiful rock retaining walls along all of the water-hazards to improve over-all course aesthetics. This was most significant with the awe-inspiring “Million Dollar Hole” where golfers follow a winding path across a 35-yard rock-walled waterfall. The final course and renovation project, Apple Rock, will see much of the same renovations completed as its sister courses and will re-open in May 2019. The course offers some of the most picturesque views in the region. Jones Sr. strategically routed holes to take advantage of the many higher elevation points that overlook Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ.
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Punctuating the re-opening of the Ram Rock and Apple Rock courses will be the unveiling of the luxe, new Cap Rock Clubhouse. Members and guests of Horseshoe Bay will enjoy the new Cap Rock setting with its expansive views of the courses and Texas Hill Country. It will feature a dining room and bar area along with a pro-shop, swimming pool, cabana, pavilion area for groups, and a practice/teaching facility. For more information and reservations visit www.hsbresort.com or call 877-611-0112.
Pro Golf Coming to Gulf Shores March 6-8 The Emerald Coast Golf Tour is coming to Gulf Shores March 6-8. The tour will start its 2019 season in Gulf Shores at the beautiful Kiva Dunes Golf Club. The event will be a 54 hole event starting on Wednesday March 6 for the professionals. Then on Thursday March 8 there will be a one day Pro Am on for all amateurs to play with the PGA stars of the future. It will be a 4 team Pro Am consisting of one professional and three amateurs. There will be a kickoff party on Wednesday night for all the participants and sponsors and guests in the event at the Kiva Dunes Clubhouse?. This will be an opportunity to meet you professional for the tournament. The tournament will also host a free junior clinic for the kids in Gulf Shores on Tuesday March 5 at the Kiva Dunes Driving range from 4:15-5:15 for all kids interested in learning more about the game. The clinic will be conducted by Rea Schuessler and the Emerald Coast Tour professionals. The Emerald Coast Tour is a developmental tour for guys trying to earn their PGA tour card. Local guys Nick Rousey of Pensacola is expected to play as well as Wilson McDonald and Robby Shelton of Mobile. The tour has had over 25 PGA tour winners play on the tour. The Inaugural Kiva Dunes Pro Classic was won by Hunter Stewart and Michael Hebert as they were declared Co Champions. Hunter Stewart was the winner again last year. Michael Arnaud who played last year went on to win on the Web. com tour last year. To play in the Pro Am contact the Kiva Dunes pro shop at 251540-7000 or Geno Celano with the Emerald Coast Golf Tour at 850-217-3412.
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Reynolds Lake Oconee Launches Dream Golf Getaway Sweepstakes Reynolds Lake Oconee, the award-winning golf and lakefront destination between Atlanta and Augusta, Ga., today announced the launch of a sweepstakes with the grand prize winner earning a dream four-day, three-night golf getaway with three guests of their choice. The extensive grand prize package — which includes lodging, transportation, meals, apparel, three rounds of golf, and much more — boasts a retail value of more than $16,500. The “Reynolds 360: You + Three” Sweepstakes is underway and continues through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 22. The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries and will be announced shortly after the Sweepstakes’ closing. The grand prize package, which must be used between June 17-20, 2019 includes: Luxury lodging accommodations at Reynolds’ National Club Cottages; Three rounds of golf with caddies at Reynolds Lake Oconee courses; Domestic round-trip coach airfare arriving at and departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), plus rental car; Meals at selected Reynolds’ restaurants, plus a spirit/wine tasting experience; Apparel provided by Sunice and Fairway & Greene for all guests; Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade club fitting experience; and Shooting experience at the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, and guided fishing charter on beautiful Lake Oconee. The sweepstakes is open to all current subscribers of the Reynolds Insider e-newsletter as well as to new subscribers who sign up for the newsletter prior to the close of the contest. Newsletter sign-up and entry forms are available at www. reynoldslakeoconee.com/reynolds-insider. There is a limit of one entry per person; no purchase is necessary to enter or win. Entrants must be residents of the United States and at least 21 years of age. For additional information about the “Reynolds 360: You + Three” Sweepstakes, as well as Reynolds Lake Oconee, access www.reynoldslakeoconee.com.
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Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship Returns To Turtle Hill Golf Club in bermuda
Fairmont Southampton is proud to announce the return of the 2019 GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship to Turtle Hill Golf Club for the 10th consecutive year, taking place March 7-10. As in previous years, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and PGA Canada will continue as partners for this signature golf event in Bermuda. Golf personality Charlie Rymer and four-time PGA TOUR winner Chip Beck will also be back as the hosts of the 2019 GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship, along with five-time European Tour winner Barry Lane and 19-time Ladies European Tour winner Trish Johnson. As the world’s premier par 3 championship with a total purse of $50,000, the event is expected to attract 150 participants from more than 10 countries, including a number of noted professionals and celebrities. The field will be rounded out by an impressive list of amateur golfers—from Bermuda, the United States, Canada and Europe—vying for titles in the men’s, women’s and senior amateur divisions. As part of the 10th anniversary festivities, the Fairmont Southampton is offering a special, discounted GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship package. The limited-edition experience package includes: GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship entry Three nights luxury accommodations at Fairmont Southampton Daily full breakfast and lunch on tournament days
Exclusive activation event at the iconic Bacardi Limited headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda Exclusive opening night event at Boundary Sports Bar & Grille at the Fairmont Southampton Prizing Giving Reception after play on final round at tenth tee Premium GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship tee gifts Opportunity to take part in the $1-million (USD) hole-in-one contest This once-in-lifetime GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship package comes in at an astounding $897* (plus taxes, gratuities and resort levy) For information on the GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship, please contact the PGA of Canada’s Adam LeBrun at adam@ pgaofcanada.com or visit Fairmont.com/bermuda/golf and www. facebook.com/GreyGooseWorldPar3
PGA National Resort & Spa Offers Exceptional Honda Classic VIP Experience PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, meetings and spa destination – announces its exceptional “Honda Classic VIP Experience Room Package” for the upcoming PGA TOUR event to be played on the celebrated Champion Course (Feb. 25 – March 3).
Turtle Hill Golf Club
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PGA TOUR players and fans will discover significant changes to The Champion Course following a comprehensive renovation by Nicklaus Design. Most notable are the removal of Palmetto palms on the right side of No. 1 and left side of No. 9. Additionally, one-third of an acre (14,400 sq. ft.) was recaptured on the putting surfaces, returning them to the native design Jack Nicklaus and his team implemented 16 years ago. The layout reopened last November to rave reviews. Starting at $814 (per night, single occupancy) and $1,199 per night for double occupancy, the Honda Classic VIP Experience Room Package allows unrivaled access to the legendary resort’s myriad of amenities. Highlights include nightly deluxe room accommodations, daily VIP access to the 18th Hole Chalet, access to the “Bear Trap Party” on No. 17, and daily rounds of golf on The Palmer, Fazio or Squire courses with unlimited range balls and use of the driving range. With the return of local legend Tiger Woods and drama of the world’s best players taking on The Champion Course’s famous Bear Trap (Nos. 15 – 17), the 2018 Honda Classic shattered its attendance record by attracting 224,642 spectators during a week of perfect South Florida weather. Additionally, CBS posted the highest viewership and ratings for the tournament in
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five years as Justin Thomas won the event in a dramatic playoff. For more information, please visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.
Three Reasons Daytona Beach is Golf’s Fastest Destination Speed is the topic of conversation in Daytona Beach from late January through February as the sports world turns its attention to the Great American Race. Golfers, of course, are always in search of their own version of speed: courses with great pace of play. With that in mind, Daytona Beach might be the game’s fastest destination. As surely as Daytona Beach is a mecca for auto racing enthusiasts, the area is equally appealing for golfers in search of a sub 4.5-hour round. How can we be so sure? Because Daytona Beach is home to courses that were designed to provide a complete golf experience at a pace that would make Jimmie Johnson proud. If you want to play in four hours or less, here are three Daytona Beach golf courses where the caution flag is never waved. Crane Lakes, a par 66 that plays 5,186 yards from the tips, has eight par 3s and a pair of par 5s, but it isn’t a short course. Golfers will hit every club in the bag. A 435-yard par 4 and a 495-yard par 5 ensure
the need for a good day with the driver, and the par 3s range in length from 156 to 200 yards (back tees). Crane Lakes, always among the area’s best conditioned courses, will test every part of your game and do so in a timely manner. A par 69, Hidden Lakes is an ideal course to play on the first day of a trip, as it will give everyone in your group a chance to score. The layout is 5,454 yards from the tips and doesn’t have a par 4 that plays 400 yards, so players should almost always have a comfortable club in hand. A round at Hidden Lakes is fun and when combined with one of the area’s best practice facilities, there are a lot of reasons to play here. Riviera Country Club is the longest courses on our list at 6,250 yards from the tips, but this is an old-school layout designed with pace of play in mind. There is ample room to hit the ball, greens and tee boxes are in close proximity, and the course is maintained in a way that guarantees golfers won’t spend all day looking for balls. Daytona Beach is home to nearly 30 courses and all of them emphasize pace of play, but you will likely reach the checkered flag first Crane Lakes, Hidden Lakes and Riviera. For more information, go to DaytonaBeach.com/things-to-do/golf.
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Michiga
Tullymore Residence
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an Magic By David R. Holland
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PohlCat Golf Course No. 17 over Chippewa River by Dan Pohl
M
OUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- The friendly face that appeared from behind the counter at Pohlcat Golf Club greeted my group with a firm handshake and welcome.
Dan Pohl, 1982 Masters runner-up, who lost in a Monday playoff to Craig Stadler, and pocketed $39,000, is a 34-year veteran of PGA Tour golf and a talking treasure to that great era of the tour. Pohl eagerly gave us a tour of his clubhouse decorated with gems of his playing days including photos, and his Ryder Cup golf bag with accessories. And he took us to another building with even more memorabilia that included magazine covers and the persimmon driver he used to lead the tour in driving. In 1980 (the first ye¯ar that the PGA Tour’s driving distance stats are available), Pohl led the field while averaging 274.3 yards per drive. The next year he upped it to 280 yards before a back injury forced surgery. This native of Mount Pleasant and University of Arizona golfer, opened Pohlcat in 1992 on a beautiful, wooded parcel of land on the 100-foot wide Chippewa River. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had a say in the layout and wetlands, but Pohl said he credits Tom Weiskopf’s help with his design.
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“Pohlcat Golf Club is right there in front of you,” Pohl says, “from about 140 to 160 yards out if you walked out there and placed your ball you would see 18 different looks. Whether it is the lead in to the green or the caped bunkers it is all right there and we have narrow greens and some that are wide. Pohl said even though there’s a lot of water he usually pulls out the driver and he likes to say, as did Weiskopf, that much can be achieved with a four-inch slope on the greens as opposed to four feet of slope. The greens here have subtle breaks, which can be just as confounding. Pohlcat is also a bargin and has new GPS golf carts. Note some comments from various golfers: “Awesome! Great woodland setting, plenty of wildlife, beautiful rolling fairways, and smooth greens. Ready to play again!” “One of the best places to play in the state! It’s always in great shape, great layout, and huge greens. It also has a wonderful staff.” “Absolutely incredible course. Some of the purest greens I have ever played. Challenging, but very fair and playable.”
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Tullymore #18
Here’s a capsule look at other courses I played in Michigan. Bucks Run Golf Club, Mount Pleasant, Michigan One must be impressed immediately when arriving at scenic Bucks Run. The course itself is situated on 290 acres of reclaimed land – once home to a gravel pit, sand and stone quarry shut down in the 1990s. Some say this is one of Jerry Matthews’ finest designs with natural wetlands, wooded areas, river frontage, and two picturesque lakes. You will find Bucks Run to be abundant with sculpted tee boxes and fairways, with sand bunkers and rough that prove to be challenging and fair. The most talked about hole is No. 17, which plays over the Chippewa River to a daunting green. It is only 140 yards from the back tees, but you will have to earn par. Perhaps Bucks Run most popular amenity is the Putting Island, a fun, difficult par-3 putting adventure surrounded by water. The 18,000-square-foot clubhouse is home to the Quarry Grill Restaurant and Banquet Facility and pro shop. It has a woodedtheme, featuring a stone fireplace, large wooden beams, trophy
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bucks, and windows overlooking Lake Fisher and seven holes of the course. The clubhouse also features spacious patios for outdoor dining and special events. Bucks Run and Pohlcat are within minutes of the Soaring Eagle Resort & Casino – a great place to stay on a golf vacation to Mount Pleasant. Tullymore Golf Resort in Stanwood, Michigan Tullymore, designed by Jim Engh, is an adventure you don’t want to miss. There’s 800 acres of wild Michigan forest and a secluded environment. Living in Colorado about the same time Engh started winning awards it was natural for me to immediately call and schedule an interview. He was based in Castle Rock at the time. I’ve never been bored playing Engh courses and the one at Tullymore was no disappointment. Shortly after opening in 2002, Tullymore was named the number one new upscale public course in America by Golf Digest. His trademark squiggly bunkers are bigger and bolder (Engh said they made them more muscular with larger noses).
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Harbor Shores
The short par-4 No. 3 is a blast trying to negotiate a huge oak tree on the left into an area where you have a manageable chip. A solid tee shot is a must from the 317-yard back tees. You will enjoy the routing with a back nine (par 37) that has three par fives and all of them are long. I found the 18th very manageable at 535 yards. The tee shot is over water making you decide how much to negotiate, but big hitters can make the green in two. The front nine plays to a 35, with three fun par-threes. Tullymore Golf Resort also includes a Jerry Matthews design, St. Ives Golf Club, which is a rolling up and down ride with lots of challenges from wacky lies. Perhaps even more impressive are the lodging and dining options at Tullymore. I was lucky enough to stay in The Club Residences in a second story octagonal bedroom and hidden TV in the bed’s foot. Push a button and the TV appears. You can also spend the night at The Inn at St. Ives and The Lodge at Tullymore, which can host a group outing for 20 or 24. The huge clubhouse has the Tap Room for dining and St. Ives has The Sports Pub & Grille.
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Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Michigan Harbor Shores is one of those stories where a manufacturing dump, waste and former Whirlpool plant was cleaned up and a golf course community emerged. It is amazing that more than three-million square feet of dilapidated buildings were demolished and more than 140,000 tons of waste material was removed from portions of the Paw Paw River and numerous sites on the property. Harbor Shores is a not-for-profit development. While none of the greens fees are used to pay for the construction of this facility, a portion is used to maintain the public areas in Jean Klock Park and its 12-mile walking system. Any revenues above operating expenses are granted back to the community for job training and educational programs. In addition to the design, the course promotes art in local community. Each hole was named after plants indigenous to the area. At each hole, a metal sculpture with at least one piece of hand-blown glass holds a plaque describing one of Jack Nicklaus’ major championships. Harbor Shores hosts The Senior PGA Championship presented by
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Stoatin Brae Golf Club at Gull Lake View Resort
KitchenAid. This major championship, made its home at Harbor Shores in 2012, 2014 & 2016. With a new title change, Harbor Shores will also be host to The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in 2018, 2020, 2022 & 2024. Course terrains include Paw Paw river, Ox Creek, wetlands, woodlands, rolling hills, ravines and sand dunes of Lake Michigan. “With Harbor Shores, we set out really to change a community,” Nicklaus said. “This wasn’t just about a golf course. This was a nonprofit project. That’s the important part of it. When we started, we had a factory where the first tee is. We had to remove toxic waste and buildings. But in the end, the whole course looks beautiful and we hope is enjoyable to play.” Harbor Shores was ranked No. 3 on the 2010 Best New Courses You Can Play list compiled by GOLF Magazine. Also, it was named “Best New Course You Can Play”, in 2010 by Golf Digest. Stoatin Brae at Gull Lake Resort, Augusta, Michigan Stoatin Brae means grand hill in Scottish and from the course’s highest point they say you can see the tallest buildings in Battle Creek. This links-style layout, minus a lot of trees, has been honored
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as one of the best new courses in Michigan Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design, headquartered in Traverse City, designed a championship course with a mixture of Kentucky blue grass and fescue. The goal was to create an old-style golf course sitting on one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County. It is 6,667 yards from the back tees and features sweeping views, in wide open, windswept and fast and firm conditioning. Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort is Southwest Michigan’s oldest and largest golf resort, featuring six championship courses in one amazing destination. Come here for the golf, and play 18-holes a day for six days, without ever playing the same hole twice. Pick an affordable Stay and Play package here and enjoy great food at Blue Stem and BBQ at Charles and Darl’s. Try this part of Michigan -- you will be happy with the excellent options.
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La Cana Go
“Punta Cana is the nearest point to paradise in the middle of nowhere.” That’s how Olivier Brizon describes his home of the past eight years, located on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana could easily be the most remotely convenient golf destination on the planet. Vacationers arrive daily on direct flights from locales such as Paris, Milan, Madrid, and all over the U.S. and Canada. Upon landing at the Dominican’s most far-reaching outpost, La Cana Golf Course is just a 15 minute commute away.
Brizon, the Director of Golf at Punta Cana’s La Cana Golf Course, noted that in 2011, “nowhere” had over two million tourists hit its shores seeking sun, surf, and increasingly, golf.
From its inception until today, the heart and soul of La Cana has been Brizon. The 60-year old native of Bordeaux, France, is passionate about golf, La Cana’s legacy, and most of all, his adopted country. “The Dominican people are very kind and very welcoming. Their compassion for others and pride in their country easily make a newcomer feel at home,” Brizon said.
A major factor in the area’s growing popularity is a surge in the building of world-class golf courses designed by some of the biggest names in the industry. One such name is golf architect P.B. Dye. The son of famed course designer Pete Dye, P.B. spent a significant portion of his childhood in the Dominican learning his craft under the tutelage of his father. In 2000, the younger Dye placed his personal imprint on Punta Cana by constructing La Cana, a 7,100-yard seaside beauty.
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A builder of over a dozen courses in Europe, the multi-lingual Brizon eloquently states what he feels separates an exceptional golf course from the rest. “A truly great course is one in which every hole is remembered, even if you’ve played it only once.” The soon to be retiring Brizon quietly nods when asked if La Cana exhibits this mesmerizing quality he holds so dear.
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olf Course
in Punta Cana By Tim Cotroneo La Cana Golf Course is a panoramic watercolor painting of rolling slopes, uniquely sculpted greens, and dreamscape ocean views. On the front nine, Dye’s course features a signature Par 4, 288-yard seventh hole, which is protected by no less than 21 pot bunkers. Not even the most fearless gambler would double down on that number. The good news is that a payoff of even greater riches exists on the back nine, a lure from which no gambler, nor golfer, can walk away. The 12th hole, a 146-yard Par 3, has an island green with enough water to cause a timid swimmer to turn back. Take note if your playing partner exchanges a new Titleist golf ball for one that is more, shall we say, buoyant. The 12th dares golfers to trust their swing and the yardage.
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The 16th hole, a 484-yard Par 4 from the black tees, almost never was. Ask Brizon about the three vertical stone monuments on the left side of the fairway and the Frenchman’s eyes light up like the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve. The original 16th hole was where P.B. Dye and course owner Frank Rainieri had a difference of opinion on what worked. A large boulder on the side of the tee box was later unearthed and accidentally broke into three pieces. When the stones were ultimately positioned into their present state, Rainieri felt the hole was complete. After teeing off from the 17th hole, it’s time to do your best Dominican, 180-degree salsa move. In other words, look in the direction opposite the green. The view behind the tee box is drop dead gorgeous. For some, the pure image of palm trees on the left and powder blue water on the right is enough to count La Cana’s green fees as priceless. The Par 5, 553-yard finishing hole has been described as a Caribbean version of Pebble Beach’s 18th. With water on your left the full length
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of the hole, the 18th is an inspiring mix of environmental beauty and Dye’s landscape artistry. This hole is a digital snapshot that evokes one of those “thank goodness I brought my camera” kind of moments. After holing out on 18, one might say that this curvaceous Par 5 is a sensuous last dance in the land of merengue. Comparing La Cana to a dance seems fitting after listening to Brizon praise the tempo of the course and its crescendo-like rhythm. Speaking of rhythm, when asked if he is up to the Dominican’s native merengue, Brizon laughed and replied, “No, we Europeans aren’t made the same way. We’ve got stiff hips.” A round of golf, a memory at sea, and a good laugh with a new friend seem the perfect end to a perfect day. Years from now, one might reflect on time spent in Punta Cana and savor “the nearest point to paradise in the middle of nowhere.” For more information visit: www.puntacana.com
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SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE 24 Golf Vacations • February 2019
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by David R. Holland
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AKE CHARLES, La. – On one golf hole you might see an alligator stalking prey in a pond. On the next a bald eagle could be gliding above. It doesn’t take long to know why Louisiana calls itself a “Sportsman’s Paradise”. One thing I’ve known my entire adult life is if you are lucky enough to know people from Louisiana, have experienced the Cajun culture and food, and have spent some time on the state’s golf courses, you are a blessed human. Take Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana for example. “I think we have some of the best golf courses in Louisiana – award winners,” said Jonathan Jester, PGA Head Golf Professional, at Gray Plantation. “It’s a diverse area for entertainment, golf, tennis, museums and gaming.” In fact, Lake Charles is where you find two mega-casinos L’Auberge Casino Resort, home to Contraband Bayou Golf Course, and the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, and The Country Club at Golden Nugget. These casinos, hotels, dining opportunities are upscale with big-time concerts and the golf courses hit the fun meter with a bang. The high-end golf courses are amenities for the high-rollers, but your average golfer comes to play here too. Two other excellent golf courses are within a short drive: Gray Plantation and The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake. Try all four golf courses. Here’s my take: Contraband Bayou Golf Club Designed by world renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, Contraband Bayou got its name from the port next door that was once home to pirates. The Fazio name gave it instant credibility and its’ still the only Fazio course in Louisiana. As you traverse this 7,077-yard, par 71, notice the marsh and lowland features of the Louisiana environment to enhance this championship routing. Fazio’s flashed white-sand bunkers are beautiful, and the greens are notably flat – who wants to anger high-rollers with four putts? Contraband Bayou has weathered the worst of times. It opened in 2005, but the down economy tried to jab at it, then two hurricanes blew in and a Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010 was a downer. The course has already had a renovation, and it survives, only getting better. The Country Club at the Golden Nugget This beautiful adventure, designed by ToddEckinrode of Origins Golf Design, is very playable and includes views of Prien Lake, the Calcasieu River and the towering I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge causeway. This 7,007-yard, par 72, features sandy knolls, groves of Loblolly Pines, and tons of variety. “Various locations on the site was once an actual riverbed,” Eckinrode said. “Decades of dredging in the nearby Calcasieu River coupled with the deposit of sand and silt from shipping channels, slowly transformed the land into what would emerge as one of the nation’s top-ranked new golf courses. During the construction phase massive amounts of soil were imported, bringing the golf features above flood levels and accentuating the remnant features of the site.”
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LAKE CHARLES • LOUISIANA All the land manipulation gives the golfer spectacular views across the course, water and back to The Golden Nugget. The hub of the course revolves around a pine-studded sandy hill with four holes playing in and four holes playing out of sandy higher ground. Interior holes have large waste bunkers to navigate and the canal on these particular holes serves as a natural link to the river holes. Gray Plantation Golf Club This is one of the 12 on the prestigious Audubon Golf Trail. Its’ semiprivate, set on 60 acres of lakes, 94 bunkers, four par 3s, and a media area and scoreboard. The course rolls out on piney woodlands and marshland prairie. In 2005, Golf Digest named Gray Plantation 75th out of 100 of America’s greatest public courses. Rocky Roquemore designed this course on the Calcasieu River with 60 acres of lakes coming into play on 12 holes, 94 bunkers and tall pines. Impressive par 3s are here and two feature island greens. The 15,000-square foot antebellum-style clubhouse has a dining room, grill, clubhouse, pro shop, and conference room that seats 40 – all that before talking about its’ state-of-the-art Golf Academy. It includes: • An indoor state-of-the-art teaching facility • Private lessons, clinics, schools, camps, and junior development • An indoor putting studio • V1 Sports swing analysis software • Custom club fitting & repair studio And got a rainy day? Try Gray Plantation’s TrackMan simulator where you can virtually play at Troon, Gleneagles, Mauna Kea or Pinehurst with 3-D tracking technology and real-time animation. In nearby Westlake, National Golf Club of Louisiana is a 6,946 -yard, par-72 course, designed by David Bennett, is set in a mature growth pine forest. Lots of water hazards (14 lakes), preserved wetlands, and 65 bunkers makes you pay attention. And now NGCL is part of a new high-end, residential community, that’s beginning to prosper. This municipal sure doesn’t act like one. The track looks upscale and a new
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clubhouse in the future certainly will make the experience a little more classy. The MiniVerde greens are challenging and were developed to keep a deep green color and smooth roll all year. The fairways and rough are TifSport. Pay attention on the beautiful No. 5, 192 yards with church pew bunkers cascading down from the putting surface to a pond. The green slopes severely from back to front so going deep makes a difficult putt. Where to stay The L’Auberge Casino Resort has 26 stories, numerous dining options, Spa du Lac, and old-time barber shop. It was inspired by Texas Hill Country architecture. We stayed in the large Garden Suites which were amazing and the grounds have everything you need or want. Summer pool time includes the popular Lazy River. The main lobby includes huge stone fireplaces going three stories to beamed ceilings. Dining suggestions Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill at L’Auberge was top shelf and Chef Lyle Broussard spent time with us describing his awesome, savory CajunCreole dishes. Oysters prepared a handful of ways was superb. But the excellence continued around town with stops at the Blue Dog Café, Seafood Palace, Poboys from Darrell’s, and the elegant Chart House at The Country Club at Golden Nugget clubhouse. A tour of Bayou Rum: Louisiana Spirits, is the largest private rum distillery in the USA was tasty and informative. But it didn’t stop there. We also got a tour of the Crying Eagle Brewing Company, a 15,000-square foot facility, with indoor and outdoor stages, a beer garden, seasonal crafted beers. A two-story tap room offers tours and live band performances. Lake Charles – close to East Texas and a fun getaway Head downtown for the Mardi Gras Museum which explores the history of the iconic festival through colorful costumes. The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center features traveling exhibitions and local art. Nearby, the giant, centuries-old Sallier Oak tree stands on the grounds of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, a visual arts center. There you have it. Could Contraband and The Golden Nugget host a PGA Champions Tour event in the future? Stay tuned.
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SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE
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SWEETSTUFF by Barry Lotz
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his year’s show was the busiest and most well-attended PGA Show I have been to in the last five years. It’s really a great time to be a golfer!
Strategically placed tungsten weighting creates an extremely high MOI and moves the center of gravity towards the face to counter the detrimental result of gear effect present in other mallet putters.
The technology, just over the past few years, has changed radically. The key point is that with all the new products, whether balls, irons, drivers, shoes, putters or wedges, you can and must be custom fitted. Take advantage of all the new technology and products heretofore non-existent and improve your enjoyment and lower your scores.
Suffice to say, there is a lot more to discuss --- especially the accuracy, feel, alignment, shaft component and the two model options available. Wow! What a putter!
Drivers today still lead the demand for equipment sales. Now you can find the right shaft and decide what it is exactly what you want out of a driver in terms of dispersion, sound, feel, shot pattern, draw or fade tendency. Seek and ye shall find. The stars, aka busiest booths of the Show this year, were most definitely Callaway, Titleist, PING, Cobra Tour Edge and the Garmin booth. Every visit to the PGA Show is exciting, exhilarating and really exhausting. There simply is no way that one person can cover all the exhibits, visit with companies and their sales representatives, which in most cases are the owners, in three days! Every year I am asked by my readership what were the best products that caught my attention. The following three products, in my opinion, simply stood, head and shoulders above their peers!
Sacks & Parente Series 54 VA ULBP Mallet Putter $1200.00 Tour Edition $600.00 Players Edition
B
oth Steve Sacks and Richard Parente know golf. Their experience in the golf business is exceptional. I know of no other putter, past or present, that features patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) technology which is defined as a balance point 5” or less from the sole of the putter. This balance point causes the putter head to square and release at impact, delivering exceptional rollout and accuracy, enabling you to make more putts. The Series 54 is available in both a Players Edition and a Tour Edition and features a perfectly flat crown that starts low at the back of the putter and ramps up to the full height of the face to optically eliminating misalignment.
For more information: www.sacksparente.com
Garmin Approach G80 Premium Golf GPS with an Integrated Launch Monitor and Radar This unit tracks clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, swing tempo and estimated distance. It features a 3.5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display and slim design with quick button access to radar.
One of its best features is the practice and game modes which allow you to test your skills and work to improve your game. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 15 hours with GPS. For more information: www.garmin.com
Garmin S10 – K.I.S.S. Keep It Superbly Simple
Y
ou get the distances you need expeditiously and keep your rhythm flowing relative to the speed of play. Extremely user friendly. The battery is long-lasting, and the price is $146.36 on Amazon. To learn more: www.garmin.com
Lighter, Faster Clubs
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or clubs, the theme was lighter, faster, more carbon usage and adjustability in clubs. PING’s new G410 Plus, Callaway’s EPIC Flash, Mizuno’s ST190, Bridgestone’s TOUR B XW-1 wedges, Cobra’s King F9 Speedback, Tour Edge Exotics CBX woods and hybrids, plus Exotics EXS clubs, XXIO Prime 9 driver, and Titleist TS2 and TSR 3drew the largest audiences. For shafts, Graphite Designs booth and hitting bay were constantly full. Their new Tour AD VR – designed to “Vanquish all Rivals”, really does! The Tour AD VR shafts are available in 40g R2, R1 and S flex, 50g R2, R1, S and X flex, 60g SR, S and X flex, 70g S and X flex and 80g S and X flex. It’s hard to find a better shaft. For more information: www.prochoicegolfshafts.com.
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