OUR 16th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS JULY 2017
THE RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY
PLUS LIDO BEACH RESORT
REVOLUTIONARY REDESIGN BY REES JONES
GOLDEN HORSHOE GOLF COURSE
www.golfvacationsmag.com Golf Vacations •TAHOE July 2017 1 Plus: NEW $100 MILLION LODGE AT EDGEWOOD
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GOLF VACATIONS JULY 2017
The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key, FL
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Chip Shots
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The Resort at Longboat Key Club
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The Golden Horseshoe Golf Course
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by David R. Holland A gold search was what brought Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto to Longboat Key in 1539. Manning a “longboat” with scout Juan Anasco, they found a beautiful Gulf of Mexico beach and never dreamed what the future held.
by Tim Cotroneo It’s not hard to imagine Thomas Jefferson’s formative years occurring just a block from the first tee box at the freshly redesigned Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. This patriotic flashback is triggered once you catch the revolutionary costumes, muskets, and Fife and Drum team standing less than a chip shot away. You’re immediately swept up in the realization that Colonial Williamsburg is a storied setting for golf.
Resort Report: The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe
by David R. Holland Edgewood Tahoe, home to The American Century Championship since 1990, is now a destination golf course with the June opening of the new $100 million Lodge at Edgewood, Tahoe. The 169,000-square foot lodging at South Lake Tahoe has 154 rooms, and the project added 200 new full-time jobs to the area.
Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
David 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.
Associate Editor Terry Ross
Features Editor Larry Feldman
Senior Writers
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.
JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo
For Editorial:
call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
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, 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.
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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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 2017 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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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses PAWLEY’S ISLAND, SC – Golf Digest unveiled its biennial list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses in the June issue of the magazine, and a familiar name retained its place among the nation’s elite layouts. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Myrtle Beach’s most popular course, was 86th on the prestigious list. The late Mike Strantz’s first solo design, Caledonia has been on seven of the last eight iterations of the Golf Digest list and is a consensus top 100 public layout. The course is No. 29 on Golf Magazine’s list of the Top 100 You Can Play and Golf Channel travel guru Matt Ginella ranked it No. 14 on his list of the nation’s top 50 public courses. “Our goal every day is to provide the best experience possible at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club,” said Bob Seganti, director of operations
at Caledonia. “With that in mind, it’s extremely rewarding to be ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The honor is a testament to dedication of everyone at the course – from the bag drop to the pro shop and our superintendent and his tireless staff.” Caledonia, which is equal parts art and architecture, plays through a stunning piece of lowcountry land that was once home to a thriving rice plantation. The live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the marshy waters of the Waccamaw Neck, and Strantz’s architectural brilliance combined to make Caledonia one of America’s premier public golf experiences. A round at Caledonia concludes at the iconic 18th hole, which requires golfers to carry water on the approach to a green the rests in the shadow of an antebellum clubhouse. A crowd is typically gathered on the clubhouse deck, enjoying the drink of their choice, and
providing a gallery at the conclusion of an unforgettable round. Golf Channel’s travel guru Matt Ginella wrote of the course, “I could never imagine a trip to Myrtle and not heading down to Pawleys Island to play Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.” In addition to providing a premier golf course, Caledonia continues to deliver tremendous value, particularly when packaged with its sister course, True Blue Golf Club. The Sizzlin’ Summer Special, which can be booked at exclusive rates through Caledonia Golf Vacations, is a 2-night, 3-round deal that includes golf at both True Blue and Caledonia and it starts at $339. Given that True Blue is No 77 on the Golf Magazine list and Ginella ranks it 41st on his list, the Sizzlin’ Summer deal is as full of quality and value as any summer golf package in America. For more information, go to www. CaledoniaGolfandFishClub.com.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Offering 3rd Night Free NAPLES, FL – If you have not yet taken a getaway this summer, you should consider heading to The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida to take advantage of the 3rd Night Free offer that is available at the Gulf-front resort through September 30, 2017. Featuring a truly beautiful setting on the pristine soft white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the resort has spent more than $50 million in impressive renovations and enhancements over the last few years. This included the recent dramatic renovation -almost reinvention -- of its championship golf course. Completed in November 2016, the $9 million total redesign of the resort’s course was done by golf icon and acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus in collaboration with renowned course architect John Sanford. Not a golfer? Certainly not a problem. Set on 125 lush acres, the picturesque beachfront resort also features an impressive array of other on-site recreational options. In fact, the resort is Southwest Florida’s only beachfront resort with a championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an awardwinning tennis center all on-site.
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Taking advantage of this appealing offer is a great way to experience the resort’s beautifully redesigned par-71 golf course. Featuring five tees, ranging from 4,800 yards to over 6,900 yards, the course was redesigned to challenge the best players but also be enjoyable for all golfers. In addition, the resort added a 300-yard practice and teaching range, and has new golf carts with GPS tracking systems to aid golfers with yardages on each hole, thus helping pace of play. If golf is not your game, there are many other appealing options on site. This includes the resort’s world-class spa, which offers an impressive array of relaxing massages, refreshing body treatments, restorative facials, manicures, pedicures, and salon services. Featuring nine individual spa treatment rooms, The Spa has separate women’s and men’s relaxation areas and locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpool baths, a fitness center, an aerobics studio, and a fullservice salon. Complemented by seven miles of pristine white-sand beach, the resort also features a beachfront pool complex with two pools, whirlpools and locker facilities; the Mary
C. Watkins Tennis Center with six Har-Tru courts; Beach Kids Club, a complimentary daily recreational program for children ages 5 to 12; beach rentals; and retail shops. In addition, the resort also offers multiple restaurants and lounges. This includes: the signature beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf, featuring indoor and outdoor dining; Broadwell’s restaurant, overlooking the golf course, open daily from 7 a.m.-sunset; and the Seminole Store, which offers a café atmosphere. The popular The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill has been recognized as the “Best Place To View A Southwest Florida Sunset,” and was named “Naples’ Best Beach Bar” by Travel Channel. The resort’s 319 guest rooms and suites feature cool tropical color linens, fabrics and carpeting; flat-panel televisions; patio or balcony (with a view of the Gulf, golf course or the lush resort interior); coffee maker; and refrigerator. For more information or for reservations, call (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222 and ask for the special “Summer in Paradise Promotion.” Or, visit NaplesBeachHotel. com, specifically the “Specials” section on the website.
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The PGTAA Golf Certification
Teaching
Playing golf and being good at it is quite hard. Teaching golf to other aspiring players or instructors is quite another. At the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, the instruction staff fulfills your dream about understanding how to teach golf or being able to help others to get better at golf and understand cures and drills. Their goal is to help any aspiring teacher and golfer master the skills and knowledge they need to teach the game on a professional level. Graduates have found positions as Head Golf Professionals, Assistant Golf Professionals, golf instructors at high schools and colleges, Directors of Instruction and Directors of Golf. All course participants receive teaching manuals, DVD, completion certificate, membership card and major discounts on equipment. The curriculum is 100% teaching skills. Golf management subjects are not included. The Professional Golf Teachers Association of America school also helps with job placement in the golf industry as a professional instructor. The PGTAA has served countless students over the past 20 years. The teaching
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professionals have years of experience in this field and have gained international and national recognition as golf instructors. Learning with the PGTAA is easy. Participants can choose between a Home Study Course and a 5 - Day Onsite Course which provides the best teaching instruction available. Being associated with the PGTAA not only brings limitless teaching opportunities locally, but also internationally. The PGTAA accreditation and logoed merchandise is recognized in many countries. As a certified teaching professional under the PGTAA’s Golf Teaching Certification program, you will gain benefits and discounts from our industry partners. The organization’s relationships with major golf manufacturers can offer personal use discounts upon graduating. Leaning with PGTAA also has no end. Every new technique and input is shared through its newsletter and refresher courses, bringing limitless possibilities. Anyone tired of being an unaccredited golf instructor/teacher that just repeats what they saw on TV or golf magazines can take part in their Class A PGTAA Master Golf Teaching Certification program and be refreshed and knowledgeable--and become a certified Class A PGTAA Master Teaching Professional. Call for more details (760)-777-1925.
Jack Nicklaus Putting Personal Touch On New Banyan Cay Course WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – The vision of golf’s greatest champion and one of the world’s most acclaimed golf course designers is taking shape in the heart of West Palm Beach, Fla. Jack Nicklaus, the winner of a record 18 career major championships and whose legacy as a player can only be rivaled by his legacy as a global golf course designer, toured his Signature Golf Course at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, as he and his Nicklaus Design team continue to fine-tune the fairways, greens and bunkers. Nicklaus is leading the design of West Palm Beach’s most-anticipated new championship golf course. The Banyan Cay Resort & Golf property includes a boutique luxury hotel, featuring 150 rooms and suites; a world-class spa and wellness center; expansive resort pools and cabana areas; and multiple dining options. The resort will be a fourstar facility operated by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury boutique operators.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The centerpiece at Banyan Cay is the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course—the highest tier of offering from Nicklaus Design, the world’s leading design firm. Mr. Nicklaus, who has personally been involved with nearly 300 golf course designs worldwide, is overseeing the design and development of the course. With field book in hand, Nicklaus surveyed all 18 holes, adjusting fairways and bunker shapes. Walking the greens, he inspected lines of sight, water hazards, and all other elements of the course, parts of which are now being grassed. The Banyan Cay Course will offer elevations and movement perfect for a seasoned golfer to enjoy. The course is projected to open in the fall of 2017, with the resort amenity projected to open in late 2018. Visitors to Banyan Cay Resort & Golf will be playing in the shadow of greatness. Every swing and putt will put players in the footsteps of the game’s most celebrated champion. Each hole is the result of the personal vision of the Golden Bear. Meanwhile, Banyan Cay Resort & Golf also released a new and exciting video Friday showing a bird’s eye view of the course.
Hack and Hook Wilderness Retreat for Groups
Planning a group getaway or corporate retreat? The Broadmoor’s new Hack and Hook package (only available for groups) allows for a choice of overnight stays at the property’s Cloud Camp at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain, 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor, or at the main Broadmoor resort campus, followed by a stay at Fly Fishing Camp, The Broadmoor’s private fishing retreat. “If you live in a big city or come from the flatlands of the Midwest, you are in for a surprise. We provide true luxury wilderness experiences and are a perfect excuse to escape from the world for a couple of days. And, yes, cabins have high-speed Internet,” says Russ Miller, director of golf operations at The Broadmoor. After a hearty breakfast, the itinerary includes a mix of golf on The Broadmoor’s distinctive courses followed by a fly-fishing experience on five miles of private river. Set in the Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor Golf Club is ranked among the best in the world and is home to the 2018 U.S. Senior Open Championship. The property’s three iconic courses were designed by some of golf’s
greatest names and have played host to numerous national tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and PGA Cup Matches. Presidents, politicians, celebrities, and many of the game’s greatest athletes have all played at The Broadmoor. As part of this special offering, guests will then experience the best fly fishing in Colorado at The Broadmoor’s Fly Fishing Camp, an old-time rustic fishing lodge on 76 acres next to one of state’s top-rated trout streams, with five miles of private river frontage. Guests will have the opportunity to catch four different species of trout (rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat). Since each fish requires a different challenge, a river guide is provided for every two guests, ensuring proper instruction. Fly Fishing Camp also gives guests the unique opportunity to “catch and cook” their fish if they so choose. “Individual techniques are required depending on the time of day and type of fish. Similar to how you don’t want to play a golf course wherein every hole is a par 4, the challenge to hook different trout under variable conditions is invigorating,” said Miller. To book this group package, please call 855.634.7711
Banyon Cay Resort & Golf
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New Golf & Entertainment Complex Coming To The Kansas City Northland
KANSAS CITY, MO. – An exciting, new 52,000 square-foot golf and entertainment complex is coming to Kansas City’s Northland as part of the Metro North Crossing Redevelopment – a retail entertainment center that will also house a cinema-restaurantentertainment themed theatre, hotel, multi-family residential, theme branded stores and experiential high-tech shopping. The golf and entertainment complex is expected to open in the summer of 2018. Troon®, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing has been selected to manage the soon-to-be-named golf and entertainment venue. The golf and entertainment complex will feature 64 climatecontrolled, technology-enhanced hitting bays and suites on three levels. Designed for all ages and skill levels, the new venue will differ from other golf entertainment complexes in a variety of ways, including: Guests can “play” several of the most famous golf courses from their hitting bay as their golf shots will be projected to high-definition televisions in their bay. Guests will also have the option of playing unique golf games and competitive target golf games from the comfort of their hitting bay. Experienced golfers will enjoy advanced golf ball tracking technology (the same golf professionals use) and get real-time data
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on every swing, including club-head speed, spin-rate and distance. Before and after playing golf, guests can experience a state-ofthe-art 8,000 square-foot sports bar with interactive TVs, a member’s grill or the roof top view lounge. Through the Troon Rewards Program, guests can earn invitations to exclusive events and other promotions. In addition to golf-themed entertainment and a huge sports bar, the new complex will also feature outdoor entertainment venues, a robust bar with premium wine, craft beers, small plates and dedicated event spaces. “The new golf and entertainment complex is a great addition to Metro North Crossing Redevelopment and will be one of the outstanding entertainment venues to come to the Kansas City Northland in recent years,” said David Horn, the project manager for Metro North Crossing Redevelopment. “This will provide an entertaining atmosphere to compliment the redevelopment’s retail, other entertainment and luxury apartments. With live entertainment, incredible food and beverage, and outstanding service, it will attract more than just golfers.” The Metro North Crossing Redevelopment is located on the northeast corner of U.S. 169 and NW Barry Road on the site of the recently demolished Metro North Mall. For additional information on the Metro North Crossing Redevelopment, contact David Horn at (816) 454-1200.
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Johnny Miller Golf Academy Launches At Silverado Resort
NAPA, CA – Silverado Resort and Spa is now offering The Johnny Miller Golf Academy (JMAG) for golfers interested in improving their game. Johnny Miller, coowner of Silverado Resort and Spa, is known for being one of the greatest ball strikers to ever play the game of golf. Specifically he is known for his ability to hit his irons close and shoot very low scores. At the JMAG participants are taught Johnny’s approach to not just be golfers but to become PLAYERS. The creativity, thinking, and techniques that Johnny used to become one of the best players in the world will be shared with each student of JMGA. Run by an instructional staff trained by Johnny Miller himself, Tara Fox, Director of Instruction at Silverado Resort and Spa is overseeing the Johnny Miller Golf Academy along with Andy Miller, one of Johnny Miller’s sons and previous PGA Tour cardholder. Tara is an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional originally from the Napa Valley. The Johnny Miller Golf Academy is unlike any other Academy in that it is “play based.” The Academy incorporates personalized oncourse playing lessons to test new skills on the golf course. State of the art video equipment and flight scope are used to assess each player’s game. Also, functional fitness (to prevent injury) will be discussed, and a training manual will
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be provided for every student. The JMAG will offer two-day schools and the itineraries include full swing analysis, ball striking drills, short game and putting drills, warm up exercises, game goal setting and a personal playing schedule for maximum improvement results. In addition to two 18-hole championship golf courses, Silverado features 370 guests rooms, a full service Spa, 10 tennis courts and 10 swimming pools as well as close proximity to Napa Valley’s over 400 wineries. For more info or to book a Johnny Miller Golf Academy reservation please call 844420-3749 or visit www.silveradoresort.com.
Jam For Juniors Concert Benefitting First Tee of the Grand Strand Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has always made growth of the game a priority, and the organization is doubling down on that commitment with the launch of the first Jam for Juniors concert on July 24 at House of Blues. The event, which will benefit the First Tee of the Grand Strand, will feature acoustic performances from Javier Colon, Josh Kelley and Ken Block and Drew Copeland from Sister Hazel. The concert will run from 7 – 10 p.m., and tickets are just $35 and can be purchased online or through House of Blues. The concert will be held in conjunction with the Future Generations Golf
Tournament, which will be played earlier in the day at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Josh Kelley, a singer-song writer, most known for his hit songs “Amazing” and “Georgia Clay,” is one the industry’s most talented performers. Kelley, whose brother Charles is a member of the mega-group Lady Antebellum, plays nearly every instrument on his latest album, “New Lane Road.” Kelley, who starred in the Golf Channel Show “Road Trip: Myrtle Beach,” played collegiate golf at Ole Miss. Block and Copeland are vocalists for alternative rock band Sister Hazel, a group most known for its No. 1 song “All For You.” The band, which continues to tour, has released nine albums, eight of which cracked a top 100 albums list in the United States, and had seven songs that were ranked among the top 50 on the various music charts. Javier Colon, whose music has been described as acoustic soul, won the first season of NBC’s hit show “The Voice.” Three of Colon’s four album releases ranked among the top 50 on the U.S. R&B charts and his voice prompted Adam Levine, the lead singer for Maroon 5 and a judge on “The Voice” to say, “You are the real deal … you have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard, ever!” Jam for Juniors is expected to become an annual event with a goal of helping spur interest in the game of golf while teaching kids life lessons and leadership skills along the way.
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The Resort at L Club and Lido
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Longboat Key o Beach Resort
BY DAVID R. HOLLAND www.golfvacationsmag.com
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LONGBOAT KEY, FL – A gold search was what brought Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto to Longboat Key in 1539. Manning a “longboat” with scout Juan Anasco, they found a beautiful Gulf of Mexico beach and never dreamed what the future held. This warm weather stretch of Florida is now home to The Resort at Longboat Key Club, a AAA Four Diamond resort, plus another beachside resort hotel in the Lido Beach Resort just a few minutes away. Both are Opal Collection Destination properties. But with all the water sports, beach activities, fishing and tennis, I came for the golf. The very first stroke you make on Longboat Key Club’s silky smooth greens you know: These are perfect putting surfaces that run quick and true. You can’t ask for anything better in the USA. And with 45 newly renovated golf holes to play the variety is excellent. Longboat’s John Reilly, director of agronomy extraordinaire, has worked with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, and has the task of keeping the greens and paspalum turf in superb shape.
basis, more than 5,000 palm trees along with pink and white oleanders line the Links on Longboat. Large greens complement massive natural areas, waterways, and a par71, 6,748-yard ribbon of perfect grass. If you can’t putt these greens you will still walk away knowing Garl, Reilly and the staff created a noexcuse line to every hole. HARBOURSIDE Harbourside, located a couple of miles from the beachside resort hotel, completes The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s 45 holes with three nine-hole beauties named White Egret, Red Hawk and Blue Heron. Originally opened in 1982, it has also been completely redone by Garl. “Harbourside had become pretty tight with the original trees,” Reilly said. “We removed many of the Australian Pines that had grown, making some fairways like bowling lanes. We used sod instead of seeds for all the new Platinum Paspalum and in many cases put a lot of movement into the all-new greens.” Many of the holes border Sarasota Bay and the resort’s Longboat Key Club Moorings which makes for a beautiful setting.
LINKS ON LONGBOAT The Links on Longboat (formerly Islandside) is 18 holes next to the beachside hotel, and features water on every hole. It was redesigned by Ron Garl and has many characteristics of a seaside links course.
The White Egret nine measures 3,426 yards and has the least amount of water of the three nines. Red Hawk, 3342 yards, features risk and reward opportunities and is open and more forgiving than the White Egret, this nine has water that plays into many shots. The final nine is Blue Heron measuring 3,401 yards.
Most importantly each green, during renovation, was redesigned and all 18 holes re-grassed with the superior, salt tolerant Platinum Paspalum grass. In addition to the beauty of the natural wildlife seen on a daily
“The new paspalum grass allows Longboat Key Club to use an irrigation source that’s 7,000 parts per million salt,” said Reilly. “Bermuda grass is more susceptible to disease so paspalum works great and the ball sits up
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nicely even in the rough.” And here’s another tip: bring your sunglasses. All the bunkers have white sand – some 400 tons of high-grade sand was trucked in for all 45 holes. Complementing course improvements were complete renovations to both the men’s and women’s clubhouse locker rooms. On all of the courses carts are now outfitted with the latest GPS technology. These upgrades offer access to a golfing experience unlike any other private or public course in Florida. Longboat’s 45 holes are opened to members, guests and resort guests.
venture to Sarasota for a meal try Boca Bistro. Here you can discover a menu of Spanish cuisine and tapas. Try the shrimp and grits. What a trip! I’m remembering the fantastic junior suites I had at both resorts with a kitchen, awesome décor, views of the Gulf of Mexico and beach – even a washer and dryer. Both resorts are great places to catch up on sleep after the busy warm days with Gulf of Mexico summer breezes always present. Try this itinerary with the kids and the family – you might just want to come back year after year.
Things to do at the resort and in Sarasota Probably the most famous attraction in the area is The Ringling Museum, which includes a miniature circus that is amazing. The grounds also contain a priceless art collection, and the Ca d’Zan Mansion, on Sarasota Bay -- home to the family beginning in the 1920’s. Kayaking at Ted Sperling Park, with Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals, will take you beneath a cluster of canopied mangroves with an interesting history. Manatees and dolphins might swim by. We witnessed and osprey’s successful dive for a fish. The Resort at Longboat Key’s Tennis Garden is first class, with 20 HarTru courts set amidst beautifully landscaped acreage along Sarasota Bay. The Tennis Gardens are also home to the Court 21 Café and Lounge, serving up post-game refreshments and a grilled menu. The other excellent restaurant choices here include Portofino at the Marina, Sands Pointe, Spike ‘N Tees at The Links course and the Tavern & Whiskey Bar at Harbourside. At Lido Beach Resort my favorite places to grab a bite were the Tiki Bar next to the pool complex and Lido Beach Grille. Also, if you want to
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The Golden Horse
by Tim Cotroneo
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eshoe Golf Course
Rees Jones’ Revolutionary Redesign in Williamsburg, VA Golden Horseshoe Gold Course #13
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Colonial Williamsburg’s CEO Mitchell Reis and Rees Jones
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t’s not hard to imagine Thomas Jefferson’s formative years occurring just a block from the first tee box at the freshly redesigned Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA. This patriotic flashback is triggered once you catch the revolutionary costumes, muskets, and Fife and Drum team standing less than a chip shot away. You’re immediately swept up in the realization that Colonial Williamsburg is a storied setting for golf. Williamsburg is a landscape dripping in heritage and history. In fact, several 1700s-period last will and testaments revealed goff clubs and sticks handed down through the generations. This appreciation for legacy reinforces why the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation chose Rees Jones, the famous son of Robert Trent Jones, for the redesign of their renowned 53-year-old golf course. The first day re-opening of one of Virginia’s most decorated courses showcased perfect fairways that hadn’t seen a shot in a year, lightningfast putting greens inspected by Jones at dawn, and meticulous play-itforward tee boxes that are worthy of a visit from Queen Elizabeth. A Colonial Shotgun Start To kickoff the Golden Horseshoe’s new beginning, Jones and Colonial Williamsburg’s CEO Mitchell Reis teed off in unison from the 402-yard Par 4 first tee. As Rees and Reis powered their drives, an 18th century musket blasted overhead. The Golden Horseshoe was back in true shotgun start style. Anyone playing the new Golden Horseshoe Gold Course on day-one believed that Rees Jones could look up to the blue sky and know that his Dad was smiling. That’s because it is easily evident the son’s redesign had done his Dad proud.
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The course conditions were what you might expect from the overachieving descendant of a well known father. Jones had his work cut out for him considering that the Golden Horseshoe was a course his Dad declared one of his finest designs after its opening in 1963. Father and Son, One of a Kind Rees the younger first left his DNA on the Gold Course in 1998 with his initial redesign. In 2014, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation decided to invest big time in the area’s 300-acres of historical recreation, hospitality upgrades, and championship golf. When it came to golf, the foundation felt its longtime relationship with the Jones family was a bond that needed to be sustained, and they were thrilled to discover Rees Jones felt the same. The humble Rees is quick to acknowledge that his Dad’s Golden Horseshoe creation was completed before bulldozers and computer technology were the norm. When asked to comment on how his Dad’s design maximized the Golden Horseshoe’s breathtaking Audobon Sanctuary environment, Rees said, “The tailor cut a good suit.” The Golden Horseshoe’s Fab Four of Par 3’s are considered the course’s signature achievement. With each featuring water, this quartet of tees shots are considered as scenic, challenging, and highly regarded as any Par 3 collection in golf. A futuristic element to Rees Jones’ new design is the play it forward tee boxes that accommodate the diversity of golfers drawn to Colonial Williamsburg. The back tees ensure that the Golden Horseshoe is the kind of test you’d imagine for a course that has hosted collegiate amateur championships, as well as exhibitions featuring the likes of Jack Nicklaus. Today’s Golden Horseshoe includes five tees from
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each of its 18 holes. The idea is to offer a welcome experience for the scratch golfer to the player on holiday. Golf for Generations Colonial Williamsburg is more than a golf destination. The historical site has exploded as a family vacation destination. One reason Rees Jones is so committed to the Golden Horseshoe is his own family’s affection for the area. “My Mom loved this place. Now my wife loves Williamsburg. When you consider the golf, the historical attractions, and Busch Gardens right next door, this place is hard to beat,” Jones said. Williamsburg is the only place on earth where Fife and Drum soldiers merge with championship golf. The Golden Horseshoe is also the only place where you’ll experience the most famous father and son design in tandem, merging over 50 years of artistic touches into one awesome golf course. On a picturesque setting where a shotgun start means hearing colonial muskets echoing overhead, it’s fair to say, “At the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Colonial Williamsburg, the tailor and his son cut a pretty good suit.” www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/explore/golf
Fife and Drum
Gold Course #17 Tee Off
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RESORTREPORT
The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe 22 Golf Vacations • July 2017
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STATELINE, NEVADA
by DAVID R. HOLLAND
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dgewood Tahoe, home to The American Century Championship since 1990, is now a destination golf course with the June opening of the new $100 million Lodge at Edgewood, Tahoe. The 169,000-square foot lodging at South Lake Tahoe has 154 rooms, and the project added 200 new full-time jobs to the area. The historic lodges of the great American West were crafted with one goal in mind: to allow kindred spirits to explore the most magical of settings. From national parks to natural wonders, these lodges began to pepper the most sought-after sites in the West, making the unattainable suddenly attainable. Mountain air became breathable. Alpine lakes, touchable. Soaring peaks, surmountable. The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe recaptures the spirit of these storied retreats and the adventures they inspired, allowing locals, newcomers and regulars alike to see the lake that’s been revered for centuries in an entirely new way. Where casual comforts exist amongst classic refinement. Where untamed adventure resides amongst unparalleled accommodations. Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, is the newest addition to the 235-acre lakefront property. The LEED-designed Lodge boasts 154 luxury guest rooms, 8,500 sq. ft. spa and salon, 200-seat bistro restaurant, 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom, adventure center, kids camp, premium shopping, and much more. The development also includes significant and unprecedented water quality improvements to the 4,200-acre Edgewood Creek watershed that feeds directly into Lake Tahoe. The Lodge is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. Facts The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe, a $100 million plus project is seminal for South Shore and a centerpiece of the area’s renaissance with architecture reminiscent of the great national park lodges. It highlights the best Tahoe offers: access to Lake/mountains, nearby casinos, skiing, dining, entertainment. Environmental: • LEED designed; model of sustainability; air conditioning is from lake water pumped through intricate cooling system; less runoff via new pond infiltration; energy-efficiencies; as guests’ headquarters, less driving • Project included significant water quality benefits for the 4,200-acre Edgewood Creek watershed plus enriched wetlands, provided new fish and wildlife habitat and upgraded storm water systems for urban areas upstream Economic: • Builds onto area’s $750 million investment of past few years • $100 million+ project has resulted in 240 new fulltime jobs; will attract visitors with disposable income
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Interesting Design Facts • Wood panel art in lobby was created with an old picket fence from the Edgewood site. The fence surrounded a Julia Morgan designed small cabin on the property that no longer exists. • The grand staircase of the great room was fabricated from local wood logs, and the carved limestone wall was created on site by a Bay Area stone carver. Golf Vacations • July 2017 23
RESORTREPORT
24 Golf Vacations • July 2017
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EDGEWOOD TAHOE LODGE The wood paneling of the great halls ceiling and other walls is walnut. • The patterns and colors on the deer head art in the grand hall, were designed by the lodge’s interior design team to represent the Native America history of Lake Tahoe. • The rope ceiling in the Bistro restaurant ties in the resort’s overall color theme of Tahoe blues, browns, and natural tones. The rope was fabricated in Spain, and then shipped to Australia where a rope artist fabricated the rope panels. The glass lights are a custom designed fixture to complete the subtle nautical theme in the Bistro space. • Guest rooms custom consoles, fabricated by Fairmont Designs, have a historical photo of Lake Tahoe and Mount Tallac in the image. The mountain and its signature snow cross are visible from the Edgewood Tahoe beach. About Edgewood Tahoe Edgewood Tahoe offers a distinctive and exceptional golf, dining, lodging, recreation, and special event experience on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe. Award-winning Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, designed by George Fazio in 1968 and later renovated by Tom Fazio, offers the premier setting of a championship caliber golf experience with breathtaking views of the High Sierra. Edgewood has also been the home to the American Century Championship since 1990. Edgewood Restaurant delivers fine dining fare with an unimpeded view across Lake Tahoe for every patron. Brooks’ Bar & Deck has taken its place as one of South Lake Tahoe’s best restaurants that everyone can enjoy, and was recently selected by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Golf Pubs” in the world. Edgewood’s clubhouse and lodge offers the premier setting for special events and weddings. 100 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449 • www.edgewoodtahoe.com
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Golf Vacations • July 2017 25
SWEETSTUFF dramatically in recent years and our VPRODLX 1K offers tremendous performance at an unbeatable value,” noted Renan Lore, Director of TecTecTec. “Our advanced optics make it extremely comfortable and easy for golfers to lock onto their target, especially at long distances.” Weighing just 0.41 lbs., the VPRODLX 1K models are compact, water resistant and extremely durable. Included with purchase are a protective premium carrying pouch, CR2 battery, wrist strap and microfiber cleaning cloth. dditional models in the company’s line-up include the VPRO500 and VPRO DLX. TecTecTec rangefinders are backed by a two-year warranty, 24/7 access to customer service and a full refund on products returned within 30 days of purchase. For more information: www.us.tectectec.com
Galvin Green Ventil8 Plus
G TecTecTec Rangefinder
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ne of the newest entrants into the laser rangefinder field has found success with its lineup of technically advanced, quality rangefinders that is already the top Amazon seller in its category. TecTecTec is a French company that was established in 2014 and has found success with its direct-to-consumer marketing model for products aimed at golfers, hunters and products like cameras, drones, projectors and speakers. The company’s latest rangefinder is the VPRODLX 1K-TecTecTec’s most advanced rangefinder to date--which can accurately measure distances up to 1000 yards away. Precise within one yard, DLX 1K models feature an ultraclear, multi-layered optical lens for excellent visual clarity and 6x magnification with diopter adjustment to ensure golfers can easily lock onto any object and receive exact yardages. The new models are available in standard and “S” editions that feature PinSlope Technology to calculate elevation-adjusted distance to the target. The TecTecTec units have an optical clarity that you don’t find in most laser rangefinders, and the magnification of the target makes it easy to zero in and get fast readings in any of the modes. The diopter adjustment functionality gives you a clear view whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. The LCL display can be set in either yards or meters and has been deemed legal for tournament play. All TecTecTec rangefinders feature three scanning modes-Pinsensor measures overlapping targets, including flagsticks and wooded areas; Target Priority displays distance of the closest subject; and Scan Mode helps read distances to hazards. The new VPRODLX 1K is available in red, white, black and silver color options. “The technology in the rangefinder category has increased
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alvin Green, the Swedish company that has become one of the most cutting-edge golf brands across Europe with its innovative styles and fabrics, has hit the mark this summer with its new Ventil8 Plus fabric that features body-mapping technology. The bottom line is that you feel cooler and less constrained in this new fabric, even though Galvin Green is known for its athletic cut that is very stylish. Galvin Green—which is the No. 1 global partner of GORETEX®, the most popular fabric in the world designed for waterproof clothing and breathability, now has produced a fabric that delivers the cooling, breathable feel for the hotter months with the Ventil8 Plus fibers designed to wick moisture twice as fast as a traditional polyester shirt. The ultralight material draws sweat away and diffuses it over a larger area for rapid evaporation alongside ventilation panels for maximum airflow. “The Ventil8 Plus line brings a level of technical fabrication
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
unlike anything else on the market,” said Andrew Creed, President of Galvin Green USA. “We set out to offer golfers the perfect combination of style and market-leading performance, and Ventil8 Plus over delivers.” This latest cool layer advancement within the brand’s heralded multilayer concept, Ventil8 Plus is offered across a range of men’s, women’s and junior’s polos, trousers, shorts, and skorts. Boasting a UV protection rating of 20+, all garments are developed with an anti-bacterial effect for odor control and are machine washable for easy care. Based in Sweden, Galvin Green developed the sport’s first apparel layering system--the multi-layer concept--more than a decade ago. This distinctive approach uses leadingedge fabric technologies to ensure the dry comfort, thermal regulation and outer protection that helps players optimize performance. Galvin Green is the Official Team Supplier of outerwear for the 2018 European Ryder Cup Team. Through this partnership, the company will provide its premium waterproof garments to the captains, vice captains, team members and their caddies during the matches at Le Golf National in 2018. For more information about Galvin Green clothing visit: www.GalvinGreen.com
Bryant, of the PGA Champions Tour. SwingOIL is a great tasting three oz. drink that comes in a convenient pouch that can easily be stuff in a golf bag or travel bag. It is a golfer’s supplement made by golfers for golfers with several key ingredients to help support and promote flexibility and focus. NSF certified, it is excellent before a round, at the turn or after a round. SwingOil comes in three delicious flavors: Lemon-Lime, Orange and Strawberry-banana. The key ingredients include glucosamine (100 mg.) and chondroitin (50mg) to promote joint health; turmeric (40 mg.) to help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness; taurine (100 mg.) to help with energy levels; citrulline malate (100 mg.) to help exercising muscles and increased energy; ginseng extract (100 mg.) for increased focus and brain function; rhodiola rosea extract (50 mg.) to aid in in reducing stress and increasing stamina. To learn more about Swing Oil, visit www. swingoil.com
Swing Oil Gains Tour Players
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wingOil, the drink supplement formulated for golfers with a nutritional blend of seven key ingredients, is gaining more popularity with Tour players who are using it as a part of their regular daily regimen, according to the company. In addition to Jason Day, who occupied the position as the top professional in the world not long ago, more Tour players are providing testimonials that they have felt the benefits of the drink. “I’m one of the 55+ Champions Tour players to use swing OIL. I would HIGHLY recommend it. I can’t play without it,” said Glen Day of the PGA Champions Tour. “I’m normally pretty stiff when I’m playing golf. These guys aren’t paying me...but I’m telling you what, it worked for me… I felt amazing out there,” added Kenny Perry, a winner on the PGA and Champions Tours. “I feel like I have WD-40 flowing through my body when I take swing OIL. All lubed and loose and ready to play,” noted Bart
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28 Golf Vacations • July 2017
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The Best Gift Of The Year!
Enjoy a vicarious trip with Chuck Miller “The Traveling Guy” as he reflects on his incredible, fun and amazing 50-week, 50-state golf odyssey. Golfing The U.S. makes for a delightful and inexpensive birthday or holiday present.
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30 Golf Vacations • July 2017
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