Chip Shots

Ivinghoe pair Robert and Elizabeth Culley won The R&A 9 Hole Challenge Final over the Old Course, St Andrews.

Husband And Wife Pairing Victorious In R&A 9 Hole Challenge Final

St Andrews, Scotland: Husband and wife duo Robert and Elizabeth Culley emerged victorious in The R&A 9 Hole Challenge Final as golfers enjoyed the dream opportunity to play the Old Course on the eve of The 150th Open at St Andrews.

A record 91,000 golfers entered nine-hole qualifying events held at courses throughout Great Britain and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand for the chance to reach the showpiece final.

Forty finalists, including 11-year-old Kaiden Marsh from Styal Golf Club in Cheshire, enjoyed the experience of a lifetime by competing over holes 1–4 and 14–18 of the famed links and savouring the atmosphere in front of The 150th Open grandstands.

From the 20 team pairings, it was the Culley duo from Ivinghoe Golf Club – a nine-hole course in Buckinghamshire – who won the Stableford competition with a nett aggregate score of 36 points to be crowned 2022 champions. Paul Gaskell and Karen McIlroy (Greenacres) finished as runners-up a point behind, ahead of the New Zealand pair Judy Toovey and Peter Tremain on countback.

Peter Forster, Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, presented the prizes to the leading teams.

Robert said, “It’s definitely been one of the best golf days of our lives – we were a dream team. It was really nerve wracking on the first tee. I’ve never teed off in those circumstances before with so many people around and cameras clicking.

“I struggled on the first hole and I said to Elizabeth going down the second I didn’t think it was going to be our day. But it’s amazing how things can turn around. Playing in front of the grandstands made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, it was stunning.”

Elizabeth added, “It’s been an absolutely fantastic experience and a dream to win. It’s been incredible. We are members of a nine-hole club at Ivinghoe and I don’t think cubs like them get enough kudos. I think this championship is fantastic for promoting nine-hole golf.”

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “The R&A 9 Hole Challenge is going from strength to strength and it was fantastic to see the finalists enjoying their day on the Old Course ahead of The 150th Open.

“We had 91,000 golfers participating this year to earn the opportunity to compete in St Andrews and it’s been especially pleasing to see so many women and girls competing.

“It’s great to see this form of golf showcased on such a stage, highlighting the different ways golf can be played by all ages, abilities and backgrounds.”

In glorious conditions over the Old Course, combined with a challenging wind, players with a handicap index ranging from two to 47 enjoyed the unforgettable opportunity.

The prize also included two nights’ accommodation in the Rusacks St Andrews Hotel, dinner in The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and a tour of The R&A World Golf Museum.

The R&A 9 Hole Challenge, first staged in 2016, is central to the organisation’s wider drive to promote this form of golf as an ideal way to enjoy playing the sport in less time, either recreationally or competitively for handicap purposes, and experience the physical and mental health benefits golf provides.

There has been an impressive growth of nine-hole golf in recent years, aided by the ease of the new World Handicap System to submit scores and the ability of golf to be played safely in a number of countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Please visit randa.org/nine-hole-challenge for more information.

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club’s New Apartments celebrate the best of Mediterranean Life

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has unveiled a line of new luxury apartments with the Spanish resort – recognised as one of Europe’s finest real estate destinations – adding the Kumquat community to its burgeoning portfolio.

The exclusive two and three-bedroom apartments, which are due to be completed in 2024, have been specifically designed to utilise the best of the Mediterranean landscape. Built using a unique cascading design, each will feature an oversized, south-facing terrace offering breath-taking views of the sea and the surrounding forests, while minimalist architecture ensures a seamless bridge between the outside and the inside.

The properties, which range from 75 to 114m2 in size and make up two blocks of 12 apartments, will appeal to anyone wanting to combine luxury design and service with an unspoilt, natural landscape, while also enjoying one of Spain’s most revered championship golf courses - a five-time winner of the ‘Best Golf Course in Spain’ at the World Golf Awards.

Francisco Moreno, real estate manager at Las Colinas, said: “The addition of the Kumquat community is extremely exciting for everyone at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and the initial reaction to the plans has been overwhelming.”

“We wanted this addition to our portfolio to maximise the stunning, preserved nature that is synonymous with Las Colinas and our architects have exceeded expectations. “

“The expansive, 55m2 sunny Mediterranean terraces that each apartment enjoys is a highlight of the design and will offer residents the very best in indoor-outdoor living while masterfully maintaining a feeling of privacy.”

This latest real estate development is positioned in one of the resort’s most desirable locations and will benefit from one of the most impressive communal areas, with a large swimming pool, 350m2 maintained garden and electric car charging points.

Along with an 18-hole championship golf course, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club offers a wide range of comprehensive leisure facilities, including a golf academy, padel and tennis academy, WOW Beach on the seafront, gym, a wellness area and a racquet club.

The impressive culinary offering at the resort includes the stylish Italian restaurant il Palco and an international menu at unik restaurant, made with fresh produce to give residents and guests an opportunity to enjoy a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle to the fullest.

Nestled in a 330-hectare valley, the resort enjoys more than 300 days’ sunshine a year, while the site is surrounded by a natural park of 10,000 hectares and is only six kilometres from the Spanish Mediterranean coastline.

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club benefits from exceptional travel links, with both Alicante and Murcia Airports less than 50 minutes away, as well as three major train stations less than 45 miles away.

For more information on Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, please visit: www.lascolinasgolfrealestate.com

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

July Is Troon Family Golf Month And July 31St Is Family Golf Day

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – July is “Troon Family Golf Month” at Troon-affiliated facilities around the world. Throughout the month, courses will amplify their family golf initiatives through familyoriented instructional programs, events and tournaments. In addition, Sunday, July 31st is “Family Golf Day” providing families with an opportunity to enjoy the game of a lifetime together at Troon-affiliated courses, while concurrently serving as a fundraiser for “Play Yellow for Children’s Hospitals.”

While the month of July serves as the kickoff for family golf activities, Troon Family Golf is available every day of the week, all year long, at participating Troon-managed facilities worldwide. Families can play golf together and enjoy the following: • Juniors play golf for free after 3 p.m. when playing with a paying adult • Juniors enjoy complimentary Callaway rental clubs all day (U.S. only) • Juniors receive complimentary instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult

Led by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, the PGA TOUR and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, “Play Yellow for Children’s Hospitals” strives to bring the entire golf world together to help the 10 million kids treated at local children’s hospitals each year. As part of Family Golf Day on July 31st, Troon-affiliated courses across the United States will be collecting donations for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with all proceeds staying in each course’s local community. Donations are optional for Family Golf Day participants.

In addition, the Troon Junior Club (TJC) is open to all junior golfers age 17 years and younger for an annual registration fee of just $35. Troon Junior Club members receive preferred Junior Rates at participating Troon facilities, a TJC Nike hat, bag tag, practice facility access, all Troon Family Golf benefits and more.

“Troon facilities around the world are committed to growing the game through junior golf every day of the year,” said Troon Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Kris Strauss. “During Troon Family Golf Month our facilities, PGA/LPGA instructors and associates come together to amplify these efforts and share the many great virtues playing golf together as a family can provide.”

Visit www.TroonFamilyGolf.com or contact the Troon-affiliated club nearest you to learn more about specific Troon Family Golf programs. For more information on all of Troon’s “grow the game” initiatives, visit www.PlayTroon.com.

Troon Family Golf

Wolfdancer Golf Club At Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort And Spa Announces Renovation

BASTROP, TX – Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, located on 405 acres of Texas landscape lining the Colorado River right outside of Austin and near the city of Bastrop, announces a redesign to its championship golf course. The renovation, expected to be completed in fall 2022, will transform the layout of the course with four brand-new holes that flow across rolling tree-lined terrain and undulating hills.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have broken ground on a renovation that will transform the closing nine holes of the golf course,” said Jason Boydston, Director of Golf at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. “The updates will include four brand-new holes that will feature more playability and exciting terrain that is ideal for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. The new course design will take advantage of the beautiful landscape and natural tributaries that will further showcase the beauty of our Central Texas location.”

The four new holes have been designed by the course’s original architects, Hills • Forrest • Smith Golf Course Architects. The process will create four brand-new holes that will replace holes 15, 16, 17, and 18 on the current course, and updates will include additional tree-lined areas and water features including water hazards, low draws, and creeks. Following the addition of the new holes, the course will then be rearranged with a new starting and finishing location. The renovations are expected to be completed in the fall of 2022, with plans for future enhancements including updates to the club’s golf facilities and the pro shop.

Throughout the renovation process, Wolfdancer Golf Club will remain open to the public, members, and resort guests. Tee times are available by visiting wolfdancergolfclub.com, or by calling (512) 308-4770.

For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, please visit HyattRegencyLostPines.com, or call (512) 308-1234. ‘New’ PGA National Resort Announces ValuePacked Summer Vacation Package

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination – announces its superb “PGA Signature Vacation” package perfect for a memorable summer getaway the entire family will savor.

Featuring a daily $75 resort credit and breakfast for two, this exceptional package makes it easier than ever to experience the wide range of new amenities the resort has to offer. Whether teeing off on one of six championship golf courses or spending a day luxuriating in the newly revitalized spa, guests can choose their own adventure and make the most of their summer vacation.

Currently unveiling the stunning results of its substantial $100 million transformation, the dramatic “new” PGA National Resort features reimagined guestrooms inspired by a theme of “1960s Pam Beach chic” as well as spacious villas, six exciting new culinary concepts, and a host of superlative amenities.

The legendary South Florida destination boasts the famed Champion Course (host venue of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic) as well as three additional “traditional” 18s (The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses) and two new bold and innovative Andy Staples designs – The Match Course (18 holes) and The Staple Course (nine holes).

With National Golf Month just around the corner in August, the fun and exciting Match and Staple courses are just the ticket for both new and experienced players to tee it up, celebrate the game and share their experiences to help grow the sport. PGA National Resort also offers world-class golf instruction with the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School and Full Process Golf.

Ideal for golf groups of all abilities, the “Game Changer” package also is available throughout the summer and includes rounds on the new Staples-designed courses in addition to a round on The Champion, The Palmer, The Estate, or a replay round on The Match. With prices as low as $469 (per day, double occupancy), there is no

Wolfdancer Golf Club

better time to play these celebrated layouts and enjoy a two-night stay at the legendary PGA National Resort.

“We are thrilled to showcase our first-class golf courses alongside luxurious accommodations and amenities this summer,” says Jane Broderick, director of golf. “With our ‘PGA Signature Vacation’ package, families and golf groups will experience why PGA National Resort is an elite destination in the U.S.

Now open after an extensive renovation, the 40,000-square-foot Spa at PGA National Resort is an oasis of opulence for those who wish to indulge in lavish luxury with additions including a couple’s treatment room and two Himalayan salt rooms. Acting as a “resort within the resort,” the spa offers a comprehensive menu of restorative treatments designed to nurture an openness to healing, balance and growth.

For more information about PGA National Resort: visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.

Indian Wells Golf Resort Offers Exceptional Summer Stay-and-Plays

INDIAN WELLS, CA – Indian Wells Golf Resort – the public worldclass golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – is partnering with neighboring Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa to offer a pair of extraordinary stay-and-play packages perfect for golf group and family getaways.

Celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, the acclaimed Palm Springs-area resort features 36 holes of exceptional golf on its acclaimed “Celebrity” and “Players” courses. The Celebrity, designed by architect Clive Clark and colloquially referred to as “The Beauty,” features aesthetically pleasing water features, colorful wildflowers and narrow fairway corridors placing an emphasis on strategic shotmaking.

The challenging John Fought-designed Players course, or “The Beast” as it’s known, is a longer, more spacious layout with demanding bunkering and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Like the Celebrity, no roads or homes disrupt the two routings with each hole designed to provide a feeling of serene privacy and escape from the hustle and bustle right in the heart of the dynamic Coachella Valley.

With the “Indian Wells Stay & Play” package, guests can enjoy three nights’ accommodations at the luxurious Hyatt Regency along with a round each on both the Celebrity and Players layouts. The offer also features one additional round on either course, with the option to add a fourth round on departure day for an additional fee.

The superb “Lifestyle Escape” package features two nights’ accommodations at the Hyatt Regency along with one each day of unlimited golf on the Celebrity and Players. Additionally, guests can add a round on departure day and reserve a lesson with one of the excellent PGA Professionals at Indian Wells for an additional fee. Information on additional details and pricing may be obtained by calling 800.495.5520.

“We are thrilled to offer these outstanding stay-and-play offers providing golfers and families the opportunity to enjoy our worldclass resort for a fun summer getaway,” says Sven Wiedenhaupt, general manager. “Guests will not only our marvelous golf, but also the top-notch dining and welcoming customer care which Indian Wells Golf Resort is long known for.”

The Vue Grille & Bar, located in the resort’s stunning 53,000-square-foot clubhouse, boasts award-winning cuisine and an extensive selection of wine and spirits complemented by gorgeous views of the property and top-of-the-line service. Adding to the splendid dining offerings, Café 36 is a special anniversary-themed option located on the first floor of the clubhouse.

Indian Wells Golf Resort is also an ideal destination for weddings, meetings and other group outings. Most notable is an “in-demand” pavilion accommodating up to 700 guests with additional lawn event space combining for up to 1,300 visitors at a time. The resort’s Celebrity Ballroom is another premier event space with a beautiful outdoor patio and capacity for 250 guests.

For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort please call 760.346.4653 or visit www.indianwellsgolfresort.com.

Conch Scramble

‘Par’-take in the Conch Scramble On-theWater Golf Tournament

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS — Golfers can enjoy a nine-hole round without greens fees, sand traps or golf carts during the popular Conch Scramble charity golf tournament. Set for Saturday, Oct. 1, the Islamorada event delivers a casual-play, unique on-the-water experience where the target greens float and biodegradable golf balls turn into fish food.

Up to 50 teams of golf boats can enter this “par-tee” on the water to have a “hole” lot of fun honing their swings and raising money for charity one shot at a time. Boating and golf enthusiasts also can participate as spectators, attending the kick-off party Friday, Sept. 30.

The 6-10 p.m. party traditionally includes games, food and drinks and locally crafted beers. A silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle highlight the evening fun. The Islamorada location is to be announced the week of the event at conchscramble.com and on the event’s social media channels.

During the tournament, teams of four and a designated golf boat driver, or “caddy,” make stops at Islamorada waterfront venues and come ashore to tee off. Each player takes shots at the floating holes using biodegradable golf balls that dissolve into fish food after 90 hours in the water.

Teams are to meet Saturday for an 8:30 a.m. breakfast, hole location assignments and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Organizers are to confirm details with teams after registrations are finalized.

Hole locations where patrons can see and cheer on the fundraising teams in past events have included Islamorada Fish Company, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, the Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub — known locally as the “OV” — and Marker 88. The 2022 hole locations are to be confirmed closer to the week of the event, according to organizers.

At the golf round’s ninth and final hole, an awards ceremony is to be held with trophies presented to the three top-scoring teams. Additional honors recognize the best hole location, most team spirit and best costumes. Proceeds from the lighthearted golfing challenge help fund Florida Keys charities.

Online team registration opens July 15. Fees are $650 and include tickets to the kick-off event. Nongolfers are encouraged to attend the Friday kick-off festivities and can purchase tickets for a $50 donation beginning July 21, 2022.

Event information and team registration: conchscramble.com

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS

Gamble Sands Announces Plans For Second David Mclay Kidd-Designed Championship Golf Course

BREWSTER, WA – Gamble Sands, one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America” located in Brewster, Wash., announced today plans to build a second 18-hole, David McLay Kidd-designed championship golf course. Construction on the new course, which will be located north of the existing clubhouse, will begin this fall with anticipated completion and grand opening in summer 2025.

The new yet-to-be-named course adds to an already impressive collection of golf and hospitality amenities at Gamble Sands. The property’s 18-hole, McLay Kidd-designed Sands Course opened for play in 2014 to widespread acclaim and is recognized as a Top 100 golf course in the United States. In 2021, Gamble Sands unveiled its 14-hole QuickSands short course (also a McLay Kidd layout) providing golfers with a fun and imaginative shot-making alternative to the Sands course.

“The site for the next course at Gamble Sands was high on the list the first time around but some challenges with power lines made us choose the first course site. Those challenges have been overcome and golfers have shown their appreciation of the amazing fescue surfaces that allow them to play every shot a thousand different ways,” said David McLay Kidd. “They want more and we are only too thrilled to oblige. The Gebbers family (owners of Gamble Sands) have entrusted us to create another full 18 that are similar in terms of playing style, but different enough to again grab the interest of every passionate golfer. The site we will build this new course upon is different, more intimate, more dramatic even. I can’t wait to get going this fall.”

In addition to the new golf course, the Inn at Gamble Sands, the 37-room on-property lodge, will also be enhanced with 36 more rooms added (for a total of 73 rooms). A new food and beverage outlet will also be built to compliment the current Danny Boy Bar and Grill. The Inn at Gamble Sands features oversized rooms that match the wide-open nature of Gamble Sands, as big rooms open to the big golf course, framed by even bigger views that sweep across the Columbia River Valley. Danny Boy Bar and Grill has large garage-style doors that roll open to outdoor dining options and more views of the Cascades and Columbia River Valley.

“All of us here at Gamble Sands are truly excited for the next step in the evolution of the golf resort,” said Tory Wulf, project manager at Gamble Sands. “Our team has worked hard to enhance the experience on and off the golf course since opening in 2014. The second full-length rendition by David McLay Kidd and his team will be fun to watch take shape and I’m sure even ‘funner’ to play. With the addition of more golf, the resort will expand more overnight units and a new F/B outlet that will match the laid-back atmosphere of the property. Stay tuned…” McLay Kidd’s award-winning course designs include Gamble Sands, Bandon Dunes and Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley Golf Resort in Wisc. He is currently working on projects in Nebraska and Portugal.

For more information on Gamble Sands, visit www. gamblesands.com or call 509-436-8323.

Branson Hills Golf Club

Five Branson Courses Voted Best in Missouri including Top Four in State

BRANSON, MO – Golfweek rates Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Branson Hills, and Payne’s Valley as the top four courses in Missouri in that order and LedgeStone at No. 7 in its annual compilation of the nation’s finest courses by category. Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw course design) and Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris) also garnered distinction in the “Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play in America” list that was included in the just-published 2022 Golfweek’s Best compendium, ranking nos. 49 and 82, respectively. “We’re thrilled that our destination’s golf options are so highly regarded by Golfweek raters,” said Lynn Berry, Explore Branson, Director of Communications. “Considering there are roughly 17,000 golf courses in the United States, to have five of our 10 courses recognized as ‘best-in-kind’ demonstrates why golf travelers should consider choosing Branson for their next getaway.” To determine the Golfweek’s Best rankings, the media outlet’s international course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them using 10 criteria on a 10-point scale. The raters also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce a cumulative rating for each course, which is then ranked against other layouts. Branson Hills (Chuck Smith-Bobby Clampett), Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods) and LedgeStone (Tom Clark) complement Ozarks National and Buffalo Ridge as top-ranked playing options. Branson’s five other courses are Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), Mountain Top (Gary Player), Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills. Top of the Rock and Mountain Top are award-winning par-3 courses, a welcome addition in golf trips where players tee up 18-holers in the morning, then add afternoon “short course” rounds. Thousand Hills has often earned “favorite course” status among area golfers, while The Pointe and Holiday Hills provide additional popular playing options. The two short courses and Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, and Payne’s Valley are amenities of Big Cedar Lodge. All 10 courses in the destination are located near one another as well as hundreds of restaurants, lodging options, and aftergolf attractions. Branson is the No. 3 rated tourism destination in America according to Trip Advisor, a place where live entertainment theatres, lakes, museums, a world-famous theme park (Silver Dollar City), and family friendly activities proliferate. For more information about Branson Golf, visit www. explorebranson.com/golf, Instagram (@ExploreBransonGolf) or Facebook (@BransonGolf).

Invited members and guests play 16,600 miles of golf on Women’s Golf Day

DALLAS, TX – Invited, the World Leader in Private Clubs®, again embraced Women’s Golf Day with events, initiatives, and outreach at select clubs on June 7 and tracked the total holes played and estimated miles traveled by female members and guests with the goal of playing enough golf to equal crossing the United States.

The women far exceeded that goal totaling an estimated 16,600 miles traveled, enough to cover three round trips from New York to Los Angeles and still have 1,800 miles remaining.

Formerly ClubCorp, Invited’s lifestyle hospitality brand was founded in 1957 on the traditions and values of acceptance with a recently launched new name and brand that conveys the aspiration and appeal to match the lifestyle and hospitality service that the company and its members and guests have become accustomed to.

This change in name reflects Invited Club’s dedication to welcome and attract more woman of all ages to the game with less friction and intimidation than has been present in the past. Through programs like Crush It and other targeted events, Invited has grown its female membership by 164% since 2019. As reported by the National Golf Foundation, 600,000 women entered the game just this past year with growth split evenly between on-and off-course play.

Legendary and historic Firestone Country Club is one of many Invited facilities that has a history of embracing and celebrating Women’s Golf Day. This year was no different at Firestone with local members and guests invited to play 9 holes at Firestone’s Fazio course or participate in a clinic for all abilities.

“Golf is a sport and hobby that brings people together across the world and it meant for everyone to enjoy no matter their race, age or gender,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury. “While June is Women’s Golf Month and we are excited to see the industry put an emphasis on creating more opportunities to share the game with women, we have pledged to make this a fundamental part of our clubs for perpetuity. We hope women who are experienced at the game or have never picked up a club in their life feel comfortable and welcome to Invited Clubs. We were thrilled to see the participation at our clubs from women who have a history of playing the game to those who were simply curious to try the game for the first time.”

Crush It is a progression-based golf program that is offered at more than 120 Invited locations. Jennifer Bermingham, the Director of Programing at Invited and a certified PGA and LPGA instructor, launched and customized the program as a way to create a standardized junior golf throughout the Invited portfolio. Crush places a strong emphasis on offering fun, developmentally-appropriate activities for developing youth golfers—a corrective to the winningat-all-costs mentality that informs a lot of junior instruction. Where Crush It really stands out is in its attention to the social experiences of junior golfers. Girls learn in female-only groups where working collaboratively and making friends is often more of a priority.

Additionally, “Game On” is a subscription and progression-based model geared towards adults to learn more about playing while focusing on creating connections. The program is open to all players but has shown to be a popular and successful next step to increase full participation by females. Game On includes themed classes, practicing with specific clubs or around the green and then practicing full course play.