Chip Shots

Rumbling Bald Announces Reopening of Bald Mountain Golf Course and Vacation Rentals

36-Hole Resort on North Carolina’s Scenic Lake Lure Readies for Safe, Enjoyable Summer Golf Season with 20% off Lodging

LAKE LURE, N.C. – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on stunning Lake Lure, announces the reopening of its diverse collection of spacious vacation rentals, along with public and resort guest access to Bald Mountain Golf Course.

The resort is offering a “Back to the Mountains Special” through June 26 with 20% off its studio, villa and vacation home lodging and no resort fee. Golf groups can pair accommodations with golf rounds on Bald Mountain and nearby Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club while Apple Valley is closed for the installation of new Champion Bermuda greens.

Rumbling Bald is closely following North Carolina’s phasing plan for reopening its lodging, restaurants, amenities and activities. Guest health and safety remain a top priority, and the resort has implemented “Peace of Mind” policies covering cleaning, social distancing and cancellation policies.

“We want golfers to get here, unplug, play 18 or 36 holes and shed the stress of the past couple months,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Post round, they can relax with a cold beverage and a cigar on the deck of their vacation rental and enjoy our secluded location.”

Rumbling Bald’s expert golf vacation planners offer a concierge-level experience helping golf groups plan, organize and executive trips and events of all sizes. For groups of 12 or more, complimentary golf is available for the group leader.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald. com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

Quail Hollow Club to Host PGA Championship in 2025

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – The PGA of America announced today that Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte,

North Carolina, will host the 2025 PGA Championship.

Founded in 1959, Quail Hollow is one of the finest courses in the southeastern United States. The course opened in 1961 and was originally designed by famed golf course architect George Cobb to capture the beauty and challenging terrain of the Piedmont region.

“The PGA of America is proud to return the PGA Championship to Quail Hollow and the wonderful host city of Charlotte,” said PGA of America President Suzy Whaley. “Quail Hollow’s course has a well-earned reputation as a stern test for the world’s finest players, but what sets the club apart is its membership and the welcoming atmosphere that they promote. The state of North Carolina’s appreciation for the game and major championship golf is remarkable.”

This will be the second PGA Championship played at Quail Hollow, but the first played in the month of May. In August 2017, a 24-year-old Justin Thomas finished two shots clear of Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen and Patrick Reed to claim the initial major championship victory of his career.

Today at noon (EDT), ESPN2 will replay the final 9 holes of

the 2017 PGA Championship, including a memorable birdie putt on No. 10 that delayed both gravity and gratification for Thomas.

“Quail Hollow is thrilled to welcome the PGA Championship back to Charlotte in the spring of 2025,” said Quail Hollow Club President Johnny Harris. “Great events such as the PGA Championship don’t occur without an exceptional venue and the strong public-private partnerships we are grateful to enjoy with the City of Charlotte. With the sport’s strongest field, this event continues our commitment to golf played at its highest level while positively impacting our community anWith the playing of the 2025 PGA Championship, Quail Hollow will become the first golf course in North Carolina to host multiple PGA Championships.

“To have Charlotte serve as the host for a second PGA Championship in eight years is an incredible honor and also reflects Charlotte’s reputation for world-class hospitality and our growth on the national stage,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “I want to thank Quail Hollow and the PGA of America for their partnership which will again allow us to host the world and celebrate golf on the grandest stage right here in the Queen City.”

Many of golf’s greatest champions, from Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, to Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka, have had their names inscribed on the famed Wanamaker Trophy.

Last May, Koepka won his second consecutive PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, in Farmingdale, New York.

The 2020 PGA Championship is scheduled to be played, August 3-9, at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, provided it is responsible to do so at that time.

For more i n f o r m a t i o n about the PGA Championship, visit PGAChampionship. com, follow @ PGAChampionship on Twitter and find us on Facebook

Old Ranch Country Club MultimillionDollar Renovation Project Underway

SEAL BEACH, CA – Old Ranch Country Club, a member of the ClubCorp family of clubs, announces a multimillion dollar clubhouse renovation project taking ClubLife at Old Ranch to a new level.

“This reinvention signifies the beginning of an exciting new era for Old Ranch Country Club,” said Frank Herrera, General Manager. “We are pleased to offer even more new amenities and features that elevate the Member experience and provide more value to our membership.”

New Features and Lifestyle Amenities at Old Ranch CC

The Old Ranch renovation will include an upscale bar area, elevated dining experience, grill with original Orange County fare, modern-ranch seating throughout, social tables where Members can connect and an updated design creating ideal spots to dine and socialize with family and friends. Innovative new menus will feature fresh and seasonal offerings with locally sourced ingredients, signature club favorites, wine options with a focus on California favorites, local craft beers bottled and on tap, and hand-crafted cocktails.

In addition to the refreshed dining spaces, a kids-only space with toys, games, media consoles and more will be created to cater to families and offer a supervised space while Members use the amenities. All designed to enhance the club experience for every member of the family.

Members of Old Ranch Country Club also can enjoy ClubCorp’s unique Signature Gold Unlimited program, which provides value-oriented benefits Worldwide including complimentary green fees and complimentary dining when traveling throughout the ClubCorp Network, which now offers access to more than 450 private clubs and special offerings at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts and entertainment venues. Among the Los Angeles-area clubs in the ClubCorp family are Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, City Club Los Angeles in the downtown area, and Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge.

www.golfvacationsmag.com theclubatarrowcreek.com or call (775) 850-4471. For more information on The Club at ArrowCreek, visit www. new meeting and event space; as well as a fitness center. multiple new dining options; incredible city and mountain views; full-service clubhouse will be enhanced to provide members with venue and more. In phase two of the renovation project, the Club’s an outdoor bar, flat screen televisions, an outdoor entertainment 15,000 square-foot furnished deck, a 5,000 square-foot pool, venues as part of phase one. The new pool complex features a Yard” area, enhanced practice areas and additional food & beverage renovation project that includes a new pool complex, a new “Back The Club at ArrowCreek is in the midst of a $40 million systems, bunker renovations, and cart path repairs and additions. recently improved with irrigation system upgrades, new drainage and measures 7,433 yards from the tips. Both golf courses were for play in 1999, while The Challenge Course opened in 2000 a Fuzzy Zoeller design. The 7,115-yard Legend course opened Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, and The Challenge Course, The private club offers 36 holes of golf, including The Legend agronomy and club/membership marketing. club operations, food & beverage operations as well golf course private club operating division of Troon, will oversee golf and The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno, Nevada. Troon Privé, the SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon®, has been selected to manage Arrowcreek In Reno, Nevada Troon Selected To Manage The Club At Golf Vacations • June 2020 11

New England Golf Trail Launches June 1

BOSTON, MA – New England dot Golf (www.newengland.golf), a digital marketing platform that highlights the best of golf in New England and beyond, announced today a partnership formed with dozens of public and private golf courses, called the New England Golf Trail.

The New England Golf Trail (https:// newengland.golf/new-england-golf-trail/) was created to provide golfers with affordable and unforgettable golf experiences by leveraging New England dot Golf’s exceptional partnerships with dozens of top golf courses throughout New England.

The New England Golf Trail team will be led by 25-year golf industry veteran James McFadyen, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to planning golf travel trips to the six-state New England Region. McFadyen, founder of the Coastal Carolinas Golf Trail, recently moved back to the Boston area, having lived and worked at Pinehurst and Southern Pines, North Carolina for many years.

“We are thrilled to hire Jim McFadyen to develop the New England Golf Trail into one the country’s most respected and desired golf destinations starting June 1,” said Thomas Gorman, principal of New England dot Golf, the No. 1 rated golf website in the Northeast. “Over the past three months, the golf industry has suffered some financial hardship, but now due to pent-up demand, golfers are seeing tremendous opportunities to travel by automobile, rather than fly, to their favorite destinations. The New England Golf Trail is ready, willing and able to accommodate with quality service, personal consultation and competitively priced golf tours.”

McFadyen’s connections in the golf industry are deep. His resume includes affiliation with First Tee in North Carolina, International Network of Golf and Golf Myrtle Beach. He’s worked at three of the top-100 Private Clubs in America, as well as sales and marketing background with Golf Trails in the Carolinas, Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire Golf and Golf Maine.

Inaugural Saintnine Shootout, Hosted By Charlie Rymer, To Be Played in Myrtle Beach in Sept. 5-6

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The inaugural Saintnine Shootout, a 36-hole event hosted by Charlie Rymer, will be played Sept. 5-6 at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, two of the Myrtle Beach area’s premier layouts.

Entry into the Saintnine Shootout, which is capped at 120 players, is just $175 and includes two rounds of golf, a dozen Saintnine U-Pro golf balls and shoulder wraps from Sparms Sun Protection. The twoday individual outing will offer players the opportunity to participate in a variety of cash games.

Rymer, one of golf’s most popular media personalities, will host the festivities and interact with participants throughout the weekend.

The event will be played on the heels of the 37th annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, which will conclude on Sept. 4.

“The emphasis of the Saintnine Shootout will be on fun,” said Tournament Director Scott Tomasello. “Golfers will have the opportunity to play two great golf courses, enjoy spending time with Charlie Rymer, and of course, win a few skins. Saintnine is a perfect partner and this is an event we look forward to growing over time.”

“I can’t wait for the Saintnine Shootout because the emphasis is going to be on having a good time,” said Charlie Rymer, a former PGA Tour player. “Golfers will have the opportunity to play two of my favorite

courses in Pawleys Plantation and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, and they will be introduced to Saintnine golf balls, which are outstanding.”

Based in South Korea, Saintnine manufactures state-of-the-art golf balls that were introduced to the United States market in February of 2019, and Rymer is a brand ambassador for the company. Saintnine will also be a prize partner of the World Am, providing daily contest winners with a dozen golf balls.

Caledonia, the first solo design by legendary architect Mike Strantz, is a consensus top 100 public layout. Pawleys Plantation, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, is highlighted by a back nine that includes six holes that play along a saltwater marsh, making it one of the state’s prettiest courses.

For more information, visit SaintnineShootout.com.

Golf Industry Collaborates Further on ‘Back2Golf’ Initiative

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The golf industry continues its collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf, announcing an update and addendums to the Back2Golf Operations Playbook (version 3.0). The updated playbook and addendums provide recommendations that guide the industry as it reestablishes amateur competitive events and junior programming, which are part of Back2Golf’s Phase II.

With input from leading industry organizations including USGA, PGA of America, American Junior Golf Association and First Tee, the addendum provides guidelines for Phase II, which include limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people, prohibiting physical contact of any kind, requirements of cloth facial coverings and other protocols related to registration areas, practice areas, food and beverage operations, equipment, restrooms, on-course play and departures.

Back2Golf Operations Playbook v3.0 was designed by the industry’s leading organizations as a general operational framework, while course owners, administrators, program and event providers and golfers are encouraged to observe state, county and local government health protocols first and foremost.

Announced in early May, Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Supporting organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

The industry-wide Back2Golf initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or recently reopened, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer.

For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.

Sea Pines Country Club - 18th Hole at Sunset

Sea Pines Country Club Offers Virtual Tour for Engaging, Informative and Safe Exploration of Clubhouse, Amenities and Activities

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – Sea Pines Country Club, Hilton Head Island’s premier private club, is offering members and prospective members a fully immersive virtual tour as an engaging and safe way to explore its clubhouse, core amenities and myriad lifestyle activities.

The virtual tour is easily accessible at the club’s website and is hosted by Director of Membership Development Nic Booth. Viewers are treated to a complete walk-through of the renovated and reimagined clubhouse including the golf shop, Blue Heron Pub & Grille, fire pit, pool deck, indoor saline pool, multimillion-dollar fitness center and new Club Course Café.

Expansive drone footage showcases the club’s dramatic setting along one of Hilton Head Island’s most breathtaking tidal marshes. Sea Pines Country Club’s world-class tennis center, new pickleball courts and bocce ball court are featured, along with its Arnold Palmer, Clyde Johnston-designed Club Course.

“The virtual tour gives our members a way to see their club like they’ve never seen it before,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Robbie Ames. “And for those wishing to learn more about our club – whether they’re on the island or out of state – it is a fun, informative and safe way to check us out.”

Ames and his team have begun to reopen the clubhouse and amenities in accordance with all South Carolina and Centers for 14 Golf Vacations • June 2020

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Members are delighted to return to their club, and they appreciate how the Sea Pines Country Club team found innovative ways to communicate and engage them during the social distancing months of April and May with virtual events and videos.

Food and Beverage Manager Mike Lozan produced video vignettes on Vimeo to educate members on wine preparation, storage and other at-home tips. The club also hosted virtual wine tastings and dinners by partnering with global wine experts and local wine distributors. Members purchased the bottles in advance of the event, then joined a Zoom video conference along with vineyard owners from Italy.

Director of Tennis Matt Muller “served up” tennis tips to keep members’ games sharp. Director of Fitness and Wellness Wendy Kelly helped members stay connected and fit by offering virtual live yoga classes and to links to third party workout routines for every level of fitness.

Ames and his brother, PGA TOUR Champions player Stephen Ames, even got in on the action by showcasing comedic moments from a match the two played on the Club Course.

“It has been amazing to see the way the club has come together during this challenging time,” says Booth. “And now we’re excited to welcome everyone back, even if we can’t hug them quite yet, and to host those who are interested in joining our family.”

To learn more about Sea Pines Country Club, visit www. seapinescountryclub.com. For membership information, contact Nic Booth at (843) 671-2335 or nbooth@seapinescountryclub.com. www.golfvacationsmag.com

Boyne Golf – Midwest’s Largest Golf Resort Reopens

PETOSKEY, MI – BOYNE Golf announced that after an extended period of resort closures and limited course offerings due to COVID-19, the Midwest’s largest golf resort destination resumed operations on May 29 at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands Resort, the Inn at Bay Harbor and all ten BOYNE Golf courses.

BOYNE Golf will now be at full golf strength with its final five golf courses opening along with a variety of restaurants open for seated dining at all three resorts. Golf courses include The Donald Ross Memorial and The Moor courses at Boyne Highlands, The Monument course at Boyne Mountain, as well as Links/Quarry and Preserve/Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club. Two people will also be allowed to ride in golf carts together.

During this down time, the Boyne team has reviewed all resort operations and have modified them to ensure that guests will still get the exceptional, friendly and personalized service, while minimizing exposure and maintaining safety. Social distancing will be implemented in all public areas; and there will continue to be heightened cleaning and sanitizing across all areas.

Escape and Experience a BOYNE Golf Package

Golfers looking for a great golfing road trip following weeks of sheltering at home should check out the “Play It Your Way” golf package. This includes two-nights lodging and four rounds of golf built your way.

Stay at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands Resort or Crooked Tree Cottages any night through June 26 as part of this limited time offer. Two nights and four rounds start at only $236 per person at Boyne Mountain, $286 per person at Boyne Highlands or $408 per person at Crooked Tree Cottages.

Deal ends Wednesday, June 24 at 6pm. Mention code: TIMETOGOLF when booking.

Pound Ridge Golf Club Opens for 2020 Golf Season

POUND RIDGE, NY – Pound Ridge Golf Club – legendary Pete Dye’s modern marvel in Westchester County – is now open for play for the 2020 golf season.

Ranked No. 4 in GOLF Magazine’s “Best Courses You Can Play in New York,” Pound Ridge is Mr. Dye’s only design in the golf-rich Empire State. Less than an hour drive from New York City and minutes from White Plains, Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk (Conn.), the World Golf Hall of Famer’s admired layout has become one of the celebrated “must-play” public courses in the region.

As for additional safety measures, there are no bunker rakes on the course and the holes have piping inside to prevent the ball from falling into the cup for easy removal. Pound Ridge is also offering nine-hole play after 3:30 p.m. (day of play only) by calling the pro shop at 914.764.5771. Players are asked to arrive not more than 25 minutes before their tee time.

Pound Ridge sits regally on 172 acres of pastoral Westchester County with dramatic rock outcroppings, streams and wooded, rolling hills converging to create an enjoyable and challenging par-72 course. Five sets of tees range from 5,151 to 7,165 yards providing challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Among its unforgettable holes is the dramatic par-5 13th which is home to “Pete’s Rock,” a giant boulder that rests in the middle of the fairway.

For more information, or to book a tee time, please call 914.764.5771 or visit www.poundridgegolf.com.

Silverado Resort And Spa Invites Guests To Enjoy Summer In Napa Valley

NAPA, CA– Silverado Resort and Spa invites guests to stay at the beautiful resort and enjoy summer in Napa Valley. Troon Golf proudly manages the golf operations at the AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort located in Napa Valley. Guests can book their stay at the resort and feel confident in their next trip to Napa Valley as the resort has a new NAPAPURE™ stay experience:

NAPAPURE: P- Purification of air with enhanced air filters; UUniform disinfection standards to meet strict CDC and guidelines from the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA); R- Room re-rental wait times of 24 hours or more ensuring deep cleaning and sanitization standards are met for our guest; E- Entrance ready inspection by a housekeeping leader with a verified seal for your protection.

“NAPAPURE is an entire resort program to manage and protect our guests stay experience,” said John Evans, general manager, Silverado Resort and Spa. “It has been created to ensure the safety and wellness of every, visitor, associate and member here at Silverado.”

In addition to the resort’s NAPAPURE program, associates are required to wear masks at all times, enhanced disinfecting protocols are in place for all areas of the resort with an emphasis on the hitouch areas with an increase in frequency of cleaning around the resort. The resort has also upgraded its air filtration system within lodging accommodations, meeting space, retail, restaurant, and common areas.

Silverado Resort and Spa offers luxurious guest room and villa style multi-bedroom suites stylishly equipped with kitchenettes, full kitchens and separate working, living, and sleeping areas each with individually controlled heat and air conditioning units. Rooms are located throughout the resorts nearly 1,200 acres and provide guests and visitors with plenty of room for social distancing.

Golf at Silverado is open for member and resort guest play, including buddy trips and couples golf getaways. Silverado is Napa Valley’s only 36-hole golf resort. The 7,166-yard, par 72 North Course annually hosts the PGA TOUR’s Safeway Open, while the 6,612-yard, par 72 South Course is a favorite among members and resort guests. Both courses were re-designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member and former lead NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller. In 2019, the North Course was named to Golfweek’s Best 2019: Top 200 Resort Courses ranking. The resort’s world-class tennis program with 10 tennis courts is also available for guests to enjoy while practicing social distancing.

Contact Silverado Resort and Spa at 844-477-3418 or visit www.SilveradoResort.com to getaway today.

Canary Islands Ready To Welcome Golf Visitors

The Canary Islands continues towards the “new normal”. After the opening of the beaches, the islands are now ready to receive golf lovers again as the archipelago’s golf community puts courses in line with new safety measures.

Guidelines and recommendations have been prepared by the

Silverado Resort & Spa

Secretary of State for Tourism in collaboration with the autonomous communities (including the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands).

The re-opening of golf courses means that there are fourteen golf courses available to tourists each with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Canary Islands’ volcanic landscape. Players will be pleased to know that because of the mild weather conditions on the archipelago all courses are open 365 days each year.

La Gomera was one of the earliest places in Spain to enter into de-escalation, so the Tecina Golf course on the island holds the distinction of being the first golf course in Spain to reopen.

The Canary Islands is one of the parts of the world which has best weathered the health crisis with a very low contagion rates (only 0.001% confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants). Safety and responsibility have always come first on the islands and this is why the archipelago leads the way in reopening destinations for tourists.

DEstination Golf Launches Its Guide To Golf In Portugal For 2020 / 2021

Destination Golf Portugal guide was launched to provide a definitive guide to golf in Portugal, educating the thousands of golfers that travel to Portugal each year about where to play, where to stay and where to find the best deals. Since our launch in 2010, Destination Golf Portugal guide has established itself as the voice of Portuguese golf tourism in UK & Ireland, reaching over 1 million golfers.

Over the following pages, we visit seven different golf destinations across the islands of Madeira and the Azores; and the popular mainland destinations of the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto e Norte.

There’s no doubt that Portugal has been a magnet for golf tourism over the past three decades. It now is one of the leading golf destinations in the World, with award winning golf courses and golf hotels dotted around the Country. Travelling golfers have over eighty golf courses to choose from, with Championship designs by renowned architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Robert Trent Jones, who used the natural Portuguese terrain and coastline to create their works of art.

Across the last ten years Destination Golf representatives have travelled to all four corners of Portugal with their clubs in tow. It is a fascinating country for tourism, and the travelling golfer is spoilt with a wealth of choice. In this guide we will provide a short review of every course, but it’s our “Editors Choice” recommendations that deserve your best attention.

Simply click on the web link of each golf course or hotel which will bring you directly from their advertisement direct to their website, where you will be able to get more information about them. Similarly with the email link, feel free to click on that should you wish to send a booking enquiry directly to our clients, they have some really great deals for clients of Destination Golf.

If you would like further information about Golf in Portugal, be sure to check out our blog at www.destinationgolf.travel which is regularly updated with travel news, resort features, destination features, competitions and more.