OUR 20th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2021
FRIPP ISLAND GOLF & BEACH RESORT
TWIN BILL IN LOW COUNTRY
AUDUBON BEAUTY
TEXAS’ TIERRA VERDE GOLF CLUB
Plus: MEXICO’S FINEST: LOS CABOS BIG 3
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GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2021
Chileno Bay Golf and Beach Club, Los Cabos, Mexico
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Chip Shots
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Mexico’s Finest: 3 Los Cabos Courses To Play
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by Dakota Diaz Golf Magazine has released its latest edition of the ‘Top 100 Courses You Can Play,’ a compendium of “beautifully inclusive, thrillingly elite” public-access options sprinkled throughout North America. “Our previous rankings of public-access courses have been confined to the United States,” the magazine reported in its May issue. “This time, we’ve also ventured into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Expanding our reach means, for starters, you can find courses in prime condition at any time of year.”
Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort
by Shane Sharp There are certain golf destinations that fly under the radar. Some are just remote enough to keep them off the golf media’s grid, while others prefer to quietly go about the business of providing golfers an unforgettable experience. Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort is a little bit of both.
Club Selection: Tierra Verde Golf Club
by David R. Holland Spray a shot wide right on Tierra Verde Golf Club’s No. 1 hole and the “Plum Thicket” on this 355-yard par-4 opener will claim another victim. You have just received a “Welcome to Audubon Signature” golf and Tierra Verde is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be so honored.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dakota Diaz is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Growing up in the golf mecca of Palm Springs, CA, Dakota is no stranger to the golf resort lifestyle. You’ll find him at his “real job” as Partner/Chief Investment Officer at Green Cloud Capital, a Southern Californa based private equity firm.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
Shane Sharp is a freelance writer and the owner of Southbound 4, a content marketing and PR shop in Greenville, S.C. He’s a contributing editor with GOLF Magazine, Club & Resort Business, Golf Inc. and Club Management.
Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
For Editorial:
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.
call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising
Los Angeles Terry Ross • (949) 279–7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • (678) 906-4050 harold@chamblissmediagroup.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774–2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
Cimarron Communications 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 2021 Stony Creek Media, LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Rumbling Bald Announces Availability of Mountain Home and Fairway Villa Vacation Rentals Spacious, Fully-Appointed Lodging Ideal for Golf Groups of All Sizes
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AKE LURE, NC – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole mountain golf retreat along the shores of scenic Lake Lure, announces the availability of spacious mountain home and Fairway Villa vacation rentals, ideal for golf groups of all sizes. Mountain homes, just minutes from Apple Valley and Bald Mountain golf courses, range from three to six bedrooms with room for up to 12 guests. They feature full kitchens with modern appliances, washer-dryer, private bed and bathrooms, outdoor living space and grills and highspeed wireless Internet. Several luxury units include additional amenities, such as jacuzzi baths, fire pits, game rooms, projection TVs and more. Located along Bald Mountain golf course, two-bedroom Fairway Villas accommodate between six and eight guests depending on the bed and sleeper sofa configuration. Villa units have full kitchens, stacked washer-dryer units, flat screen TVs and patios, many of which overlook both the golf course and Bald Mountain. Dining at Legends on the Lake, the Lake Lure recreation area and other amenities are a short walk away. “Vacation rentals have emerged as the most popular form of lodging amid the ‘new normal’ and with more than 150 units, Rumbling Bald is well-positioned for this long-term trend,” says General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The mountain Vacation Rental Interior
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Fairways Villas
homes and Fairway Villas are on-property lodging options that offer the ultimate in convenience, amenities and relaxation off the golf course.” Spring arrives early in this part of Western North Carolina and Rumbling Bald recently rolled out its golf packages for 2021. Starting at $345 per person, the “Hole-in-One” package features a twonight stay in a Fairway Villa or Apple Valley Studio, two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, breakfast both days
and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Custom golf packages are available with mountain homes tailored to group size, course and tee time preferences. Paying homage to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald is offering a limited availability “Ryder Cup Package.” Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience. The Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. 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.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Highland Course At Primland Offers Special Rate For Women’s Golf Day MEADOWS OF DAN, VA – In conjunction with the Women’s Golf Day (June 1), the Highland Course at Primland is offering females a special $200 playing rate (including tax) during the week of May 31June 4 (Mon-Fri). “It’s great to see the momentum golf is gaining. The growth in the female demographic is wonderful to see and good for the game. Primland is looking forward to a great week,” said Brian Alley, PGA, Primland’s Director of Outdoor Activities. Women’s Golf Day is an annual event celebrating girls and women playing golf and learning lifetime skills. Golf Digest named The Highland Course at Primland, the boutique luxury resort amid 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, as the state’s top public-access course in its just-released “America’s Greatest Courses by State,Primland Highland Course and Lodge. jpg 2021-22” compilation. Designed by Donald Steel, The Highland Course follows three private golf courses in the best-in-state list and was also rated No. 151 – out of approximately 15,000 total – in the national magazine’s “America’s 200 Greatest Courses.” To arrive at its ranking of Best Courses by State and America’s 200 Greatest Golf Courses, Golf Digest panelists play and score
courses on these eight criteria: shot options, challenge, layout variety, distinctiveness, aesthetics, conditioning, character, and fun. The Highland Course features immaculate conditions, stunning views, no surrounding development, and a masterful course layout by Steel, and Englishman whose design philosophy highlights nature and golf tradition. Call 276-222-3827 to reserve a tee time. After-golf activities and amenities highlight the spectacular Primland property through fly fishing, shooting sporting clays, riding ATVs, mountain biking, yoga, archery, horseback riding, tomahawk throwing, guided hikes, and more. A full-service spa, astounding Observatory for deepspace stargazing, award-winning food and beverage options, and a variety of lodging options including tree houses beckon. For more information about Primland, visit Primland.com, or call 866.960.7746.
Firestone Country Club Announces Limited Summer Stay-and-Play Packages AKRON, OH – Firestone Country Club - renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf – announces limited stay-and-play packages ideal for golf buddy trips and staycations this summer. Through Sept. 6, the exclusive stayand-play packages include overnight
accommodations in Firestone’s standard club rooms and rounds of golf. There are 1 Day | 1 Night experiences including golf on the North Course, 2 Days | 1 Night itineraries including a round of golf on the South and North Courses and 2 Days | 2 Nights packages including golf on both courses. Rates for each package will be based on room type, courses, nights and rounds. Golf and lodging upgrades to the guest villas are available with each package at booking, and additional rounds of golf may be included at a fee. Course replays can be added based on availability, and season demand could reflect an increased rate. Other restrictions may apply, and rates do not include service charges, tax or tips. Stays and experiences exceeding two nights will be customized by Firestone’s Club Concierge Team. Specializing in providing personalized experiences for any group, the Club Concierge Team handles services such as dinner reservations or curated dining experiences, private event services, tee time scheduling, off-property activity planning, personalized villa stocking and amenities, and individual private golf lessons or group golf clinics. To book these limited golf packages or for more information, please visit clubcorp. com/Clubs/Firestone-Country-Club/StayPlay or call 330.245.3280. For more information, www. firestonecountryclub.com. Highland Course at Primland
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
The 18th hole on The Tanjong at Sentosa Golf Club has witnessed much drama over the years at the HSBC Women’s World Championship
Sentosa Golf Club Aiming To Become World’s First Carbon Neutral Golf Club Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore – Sentosa Golf Club, regarded as one of the world’s most sustainable sporting venues, has today announced a commitment to become the world’s first ever carbon neutral golf club by 2022. The announcement comes during Sentosa Golf Club’s hosting of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, dubbed ‘Asia’s Major’, where 69 of the world’s best players are set to battle it out on The Tanjong. Contributions from golf rounds over the next 12 months will be set aside to support the purchase of certified carbon offsets through regional Forestry or Blue Carbon projects, that will sequester atmospheric carbon while defending against deforestation and fostering conservation of forests, mangroves and reefs. Sentosa Golf Club is also aiming to join the United Nations’ Race to Zero (carbon emissions) campaign following its pledge to neutralise the Club’s carbon footprint by 2022. This latest goal builds on the Club’s various carbon mitigation measures over the past few years, including achieving Singapore’s Green Mark (Platinum) certification through enhancing the energy efficiency of its clubhouse, the first in the region to introduce lithium battery golf carts and increasing the efficiency of its irrigation system by deploying some 1,200 water saving sprinklers across the golf courses. The Club has already undertaken the important first step of establishing its carbon footprint against the Green House Gas Protocol, in conjunction with Sentosa Development Corporation’s (SDC) islandwide carbon profiling efforts and GEO Foundation, the international non-profit dedicated entirely to inspiring, supporting, and recognising sustainable golf. Moving ahead, the Club will further realise its carbon neutral goal by stepping up its efforts to pursue solutions that will make club
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operations and grounds maintenance more carbon efficient, including golf equipment and maintenance fleet electrification initiatives and renewable energy sources. Sentosa Golf Club’s commitment is aligned with SDC’s goals towards sustainability. SDC announced in March 2021 that Sentosa Island would be transformed into a carbon neutral destination by 2030 as a key goal in its sustainability plan, bringing on board some 200 businesses within Sentosa to work towards the collective aspiration of island carbon neutrality. Having become the first golf club in the world to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative last year, Andrew Johnston, General Manager / Director of Agronomy and Resident Golf Course Designer at Sentosa Golf Club, commented on the latest pledge saying: “We are excited to set the aspiration to become the first golf club in the world to go carbon neutral. Since joining the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action initiative in 2020 it has been our goal to become carbon neutral and hopefully inspire others around the world to follow suit. “The Club is also proud to be aligned with Sentosa Island’s recent commitment to become a carbon neutral destination by 2030 and we are looking forward to working closely with SDC and other businesses on the Island to achieve this goal. Our vision is to deliver a world-class facility of exceptional quality, and our commitment to carbon neutrality will safeguard the Club’s long-term future and allow us to be a model for sustainability in golf worldwide.” Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer at Sentosa Development Corporation, added “Sentosa Development Corporation is excited by Sentosa Golf Club’s commitment to become the world’s first carbon neutral golf club. Golf can act as a catalyst in the fight against climate change and it is great to see one of Singapore’s premier golf clubs leading the way in reducing carbon emissions. The Club’s sustainability agenda is closely linked to that of the Island’s, and we are looking forward to working alongside the Club as we progress
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS towards achieving Sentosa’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.” This announcement is the latest in a long list of sustainable initiatives and commitments made by Sentosa Golf Club since the launch of its newest environmental campaign, GAME ON, at the 2020 SMBC Singapore Open. The campaign is designed to help educate and illustrate to the wider golfing community how important modern sustainable practices are for the betterment of the environment, acting as inspiration for golf clubs around the world to make changes to reduce their own carbon footprint. Sentosa Golf Club intends to continue developing its sustainable initiatives in 2021 by installing two food and horticultural waste digesters to limit carbon emissions by grinding down waste on-site and reusing it as fertiliser on its two championship courses. The Club also continues to explore alternative energy solutions such as solar, as well as other sustainable food produce options, whilst its collaboration with GEO Foundation aims to pioneer new innovative practices and report credible results to share with other golfing organisations around the world. For more information on Sentosa Golf Club visit www.sentosagolf.com or follow the club on social media:
BOYNE Golf: The History of Donald Ross Continues to Shine in Northern Michigan When the golf course building boom of the mid 1980’s kicked into high gear in northern Michigan, Boyne Resorts was already one of the largest golf destinations in the country with four golf courses at the time (10 today). This all started with The Heather, designed by Hall of Fame architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966. When the time came to develop a fifth golf course, the BOYNE Golf team wanted to create something very different and unique paying homage to the golden era of classic course architecture. Long before courses like Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes, The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs, or the soon-to-come “Lido” at Sand Valley - all paying tribute to legendary early-century architects like C.B. MacDonald and Seth Raynor – and even before “replica” courses like Tour 18 came on the scene, BOYNE Golf became the first resort destination to ever create a tribute course in honor of a legendary architect, highlighting Donald Ross. Ross is recognized as the father of golf course architecture in America, immigrating here from Scotland in 1899 and made his home in Pinehurst. He was by far the most prolific course designer, with an estimated 600 courses to his credit and a member of the Golf Hall of Fame. He often stated – “Golf should be a pleasure, not a penance.” He designed courses that fit into the natural contours of the land; not unduly penal, but strategic and deceptive courses that players of all abilities could love and respect. The Donald Ross Memorial at Boyne Highlands is a composite re-creation of classic golf holes Ross designed in the early part of the century at some of his most renowned courses. “Our founder, Everett Kircher, had a vision to pay homage to Donald Ross and build a course that included some of his greatest holes from his top courses east of the Mississippi River,” said Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations. “We wanted to also create holes from places that most golfers may not have the opportunity to play, so there was a focus on the private clubs.” The focus on Ross’ elite private clubs required some effort. Contacting clubs, getting permission, and logging airline miles. Bernie Friedrich and Stephen Kircher, along with architect Bill Newcomb (Boyne’s designer for The Alpine, The Moor, and The Monument courses), as well as long-time golf instruction partner Jim Flick set off on a journey to visit more than 50 classic Ross courses to determine the best holes.
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“There was a lot of effort and detail put into the process. We weren’t just picking random holes,” explained Friedrich. “We looked at the land we had and tried to match the best we could to the slopes. If a hole rose by 10 degrees of slope, we would try and find a Ross hole at a club with similar slope. For example, in our routing, we found the perfect uphill slope to fit in the popular 12th hole from Oak Hill,” Friedrich explains. While it’s difficult to match the land exactly, the Donald Ross Memorial can be referred to as a wonderfully well-designed rendition of great Ross holes. But where BOYNE Golf really excelled was in the green complexes. Ross was known for designing some of the greatest green complexes in the game at places like Pinehurst No. 2, Oak Hill and Seminole. “The green complexes were an area we spent a great deal of time on,” says Friedrich. “We were able to get detailed drawings and photos for many of the greens, including some CAD drawings. The greens are truly a pure Ross experience.” In 2021 the BOYNE Golf team, in conjunction with Michigan based course designer Ray Hearn, will perform various renovations to the Donald Ross Memorial. The first focus is the first hole (No. 6 Seminole). To give it more of a Florida feel, they will add large sand waste areas down the left and right sides of the fairway. The waste area on the right side of the fairway will also extend over the 16th hole (No. 10 Pinehurst) and provide a true post-renovation Pinehurst feel. Boyne Golf in Northern Michigan
Accurately representing each hole on the Donald Ross Memorial course has always been a priority for us” explained Friedrich. “Today, through technology, CAD, and Google Earth, we are able to gather photos and dimensions to create an even more accurate reproduction of any updates. It is our long-term plan to continue making key renovations to the course and keeping the tradition of Donald Ross alive here at Boyne.” The Donald Ross Memorial, which was recognized as a “Best New Resort Course in the U.S. in 1990 by Golf Digest” features classic holes from some of the designer’s iconic venues like Seminole, Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill, Scioto, Detroit Golf Club, Aronimink, Wannamoisett, Plainfield, and Inverness to name a few. Make sure to check out this classic golf experience on your next BOYNE Golf trip. Visit www.BOYNEgolf.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Champion Hills Clubhouse
Champion Hills Fitness And Wellness Center Ranked ‘Top 50 In U.s.’ By Club + Resort Business
Fox Chapel Golf Club Unveils Vintage Layout And Limited-Edition Wine
HENDERSONVILLE, NC – The Fitness and Wellness Center at Champion Hills – one of Western North Carolina’s premier golf communities – has been ranked among the Top 50 in the U.S. by Club + Resort Business (C + RB), coming in at No. 44 on the inaugural list. A leading trade publication based in Cleveland, C + RB covers the operations and management staff at country clubs, city clubs, yacht clubs and resorts that operate club-like facilities. Its “Top Ranked” initiative for fitness and wellness highlights properties with the “Top 50 Fitness and Wellness” facilities and programs, as judged independently by a panel of general managers from several top clubs. “Champion Hills is a lifestyle-focused club that’s committed to our members’ health and wellness, and we greatly appreciate this recognition from a well-respected publication like Club + Resort Business,” says Champion Hills General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Dana Schultz. “We’ll continue to invest in our fitness and wellness facilities, programming and service as a major cornerstone of the club.” Champion Hills’ Wellness Center and Pool Complex is located within its stunning, mountain lodge-style clubhouse complex overlooking the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Replete with the latest cardio and strength training equipment, it houses a spacious room for yoga, spin, Pilates and other group classes. A hydro spa is also available and popular with members for relaxing their muscles post-workout. Criteria for inclusion in the Top 50 Fitness and Wellness Center included data on fitness and spa facility size, and the size of retail and/ or food-and-beverage facilities related to fitness/wellness; average member usage, both on a monthly-visit basis and as a percentage of total membership; equipment value; classes and services offered; and staff size (both full- and part-time). For more information, visit www.championhills.com or call (828) 696-1962.
PITTSBURGH, PA. – When the restoration of the classic Seth Raynor layout at Fox Chapel Golf Club is unveiled later this month, golfers are sure to be intrigued by one of the most distinctive holes on the course—the 16th—fittingly named “Bottle.” This par 4, 421-yard hole, is the most strategic complex on the course. The fairway is gradually narrowing on the left and right side with three cross bunkers in the middle of the fairway. Ideal play is far along the right side, the left side is wider, but is a more challenging 2nd shot to the green. There are 13 bunkers on the hole with a short cross bunker in front. As a hole design, the Bottle was only rarely employed, even in golf’s Golden Age of Architecture. The limited-run wine is just as rare, to be found only at the club. To showcase this hole and commemorate the restoration, Fox Chapel’s General Manager Brian
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16th Hole at Fox Chapel
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Higgins worked with Williamette Valley Vineyards to create a different kind of bottle, in this case a limited-run pinot noir. “This distinctive hole was named long before the course restoration, so it seemed fitting that we celebrate it on a wine label,” Higgins said. He added that the wine will be offered on club menus and for banquets. The club, located outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., was founded in 1923 and the golf course opened in June 1925. The restoration by Fazio Design was led by Senior Design Associate Tom Marzolf and restored a number of revered Raynor template holes, highlighting the historical significance of the layout. For additional information, access the club’s web site at www.foxchapelgolfclub.org.
Bahia Principe Golf
Bahia Principe Golf’s Ocean´s 4 course becomes PGA Ocean´s 4 This is the second course affiliated to PGA of America in Latin America and the third in the world, outside the U.S., together with Mission Hills Golf & Resort and PGA Riviera Maya. In addition, it will also be the official headquarters of the renowned association’s first Golf Academy in the Dominican Republic. Encarna Piñero, executive vice-president CEO of the Group, and Jesús Durán, CEO of Grupo Piñero in the Dominican Republic, hosted an event celebrating the course’s change of identity, which follows the company’s alliance with the Professional Golfers Association of America, formalized last January. The course has 27 holes, 4 of which run alongside the Caribbean Sea, which are fully integrated in the landscape and are maintained in sustainable fashion. Grupo Piñero, a Spanish tourism company with more than 40 years of history, and its Bahia Principe Golf division, continue to advance in their commitment to the American market after the agreement established last January with the prestigious Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America). An alliance that is now coming to fruition with the evolution of its Ocean’s 4 course, which is now called PGA Ocean´s 4, located within the Playa Nueva Romana residential resort, and will become the newest golf facility in Latin America affiliated with the PGA of America. The change of identity is part of the evolution of the company’s golf business, which manages four courses attached to its hotels and residential complexes, and also includes the creation of the first PGA of
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America Golf Academy in the Dominican Republic, which will be hosted by PGA Ocean´s 4. In it, homeowners, residents and golfers will be able to enjoy innovative practices, development programs and exclusive educational content, as well as extraordinary instructors who will provide them with an unparalleled golf experience for all levels of players from one of the most important sports organizations in the world. In addition, the promotion of this discipline reflects that, beyond being a sport, golf is viewed as an instrument that actively contributes to the development of a region. For this reason, Grupo Piñero and its Bahia Principe Golf division, together with PGA of America, are working together to promote the expansion of this sport. The presentation of the complex’s new name took place at a ceremony attended by Encarna Piñero, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Group, and Jesús Durán, CEO of Grupo Piñero in the Dominican Republic, who were accompanied by the Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado. In the words of Encarna Piñero during the event, “we have lived through very difficult times, due to the health emergency caused by Covid-19 worldwide, but during this time we have focused on coping with the situation with humanity, responsibility and courage, with the aim of adapting to this new reality and continuing with our strategy. This attitude has allowed us to proudly celebrate today this new change of identity, a reflection of the fact that we continue to take steps forward in our
alliance with PGA of America, as well as our firm commitment to golf as a vacation attraction”. For his part, the CEO of Grupo Piñero in the Dominican Republic, Jesús Durán, emphasized that “we are proud of the membership of our Ocean’s 4 golf course by the PGA, one of the most important sports organizations in the world. This strategic alliance undoubtedly represents an exponential growth for golf in the Dominican Republic, while encouraging and promoting its practice.” New Name for an Already Prestigious Course PGA Ocean’s 4 is Grupo Piñero’s newest golf course located within the Playa Nueva Romana residential resort. It has two golf courses, an 18-hole par 72 championship course for intermediate and advanced players, and a 9-hole par 27 executive course. PGA Ocean´s 4 has an original and entertaining 7,334-yard course that impresses with its variety, diversity and modernity harmonized with various settings that combine the 4 spectacular designs of its “Parkland”, “Scottish Links”, “Desert” and Caribbean-inspired holes, which give it an exuberant beauty that can be enjoyed by both experienced golfers and new enthusiasts of this sport. The course management is focused on sustainable maintenance, which, together with the conservation actions carried out jointly with the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo, make PGA Ocean´s 4 a sanctuary of biodiversity where we find a great variety of species of flora and fauna that turn the game into a unique experience.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Cascais, Portugal
Portugal’s Undiscovered Golf Haven Primed For The Return Of Uk Golfers Cascais, Europe’s most westerly point and home to a group of Portugal’s finest golf facilities, is ready to welcome golfers back to the fairways, as UK families and groups are in search of their idyllic 2021 destination. Renowned as one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, Portugal is often one of the first European escapes considered by the British people, and this year, it will be the number one choice. Offering an all-year round climate, unrivalled leisure activities and a coastline to match, the warmest of welcomes is just a short flight away. Undiscovered by many, Cascais presents a collection of unique and picturesque championship golf courses, painted by the panoramic Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains. Each venue showcases a range of traditional and modern golf facilities, with immaculately conditioned championship courses, premium accommodation, exceptional gastronomy, and authentic scenery. Golfers now have the ability to discover each of the seven golf venues in the region, including two of Portugal’s Top 10, Oitavos Dunes, current host venue for the European Tour’s GolfSixes Cascais, and Penha Longa, former European Tour Venue and the only golf resort in Portugal to feature three Michelin Star restaurants. The Cascais golf portfolio also boasts a variety of challenging layouts, including Estoril Golf Club, one of Portugal’s oldest and most traditional golf clubs; Belas Clube de Campo, Portugal’s first ever GEO Certified golf course; Quinta da Marinha Golf Club, designed by the world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones; Lisbon Sports Club, featuring picturesque views of Lisbon’s surrounding countryside that have remained unchanged since 1922; and Pestana Beloura Golf Resort, located in the historic World Heritage village of Sintra. Each venue is located within 20 minutes of the country’s
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capital, Lisbon, a central hub for European travellers with direct connectivity to 102 major cities. Just a short flight from London, Munich and Paris, Cascais is the perfect way to explore Europe once again in 2021. Playing Golf in Cascais has never been safer, with each golf venue following strict public health guidelines. Golf Courses, hotels and tourist businesses in the region have all been widely approved by the Portuguese authorities ‘Clean and Safe’ accreditation, whilst Portugal has been approved as a ‘Safe Travel’ destination by the World Travel Tourism Council. Speaking after Portugal was added to the UK’s travel ‘Green List’, Carla Gomes, Director at Visit Cascais, the region’s tourism board, said “We are delighted to see Portugal added to the United Kingdom’s travel ‘Green List’, it has been a challenging period and our partners in Cascais could not be more excited. All seven golf venues in the region have been hard at work preparing for this moment following strict public health guidelines and are ready to showcase their state-of-the-art facilities, premium accommodation, and stunning natural scenery that each of them offers. With travel restrictions prominent for many months now, we would like to be the first region to welcome back golfers, offering our first-class hospitality and creating unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.” Oliver Key, General Manager at Penha Longa Golf Resort, added “The team at Penha Longa are ecstatic, it has been the news we have all been waiting for. Welcoming global travellers through the doors of our facilities is the reason we work at such a magnificent venue, from our golf shop assistants to our hotel manager, the first-class service is just a short-flight away.” The past year has opened the imagination of many golfers, a trip to Europe requires more than just a good golf course. Cascais, traditionally a hotspot for royal families and wealthy individuals, presents award-winning traditional and high-end gastronomy, each with a distinct and personal touch. Fresh produce from land and
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS sea is locally sourced in a sustainable manner, expertly prepared to the highest standard, all heightened by views indescribable in the world’s most surreal sunset. The region also offers a relaxing way of life, with an abundance of leisure, wellness, and sporting experiences, painted by historical landmarks and tales of ancient civilisations dating from as far back as 1 AD. For those that prefer to stay closer to home, there are a variety of bespoke wellness experiences in one of the many sophisticated health centres, including Penha Longa Spa & Wellness, named Southern European Luxury Resort Spa 2020, The Oitavos Spa, and Onyria Quinta da Marinha Spa, that effortlessly complement the region’s on-course offering. For more information on Cascais visit www.visitcascais.com
Whispering Pines Golf Club Course in Texas for 12th Time
Named
Best
Trinity, TX – Whispering Pines Golf Club has again been recognized as the best golf course in the state of Texas. In the annual rankings released earlier this month, both The Dallas Morning News and Golfweek named the course the best in the state in annual rankings released earlier this month. In addition to the statewide honor, Whispering Pines was also recognized as the No. 19 modern course in America and the No. 55 overall course in the country by Golf Digest. The course was originally designed in 1998 by Texas golf course architect Chet Williams when he was with the Nicklaus Design Group. In December 2019, Williams returned for the course’s new construction which was strategically planned during the course’s end of season closure. Whispering Pines reopened to members in the fall of 2020. Under Williams’ guidance, the course was entirely re-grassed with Zeon Zoysia in the fairways and rough and TifEagle Bermuda on the greens. All of the greens were completely rebuilt, including several that were completely redesigned, and all tee boxes were leveled with several new tees added. The course’s bunkers were also rebuilt with some eliminated and others added.
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General Manager Tim Timlin, a 30-year veteran in club management with a track record of creating and delivering unique golf experiences, oversees the operations. “Everyone at Whispering Pines has worked incredibly hard through our recent course construction to be ready for this year,” Timlin said. “This is the best place in Texas to play.” The property which encompasses Whispering Pines Golf Club was purchased by local philanthropists Barbara and Corby Robertson Jr. in 1970 for neighboring Camp Olympia, a renowned summer camp. In 1998, the Robertson’s vision for the property broadened when they decided to add a world-class golf course. Williams was asked to design the ‘best course’ in Texas. Twenty months later, in March 2000, Whispering Pines Golf Club opened its doors to rave reviews. “The experience at Whispering Pines over the years is truly special,” Corby Robertson said. “We are especially appreciative of all our contributors and Spirit sponsors who have enabled its positive impact on the global golf community. We’re also honored that Chet Williams’ creative genius and our Whispering Pines team effort continues to be recognized by the golf community in Texas and around the country. We devoted significant resources to new construction on the course in the last two years, so we’re thrilled to see that we continue to deliver a memorable experience to members and their guests.” Whispering Pines has been recognized by The Dallas Morning News as the best course in Texas 14 times and has appeared in Golf Digest’s Top 100 five times and GolfWeek’s Modern Course rankings every year since 2011. The property features an 18-hole Championship Golf Course carved through piney woods, creeks, lakes and natural dunes. The nine-hole short course – The Needler – is the best short course in America. In addition to the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship (Nov. 1-7, 2021), Whispering Pines is the host course of the Spirit Charity Challenge featuring Spirit alumni and Spirit Hall of Fame Game which features local sports Hall of Famers and celebrities at the course.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Junior golfer Caeden Herrington works his way out of a bunker during a lesson at Manchester Country Club (VT)
Manchester Country Club (Vt) Introduces New Premier Junior Golf Program Manchester, VT — Manchester CC (VT), one of southern Vermont’s premier golf courses and family-friendly clubs, is introducing a new Premier Junior Golf Program that will combine professional training, instruction and competitive play. Led by Manchester’s Head PGA Golf Professional Peter Weatherby, the program is geared toward middle school, high school and college prep players and features top-notch instruction and the ability to transfer learned skills into competitive play situations through weekly clinics and regular (monthly) tournaments. The Premier Junior Program provides small group and individual coaching so players can learn fundamentals of the rules, scoring, and etiquette of competitive golf as well as skills practice and the ability to compete at the next level. Starting June 9, the nine-week program which runs through August 15, includes weekly afternoon sessions (Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.) with competitive rounds included once per month. “Our new Premier Junior Program adds a family dimension to the MCC golf experience,” said Weatherby. “There’s a demand for golfers age 11-18 years old looking for a competitive advantage so we are eager to introduce a fun, welcoming and organized experience where the students can identify their own goals and take their game to the next level,” added Weatherby who brings a modern instruction method. “Young golfers who want to improve their performance with local events or with their course management strategies, or those looking to play collegiate golf and obtain a scholarship, this is a great place to be.” The MCC Premier Junior Program provides students with top-notch instruction and competitive play situations. Individual instruction and
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clinics are provided on Manchester’s practice range, chipping and putting areas, as well as Manchester’s championship golf course featuring beautiful vistas, a variety of gorgeous golf holes and outstanding playing conditions. The elevation changes, challenging greens, and bunkers will test a golfer’s skill and reward a player with a plan. Weatherby has instructed over the past decade and is an accomplished player with first-place finishes at the Vermont Sectional Championship in 2019, The Mountain Lake Challenge in Lake Wales, Florida in 2017, the NEPGA Stroke Play at Montcalm Golf Club in 2018 and NEPGA Stroke Play at Turner Hill Golf Club in 2016. Prior to joining Manchester CC (VT), he was at Ekwanok Country Club (VT), the Jupiter Island Club (FL), The Misquamicut (RI) Club and the Old Sandwich (MA) Golf Club. Weatherby will also help shape the golfers’ motor skills through a variety of technology offerings including a TrackMan launch monitor. In addition to the Premier Junior Program private lessons are also available with the pros. MCC’s Premier Junior Program is open to members and the public. In addition to the MCC *Premier Junior Program*, Weatherby will oversee *Manchester Junior Sports camps which will include golf, tennis, and fishing. About Manchester Country Club: MCC is a private, member-owned club situated in the beauty of southern Vermont. The Geoffrey Cornish designed golf course is fair but challenging and readily accessible. MCC offers a social calendar full of member events ranging from golf, tennis, and social gatherings. Open for play since 1970, the course has been recognized as one of the finest in New England. Manchester CC has a proud history of supporting golf on all levels and has hosted prestigious local and regional tournaments including the 2019 US Senior Amateur Qualifier, the Vermont Mid-Amateur Tournament, and the 2020 Ver-
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS mont PGA Stroke Play Championship. In 2021, Manchester CC will host the Vermont Senior Championship, the US Senior Amateur Qualifier (2021), and the New England Senior Amateur Championship (2021). The Club also has Har-Tru tennis courts and fullservice food and beverage offerings which includes the Tap room offering pub fare, a formal dining room for special events, an outdoor deck with scenic views of the front nine and Mount Aiolis and a casual outdoor bar with lawn games, comfortable seating and a firepit. The Club can host events up to 150 people. Memberships to suit your needs and wants and lessons are available, with golf and tennis clinics and events held throughout the season. For more information call or visit www.mccvt.com
New “Ranch” Golf Course Inspired By The Company’s Wellness Golf Concept SAN DIEGO, CA. – Pizá Golf, internationally recognized as a world-class architecture and golf course design firm, proudly revealed its inspirational designs for the company’s latest golf course project, known as the “Ranch.” The “Ranch” is a Multi-purpose design that expands upon Wellness Golf at the Chablé Resort but on a larger scale. Similar, to Wellness Golf, the “Ranch” is developed with the intention of creating an inclusive, multi-use space that promotes health, happiness, and well-being. However, the “Ranch” has more space which allowed the design team to create an inventive and fun 18-hole circuit that mix 3, 9, 12, or 18-holes, all in an area of 25-acres. “I feel this is one of my most complete
designs and epitomizes Multi-purpose Golf. It is strategic, inspirational, artistic, and the par 3s can be penal depending on what format the players choose. I am extremely proud of the ‘Ranch.’ It is quite an accomplishment to design an entertaining 18-hole golf circuit on a 25-acre space that can be played to a 7,000-yard, par 72,” said Agustin Pizá, Founder of Pizá Golf. The “Ranch” has received high praise, accolades, and awards, most recently from Architecture Press Release. They honored the concept with a Global Future Design Award. “I am thrilled their esteemed group of judges recognized the vision, the beauty and the playability of the ‘Ranch.’ It is an innovative design, and it only seems fitting the concept received the Global Future Design Award,” added Pizá. The “Ranch” plays in a combination of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s, preferably in two groups of five, playing back-to-back for safety. The 18-hole circuit consists of four distinct greens which are larger than the average due to the multiple pin placements designed for multiple levels of play. For a higher degree of challenge and approach angles, each green measure at a different height. Pizá Golf is known for their commitment to sustainability, the cornerstone of Multi-purpose Golf. A concept to produce golf courses with a smaller footprint, making them economically and ecologically sustainable. Less area to maintain or water, and the “Ranch” is no exception. To consume less water and preserve the land’s natural beauty, the design team only expended 10-acres for grass, the remaining 15-acres remain in-tact. “During the creative process, the team de-
cided the ‘Ranch’ should appear like it had always existed on the site,” added Pizá. The “Ranch” features two contemporary comfort stations, one located to the south and the second on the lake. The circuit is bordered with a golf cart and maintenance path that also serves as a professional dirt bike path. The “Ranch” is a private golf facility positioned on a ranch estate in Mexico and the project is estimated to be finished in Autumn 2022. About Pizá Golf Founder – Arch. Agustin Pizá, MSc: Award winning architect Agustin has earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from ITESM and a Master’s Degree in Golf Course Architecture from Edinburgh University in Scotland. He is a proud member of both the European Institute and the American Society of Golf Course Architects. For 23 years, Pizá has worked with legends of the game and world class golf developments. His designs are known for delivering quality, aesthetic and strategic golf courses. Pizá Golf has been recognized with many international accolades and has garnered a reputation for “Re-defining Golf Facilities” with their concepts – Wellness Golf and Lounge Golf. Agustin Pizá was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 100 creative minds from Mexico and Golf Inc. Magazine included him in their Power 2020 issue as an up and coming superstar. Pizá and the company have worked and have been involved in more than 60 projects on three continents. For more information on Pizá Golf, please visit the company website: www. pizagolf.com
Piza Golf
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MEXICO’S FINEST by Dakota Diaz
THREE LOS CABOS COURSES JOIN GOLF MAGAZINE’S ‘TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY’ LIST Cove Club at Cabo del Sol, Twin Dolphin and Chileno Bay Among the Honorees
L
os Cabos, Mexico – Golf Magazine has released its latest edition of the ‘Top 100 Courses You Can Play,’ a compendium of “beautifully inclusive, thrillingly elite” public-access options sprinkled throughout North America. “Our previous rankings of public-access courses have been confined to the United States,” the magazine reported in its May issue. “This time, we’ve also ventured into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Expanding our reach means, for starters, you can find courses in prime condition at any time of year.” That includes Los Cabos, the dazzling Land’s End destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula known as the ‘Golf Capital of Latin America.’ The publication carefully defined the public-access category. “What exactly constitutes ‘public’ has become a sometimes tricky proposition,” the report stated. “There are semiprivate courses that allow limited ‘outside’ play certain days of the week. There are also courses that grant access via a stay at a certain hotel. Several facilities featured on this list are private clubs with a public component. For our purposes, we consider a course public if you can access it as a nonmember.” GOLF Magazine concluded by issuing a call to action: “We’re all fired up to wipe the dust off our passport and once again experience
different cultures and broaden our course architecture knowledge.” Formerly known as the Ocean Course, the Cove Club at Cabo del Sol (No. 69), built by Jack Nicklaus in 1994, is the course credited with pinpointing Los Cabos on the international golf map. The seaside layout, rebranded and reopened as the Cove Cub in 2019 after a major facelift by Nicklaus, features a handful of new holes, restyled bunkers, improved playing surfaces and a new landscape scheme. The layout occupies what the course designer, who first visited Los Cabos in the 1960s to angle for trophy marlin, once described as “the best golf property I’ve ever seen.” Holes stretch across a splendid desert landscape touched by the Sea of Cortes and backdropped by rocky peaks. Specimen cardon cacti and tawny granite outcrops stake out the fairways and greens on a course often described as the “Pebble Beach of the Baja.” Comfort stations on both nines offer Mexican specialties and ice-cold refreshments. One caveat: the window to play the Cove Club is closing fast. The golf course will close for renovations later this month and will reopen as a private club in the fall. Twin Dolphin (No. 71), centerpiece of a 1,400-acre masterplanned community, is an otherwise-private club that offers exclusive access to guests of Montage Los Cabos, a deluxe beachfront hotel. Built on a broad sloping plateau bisected by three major arroyos, the
Twin Dolphin
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MEXICO’S FINEST Cove Club at Cabo del Sol
7,156-yard layout, perched 180 meters above sea level, features a sweeping ocean view from every hole. Built by Fred Couples (a Twin Dolphin member) and Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design, the course features dramatic elevation changes, undulating greens, tumbling fairways and natural bunkering. Subtle mounding corrals errant shots on a broad-shouldered layout marked by wide corridors and few forced carries. To settle bets, Twin Dolphin has a par-3 “bye hole” that calls for a 95-yard pitch shot over an arroyo. For kids and beginners, the club’s Nino’s Tees present a sporty 2,300-yard, par61 layout. Greens, tees and fairways, under the care of a Pine Valley alumnus, are honed to perfection. There’s also a caddie program, comprehensive practice facilities and a pair of ‘Red Door’ comfort stations serving fine fare and top libations. Arguably the finest Tom Fazio-designed course in Latin America, Chileno Bay (No. 86), first opened in 2013, has been completely revamped by Discovery Land Company. Formal bunkers brim with bright white sand, a stark contrast to the layout’s native tawny waste bunkers. Bougainvillea, oleander and other colorful ornamentals frame the emerald-green fairways. Manicured to perfection, the golf course, girdled by sandy arroyos and prominent natural pinnacles, offers a sea view from every hole. Displaying his trademark artistry, Fazio created graceful flowing landforms intended to simulate rolling ocean waves. Wide fairways and generously turfed surrounds create strategic options for good
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MEXICO’S FINEST players and bail-out areas for duffers. Two on-course comfort stations serve Kobe beef sliders, homemade tamales, beer on draft and candy galore. Guests of Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, a beachfront hotel and residential villa complex managed by Auberge Resorts Collection, enjoy exclusive access to the golf club. Alongside its Top 100 You Can Play feature, GOLF Magazine has a companion story, “Go Tropical,” designed for players who want to work on their tan and their Top 100 checklist. The “Road Trip: Cabo San Lucas” sidebar offers excellent diversions, from the “ultimate in field-to-table dining” (Flora’s Field Kitchen) to nightlife (“Sammy Hagar’s iconic Cabo Wabo”). There’s even a suggested detour to the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira, a breathtaking clifftop layout that “offers stunning ocean views.” Players need to stay at a Pueblo Bonito Resort, with Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, an adults-only, all-inclusive hotel five minutes from the golf club, the best option. About Los Cabos: Situated at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is home to award-winning hotels, resorts, championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas and worldclass sport fishing. With a unique landscape of dramatic desert and dazzling beaches, Los Cabos is an exotic escape within easy reach of most U.S. and Canadian cities. For more information, images and videos from Los Cabos, visit online www.visitloscabos.travel, follow us on Twitter @ LOSCABOSTOURISM and visit us on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
Quivira Golf Club
Chileno Bay
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Fripp Island Golf a
22 Golf Vacations • June 2021
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and Beach Resort By Shane Sharp
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Golf Vacations • June 2021 23
T
here are certain golf destinations that fly under the radar. Some are just remote enough to keep them off the golf media’s grid, while others prefer to quietly go about the business of providing golfers an unforgettable experience. Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort is a little bit of both. The most seaward of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Fripp Island is 18 miles east of historic Beaufort, where novelist Pat Conroy spent his summers. It’s not hard to reach, by modern standards, but getting there does require a bit of island-hopping across Ladys, St. Helena and Hunting Islands to the end of scenic U.S. 21. In terms of self-promotion, you’re not likely to come across many billboards or advertisements for the island’s two outstanding 18-hole layouts. As the centerpieces of the resort, both are member-owned and have a semi-private vibe that runs counter to the “come one, come all” aurora of the state’s larger golf strongholds. Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort’s original course is Ocean Point, designed by George Cobb, who spent most of his professional life living in Greenville, S.C. Cobb was close friends with Masters founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, who tapped him to design the famed par-3 course at Augusta National. The resort’s newer layout, Ocean Creek, is a Davis Love III / Paul Crowley collaboration. It’s DL III’s first signature course and the precursor to Love Golf Design, which he founded with his brother Mark and lead architect and Greenville native Scot Sherman. The two courses are separated by a relaxing five-minute car or golf cart ride through the heart of the island and main resort area, which features multiple pools, a food court, poolside bar (The Sandbar) and gift shops. Upon arrival at either clubhouse, golfers are often pleasantly sur-
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prised to discover that both Ocean Point and Ocean Creek feature practice ranges, despite Fripp Island being only 6.5 square miles (Hilton Head Island, by comparison, is 70). A Tale of Two Courses According to Char Cormier, director of golf for both courses, experienced players prefer Ocean Creek. Playing to 6,613-yards from the tips, the par 71 plays much longer in the heavy ocean air. And coastal breezes that kick-up in the afternoon can dramatically change the course’s personality in a matter of minutes. Love is widely known, and praised, for his traditional approach to golf course architecture. This reverence for the game is on full display at Ocean Creek, where tees boxes are squared, landing areas are clearly defined and green complexes are artfully tucked into pockets of palmettos and palm trees. In addition to its relative length, Ocean Creek’s defense derives from Lowcountry marshes and lagoons that are in play on 11 holes. And golfers take careful note, these aren’t the type of water features to venture close to while searching for errant shots. Fripp Island’s alligators are often sunbathing on the banks or lying quietly in the shallows. There are so many camera-ready holes on Ocean Creek, but the par-3 6th, with its approach shot over an expanse of coastal grasses and unobstructed views of the coastal plain, is an absolute stunner. The course’s routing is also noteworthy in light of its par 5-4-5 finish on holes 16 through 18, which packs over 1,500 yards into its final triumvirate. Ocean Point checks in slightly shorter than Ocean Creek from the back tees at 6,556 yards and plays to a par 72 that affords golfers more scoring opportunities. And as Cormier points out, Cobb left the majority of green fronts open so players can bump-and-run approach shots onto the putting surfaces.
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While Ocean Creek’s beauty lies in the subtly of its Intracoastal, Lowcountry setting, Ocean Point is all about the wow factor of the Atlantic Ocean, which is in view on 10 holes and nearly in-play on four. Its interior holes are also compelling, taking golfers on a ride through thick strands of live oaks, palmettos and lagoons. Aside from their settings, the biggest difference between the “Point” and the “Creek” (as locals refer to them) are their greens. Built in 1996, Ocean Creek’s green complexes were constructed to the USGA’s standards of the time and are much larger with several pin locations. Ocean Point opened in 1964 when smaller greens were the norm, and complexes were less ornate. Traditionalists will appreciate that walking is not only allowed on both courses, it’s encouraged. Pushcarts are available at the bag drops, or feel free to bring your own. Wee tees, placed ahead of the forward tees on Ocean Point and Ocean Creek, setup ideally for juniors and beginners. Suffice it to say, Fripp Island Beach and Golf Resort’s two 18-hole gems are complementary, yet decidedly different. In recognizing this, the resort offers a wide variety of golf packages for groups of all sizes that feature both Ocean Point and Ocean Creek. And guaranteed replays can be added to select packages for a small fee. Where to Stay Golf packages include cottages and villas accommodations located either along, or in proximity to, both golf courses. The resort’s vacation rentals are fully-equipped with all the comforts of home, including kitchens, cookware, outdoor grills and washer/dryer. Some units come with golf carts, and for those that don’t, carts are available to rent.
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Where to Dine Breakfast and lunch are available at both courses at the Ocean Point Grille and the 19th Hole at Ocean Creek. The Bonito Boathouse, less than a mile from Ocean Creek, offers a beautiful setting for dinner overlooking the island’s inland waterways. Additional dining options open up for the peak summer season, including the Beach Club and Palmera Taqueria. Dining hours and availability are listed at the website. Getting Here Fripp Island Beach and Golf Resort is just a half-day’s drive from major metro areas in the Carolinas, Georgia and north Florida. Golfers outside of driving range can choose from two award-winning airports: Savannah-Hilton Head International (SAV) in Savannah, Ga. and Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), both of which are 1.5 hours away. American Airlines offers nonstop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections into HHH, including year-round service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and seasonal service from Boston-Logan (BOS), Washington Reagan Airport (DCA), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) and Philadelphia (PHL). Delta Air Lines Airlines also offers nonstop and one-stop service to HHI via its Atlanta (ATL) hub with connections from 200+ cities worldwide. SAV offers direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports, and Southwest Airlines service began in March with six flights from five markets. Starting May 27th and running through Labor Day weekend, United Airlines will offer seasonal service to HHH from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
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CLUB SELECTION
Tierra Verde Golf Club Audubon Beauty Requires Finding The Fairways
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS
by DAVID R. HOLLAND
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pray a shot wide right on Tierra Verde Golf Club’s No. 1 hole and the “Plum Thicket” on this 355-yard par-4 opener will claim another victim.
You have just received a “Welcome to Audubon Signature” golf and Tierra Verde is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be so honored. A roadrunner graces the flag stick and wouldn’t you know it as I was driving in to the parking lot a roadrunner ran by. Throughout this stellar David Graham and Gary Panks 6,975-yard, par-72 layout you will face the “red stakes”, indicating wayward shots are not OB, but lost in a protected environment. Thou shall not enter the hazard, which on many courses is just wooded rough. Take the penalty and a drop where the ball entered the “red zone”. You won’t mind because Tierra Verde is one of the best examples anywhere of the golf course boom of the ‘90s in the United States that now includes upscale municipal courses. In California this layout would be $100-plus. Here its most expensive golf and cart come on weekends for about $75. Weekday twilight fees are $28.50. “When we decided to build another golf course in Arlington we wanted to go to a new level of excellence,” said Greg Durante, Arlington’s Parks and Recreation’s golf course general manager. “We already had two fine 18-hole layouts and one nine-hole golf course that were getting extensive play, but we wanted a real quality facility that could compete for tournament play. “Many golfers are telling us that this golf course looks like it has been here for many years. It is a unique layout with rolling fairways, mature trees, great bunkering and challenging greens, but each hole was designed for playability. You will find long holes and short ones. I think each hole is memorable,” Durante said. Another thing you will discover is how secluded the area is. Arlington is a booming metropolitan area between Dallas and Fort Worth, but Tierra Verde, in the southwest part of the city, seems far away from the traffic jams. Tierra Verde has three challenging practice holes and a lighted driving range. Arlington is also home to Texas Rangers Golf Club, Lake Arlington Golf Course and Meadowbrook Park Golf Course. The 250-acre facility opened in November 1998 and has five tee locations per hole with Tiff 419 in the fairways. The Audubon International Signature Certification means the course was designed, constructed and maintained using wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement, water quality management and water conservation. www.golfvacationsmag.com
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CLUB SELECTION Many golf courses irrigate 120 to 130 acres of turf, but Tierra Verde, like the new courses in Arizona, has only 90 acres of irrigated grass. The Clubhouse at Tierra Verde, just opened in April 2001, has an ambiance reminiscent of Mediterranean architecture. Course management is the name of the game at Tierra Verde. Keep it in the fairway and you have a chance for some birdies. No. 4, Tucked In, is a 366-yard par-4 that is guarded by cross bunkers. Hit it down the left side and you will have an open approach shot, which has a creek bed just short of the green with stacked rock. The green is tucked in and surrounded by thick trees. Gambler’s Mood, No. 8, a par 5 at 518 yards, is a dramatic dogleg left. If you have an effective draw and boom it, you can get home in two. The green is multi-tiered and tricky.
a lighted driving range, three-hole practice course and large chipping and putting green complex. Also offered are lessons and clinics taught by PGA/LPGA professionals and apprentices, an outdoor pavilion and full-service restaurant, Ventana Grille, that complement every event from small corporate outings to large fundraising tournaments. Tierra Verde is award-winning golf. It is the result of a unique partnership between the City of Arlington, renowned designers Graham & Panks International and Audubon International. Their goal was to create a spectacular championship golf facility with a design sensitive to the environment. Recognized as the 2004 Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award, Tierra Verde is the first golf course in Texas and the first municipal course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary.
The back nine starts with a narrow, scenic short par 4 at 354 yards. You must clear water on your tee shot and the fairway narrows significantly midway down the distance. But this is another birdie chance. The green has a false, narrow front and widens in the back.
This designation is awarded to developments designed and built using Audubon’s sustainable resource management principles. These principles include wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement, water quality management and conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and integrated pest management.
The facility features a state-of-the-art golf learning center,
For info visit https://www.arlingtongolf.com/tierra-verde
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS
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SWEETSTUFF Tour Edge C721 Driver
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ith a number of new technological advances that are readily evident, the new C721 driver by Tour Edge has quickly taken a place among the top new drivers this season that deserve a good hard look. Featuring some all-new design concepts such as the Ridgeback Technology, Dual Carbon Wings and Diamond Face Technology, Tour Edge has taken a big leap with this premium driver that has loads of adjustments and can be ordered with some of the top shafts available to fine-tune the fitting for all types of players. The goal for Tour Edge, explained founder and President David Glod, was to make a club that provides more distance with off center hits and a higher launch with lower spin. “This is next-level Exotics,” said Glod. “It’s a brand-new direction for Exotics, not only with ground-breaking new tech, but with virtually every aspect of the designs.” The optimized center of gravity and MOI (Moment of Inertia) are evident when hitting this club—all the way from the easy feel to the strong powerful sound at impact that players like. Increased swing speeds and ball speeds are the product of these new designs—with the result being more distance. “With Exotics 721, we have forged a new path to optimal performance, power and feel for the vast majority of golfers,” added Glod. “The key is utilizing more carbon fiber than we have ever used--about 20% more on the driver--and with these awesome Carbon Wings that surround our new Ridgeback tech. We also have upgraded our Diamond Face tech to Diamond Face 2.0 that has doubled the amount of interweaving variable thicknesses and an extreme thinning of the face to create more power and forgiveness at the extreme perimeters.” The Ridgeback technology is a power producer. The new design innovation acts as a brace for the face of the club that runs from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the clubhead. The Ridgeback titanium spine runs through the middle of the crown to produce more support at center-face. This extra support increases ball speed produced from both center and off-center hits and increases face-flex and forgiveness on every contact point of the face. It also creates superior feel at impact. The extra rigidity created by the brace through the crown produces a much stronger feel at impact when compared to a full carbon crown and results in a crisper and brighter feel at impact.
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To save weight, Tour Edge engineers designed Ridgeback to replace extra titanium from the crown and sole with wrap-around Dual Carbon Wings that allowed for a precise and strategically placed CG location. This weight savings on the crown and sole moves weight to a more low-rearward position, helping to produce extreme M.O.I. in the clubhead for increased stability at impact. The C721 Driver employs a 19% increase in the amount of Carbon Fiber used on the clubhead over previous Exotics drivers, the most carbon fiber Tour Edge has ever employed in an Exotics driver design. Compared to the EXS 220 Driver, the CG of the Exotics 721 was lowered by 13%-- increasing launch characteristics, while lowering spin in the process. The third major advancement includes diamond shapes of variable face thickness behind the face that act as mini-trampolines to create faster ball speeds and expand the sweet spot to outer areas of the face. There are a total of 43 Diamond shapes featured on Diamond Face 2.0 on the Exotics C721 Driver—and it features seven different thicknesses in an interweaving pattern, compared to the three different thicknesses used previously, and features a face thickness reduction of over 20% at the extreme perimeters of the face. The increase in Diamond Face coverage to the extreme heel and toe and of the driver dramatically increases ball speed on offcenter hits. The decrease in overall thickness of the face also saved five grams of weight that were relocated to the lowest part of the clubhead. The high-grade Beta-Titanium face is a higher strength Japanese metal that produces greater power. The lower-density and lighter 8-11 Titanium used in the body of the driver again lends to faster ball speeds, making this Tour Edge’s fastest driver they have produced, noted Glod. The five different Sound Diffusion Panels placed strategically inside the club head vastly improve the acoustics of the clubhead and enhance the richness of sound produced, which is very noticeable when playing this club. Simple and easy adjustability is a hallmark of this club, from the many suburb premium shafts available to the adjustable rear backweight and adjustable hosel. The custom shaft options are plentiful. One that has many players talking is the Fujikura Ventus Red 4T Core—which, by no surprise, is the most ordered shaft according to Tour Edge-- but several others can be ordered such as the Fujikura Air Speeder and the Project X HZRDUS. The 10-gram adjustable back weight is at the extreme rear of the clubhead to help position the perfected CG and to optimize the M.O.I. properties of the clubhead. Custom individual weights (5, 15 and 18-gram weights) and a complete weight kit are available. The easily adjustable hosel allows players to adjust the loft Plus/ Minus 2 degrees in each club. With three lofts being offered in 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees, this driver comes with a range of 7.5 degrees to 14 degrees in loft and seven lie angles—so golfers can really dig into customizing this club for best results. The C721 also has excellent alignment markings to aid in set-up. This is the most advanced driver that Tour Edge has produced— and the results are readily apparent. For more information on the Tour Edge 721 driver: www. touredge.com
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
Feetures Golf Socks
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he performance sock with the unique name—Feetures—has released its ’21 Spring Collection for golfers and it sports some unique styles and colors to go along with an easy fit for most players. A compression sock that is extremely comfortable and light, the Feetures Elite Performance socks for men and women are engineered for performance with targeted compression and an anatomical design for a custom-like fit for the wearer that prevents bunching and slipping. Feetures new Golf Collection—with the no-show tab and Elite low-cut look-- is designed with moisture-wicking fibers that keep feet dry—along with a seamless toe design to prevent blisters to give players a sock that is not only comfortable but has good cushioning. The unique aspect of this sock is the Targeted Compression-zone specific compression where it does the most good for superior comfort and support. As a result, they have an anatomical design, meaning they conform to the left and right structure of the foot for a custom fit. Feetures is not new to the performance sock category. Hugh Gaither founded the company in 2002 after more than 25 years with a leading athletic sock manufacturer and currently offers men’s women’s and youth styles in several sporting categories, including Active, Relief & Recovery, Everyday, Golf and Cycling. “As a runner and someone passionate about being active, I wanted to design a great sock that would enhance the performance of runners and other athletes,” noted Gaither. “My son, Joe, who was 15 at the time, came up with the Feetures name during a brainstorming session around the dinner table, and thus a brand was launched. Today my sons John and Joe are actively
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involved in the business and together we continue to harness new technology with the goal of producing the best performance socks in the world.” Feetures socks come with a lifetime guarantee and are available at many retail outlets and sporting goods stores. For more information: https://feetures.com
Golf Pride MCC Teams Collection
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or golfers looking to show the colors of their favorite sports team—or even to just brighten their game up a little—Golf Pride has introduced a new expanded lineup of its popular MCC® Teams family of golf club grips with five new color options in the Plus4 design. The MCC Teams grips come in standard, midsize, and Plus4 with the new Plus4 color options available at retail now. The newest colors for 2021 include purple and yellow, purple and white, navy and white, dark green and white and orange and white. The unique hybrid design of the MCC model features Brushed Cotton Cord Technology in the upper hand area for player’s that desire all-weather cord performance, and high-traction rubber in the lower hand area for the touch and feel normally associated with a velvet style grip. Offering the best of both worlds, Golf Pride’s MCC is the #1 Grip Series Worldwide™, according to parent company Eaton, and is preferred by both Touring professionals and amateurs with over 250 Tour wins. “We know there is a tremendous crossover between passionate golfers and passionate sports fans who love to support their favorite professional or amateur teams,” said Bruce Miller, product manager at Golf Pride. “Adding the Plus4 to the MCC Teams family, as well as the expanded color options in Plus4, allows an even greater number of golfers to not only play the most popular grip in golf but also show their flair for color and style.” For more information: www.GolfPride.com
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