Golf Vacations Magazine - June 2023

Back By 9

Stay, Play and Learn

STAY at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, PLAY at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, and LEARN with a Golf Club Professional

STAY, PLAY, and LEARN with our Back by 9 package in combination with the Indian Wells Golf Resort.

STAY at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, in your choice of a guest room, suite, or villa.

PLAY nine holes of golf at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, ranked in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the

United States” by Golf Magazine.

LEARN throughout your nine holes on either the Celebrity or Player Course with a Certified Golf Club Professional.

Also included is a complimentary breakfast item and beverage from the Indian Wells Golf Resort Food Truck, a sleeve of Logoed golf balls,

and complimentary transportation available to and from hotel to the golf course.

After your learning experience on the course, enjoy all the resort has to offer at the largest waterpark in the Coachella Valley, with dueling water slides, a lazy river, splash pad, and add-on to your day with a total wellness service at the Agua Serena Spa.

GOLF VACATIONS GOLF VACATIONS

JUNE 2023

8

10 Chip Shots

18 Horseshoe Bay Resort

24

by Terry Ross

30

by

David

R. Holland

If you are a Texan not living in the celebrated Hill Country you cherish and remember the times you visited, discovering the next granite dome, field of bluebonnets and rocky, prickly-pear climb to a summit to observe a sunset.

Sea Palms Resort

by David Theoret

Travel + Leisure Magazine considers St. Simons Island, GA one of the “Top 5 Best US Islands.” Golf is one of the biggest attractions on St. Simons Island with several private clubs and resort courses, few of which are open to the general public.

Door County Cooks Up A Delicious Deal

by Wes Bolyard

This is a teaser to pique your interest in visiting Door County, Wisconsin. Due to the lateness of the year and the weather on my initial visit in late October, I was only able to see part of all the offerings this great peninsula has to offer. Stay tuned next year for the follow up article to learn more about ALL the golf that is available.

34 Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

Red Sky Golf Club • Wolcott, Colorado

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

Wes Bolyard is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of golf publications for over 20 years. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and lives in Mesa, AZ. His work appeared in Arizona Fairways, Arizona Golfer, The Golf Guide Mid-Atlantic Region, Kansas City Golf, Sporting Woman, and Sun Golf covering golf course reviews, golf equipment, apparel evaluations, golf travel luggage and golf travel destination resorts. Wes has had the unique experience of accomplishing a feat with 67 million to one odds - two holes-in-one in one round.

David Theoret (aka The Golfin’ Guy) grew up in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, where it was naturally assumed he would play hockey. Beginning at the age of 3 and continuing into his late 30s, he did just that, however, after one too many pucks to the head, he realized that golf was a lot easier on the body and took the game up. From 2003 until 2009, David ran the sales and marketing department of TravelGolf Media – now known at GolfNow.com. While at TravelGolf, an editor told him he had a flair for writing and he started writing articles about anything golf-related. He currently resides in Lake Tansi, TN with his wife Belinda and their four-legged “kid,” Louie.

Executive Editor

Jeffrey Diaz

Associate Editors

Terry Ross

Dakota Diaz

Features Editor

JD Latorre

Senior Writers

Tim Cotroneo • Larry Feldman

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.

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.

David R. Holland • Dave McKibben Jakki Right • David Theoret

For Editorial: call (760) 774–2655

e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com

National Marketing Director

Darren Babby • (916) 500–8188 dbabby01@gmail.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

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Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue.

Golf trips are usually fun—but when you add an exceptional tournament to the mix—then you have a memorable travel experience.

The Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Lexus that was played in May at the exclusive Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert is one that you won’t forget— and for anyone visiting this golf oasis in the Southern California desert in the late spring—it is an event like no other and one that you will leave saying this was special.

Anderson--the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor who stared in ABC’s multiaward nominated sitcom “black-ish” for eight seasons and is hosting his third season of the ABC game show “To Tell the Truth” --knows how to put on a show and his quick wit was on full display during the two-day event that is produced by Bill Hammond and his entertainment company.

The tournament, Anderson’s fifth annual, helped raise funds for The Anthony Anderson Family Foundation that benefits: Children’s Hospital LA, Boys & Girls Club of America, The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Los Angeles Mission, Compton Jr Posse Youth Equestrians, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, Children Striving Together, Compton Initiative and Compassion for Teen Life, Inc.

The fun and the laughter began with the Sunday VIP Pairings Party at the Canyon SteakHouse at Bighorn that included an

Terry Ross

An Unforgettable Golf Experience MY TURN by

The casual scramble format of the Anderson Celebrity Classic was made for an event like this—fun golf with more food than you can eat in a week, prizes at every hole, a massage station at the turn—not to mention enough laughs to fill the entire valley!

The Post Golf Reception and Awards dinner at the Canyon SteakHouse continued the fun vibe of the day—and again the presentation was memorable with Anderson’s entertaining remarks that kept the crowd engaged.

Hammond Entertainment Productions puts on a dynamic show for the Anderson tournaments—and has another event that should be inviting to those looking for a summer golf experience in Northern California—the 2nd Annual Napa Live Experience.

impressive turnout of legendary athletes and celebrities that included: Cedric The Entertainer, Don Cheadle, CC Sabathia, Roland Martin, Vince Coleman, Marcus Allen, Norm Nixon, Seth Joyner, Galen Gering, Dondre Whitfield, Ozzie Smith, David Justice, Jack Wagner, Mike Woodson, Sterling Sharp and many more.

Guests enjoyed a “Thank You Lounge” created by GBK Brand Bar where they received items like: PHASE Clothing, Yasso Butta, Murad Skincare, Vacations through Sail Rock Resort and Lush African Safari and much more.

The night was filled with prizes, music and lots of laughs—not to mention the private VIP Celebrity Cigar Lounge that set the stage for Monday’s main event that was even better.

The exclusive private Canyons Course at Bighorn has hosted professional events--and it is no wonder why this Tom Fazio-designed layout is generally regarded as one of the best among more than 100 in the desert area and one of the more scenic layouts that you will find with the many lakes, streams, palm trees, rock outcroppings and wildflower blooms.

As it winds through the Palm Desert canyons overlooking the Palm Springs valley, the Canyon Course is a challenge for players of all levels, but sports ample-wide fairways-but demanding greens that will test even the best players.

This event will bring together golf, wine, food and music concert in a Celebrity Classic hosted by the Meritage Resort & Spa in the Napa Valley region---June 25 and 26. The Silverado Resort and Spa will host the Golf Classic portion of the event in this beautiful wine country region on Monday the 26th.

For more information about these events and Hammond Entertainment, go to: https:// www.hammondentertainment.com

Central Oregon Golf: A destination that brings people together

The Central Oregon Golf Trail is much more than golf with a view. But with the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters seemingly watching over every shot under bright Central Oregon skies, those views certainly leave an impression.

The majesty of Central Oregon’s geography is part of what has long made it a cradle of imaginative course designs as diverse as anywhere in the country. The mountainous backdrop and evergreen forests give way to a rugged High Desert landscape with red-cinder volcanic outcroppings and juniper forest. Famed names in golf architecture like Bob Cupp Jr., Tom Fazio, John Fought, Robert Trent Jones, David McLay Kidd, and Jack Nicklaus have all painted Central Oregon’s unique canvas over the years to create vastly different golf experiences.

Central Oregon’s three Golf Digest Top 100 courses — Pronghorn Club’s Jack Nicklaus Course (No. 40) east of Bend, Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater Club (No. 61), and Tetherow Resort in Bend (No. 82) — are perfectly emblematic of that diversity. All within 20 minutes of each other, these three gems are carved from different landscapes to create their own experience. Yet together, they create a golf adventure that is uniquely Central Oregon.

With nearly 30 golf courses, though, there is more to explore. The Central Oregon Golf Trail also features stunning resorts, including Sunriver Resort and its three championship golf courses, Black Butte Ranch and its two championship designs, Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve, the Scottish heathland-style Tetherow, as well as the playerfriendly design of Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte.

Round out your bucket list. Trail adventure with hidden gems like Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters — named by Golf Advisor as one of the country’s great hidden gems — and Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, considered the top municipal course in Oregon.

“One of the main attributes that helps set Central Oregon apart

from most golf destinations is the array of course designs that are of the highest quality,” said Julia Theisen, president/CEO of Visit Central Oregon. “Central Oregon is home to picturesque pine tree-framed fairways that many think of when they think of golf in the Pacific Northwest. But Central Oregon is also home to stunning Scottish Heathland designs and striking desert links carved by ancient lava outcroppings. The landscape of Central Oregon has given course architects so many options, which is a big part of the joy that comes from a golf trip here.”

The Central Oregon Golf Trail is also continually evolving. Sunriver Resort is currently undergoing a major bunker renovation project at Crosswater, which will reopen on July 1 fully refreshed. Black Butte Ranch has also nearly completed a renovation of Big Meadow’s bunkers.

Sunriver and Black Butte Ranch have added family-friendly putting courses in recent years, and the putting course at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond remains a favorite.

Golf isn’t all that makes Central Oregon such an enticing golf destination. Central Oregon has earned its reputation as a paradise for outdoor recreation. And home to nearly three dozen breweries, distilleries, and cideries, as well as a creative culinary scene that includes everything from fine dining to an eclectic food truck culture, finding fun off the course is never difficult. The region’s cultural and entertainment offerings continually grow. That includes a live music scene featuring some of the biggest names in music, whether catching a summer show at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend or taking in live entertainment at intimate venues throughout the region.

“Central Oregon’s combination of high-quality golf and offcourse activities ensures that even the novice or non-golfers in the group will have a great time,” Theisen said. “Golf is a game that is best shared. And Central Oregon is a destination that brings people together, whether a group of friends or family.”

The Central Oregon Golf Trail - Tetherow

Troon Celebrates Women’s Golf Month

Throughout June

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – June is “Troon Women’s Golf Month, Presented by Callaway” at Troon-affiliated facilities around the world. Throughout the month, Troon facilities and Troon Golf Academies, and their respective teaching professionals, are joining forces to host introductory golf clinics, events, plus unique and creative playing opportunities such as Nine & Wine and Golf & Dine events. Now in its 10th year, the goal of Troon Women’s Golf Month is to introduce more golfers to the game, regardless of age, race or gender. To help kickoff Troon Women’s Golf Month, many Troon-affiliated facilities are participating in Women’s Golf Day, a weeklong global celebration May 30 –June 6 celebrating girls and women playing golf and learning the skills that last a lifetime.

Examples of Troon Women’s Golf Month programming at Troon-affiliated facilities around the globe include, but are not limited to:

• Women’s Golf Days

• Short game classes and clinics

• Discounts on greens fees

• Discounts on women’s apparel

• Women’s Golf Clinics with one hour of instruction plus 9 holes of golf

• Practice range specials

To learn more about Troon Women’s Golf Month programs, visit www.troon.com/play-troon-programs/womens-golf-month or contact the Troon-affiliated facility nearest you. For more information on all of Troon’s “grow the game” initiatives, visit www.Troon.com.

Quinta do Lago joins Zest Golf to Streamline

Their Resort’s Tee Time Availability

Quinta do Lago, one of Europe’s most-iconic golf resorts has joined the Zest.Golf platform to streamline bookings to their three golf courses both from outside channels and across their resort.

With three courses, North, South and Laranjal, the resort manages close to 100,000 visitor rounds every year. The current operational flow creates a lot of additional work to manage these bookings. Streamlining this process via Zest’s technology will free up Quinta do Lago staff to elevate their top-class resort experience increasingly more directly with guests.

Luis Filipe, Corporate and Leisure Relations Director for Quinta do Lago: “Our day-to-day operations are quite hectic with the unprecedented demand for our golf courses. We have a variety of customers all looking for tee times. Between resorts, residents and guests, we also cater for many golfers from all over Europe all wanting a great golf experience. Such is the demand on our staff to cater for these bookings that sometimes our customer service, not for lack of effort, is not at the level we want and need it to be. Creating online accessibility into our tee sheet will free up our staff to provide that unforgettable guest experience that makes us stand out from our neighbours in the region.”

The Zest.Golf Channel Manager Platform will provide Quinta do Lago with a number of solutions for them to manage the majority of their golf bookings online. It allows them to create individual booking conditions for the variety of partners they cater for. On top of that, Quinta do Lago will also implement the Zest payment solution to streamline payments from their different partners, again, reducing risk and improving cash flow.

Jo Maes, Chief Commercial Officer Zest.golf adds: “The Algarve has become immensely popular as a golf destination. Easily reachable from all over Europe and with sunshine almost all year round, the Algarve offers quality courses all along the Atlantic Coast. Quinta do Lago is a property close to my heart as I lived nearby for many years. Our team is proud we can help them create more efficiency in their operations via Zest.Golf and help them to remain one of Europe’s top lifestyle resorts.”

Luis Filipe continues: “The Zest.Golf platform will help us transition and streamline our B2B business online, automate payment and unlock new marketplaces to sell and distribute tee times. This is the future for the Golf Industry.”

New Par-3 Layout Under Construction Next to Tiger Woods Designed Payne’s Valley Golf Course

BRANSON, MO – One of America’s most in-demand golf destinations just got even more appealing with news that it is adding another golf course, this one a dramatic par-3 18-hole layout under construction adjacent to Payne’s Valley, the astounding championship course designed by Tiger Woods and Beau Welling that is drawing players from around the globe.

Construction is still in its early stages and no timetable for completion was shared.

Big Cedar Lodge Founder Johnny Morris also founded Bass Pro Shops, and he has been prolific in building award-winning courses during the past decade by A-list designers like Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

“We believe what is taking shape will offer one of the most extraordinary Par 3-course experiences anywhere,” Bass Pro said in a statement.

That’s saying much given how extraordinary the first five courses are, including several best-of accolades from national golf media outlets.

The new course will be the sixth under the Big Cedar Lodge umbrella and the 11th in the rising-star golf destination which claims five of the top 10 rated public courses in Missouri including the top three.

“It’s hard to keep up with Johnny Morris – he’s always building great things,” said Lynn Berry, Explore Branson, Director of Communications. “And because everything he does is done to a mind-boggling degree, we know the course under construction is going to be amazing and further reinforce our status as a must-visit golf destination.”

Tiger and Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge Founder

Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort Joins the Marriott Group

TUSCANY, ITALY – Recognised as one of the top Tuscan golfing destinations, the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort has joined Marriott International, the largest and most prestigious hospitality group in the world.

The Resort, which boasts the only course in the country with PGA National Italy status, thus becomes the first 5-star resort in Italy and one of the few golf properties in Europe to belong to Marriott’s golf portfolio.

Argentario is now also a member of the loyalty programme, Marriott Bonvoy, which allows travellers to collect points and transform them into benefits, free stays and much, much more.

Following a series of restyling operations over the next few months, the Resort will also join the exclusive Autograph Collection brand, a collection of independent luxury hotels individually selected by Marriott International for their unique perspectives on design, craftsmanship and hospitality and their ability to offer exclusive and luxurious experiences to their guests.

and two hours from Rome Ciampino Airport.

To book your Tuscan vacation, call the Resort on Tel: +39 0564 810292 or email: booking@argentarioresort.it

Hilton elevates relationship with the Ryder Cup to Worldwide Partner

Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America today announce a new agreement with Hilton that will see the leading global hospitality company become a Worldwide Partner of the 2023 Ryder Cup. This agreement elevates Hilton from its previous position as Official Hotel Supplier to the 2023 Ryder Cup.

This new partnership agreement with golf’s greatest team contest further strengthens Hilton’s strong ties with the game. The company has been an Official Partner of the DP World Tour since 2022 and Luke Donald, the Captain of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team, is a Hilton Ambassador.

In addition to providing accommodation to Ryder Cup players and staff at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Hilton will also benefit from global brand exposure through co-created, multichannel marketing campaigns. And bringing its leading approach to creating the most memorable stays, Hilton will be launching a Ryder Cup edition of their award-winning “A Stay on the Green by Hilton” experience that has already proved so successful at select DP World Tour events. Hilton Honors members will have exclusive access to use their Points to book the unique opportunity of staying in a specially constructed Hilton room next to the 10th green at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

Hilton will also enjoy significant on-course branding at the tournament and on global television broadcasts and will sponsor digital content campaigns on Ryder Cup social media channels throughout 2023.

“For over 15 years, the Argentario Resort has played a vital role in developing the Maremma region, promoting sports and outdoor activities, introducing striking contemporary design and providing authentic experiences off the beaten track in this unspoilt pocket of Tuscany,” comments Augusto Orsini, owner of the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort.

“The spirit of the Autograph Collection brand fits perfectly with our history and philosophy. Moreover, by linking up with Autograph Collection group of hotels, our Resort will have access to the international distribution channels of the Marriott brand.

“This partnership will not just give strong visibility and increased profile to the Resort but also to the Monte Argentario promontory and the Maremma region which will have an important impact both economically and from a local employment point of view.”

Following the opening of the Argentario championship golf course in 2006 (awarded PGA National status in 2019), the property opened the hotel in 2008 and its extensive 2,700 square metre spa two years later in 2010.

The property, home to 73 suites and rooms and a collection of luxury villas, is set in 77 hectares of typical Tuscan terrain surrounded by a nature reserve. It offers a variety of sporting and fitness activities, two restaurants serving local cuisine and a host of sightseeing opportunities from hilltop towns to cities of culture like Rome and Siena.

Argentario is just 90 minutes by car from Rome Fiumicino Airport

Established in 1927, the biennial competition pits 12 of the top professional golfers from the U.S. and Europe against each other in a head-to-head match play competition and has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating an audience of millions around the globe. The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome from 29 September – 01 October.

Speaking about the new partnership Chris Silcock, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of Hilton, said: “The Ryder Cup is one of the most exciting events in the global sporting calendar and we are delighted to become a Worldwide Partner of the 2023 event. Through this industry-first partnership, Hilton will create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and showcase our leading and unique hospitality to players, staff, and Hilton Honors members.”

Guy Kinnings, Ryder Cup Europe Director, said: “We know Hilton very well through our DP World Tour partnership and we are delighted that they have decided to further elevate their association with the Ryder Cup. We have already worked together on award winning marketing campaigns for the DP World Tour over the past 12 months and the Ryder Cup, the pinnacle of drama and emotion in our sport, provides rich territory to further collaborate on campaigns that get people talking. The spectacular Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel will also be the base for both teams. Rome 2023 promises to be a historic event and a partner of Hilton’s prestige will help us stage one of the best events yet.”

Jeff Price, Chief Commercial Officer of PGA of America, added: “We are thrilled that Hilton, the global leader in premium hospitality and service, has expanded its relationship with the Ryder Cup. By combining Hilton’s renowned hospitality expertise with the prestige of the Ryder Cup, we aim to deliver a world-class experience for golf enthusiasts at Marco Simone.”

Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort

McLay-Kidd Hails The Dunas Course As The Missing Links For European Golf

David McLay-Kidd believes that The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta is a first for golf in southern Europe and different to any other golf-design project that has ever been built in the region.

The world-acclaimed golf architect has partnered with Vanguard Properties – the largest real estate developer in Portugal – to launch his first golf course in mainland Europe, with the layout available to play for the first time from the start of this month.

Situated one hour south of Lisbon, The Dunas Course has been created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain on the coast in a secluded setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve.

McLay-Kidd first started work on the par-71 links course in 2008 before experiencing a series of delays, and believes there is no other course like it in southern Europe after flying in from his home in the United States to give his personal seal of approval to the eagerlyawaited project.

“I think after 15 years of effort, we are actually there. There’s now no pandemic and no worldwide recession,” said McLay-Kidd, whose other famous designs include Bandon Dunes, Queenwood, Beaverbrook, Machrihanish Dunes and the Castle Course at St. Andrews.

“I first came here in 2008 and it’s absolutely stunning. If you look at any top 100 list, it is peppered by golf courses that are through pine, barren sand dunes – from the courses in Melbourne, Australia, to the courses in Long Island in the US and the stuff around the British and Irish coastline, they are generally through sand and through vegetation, and so here we are in southern Europe in Portugal with exactly that type of terrain, and yet no golf course has really capitalised on that. This is a massive opportunity for golf to build something that is unique in southern Europe.

“I’ve been asked how I would characterise the course and I would

say it’s easy to categorise, it’s a links course. It’s not links-style, it’s not links-like, it’s a links course. You’re playing as close to the beach as you can get in Portugal, you’re in pure sand, you’re playing on fescue grass with a golf course that wants you to read the ground, bounce the ball and run it around, using the contours to your advantage, so I don’t know if there’s anything out there that wouldn’t tick the box as a links course as a definition that a Scotsman would give you.

“The thing that is really great for me is that this is open to the public. I get to build courses but, more often than not, they are very, very private and no one gets to see them, so being able to build something like this that’s unique, so natural and is open to all at a reasonable price is great. I’m hoping that the course will fill with golfers quickly and be a showcase for links golf in southern Europe.”

The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at the multi-million euro Terras da Comporta development. The layout opened to the public for play for the first time on June 1, with the official course inauguration set to take place at the beginning of October.

McLay-Kidd was joined at in Portugal last month by a group of leading golf media from the UK, Ireland and Europe. As well as playing the course, the journalists had the the opportunity to a few holes alongside McLay-Kidd and they were united in their praise for the new layout, labelling it as one of the new stars of European golf.

Adam Lawrence, editor of Golf Course Architecture magazine, said: “I first saw Dunas during the original build back in 2014. The course was not quite finished, but it was clear to me that it would be the best in Portugal the day it opened. Nine years on, I’m glad to be able to confirm that my original judgment was right. The Dunas Course is very special, and like nothing else in Europe. It will, deservedly, occupy a very high place in rankings of the continent’s finest courses.”

Jim McCann, editor of the Top 100 Golf Courses website, said:

The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta photo by James Hogg

“Looking at various aerial images of The Dunas Course beforehand, I imagined the terrain would probably be quite flat but I was completely wrong. The Terras da Comparta property occupies a prime coastal location in a rolling, forested landscape with pure sand everywhere you turn. Over the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of new-build golf projects in continental Europe and this one is right up there with the very best of them.”

Vanguard Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, took ownership of the spectacular Terras da Comporta development in 2019 and the site features two plots: Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land in the Alcácer do Sal municipality, and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares of land in the Grândola municipality.

Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy. Away from the fairways, an array of lifestyle activities will be available including horseriding, wellness and sailing, with a wide range of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums also on offer.

To book a round on The Dunas Course, email golf@comporta. com and for more information, visit www.comporta.com

Princeville Makai Golf Club And 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Unveil New ‘Golf With A View’ Stay And Play Package

PRINCEVILLE, KAUAI, HAWAII – Located along the storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville Makai Golf Club and the new 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay recently unveiled the ‘Golf with a View’ stay and play package. The package includes luxury accommodations at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and multiple rounds

of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Course, ranked as one of the ‘Top 5 Most Scenic Golf Settings’ in the world by National Geographic Traveler and a ‘Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Course in America’ by Golf Digest.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay recently opened to guests following resort’s $300 million design transformation. Perched above legendary Hanalei Bay, the sustainable luxury resort features 252 rooms, including 51 suites with the waterfall-striated Hihimanu, Namolokama, and Mamalahoa mountains in the distance.

The Golf with a View package includes:

• 3+ nights include two rounds of golf for two

• 6+ nights include four rounds of golf for two

• Premium Callaway club rentals

• One Sunset Tour for two

• 19th Hole drinks for two at Kai Makai

• Audi e-tron experience test drive to the Makai Golf Course

• Daily access to Bamford Wellness Spa’s Wellness Recovery Center

• Flexible cancellation

“As the flagship nature-and-wellness-focused resort of 1 Hotels, the new 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay offers a unique experience in Hawaii that combines the natural landscape with our rich culture and history,” said Princeville Makai Golf Club General Manager Michael Neider. “This new package is an opportunity for golfers to experience this amazing resort, while playing multiple rounds on our Top 100 golf course and enjoying our famous Sunset Tour.”

Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon manages Princeville Makai Golf Club. For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www.makaigolf.com.

Shangri-La Resort And Crescent Hotels & Resorts To Celebrate Grand Opening Of The Battlefield Golf Course

MONKEY ISLAND, OK – Shangri-La Resort, Oklahoma’s premier waterfront golf and outdoor recreation destination, and Crescent Hotels & Resorts are celebrating the grand opening of The Battlefield, a spectacularly designed 18-hole par-3 golf course. Oklahoma government officials and other dignitaries – including Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Representative and Gulf War veteran Josh West, and former Broadway performer Ron Young – will be on hand for the official Grand Opening and Dedication hosted by Shangri-La owner Eddy Gibbs, Executive Chairman Jason Sheffield, and President & CEO Barry Willingham, on Friday, June 30.

The Tom Clark and Kevin Atkinson-designed, 3,000-yard Battlefield layout is a short course of creative, articulated scale and vision, constructed on an exceptional piece of land that features more than 100 feet of elevation change across its acreage. The scenic, strategic course was completed for $15 million with each hole named in honor of an Oklahoma veteran of WWII.

It’s a memorable, immersive playing experience from any of the five sets of tee boxes, plus up-close “Felix Tees” for beginners, youngsters or those wanting to work on their short game. This short course also has a 165-yard warm-up area and 10,000-square-foot putting green, and there’s also a practice range and short-game facility at the main clubhouse. While challenging from the back tees – the course record since the soft opening is just one-under-par –12 holes-in-one have already been recorded in this thrilling, hilly funscape.

This enjoyable, accessible par-54 course which features holes from 110 to 245 yards, joins the acclaimed 27 championship holes at Shangri-La, the Legends, Heritage and Champions courses (framed elegantly on the shores of the expansive Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees) to present an extraordinary 45-hole golfer’s paradise that buddies’ trip groups and golf aficionados from all over the country will want to add to their bucket list.

READY FOR THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Shangri-La’s visionary owner Gibbs has transformed the resort into the pride of Northeast Oklahoma and put the lakefront vacation oasis on the map nationally with an investment of more than $100 million into the property’s accommodations and upscale leisure amenities since taking it over in 2010. Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the award winning, nationally recognized, operator of hotels and resorts with over 120 properties in the United States & Canada, recently added the Shangri-La Resort & Marina to the growing list of properties Crescent manages under the Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent collection.

In addition to the 119-room resort hotel, an indoor pool, 6,500 square-foot outdoor resort pool with splash pad and tanning ledge, luxury spa, full-service marina on gleaming, 46,500-acre Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, and six distinct dining and cocktails venues culminate in an unforgettable getaway for golfers, families, groups, corporate and association retreats, and weddings.

Surrounded by the waters of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees on three sides, the revered 27-hole championship Shangri-La golf course meanders through rolling parkland landscapes with elevated Bentgrass greens and clever bunkering along with more open,

Battlefield Green to Clubhouse

flowing fairways accented by ponds, streams and the breathtaking lakefront. The Legends ninth, “The Mickey Mantle Hole,” uniquely features two separate greens complexes separated by a blissful but daunting waterfall. It’s named after the New York Yankees legend who hosted his Mickey Mantle Golf Classic charity tournament at Shangri-La from 1991 until his death in 1995 and once holed an albatross on this iconic par five.

The Anchor, a two-year-old, six-acre indoor/outdoor activity park has basketball, tennis, pickleball, cornhole, and a unique “MiniFenway” WIFFLE®Ball park, as well as a catch-and-release fishing pond for children under 12. The Anchor’s 11,000 square-foot indoor space offers traditional arcade games plus virtual reality games, a LaserShot shooting simulator, and Trackman Golf simulators.

A popular spot for drinks and dining, the Sports Bar at The Anchor features dozens of sports screens including two giant video walls, along with ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, darts, and foosball.

JUNE 30 GRAND OPENING AND DEDICATION

The June 30 open-to-the-public Grand Opening and Dedication event begins at 10 a.m. with the formal presentation of colors by the Ritual Team from Grove American Legion Post 178 and Young’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Lieutenant Governor Pinnell (who also spoke at dedication ceremonies for The Anchor Activity Park and USS Oklahoma Memorial at Shangri-La in 2021) will keynote the opening.

As Lieutenant Governor, Pinnell serves as Chairman of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Commission and as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage on Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet. In that role, he leads Oklahoma’s efforts to promote tourism, the state’s third largest industry. He is currently leading the launch of the Oklahoma Golf Trail.

The Battlefield’s formal dedication by State Representative Josh West will honor all military veterans, but especially WWII veterans, in keeping with The Battlefield’s theme and mission. West, who earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor for his service in the U.S. Army, has since founded the Oklahoma Veterans Caucus in the Oklahoma legislature and remains involved in numerous veterans’ organizations.

Visit shangrilaok.com for more information.

The Nemacolin Golf Academy Announces Two-Day Golf School, July 13 – 14

Farmington, PA – The Nemacolin Golf Academy, the game improvement epicenter at Pennsylvania’s premier luxury golf resort destination, announced a special Two-Day Golf School on July 13 – 14. The total-game-improvement-focused school will be led by Nemacolin’s director of instruction Mike LaBella, a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher along with the renowned Andrew Rice, one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers in America.

Golfers looking to improve any aspect of their full swing as well as the short game won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to work with this duo of top teachers in an academy setting optimized for fostering better play. The Nemacolin Golf Academy utilizes cuttingedge hardware like TrackMan launch monitors and simulators, Foresight Sports’ GCQuad launch monitor, and Swing Catalyst’s Balance and Dual Force Plates.

The Golf Academy’s four spacious hitting bays, complete with a dedicated, 1,000-square-foot putting room, also opens up to the outdoor 25-station driving range that sits adjacent to two short-game practice areas, a large putting green.

The July golf school with Rice and LaBella also includes custom video analysis and on-course lessons on one of Nemacolin’s acclaimed championship golf courses.

Rice, one of the most sought-after instructors in the game, is the director of instruction at The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Ga., and has been teaching golf for 25 years. He is a Golf Pass Staff Instructor, a TrackMan Master and one of nine TrackMan University Partners in the world. Rice is also a Swing Catalyst and Arccos Ambassador. LaBella, who helms operations at The Nemacolin Golf Academy, cites his three most important characteristics for every golfer as course management, a strong short game, and placing an emphasis on specific shot skills rather than picture-perfect technique.

For golfers looking for practical, repeatable skills that breed confidence and consistency, this Two-Day Golf School at the Nemacolin Golf Academy July 13 – 14 is the perfect chance to lower their handicaps in 2023.

To register for this amazing Two-Day Golf School, please email GolfAcademy@Nemacolin.com.

Nemacolin Golf Academy

Horseshoe Bay Resort A Texas Treasure

By David R. Holland

HORSESHOE BAY, TX -- If you are a Texan not living in the celebrated Hill Country you cherish and remember the times you visited, discovering the next granite dome, field of bluebonnets and rocky, prickly-pear climb to a summit to observe a sunset.

At Horseshoe Bay Resort you can do all these things. And you don’t need to be a Texan to book a world-class travel golf trip.

It’s such an inspiring, fun trip that I’ve visited over the years teeing it up with friends, a cousin, a college roommate and even with a Texas Sports Hall of Fame football coach.

“I didn’t know much about Robert Trent Jones when I moved here, but I love the natural areas. They just cleaned out some trees and put in some golf courses. It’s very peaceful. And I love the spring when the creeks are running like crazy and there are wildflowers all over the place.”

That’s what former Texas Tech football coach, the late Spike Dykes told me one beautiful day at Horseshoe Bay Resort. He’s the father of Sonny Dykes, who coached TCU to the 2203 national championship game.

“I know of no area that has a more interesting variety of golf than Horseshoe Bay. I rank this among the best in the world,” the late Jones said back in his designing days.

The “rocks” can be small or massive. Rocks are so prevalent that the names of the golf courses are classic -- Slick Rock, Apple Rock, and Ram Rock are open to the public. The newest course, Summit Rock, is a Jack Nicklaus-designed private layout.

The landscape is impressive but so is the dedication of the resort to keep on improving. For decades, Texans have known the charms of this lakefront oasis, and now a four-year, $100-plus-million renovation is complete.

Only an hour northwest of Austin, Horseshoe Bay is an easy trip, deep in the heart of ruggedly beautiful Central Texas, by air or land. Once inside the oasis of the 2,400-acre resort and community by the shores of constant-level Lake LBJ, you’ll find a lush, tropical and inviting outdoor paradise.

Horseshoe Bay Resort has been revitalized with updates to guests

rooms, a renovated yacht club that boasts a 100-seat waterfront beach bar and a new in-pool bar and improvements to all golf courses.

“We’re seeing more and more purpose-built golf trip bookings from places from all over,” says general manager Bryan Woodward.

“As times goes by, I think Texas is going to be competitive with markets like Florida, Arizona and California as a genuine golf destination and I think Horseshoe Bay Resort’s going to be a huge part of that.”

Vacation families will see palm trees, water and rock features throughout and Hawaii-like colorful vegetation. Today visitors can also venture out for winery tours and Texas BBQ.

“Everything traveling golfers’ value, you’ll find here in a truly distinct and elevated presentation. The investment we have put into these renovations have elevated the quality of our golf to a national level and has made the overall golf experience more fun for our guests.

“People know desert golf, mountain golf, links golf and parkland golf, but if you’ve never experienced golf in the rocky, panoramic Texas Hill Country, your bucket list has another line to check,” Woodward says. “Once you play golf in this setting, it just stays with you.”

What is new at Horseshoe Bay?

The Cap Rock Clubhouse is new and very upscale. It is an architecturally stunning showcase that sits on an elevated limestone plateau with a 60-mile view of the Texas Hill Country and just might remind you of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Opened in 2021 it serves Apple Rock and Ram Rock with its native stone, angular, sharp lines and upscale dining, post-round refreshment, Sunday Brunch or sunshine fun with its Pool Cabana.

The restoration of the golf courses has been led by Director of Agromony Ken Gorzycki, who has been working since November 2015, when Slick Rock, the original course built in 1971, was given all new greens, bunkers, irrigation and extended cart paths.

That same process continued on Ram Rock, which closed in August 2017 and reopened in May 2018, and then AppleRock, which shut down in August 2018 and reopened July 2019.

Character of the layouts

Ram Rock, with its rock gardens, granite outcroppings and blind tee shots, was designed to be one of the most difficult courses in the state. “There’s no doubt it is the toughest I’ve played,” coach Dykes said. But the recent renovation has softened some design aspects, increasing green size, reducing bunker acreage by 40 percent and expanding landing areas. It’s still plenty tough from the tips but more playable for guests and members as shown by increased play.

Slick Rock is best known for its spectacular “million-dollar hole”, the 14th, where one aims over a beautiful waterfall then the cart ride takes you up close and past the rumbling water. It is considered the most playable of the three courses with 170 acres, 70 bunkers, 12 water hazards, granite outcroppings, pampas grass, native oak, willow and Eldarica pine trees.

Apple Rock is touted as one of the most scenic and breathtaking championship golf courses in Texas. Spanning 147 acres, Jones, Sr. used some of the highest, most picturesque land in Horseshoe Bay for the layout.

The 18-hole, par 72 course begins in high, rocky terrain and finishes along the shoreline of Lake LBJ, boasting dramatic elevation changes, high-quality Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens that offer faster and truer putting surfaces.

Upon opening in 1985, Apple Rock was named among the “Best New Resort Courses in America” by Golf Digest, and has hosted the Texas State Open, USGA Qualifying events and other regional professional tournaments. With more than 50 bunkers, and water coming into play on seven holes, it will challenge even the most skilled players.

Summit Rock, the Jack Nicklaus-designed private course, is a 200-acre, par-72 course that contains a lower, level playing area and an upper, more rugged terrain.

Summit Rock has earned many accolades, including Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses in America. Nicklaus said each hole of Summit Rock is a “Signature Hole” as he blended the course layout

through the scenic land and stands of Texas Live Oaks. Holes one and two play through a wide-open, level-playing area and afterward players are rewarded with a 30-mile Hill Country view from the elevated tee box at the famed 3rd hole. There are elevated tee boxes with views through holes 4-12 before heading down the ridgeline on hole 13. Most of the greens are large, raised and guarded with slope and undulations.

“The Hill Country is beautiful and creates opportunities for unique and interesting golf course designs,” Nicklaus said. “If you look at all the courses we have done in the Hill Country, the properties are fairly rolling, with an abundance of rock features and outcroppings, little ravines, and a lot of gorgeous, mature trees. You have all of these features at Summit Rock, along with nearby LBJ Lake and beautiful vistas.”

After your round of golf

Take a boat ride around the lake to gawk at the pricey real estate or go fishing or water skiing. Don’t miss the Whitewater putting course at the Whitewater 360 Sports Club. The club has indoor and outdoor seating and can set up stations for delicious barbeque, seafood and more, or the club’s regular menu has tasty sports bar food. The Yacht Club offers chicken-fried lobster! The Lantana Grill has its steaks and the Cap Rock Clubhouse has a sophisticated modern menu and upscale experience.

Horseshoe Bay Resort has swimming pools, hot tubs, clay tennis courts, video arcade, bikes and trails and a series of elevated walkways through a wetlands area.

For those who may be interested in more than a vacation, Horseshoe Bay is also a community where thousands live and work or have second homes.

Sea Palms Resort A Must-Play on Georgia’s Golf Island

By David Theoret

Travel + Leisure Magazine considers St. Simons Island, GA one of the “Top 5 Best US Islands.” Golf is one of the biggest attractions on St. Simons Island with several private clubs and resort courses, few of which are open to the general public.

One of these resort courses is Sea Palms Resort, a beautiful property situated among the picturesque salt marshes of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Sea Palms stands out among St. Simons Island hotels and features ultra-comfortable accommodations in a secluded “island-within-an-island” retreat. These luxurious rooms and suites are airy and spacious with a variety of floor plans, all designed with your comfort in mind.

The main attraction for most visitors to Sea Palms is the 18hole championship golf course, which winds its way through groves of live oaks, deep blue lagoons, and those enticing salt marshes. The golf course was originally designed by George Cobb and in October 2019, underwent an extensive renovation. Its current pristine conditioning can be attributed to a well-trained and attentive maintenance staff that pays meticulous attention to all aspects of the course.

Before your round, warm up on Sea Palm’s large driving range where you can hit every club in the bag. The driving range is open to resort guests, club members, and the general public. You do not need a tee time to use the driving range, just show up when they’re open.

For me, the biggest takeaways from the golf course at Sea Palms are the green complexes. Not only are these putting surfaces incredible, but they are also incredibly wellprotected. The 13th green is surrounded by four bunkers. A large, deep pot bunker in the middle of the fairway fronts the green on Number 14, with two more bunkers behind it. Because of the shape and undulation, a putt from the front right to a front left pin position is almost a guaranteed three-putt!

There are several memorable holes at Sea Palms but none more so than the last three holes which can make or break a good round. Number 16 is a 542-yard par 5 dogleg left and for most players, it’s going to be a 3-shot hole. Unless a draw is part of your shot repertoire, you can’t hit your drive much further than 250 yards or you’ll find the woods. A tee shot of 240 yards is still going to leave around 300 yards into the green. The green is almost 40 yards long, slightly

elevated, and very narrow. It’s protected by two bunkers on the left and one on the right that’s as big as the other two combined!

Number 17 is a par 3 that plays 195 yards from the White Tees over a little bit of water on the left. The large green is flanked by large bunkers on either side and slopes back to front. Try and keep your tee shot below the hole to have the best chance at par…or better!

The finishing hole at Sea Palms is a straightaway par four that plays 366 yards from the White Tees. There’s water all down the left side of the tee box with more water on the right, creating somewhat of an island fairway. A very wide waste bunker crosses the fairway about 70 yards in front of the green and continues down the left side between the water on the left and the green. The putting surface is slightly elevated and slopes from back to front so consider maybe half a club more with your approach shot.

After your round, stop by The Golf Shop, which is wellstocked with golf apparel, equipment, and accessories from many of the game’s top manufacturers. You can also pick up something from their grab-and-go snack bar items. If you find yourself struggling with aspects of your golf game the professional golf staff at Sea Palms can get you back on track with either private or group lessons which are available by appointment. They can also help you plan your next golf outing including tournament formats, pairings, scoring, and cart staging.

In the event you’re staying at the resort, be sure to have at least one meal at Sago. Sago gets its name from a species of palm trees that are found throughout the property. The restaurant has long been a Golden Isles favorite for great food and entertainment and underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2021. Sago is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and Saturday and Sunday for breakfast. The menu includes a little bit of everything, from jumbo chicken wings to pulled pork platters to pizzas, steaks, and seafood. Everything is cooked to order and delicious. My

guess is you won’t leave hungry! Sago is also a popular spot for special events like Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day.

Resort golf courses tend to have a hard time attracting members, especially if they allow guests of the resort to play the golf course. It may not offer the privacy and exclusivity they are looking for. And while the golf course at Sea Palms may be open to guests of the resort, and the general public, there is one section of the club that is reserved exclusively for the members.

The Miracle is a one-of-a-kind practice facility that is member-only. The design team at King-Collins was able to transform what was once the finishing hole of the now defunct 9-hole course into a 4.5 acre practice facility. With wide fairways, five greens, unusual topography, and strategically placed bunkers, dunes, and water features, it allows players to practice just about any short game shot they can think of. It’s more of a golf amusement park than a practice facility – without the clown’s mouth!

Sea Palms offers a variety of membership plans designed to meet just about anyone’s budget. Their all-inclusive Signature Membership is perfect for avid golfers and offers unlimited access to the golf course and The Miracle practice facility. There are additional benefits like restaurant discounts, access to recreational amenities, special room rates, and much more. A National Membership is the perfect arrangement for seasonal guests of St. Simon’s Island. It provides members with access to all facilities and amenities when they’re on the island as well as other resort options and savings. For those that aren’t into golf but still enjoy the benefits a private club offers, there’s the Social Membership which offers yearround access to the tennis courts, fitness center, swimming pools, and beach amenities. Click on the Membership tab on the website for more information.

For more information on Sea Palms Resort or to check on any of their specials and golf packages, visit them online at www.seapalms.com.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Door County Cooks Up A Delicious Deal

by Wes Bolyard

This is a teaser to pique your interest in visiting Door County, Wisconsin. Due to the lateness of the year and the weather on my initial visit in late October, I was only able to see part of all the offerings this great peninsula has to offer. Stay tuned next year for the follow up article to learn more about ALL the golf that is available.

Door Peninsula lies in eastern Wisconsin between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It is a little over 70 miles long and over 20 miles wide tapering narrower north-eastward. I would recommend flying into Milwaukee and then driving a little over two hours to Door County to start your adventure.

A summer visit allows ample opportunity to play golf while a fall visit reduces the daylight for golf, but the foliage colors will be stunning. Another bonus of a fall visit is the opportunity to pick an assortment of apples and cherries from a multitude of orchards. Door County is well known for their various cherry pastries and other cherry delights, so your sweet tooth can be satisfied.

Speaking of orchards, The Orchards at Egg Harbor (a public golf course) has several fairways lined with numerous apple and cherry trees. The course allows golfers to pick the different fruits (cherries in late June/early July and apples in the fall). When I first arrived at this golf course, I noticed to the south a fairway that really caught my attention. It was framed with trees and was downhill. I didn’t know what hole it was till later in the round. Sitting on 200 scenic acres, the course winds its way through mature hardwoods, orchards, rolling fairways, meadows and a 5-acre lake. I found out that my attention-grabbing hole is number 17, a downhill par 3 stretching from the back tee to 195 yards, but more in the playable range of 155 yards. The downhill view is part of the large lake. The course offers 4 sets of tees, thus allowing all players of different skill levels to enjoy their round of golf. Playing here is fun and very enjoyable and their rate to play is very reasonable. www.orchardsateggharbor.com

A golf course in Bailey’s Harbor, Maxwelton Braes Golf Course, is celebrating its 93rd anniversary. It opened in 1929 and has a longstanding tradition in Door County’s history.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

The 6,041-yard, par 70, championship golf course, features a variety of interesting green contours, green surrounds, green side bunkers, wide fairways, a few short par 4s & par 5s, along with some longer, challenging holes to test all skill levels. I liked that some of the tree-lined fairways dictate using a fade and some a draw, bringing into play a fun challenge. www.golfmaxweltonbraes.com

Peninsula Start Park Golf Course is a course I did not get to play but was able to take a tour. Next year it is celebrating its 100th anniversary of entertaining golfers. With great views of Green Bay and Eagle Harbor, this golf course will keep you interested all the way through 18 holes. This course winds through impressive forests of oak, beech, pine and maple trees. Two outstanding holes are number 8 (ONLY 69 yards off the edge of a cliff, through a shoot of trees and about a 100-foot drop) and number 17, which is about 180 yards with a 300-foot drop (which becomes a sledding hill in the winter). The front nine is relatively open but the back nine is carved out of the natural forest. www.peninsulagolf.org

Centrally located to all Door County attractions, Parkwood Lodge in Fish Creek offers a wide variety of activities for its guests to do on site. You can enjoy the heated indoor pool, whirlpool and back porch sunning area. https://www. parkwoodlodge.com

I was fortunate to be able to dine at a variety of restaurants:

Renards, who offer over 125 different cheeses, are known for their unique treat, “cherry cheddar,” and their famous cheese curds. www.renardscheese.com

The Cherry Hut has it all - market, beer garden and taproom. All things cherry, unique gifts, and local artisan products are offered in the market. The taproom features brews and cider, and an all-day menu. doorcountycherryhut.com

DCBC Eats is a new casual food venture next door to the Door County Brewing Co. taproom. They feature classics such as BBQ pork and smokehouse sausage. www. doorcountybrewingco.com

Sister Bay Bowl And Supper Club - Bet you haven’t had this opportunity often… a nice meal and bowling. One of the county’s favorite supper clubs is known for old-fashioned cocktails, cheese curds, broasted chicken, fried lake perch and more. www.sisterbaybowl.com

Macready Artisan Bread Co. serves lunch in Egg Harbor at this family owned and operated shop that specializes in housemade breads that are fresh, fresh, fresh for your sandwich. Do not leave without getting a Cherry Crisp! macreadys.com

Skaliwags focuses on upscale cuisine with a Southern influence. The menu changes daily to authenticate the use of freshest ingredients in-season. www.skaliwags.com

To stay entertained, besides playing golf, here are some interesting options:

Opening in 1955, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country now makes their own wines, ciders and cherry products from their 100 acres of blossoming orchards and vineyards. www. orchardcountry.com

Burnt Bluff Stone and Glass is a newly opened studio featuring glassblowing and rock art. Classes are offered to create your own custom glass pieces or watch a demonstration of the glassblowing process. www.burntbluff.com

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor is Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature preserve. They offer a naturalist-lead walk in the woods in this designated State Natural Area, an Audubon Important Bird Area and National Natural Landmark featuring native wildflowers. www.ridgessanctuary.org

To reach the 89-foot-tall Cana Island Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan (that has been standing for more than 140 years), you must cross a causeway. The highlight is climbing the 97 steps of the tower’s spiral staircase to reach the gallery

deck which offers a sweeping view of Lake Michigan and the Door County peninsula. www.dcmm.org/cana-islandlighthouse

At Whitefish Dunes State Park, you can hike “Old Baldy”, the highest sand dune in Wisconsin. Get a brief introduction and tour which is home to eight significant Native American villages from 100 BC to the late 1800s. dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/parks/whitefish

You will be awed at the picturesque limestone sea caves at Cave Point County Park, a result of Lake Michigan’s relentless pounding against the limestone bluffs. Photographs here will make your Kodak moment! www.co.door.wi.gov/554/ Cave-Point-County-Park

Peninsula State Park Established in 1909, this 3,776-acre treasure overlooking Green Bay has rocky bluffs that ascend more than 150 feet and is considered Wisconsin’s most complete park. Completed in May 2021, the redesigned Eagle Tower structure is Wisconsin’s first accessible observation tower. Climb the 95 stairs or use the 850-foot ramp to see some of the area’s most stunning views. dnr. wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula

For complete information about Door County visit: www.doorcounty.com

SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

Adding to the shoe’s innovative comfort properties, Ecco Fluidform™ Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound that creates an integral and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched and/ or glued assemblies. As such, despite its traditional look, the Classic Hybrid still provides the wearer with a lightweight, flexible feel.

Ecco Summer 2023 Collection

Ecco Golf has established itself as one of the iconic brands when it comes to quality footwear, and the spring and summer collection for this year does not disappoint with several new products featuring innovative style and some of the finest leathers around.

Among the favorites in this new lineup for the company that is famous for its fit and quality workmanship are the Golf Core and the Classic Hybrid—shoes that are extremely comfortable and expertly well-made at Ecco’s company-owned factories.

“The unique and exciting designs throughout this collection, whether it’s a brand-new product or an update to one of our all-time favorites, will appeal to a wide range of golfers,” said Jesper Thuen, General Manager, Ecco Golf USA. “Finding a pair of golf shoes that fits your style is important, but what sets our shoes apart can only be experienced when they are worn.”

He also noted that 90 percent of their customers buy a second pair because they can feel the comfort and performance made possible by Ecco’s FLUIDFORM™ technology to bond the upper and outsole unit, creating a one-piece shoe without the use of glue or stitching. Benefits include flexibility, durability and a lightweight construction.

The Golf Core shoe can be worn on or off course and is stylish enough for either—or comfortable enough to spend an entire day in. It has great traction for the golf swing and enough style for a post-round dinner. The breathable mesh and sock construction offers excellent comfort and is easy on and off. The shoe also offers the advanced E-DTS™ TWIST outsole that has large and rotated traction bars for durability and multi-directional traction.

Originally introduced as a men’s leather shoe, the GOLF CORE is now offered to men and women with a choice of an Ecco Performance Leather upper or a premium mesh that is breathable, light and great for summer conditions. The SS23 collection includes a total of eight colorways in the Golf Core and Core Mesh across both men’s and women’s styles.

The Classic Hybrid shoe offers a premium look and feel, with an upper fashioned from rich and embossed Ecco leather, a soft leather lining and a leather covered OrthoLite® insole. It features Hydromax™ water-repellent technology and a welt made with 52 percent recycled leather fibers.

Ecco Golf has introduced a women’s option to the latest development in their ground-breaking Biom® series, the Biom® C4. The model offers unrivaled 360-degree breathability, allowing golfers to stay cool and comfortable throughout their round. The shoe’s innovative comfort properties ensure a finely tuned balance of cushioning, rebound, waterproofing and airflow. The BIOM® H4 features a reworked upper, notably around the toe area, to produce a sleeker, slimmer look--and the tongue has been completely redesigned to produce a more ergonomic shape that fits more comfortably to the foot. There are six brand-new men’s colorways in the collection, and the new range similarly features six stylish colorways for women.

Ecco Golf shoes are worn in competitions around the world by Henrik Stenson, Thomas Björn, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen, Doc Redman, Lydia Ko, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Niklas Nørgaard Møller and Caroline Masson, among others.

Ecco, which was founded in Denmark in 1963, has its shoes available in 88 countries around the world at more than 14,000 sales locations.

For more information, visit the Ecco website at: www.eccousa.com

Bushnell ION Elite GPS Watch

With the many GPS golf watches available today, finding one that truly stands out can be a task. Bushnell Golf—with its impressive history of developing excellent range-finding

SWEETSTUFF

impressive when compared to other watches.

The slope or “play as” feature can be turned off for tournament play, and when you want to use the slope, it calibrates the watch for that course from the tee or green area in minutes with ease.

For more information on the Bushnell ION Elite GPS watch, visit: www.bushnellgolf.com.

SuperStroke Grip

When it comes to putter grips, it always comes down to feel and a personal choice of what is or isn’t a good feel on the greens. And the good feel can change daily—even for the best players in the world.

SuperStroke and its line of distinctive putter grips have come to dominate that portion of the equipment industry these days with the distinctive oversize models and mostly white coloring.

Not to rest on their laurels, SuperStroke has introduced its new Zynergy line of putter grips that offer a lot of options, shapes and sizes to accommodate just about any player.

products—has introduced its latest GPS watch—the ION Elite that is a cut above.

This is truly an impressive device in many ways—from its large, easy to read color display to the intuitive nature of the software that is easy to use yet can do all the involved tasks one could think of on a golf course. One of the great things about this watch is that it can be as simple--or involved-- as you want it to be as a score and statisticskeeping device or just to give accurate yardages. It can calculate the distance of shots and even has a mapping tool to calculate yardages from various angles that you can easily set with a touch or swipe of the screen.

The ION Elite GPS watch can also be connected with the Bushnell Mobile App to upload scores for post-round review and analysis. The nice feature is that the watch operates very well in a stand-alone mode, but the App is a great feature for those wanting to delve into the finer points of their game—or to quickly download more course information via the automatic Bluetooth updates. More than 38,000 worldwide golf courses come preloaded on the watch.

Besides being a very stylish, comfortable and easy-to-use watch that has great battery life of several days in time keeping mode, the ION Elite features patented slope compensated distances, dynamic green mapping that identifies front, center and back green distances from the players’ line of play, hole maps with shot planning-an overhead view allowing the golfer to visualize how they intend to play the perfect shot with accurate distances. It also has auto advance for each hole—and you can easily dial it in to any hole on the course.

This watch also includes auto course recognition, easy-to-read front/center/back distances and hazard/layup distances (up to six per hole). The magnetic USB cable snaps on to the back of the watch for easy charging, and the battery life of more than two rounds is

SuperStroke’s new line of putter grips feature enhanced Spyne technology, new multi-zone texturing, and patented no-taper shapes to help with confidence and to quiet your hands. The new Spyne™ Technology has an improved, embossed ridge along the underside of the grip, engineered to make it easier to square the face at impact, while the new multi-zone texturing is strategically placed in high-sensory areas designed to optimize feedback and comfort from the soft polyurethane outer layer.

The patented No Taper Technology minimizes grip pressure with an advanced parallel design that enables golfers to quiet their hands and add consistency to their stroke.

The Tech-Port located at the top of SuperStroke grips allows golfers to easily add game-improvement options including the patented CounterCore weight system and performance tracking

SWEETSTUFF

sensors. The CounterCore can be crucial in fitting for the most advantageous weighting of the putter for optimal performance.

Of the new Zynergy models, the Pistol series is a modern take on a beloved classic. These putter grips merge a pistol-style top section that helps golfers lock in their upper hand position with “No Taper Technology” to help golfers maintain even grip pressure and boost the consistency of their stroke. The CounterCore weight is not included with this grip but may be added separately. It comes in 7 colors and 3 sizes. The Pistol grip is one of the most popular. PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy just had a specially made “Rors” Zynergy Pistol Tour grip installed on his mallet putter.

The SuperStroke Flatso™ putter grip features a distinct pentagonal “Flatso” profile: a wide, flat front grip shape with five pronounced edges. Now with the addition of Enhanced Spyne™ Technology and Multi-Zone Texturing, the Flatso™ Series has been refined to offer even better feel and feedback. It is one of the most popular grips played on professional tours. PGA Tour professional Jordan Spieth trusted the Flatso™ grip for each of his three major championship victories. A CounterCore weight can be added, and this putter also comes in the Flatso™ 17-inch model as an extended version that meets the needs of golfers who prefer mid-length putters. It works well with its distinct pentagonal profile that is a smart choice for golfers who position the putter grip against their lead forearm, offering increased stability from its 17-inch length and wide-front design. These putters also come in 6 colors and 3 sizes.

The XL+Plus™ Zynergy Series grips measure 13.75 inches, which is 3.25 inches longer than the standard length. The XL+Plus™ extra length makes them a great fit for golfers who use mid-length putters or want a little extra counterbalance. They are available in three models.

The SS2R Squared has a unique one-inch square profile for players who prefer opposing hand placement. Heavier than most SuperStroke putter grips at 109 grams, the SS2R Squared provides additional back-weighting and pairs well with heavier putter heads. A CounterCore weight is not included with the grip--but may be added separately.

In 2022, SuperStroke users won 61 tournaments on golf’s major professional tours, totaling more than $58.5 million in first-place prize money in those events. The company uses feedback from more than 450 tour pros in their designs and innovation.

With these and the many other new models of Zynergy grips that SuperStroke has introduced, it’s well worth taking some time and visiting your local club fitter or retail dealer to find one that feels just right.

To learn more, visit: https://superstrokeusa.com/collections/ putter-grips

GolfBreeze

One of the more unique golf accessories—one that most people wouldn’t even think about—just hit the market.

The GolfBreeze by ZoomBroom is a lightweight, powerful cordless stick air broom that blows away debris and other golf course obstructions. At about the size of a driver and weighing two pounds, the GolfBreeze is a handy 15th club when it comes to removing debris or other loose objects that might hinder your shot.

The Golf Breeze recharges fast and stows in your golf bag alongside your clubs for easy access to clear away debris like blooms, branches and leaves that often litter the course.

Already the recipient of a Global Innovation Award, this blower is very well made and easy to use in a variety of situations. Like a typical leaf blower, it is cordless, easy to control and has power comparable to a large battery-operated leaf blower.

The inventor, Randy Kuckuck, is an avid golfer and developed

SWEETSTUFF

the idea for a powerful and portable leaf blower to fit in to his bag along with his golf clubs.

The great thing about the GolfBreeze is that it can be used in so many situations like a patio, walkway, porch, home practice green, RV, boats or garage. It can be stored in a multitude of places and comes with a handy bracket to store and charge hanging up in a closet.

The GolfBreeze has a slim, easy-to-use handle with a comfort grip that contains a rechargeable battery. It has a low and highpower feature with easy plug-in charging for the battery that will last up to 30 minutes. The power of the blower is impressive and plenty effective in removing debris from a variety of locations on the course--or off—with the touch of a button.

For more information on the GolfBreeze, visit: https:// zoombrooms.com/product-golf-breeze

RDCL Hydration

With warmer months on the horizon, keeping hydrated on the golf course becomes even more important to feel and play your best. New products from RDCL Superfoods are aimed at both keeping you hydrated, but also providing a healthier alternative to sodas or other drinks that are usually available along the course.

The Radical Elements from RDCL Superfoods are designed to make ordinary water tastier and healthier with its all-plant-based ingredients and zero added sugar. With its blend of antioxidant superfruits, vitamins, minerals and botanicals that are high in Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and organic hydrating Coconut water concentrate, this easy-to-use powder mixes in 16 ounces of water for a slightly fruity taste.

The Passion Fruit blend with Immunity boost and focused energy is designed to hydrate and nourish your body in the morning or early afternoon.

Plus, this formulation also includes the Focused Energy Boost (L-theanine from green tea, rhodiola, and caffeine from guarana). It’s a unique combination of ingredients that work together to kickstart and vitalize your day.

The second blend—called Dragon Fruit Superberry-- shares some similarities with the “vitalizing” version. Each of them features

a different combination of superfruits and flavors, but instead of boosting focus and energy, this formula contains a calming stress support boost, which contains L-theanine from green tea and bioavailable magnesium from seawater. It’s a natural daily dose that is good for unwinding towards the end of the day. With only one gram of sugar and 10-15 carbs per serving, these blends are a healthy and delicious way to upgrade your water, while getting essential nutrients. A combination package of these two blends comes with a handy BPA-free RDCL shaker bottle that fits nicely into a golf cart cup holder.

The vision behind these unique products came from Donny Makower, a former advertising and marketing executive, and longtime food industry veteran Zak Zaidman--who co-founded RDCL to introduce more consumers to the benefits of plant-based living with products that are accessible and delicious.

Makower committed to veganism after seeing his sister Iris, a cancer survivor, regain her health using a plant-based diet and after realizing the full extent of cruelty involved in animal agriculture. With RDCL, Zaidman, who previously founded Ecovilla --a sustainable intentional community in a Costa Rican rainforest-continues his passionate advocacy for the environment and for plant-based living.

For more information: https://rdclsuperfoods.com