OUR 21st YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS MARCH 2022
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS LEVELS UP GOLF
A GOLFER’S GUIDE TO
REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE Plus: GREAT GOLF IN GADSDEN ALABAMA www.golfvacationsmag.com
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2 Golf Vacations • March 2022
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GOLF VACATIONS MARCH 2022
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Get In Gear 2022
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa • Rancho Mirage, California
by Shane Sharp
When it comes to filling out their golf bag, many golfers face a conundrum trying to stay under the 14 club USGA limit. To cover the gap between their driver and long irons they can either carry a fairway wood, like a three or five, or opt for hybrids, which typically range in loft from 3-wood to five-iron.
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Chip Shots
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Italy’s Best on the Italian Riviera
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Reynolds Lake Oconee
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Gadsden Alabama Offers Great Golf
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by Dakota Diaz
Stay and play in Liguria. Exploring the small region in the north-western part of Italy is a slow trip along the Mediterranean coastline. The sea on one side, hills and mountains on the other; rocks and beaches, small fishing villages and medieval hamlets are all around on the road along the coast.
by Shane Sharp
One of the unfailingly cool things about pure golf destinations is their existence in the most unlikely of places. Hanging from a cliff in Oregon, like Bandon Dunes. Carved from the sandhills of North Carolina and Wisconsin, like Pinehurst and Sand Valley. Or even in the middle of a retired phosphate strip mine, like Streamsong.
by David Theoret
As golf destinations go, Gadsden, AL is well down most golfers’ list; if it weren’t for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it probably wouldn’t even be on the radar. And, if the truth be told, the RTJ Trail course at Silver Lakes is what keeps golfers coming back.
Resort Report: Steamboat Springs Levels Up Golf
by Shane Sharp
With the Olympic games upon us, it seems like the perfect time to extol the virtues of a golf vacation to off-the-beaten-path Steamboat Springs, Colorado, referred to by downhill aficionados as Ski Town U.S.A.
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
David 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.
Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers 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.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
For Editorial:
call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com 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.
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 2022 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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Golf Vacations • March 2022 7
GET IN GEAR 2002 Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood is Heaven-Sent
W
hen it comes to filling out their golf bag, many golfers face a conundrum trying to stay under the 14 club USGA limit. To cover the gap between their driver and long irons they can either carry a fairway wood, like a three or five, or opt for hybrids, which typically range in loft from 3-wood to five-iron. The rebels with a cause at Cleveland Golf have challenged this limitation with the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood, which unabashedly offers the best of both worlds in terms of looks and performance. Engineered for golfers who struggle to hit their fairway woods off tight lies, or make clean contact with a ball snuggled down in the rough, the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood is quickly becoming the workhorse of many golf bags. The Science The 3+ Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood features 18 degrees of loft, more than ample for settling comfortably into the role of a 5-wood. Its head is noticeably bigger than your typical hybrid, and its size creates a higher moment of inertia for more stability at impact, according to Cleveland. There are three guide rails along the sole of the club to help keep the face square during impact. They also have the added benefit of helping the clubhead run smoothly over any surface. There are subtle and even hidden, design components that elevate the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood into rarified air. Unbeknownst to golfers wielding it, an 8-gram weight placed inside the end of the grip delivers better balance and control without the need for extra exertion.
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Cleveland also added two “rebound frames” with alternating zones of flexibility and rigidity that impart more energy into the golf ball when struck. The Results I’ve never been able to consistently hit fairways woods off the deck, despite various technological advances. And I’ve also struggled over the years to hit any 3-wood off a tee on short par 4s that call for less than driver. I was looking for the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood to fill both roles, a big ask considering it’s not necessarily designed to take the place of a 3-wood. But I typically play from between 6,200 and 6,400 yards, hit my driver 240 yards on average according to my Arccos Caddie shot tracking app, and needed a forgiving club that gives me around 220 yards off the tee and 215 to 220 yards from the fairway. The Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood has filled this role perfectly, and truth be told, it’s the single best hybrid I’ve ever used. The feel is otherworldly, perhaps part of the inspiration for the Halo (High Angle Lift Off) name. The Launcher XL Halo HyWood feels light in my hands, yet at address it’s stout, powerful and ready to spring into action. I play anything from slight draw to a hook and looking down at many draw-bias hybrid clubheads makes me want to snap a
by Shane Sharp
shot into the woods. Not the case with the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood, which has more of a neutral fitting. The sound and feel off the clubface are unlike any others I’ve experienced, whether it be hybrids or fairway woods. In fact, it’s so noticeably pure that every playing partner I’ve had since putting it in my bag has commented on the pleasing “thwack” at impact. The black and turquoise color pattern is also an attention-getter, although it can clash with just about every other club cover in the bag save for other Cleveland clubs or the TaylorMade SIM series. I’ve now used the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood over 10 rounds and 50 shots. According to Arccos’ Smart Distance feature, I average 217 yards and I’m hitting the fairway 62% of the time off the tee. These numbers are in-line with my objectives for the club, and the Launcher XL Halo HyWood will be in my bag for the long haul. The Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood retails for $219.99, an amazing value considering most OEM’s price their hybrids in the high $200s, and Callaway has even rolled out an Epic Super Hybrid for $399.99. For more information, visit www.clevelandgolf.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Staple Course at PGA National - No. 9
PGA National Resort Announces Exceptional ‘Game Changer’ Stay-and-Play Package PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination – announces its exceptional “Game Changer” stay-andplay offer highlighted by rounds on its thrilling and innovative new Andy Staples-designed Match and Staple courses. Since opening for play on Sept. 10 to wide acclaim, few golf course debuts in recent years were as highly-anticipated as The Match Course with its exciting goal of encouraging “match” versus “stroke” play. Built on the land of the legendary resort’s former Squire Course, the 18-hole layout is inspired by classic golf course design principles while specifically using the “template hole” concept for inspired ideas. The Match Course joined PGA National Resort’s new nine-hole Staple Course which opened on July 1 to rave reviews. The Staple is a bold take on the par-three course concept created for pure enjoyment. With hole distances ranging from 48 to 130 yards, The Staple is ideal for fast-paced, joyous rounds while using just a putter and a few short irons. The Staple is also the perfect setting for golf groups to unwind and relax in a casual setting after playing the resort’s four “traditional” and additionally celebrated 18-hole layouts: The Champion (host venue of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic), The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses. Both new layouts are part of an ongoing $100
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million capital revitalization touching every aspect of the celebrated property. Starting at $667 per night (per person, double occupancy), the Game Changer package includes a minimum two-night stay with accommodations in a beautifully-transformed guestroom, suite, or a spacious cottage as well as one round each on The Match and The Staple. The offer also features one additional round on either The Champion Course (with surcharge), The Palmer Course (with surcharge), The Estate Course or a replay round on The Match Course. All cart fees are included except for the walking-only Staple Course. “Our ‘Game Changer’ package is ideal to enjoy the exciting additions of The Match and The Staple layouts to our world-class golf courses and resort amenities,” says Jane Broderick, director of golf. “Golf groups are going to love the variety of golf we now offer from playing where the pros play during the Honda Classic to our thrilling new Andy Staples-designed courses that are the talk of the golf industry.” A pond surrounded by grass and treesDescription automatically generated with medium confidence A golf lover’s dream location, PGA National Resort also features extraordinary instruction at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, and the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven golf training center, Full Process Golf. PGA National Resort also offers state-of-the-art club fitting. The popular resort also offers an array of special golf-centric stay-and-play
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS packages including rounds on both The Match and Staple courses. Resort guests can also enjoy the high-tech 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club featuring a wide array of fitness activities and classes, including pickleball and tennis on the 18 Har-Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). Not to be missed in early 2022 is a visit to the completely reinvented Spa at PGA designed by VStarr Designs and offering the latest in soothing wellness treatments. For more information about PGA National Resort: visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.
Boca West Country Club First Private Country Club in U.S. to Install Inrange® Radar Technology BOCA RATON, FL – Boca West Country Club is the first country club in the nation to upgrade its driving range with Inrange® radar tracking technology. The precision radar ball tracking and range gamification system provides entertainment at seven Inrange®equipped bays leading directly out from the newly-renovated Mr. D’s restaurant. The Inrange® technology was officially unveiled at Boca West on December 8, 2021. The technology offers players both an entertainmentfocused experience with the Inrange+™ multiplayer gaming & virtual course offering and technologically-aided practice sessions for more experienced players with Inrange® & the Inrange® App. The Club also created an additional 19 outdoor bays available to member golfers, equipping them with the technology to perfect their game with the world’s most advanced golf training app, the Inrange® App. Each of the site’s Mr. D’s entertainment bays feature Inrange® tracking, 22-inch HD touchscreens, seating & gallery screens while the outdoor bays are equipped with Inrange® mobile tracking. “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our member
experience and to stay ahead of the demand for the most advanced amenities and technology,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President, COO and General Manager of Boca West Country Club. “As the first country club to offer this radar technology, we are further enhancing our reputation as a world-class destination for golfers of all skill levels and abilities. In addition to improving their golf game, Members and their guests have the opportunity to enjoy the driving range in a sleek and luxurious setting. Inrange® gives us the ability to offer a fun and relaxed setting for both avid golfers and beginners looking for an experience to try out with friends.” “We’re delighted to have partnered with Inrange® to deliver a revolutionary entertainment experience for our members and their families - and technology-aided practice for golfers,” said JR Friend, Director of Golf for Boca West Country Club. “We are excited to have introduced our members to the new range where they have been able to enjoy games and virtual courses as well as having access to a truly personalized practice aid in Inrange® and the Inrange® App. Changing the traditional driving range into a technologicallyenhanced destination promotes fun for all types of players. The installation of this technology has created an environment that promotes fun and stress-free entertainment for casual golfers and technologically aided practice sessions for avid players.” Boca West Country Club was recently ranked #14 of the Top 100 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs in the world by the Club Leaders Forum. Boca West was the highest ranked in South Florida’s TriCounty area and it moved up one spot from its ranking of #15 in 2019. Platinum Club status is the pinnacle of recognition for private clubs around the world and acknowledgement as a Platinum Club is the most revered in the private club industry. For more information, visit bocawestcc.org. To inquire about club membership, call (561) 488-6934.
InRange at Boca West Country Club
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Island Resort – Sweetgrass
Sweetgrass Golf Course Named National Golf Course of the Year
NGCOA
ESCANABA, MI – Island Resort & Casino’s original course, Sweetgrass, has been named the 2022 Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). The announcement was made this week at the NGCOA Golf Business Conference 2022 in Orlando. The NGCOA selected its winner based on four criteria: quality of golf course, quality of ownership and management, outstanding contributions to the local community and significant contributions to the game of golf. “When we received the Michigan Golf Course of the Year award back in October, we were very excited,” said Tony Mancilla, general manager of Island Resort & Casino. “Michigan has a lot of great courses, so just winning our state was huge. Now to earn the national award and recognition is the cherry on top. I recently talked with other courses owners about how this is a big deal, because it’s more than just about having a great golf course. You have to do more things for the game and help promote golf, and we’re doing that on a lot of different levels.” Island Resort & Casino, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s largest resort destination, sits 13 miles west of Escanaba in Harris, and is owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a federally recognized Potawatomi Indian Tribe. The casino first opened as a bingo hall in 1981, then in 1991 expanded with the Chip-In Casino on its present site. The late 1990’s saw the expansion of the casino, a showroom and convention center. The next decade brought further major expansion with the Palm Tower rooms, more restaurants and more golf.
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One of the resort’s two courses, Sweetgrass opened in 2008 to rave reviews. Designed by Paul Albanese, Sweetgrass features an open layout with some of golf’s most fun greens to putt (Redan, Biarritz, Island and Double-Green), as well as some wonderful strategic holes -- including the famous island green No. 15 and a finishing par-five hole on each side. Throughout the course, golfers will also come across a rich history of the Hannahville Indian Community, with holes named after traditional Potawatomi clans, villages, allies, medicines and symbols. The dedication to nature and the area’s heritage makes for a unique golf experience. The course also plays host to the Symetra Tour’s Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass. One of the areas that Sweetgrass was selected for, and the resort management takes pride in, is its contribution to the community through the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, which debuted in 2011 and has become the premier community event in the region. The Strong Kids Campaign - YMCA is the event’s official charity and guarantees that all kids, regardless of income, have an opportunity to receive free YMCA memberships. Other local charities and nonprofits have also received more than $250,000 raised from the tournament’s ticket sales. “The Symetra Tour event raises about $100,000 each year, and that’s about one-quarter of the entire YMCA annual funding in membership scholarships,” explained Mancilla. “It gives underprivileged kids of economically struggling families a chance to enjoy time at the YMCA.” The YMCA golf program is also supported by this effort, providing clubs for kids to use and youth golf clinics for them to participate in during the tournament.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS “I think the biggest thing is having the pros play and the kids watch them,” said Mancilla. “It’s exciting when they’re here playing. They are young golfers trying to make their way and accomplish a huge goal. And we’re right in the middle of it, watching. Hopefully the little kids will think they can do it, too.” The growing popularity of golf and gaming at Island Resort has driven the demand for yet another major expansion of $30 million, making it one of the Midwest’s largest golf, casino and entertainment resort destinations. Opened in January 2022, the new hotel tower is connected to the south end of the current Palm Tower and features 138 guest rooms, including golf and spa suites, the top-floor Horizons Steakhouse fine dining offering the region’s best views and the new Splash Island family water park. For more information, visit www. islandresortgolf.com
Carson Valley’s Bucket-List Worthy Experiences for 2022 CARSON VALLEY, NV – Adventurers around the world are facing a pent-up demand for travel. After two years of staying home, travelers are ready to get out and create some more memories in 2022. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada just 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe and an hour from the RenoTahoe International Airport, Carson Valley, Nevada, brings big destination bucket-list worthy experiences for travelers seeking an escape that are easily within reach. Soaring Glider enthusiasts travel from around the world to experience a flight from Minden, and for good reason. Ideal air stream conditions mix with spectacular scenery to give riders the thrill of a lifetime. Carson Valley’s Soaring NV takes guests on a flight high above both Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe by tow cable, before cutting them loose to soar the skies. Because gliders are engineless, there is no motor noise, giving passengers a rare, bird-like experience. There is no better place than Carson Valley to complete this bucket list experience. Skydiving If floating in a glider is too safe, adrenaline junkies can check out Skydive Lake Tahoe, also based at the Minden-Tahoe Airport. A common bucket-list item for thrill seekers around the world, Carson Valley’s skydiving offers what many others cannot – views of the gorgeous Lake Tahoe while free falling. There’s nothing quite like seeing the Sierra cradling the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the dramatic face of the mountains over the Carson Valley.
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Sky Dive Lake Tahoe
Hot Air Balloon Ride Another common bucket list item, but with a Carson Valley twist – hot air ballooning. Balloon Nevada offers balloon rides with expert pilots guiding their crafts high enough to peek over the Lake Tahoe Basin to capture photos of Lake Tahoe, one of America’s most photographed lakes, from a completely unique vantage point. This is the perfect activity for those looking for just a little less heart thumping, though the views are no less thrilling. Ballooning
Golf-Ski Challenge – Ice Tee as Locals Call It There are only a few places in the county where you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Lovers of outdoor recreation may think they need to choose between a ski day or a golf day, but in Carson Valley that’s not the case. Due to its proximity to Lake Tahoe, it’s quite possible to hit the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort in the morning, then hit the links at one of Carson Valley’s four golf courses in the afternoon.
Bike All Day and Fuel Up at Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor There’s no better bucket list item than a challenging mountain bike trail in the Sierra Nevada. Better yet, end the day at a historic saloon. With hundreds of miles of trails in the region, downhill thrill seekers can feel the rush of the descent and end their adventure in Genoa. Here, history buffs enjoy the thrill of walking in the footsteps of those from the past. Do just this at Genoa Bar, Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor. Built in 1853, it’s seen the likes of Mark Twain, Clark Gable, Red Skelton, Willie Nelson, Presidents Roosevelt and Grant, Johnny Cash and more. Pull up a stool and transport back to the wild west at this iconic watering hole. Reconnect with Wild West Roots Carson Valley was home to the first non-native settlement in Nevada, making it a perfect place to reconnect with the wild west and pioneer culture. Always wanted to feel like a legendary old west cowboy? Take a wild horse tour with a local guide and get up close and personal with these majestic wild creatures. Or take a photography tour to capture amazing birds of prey as they dive, swoop and capture their prey across the valley. After the adventure, there’s plenty of fine dining, relaxing and fun to be had in Carson Valley. Stop by Bently Heritage Estate Distillery for a tour and cocktail tasting from one of the country’s few estate distilleries. Then check out some of Carson Valley’s unique dining options, including an authentic, family-style Basque meal at JT Bar and Dining Room. To end the day, relax in natural hot springs at David Walley’s Resort where the five pools are filled with natural hot spring waters. Whatever the desire for adventure and thrill, Carson Valley delivers. Explore the land of everyday legends at VisitCarsonValley.org.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Rumbling Bald
Rumbling Bald Announces 2022 Golf Packages LAKE LURE, NC – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on North Carolina’s Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville, announces its 2022 golf packages ahead of what promises to be an exciting year for the 3,000-acre golf destination. Starting at $300 per player and running through March 31, Winter Golf Packages features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at Bald Mountain’s recently upgraded practice area. Three-night, threeround and four-night-four round packages are also available for $407 and $514 per player, respectively. Rumbling Bald’s Weekday Golf Packages are a great value for those with flexible schedules and are offered Sunday through Wednesday year-round with a peak season black-out period from May 26th through Sept. 17. They start at $320 per player for two nights and two rounds and range up to $554 per player for four nights and four rounds. Customized weekend packages for groups of all sizes are available year-round. Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte. “We’ve made an impactful investment in the golf courses and facilities over the past two years, and we’re excited for golfers to experience everything Rumbling Bald has to offer,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Our 36-hole combination provides two decidedly different rounds of golf, with Bald Mountain being a pure mountain-style layout and Apple Valley offering a more level playing surface.” For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald extends free golf for
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group leaders when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods. 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 a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a two-bedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio). About Rumbling Bald Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all between one and five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley. Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play. Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from the movie “Dirty Dancing.” A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.
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Second course underway for Quivira Los Cabos Following the incredible success of its first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Quivira to Expand and Elevate Golf Experience at Land’s End on the Baja Peninsula Situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula and just 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas—in a dramatic setting marked by windswept dunes, sheer cliffs and lush desert foothills—Jack Nicklaus, golf’s greatest champion and globally acclaimed golf course designer, crafted a world-class layout that redefined the Cabo golf experience when the Quivira’s Golf Club opened in 2014. With Quivira Golf Club having garnered nearly every design accolade the golf and travel industry has to offer, Nicklaus has returned to create a second course at Quivira Los Cabos—the destination’s finest luxury development. Groundbreaking for the Club’s second Jack Nicklaus Signature
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Course is expected to take place by fourth quarter 2022. Quivira’s second course will expand the resort and residential community’s golf offering to accommodate the increased demand, resulting from the growth of the development, including ultra-exclusive, recently launched projects such as the St. Regis Resort & Residences; the exclusive new real estate community, Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club; and the Alvar hillside condominiums. “The first golf course at Quivira is a spectacular layout playing across a remarkable piece of property,” Nicklaus said. “Now, I am excited that design is well underway on the second course at Quivira, which should be stunning and equally as spectacular. I hope golfers who play the second course will enjoy the views, the quality of golf, and the challenge.” While the routing plan for Quivira’s second course is in its final stages, it is anticipated that Mr. Nicklaus and his design team will create another world-class layout on this exceptional piece of land. Situated in the northwest area of the 1,850-acre development, several of the holes on the new course will meander through rolling desert foothills and expansive valleys, interlaced by winding arroyos. Quivira’s second Jack Nicklaus Signature Course will provide a different challenge but one that should mirror the high quality associated with the existing golf experience. The southern portion of the new layout will feature panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the westernmost point of the Sea of Cortez, which swells with breaching whales during the winter months. On the interior side, tall distant peaks will serve as dramatic backdrops for several holes. For additional information, resort reservations, or tee times access the web site at www.quiviraloscabos.com/golf or call 1-800-9908250.
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ITALY’S BEST by Dakota Diaz
Launch of Liguria Golf Destination on the Italian Riviera Launch of Liguria Golf Destination on the Italian Riviera 105 Miles from the Coast of Portofino to the French Border Along the Sea, 3 Charming Golf Clubs, 3 Luxury Hotels
S
tay and play in Liguria. Exploring the small region in the northwestern part of Italy is a slow trip along the Mediterranean coastline. The sea on one side, hills and mountains on the other; rocks and beaches, small fishing villages and medieval hamlets are all around on the road along the coast. The Italian Riviera tastes good, with a mix of sea breeze and scent of flowers, olive and lemon trees. The olive oil industry is a strong tradition here, a matter of pride, an expertise and a business for the region, which is blessed by a mild climate on the coast even in wintertime. Perfect for golf too. Tradition, charme, challenging holes and warm hospitality describe golf in Liguria. With a 19th hole full of genuine flavours and local dishes that you can taste on a terrace overlooking the sea. On
the table, homemade pasta (trofie, trenette, pansotti) with pesto (basil leaves and olive oil for the king of sauces). The room is not far from the first tee. Liguria Golf Destination suggests the best of hospitality with three 5* hotels. Glamour and perfect services, facing the sea or the course. Recognised by top hôtellerie families as Leading Hotels of the World, Legend Preferred Hotels or Relais & Châteaux, they can offer guests revisited old splendours or the small dimension of a charming retreat. Each one is a memorable experience. Either way, the trip can start in Genova (Italy) or in Nice (France). Both airports are very well served by international airlines. Spending a one-week vacation and moving forward every two days to a new course and hotel, is the perfect travel timing to go deep inside many experiences. Slow rhythm, relaxed atmosphere, golfing and much
Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo
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ITALY’S BEST
more. Do not forget to take a cooking class and learn how to make homemade pesto. Devote some time to visit Genova, getting lost in the tight alleys of the old town. Walk around one of the many medieval villages as Dolceacqua (Sanremo) or Cervo (Garlenda), and make a stop in the quiet Laigueglia (Garlenda) or in the worldrenowned Portofino (Rapallo). Shop in the brand new Sanremo Mall. Visit a «frantoio» and see how olives are transformed in top quality extra vergine oil. Taste the best expression of the Mediterranean diet. Bike along the Via Julia Augusta or the high paths overlooking the sea. And do not leave without trying your luck at the famous Casinò di Sanremo.
Rapallo
TO PLAY: Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo Few meters from the highway, the entrance is just in the middle of the small sea town. The 18 holes climb on the hills behind, offering plenty of dog legs, uphill fairways and tee-shots from above. The course requires strategy more than long distance, and good recovery skills. Since the opening in 1931, and thanks to the mild climate, a lush vegetation has grown all aroundwith beeches and chestnuts, acacias, eucalyptus and palms. Simple elegance, glamour and famous guests have played here as Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Bill Gates or Nole Ðokovic www.golfetennisrapallo.it - segreteria@golfetennisrapallo.it TO STAY: Excelsior Palace Hotel For the legendary hotel (and first Italian Casino), history begins in 1901 on the cliffs overlooking the blue sea of the coast of Portofino, surrounding the hotel on three sides. A 5 stars deluxe, close to the Rapallo marina, the Excelsior is located few steps away from Portofino. An elegant ambiance, with 119 rooms and plenty of options to taste Italian food and wine; the private beach, two panoramic pools, the Health Club and Spa. Among the eminent guests enjoying the Excelsior luxury services in the years, the Duke of Windsor, Bruce Springsteen and George Clooney. www.excelsiorpalace.it - excelsior@excelsiorpalace.it
Garlenda
TO PLAY: Golf Club Garlenda British style and Mediterranean taste, both on the course and in club house. The 18 holes, signed by John Morrison and John Harris, are in play since 1964 and wind across the wide valley of river Lerrone. Olive trees and umbrella pines shape the course and suggest the strategy; all around hills and woods, hamlets and villas. After golf, guests can enjoy a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. Garlenda is inland of the ancient Albenga (famous for its well-
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preserved medieval center) and of the colored sea town of Alassio. www.garlendagolf.it - info@garlendagolf.it TO STAY: La Meridiana Hotel & Golf Resort A Relais & Chateaux since 1979, La Meridiana is set in the countryside just 4 miles from the sea of Alassio, with the Garlenda golf course on site. Alessandra and Edmondo Segre, the owners,receive their guests since 1983. Different styles for the 26 rooms and a trip through theMediterranean cuisine in two restaurants (Rosmarino and Bistrot) with a collection of the best Italian wines. Dogs are welcome. Available, tailored visits to Liguria and Piedmont; private helipad (services provided by Heli Air Monaco); a business aviation hub, the Riviera Airport, one mile away. www.lameridianaresort.com - info@lameridianaresort.com
Sanremo
TO PLAY: Circolo Golf Degli Ulivi A par 69 course not overly long, with most par 4’s easily reached with two shots. Not ideal for long hitters, but on the other hand requiring considerable technical ability. Missing the green could be an adventure. The club is there since 1932 (among the first in Italy). The club house dominates, 160 mt. high on the sea. Inside, boiseries and trophies show a long golf tradition, while a wide terrace is perfect to dine in the summer. Golf was played in the area by English visitors as far back as 1901. www.golfsanremo.com - info@golfsanremo.com TO STAY: Royal Hotel Sanremo Luxury, intimacy and relaxation are to be found in the exclusive 5-star hotel. Inaugurated in 1872, rich in history and tradition, it has been home of royalties and celebrities. Timeless elegance and modern comforts in the 127 rooms, all individually decorated. The Fiori di Murano restaurant offers panoramic views and precious glass-flower chandeliers. A candlelit dinner is served on the terrace overlooking the sea at Il Giardino. The heated sea-water pool is set in a subtropical park. The Spa is a true Royal Wellness oasis. www.royalhotelsanremo.com - reservations@royalhotelsanremo.com LIGURIA GOLF DESTINATION - The Italian Riviera Stay & Play Packages available. Info and reservations contacts: Royal Hotel Sanremo reservations@royalhotelsanremo.com La Meridiana Hotel & Golf Resort (Garlenda) info@lameridianaresort.com Excelsior Palace Hotel (Rapallo) reservations@excelsiorpalace.it
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A Golfer’s Guide to Georgia’s
Reynolds Lake Oconee
By SHANE SHARP
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ne of the unfailingly cool things about pure golf destinations is their existence in the most unlikely of places. Hanging from a cliff in Oregon, like Bandon Dunes. Carved from the sandhills of North Carolina and Wisconsin, like Pinehurst and Sand Valley. Or even in the middle of a retired phosphate strip mine, like Streamsong. By these lofty standards of remoteness, Reynolds Lake Oconee isn’t just accessible, it’s downright convenient. Georgia’s largest golf destination is situated midway between the Atlanta metro area and iconic Augusta, just 90-minutes from either. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. are a 2.5 and 3.5-hour drive, respectively, putting it in play for thousands of golf-crazed Carolinians. One part luxury resort, two parts private golf community and overall pure golf nirvana, Reynolds Lake Oconee is home to five courses ranked among the best in the country by the holy trinity of Golf Digest, Golfweek and GOLF Magazine, a stunning Ritz-Carlton hotel, sporting grounds with clays, 18 Golf Vacations • March 2022
archery and off-road driving, and over 376 miles of shoreline flowing along a 12,000-acre freshwater lake. Unlike “golf for golf’s sake” destinations, there are myriad ways to experience Reynolds Lake Oconee. It can easily facilitate a golf buddy trip with is 90 holes of resort golf designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Bob Cupp. Onsite cottages (more on this to come, below) can easily accommodate groups of any size. Note: The Creek Course onsite is a members-only, private course, whereas the other five courses are open to resort guests and members. Bestowed with numerous “best for families” awards, Reynolds Lake Oconee is equally adept at hosting a couples’ golf retreat or family golf trip with premier lodging at the lakefront Ritz-Carlton, fine dining, seemingly unlimited activities and inspiring sunrises best savored with a cup of coffee overlooking the lake. With all this stated, here are a few tips for anyone considering a golf sojourn to this golf shrine of the Southeast. www.golfvacationsmag.com
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Course Lineup When it comes to executing the perfect golf buddies’ trip, order of play matters. You don’t want to take on a resort’s toughest track right out of the gate, yet the crew still wants a little taste of what the golf destination has in store. That’s why The Landing is the ideal leadoff / arrival-day course at Reynolds Lake Oconee. The Landing was golf course architect Bob Cupp’s first solo design after launching his career with Jack Nicklaus in the 70s. Formerly known as Port Armor and acquired by Reynolds Lake Oconee in 2005, it’s optimally located just outside of the resort community’s entrance. Arrival and checking in at the golf shop is seamless, and there’s a generous practice range for a few warm-up swings before heading out.
the inevitable first-round shot dispersion that comes with a couple of hours spent in the car. Golf groups come in all shapes, sizes and skill levels, and The Landing not only features five sets of tees, but also three combo tees rated by the Georgia State Golf Association. The “Tournament” tees – a blend of the “One” (back) and “Two” (next to back) tees offer an outstanding mix of challenge and playability for mid to low handicappers. At 5,155 yards, the Four/Five combo sets up well for women and juniors who want to kick it up a notch from the 4,798 forward tees.
The front nine offers a handful of holes right along the lake – highlighted by the dramatic view on the 490-yard par-5 second – and is relatively flat compared to the pitching and rolling back nine.
After The Landing, the course lineup is flexible just depending upon the length of stay, time of the year and whether the itinerary calls for 18, 27 or 36 holes a day. The Oconee, designed by Rees Jones, is accessible right from the RitzCarlton and is a nice option for the final morning of an extended stay. The Preserve and The National are just a chipshot away from each other, setting up for an awesome onetwo punch over a long summer day.
Throughout Cupp’s compelling routing and layout, landing areas are visible from the tee box and wide enough to handle
But one thing’s for sure: Great Waters, wherever it fits into the rotation, needs to stand alone on the golf docket for that
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day, and must be savored from the first tee to 18th green. Reynolds Lake Oconee’s crown jewel was renovated by Nicklaus Design in 2019. The dramatic layout features some of the most breathtaking golf scenery in the Southeast with nine holes lining the shores of Lake Oconee. And stretching to 7,436 from the Golden Bear Tees, Great Waters is the undisputed “must-play” for big game hunters. Fazio’s Flagship Reynolds Lake Oconee is the only golf resort in the U.S. to have five golf courses ranked by Golfweek as “Best in State.” Great Waters is No. 2, Oconee No. 4, The Preserve No. 10, The National No. 11 and The Landing No. 12. The National, a vintage 27-hole Tom Fazio design, is easily good enough to move up into the top 10. The tract of land Fazio was handed has more movement than any other course on the property, with elevation changes of more than 60-feet from tee to greens. With three distinctly different sets of nines – Ridge, Bluff and Cover – The National takes on different personalities depending on which two are paired for 18 holes that day. Perhaps most importantly, though, this is Tom Fazio we’re talking about, easily one of the top 10 golf course architects of all time, and inarguably one of the top two or three modern designers of the past 40 years. The National is Fazio at his modern best, circa 1997, during his “big” phase – big landing 22 Golf Vacations • March 2022
areas, big greens and big-time bunkering (more than 100, to be somewhat exact). Linger Longer The Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee’s undisputed fine dining headquarters is Linger Longer Steakhouse, an upscale chophouse on the level of the great steakhouses of North America. For disarming casual experience, pull up a seat at the bar and order off the main menu. For the full Linger Longer effect, grab a table in the dining room by the open kitchen or double-sided stacked-stone fireplace. Steak is the obvious choice, and it says here that the N.Y. Strip and whipped potatoes are as good as it gets. A pleasant surprise, Linger Longer also offers “Chill,” a raw bar experience that’s open daily with fresh oysters, tuna tartare, crab claws and lobster. Pro tip: get the souffle and order it well ahead of time. Tavern Time Allow us to roll it back to The National. In some locales, 27-holes, a robust practice range, full-service tavern and boutique market would constitute a golf destination unto itself. And this is a great way to spend a day at Reynolds Lake Oconee – play all 27 holes if available followed by early dinner at The National Tavern, situated behind the ninth green of the Bluff course.
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The menu is cleverly organized by serving size and type. There are small plates, big plates, sammies, sharables, pie – as in pizza pie, and sweet small bites (i.e., dessert). The craft beer and wine lists are extensive, and while there are many tempting options, an ice-cold Create Comforts Tropicalia IPA and a works pie with pepperoni, Italian sausage, peppers, onion and mushrooms is hard to beat, post-round. The Kingdom GOLFTEC, Club Champion and True Spec Golf have collectively ushered in the golden age of club fitting. For players who are agnostic about which brand they play, these are all superb options for dialing in their games. But millions of golfers are TaylorMade through and through, and Reynolds Lake Oconee quickly moves to the front of their golf bucket list because of “The Kingdom.” The Kingdom of Golf, presented by TaylorMade, is one of only two of its kind in the world and is home to a club fitting center, golf instruction, including seven indoor hitting bays with TrackMan launch monitors V1 Swing analysis, and not one but two actual TaylorMade TOUR trailers. Customized experiences are even available for large groups. Accommodations Aplenty For couples and families, The Ritz-Carlton is by far and away
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the preferred option. It’s an unlikely location for one the famed luxury hotel brand’s finest hotels but seeing (and staying) is believing. Its craftsman-style architecture and interior flow is reminiscent of the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, one of the great hotels of the world, as its firepit-themed rooms on the bottom floor. It’s entirely possible to not leave the hotel and grounds and have a full-day of adventure on a pontoon boat or standup paddleboard out on the lake, or a relaxing time spent lounging by the pools (plural) and enjoying a treatment in the 26,000-square-foot spa. Whichever it is, wind down the night with a Bourbon from the Barrel Room in the lobby, sipping with friends or family on the couches by the fireplace. For golf groups, both the Ritz-Carlton and The National Village offer spacious cottages. The National Club Cottages are adjacent to the National golf course overlooking the shortgame practice facility. They feature four bedrooms, 4.5 baths, full kitchens, two open living spaces and an expansive porch area for enjoying an evening cigar. Additional cottages options are available at The Landing and Oconee courses. For more information on visiting Reynolds Lake Oconee, visit www.reynoldslakeoconee.com.
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Gadsden Alabama at Twin Bridges an
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a Offers Great Golf nd RTJ Silver Lake by David Theoret
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A
s golf destinations go, Gadsden, AL is well down most golfers’ list; if it weren’t for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it probably wouldn’t even be on the radar. And, if the truth be told, the RTJ Trail course at Silver Lakes is what keeps golfers coming back. I am speaking about Silver Lakes, a 36-hole facility on the outskirts of town. Surrounded by the Appalachian foothills and Lee’s Lake, Silver Lakes features the most unique and aptly named courses on The Trail: Heartbreaker, Backbreaker, Mindbreaker. All 36 greens (including the short course) boast Champion ultra-dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on The Trail. Another trait they share is that they are all elevated; some more so than others. Silver Lakes takes you on a journey through hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, and grasslands. You’ll encounter dramatic elevation changes all while enjoying the beauty of Northeastern Alabama’s wonderful landscape. There is one thing for sure: any of the four courses will challenge you both physically and mentally.
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Many golfers use the Short Course as a warm-up before heading out to play the championship courses. When I hear the words “short course,” I immediately think of conditions that are inferior to what you will find on a full-length golf course. Not so on the Short Course at Silver Lakes. It’s a collection of 9 par 3 holes of championship course caliber. You’ll find some significant elevation changes, well-manicured bunkers, and undulating Champion ultra-dwarf putting surfaces. Eight of the nine holes require a carry over water, culminating on the 9th, which plays 184 yards from the Orange Tees, and is primarily all carry. Each course is special in its own right with memorable holes. Number 8 on Mindbreaker is an interesting par 4 that plays 358 yards from the White Tees. The fairway slopes to the right with a creek at the bottom so your best tee shot is something controllable down the left side. Anything right of the middle of the fairway stands a good chance of trundling down to the water. A good drive will leave a short iron into
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a triangular-shaped green with a pot bunker left and a large, deep bunker on the right. The green slopes severely from back to front. Did I mention you’ll need to carry your approach shot over the creek?
You’ll also encounter several hidden hazards such as the creek that crosses the fairway in front of the 7th green. It could be a problem if you’re long off the tee. Looking at the scorecard, Twin Bridges gives you 13 different yardages to choose from.
The Heartbreaker 9 builds you up from your tee shot on the first hole right through to your last putt, but nothing is more challenging than the last three holes. Number 7 is the course’s signature hole and the first encounter with water. Your line from the very elevated tee box is the bunker on the right; that will take the ponds on the left out of play. Once your drive flies downhill and lands in the fairway – or wherever – the rest of the hole plays extremely uphill. While the landing area on your layup may seem small and complicated by the bunker on the left, you’ll have a short pitch shot into a very wide but shallow green protected by a deep bunker in front.
One very memorable hole is Number 5, a 521-yard par 5 that is chock full of pitfalls. Standing on the tee box, there seems to be only a small landing area, with a sad trap encroaching on the left side and wetlands on the right. Believe me, there is plenty of room; just carry the trap. Push your drive right and you’ll likely never see it again. Choose your layup stick carefully; you’ll want to hit it short of the wetlands that front the green while at the same time avoiding the bunkers on either side. A single deep bunker guards the front right side of the green.
Number 8 is a challenging, downhill par 3 that plays 156 yards and is all carry over water. The green is large and could be a 3-club difference depending on pin placement. Deep bunkers await errant shots on either side of the green. Number 9 is a 353-yard par 4 that requires you to cross – and avoid - the water
twice. This dogleg left features water all the way down the left side and in front of the green, with a wide landing area off the tee. A good drive will leave a short to mid-iron into an oddly positioned green protected with water in front and left. It’s the layout’s most difficult par 4 and the course’s #1 handicap. Backbreaker starts with a stern test of golf; your approach shot will give you a good idea of how the course got its name. It’s a par 4 that plays 360 yards from the White Tees although because it’s predominantly uphill it may play closer to 400 yards. A good drive will leave a mid to long iron into a very elevated green protected in front by a deep bunker. The hills behind the green may provide some relief for approaches hit too long. Twin Bridges Golf Club is owned by the city of Gadsden and, as municipal courses go, it’s quite a pleasant surprise. As you stand on the verandah behind the clubhouse, you can tell that there are some significant elevation changes in-store and as you make your way around, you won’t be disappointed. www.golfvacationsmag.com
Number 11 is another challenging par 5. There’s a canal all the way down the right side that shouldn’t come into play until your second shot and a good drive will allow you to get home in two. There are pine trees that seemingly stand in the middle of the fairway if you hit your ball down the right side. There’s also a large gap between the pine trees and the woods on the right which can create a clear shot to go for the green in two.
The well-undulated green sits elevated above the fairway and may require an extra club. A large bunker guards the front. Par is a good score here. The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Gadsden is a great place for golfers. Not only do they offer freshly appointed rooms and a hot breakfast buffet, but they are also conveniently located to both Twin Bridges Golf Club (15 minutes) and Silver Lakes (20 minutes). Holiday Inn Express goes the extra mile with the little things, like free coffee and tea and Wi-Fi connections in every room and common area. The rooms are spacious with either 1 king or two queen beds that are extremely comfortable 50” TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and best of all, lots of outlets. The blackout shades are a nice touch and keep the room dark at night. For more information on planning a golf vacation to the Gadsden, Alabama area, visit them online at www. greatergadsden.com. Golf Vacations • March 2022 27
RESORT REPORT
Steamboat Springs Levels-Up Golf 28 Golf Vacations • March 2022
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by SHANE SHARP
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO
Photos by Lonna Tucker www.golfvacationsmag.com
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RESORT REPORT
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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO
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ith the Olympic games upon us, it seems like the perfect time to extol the virtues of a golf vacation to off-the-beaten-path Steamboat Springs, Colorado, referred to by downhill aficionados as Ski Town U.S.A. Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America. For the 2022 Winter Games, 13 athletes with ties to Steamboat will be in attendance, four who are attending for their first time, which brings the total number of Olympic athletes with ties to Steamboat to a record 100 and counting. As the saying goes, though, folks come for the winter and stay for the summer. And summer in Steamboat means golf at elevation amid the aspen trees, fly fishing the local rivers, soaking in the town’s name-sake hot springs, and hiking and biking the area’s network of trails. Focusing on golf for purposes of this missive, this authentic ranch town offers several enticing options. Catamount Ranch and Club is a par-72 gem designed by the vastly underrated Tom Weiskopf. It embodies the best of golf played in the mountains: endless vistas, big elevation changes, and (hopefully) long drives. Four sets of tees accommodate all levels of golfers, with the tips measuring just over 7,000 yards. The front nine meanders throughout the valley floor, with holes cut from aspen groves along banks of the Yampa River. The back nine heads up into the mountains and back down, taking full advantage of the property’s natural undulations. Besides Catamount, Haymaker is another excellent option for golf in Steamboat Springs. One of Colorado’s top public tracks, Haymaker offers five sets of tees starting with the 2,700-yard Family tees ranging up to the 7,300yard tips. Haymaker is also a top Nordic
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skiing facility when the snow flies. Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, operated by Troon, should also make onto any avid golfer’s dance card. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course is perennially ranked among the top 10 resorts courses in the state by Colorado Golf Magazine. It measures anywhere from 5,800 yards from the Copper tees to 6,700 from the Black tees. For lodging, Steamboat Grand is the area’s premier place to stay, offering 328 beautifully appointed hotel rooms, spacious condos, and luxurious penthouses just steps from the base of the ski area. Other Steamboat hotel options include the Sheraton Steamboat Resort, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn, and La Quinta. On the topic of coming for the winter and staying for the summer, vacation homes in Steamboat continue to be popular with buyers seeking wide-open spaces and room for their families to roam. Especially with the ongoing trend of working remotely, more and more buyers are opting for a “life on vacation” lifestyle in Steamboat Springs. Alpine Mountain Ranch & Club, a 1,216-acre luxury ranch community located in the South Valley, is enjoying an uptick in sales due to in-migration from urban areas. Bordered by the Steamboat Ski Resort, Catamount Golf Club and the national forest, the ranch features 63, five-acre homesites starting at $2 million and 900 acres dedicated to wildlife preserve and open space only five minutes from town and the ski area. Ranch amenities include an Owners’ Lodge, Guest Cabin, concierge services, fishing lake, equestrian facilities, a private backcountry retreat, five-miles of trails, private fishing on a 1.5-mile section of the Yampa River, and membership opportunities at the five-star, slopeside, Alpine Mountain Summit Club, located at One Steamboat Place. For more info visit www. alpinemountainranchsteamboat.com. Golf Vacations • March 2022 31
MY TURN by Terry Ross
Back to the Future of a Desert Classic
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imes have certainly changed since the last time the American Express PGA Tour event in the Southern California desert got the pro golf season on the mainland started for the year in early 2020 with a robust event featuring concerts, a three-day Pro-Am and plenty of fun for those that come out to enjoy the best weather in the country in January. Even though 2021 had a slimmeddown event with no fans or extra activities because of Covid19, the 2022 edition of what started as the Bob Hope Desert Classic in 1960 came back bigger and stronger in January with its most robust list of top players ever--a full field Pro-Am for the first three days of the competition and two of the top musical performers in the country. Led by Jon Rahm, the number-one ranked player in the world, the 156 professionals and 156 amateurs were treated to a wonderful week in the desert sun and a tournament that lived up to its promise. The concert series of the American Express has become of the tournament’s trademarks—along with being one of only
two pro-am’s on the PGA Tour where the pros and amateurs play together as part of the 72-hole regulation event. The concert series that begun in 2017 was bigger and better than ever. Held on the PGA West Stadium Club practice area, the popular Los Angeles pop rock band Maroon 5 performed after the conclusion of play on Friday as night fell--and country star Brad Paisley played on Saturday evening after the conclusion of the third Event Winner Hudson Swafford and family
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round. Crowds were back to pre-pandemic heights and even more enthusiastic. The professional golf was just as exciting. Hudson Swafford used an eagle and five birdies on the back nine to win the event for the second time (the first was 2017) with a final round 64 and a total of 23 under par--and joined names like Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and Billy Casper as the only two-time winners of one of the oldest and most iconic tournaments on the PGA Tour. For a golf destination in January, the Coachella valley region is more popular than ever because of its easy drive access for more than 20 million people who are two hours away or less. The region has 120 golf courses, and a tournament that uses three of them over the four days highlights some of the best that the area has to offer. In addition to the PGA Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West is on the rotation along with historic La Quinta Country Club. These are three of the best courses in the City of La Quinta, which is fast gaining a reputation as the go-to golf destination for those looking to get away and enjoy a winter get-away. Throw in an iconic tournament for added fun and entertainment, and you have a recipe for a memorable week with the best weather you will find for winter.
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SWEETSTUFF by Barry Lotz
Whiskers Enters U.S. Golf Market with Array of Color Pops, Cool Patterns on Shoelaces
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XXIO Rebound Drive Golf Balls
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he new XXIO Rebound Drive golf balls provide the versatile performance that golfers demand to handle every situation out on the course. These golf balls feature XXIO’s proprietary Rebound Frame Technology, which interposes areas with high and low rigidity to produce just the right amount of flex for higher initial ball speeds along with a pure feel at impact. It incorporates distance, feel, spin and all the performance needed in one new golf ball offering from XXIO. Available colors include: Premium White, Lime Yellow, Premium Pink and fourColor Pack (Premium Pink, Lime Yellow, Orange, and Ruby Red). For more information: www.xxiousa.com
to deliver a feel, ball roll and distance control unlike any “Anser” style you have tried. The Gun Metal finish looks amazing. Like all Sacks Parente putting instruments, the 99 has patented ultra-low balance point technology, and this putting instrument, like all their putters, will naturally improve your stroke and your score.
Sacks Parente Putters
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he Series 99 “Anser Style” putter has a maximized face-forward Center of Gravity (CG) engineered to give you a better stroke, better ball roll, better distance control and fewer three putts. The Series 99 was developed in collaboration with PGA Tour professionals to deliver a better feeling Anser style putter for tour use. Many professionals have to add lead weight tape to their putters, searching for feel, and the 99 delivers extreme feel without over weighting the putter head. This putter is CNC milled from solid carbon steel, formulated by their engineers,
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Contributing to an overall spectacular improvement to your putting, besides your stroke, the shaft and the Ultra-Light ULBP grips are major contributors to your putting prowess and putts per round decline. Since I started using the 99 “Anser Style”, I am looking at getting closer to 19 putts per round – that is how great this putter performs. For more information: www.sacksparente.com
hiskers has launched men’s and women’s premium golf-specific shoelaces in 20 color pops and unique patterns, expanding beyond its immensely popular bespoke laces for sneakers-casual and dress shoes--and boots. The Made-in-the-USA golf laces coordinate in style and color with famous golf footwear and apparel brands as well as palettes of college and professional sports teams. Made of ultra-durable polynylon tech weave with high-grade aglets, they are available in classic and athletic profiles, flat and oval shapes and 30- to 45-inch lengths. Best sellers include navy and light blue; orange and white; berry and black; green and blue and purple and pink. The company’s entry into the $84B golf economy is timely and massive. Through August 2021, golf rounds are up 11.3% over 2020, with millennials – who especially relish self-expression – representing one of the fastest growing golf segments. Sales of golf equipment, apparel and accessories rose 37% over the same 12-month period. Golf style trends also align with the company’s mission to create a Whiskers “movement” and its vision to become the world’s most iconic, inspirational, aspirational and ubiquitous premium golf lace and accent brand. Golfers are paying more attention to how they look, supported by a new crop of young, causal Tour players and influencers injecting tremendous fashion energy into the golf landscape. Easing of traditional dress codes at country clubs also contributes to Whiskers’ market opportunity. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, programs underway include a seamless ordering portal for golf shops; special edition socks around major tournaments and other events; presence on the feet of PGA and LPGA Tour players and collaborations with golf footwear and apparel brands. The brand is uber-popular as evidenced by rave reviews from major fashion and
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SWEETSTUFF lifestyle media, as well as customer testimonials. Widely recognized as a “here-to-stay trend,” Whiskers also manufactures statement-making golf socks in an assortment of colors and designs which merchandise superbly with its golf laces. The growing annual global sock market is forecast to reach $24B by 2025. Whiskers’ laces are becoming collectors’ items and are available on scores of websites, select specialty shops and at www.whiskerslaces.com.
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