8 My Turn: A New Golf Opportunity by
10 Chip Shots
18
4 Unforgettable Days at Riviera
Terry Ross by Tim CotroneoLeading up to playing in your first Pro-Am is nerve wracking for any golfer. Imagine the excitement if that virgin experience is The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.
Punxsutawny Phil may have seen his shadow, but that won’t stop golfers around the country from dreaming of a short winter. For those not blessed with year-round warm weather, the last few months have been cold, dark, and most notably, devoid of outdoor golf. But fear not, warm weather is on the horizon, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy the first rounds of the year on some of the country’s best, and most importantly, publicly-available golf venues. Here are a few destinations that should be on any golfer’s bucket list to start 2023.
Diamondhead is a city on the Bay St. Louis coastline in Mississippi, located about 35 miles from Biloxi, MS, and 50 miles from New Orleans, LA, making it an easy drive from both markets. The city of Diamondhead was destined to be a resort town, with Hawaii-inspired architecture, landscaping, and road names. even their logo depicts this. Take a look at the country club’s swimming pool and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
34 Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
Tim Cotroneo is a Mineapolis-based freelance writer specializing in Caribbean travel, business, and golf. Tim is a long-time contributor to Tee Times Press and he’s also the Travel Writer for American Business Magazine.
Executive Editor
Jeffrey Diaz
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.
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
Tim Cotroneo • Larry Feldman
David R. Holland • Dave McKibben Jakki Right • David Theoret
For Editorial: call (760) 774–2655
e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
National Marketing Director
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.
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Early in the year is always prime time in the California desert when it comes to golf. Not only does the PGA Tour open its West Coast season in January every year in this vacation and golf mecca, but the numerous charity and corporate events keep both locals and visitors supplied with plenty of opportunities to watch and play.
For the past 50 years the LPGA Tour has anchored down the end of winter season in March in this area of the country with its first major tournament of the year in what began as the Dinah Shore at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. But its new title sponsor—Chevron—moved the event to Houston this year—leaving a gap in professional golf in the desert.
In stepped the PGA TOUR Champions for the first time since the senior circuit for the men 50 and over left the area after 1993-with a new event that promises plenty of star power with activities beginning the week of March 20.
The Galleri® Classic’s assembly of golf’s legends is trending towards producing one of the PGA TOUR Champions’ strongest fields of the year.
Bernhard Langer, tied atop the tour’s all-time win list with 45 titles, and 34-time PGA TOUR winner Vijay Singh – World Golf Hall of Famers and past World No. 1 players – have committed to the inaugural tournament alongside reigning PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year Steven Alker, 13-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Miguel Angel Jimenez and three-time PGA TOUR Champions major winner Fred Funk.
The Galleri Classic, named after title sponsor GRAIL’s multicancer early detection test, brings PGA TOUR Champions golf back to the Coachella Valley for the first time in 30 years. The Galleri Classic will feature 78 PGA TOUR Champions pros--including many World Golf Hall of Fame members -- playing 54 holes (three rounds) from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26 on the revered
Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club.
“We are thrilled to have the likes of Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Steven Alker and Fred Funk among the opening chapter in The Galleri Classic’s history,” said Michelle DeLancy, tournament director of The Galleri Classic.
“Bernhard’s ongoing quest to be the winningest, and greatest, golfer in PGA TOUR Champions history is the most intriguing storyline on the Tour this year, and he can cement such status with a win at The Galleri Classic. Vijay Singh is one of the most dominant players in recent PGA TOUR history. Steven is coming off a career year and he and Miguel Angel are currently two of PGA TOUR Champions’ leading golfers.”
Langer, a 2002 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and the 1985 and 1993 Masters champion, was the first to be recognized as the world’s top-ranked golfer when the Official World Golf Ranking was introduced in April of 1986. Today, the ironman golfer seeks to break the tie with Hale Irwin atop the PGA TOUR Champions’ alltime win list with his next victory. Both men hold 45 wins on PGA TOUR Champions. Langer already stands alone with 11 senior major championships, achieved from 2010-2019. His 42 DP World Tour titles are second all-time on that tour.
Germany’s finest golfer and someone who has made a habit of shooting his age, Langer’s stellar record on the PGA TOUR Champions not only includes his 45 wins, but it is supplemented by 40 runner-up finishes over 318 starts. Hence, he has finished first or second in less than every fourth PGA TOUR Champions start he has made, on average. He has won multiple PGA TOUR Champions tournaments in each of the past 10 seasons.
Singh, who just turned 60, is a 2006 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and his 34 PGA TOUR victories rank 14th on the TOUR’s all-time win list. For much of the decade of the 2000s, Singh was regarded as one of the world’s three best golfers, along with Tiger
Woods and Phil
He became the PGA TOUR’s second FedExCup champion, after Woods, in 2008.
Three-time major champion Singh won the 2000 Masters and the PGA Championship in 1998 and 2004 – the latter title highlighting Singh’s career year in which he won a staggering nine times on the PGA TOUR. That was sandwiched by two years (2003 and 2005) in which he won four tournaments each. Singh, the greatest golfer ever produced from Fiji, has won four titles on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Jimenez, the popular Spanish showman, won three of his 13 PGA TOUR Champions titles in 2022 on the way to finishing fifth on the Tour’s 2022 Charles Schwab Cup money list. He has won multiple PGA TOUR Champions events for four seasons running, dating back to 2018 when he won his two senior major championships --the Regions Tradition and The Senior Open Championship. Jimenez bagged 21 European Tour wins prior to joining the PGA TOUR Champions in 2014.
Alker, who hails from New Zealand, won four of his five PGA TOUR Champions titles last year, including the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, en route to topping the Charles Schwab Cup money list and earning the TOUR’s Player of the Year honors. In fact, Alker finished third or better in 13 of the 23 events he played in last year (including four runner-up finishes and five third-place finishes).
Funk is a nine-time winner on the PGA TOUR Champions –highlighted by major championships at the 2009 U.S. Senior Open Championship and the 2008 and 2010 Regions Tradition – and won eight titles on the PGA TOUR. Funk, who served a stint as the University of Maryland’s golf coach prior to joining the PGA TOUR, competed for the United States in the 2004 Ryder Cup and 2003 and 2005 Presidents Cup. Funk’s claim to fame in the Coachella Valley came in 2005 when he became the oldest golfer to win the Skins Game while competing against Tiger Woods, Fred Couples and Annika Sorenstam.
Limited spots remain toward The Galleri Classic’s official tournament Pro-Am, played March 22-23 (Wednesday and Thursday of tournament week). More information can be found by visiting www.thegallericlassic.com.
The Galleri Classic Pro-Am provides an opportunity for golf
enthusiasts to go inside the ropes for a fantasy-like, bucket-list experience of playing on Mission Hills CC’s Dinah Shore Tournament Course, set up to tournament conditions, with the tournament’s professionals.
Each Pro-Am participant is paired for a round of golf with a PGA TOUR Champions pro on either March 22 or March 23, and receives a Pro-Am package that includes an invitation to The Galleri Classic’s pairings party on March 21, a valet parking pass, breakfast, lunch and on-course refreshments on one Pro-Am play day (March 22 or March 23), a premium gift package, and a grounds badge providing tournament week access.
The Galleri Classic’s ticket offerings, which can only be secured online at the event’s official website, www.thegallericlassic.com, include:
Single-day Grounds tickets (good any one-day groundsonly admission for Pro-Am rounds March 22-23, or tournament competition rounds March 24-26) – $30.
Weekly Grounds tickets (grounds-only admission good only for competition rounds March 24-26) – $65.
Single-day Clubhouse tickets (good any one day during competition rounds March 24-26, and providing access to Mission Hills CC’s air-conditioned clubhouse as well as upgraded dining and beverage options for purchase at the Champions Café inside the clubhouse -- $75
Weekly Clubhouse tickets (good only for all competition rounds March 24-26) – $150.
For those seeking the most elevated, VIP-like spectator experience, The Champions Club on 18 is a covered, open-air venue featuring a birds-eye view of the PGA TOUR Champions competition beside the island green at the historic, par-5 18th hole, next to the legendary Poppie’s Pond.
This all-inclusive ticket option is only open for competition rounds (March 24-26) and offers the most premium hospitality experience to enjoy, with complimentary food and full bar service. For information on group and corporate packages for the Champions Club on 18, please inquire at: info@thegallericlassic.com.
Scottsdale, AZ – Wilderness Club Resort and Troon® have teamed up for the Best of Montana sweepstakes. One lucky person will win a trip for two people for three-day, two-night trip to Wilderness Club Resort in Eureka, Montana. Those interested in entering the sweepstakes can go to (https://www.wildernessclubmontana.com/ best-of-montana-sweeps) by March 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be notified via email.
The Best of Montana sweepstakes includes:
A 4-day, 3-night stay at the Wilderness Club Resort
4 rounds of golf at Wilderness Club Resort, rated the No. 1 Course You Can Play in Montana by Golfweek Magazine
Complimentary rental club use
$350 dining credit at the Wilderness Grille
$1,000 travel credit
A National Troon FourSome Card for savings of 50 percent off greens fees at participating Troon-affiliated facilities – a $999 value
$500 gift card to TRUE Linkswear
A year’s supply of Callaway Supersoft golf balls (12 dozen)
In total, the Best of Montana prize package is valued at $5,350.
Wilderness Club Resort is a semi-private club located in Northern Montana near the Kootenai National Forest, approximately eight miles from the Canadian border. The property features an 18-hole Sir Nick Faldo-designed golf course that is rated as the No. 1 course you can play in Montana by Golfweek and ranked No. 57 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. The course is open for daily-fee and resort-guest play April through November and is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, between the Whitefish and Purcell Mountain Ranges. Routed through natural streams, lakes and Ponderosa Pines, the golf course opened for play in 2009.
The 550-acre resort offers a collection of fully-equipped suites, cabins and cottages that can accommodate everything from a couples getaway to large group or family gathering. A water park, sports par, 18 hole World Championship disc golf course, fitness studio, hiking and biking trails, and a 21-acre lake for fishing provide resort guests with a bevy of non-golf recreational options.
INDIAN WELLS, CA – Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class public golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – earned the coveted 2023 “Platinum Award” by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) recognizing premier golf shops worldwide.
Recipients of this prestigious award consistently demonstrate efficacious business practices in their retail operations. To be considered for a Platinum Award, courses were invited to submit golf shop nominations with entries judged by an impartial panel in a number of categories including customer satisfaction initiatives, creative use of space, inventory control practices, revenue-generating initiatives, promotions and visual displays.
Indian Wells Golf Resort boasts a truly exceptional pro shop, offering friendly service, a spacious floor filled with top golf apparel brands as well as a shoe cleaning desk. With over 30 years of experience representing fashionable accessory and golf apparel brands, director of retail Pam Vincent has placed her stamp on the resort’s retail efforts during her four years on property.
“The AGM Platinum Award is a testament to Pam Vincent and our entire team’s tireless work in ensuring our golf shop provides an unrivaled experience for our guests,” says Indian Wells Golf Resort general manager Sven Wiedenhaupt. “Indian Wells Golf Resort embodies the best of desert golf as we pride ourselves on excellence in all areas, from golf to dining to the numerous special group events we host.”
In addition to the tandem of world-class, 18-hole golf courses –the critically acclaimed Celebrity Course and the stunning Players Course – Indian Wells Golf Resort also features Shots in the Night, Coachella Valley’s best outdoor golf entertainment experience. Featuring Laser putting by Nextlinks on seven dedicated greens and 17 brand new Top Tracer Driving Range hitting bays, Shots in the Night provides a fun experience for players of any skill level including beginners.
For golfers trying to sharpen their game, or parents looking to get the kids involved in the game for the first time, The Academy at
Indian Wells Golf Resort is ideal. With two state-of-the-art indoor hitting bays featuring TrackMan technology and three-dimensional swing analysis, golfers of any skill level can fine-tune their swing. Staffed by a stellar team of qualified golf instructors, The Academy makes practice fun as well as a great place to get started in the game of a lifetime.
Open seven days a week and featuring several brand-new HD televisions for sports viewing, the VUE Grille and Bar is the ideal place to enjoy award-winning cuisine and catch every big game. The VUE is located in the resort’s stunning 53,000-square-foot clubhouse and also offers an extensive selection of wine and spirits complemented by gorgeous views and top-of-the-line customer care.
Indian Wells Golf Resort is also the ideal destination for weddings, meetings and other group outings, highlighted by the in-demand pavilion accommodating up to 700 guests and event lawn spaces accommodating a combined 1,300. The resort’s Celebrity Ballroom is another premier event space, with a beautiful outdoor patio and total capacity of 250 guests.
For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort call 760.346.4653 or visit https://www.indianwellsgolfresort.com/.
La Hacienda Links Golf Resort’s transformation into one of Europe’s premier 36-hole golf venues has earned instant global recognition after receiving two leading golf travel industry accolades.
The acclaimed venue in southern Spain was one of only 60 companies and organisations to receive this year’s Outstanding Service Award from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), while the resort’s redesigned Links Course was the highest climber in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World
The honours follow a busy 2022 for La Hacienda which included the relaunch of the Links course after a major renovation by acclaimed architect Kurtis Bowman, the opening of a new clubhouse
and restaurant and the announcement of a new Fairmont hotel to open in 2024.
More than 670 IAGTO member golf tour operators were invited to vote in the 2023 IAGTO Outstanding Service Awards for golf tourism industry suppliers who delivered the best experience and service for their golf travelling clients. Tourist boards were also nominated for their support of the golf tourism industry, with the top 60 companies and organisations receiving the honour.
Meanwhile, the Links Course rose a massive 42 places in the latest Top 100 Golf Courses in the World list of Spain’s best courses, calling the layout “reborn” after the recent work.
Javier Illán, president of Millenium Hospitality, owners of La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, said: “These are exciting times for La Hacienda and these two international honours is a further indication of the resort’s burgeoning reputation at the forefront of European golf.
Located in the Cadiz municipality of San Roque close to Sotogrande, La Hacienda Links Golf Resort multi-million redevelopment has seen the resort establish itself as one of the rising stars of European golf.
As well as the transformation of the Links course, the resort’s other 18-hole course – the Heathland – is also set to benefit from a period of investment over the coming months to enhance the layout and golfing experience.
Away from the fairways, La Hacienda’s series of upgrades have included a new contemporary clubhouse; a new driving range and an upgraded practice area; and a new beach bar and restaurant ‘Sal Verde’.
Other future improvements include the launch of a new stateof-the-art website, a variety of updated stay-and-play packages and the opening of a new halfway house for players on the Links course, while La Hacienda will fully launch a new 300-plus-room Fairmont hotel and villas in spring 2024 – underlining the resort’s ambition to become one of the most exclusive and luxurious golf developments in Spain.
Golfers are being invited to book a tee time at Europe’s most anticipated new golf course design project as the finishing touches are put to The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal prior to its summer launch.
Ahead of the opening of architect David McLay-Kidd’s first course in mainland Europe one hour south of Lisbon, tee times are available to play the par-71 links-style layout, which will be unveiled to the golfing world at the start of June.
Bookable from June 1, a standard green fee to play the 6,555-metres course will cost €175 per person, while discounted rates are available throughout July, August, December and January 2024 and will cost €125 per person.
All prices include a buggy, driving range balls and a selection of gifts, including a refillable water bottle and engraved bag tag, with golfers promised exceptional customer service from the moment they arrive to the time they leave – including a valet meet-and-greet and club cleaning after their round.
Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: “What David McLay-Kidd has been able to build here is exceptional and a true example of world-class golf course design.
“We are so excited about the launch and cannot wait for golfers to enjoy the exceptional on and off-course experience on offer at Terras da Comporta from this summer onward.”
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.
Situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at Terras da Comporta.
Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain, The Dunas Course – which will measure 6,555 from its back tees – has been built using the highest sustainable practices and is predicted to quickly become of Europe’s must-play golfing venues when it opens.
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, email golf@comporta.com and for more information, visit www.comporta.com
In the 22nd annual IAGTO Awards, five very different golf destinations – Cyprus, Dubai, Los Cabos, South Carolina and Thailand – have each been proclaimed as Golf Destination of the Year for 2023.
Established in 2000 and recognised as the most prestigious awards in the global golf tourism industry, the 2023 edition of the IAGTO Awards celebrates not only these five golf destinations, but also the outstanding service provided by 60 golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, receptive operators and tourist boards in
22 countries. This year, members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) across five continents were invited to vote for destinations and businesses that delivered a great experience for golf travellers in 2022.
IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said “IAGTO golf tour operators handle 90% of international golf vacation sales worldwide, so they are in a great position to assess the performance of golf destinations and the service provided by industry partners, through the experience of their customers. We currently have 669 golf tour operators in 61 countries which explains the geographical diversity of this year’s Awards recipients.
“It’s great to see relatively small golf destinations such as Cyprus, Dubai and Los Cabos in the mix with the established giants of South Carolina and Thailand. Recipients of our Outstanding Service Award include the renowned golf resorts of Adare Manor, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Casa de Campo, Fancourt and SO/ Sotogrande Resort, alongside the relative newcomers of Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia, Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Vietnam and the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal.
“There are also names likely unfamiliar to golfers themselves, as the Awards also recognise specialist golf receptive operators, such as PAGS in Portugal and Desert Gate Tourism in the United Arab Emirates which organise the ground arrangements for international golf tour operators. Lesser-known winners include El Gouna Golf Club on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and Heritage Hotels in Kenya.
“Finally, hats off to the tourist boards who did such a great job supporting the golf tourism industry last year, including Cadiz Tourism in Spain’s Andalucía region, Florida’s First Coast of Golf in north east Florida and England’s Golf Coast, in the country’s north west, among others.”
A full list of winners is published at www.iagto.com/awards where the 2023 IAGTO Awards logo can also be downloaded in JPG, PNG and EPS formats.
BOCA RATON, FL – Members prepare to tee up as Broken Sound Club, South Florida’s most exclusive and sought after private residential members club, reopened the long awaited redesigned Old Course, spearheaded by world-renowned golf course architect Rees Jones. The Old
Course at Broken Sound Club is a stop for tournaments including the PGA TOUR Champions TimberTech Championship and The Jim McLean Junior Championship. Following the redesign, residents and tournament contestants can expect a premier golfing experience every round.
Driven by Broken Sound Club’s ongoing efforts to strategically improve and enhance its facilities for members and guests alike, the project aimed to advance the objective of sustainability, improve the overall playing conditions and replace infrastructure. At the forefront of sustainability initiatives, the course is the first golf facility in Florida, second in the U.S. and 14th in the world to be GEO Certified.
The par 72 Old Course is a pure core golf course without housing. Among the complete changes and additions to the course, many of the holes have been reimagined to give players more options on how to play each hole and suit their game. In addition, the classic style bunkers are now easier to access and designed to be fair and playable. The course surface is carefully composed of TifEagle Bermuda grass on the greens, Celebration Bermudagrass on the fairways and rough areas, and Sunday Bermuda grass on the tee surfaces. The beauty of the redesigned Old Course is in the details, and by challenging the low handicap player and allowing various openings to most of the greens for the higher handicap person, the redesigned Old Course creates a thought-provoking game for players at every level.
Lead architect Rees Jones has designed
more than 260 golf courses in his career. Jones has earned the moniker “The Open Doctor” as his expertise and knowledge for course design have been applied to seven U.S. Open venues, nine PGA Championship courses, six Ryder Cups, two Walker Cup sites as well as three Presidents Cup venues. For this major project, Rees was joined by second in command, Bryce Swanson, who was recognized by a panel of Golf Magazine editors as one of three golf course architects named to “Golf’s 40 under 40: The 40 Most Influential People in Golf Under 40 Years Old.” The design style is classic, while the technology is modern. Their combined experience redesigning a number of the world’s most notable championship venues has helped provide members with an incredibly dynamic experience right in their backyard.
Players will find the redesigned course to be a unique experience every day. The classic design and technology-forward attributes will enable them to continuously enjoy a compelling game that will provide a new challenge every day. Broken Sound Club Members will have growing pride in their club with the knowledge that, as a team, the Club’s design committee and golf course designers provided the Broken Sound Club community with a landmark course that will stand the test of time. The new and improved Old Course at Broken Sound Club continues to challenge the conventional ideal of South Florida golf courses and should change the golf landscape in the state for years to come.
The Lodge Of Four Seasons Unveils New Golf Stay And Play Packages For 2023
LAKE OZARK, MO – The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri has introduced four new stay and play packages that combine great golf with incredible lakeside accommodations. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodations that suit singles, couples, groups or large families.
New for 2023, the Golf + a Condo Fore 4 Package is perfect for a foursome of golfers, buddy trips or couples trips. With accommodations in an Avila Condo, golfers can relax in a 1,200 square-foot two-bedroom suite, with bedding configuration for four golfers, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, separate dining and living areas as well as a private furnished balcony or patio.
The Discover the Best of The Lake Package combines the best accommodations on the lake with world-class golf including rounds at The Ridge, The Cove and the private Club at Porto Cima. Guests can unwind in this laid-back oasis and experience a thrilling Lake of the Ozark adventure. The Best of the Lake package begins at just $235 per person (based on double occupancy), per night and includes:
• Two nights of lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons
• One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima
• One round at The Cove at The Lodge of Four Seasons
• One round at The Ridge at The Lodge of Four Seasons
• Plus, an “All American Breakfast” will be included at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package.
The Stay and Play Golf Package pairs one round of golf with accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons. Starting at just $145
per person (based on double occupancy), per night, the Stay and Play Golf package includes:
• Nightly accommodations at The Lodge of Four Seasons
• One round of golf per night at either Robert Trent Jones-designed Cove Course or Ken Kavanaugh-designed Ridge Golf Course.
• Plus, an “All American Breakfast” will be included at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package
With the Eagle Golf Package, guests can experience some of the most stunning golf Missouri has to offer. This package includes two nights lodging at Lodge of Four Seasons plus one round of golf at the private Club at Porto Cima, which Golf Digest ranks as one of the “Top 5 best courses in Missouri” and one round at The Cove or The Ridge golf courses. The Eagle Golf package starts at just $185 per person (based on double occupancy), per night and includes:
• Two nights lodging at The Lodge of Four Seasons
• One round of golf at The Club at Porto Cima
• One round at either The Cove or The Ridge golf courses
• Plus, an “All American Breakfast” will be included at The Lodge for each player, for each night booked on the package
“Lake of The Ozarks is one of the country’s best summer golf destinations and The Lodge of Four Seasons serves up great golf, lake-front accommodations and value that is hard to beat,” said Robin Graf, general manager and chief operating officer, The Lodge of Four Seasons. “Best of all, following golf, golfers can enjoy our fabulous pools, live music, dining experiences and more.”
For more information on all of The Lodge of Four Seasons’ golf packages, visit www.4seasonsresort.com/golf-packages or call 888265-5500.
NORFOLK, ENGLAND – Congham Hall Hotel has launched a free guide to the spectacular golf courses on England’s Norfolk coast and a special offer for golfers.
Guests staying at the country-house hotel and spa, recently awarded 4 AA Red Stars, are being encouraged to pack their golf clubs and experience one or more of the six selected courses, all of which welcome direct bookings from day visitors. Congham’s new Golf Break not only promises some excellent golf, but a 10% discount on accommodation, too.
The hotel’s new guide, Congham’s Golf Coast, recommends top-quality courses in superb settings, which guests can book independently with the individual clubs. They include the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club (or Brancaster as it is widely known), where the tide famously transforms into an island at high tide, and Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club, where some holes are played across the surrounding racecourse.
The trail has been written by golf writer, Michael Whitehead, author of the Golf Lover’s Guides to England and Scotland. He has cast his expert eye across the courses, picking out highlights – and challenges – that golfers will encounter.
For example, he cautions that at Hunstanton Golf Club the wind comes straight at players on the way down the home stretch. And he advises crafting rather than blasting is the best approach to take at the woodland course at King’s Lynn Golf Club. Michael also recommends the ‘lighthouse hole’, where the green sits next to a working lighthouse, at Royal Cromer Golf Club.
When golfing guests book a round direct with one of the featured courses, they will be given a special code if they mention that they plan to stay at Congham Hall. Next they just call Congham Hall on 01485 600250, quote ‘Golf Break’, and give the code to be eligible for the discount. (Alternatively, guests can show proof of booking). The offer is valid Monday to Thursday, 17 April-30 June and 4 September-19 October 2023.
Congham Hall is set in 50 acres of parkland, including orchards and its renowned Herb Garden, a brown sign attraction that draws visitors from far and wide. In 2022, Congham Hall opened five new Orchard Cabins among the apple trees. These architecturally striking suites cost from £475 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. The hotel has a further 26 individually styled rooms and suites from £165 per night, room only, and £265 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. Prices applicable from 1 April 2022, see full tariff here.
The hotel has a 60-seat restaurant and bar, The Samphire Garden, and The Secret Garden Spa, with 12m swimming pool, thermal suite, and outdoor deck with hot tub, plus five treatment rooms featuring products by Elemental Herbology. Other facilities include a tennis court, giant trampoline, croquet on the lawn, a library with board games, plus route notes about trails and walks in the local area.
Nicholas Dickinson and his team took over Congham Hall in March 2012 and the hotel officially relaunched in May 2013 following a major refurbishment. Nicholas has spent his working life in the luxury hotel business, including the five-star country house hotel Chewton Glen and Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelinstarred restaurant and hotel Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.
There was a time not long ago when direct-to-consumer golf ball companies were few and far between. Golfers would typically buy balls at the local golf shop minutes before teeing off, or at a big box store while shopping for other gear or household items. Entering 2023, however, the “DTC” channel continues to explode as golfers have migrated online to buy golf balls, clubs and apparel.
One of the DTC category leaders over the past decade, OnCore Golf, caught fire in 2022 with the release of two new golf balls. The
Buffalo, N.Y.-based company dropped the new ELIXR, a three-piece, 84-compression offering geared toward golfers with driver swing speeds between 85 and 100 mph. And in October, OnCore unveiled the four-piece VERO X2, the follow-up to the wildly successful VERO X1, aimed at players with 110 mph and above swing speeds.
The ELIXR 2022 and VERO X2 join OnCore’s AVANT 55, ELIXR and VERO X1 to round out OnCore’s five-ball lineup. The common thread among the portfolio is the company’s proprietary perimeter weighting that pushes mass to the ball’s exterior for less side spin and straighter ball flight across all clubs. Case in point, the VERO X1 tested at 60% less driver side spin than Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x in independent testing by Golf EQ.
Founded over a decade ago, OnCore has fast-tracked its growth through performance on the course and partnerships in the boardroom. Financial legend Charles Schwab is a key investor, as is Buffalo Bills Quarterback Josh Allen, who also serves at the company’s lead ambassador. Major traction in the DTC golf ball category has ignited OnCore’s foray into adjacent technologies, such as the Golf Boost AI app for virtual golf instruction, a “smart golf ball” that will track myriad performance parameters and a golf and entertainment complex in Buffalo.
Golfers new to OnCore can visit the website, www.oncoregolf. com, for an online ball fitting and receive $10 off their first purchase. And new for 2023, the company will offer a “Performance Pack” with a sleeve each of VERO X1s, VERO X2s, ELIXR 2022s and AVANT 55 (a two-piece Surlyn cover) for just $35.
OnCore offers free shipping on orders over $100 – key for DTC brands looking to steer golfers away from shopping offline. And for golfers who’re all-in on the brand, there’s Club OnCore – an Amazon Prime-like concept offering free shipping, customization, site-wide discounts and deals on other golf and lifestyle products.
WEST NYACK, NY – Golfzon, the world leader in golf simulator market share, and Troon®, the leader in providing golf and clubrelated leisure and hospitality services, announces the opening of its first Golfzon Social location this past February, at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, NY.
Golfzon Social brings together the most technologically advanced golf simulators on the market - Golfzon’s TwoVision – with a stylish, energetic atmosphere for the ultimate social experience. Attracting avid golfers, casual golfers and non-golfers alike, it features a creative, chef-driven menu, hand-crafted cocktails and craft beers. An industry-leading audio visual package makes Golfzon Social the destination for sports viewing and for those looking to go beyond the local sports bar.
The Palisades Center mall location features 22 TwoVision simulator bays and flat screen TVs throughout. The vibe is modern and is designed to be an excellent venue for hosting events or a night out. A second Golfzon Social location is opening in Scarsdale, N.Y. in Spring 2023. To learn more or book simulator time, please visit www.golfzonsocial.com.
The Golfzon Social experience delivers countless ways to socialize, dine and play golf. League and tournament play lets avid and casual golfers virtually compete around the world and a resident PGA Professional is available for guidance and lessons, no matter the season or weather. Non-golfers can get started in the game in a nonintimidating, welcoming setting or enjoy the board and patio games around the venue.
In October 2021, Troon and Golfzon announced a strategic partnership, wherein Troon has invested in Golfzon and their marketleading technology. Golfzon and Troon have an aggressive plan to
roll-out additional Golfzon Social locations in the coming years in multiple cities across North America.
“We’ve taken everything into account with the opening of Golfzon Social, from partnering with the best simulator brand in the world to curating an atmosphere and food / beverage options that provide something for everyone,” said Tim Schantz, president and chief executive officer, Troon. “The off-course entertainment trend is only growing and Golfzon Social is set to become a major player in the space.”
One of the big differentiators between Golfzon Social and its competitors is the unparalleled technology and innovation that comes with the TwoVision simulator. Unveiled last year it is the mostadvanced option on the market. Features include high speed sensors that capture club head and ball flight data for incredibly realistic performance feedback, a 24-way directional moving swing plate that recreates true stand and lie conditions, auto-tee and ball retrieval system, a virtual caddie to give players advice and multi-surface mats to imitate the fairway, rough and bunkers. The system also boasts incredibly realistic graphics that are 130% crisper than previous generations, as well as an LED putting guide to read greens.
RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design, a core Troon operating brand, is leading the food and beverage development and design for Golfzon Social locations. The menu is designed to bring people together and includes shareable appetizers that are familiar, approachable and golf-friendly, as well as larger meals suitable for a date night or business meeting – all with a chef’s twist. Food is available for either dine-in or takeout and is reflective of a variety of pan global culinary influences, while also including locally sourced fare. The beverage menu will feature a selection of craft cocktails and craft beers, including the 64 oz. Golfzon growler.
For more information or to book a bay, visit Golfzonsocial.com.
By Tim Cotroneo
Leading up to playing in your first Pro-Am is nerve wracking for any golfer. Imagine the excitement if that virgin experience is The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.
The email invitation for this event, with a history dating back almost a century, was suitable for framing. For this golfer, the Genesis keepsakes would continue to accumulate at a rate that would make Rory McIlroy’s clubhead speed appear tame by comparison.
By the time I arrived at my hotel in Santa Monica, CA, the thrill meter was already a nine on a scale of one to ten. Over the next four days nothing could have prepared me for the perks, the magic moments, and the golf that would follow.
I would soon learn that the good people at Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai, would spare no expense in hosting, entertaining, and welcoming everyone connected with the golf tournament bearing their name. My accommodations would be at the oceanfront Hotel Casa Del Mar. If I wasn’t capable of sleeping during my stay in L.A., I couldn’t blame my plush bed and posh surroundings.
The Casa del Mar opened in 1926, ironically the same year as The Riviera Country Club. Hollywood stars frequenting this hotel, and this golf course, have found both venues to be the perfect places to either be seen or blend in.
The service at the Casa del Mar was extraordinary, and their visible staff exhibited a sixth sense for anticipating a guest’s needs. What’s amazing is that this nearly 100-year-old hotel exudes a vibe that is fresh, thoughtful, and exhilarating.
After mingling at a cocktail party on the hotel’s main floor, my fellow amateurs and I were whisked to the Riviera Country Club located about six miles away in Pacific Palisades. Upon walking into this storied venue, I quickly perused the bounty of golf artifacts, photos, and memorabilia capturing the club’s history. I could also literally feel the excitement generated by the crowd inside.
A bass beat of music welcomed amateurs to the ballroom where the Pro-Am Draw Party was in full buzz-mode. Scores of smiling servers offered appetizers and drinks as I met pumped amateurs anticipating which pro golfer they would team with the next day.
Just before the draft began, Justin Rose emerged from the crowd, and he graciously bantered with Mike Antolini, the Tournament Director. Rose encouraged golfers to swing beyond their golf ball as his final tip before tomorrow’s reality check on the first tee box. My team chose Sahith Theegala as the pro promising to lead our way starting at 11:30 the following morning.
The Pro-AM: It’s Showtime
I met the two amateurs rounding out my foursome at Riviera about two hours before our teeing off. Justin Spieth was on the practice green, and we learned Tiger Woods was already on the back nine.
Woods sudden announcement that he’d be playing in the Genesis tourney sent shock waves throughout the golf world. Still recovering from leg injuries from his car accident in 2021, this would be Woods’ first four-day golf venture since playing at St. Andrews in July of 2022. If you’re curious how important this Hall of Famer is to the international golf audience, you should know that Thursday’s opening round at the Genesis would see a 141% spike in the Golf Channel’s television audience.
For mere golf mortals like me, I mustered courage to contend with a semi-huge throng gathered around Riviera’s elevated first tee box. After photos with Theegala, each one of our names was announced before busting our drives at the 503-yard, Par 5, first hole. I sliced my drive, but then my caddie coaxed me into recovering with a nifty sand up- and-down for a par. Whew! It had to get easier after number one.
Caddies are the Best
Each amateur was designated a caddy, first on the practice range, and then throughout the round. My caddy had decades of experience, and he exhibited a Masters Degree in Riviera knowledge.
Perhaps your television screen conveys how diabolical Riviera’s greens are. You should know that on several occasions my caddy, Pete, halted me from aiming dead at the hole. Often the correct play was aiming a quantum leap to the left or right. Then there was the matter of speed. Downhill chips and putts can roll forever.
Theegala was accompanied by Rick Hunter, his long-time coach. When I pressed Hunter for tips, he cordially made suggestions regarding my backswing, as well as chipping on Riviera’s cunning short grass. All in all, Theegala was a great companion. He made a fan out of this golfer, and I’m looking forward to watching his episode on the new Netflix documentary Full Swing.
Thursday’s Opening Round at the Genesis Invitational
Not wanting the amateurs to feel neglected, Genesis invited us for cocktails and dinner at the Bel-Air Bay Club during the evening after
our Pro-Am experience. Everyone was still on an adrenaline high following our round.
Before we knew it, Thursday’s opening round arrived, and I had the pleasure of an inside-the-ropes credential titled Honorary Observer. The lanyard I wore around my neck meant I’d have my photo taken with the Genesis Invitational trophy on the first tee box. The credential also translated into my accompanying a designated threesome that included Keith Mitchell, a Chattanooga, TN, native who would go on to finish fifth after Sunday’s closing round.
Mitchell wasn’t the only golfer I rubbed elbows with who finished in the money. Theegala tied for sixth overall and took home a paycheck of $700,000.
Of course Theegala and the rest of the field finished behind Jon Rahm. The amazing Spaniard’s victory at the Genesis Invitational was his third on this year’s PGA Tour. Host Tiger Woods handed Rahm the winner’s trophy.
https://genesisinvitational.com
by Dakota Diaz
Punxsutawny Phil may have seen his shadow, but that won’t stop golfers around the country from dreaming of a short winter. For those not blessed with year-round warm weather, the last few months have been cold, dark, and most notably, devoid of outdoor golf. But fear not, warm weather is on the horizon, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy the first rounds of the year on some of the country’s best, and most importantly, publicly-available golf venues.
Here are a few destinations that should be on any golfer’s bucket list to start 2023.
Destination Kohler
While it will be a couple more months before the shores of Lake Michigan thaw out completely, the chance to experience a summertime visit to Destination Kohler is more than worth the wait. Famously home to Whistling
Straits, site of the 43rd Ryder Cup in 2021 and three PGA Championships, Kohler has a variety of stay-andplay packages across four exceptional Pete Dye courses available this summer, making the coastal venue the perfect destination for an incredible, warm-weather getaway.
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits perennially ranks among the finest layouts in the world. A legendary venue in the history of North American golf, the Straits was the first resort course to host a domestic Ryder Cup in nearly 30 years. Now, golfers of all skill levels can try their best to match Bryson DeChambeau’s 418-yard drive on No. 5, or close out a friendly match with a clutch birdie on No. 18.
Just inland of The Straits course sits The Irish. By masterfully routing the course through large dunes, Dye brought a bit of the Emerald Isle to the Badger State. Named “Blind Man’s Bluff,” the 13th hole features a sunken green obscured by a large dune like the famous “Dell Hole” at Lahinch Golf
Club. Both memorable and traditional, The Irish provides an excellent opportunity to experience Old World links golf a little closer to home.
Set in a river basin formed by glacial runoff and a short drive from the charming town of Kohler sits The River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run. The Meadow Valleys flows along the natural features of the surrounding terrain, winding through pastures and ravines. Tipping at 7,404 yards, the River is characterized by small landing areas, strategic bunkering and large undulating greens. It’s a classic risk / reward Dye design that GOLF Magazine has called “the nation’s finest public-access course of modern times.”
Accommodations include the iconic American Club, the only Forbes Five-Star hotel in Wisconsin, as well as the newly renovated Inn on Woodlake, which works exceptionally well for buddies’ trips. www.DestinationKohler.com
Known for mild summer temperatures and snow-covered forests perfect for skiing in the winter, Northern Minnesota’s beautiful landscape changes with the seasons, and a round of golf at Giants Ridge is the perfect way to experience springtime in the land of a thousand lakes.
Set in the rugged beauty of the Mesabi Iron Range, Giants Ridge boasts two layouts ranked among the best in the Gopher State, The Quarry and The Legend, the latter of which celebrated its silver anniversary in 2022.
As the name implies, The Legend offers a spectacular brand of golf that visitors don’t soon forget. Carved out of the Superior National Forest, The Legend is a true “northwoods” course featuring towering pines, giant fairways and majestic views of Wynne and Sabin Lakes. Golf architect Jeff Brauer designed The Legend in 1997, and six years later returned to build a dramatic layout to complement his first design.
The Quarry sits on the site of a former sand quarry and iron ore mine. Striking raised tees and hazards forged from reclaimed and repurposed mine land set The Quarry apart from other courses. With breathtaking views across the meandering layout, it’s no wonder why Golf Digest ranked The Quarry as the best public golf course in Minnesota.
Located an easy one-hour drive from Duluth and three hours from the Twin Cities, Giants Ridge offers overnight accommodations – from suites and villas to rustic and modern homes – perfect for golf groups and families. GOLF Magazine placed Giants Ridge 11th in the Best Resorts For Families category in the publication’s inaugural ranking of North America’s Top 100 Golf Resorts, and Golf Digest bestowed Giants Ridge its “Editor’s Choice Award” in the “Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest” category. www.giantsridge.com
Once reserved only for PGA Tour pros and the few lucky enough to call themselves members, Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio is open for public play through its limited stay-and-play packages and offers guests the opportunity to experience one of the most historic venues in golf.
Originally designed by Bert Way and re-designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the famed South Course has long been a notable venue for championship golf. In addition to being the site of the Senior Players Championship on the PGA Tour Champions, the South Course has hosted three major championships and witnessed victories by the likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlory during its time as host of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.
Legends like Palmer, Nicklaus and Trevino have all walked the South Course’s hallowed fairways – and cursed them. “The King” made a triple bogey at the par-5 16th hole of the South Course. After the round, Palmer referred to the hole as “The Monster.” The name stuck and a plaque on a bridge near the 16th green honors The King and his three victories at Firestone.
Perhaps the most scenic of the three courses at Firestone, the North Course is a splendid Robert Trent Jones design that opened for member play in 1969. Marked by numerous lakes and streams, the North Course has played host to both the American Golf Classic and World Series of Golf. Now is the perfect time of year to take in the beautiful surrounds that make the North Course one of the top modern golf destinations in America.
Formerly known as the West Course, the Fazio Course completes the trio of acclaimed courses that make up Firestone Country Club. Redesigned by namesake Tom Fazio in 2001, the Fazio Course is a links-style design boasting striking views of the club and surrounding landscape. Its 18 holes wrap around the perimeter of the South Course and is the home of the Ohio Senior Open. The Fazio Course recently underwent a bunker enhancement project that removed 18 of the sand traps and renovated the remaining 51. Other renovations included improved drainage and the introduction of Best Signature 720, a beautiful white sand used on the most exclusive clubs in the U.S.
To pay homage to more than 50 years of incredible golf history, the clubhouse includes 30 dormitory-style rooms each featuring a view of all three golf courses. For a resort experience at Firestone, there are 57 golf villa rooms sprinkled throughout the property. Just down the road from Firestone sits BigShots Golf at Firestone, a tech-driven, entertainment and culinary experience that’s open yearround. Encompassing 22.500 square-feet, BigShots Golf at Firestone features a two-story tee-line with 44 climatecontrolled tee boxes, a private event space and an elevated sports bar. www.firestonecountryclub.com 330.644.8441
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Mountain Preserve may be a hidden gem for now, but it won’t stay that way for long. Featuring a stunning Arnold Palmer Signature design course set amongst the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills, the community, as the name suggests, is a sanctuary.
The par-70 layout, which sits at 4,200 feet above sea level,
boasts one of the most thrilling openers in golf. The par-4 first hole offers a scenic backdrop off the tee and a dramatic downhill approach to the green. Other majestic holes on this Palmer Signature Course include the par-5 14th and the par-3 18th … yes, Balsam Mountain Preserve ends with a striking par-3.
Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private course, but it does allow for public play under special arrangements. Each day, only 16 non-members are extended an invite to play Balsam Mountain Preserve and indulge the club’s fantastic golf amenities, which includes access to the Palmer Practice Park and its six-hole short course.
Located less than 40 miles west of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve opened in 2004 and encompasses 4,400 acres. Of those 4,400 acres, 3,300 are safeguarded in a permanent land trust to protect their natural mountain habitat – and to provide an expansive natural playground
for residents and their families. The property’s elevation rises to 5,400 feet above sea level, promoting summer outdoor recreation in a cooler setting.
In addition to the golf course, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers extensive equestrian facilities that include stables and riding rings. Other community highlights include the Summit House restaurant and Mine Tavern, fitness, spa, tennis, and pool facilities, a Nature Center and private campsite, 40 miles of Class A trout streams, historical gathering places and more than 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
Balsam Mountain Preserve’s diverse mix of real estate includes cabin fractionals, homesteads, villages and luxury estates. Plans call for 354 homes to be created within the community. All residences adhere to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines for outdoor lighting, which fosters privacy and stargazing. www.balsamountainpreserve.com
If someone were to mention “Diamond Head,” any person with any knowledge of geography would instinctively think of Hawaii, and Diamond Head Crater, an extinct volcanic crater and the site of a luakini heiau, and ancient ceremonial structure dedicated to the war god and used by ancient Hawaiians for worship and human sacrifice. It’s one of the most popular hikes on the island of Oahu and happens to be Hawaii’s most recognized landmark.
Diamondhead (notice the difference in spelling) is a city on the Bay St. Louis coastline in Mississippi, located about 35 miles from Biloxi, MS, and 50 miles from New Orleans, LA, making it an easy drive from both markets. The city of Diamondhead was destined to be a resort town, with Hawaii-inspired architecture, landscaping, and road names.
even their logo depicts this. Take a look at the country club’s swimming pool and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Within the city, you’ll find The Club at Diamondhead, a semiprivate country club where the emphasis is on recreation and enjoying all that a Mississippi Gulf Coast lifestyle has to offer. For some, it’s the ten lighted, hydra-clay tennis courts at The Tennis Club, for others, the dining and social aspects of the club, For the majority of members, it’s the two 18-hole championship golf courses that draw golfers from near and far. The area has some interesting topography with elevations that rise to just over 100 feet. You won’t find many water hazards out here however both courses have a lot of treelined fairways, so if you can’t hit it straight off the tee, be prepared to get creative!
The front nine on the Pine Course has a real resort feel to it with generous fairways and wide-open landing areas. There’s not a lot of trouble to get into and if you keep the ball in play, you can get off to a great start. Water is present on both par 3s but shouldn’t come into play unless you’re having a really bad day.
The first hole on the Pine Course starts with a couple of blind shots. It’s a par 5 that plays 495 yards where both the tee shot, and your layup shot play uphill. You won’t even be able to see the green until your approach shot which plays downhill. The green slopes back to front and is protected on either side with sand. It’s a great starting hole.
According to the scorecard, Number 4 is the number one handicap. It’s a dogleg right that plays 410 yards from the White Tees. Longball hitters need to be wary of the creek that crosses the fairway about 150 yards from the green. Your approach shot plays straight uphill into a green with lots of mounding around it and a large bunker on the right. According to Chris Altese, PGA Director of Golf, this hole can make or break your front nine. “Number 4 on the Pine is a critical hole to navigate in order to post a good round. You typically will need to add one club on the uphill approach. A par on this hole will usually win you a dollar and a bogey most likely won’t cost you one,” said Altese.
Water comes into play on number 10, which plays 526 yards from the White Tees. The pond in front of the tee box shouldn’t pose a problem, but the creek that crosses the fairway about 300 yards from the White Tees very well may. For most players this is a 3-shot hole; bunkers guard the front of the green which sits at an odd angle to the fairway. It’s a challenging hole to start the back side.
Standing on the 14th tee box, you get a sense of the elevation changes. You start from an elevated tee box and hit downhill to the fairway. Avoid the fairway bunker on the left side and you’ll have a mid to low iron uphill, into the green. It’s at least an extra club – maybe two – to get up the hill.
On most golf courses, the par 3 holes are typically handicapped as the easiest holes however, on the Pine Course, the 484yard par 5, 17th hole takes the honor. There’s water to carry off the tee and woods and water near the landing area on the right side, where most golfers tend to hit their drives. Your best bet is to play your tee shot just short of the fairway bunkers on the left side. A good drive might give you an opportunity to shoot for the green, otherwise, play your layup shot down the left side as well. This takes the greenside bunker on the right out of play and gives you a clear line into the green.
With tree-lined fairways, extra-long sand bunkers, and no parallel holes, the Cardinal Course makes for a serene, peaceful round of golf. From the White Tees, the course plays 6,128 yards with a course rating of 71.0 and a slope of 128. With 4 sets of tees, there’s a suitable yardage for every golfer, no matter how good – or bad – you are!
The 4th hole is a par 3 that plays 140 yards over water into a large, oceanic-style green that is well-sloped from back to front. The water guards the right side of the green, and bunkers front left and in the back place an emphasis on accuracy off the tee. There’s a bailout area long, and right, however, it leaves most players with a tough up and down.
That same accuracy will come in handy on the par 4, 383yard 6th hole. You’ll need it to avoid the bunkers, both off the tee and around the green. Off the tee, there’s a lot more
room on the right side than you may think, and the fairway bunker on the left side gets a good workout as well! Long, deep bunkers guard either side of this long, narrow green. There may be as much as a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. Maury Hodgens, Head Golf Professional, says “Be sure to stay below the hole and favor left of center for a slightly uphill putt. Putts from above the hole on Number 6 of the Cardinal are deceptively fast and can get away from you in a hurry.”
Number 13 is probably the signature hole on the Cardinal course. It’s a 153-yard par 3 that plays downhill over water with woods on either side. The green is a tilted plane and not very deep on the right side. It’s protected by a bunker in the back right. Par is a good score here.
If Number 13 is not the signature hole, then, by all means, Number 15 is. This 510-yard, par 5 will require three well-thought-out and accurate shots to get on the green in regulation. You’ll need to cross the water twice, once from the elevated tee box to an island fairway and a second time on your layup shot. The landing area off the tee to the island fairway is narrow, and trees come into play on the right side. Your layup shot starts your uphill journey to the green, and it’s best to play at least one extra club on your next two shots. Trees come into play on both sides of the fairway on your second and third shots as well. There’s a single bunker short of the green on the right side; the green is not that large and has some good slope to it.
If either of these courses have you doubting your game, maybe a visit to The Golf Academy of Diamondhead is just what you need. Headed up by PGA Director of Instruction and Player Development, Hoppy Smith, a quick lesson might help work out the kinks. They use the latest technologies and can help you out with golf club fittings, ball and club speed analysis, and club distance and gapping measurements. Individual and on-course instruction is available as well as weekly golf clinics, all designed to help you get the most out of your golf game.
In 2020, Hurricane Zeta hit Diamondhead, MS, and according to Food and Beverage Manager Chris Rahaim, there was extensive damage to the clubhouse, in particular, the kitchen and restaurant areas. Management chose to look on the bright side and saw this as an opportunity to do some remodeling. The result is an open-air concept that is multifunctional. Whether it’s just your foursome or you’re part of a larger golf group, the staff can easily accommodate you. The food is incredible, especially the Sunday Brunch, complete with an omelet station and Prime Rib carving station. They also do a lot of special events, including wine and bourbon tastings. Check out the website or their Facebook page for up-to-date information.
These are just a few of the many things going on at The Club at Diamondhead. To book your next round or for information on becoming a member, call them at (228) 255-3910 or visit them online at www.theclub@diamondhead.com.
Good putters will always tell you that feel and touch are among the most important ingredients to playing well on the greens. Cleveland Golf® just introduced a line of putters that makes those tasks a whole lot easier with its new Frontline Elite models that offer some exciting modern technology that is readily apparent from the moment you pick one up.
counterbalance weights beneath each putter grip and sole weights in each head. This weighting approach is intended to help maintain a consistent swing feel. To help with alignment consistency, Cleveland Golf’s patented 2135 Technology is featured on all mallet models. Every model uses either a simple or high-contrast alignment line designed to best accommodate a slight arc or straight stroke type.
After computer simulation/calculations comparing forward-weighted Frontline Elite against rear-weighted competitors, the results revealed 38% improved accuracy when struck off-center.
Other impressive features are the strokespecific designs for the eight models of the Frontline Elite Putters--they feature a grip, hosel and alignment scheme designed specifically for either a slight arc or straight stroke type. Simple or high-contrast alignment lines are on each head, along with patented 2135 Technology featured on mallet designs.
Elite models gives a wide range of choices depending on each individual player’s choice and style. In a blade design, the Frontline Elite 1.0 and Frontline Elite 8.0 are available, while in a mallet there are the Frontline Elite ELEVADO Slant Neck; Frontline Elite CERO Slant Neck; Frontline Elite RHO Slant Neck; Frontline Elite ELEVADO Single Bend; Frontline Elite CERO Single Bend and Frontline Elite RHO Single Bend.
Premium options that are available include the all-in shaft from UST Mamiya — A balanced shaft designed to add stiffness, strength and consistency. It is available in straight or single bend configurations. The stepless chrome shaft offers a more traditional look and feel, while the Frontline Elite also carries the option of a stepless chrome shaft available in straight or single bend configurations.
For more information on the Frontline Elite putter line, visit: us.dunlopsports.com/ clevelandgolf
The excellent set-up and feel of the putters—together with first-in class alignment markings—gives confidence on the greens, but it is what is under the hood that gives this club a confident feel once you pull it back.
“For the Frontline Elite Putter, we used more than 30 grams of metal injection molded tungsten across the striking area to move weight as far forward as possible,” said Casey Shultz, Product Manager at Cleveland Golf. “In a forward-weighted putter design, face rotation is significantly reduced on offcenter strikes. So, even if you miss-hit your putt, your ball will stay more on-line, and at the desired speed for more scoring chances.”
Each putter in the Frontline Elite lineup includes Speed Optimized Face Technology (SOFT). Its individualized groove patterns-specific to each putter shape-- balance energy transfer across an enlarged striking area, normalizing ball speeds and helping miss-hits travel a similar distance to perfectly struck putts.
Frontline Elite clubs also feature
Straight stroke designs use an oversize pistol grip while slight arc designs use a skinny pistol design from Lamkin. Also, each model features consistent swing feel made possible by adjustable sole weights and built-in counterbalance weights. This harmonious weighting system gives every putter an ideal, consistent swing feel-- no matter the shaft length or head model.
Probably no hat company you can name has as many styles as Branded Bills, and the cutting-edge manufacturer headquartered in Arizona is expanding its lineup once again this spring with an exciting assortment of new styles—including some catchy looks celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
The company likes to say they help people “connect with their experiences,” and they do that well with this year’s St. Patrick’s Day collection that has the theme of: “Create Your Own Luck.” The number of hats--not to mention accessory clothing—is most impressive. And you would be hard pressed to not find a hat celebrating this day that fits your personal style.
Then there is the buttery feel made possible by the Tungsten soft face--a combination of Cleveland Golf’s proprietary Speed Optimized Face Technology for consistent distance on all strikes--plus tungsten material creates a forward CG for straighter, more accurate putts.
The selection available in the Frontline
Branded Bills offers high-quality hats that are made for outdoor activities and sports such as golf. They are all sweat and dirt proof. The vast number of styles offered is most impressive—especially since the company is well-known for allowing its customers to design and order their own hats custom made very easily. The hats are very stylish and well-made—and sure to get looks and compliments in the club house.
An experiential headwear and apparel maker, Branded Bills started with a utility knife, scrap of leather and a hand-forged iron. Founded in 2016 in a hot Arizona garage, the national brand offers hats, shirts
visual feedback of a golfer’s impact position (if each swing was a ball-first strike or fat or thin, and if the club face was square, open, or closed) and positive reviews from golfers.
This product is also extremely durable and portable enough to easily hook onto a golf bag to take out to the range or golf course. It’s been one of the best-selling training aids of the past year.
and other apparel products to represent the memories, adventures and roots of each customer. Sourced with top-quality materials, their products stand the test of time and the ravages of the outdoors, naturally aging to tell your story with every wear.
For more information on Branded Bills, visit: https://www.brandedbills.com
Sometimes the simplest way is the most effective—and when it comes to improvement in golf, knowing your swing path and where your club is hitting the ground are many times the key fundamentals to a better game.
The Divot Board that is available on the Golf Training Aids on-line marketplace is as simple as it comes—but it is really effective in providing immediate visual and vital feedback when practicing—outdoor or indoor.
At the recent PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, the Divot Board was selected as the Product of the Year for the second straight year for its innovative design, immediate
Measuring only 6” X 21” X 2” this hitting mat is one of the better ones we have seen because of its handy size, the grippers on the back that keep it from moving and the fact that it shows club path so easily and visually— you won’t have any doubt on what you need to work on to improve! The carabiner attachment hook is a nice feature to attach to your golf bag to go to the range—but you can use this anywhere—living room, office—or even on the green before a big match.
“The feedback we are getting from our customers is the Divot Board is beneficial because it gives them immediate feedback,” said John Diulus, the president of GolfTrainingAids.com. “Customers also like it because it’s easy to use, portable and very durable. The moment of truth in the golf swing is impact and the Divot Board is one of the best tools to illustrate where the club face is at impact.”
In addition to the Divot Board, Golf Training Aids’ online marketplace offers one of the largest selections of golf teaching and training aids. Founded by PGA Master Professional Dr. Gary Wiren in 1984, the brand brings an unprecedented wealth of golf knowledge and experience to this “one stop shop” for golf training solutions. The expertly-curated selection of feedback devices, training tools and golf improvement aids is designed to be a comprehensive game improvement offering representing the best of the best in developmental golf products available.
Dr. Wiren is a golf educator, a Master member of the PGA of America, and a former national PGA staff director. He has written or participated in the writing of 250+ magazine articles and 14 books. His popular, award-winning When Golf Is a Ball was named “best golf book in the year 2004.” He has 13 film credits, four videos on the market including the award-winning The Fascinating World of Golf, and has taught privately, in groups, at seminars and stage performances, to more than 250,000 people in 30 countries.
For more information on the Divot Board, go to: GolfTrainingAids.com
