OUR 13th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS
TAKE A TEXAS TWO STEP OLD AMERICAN AND
MAY 2015
THE TRIBUTE AT THE COLONY
PACIFIC OCEAN PERFECTION ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH RESORT
Plus: RTJ GOLF TRAIL AND BREWERIES TEAM UP www.golfvacationsmag.com
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GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2015
Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point, California
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Chip Shots
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RTJ Golf Trail & Breweries Team Up
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Take A Texas Two Step
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BIRMINGHAM, AL – Golfers have their favorite courses and preferred craft beer. This summer, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and is partnering with eight Alabama craft breweries for the inaugural RTJ Alabama Craft Beer Tournament.
by David R. Holland
THE COLONY, Texas – Spend a couple of days on the shores of Lake Lewisville, just 20 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and you might think you are in the boondocks of a bygone era.
Pacific Ocean Perfection at St. Regis
by Terry Ross
The coastal areas of Southern California can be as scenic and accommodating as any in the world for the golf traveler—especially in the spring and summer--as the temperate Mediterranean climate and scenic shorelines combine to make a visit to this region not only a great atmosphere to hit the links—but to enjoy a host of other activities as well.
Sweet Stuff
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by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS 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
David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Holland, whose favorite golf moment was teeing it up with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine, and Fairway to Green (UK). He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, United Press International and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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.
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.
Associate Editor Terry Ross
Features Editor Larry Feldman
Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo
For Editorial:
call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
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portsMedia publications
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455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655
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Destiny Media, LLC 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 2015 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Kapalua Plantation Course No. 18
BOTH COURSES AT KAPALUA HONORED BY GOLFWEEK
MAUI, HAWAII – Kapalua Golf, located on Hawaii’s “Valley Isle” of Maui was once again recognized by Golfweek magazine. The Coore/Crenshaw designed Plantation Course that plays host to the PGA TOUR’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions, was honored as the No. 1 Best Course You Can Play in Hawaii. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the Plantation Course maintained top billing in Golfweek’s prestigious list, confirming the property’s commitment to exceptional service, outstanding facilities and unparalleled playing conditions. Additionally, the Arnold Palmer/ Francis Duane-designed Bay Course rose up to a prominent ranking of No. 11 in Hawaii. The Bay Course has hosted 20 major professional tournaments - the most of any neighbor island course in the state of Hawaii. “Everyone within the Kapalua Ohana knows that Kapalua Golf boasts two truly special and iconic golf experiences in the Plantation and Bay courses,” stated Mike Jones, general manager and director of golf, Kapalua Golf. “Therefore, it’s especially gratifying to see that both courses were honored by Golfweek. We are once again thrilled that the Planation course continues to be honored as the best course in the state and
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that the oceanfront Bay Course jumped into the top 12 you can play in the Aloha State.” Kapalua Golf, managed by Troon Golf, features 36-holes of award-winning golf and the Kapalua Golf Academy - a Golf Magazine Top 25 Golf School. Kapalua’s Plantation Course, is also ranked No. 19 on “America’s Top 100 Public Courses” list by Golf Digest. The Bay Course has long been dubbed as “Hawaii’s favorite resort course” and is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015. Its breathtaking par three fifth hole is the only hole to play over the ocean on Maui. Kapalua Golf Academy is Hawaii’s most comprehensive learning center and practice facility, offering individual lessons, golf schools, video analysis, custom club fitting, group lessons and on-course playing lessons. For additional information, visit www. GolfAtKapalua.com or call 1-877-KAPALUA.
THE GREENBRIER TO HOST FIRST-EVER BUBBA TEE CHALLENGE ON THE OLD WHITE TPC COURSE
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – The Greenbrier, the legendary resort, spa and golf club in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, has announced that it will host its first-ever Bubba Tee Challenge on the world-renowned
Old White TPC golf course. Golfers willing to participate in this challenge will be competing to break a score of 90 playing on the new “Bubba Tees” on The Old White TPC course. The winners of this challenge will then go on to play a round of golf with two-time Masters Champion, Bubba Watson, and The Greenbrier’s owner and Chairman, Jim Justice. Those who wish to participate in this firstof-its-kind opportunity will need to follow the rules listed below: • Schedule a tee time on The Old White TPC through June 14, 2015. • Register for the “Bubba Tees” in The Greenbrier’s Golf Pro Shop prior to your round. • Play the “Bubba Tees” on The Old White TPC. Beware - they are way back there! • Turn your card in at the completion of your round, recording a score of 89 or better to qualify. • Three winners will be randomly selected to play a round with Bubba Watson and Mr. Justice. “It is an honor to team up with The Greenbrier and be able to have the Bubba Tees challenge at the historic Old White TPC course. I look forward to a great round with
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Mr. Justice and the winners,” said Watson. For more information about this event, please visit greenbrier.com/bubba. To schedule tee time on The Old White TPC course at The Greenbrier, please call 855-453-4858 (option 1).
Tidewater Golf Club Announces Surf & Turf Package
CHERRY GROVE, S.C. – Tidewater Golf Club announces the Surf & Turf Package, a two-round offer that features golf at a pair of the Myrtle Beach area’s most highly regarded courses for as low as $174. The deal includes a round at Tidewater Golf Club, which has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, and Surf Club, a semi-private George Cobb design. Long one of the Grand Strand’s best and most popular courses, Tidewater has reassumed its perch at or near the top of every list of Myrtle Beach’s best courses. A 2014 renovation project that included the installation of new miniverde Bermuda grass greens, the expansion of every fairway, new sand in all the bunkers and an extensive tree removal project, has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. Tidewater has long been regarded as one of Myrtle Beach’s most scenic layouts. The course has eight holes that play along either the Intracoastal Waterway or the marshy waters of Cherry Grove, highlighted by the
par 5 13th, which offers a distant view of the Atlantic Ocean. The par 3 third and 12th holes are arguably the best pair of one-shotters along the Grand Strand as each brings the salty waters of Cherry Grove into play. Both tee shots feature a combination of challenge and beauty that leave golfers talking long after they’ve left Myrtle Beach. Surf Club was North Myrtle Beach’s first golf course and its timeless design continues to delight golfers. A semi-private facility, Surf Club treats everyone like a member and its combination of playability and understated charm have long made it a favorite among knowledgeable Myrtle Beach golfers. The Surf & Turf package runs throughout 2015. For more information, visit www.TidewaterGolf.com.
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club Adds National Membership Category
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., March 30, 2015 – The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, the premier Private Country Club and Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C., has announced the addition of a National Membership Category. Eligible to those whose primary address is outside of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, this category offers all of the same benefits as a Full Golf Membership,
including use of the entire Club’s facilities with no greens fees or tennis fees. Applicable cart fees will be charged per use. National Members will only pay 50 percent of the initiation fee, 50 percent of the monthly dues, and 50 percent of the monthly capital dues and will have the food and beverage minimum waived. “This is a great opportunity to join a worldclass club at an affordable price for you to enjoy while you are in town,” Brooke Greenwood, CMP, membership & communications director for The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, said. “One of the best-known golf courses in the world and with over 65 years of rich history, the legendary Dunes Golf and Beach Club is the premier Club on the Grand Strand and is consistently ranked in the Top 100 courses in national golf media outlets.” A member-owned club with more than 750 members, the club is located oceanfront along the pristine shores of the Grand Strand. The club is filled with rich history and fond memories and for more than 65 years, continues to provide its members and guests with exceptional service and a friendly atmosphere. For more information on how to become a member of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, please visit: http://www.thedunesclub. net/membership or call Brooke Greenwood at 843-449-5236 ext 6835.
Tidewater Golf Club
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Naples Grande Embarks On Renovation
Golf Club Extensive
NAPLES, FL – Following the completion of the independently branded Naples Grande Beach Resort in January, Northwood Hospitality (“Northwood”) continues its investment in the property by announcing an extensive renovation of Naples Grande Golf Club. Highly acclaimed and designed by Rees Jones, the 18-hole, 6,955-yard, par 72 course is located just minutes from the resort set among a lush landscape of native Florida pine hammocks, live oak, grand cypress trees, and brilliant water. A brand new clubhouse is a key highlight of the project along with significant improvements to the course including a complete fairway re-grass and tee renovation which kicks off in June. Golf club members and hotel guests can expect to tee off on the newly re-grassed course by September with the new clubhouse set to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2016. “Our ultimate vision for the resort and golf course improvements has been to embody the Floridian lifestyle. For many visitors and residents, golfing is a way of life in Florida, and our course and clubhouse will complement the other outstanding outdoor amenities the new resort offers,” said Hans Schmitt, General Manager and Asset Manager, Naples Grande Beach Resort & Northwood Hospitality. He continued, “The new clubhouse and upgraded course features will further enhance Naples
Grande Golf Club’s status as one of the most premier golf clubs in Florida.” Todd Froehle, Vice President of Arnold Palmer Golf Management added, “We share the owners’ and members’ excitement about this renewal and look forward to unveiling the new Naples Grande Golf Club at the start of next year.” Naples Grande and Arnold Palmer Golf Management, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the course, commissioned Texasbased Parkway Construction & Architecture LP to create the new clubhouse, an innovative 13,500 square-foot building that will feature Tuscan architectural design. The facility will provide an engaging club experience with luxury amenities including stately locker rooms, a full-service dining room and bar accented by a patio providing sunset views over the adjoining lake, and a separate 6,500 square-foot golf cart storage facility. Northwood purchased the property in October 2013 and transitioned the brand from Waldorf Astoria Naples to the independent Naples Grande Beach Resort. The resort’s $18 million renovation, completed in January, included a redesign of all 424 tower guestrooms and suites, three new restaurants, beach and pool areas and common spaces. The new Naples Grande features a coastal contemporary design and chic, fun amenities and services in the upgraded beach and pool areas. Experience all the resort has to offer golf-
ers with their special Naples Grande Golf Package. Follow Naples Grande Beach Resort on Facebook and Twitter. For reservations or more information please visit www.naplesgrande.com or 855-923-7376.
Telluride Golf Club, Inn at Lost Creek Announce ‘Golfin, Golf-out’ Package
TELLURIDE, CO – Telluride Golf Club – the stunning alpine course in the heart of Mountain Village – and the highly-acclaimed Inn at Lost Creek announce their “golfin, golf-out” package starting at $170 per person, per night, available May 29 through October 4. Offering discerning, destination golfers over 50% savings on greens fees and additional lodging value, the package includes two rounds per player, two nights lodging, and complimentary breakfast buffet and golf club valet service. Golfers need only step out the front door of the Inn to catch the shuttle “limousine” to the golf club, a mere 0.3 miles of golf cart path away. While Telluride is still amid its legendary ski season, the golf package can now be reserved via the resort’s website. “Traveling golfers collect experiences, and the golf-in, golf-out package with the Inn at Lost Creek is the ultimate marriage of mountain golf and rustic, elegant alpine accommodations,” says Robert Stenhammer,
Naples Grande Golf Club
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Vice President of Telluride Ski & Golf Resort. “Post-round, Telluride in the late spring, summer and early fall is an amazing montage of festivals, outdoor activities, nightlife and eateries.” Dubbed the “most beautiful place you will ever tee,” the golf course is a breathtaking par-70 layout encircled by snowcapped peaks, towering pines and aspen groves perched nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The hallmarks of pure alpine golf – drastic elevation changes, inspiring views and challenging shot selections – are on full display for 18 unforgettable holes. Named one of the “Best Hotels in the USA” by U.S. News and World Report and ranked 10th in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, the Inn at Lost Creek features 32 unique and intimate suites in the Mountain Village core. Convenient to a multitude of activities and amenities, guests can also access the Telluride gondola, the area’s free public transportation
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system, for a quick and enjoyable ride into the historic town of Telluride. Rates are subject to availability and taxes and fees are not included. Tee times are not available before 10:30 a.m., and other restrictions may apply. For more information or reservations: 866.850.5330, tellurideskiresort.com. About Telluride Golf Club Telluride Golf Club opens with a 377-yard, downhill par-4 that is temptingly drivable at altitude. Scoring opportunities abound as back-to-back par 3s follow, including the sporty 233-yard third hole (No. 4 handicap). As the front nine progresses, famed Mt. Wilson dominates the backdrop as golfers negotiate consecutive par 5s culminating with the 635-yard eighth hole. The back nine ascends even deeper into the 14,000-plus peaks of the San Miguel Range. Uphill holes, stout carries and beguiling doglegs add ample teeth to a
strategic design that doesn’t rely on length as its only defense against par. The closing holes present a compelling contrast in brawn and beauty. The rapidly rising 486-yard par-4 15th – the course’s most difficult hole – plays like par 5. Conversely, players who climb the 92 steps to reach the tee box on the par-3 17th are rewarded with a 100-foot drop over 137 yards to a pineencircled green below. In addition to limited daily-fee and resort play, platinum and silver memberships encompass golf, skiing, snowboarding, spa, fitness, dining and other amenities and exclusivities. Destination golfers can choose from a variety of first-class accommodations, including the critically acclaimed Inn at Lost Creek. Getting to Telluride has never been easier with direct flights from nine major U.S. hubs to MontroseTelluride Regional Airport (MTJ). For more information, reservations and tee times: 800.778.8581, tellurideskiresort.com.
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Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail & Alabama Craft Breweries
partner for Series Of Summer Golf Tournaments
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Golfers have their favorite courses and preferred craft beer. This summer, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and is partnering with eight Alabama craft breweries for the inaugural RTJ Alabama Craft Beer Tournament. Ten of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail sites will each partner with a specific brewery for a local tournament. The three person scramble format will be open for up to 108 at each site. The top two teams per location will advance to a Beer Championship at RTJ Ross Bridge. Each event is $85 per person ($95 at Ross Bridge) and will include
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lunch, beer tastings, range balls, green fees and a golf cart fees. Registration is online at http://rtjtournaments.mybigcommerce. com/beer-tournament-qualifiers/ The RTJ Alabama Craft Beer Championship (top two teams of three from each event) will be played at Ross Bridge on Saturday, July 25. No additional fee for the participants. The top two winning teams will receive a three day, two night golf and hotel package from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Resort Collection. For more on the RTJ Golf Trail and directions, visit www.rtjgolf. com or call 800.949.4444.
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Here are details on each local tournaments and its featured brewery: Friday, May 22 - Mobile - Magnolia Grove’s Crossing Course at 1 p.m. Fairhope Brewery Friday, May 29 - Anniston/Gadsden - Silver Lakes’ Courses at 1 p.m. Back Forty Saturday, June 13 - Huntsville - Hampton Cove’s Highland Course at 1 p.m. Straight to Ale Saturday, June 13 - Greenville - Cambrian Ridge’s Canyon/Loblolly Courses at 1 p.m. Back Forty Sunday, June 14 - Opelika - Grand National’s Lake Course at 1 p.m. Back Forty Saturday, June 20 - Florence - Shoals’ Fighting Joe Course at 8 a.m. Singin’ River Sunday, June 21 - Hoover - Ross Bridge Course at 1 p.m. Good People Saturday, June 27 - Birmingham - Oxmoor Valley’s Valley Course at 1 p.m. Cahaba Brewing Saturday, June 27 - Dothan - Highland Oaks’ Magnolia/Highlands Courses at 1 p.m. Folklore Saturday, July 11 - Prattville - Capitol Hill’s Legislator Course at 1 p.m. Black Warrior Brewing
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Golf Vacations • May 2015 13
Take A Texa
Old American Golf Club Back Lawn
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as Two Step
By David R. Holland
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Golf Vacations • May 2015 15
Old American Golf Club
T
HE COLONY, Texas – Spend a couple of days on the shores of Lake Lewisville, just 20 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and you might think you are in the boondocks of a bygone era. Two golf courses, run by separate companies, welcome you as a team, offer contrasting styles and equal an ideal buddy trip with seven luxury suites located in the 33,000-square-foot The Tribute at The Colony clubhouse. Incredible sunset views of the layout and lake come at no extra fee. Old American Golf Club, opened in 2011, is the newest, and The Tribute at The Colony, opened in 2000, is like playing in Scotland without the long plane ride across the Atlantic. Both courses were envisioned by Tripp Davis, an All-American golfer at the University of Oklahoma. Davis teamed on Old American with PGA Tour player Justin Leonard, a Dallas native and former Texas Longhorn. The testy layout, which recently was named No. 5 in Golfweek’s 2015 “State-byState” rankings is the highest-rated course in the D-FW Metroplex for the fifth consecutive year.
well who liked fast playing conditions and strategic angles. “The purist comes here looking for a short-game challenge,” said Mike McCabe, general manager. “We try to give them fast and firm conditions. It is not the length that gets you it is the approach shot. The players don’t mind some brown grass and they appreciate the angles to attack holes. Want to score well here? Be a short-game wizard. And you won’t find another course around that has 14 lake view holes.” Davis and Leonard were inspired by such masterpieces as Pinehurst, Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links, Prairie Dunes and Crystal Downs to give Old American’s natural contours on this 6,920-yard, par 71. You will notice a difference in the very first hole – there’s a bunker in the middle of the fairway. “The 138 bunkers are naturally shaped, surrounded by tall grasses, and remind me of Merion,” McCabe said. The toughness of the course and its excellent practice area are draws for PGA Tour players living in the Metroplex.
Old American: A classic that demands thought Inspired by the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture, Old American boasts natural contours, native grasses and green shapes that were influenced by some of the greatest layouts in golf.
Rod Pampling, who sports the Old American logo on his bag, holds the course record of 66. He broke the previous record held by Nathan Green (67) and Leonard and K.J. Choi before that (68). Other pros utilizing Old American’s world-class practice facilities and tournament-caliber layout include Paul Stankowski, John Senden, Y.E. Yang, and Steven Bowditch.
That period of golf, between 1911 and 1937, featured such legends as Seth Raynor, A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, and Perry Max-
Another neat amenity are refreshments at comfort stations included in the green fee. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are yours for the taking.
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Tribute Clubhouse
“When presented with the opportunity to create a different golf experience along the shoreline of Lake Lewisville, Justin and I immediately agreed that this was a great piece of ground to build a golf course that paid homage to the great early American designs we so loved,” Davis said. “What resulted was a design process that took us all over the country, physically and mentally, to recall and study the details of classic courses. We are still looking for subtle ways we can adjust mowing patterns, mowing heights, and adjust the firmness of certain areas of the course to make it better still.” Leonard, who spent his early years playing at Dallas’ Royal Oaks CC, says he’s always loved early American golf courses. “I have been fortunate to play tournament golf over courses such as Shinnecock Hills, Pebble Beach, Winged Foot, and Pinehurst, which has given me an in-depth perspective of the strategic elements that make these courses great and a sense of how strategy was approached with these early American golf courses,” Leonard said. Other Old American touches include a steel railroad bridge constructed in 1900 that once bridged a fork of the Red River which connects Texas and Oklahoma. This historic bridge now connects hole numbers two and three. The Old American Barn was constructed in the 1920’s in Central Michigan. The barn was transported to Texas in sections on an 18-wheeler. Today, it has been reconstructed at Old American and is used as a functional cart barn. The feather, which is the logo for Old American Golf Club, comes from the Red Tail Hawk, native to Lake Lewisville.
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The Tribute at The Colony: Laddie, stay out of the bunkers Born in Scotland. Built in Texas. You just can’t say it any better. Old Tom Morris would look at his lie in the fairway and do a double take -- conditions were never so good in Scotland. Texan Tom Kite once said the courses of the British Open resembled glorified cow pastures. Folks, the cow pastures of The Tribute are lush and the greens are enormous, except for the No. 5 Postage Stamp. And if you hit one of the fairway pot bunkers, you might just face an escape sideways or even backwards. At all costs, stay away from the famous No. 17 Road Hole bunker. You want undulations in greens? Just watch as your bump-andrun, hit directly at the pin, catches a ridge and rolls and rolls. Hit it just right of the cart path and forget it. There’s two-foot high wiry native grass. If you play it on a day the wind is whipping you will know true Scottish golf weather -- the mounds and dunes will be wind-swept and the native grass will be waving mightily on this 250 acres of former ranch and farm land on the eastern shoreline of Lake Lewisville. The first thing you see is the Tudor-style clubhouse. Scottish tunes are playing on the sound system and photos of golf in Scotland cover the walls. On the first tee, No. 1 at St. Andrews, you view the largest fairway in golf, which is shared with St. Andrews’ No. 18 -- a site any true historian of golf has seen in photos or watching The British Open on TV. If you miss this fairway you need to head for the range.
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The Tribute at The Colony No 18
The holes were also inspired from Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon, Machrihanish, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, the Old Course at Moray, Muirfield, Prestwick, Nairn Golf Club and Western Gailes.
a 127-yard par-3, one of the shortest used in championship golf other than Pebble Beach’s 107-yard 7th.
The opening hole named “Burn”, a 372yard par-4 from the Old Course, features the Swilken Burn. It fronts the green, but also turns to the front and right of this fairway. A tee shot can reach it. The Burn was actually created as a storm drainage for the town of St. Andrews.
St. Andrew’s is back on No. 11, a 172-yard par-3, which is considered one of the toughest in golf. Most pin placements require a safe shot to the middle. In the 1921 British Open, an immature Bobby Jones picked up his ball and stormed home. He later learned to love the course and won The Open at St. Andrews in 1927.
No. 5 is Troon’s famous Postage Stamp,
No. 16, the Wee Burn, is a 418-yard par-
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4 from Turnberry, site of a battle between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 Open. This hole has provided lots of drama and three-shot swings. Anyone facing a long approach shot on this hole can find the water in front of this elevated green with any kind of mis-hit. The Road Hole at St. Andrews, with its famous rock wall, awaits at 17. It is a 471-yard par-4 strategic test. Throughout history it has rewarded bold shots and punished defensive play. In the 1984 Open Watson found his ball resting against the wall. His bogey gave Seve
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2015 Golfweek’s
TEXAS
“State-by-State”
1
Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club, Frankston
2
Texas Tech University’s The Rawls Course, Lubbock
3
Butterfield Trail, El Paso
4
. Black Jack’s Crossing, Lajitas
5
Old American GC, The Colony
6
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Fazio Canyons), Austin
7
TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks), San Antonio, Greg Norman
8
La Cantera Resort (Palmer), San Antonio
9
TPC Las Colinas, Irving
10
Wolfdancer, Bastrop, Lost Pines
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TPC San Antonio (AT&T Canyons), San Antonio Ballesteros the championship. At St. Andrews this tee shot is basically blind. If you hit the fairway there are swales and hollows that can kick a rolling ball just about any direction. The second shot is grueling. Pull it left and it will roll into the cone-shaped cavernous Road Bunker. Hit it on the right side of the green and the slope might just pop it dead right over the road and against the wall. Standing on the tee at No. 18 one sees the immense fairway, the clubhouse and the famous rock bridge over the Swilken Burn
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where thousands of golfers have had their picture taken -- including the legends of the game. The hole is only 359 yards long, but the green is huge and the swale on the left, called “The Valley of Sin”, can make recovery a challenge. Remember the luxury suites for rent upstairs in the clubhouse and check out all the art work and the Old Tom Morris Pub. There’s also a 25-acre practice facility including a 60-stall driving range, pitching and putting greens and a one-acre putting course.
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Stevens Park, Dallas
13
Cowboys, Grapevine
14
Texas Star, Euless
15
Crown Colony, Lufkin
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PACIFIC OCEAN The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
Monarch Beach Golf Links
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N PERFECTION By TerryRoss
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T
he coastal areas of Southern California can be as scenic and accommodating as any in the world for the golf traveler—especially in the spring and summer--as the temperate Mediterranean climate and scenic shorelines combine to make a visit to this region not only a great atmosphere to hit the links—but to enjoy a host of other activities as well. Among the 900 or so golf courses in the Golden State, there are really only a handful in Southern California that actually overlook the Pacific Ocean--and are part of a luxurious destination resort. The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the adjoining Monarch Beach Golf Links, which are nestled high above the bluffs of coastal Orange County—about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego—is a true one-of-a-kind experience and works hard to get its well-deserved accolades as a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort. Located in the City of Dana Point, which may be more famous for whale watching and a laid-back beach lifestyle, the St. Regis has everything the traveler could want behind its walls in the exclusive Monarch Beach neighborhood that features its own pristine private beach. The service and attention to detail is second to none from the minute you walk on the property and the expert concierge staff leaves nothing to chance and is available 24/7. The 31 suites at the resort even come with butler service included, while the other 369 oversized guest rooms also have this as an additional service upon request. Each guest room features contemporary interiors with a coastal palette of cool blues, greens and crisp whites. Recently renovated in spring
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2015, the refreshed rooms feature modern textiles top to bottom, sea grass textured wallpaper, luxurious chaise lounges, marble top armoires, full marble baths and ocean-inspired artwork. Spacious balconies off each room and suite offer unmatched ocean, pool, resort or garden views. Enhanced in-room technology includes new one-touch access to housekeeping to request service, turndown or privacy, the ability to send text alerts to valet, PressReader on-line subscription to over 3,000 daily newspaper and magazines from around the world, and Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks and 60-inch wall-mounted flat screen televisions. Each room also features luxurious Fili d’ Oro linens, goose-down comforters and Laboratoire Remède skin and body care products. The St. Regis Resort at Monarch Beach has earned itself a popular place in South Orange County for special events, meetings and weddings, which are beautifully staged in the picturesque lawn and gazebo next to the luxurious pool area with cabanas, family pool and spa pool. This is a great place to unwind after a day of golf or a boat excursion around Dana Point Harbor. The Lobby Bar and Lounge as an exceptional outside terrace area for watching sunsets over the ocean with a drink or light meal in hand. This is also where the St. Regis Butler’s daily champagne sabering is held--where butlers teach guests to open bottles with a sword—the only St. Regis that offers this. The bold Mediterranean architecture of the resort is craftily decorated with a one-of-a-kind art collection that includes Picassos, Chagalls and three distinct pieces from renowned art glass designer Dale Chihuly.
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Being able to leave your room and walk over to the first tee within minutes is definitely a treat in having the Monarch Beach Golf Links next door. This Par-70 oceanfront course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. along the bluffs above Monarch Beach and offers breathtaking ocean views and a challenging layout that measures 5,050 yards from the forward tees to 6,645 from the very back Black markers.
Another favorite hole is the Par-5 7th-hole that plays as the number one handicap—and for good reason. It can play as long as 612 yards, but even at 550-yards from the Gold Tees it forces you to hit over two hazards—on your tee shot and on the approach to the green. Accuracy is actually more important than distance on such a long hole, and only the longest hitters will want to try to get home in two on this one.
This course will test you undulating greens and many uneven lies that ad to the challenge—and you have to be wary of the shifting winds along the ocean that also can wreak havoc with club selection.
The club’s forecaddie program is a nice touch and the knowledgeable veteran caddies that are available are invaluable in heling read these tricky greens and also showing you where to place your shots. They are very much recommended for anyone playing Monarch Beach for the first time.
Hole number three is the signature hole with an exquisite ocean viewpoint and winds down a slope for a sharp dog-leg left that only measures 295-yards from the Gold Tees and 315-yards from the Black’s—but this is strategic Par 4 that can be a good birdie opportunity—or a bogey if you are not careful and keep staring at that ocean view. A long iron, hybrid or fairway metal is the smart play on this hole and will offer a wedge into the green—but placement both on the fairway and on this rolling green is critical.
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After a round of golf the recreational possibilities are almost endless. You can relax on private Monarch Beach with beach butler service, take a surf lesson from the resort’s legendary Surf Butlers, or rent a paddle board and explore several beautiful coves in the company of dolphins and seals. Guests can also sign up for complimentary daily fitness classes or explore the property’s hiking and biking trails on
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their own. Tennis players will enjoy the Tennis Club, which provides eight hard courts and offers services of expert tennis professionals. Renowned as Southern California’s whale watching capital, Dana Point features abundant marine life and the Dana Point Harbor opens an ocean of possibilities. Guests can spend the day enjoying dolphin and whale watching on the sea, taking the ferry to Catalina Island, and exploring Dana Point’s coastal tide pools. In addition, one of California’s only Forbes Five-Star spas, Spa Gaucin at The St. Regis Monarch Beach is available for guests to celebrate wellness, life and rejuvenation with customized treatments. The fine dining options are many and varied. In addition to the more casual Lobby Lounge and the Poll Bar and Grill, Stonehill Tavern is a Forbes Four-Star restaurant and Motif offers fresh coastal cuisine in a casual atmosphere with breathtaking ocean views and organic selections from local gardens and suppliers. Club 19 overlooks the Monarch Beach Golf Links and offers classic American fare and views of the golf course.
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The Monarch Bay Club might be the signature dining experience at the resort. Guests can take a private tram from the lobby down to the beach and can enjoy a unique experience just steps away from the sand with exclusive access to a private seaside dining experience. Whether for a light Sunday brunch or romantic dinner at sunset, you can dine while listening to the waves break across the beach with a great variety of seafood dishes—and all the extras. A great way to finish off the evening. For an ocean experience combined with great golf, dinning and relaxation, the St. Regis Resort at Monarch Beach checks all of the boxes—and then some. For more information: www.stregismb.com
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SWEETSTUFF
N
IVO Sport, which goes by the motto “play with style,” certainly lives up to its name with its spring/summer collection for women with an array of outerwear, shorts, capris, pants, polos, cardigans and accessories featuring beautiful colors in functional yet stylish fashions. Inspired by Nivo’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Nivo embraces technical fabrics and focuses on beautiful and unique details that accent modern lines with an accent on function. NIVO continues to target women with active lifestyles, who love to play sports, travel and who are
not afraid to be a little edgy. Nivo is a vibrant, confident, performanceoriented brand and has a fashion focus that keeps its designs fresh. “Each piece of the collection is so versatile that it can be worn on the golf course as well,” says Diane Lanctôt , President of Lanctôt , manufacturer of Nivo. “We have great faith in this new collection and brand vision and we see considerable potential for growth in this and other women’s sports apparel segments.” The short sleeve polo from the Vibe collection, for instance, has flattering princess seams have been combined with smooth body cuts to effortlessly contour the body. The knit textured jersey is used at the front and back body to accentuate these details. The Essential polo is another favorite that is perfect to pull together any look and keep you cool and dry all day. Using Coolmax Piqué fabric, which draws perspiration away from the skin, there is a delicate feminine touch with light ruching at the side seams. It is featured in a variety of colors to mix and match throughout the Nivo collection. For cooler weather the waterproof jacket from the Nivo collection is comfortable and allows a full range of motion. And the hidden hood in the collar gives a little extra coverage if the weather takes a turn for the worse while you’re out on the greens. Nivo Sport is owned and operated by Montreal-based Lanctôt Ltd.
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Lanctôt has been a family-run business that specializes in the distribution and production of premium sporting goods, apparel and eyewear for 64 years. For more information on Nivo’s spring/summer women’s collection for 2015: www.Nivosport.com
O
ne of the most critically acclaimed new drivers on the market by many golf industry publications—the PowerBilt Air Force One Driver—now has a new version on the market aimed at better players with a faster swing speed—the Air Force One DFX Tour. Armed with the same traditional clubhead shape, matte black finish, and PVD sole and club face finish as the company’s DFX MOI model, this latest driver features a 9-gram Nitrogen Valve sole port that’s moved 20 cm forward towards the clubface. This moves the CG to a low, faceforward position that in turn promotes fast ball speed and low spin for more distance. Independent testing has shown that the Nitrogen–filled clubhead indeed creates more ball speed and further carry distance, and this new model coupled with a faster swing speed can create even greater distance. “We are excited to introduce PowerBilt’s first true tour head. Through player input, along with the MyGolfSpy player testing, we were able to analyze all the data and input and develop a top performing Tour head. With the CG moved forward, and the benefit of the Nitrogen Charged technology, the Air Force One Tour will deliver the most accuracy of any tour head on the market,” said Ross Kvinge, President of PowerBilt. Combined with its Nitrogen Charged Technology--PowerBilt’s patented method to reinforce the clubface without adding weight by pressurizing the clubhead with nitrogen at up to 80 psi allows for the thinnest face in golf. There’s no need for internal metal bracing. That in turn
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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss
boosts trampoline effect, smash factor, ball speed, consistency and accuracy, all while reducing spin that increases distance. It’s a recipe for really incredible distance, without golfers having to worry about any hot or dead spots on the face. Air Force One clubs have the largest sweet spot in golf--one that’s edge-to-edge, as pressurizing the clubhead with nitrogen creates equal pressure across the entire clubface. The Air Force One DFX Tour driver is available for right-handers only in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°. Standard shaft length is 45 ½”. The club is offered with Fujikura’s Pro 53, 63 and 73 shaft models, in R2, R, S and XS flexes. Top manufacturer shaft upgrades are available for an additional charge via the website for easy customization. More information is available at: www. powerbilt.com.
W
ith an eye towards Father’s Day just around the corner, Antigua has introduced its spring 2015 Men’s Golf Performance Collection that introduces Desert Dry Performance Cotton (D2PC). In taking this oldest and one of the best of fabrics and producing some exciting new styles for 2015, The Antigua Group, Inc.--one of the nation’s leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand—has created some new cutting edge blends that perform in a variety of conditions and temperatures. Cotton as a fiber alone absorbs moisture quickly, but doesn’t allow the moisture to travel across the cotton knitted fibers for quicker release--like synthetic micro-filament fibers. By engineering fabrics utilizing synthetic microfilament yarns and blending them with fine natural cotton fibers, D2PC offers the look and casual comfort of cotton while maximizing the wicking properties of a performance fabric. “The Spring 2015 Men’s Golf Outerwear Collection includes this amazing new fabric,” says Ron McPherson, President and CEO of Antigua. “It combines the moisture-wicking features of our proprietary Desert Dry moisture management technology with the natural fibers of cotton, to create a performance
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product that offers the best of both worlds.” This season’s introduction of Antigua’s Desert Dry Performance Cotton is a great addition to the spring 2015 Performance 72 golf collection. The D2PC styles are currently being offered and have been developed sharing the same color palette that’s carried throughout both the men’s and women’s spring 2015 fashion collections. It also offers an additional merchandising opportunity, including the reinvention of cotton into performance golf apparel. For more details on Antigua’s Desert Dry Performance Cotton, visit: www.antigua.com.
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