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El Conquistador Resort Golf Course Ocean and Mountains
Vast Majority Of Puerto Rico’s 18 Golf Courses Open After Hurricane Fiona
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SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Most all of Puerto Rico’s golf courses and resorts are fully operational following Hurricane Fiona’s landfall last week, welcome news for stakeholders and travelers to the Island this fall.
Luis Muñoz Marín Airport in San Juan (SJU), Aeropuerto Internacional Mercedita (PSE) in Ponce, Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) in Vieques, Rafael Hernández Marín International Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla are fully operational. Cruise ports have also reopened with select cruises/ferries operating.
Many areas, attractions, and historical parks are also available to enjoy during golf excursions, such as Old San Juan, Casa Bacardí, the Ron del Barrilito Tour, the Puerto Rico Convention Center, Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park, Frutos del Guacabo, DISTRITO T-Mobile and Toro Verde Adventure Park.
To keep travelers updated, Discover Puerto Rico is continuing to revise information on social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and on the destination website travel advisory, which also includes an easy to understand product tracker infographic, indicating the status of popular places and attractions. Visitors currently in Puerto Rico or with upcoming travel plans should contact their travel providers, lodging facilities, and local businesses directly to inquire about potential changes in operations.
With peak season rapidly approaching, Puerto Rico is an optimal choice for prospective visitors seeking a golf getaway. The golf destination continues building on its status as one of the world’s best, not only via the 18 diverse, yet complementary, courses and numerous resorts on the Island, but through many of the game’s top brands and governing bodies choosing Puerto Rico to stage highprofile championships.
The PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, R&A, and Augusta National all either currently hold an event in Puerto Rico, have recently hosted one, or have one upcoming. For example, the Latin America Amateur Championship will be held in the island for the first time in January 2023 – a joint effort by the USGA, R&A and Augusta National, with the winner earning a berth into the 2023 Masters and 2023 Open Championship.
“Puerto Rico is ideally suited for golf getaways thanks to our many courses, variety of resorts, and of course our welcoming people, eager to share the ‘Boricua’ way of life,” said Brad Dean, Chief Executive Officer, Discover Puerto Rico.
Requiring no passport from American citizens, offering dozens of direct flights daily into San Juan (SJU airport code), and accept the U.S. dollar, the Island is recognized among travelers as a preferred hassle-free destination that offers the comforts of a domestic vacation with an international allure.
Not only are the Island’s courses fun and scenic several are rated by Golfweek among the top 50 in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Atlantic Islands. They offer an array of options to suit each player’s tastes, with a range of price points, terrain features, and designs from some of the game’s greats. These include Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Fazio, Tom Kite, Rees Jones, and Gary Player.
To inquire directly about golf operations, the Island’s golf venues include:
TPC Dorado Beach (36 holes) – 787-626-1020 Costa Caribe (27) – 787-812-2650 Fort Buchanan (9) – 787-707-3980 Wyndham Grand Rio Mar (36) – 787-888-6000 Rio Bayamon (18) – 787-740-1419 Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve/Coco Beach (27) – 787-657-2000 The St. Regis Bahia Beach (18) – 787-809-8000 Caguas Real (18) – 787-653-1573 Royal Isabela (18) – 787-609-5888 Deportivo del Oeste (18) – 787-851-8880 Palmas Athletic Club (36) – 787-656-3000 Punta Borinquen (18) – 787-890-2987 El Legado (18) – 787-866-8894 El Conquistador (18) – 787-863-1000
For Puerto Rico’s travel guidelines, visit https://www. discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines. For more information on island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
New state-of-the-art accommodation to improve overall experience for golfers at PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet
PGA NOVAWORLD PHAN THIET, VIETNAM – Vietnam’s newest premier lifestyle resort, NovaWorld Phan Thiet, continues to reach new heights with the launch of a state-of-the-art luxury hotel – Radisson Resort Phan Thiet.
Nestled on Vietnam’s serene southeast coast, the Radisson Resort Phan Thiet is located within a short distance of PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, an exclusive 36-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course facility.
Golfers can now take advantage of a new bespoke domestic golf package, launched in partnership with Radisson Resort Phan Thiet, that features one-night accommodation with breakfast, a complimentary round of golf including a caddie and buggy hire service, as well as a set lunch or dinner in the venue’s contemporary Clubhouse Sports Bar.
Away from the fairways, the Radisson Resort Phan Thiet provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the local area and uncover Vietnam’s rich culture, discover exquisite global gastronomy in a bright and inviting setting, and restore balance to the body and soul with a selection of serene spa treatments.
Andrew Bowles, Nova Golf Clubs – Managing Director, commented: “The team at PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet are always looking to broaden the horizon and create an experience that is unrivalled across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The introduction of new quality lifestyle and leisure facilities at the resort such as the Radisson Resort Phan Thiet only helps to continue showcasing why PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet will become one of Asia’s leading golfing destinations.”
In recent months, the resort has announced plans to develop a number of new sporting venues alongside PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet for guests to explore, including numerous international F&B brands, NovaWorld Sport Complex and Circus Land.
NovaWorld Sport Complex was launched in April, managed by CITIGYM - a leading lifestyle brand, offering a 6000m2 indoor luxurious gym and spa facility. A 5* global-standard resort and spa provider that delivers a multitude of health care, relaxation and beauty services.
Circus land is a coastal amusement park which is designed with the style of ancient. The 1.5ha park showcases seven circus-style games and seven mobile games, including a Ferries Wheel, Family Coaster, Sky Loop, Carousel and Space Train.
Set among the region’s idyllic landscape, the PGA Ocean Course at PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet was recently nominated for ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 9th annual World Golf Awards. Its overall design and playability have received widespread acclaim from industry professionals for its creative thinking and dramatic views across the Eastern Sea.
To enquire about packages at PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, please contact: reservations@novaworldphanthiet.com.vn
Whiskers Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Whiskers – maker of men’s and women’s premium, golf-specific shoelaces – has established a “Pretty in Pink” philanthropic program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
For the fourth consecutive year, the company is donating profits from October sales of its women’s and men’s pink shoelaces to charities engaged in breast cancer research and education. The pink laces are carried in select pro shops and available here.
Whiskers’ pink laces adorn the shoes of scores of LPGA and even PGA Tour players, including major winners, and caddies during tournaments in 2022. They are also popular among amateur golfers and merchandisers for their golf shops, and as first tee prizes and member appreciation gifts.
“There are more than 3.8 million cases of breast cancer in the U.S.,” says Kyle Groth, CEO of Whiskers. “We are grateful to the men and women who purchase pink Whiskers laces, so we can help drive people to early detection measures.”
Whiskers’ altruism is also typified in its “Stand for Ukraine” program from March to August 2022. Proceeds from sales of Whiskers blue and yellow laces – colors of the country’s flag – benefitted Save the Children Ukraine and the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, two highly respected non-profits focused on humanitarian relief initiatives in the embattled country.
Golfers match Whiskers laces’ colors and patterns to their shirts, hats, belts and shoes. Re-lacing golf shoes often takes less than three minutes and Whiskers’ Tour representative is on-site at tournaments to seamlessly assist. Whiskers’ Made-in-the-U.S.A. products are fit for classic shoes like FootJoy and athletic styles from adidas, ECCO, Nike and other brands.
Whiskers boasts more than 70 colors and patterns, including relatively new turquoise, mint green, Vegas gold, guava and lavender, as well as neon laces in blue, green, orange, pink and yellow hues. They join popular solid laces in navy, Carolina blue, pink and red. Navy-light blue, orange-white, berry-black, green-blue and purplepink are top-selling patterns.
In addition to golf laces, Whiskers designs and manufactures laces specifically for dress and casual shoes, sneakers and boots. They coordinate in style and color with trendy footwear and apparel brands, are crafted with ultra-durable poly-nylon tech weave and high-grade aglets, and come in multiple styles, shapes and lengths.
Whiskers is re-imagining a category that’s been long overlooked for decades yet is now an essential part of premium wardrobes. Personalizing and dressing up shoes in fashionable and fun ways mirrors today’s “individualism” frenzy.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Tees Off With New Topgolf Swing Suite
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDs – Nestled between Great Bay and a green mountainous skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features an alluring blend of sea-inspired luxury amenities and a sleek Caribbean-inspired design. Following an all encompassing $100 million renovation completed in 2019, the resort continues to enhance its guest experience with new and exciting programming.
Today, the property is thrilled to announce the opening of its Topgolf Swing Suite, a new private sports entertainment space addition that features 80 18-hole virtual golf courses, plus 10 additional virtual games for parties of up to eight people. Paired with a customized food and beverage menu, a personal concierge attendant catering to players’ every need, one hitting bay and a private space for entertainment, The Topgolf Swing Suite has an energetic hum that you can feel right when you walk through the door.
The Topgolf Swing Suite is powered by Full Swing golf simulator technology, the same simulator used by PGA Tour pros for off-course practice. The interactive simulator offers a variety of golf and nongolf games (football, baseball, soccer and more), allowing guests to go from smashing a 7-iron to striking out a batter with a fastball in a matter of minutes. Thanks to the massive HDTV screen, players will be immersed in a fun and friendly competitive environment.
“At The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas we strive to provide our guests with indelible moments. Our new Topgolf Swing Suite brings a fun recreational activity to the property for both golfers and especially the non-golfers alike,” said Arjun Channa, General Manager at The Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas. “Perfect for both leisure guests and groups seeking unique team-building and breakout activities, the state-ofthe-art technology makes the experience fully immersive, inspiring people of all ages and skill levels to come together for playful competition.”
Offered all day, the Topgolf Swing Suite menu includes:
· Mediterranean Dips with Pita · House-made Caribbean Chicken Wings · Mini Sandwiches · Burger Sliders · Caribbean Chicken Club Bites · Truffle & Parmesan Fries
The Topgolf Swing Suite’s hours of operations run from 11 a.m.11 p.m. and is available for one-hour increments at a cost of $125 for up to four guests, with additional guests at $25 per person up to eight guests. It is recommended with larger parties to should book multiple time slots.
18th Hole at The Palmer Course at PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort Offers Exceptional Fall Getaway Packages
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination is offering its “Gold Golf” package ideal for golf groups and vacationers to getaway to sunny South Florida this fall.
Starting at $719 on Oct. 1 (per person, per day, double occupancy), this value-packed offer includes one round of golf daily on The Fazio, The Match, The Estate, The Champion (with surcharge) or The Palmer (with surcharge) courses along with luxury accommodations. Guests can also take advantage of unlimited range balls as well as full access to the resort’s state-of-the-art Sports & Racquet Club.
Currently unveiling the stunning results of its substantial $100 million transformation, the dramatic “new” PGA National Resort features reimagined guestrooms inspired by a theme of “1960s Pam Beach chic” as well as spacious villas, six exciting new culinary concepts, and a host of superlative amenities.
The legendary South Florida destination boasts the famed Champion Course (host venue of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic) as well as three additional “traditional” 18s (The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses) and two new bold and innovative Andy Staples designs – The Match Course (18 holes) and The Staple Course (nine holes).
The Champion Course reopened for resort guest and member play on Sept. 2 after an extensive bunker renovation of the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout. Long feared and revered as one of the most challenging in the game, the course now also features a major rework of its cart paths as well as new sod throughout.
For families wanting to make the most of the wide range of PGA National Resort’s amenities, the “Ultimate Family” package also is also available throughout the fall. With prices as low as $278 (per family, per day, two children), guests can enjoy a daily resort credit along with discounts at the Banyan Buddies Kid’s Club and Spa at PGA National Resort. Golfers of all levels will also savor the opportunity to tee it up on the nine-hole Staple Course for a complimentary round.
“Fall is an ideal time of the year to visit South Florida, and we are delighted to offer exceptional value-laden packages for our guests,” says Jane Broderick, director of golf. “ In addition to our world-class golf, we have a vast array of resort activities and amenities insuring every member of the family will enjoy their stay at the newly transformed PGA National Resort.”
Now open after an extensive renovation, the 40,000-square-foot Spa at PGA National Resort is an oasis of opulence for those who wish to indulge in lavish luxury with additions including a couple’s treatment room and two Himalayan salt rooms. Acting as a “resort within the resort,” the spa offers a comprehensive menu of restorative treatments designed to nurture an openness to healing, balance and growth.
A golf lover’s dream location, PGA National Resort features extraordinary instruction at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, and Full Process Golf – the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven training system for golf improvement – located at its off-site Estate Course. PGA National Resort additionally offers state-of-the-art club fitting.
For more information about PGA National Resort: visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.
Nemacolin Announces The Woodlands Club Membership
FARMINGTON, PA – Nemacolin, Pennsylvania’s premier luxury resort destination, recently debuted one of the country’s most exclusive, amenities- and service-laden membership opportunities with the freshly-curated private club offering called The Woodlands Club.
The Woodlands Club membership takes superb advantage of the of the award-winning 2,200-acre, four-season resort’s unparalleled recreational, dining, adventure, and leisure amenities plus aroundthe-clock concierge service and access to private aviation. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains and home to Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, two imaginative Pete Dye golf courses, Nemacolin showcases the Laurel Highlands’ vast, rugged topography, lush terrain, and majestic sweeping vistas along with grand hotels and a thrilling cornucopia of lifestyle amenities and activities.
“The Woodlands Club is a private luxury membership opportunity unlike any other in the country and has been greeted by immediate and enthusiastic demand,” says Nemacolin’s Managing Director Trey Matheu. “Discerning clients have instantly recognized this chance to make Nemacolin’s elevated presentation of its unparalleled resort amenities and exceptional service a major part of their lifestyles. We are thrilled to have already welcomed new members to The Woodlands Club and we are excited to see who will be next to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to join the most thrilling private club in the country.”
With interest and inquiries already coming in from all over the U.S., The Woodlands Club comprises an elevated luxury membership model available in three tiers.
The Resort Membership
The Resort Membership includes priority, unmatched access to outdoor adventures, Forbes Five-Star dining at Lautrec or one of five other tantalizing restaurants, therapeutic treatments and relaxation at the Woodlands Spa and Holistic Healing Center, and spectacular pools. Outdoor activities include fly fishing, zip-lining, axe throwing, equestrian adventures, safari tours, tennis, off-road Jeep trails, live concerts, cosmic bowling, paintball, skiing, snow tubing, and countless other unforgettable experiences around the magnificent resort.
The All-Access Membership
The Woodlands Club’s All-Access Membership includes all Resort Membership benefits, and dozens of select resort amenities, including VIP perks and full golf privileges on two Pete Dyedesigned golf courses – Mystic Rock (former host site of the PGA TOUR’s 84 Lumber Classic) and Shepherd’s Rock — including preferential tee times, a breathtaking natural setting, and abundant leisure activities. And it all comes with impeccable, attentive service.
Completed in 2021, The Nemacolin Golf Academy is an exquisite, 4,000-square-foot space with all new furnishings, seven flat-screen TVs, and dazzling new décor. The luxe learning, practice, and entertainment space has also been outfitted with the most sought-after golf tech, like TrackMan launch monitors and simulators, Foresight Sports’ GCQuad launch monitor, and Swing Catalyst’s Balance and Dual Force Plates.
Corporate Memberships
Finally, Corporate Membership consists of either membership type, but for three or more employees to enjoy corporate preferred rates and exclusive benefits customized to a business’ needs.
Regardless of the tier chosen, all members enjoy 24/7 concierge service. Think babysitting, pet care, or someone to make dinner and spa reservations for you — anything you need. Select accommodations also come with a butler who can draw a bath after a long day, hang up dresses and suits, steam, or iron clothing, make coffee — anything to pamper guests during their stay. Also included: Assistance with private jet travel via the on-property private airfield, which accommodates private jets, helicopters, and even jet-sharing services.
Nemacolin has afforded discerning guests and clients opportunities for membership at various times in the resort’s 35year history, but none as unique as the current, bespoke offerings. Previous membership programs have been satisfied through their determinate periods, and interest is high in the new offerings as astute clientele are reaching out and registering for the resort’s list of growing amenities and unique offerings.
Visit nemacolin.com/joinmembership/, call 724-329-6931, or email woodlandsclubinfo@nemacolin.com to learn more about The Woodlands Club at Nemacolin.
La Réserve Golf Links - Hole 3
Heritage Golf Club Mauritius to open dramatic new La Réserve Golf Links, December 2023, co-designed with Major Champion Louis Oosthuizen
MAURITIUS – Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius, the World Top 100 luxury golf and beach resort, will open La Réserve Golf Links – the Indian Ocean’s first and only contemporary links course – in December 2023.
The spectacular new course, set in the breathtaking lush SouthWest region of Mauritius, features panoramic ocean views from every hole and offers an unparalleled experience of pure golfing drama.
Alongside Le Château Golf Course, consistently voted the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course, La Réserve Golf Links will become a new host venue for the DP World Tour’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open from 2023, confirming Heritage Golf Club as one of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations.
La Réserve Golf Links – reserved for club members and residents of Heritage Golf Club’s two luxury beachside resorts and villas – has been co-designed by former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, alongside acclaimed course architect Peter Matkovich.
Inspired by the wild open spaces of the great seaside links, the course’s elevated tees, raised greens and spectacular views over Mauritius’ tropical bays and southern shores promises an exhilarating playing experience.
“It’s a challenging course and not for the faint-hearted,” said Louis Oosthuizen, who has created a signature set of back tees to challenge the very best players.
“We’ve worked with the land to create a strategic, undulating course that plays in the traditional links style, with running fairways, pot bunkers and long grasses. The location is breathtakingly beautiful with incredible views of the Indian Ocean.”
La Réserve Golf Links plays hand-in-hand with nature. Mindful of its location alongside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to a myriad of birds and wildlife, former sugar cane fields have been sensitively cultivated with native island grasses, creating new, species-rich grasslands, encouraging ecological diversity and valuable carbon sequestration.
All work is being carefully monitored, contributing towards future GEO Certified Development status, the global standard for sustainable course design and construction.
The addition of a second 18-hole tournament course, which will host its debut DP World Tour event in December 2023, makes Heritage Golf Club the Indian Ocean’s only 45-hole golf destination.
Jonathan Menteath, General Manager of Heritage Golf Club, said, “La Réserve Golf Links is a game-changing course for Mauritius and Heritage Golf Club as a select global golf destination.
“This piece of land, with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean, is extraordinary and fulfils our vision to create a world class course for global golfers seeking the purest golf experience in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth.”
Heritage Golf Club is nestled within the 2,500-hectare Bel Ombre estate and benefits from two five-star luxury beach resorts, including Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort.
Guests also have the option of luxury villa accommodation or, for the ultimate experience, a private suite within Le Château, the 19th century plantation house overlooking the golf course.
La Réserve Golf Links, reserved for members and Heritage Resorts residents only, will open in December 2023.
For information, visit: https://heritagegolfclub.mu
Kauai’s Wailua Golf Course To Host World Deaf Golf Championships
Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i (September 15, 2022) – Kaua‘i’s Wailua Golf Course in Lihue, Hawaii will host the 13th World Deaf Golf Championships October 17 – 21, 2022. 116 deaf or hard of hearing golfers from 14 countries will compete in a 72-hole stroke play tournament over 12 divisions, including Men’s and Women’s, Men’s and Women’s Team, Men’s and Women’s Senior and Senior Team, Men’s Super Senior and Super Senior Team, as well as Junior Boys and Girls.
The World Deaf Golf Championships were established in 1995 and are held every two years. The biennial event will be held for the first time since 2018, after the 2020 World Deaf Golf Championships were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Previous World Deaf Golf Championships locations include England, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Sweden, Japan, Scotland, Denmark and Canada. 2022 World Deaf Golf Championships events will begin at Wailua Golf Course on Monday, October 17th with a practice round (8:30 a.m. shotgun start), followed by four rounds of competition Tuesday through Friday with tee times beginning at 7:30 a.m. each day. Wailua’s classic design has hosted three USGA championships and dates back to the “Golden Age of Golf Course Architecture,” with its original nine holes designed in 1920. The course expanded to 18 holes in 1962 under the direction of Hawaii Golf Hall of Famer Toyo Shirai. In June of 2021, GOLF Magazine ranked Wailua as one of “America’s Best Municipal Courses,” saying, “Wailua exudes a laid-back atmosphere paired with some sneaky bite…”
More than 200 visitors, including golfers, family members and tournament officials will visit Kaua‘i for the Championships. Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort in Lihue will serve as the host resort, with a traditional Hawaiian Luau and the event’s opening ceremony taking place fronting Kalapaki Beach. Countries represented include: USA, Canada, England, Australia, France, Norway, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, India and the Netherlands.
Kaua‘i’s Pono Tokioka is serving as the tournament’s chairperson. A graduate of the United States Golf Association P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program through the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA), Tokioka is a Kaua‘i High School alumnus who played on the University of Hawaii men’s golf team from 2013-2017. He is organizing the tournament along with leadership of the U.S. Deaf Golf Association (USDGA). The HSJGA and Hawai`i State Golf Association (HSGA) staff and officials will volunteer to assist in the delivery of tournament logistics.
“We are honored and excited to host the 2022 World Deaf Golf Championships here at our county’s beloved Wailua Golf Course,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “And there is no one on Kaua‘i more fitting to chair this tournament than our very own Pono Tokioka, whom we’ve watched grow up on the golf course and excel in not only his talent but also his ability to connect the deaf community throughout our island and state. We extend our mahalo and aloha to Pono and all involved in bringing this highly anticipated tournament to the Garden Island of Kaua‘i and wish all players the best of luck in October.”
Kaua‘i has a rich history of hosting golf events including the US Amateur Public Links, the PGA Grand Slam and various NCAA tournaments. Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfKauai.com.