Golf Vacations Magazine September 2014 by Golf Vacations Magazine

OUR 12th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2014

WORLD CLASS GOLF IN THE

OZARKS BREAKAWAY TO

BERMUDA

Plus: ELEVATED GOLF IN COLORADO SKI COUNTRY www.golfvacationsmag.com

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GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2014

Top of the Rock Golf Course • Ridgedale, Missouri

Chip Shots

World Class Ozarks by Fred Robledo Any golfer worth his driver has or will visit New York to play Bethpage, New Jersey to play Pine Valley, California to play Pebble Beach, North Carolina to play Quail Hollow or any other number of places where great championship golf courses can be found. Now there’s a new box to check off that is gaining popularity each year – Branson, Missouri.

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BREAKAWAY to Bermuda

by Chuck “The Traveling Guy’ Miller

As golfers, when we think about golf vacations most of us think not only about destinations and courses, but also about how to get to our chosen destination. As an avid cruise enthusiast with 24 cruises to all parts of the world under my belt, the obvious answer for me when and if I visited Bermuda to play golf was to cruise to Bermuda

Golf Colorado Ski Country

by David R. Holland

Pole Creek Golf Club, Golf Granby Ranch, Grand Lake Golf Course and Grand Elk Golf Club are four golf courses in cool Grand County, Colorado, that won’t disappoint, especially if your pocket book doesn’t want to be strained in a 65-degree, summer golf vacation getaway.

Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross and Fred Robledo

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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.

Executive Editor Chuck Miller (The Traveling Guy) is a resident of the golfing community of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. For the past 20 years he has traveled extensively throughout the US and around the world writing about “Places to Play and Places to Stay”. In 2012 he played golf in every state during a 50-week, 50-state driving tour of the US.

Jeffrey Diaz

Associate Editor Terry Ross

Features Editor Larry Feldman

Fred Robledo has been covering professional golf for more than 35 years. He wrote for the Los Herald Examiner and the Los Angeles Times before moving into public relations where he promoted professional tour events for Brener Zwikel & Associates. He is now semi-retired, traveling the country and reviewing golf destinations for Golf Vacations Magazine.

Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo

For Editorial:

call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com 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.

Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com

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portsMedia publications

President Jeffrey Diaz

455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655

and

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 2014 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

JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS GOLF RESORT AND MARRIOTT’S SHADOW RIDGE GOLF CLUB DEBUT “COLLEGE LINKS”

ORLANDO, FL – While the golf industry keeps searching for ways to get more people playing the game, Marriott Golf continues to drive golfers onto the course. On the heels of its successful Kids Golf-4-Free youth program and the Fairways-Fore-FREEdom military golf program, Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators and the golf management organization of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), today debuted the “College Links” Program, available at JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort - 74855 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert, CA, and Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club - 9002 Shadow Ridge Rd., Palm Desert, CA. Now, active college students nationwide can play Marriott’s portfolio of managed golf courses for special pricing designed to fit the tight budgets of college students who enjoy the game. As part of the “College Links” Program, from September 1, 2014, to June 1, 2015, student golfers presenting a valid college ID can take advantage of discounted twilight green fees/carts, ranging from just

$29 - $69, while receiving a free twilight replay certificate for another day. The free replay certificates will be valid until September 1, 2015. The program is available after 3 p.m. any day of the week at participating Marriott Golf courses, and all tee times can be made up to three days in advance. “College students are always at work and play with their friends and/or families, and so many enjoy the game of golf,” said James Keane, Senior Director of Operations, Marriott Golf. “Now, with our College Links program, we are making our portfolio of championship and resort golf courses more accessible to this important group of golfers.” Keane adds, “The College Links program also provides a healthy, fun recreation alternative for college students, not to mention a terrific stress reliever to the daily grind of classwork that consumes many students during each school year.” Participating courses in the Marriott Golf “College Links” program represent some of the country’s premier championship venues, including: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, Ariz.; JW Marriott Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; JW Marriott Starr Pass Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.; JW

Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.; Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Manhattan Beach Marriott Resort, Manhattan Beach, Calif.; Marriott’s Grande Pines Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Marriott’s Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Marriott’s Orlando World Center Resort, Orlando, Fla.; The RitzCarlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.; Marriott’s Marco Island Resort, Naples, Fla. (hotel stay required); The Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club, St. Petersburg, Fla. (hotel stay required); The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, Fla. (hotel stay required); Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Marriott’s Lincolnshire Resort, Lincolnshire, Ill.; Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Pa.; MeadowView Conference Center by Marriott, Kingsport, Tenn.; and Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va. In total, 23 golf courses located at Marriott Golf-managed properties will participate in the “College Links” Program, which will provide college students with the opportunity play more and better golf throughout the school year. For more information or to book tee times at a participating property, please visit www.collegegolflinks.com.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS MOORLAND AT LEGENDS RESORT NAMED MYRTLE BEACH AREA GOLF COURSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION COURSE OF THE YEAR Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Moorland Course at Legends Resort has been named Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year. The MBAGCOA evaluates Golf Course of the Year nominees on four criteria: exceptional quality of the golf course, exceptional quality of the ownership and management, outstanding contribution to the community, and significant contribution to the game. By virtue of winning the award, Moorland becomes a candidate for state and potentially national honors. “Congratulations to Moorland and Legends Resorts on being voted Course of the Year, one of the area’s highest honors,” said Tracy Conner, Executive Director of the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association. “Moorland is one of Myrtle Beach’s best and most popular courses, and Legends has always been at the forefront of the area’s grow the game and charitable initiatives.” A 4.5-star course, according to Golf Digest’s prestigious Best Places to Play Guide,

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Moorland has long been one of the area’s most critically acclaimed and challenging designs. Architect P.B. Dye utilized waste bunkers, pot bunkers, water and significant elevation change to create a layout that is both visually stunning and enjoyable to play. Moorland has been ranked among America’s 50 toughest courses by Golf Digest and players have embraced the challenge. Along with its sister courses at Legends Resort – Heathland and Parkland, Moorland is owned and operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management and has been instrumental in raising money for local charities. Legends donated hundreds of rounds of golf valued at more than $30,000 that benefitted the likes of the Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots, among many others, in 2013. Additionally, Moorland and Legends offers complimentary instructional clinics twice a week, allows kids to play for free, and is the host facility for the First Tee of Myrtle Beach and Golf Academy of America. Moorland was named one of the “Top 5 New Courses in America” by Golf Digest upon its opening, beginning a stream of honors that still continues. Most recently, Moorland was

No. 6 on Golfweek’s list of the “Best Courses You Can Play” in South Carolina, a ranking of the Palmetto state’s premier public courses.

‘WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF OUTING’ BREAKS RECORD, RAISES MORE THAN $875,000 FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT Billy Casper Golf’s (BCG) fourth-annual “World’s Largest Golf Outing” – the simultaneous event played at more than 110 BCG-managed golf courses in 28 states on Monday, August 11 – raised more than $875,000, a record high, for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Over 12,000 golfers, including 439 injured service members, participated in the largest, single-day golf fundraiser in the history of WWP, the organization that honors and empowers injured service men and women, and their families. Since its inception, the event has contributed more than $2 million through a portion of golfers’ entry fees, contests and 100% of donations made at www.worldslargestgolfouting.com. Bill Clinton, the nation’s 42nd President and 2014 recipient of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award, supported the World’s Largest Golf Outing in his suburban New York City community.

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HILTON HEAD GOLF ISLAND ANNOUNCES FALL STAY-AND-PLAY PACKAGES

Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI) – a collection of the Lowcountry’s 30 premier golf courses – announces an assortment of fall stay-and-play packages ideal for end-ofseason vacations and golf buddy trips. Autumn is when Hilton Head Island is at its best with warm air and water temperatures, low humidity and the best course conditions of the year. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links or the beach and enjoy the island’s plethora of leisure activities as well as unique seasonal culinary delicacies, including soft-shell crab and Lowcountry oysters. Ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including ““Best Buddies Trip Destination” and “Best Weather,” HHGI has numerous golf getaway packages available for fall: The Sea Pines Resort – “Stay-andPlay Villa Golf Package:” Experience three nights in private villa accommodations and

one round each at Harbour Town Golf Links, Ocean Course and Heron Point by Pete Dye. Offer is full of extras including complimentary afternoon repeat rounds on the Ocean Course and Heron Point, range balls and 10 percent discount on retail merchandise and food and beverage at the resort’s pro shops and restaurants. Packages start at $164 per golfer, per night and based on quad-occupancy. Rate valid through Dec, 31. For package and reservation information: 1.800.SEAPINES, www.seapinesgolf.com. Palmetto Dunes – “Fall Stay-andPlay:” Stay three nights in a two-bedroom villa and play three rounds at each of the resort’s championship courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Enjoy two hours of complimentary tennis court time (daily), preferred rates and priority access on all other resort activities and amenities as well as dining and merchandise discounts. Based on quad-occupancy, rates

start at $135 per golfer, per night and include all taxes and resort fees. Valid through October 31. Additional rules and restrictions apply. For package and reservation information: 877.567.6507, www.PalmettoDunes.com. The Heritage Golf Collection – “Four Nights, Four Rounds:” Enjoy four nights at the newly-renovated Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and four rounds of golf at any of seven Heritage Collection courses including Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Shipyard Golf Club, Palmetto Hall Plantation Club and Oyster Reef Golf Club. Package also includes complimentary range balls, tee gift on first day of play, discounts at golf pro shops and clubhouses and 10 percent off spa services at The Heavenly Spa by The Westin. Based on double occupancy, packages start at $175 per golfer, per night. Valid Sept. 13 – Nov. 7. For package and reservation information: 843.681.1706, vcastaneda@ heritagegolfgroup.com.

Palmetto Dunes

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

Old South Golf Links – “Par 3 Package:” Just over the bridge in the charming mainland town of Bluffton is the acclaimed Old South Golf Links. Package includes two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn with complimentary breakfast, one round at Old South Golf Links and two rounds at Hampton Hall Golf Club, The Country Club of Hilton Head or Bear Creek Golf Club. Starting at $385 per person in a double occupancy standard room, price includes sales and accommodations tax. Valid September 21 – November 30. For package and reservation information: 800.257.8997, www.oldsouthgolf.com. “This time of year is Hilton Head Island’s best-kept secret and brings those days on the course that golfers live for,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and Vice President of Sports and Operations at Sea Pines Resort. “These fall getaway packages allow guests to experience the finest of what the Lowcountry has to offer at an exceptional value.” As one of the nation’s foremost golf capitals, Hilton Head Island is the preferred vacation destination of golfers seeking a highconcentration of world-class quality courses, an unspoiled natural environment, beautiful resorts and inns, and old-fashioned Southern hospitality The legendary coastal Carolina destination has invested more than $200 million in upgrades in the past two years that are already finished, or under construction, transforming Hilton Head Island into the freshest resort town in America. For additional information or to receive a quote: www.HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com, 800.523.3373.

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FIVE KAUA‘I GOLF COURSES EARN TOP-15 STATUS IN HAWAII BY GOLF MAGAZINE KAUA‘I, Hawaii – The Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau destination marketing co-operative – “Kaua‘i: Discover Golf’s Ultimate Island Green” – welcomes the news that its five partner courses are all ranked in the top 15 of GOLF Magazine’s biennial “Best Courses Near You” state rankings. Using a team of national golf raters, GOLF Magazine ranked 20 courses out of the nearly 100 eligible in Hawaii. Kaua‘i had more courses in the top 15 than any other island, ranked as follows: No. 2: Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club No. 5: Princeville Makai Golf Club No. 8: Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Club No. 9: Poipu Bay Golf Course No. 15: Puakea Golf Course In addition to being named the No. 2 course in the state, Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club is No. 24 on GOLF Magazine’s prestigious “2014 Best Courses You Can Play” in America – a list of the 100 best public-access courses. “Having our courses recognized year after year by admired publications like GOLF Magazine cements Kaua‘i as an international golf destination,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “Every course is unique, but it’s the beautiful setting and array of aftergolf activities available throughout the island that visitors continue to savor.” Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club completed a major enhancement program in 2012 under the watchful eye of original

designer Robert Trent Jones II. The newly designed greens and fairways are wider and more accessible to golfers of all skill levels, solidifying the course as a must-play in Hawaii. Another Robert Trent Jones II design, Princeville Makai Golf Club, captures the best elements of Hawaii’s geography, meandering from gentle woodlands through stunning coastlines. The 18-hole Makai Course is a staple in “Best Of” rankings by multiple publications and serves as an amenity of The St. Regis Princeville Resort, overlooking the stunning Hanalei Bay. Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club features the longest stretch of continuous ocean holes in Hawaii. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course sits adjacent to the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach and has also been named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. Featuring dramatic 150-foot cliffs along the Pacific Ocean, Poipu Bay Golf Course and the accompanying Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa make up one of the most luxurious golf resorts in the world. Also a Robert Trent Jones II layout, Poipu Bay was the host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf for more than a decade. The highest riser in the GOLF Magazine rankings was local favorite Puakea Golf Course. Set at the base of towering Mt. Ha’upu, designer Robin Nelson left the landscape as undisturbed as possible to give the design a natural, enjoyable feel. For more information about golf on the Garden Isle visit http://www.gohawaii.com/ kauai/experiences/golf, or call 800-262-1400.

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Bison at Buffalo Ridge Springs

Branson is more than Country Music,

Golfers Have Discovered World 12 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

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Theme Parks and Family Fun Getaways by Fred Robledo

d-Class Challenges in the www.golfvacationsmag.com

Ozarks Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014 13

ne of the most irresistible magnets of golf is the lure of new places to play or the challenge of finally playing some of the most famous courses in the world. No two are alike and the golfoholic will travel to any corner of the earth to check off a course on his bucket list. Any golfer worth his driver has or will visit New York to play Bethpage, New Jersey to play Pine Valley, California to play Pebble Beach, North Carolina to play Quail Hollow or any other number of places where great championship golf courses can be found. Now there’s a new box to check off that is gaining popularity each year – Branson, Missouri. Yes, that Branson. The one hailed as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. The one that Is known more as a family playground because of its vast assortment of theme parks, recreational activities, museums, restaurants, and country music and more than 100 live shows each day. Shoji Tabuchi, one of the legends of music that attracts hordes of travelers to the area each year, also is an avid golfer/fisherman who enjoys the little free time he has playing on some of the championship golf courses in the area or casting his line into some of the lakes of the Ozark country. He performs nightly in own Shoji Tabuchi Theater which seats close to 2,000 fans and he packs them in throughout the year. “It is good that so many visitors come to Branson and many of them see my show,” Tabuchi said during a recent round of golf at the Payne Stewart course where he is a member. “But at the same time, I notice more and more people are playing golf here. I think the word about our golf courses is finally getting out. I have noticed the increase of players, not only here, but on some of the other courses I like to play.” During a four-day trip to Branson, I had time to play the Payne Stewart course, LedgeStone Country Club, Top of the Rock course and visited Buffalo Ridge.

On the driving range of the Stewart course I ran into a group of players that were there for the second day of one of their club’s tournament. “This is our second trip to Branson,” said Mike Wheeler, whose golf club traveled from Austin, Texas. “This is our first golf trip and it’s great because our family will be out seeing shows and going to some of the other attractions while we’re playing golf.” Lou Falco, another member of the group, said he was a little surprised at the beauty of the courses they had played. “We played Buffalo Ridge yesterday, and it was amazing,” Falco said. “I am pretty sure we are going to make this an annual stop.” As for the shows in town, Falco said the wives would make those decisions. Decisions, decisions. For the golf part of your vacation, here are my suggestions in no particular order: Payne Stewart Golf Club of Branson Hills 100 N. Payne Stewart Drive Pro Shop: 800-504-0115 This is a must-play course for every golfer who ever enjoyed watching the late Payne Stewart, a native of nearby Springfield, Mo., whose life was brought to a tragic end at the age of 42 in an airplane accident less than two months after he won the 1999 U.S. Open, his third major championship and 11th PGA Tour title. The course, designed by Chuck Smith with some help from Bobby Clampett, is a tribute course honoring the life and legacy of Stewart. There is a plaque at every hole that has a story about Stewart’s career. The stories are thoughtful, entertaining, enlightening and moving. Stewart was one of the most colorful players on the tour, not only because of the flamboyant way he dressed with knickers, argyle socks and ivy caps, but also because of his graceful and elegant swing.

Payne Stewart Golf Club

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Top Of The Rock Golf Course Target greens on the driving range with Table Rock Lake in the background

Here is the text from three of the plaques: No. 1 – Trevino’s Tease: When Payne Stewart walked to the first hole of the 1982 Georgia Pacific Atlantic Classic wearing lavender Plus Fours, a Tam O’Shanter hat and matching argyle knee socks, playing partner Lee Trevino did a double take: “I thought you were going to a golf tournament, not a kindergarten fashion show,” Trevino said. The plus fours would become one of the defining elements of Stewart’s remarkable legacy. Shake hands with your playing partners to start your round, just as Payne Stewart would. No. 10 – The Call: When he reached the 10th tee at Kemper Lakes during the final round of the 1989 PGA Championship, still trailing the leader Mike Reid, Payne Stewart was thinking about winning. He spotted former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate on the tee doing television work for ABC Sports and he told him, I’m going to shoot 30 on the back nine and let’s see what happens.” What happened was Payne Stewart won the first of his three major championships? Predict your score on the back nine today. No. 18 – Fatherhood (On Father’s Day): In the moment of perhaps his greatest triumph – an instant after holing out a 15-foot par putt on the 18th green at Pinehurst to win the 1999 U.S. Open by one shot over Phil Mickelson – Payne Stewart thought not only about himself, but also about the man he’d just beaten. Knowing that Mickelson was only hours away from the birth of his first child with his wife Amy, Stewart grabbed Mickelson’s face and told him, “You’re going to love being a father.” The course itself winds through lakes, massive trees, and rugged and hilly terrain. Some of the views from the elevated tees enhance the stark beauty of the Ozarks. This is easily the most difficult course in the area, but with six sets of tees, which make the course play from 5,323 yards from the Orange

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Tees to 7,324 yards from the Gold Tees, it is fair for players of all abilities. In case you’re wondering, it is rated 75.1 and sloped at 135 from the Gold. Top of the Rock Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge Big Cedar Lodge at 800-225-6343. Pro Shop: 417-339-5343 Give credit to a fishing guy to put together the most amazing Par-3 Course I have ever seen, and that includes the Par-3 courses at Augusta National and Threetops at the TreeTops Resort in northern Michigan. That “fishing guy” is Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops and the owner of Big Cedar Lodge. It was his vision that brought together legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson to build the masterpiece course on top of a hill with breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake. From the moment I drove up toward the majestic clubhouse, I was captivated by the 70,000-square-foot putting green known as the Himalayas, designed by Watson and the driving range complex – 16 target greens surrounded by a multitude of bunkers, lakes and waterfalls -- designed by Palmer. That was a prelude to the Nicklaus Signature Course, a pristine 9-hole course that winds its way through precarious rock formations, waterfalls, bass-filled ponds, meandering creeks, tall cedars and lush vegetation. Water comes into play of five of the holes including an island green. The course has two sets of tees – the Black, which plays to 2,840 yards and has holes measuring from 114 to 202 yards and the Bronze, which plays to 2,568 yards and has holes. Most of the holes are in the 140 to 170 range, and while that may seem short, please understand most of those shots have to be straight and precise. Although the greens are large, they are fast and tiered and you have to land on the correct

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level to have a good chance at birdie. After you round of golf you can shop in the well-stocked clubhouse or go upstairs to have lunch in one of two restaurants. On the second floor you will also find Arnie’s Barn, a magnificent 150-year old barn relocated from Latrobe, Penn., complete with historic photos and memorabilia from Palmer’s career. LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village 1600 LedgeStone Way Pro Shop: 417-335-8187 This course might take a while to play because it’s what I like to refer to as a Camera Course. You will pull out your cameras many times, especially if you play the course in the Fall or in the Spring. I would recommend you get there at least an hour before your tee time to take advantage of the wonderful practice area which includes a grass tee driving range, a greenside bunker adjacent to a chipping and putting green as well as a putting-only green next to a picturesque waterfall. The course was brilliantly designed by Tom Clark who routed the course through natural hills, forest, creeks and ponds to frame a layout that uses five tees that stretch from 4,906 yards to 6,881 yards. There can be no excuses for poor lies on the Zoysia fairways or Bentgrass greens. If you hit a bad shot, it’s your fault. There are strategic decisions to make on almost every tee and if you pay attention, the distinctive names of each hole will give you a clue as to how to play it. The first hole, for instance, is named The Slot. It is perhaps the easiest drive on the course because both sides of the fairway bank toward the middle. It is hard to miss The Slot so it’s easy to get off to a good start. Some of the other names are The Temptation, Deception and

Straight Shooter. The holes are exactly what their names imply. Temptation is a 136yard hole that looks so easy, but there are bunkers short and right and OB left and long. Deception refers to the bunkers in front of the eights green. From the fairway, they appear to be at the edge of the green, but they are actually 20 yards short of the green. Straight Shooter is the ninth hole and the only way to play it is one straight shot at a time because there is trouble all over the place. The 15th hole, The Quarry, is the postcard hole, the most picturesque hole on this Camera Course. From the back tee of the 200-yard hole there is a 100-foot drop to a putting surface that angles away from you and is protected on the right by a quarry. If you don’t lose a ball in the quarry, you could lose one at 17, Gambler’s Revenge, a 232-yard par-3 from the back tees that is all carry over a four-acre lake. There is room on the right to bail out, but macho hitters like to go for the green. If the long hitters have success at 17, they might try to reach the green in two at the 18th, The Plunge. Again, the hole is fraught with water danger, but there is a certain satisfaction of having a chance to make eagle on the final hole. Relax after the round in the 27,000 square-foot, two-level clubhouse which has an outstanding restaurant, a fitness center, locker rooms, showers and outdoor pools. Buffalo Ridge Springs (formerly Branson Creek) 1001 Branson Creek Blvd, Hollister, Mo. Pro Shop: 417-339-4653 This course has a lot going for it. First, it is a Tom Fazio designed course in one of the most beautiful locations in Missouri. Second, it has been ranked as the No. 1 public course in the state by Golf Magazine and has been ranked among the top 10 courses in the state for 11 years

Top Of The Rock Golf Course The bridge leading to the island green on the 6th hole

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LedgeStone Country Club-bridge leading to the 18th green

in a row by Golf Digest. And third, it is the new home of The Big Cedar Lodge Legends of Golf presented by Bass Pro Shops. Jeff Sluman and Fred Funk won the Champions Tour event at Buffalo Ridge and Top of the Rock in June. The course was known as formerly known as Branson Creek and was sold in October of 2013. It was renovated and opened just in time for the Champions Tour event. Before the pros converged on the popular

course, it was the venue for many corporate outing and golf groups from around the country throughout the year. Besides a spectacular course with five sets of tees ranging from 5300 yards to 7100 yards, Buffalo Ridge also offers a full range of services including golf instruction, a large practice range, chipping area, putting greens, on-course player assistance, group arrangements, golf packages, catering and a staff of personnel trained in the Troon Golf tradition. Buffalo Ridge Springs

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From Japan to Branson, from violin to fiddle

Shoji Tabuchi has pulled all the right strings

ou can’t possibly see every show in Branson, but there are three fantastic ones plus a history museum that should be at the top of your list during your time in the popular Missouri hamlet that offers live shows every day 24-7. In a town full of country performers, one of the top stars is from Japan where he was sent to a special school to be trained as a classic violinist. “The turning point in my life came when Roy Acuff performed in Osaka,” said Shoji Tabuchi, recalling the moment he fell in love with country music. “I got to meet him after the show and he told me if I ever came to the United States, I should look him up.” Fast forward about 50 years and Tabuchi is celebrating his 25th year as a star performer in the 2,000-seat Shoji Tabuchi Theater. Ain’t America great? It wasn’t that simple, or that smooth. With the blessing of his mother – not so much his father – Tabuchi first landed in San Francisco with $500 in his pocket, his trusty violin and almost no knowledge of the English language. With his single-minded goal, Tabuchi did what he had to do to survive. He washed dishes in a Japanese restaurant, he polished cars, he hooked up with other Japanese musicians and formed a group called the Osaka Okies and landed some gigs in some local nightspots. He moved to Kansas City and landed a job as a fiddler in a country band and ran into Roy Acuff again. “This time he invited me to play at the Grand Ole Opry,” Tabuchi said. He was well received there and wound up playing at the famous venue 27 times. “I have been so lucky to meet all the right people,” he con-

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tinued. “Even here in Branson, I owe my success to the work of my wife, Dorothy, who not only sings and dances, she is also the producer.” His daughter, Christina, who has become quite an entertainer as well, also joins him on stage. “One thing people should know,” Tabuchi said. “The violin and the fiddle – there is no difference. They are the same. I owe so much to my parents for the early training as a classical violinist. It is that training that has helped me to transition into playing difficult songs like the Orange Blossom Special, a song every country fiddler has to know how to play.” So although Shoji Tabuchi is considered a country entertainer, his fast-paced family variety show is much more than that. His show features a wide range of music genres from classical to contemporary, and he brings you a little tasted of Japan, too. The Shoji Tabuchi Theater is located at 3260 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. His show is on six nights a week and you can get tickets by calling 417-334-7469.

Presleys’ Country Jubilee The Presleys are true originals. They are known as the First Family of Branson for a special reason. If you have ever been to Branson, you know how much traffic

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there is on Highway 76, the strip that features most of the live entertainment and fine restaurants. Long before those massive traffic lines, the Presley family built the very first theater on Highway 76, which was only a country road at the time. Forty-five years later, the Presley Theater s now famous as the home of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, which features entertainment from four generations of Presleys. It was the Presley brand of entertainment – rollicking comedy and country music is a family style – that helped make Branson a country music destination. Now, although it’s a high tech operation, the show continues to blend new and old country greats along with some soulful southern gospel and just the right dose of comedy featuring Herkimer and Cecil, a couple of characters invented and developed by the Presleys. The theater itself has become a Branson landmark and includes numerous items of memorabilia and photographs of the legendary Presley family, as well as showcasing Branson’s musical heritage. The Presley’s Theater is located at 2920 W. Highway 76 and you can get tickets and information about the show by calling 800-960-3006. Titanic Museum This is a moving and well-orchestrated interactive museum housed in a building that is built to half scale of the original Titanic. Each visitor is greeted by a crew member and presented with a listening device for those who like a narration of what they are seeing, and a boarding pass with the name of a real passenger of the Titanic. You don’t find out until the end of the tour whether your passenger was among the survivors. Once you board, you proceed into the main entry where a fully scaled model of the ship is encased in glass and mirrors. From there, you follow a journey that takes you through rooms containing more than 400 original artifacts, including deck chairs, life jackets, postcards and recordings from some of the actual people who sailed on that fateful 1912 voyage. You will climb a Grand Staircase, see replicas of many of the rooms, stand on the bridge and read some of the heart-wrenching stories of some of the passengers. Near the end of the tour you will see replicas of three decks – each representing a different degree of tilt depending on how long it was after the iceberg was hit. You can step onto the decks and feel

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the pull of gravitation. By the time you step onto the third deck, you realize how hopeless it was for those passengers who didn’t reach a lifeboat. This is a museum for the entire family. The Titanic is located at 3235 W. Highway 76. For tickets and information, call 800-381-7670. Clay Cooper’s Country Express Don’t let Clay Cooper slow country drawl fool you. The man can flat belt out a song on stage and moments later trade quips with his audience that will leave you rolling with laughter. The amazing thing about his interaction with his audience is his memory for names. He might interact with a dozen people and throughout the show he will get back to them and remember their names and have fun with them. Cooper is a master as moving the pace of the show seamlessly while featuring an impressive cast of singers, dancers and musicians. Best known for his unique style of presenting his renditions of traditional and contemporary country music, he also adds some moving gospel songs and closes with some patriotic songs that honor the veterans in his audience. You aren’t anybody in Branson until you have a theater named after you so Cooper is a somebody because his shows are at the completely renovated Clay Cooper Theater at 3216 W. Highway 76. For questions, information or reservations, call 800-504-0115.

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BREAKAWAY to Berm

20 Golf Vacations • September 2014

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By Chuck Miller “T

muda for Scenic Golf

Big Apple

provides perfect “jumping off point” for golf adventure www.golfvacationsmag.com

The Traveling Guy”

Golf Vacations • September 2014 21

ifty years ago while managing A & W Root Beer Drive-Ins in my then home state of California, one of the other managers was an Englishman named Neil Jones. Neil, like myself, was a golfer. He spoke with great enthusiasm about his love of living in and playing golf in Bermuda prior to coming to the US. Neil’s enthusiasm for golf in Bermuda stayed with me over the years to the point that visiting and golfing in Bermuda became one of my goals in life. I decided that someday, somehow, I was going to travel to Bermuda to enjoy its scenic beauty and play golf there. As golfers, when we think about golf vacations most of us think not only about destinations and courses, but also about how to get to our chosen destination. As an avid cruise enthusiast with 24 cruises to all parts of the world under my belt, the obvious answer for me when and if I visited Bermuda to play golf was to cruise to Bermuda I reached my goal this year by cruising to Bermuda from New York City on Norwegian Cruise Line’s magnificent BREAKAWAY and playing golf at Port Royal Golf Course, home of the 2013 and 2014 PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The BREAKAWAY, a gorgeous four-star ship built in 2013 was outstanding in every way. Staterooms, bars and restaurants, entertainment, service, and activities for both young and old alike, were terrific. With 18 decks, and just over three and one-half football fields long, it is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. With a 4,028 double occupancy guest capacity and more than 1,600 crew members, it carries more passengers and crew than there are residents in many cities in the US. However, the passengers we spoke with didn’t find it overly crowded.

The BREAKAWAY has 27 dining options including The Waterfront which houses outdoor dining areas; 22 bars and clubs, three Broadway shows, a water park with five multi-story water slides, two pools and four hot tubs; a rope course, a rock climbing wall, a spa with views of the ocean, and an abundance of daily activities to keep you busy. For quiet relaxation the ship has cozy corners where you can read a book, play cards or write the always important post cards. And, for those who like to tempt Lady Luck, the BREAKAWAY has a large and well laid out casino with hundreds of slot machines as well as a variety of table games. Dining aboard the BREAKAWAY offered an excellent variety of options. Most room service meals were complimentary as well as meals in The Garden Café and the three main dining rooms, the Manhattan Room, Taste and Savor. Specialty restaurants… Cagney’s Steakhouse, Teppanyaki, Lu Cucina, Le Bistro, Moderno, Shanghai’s, Ocean Blue, Wasabi Sushi, O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub and the Raw Bar had either cover charges or a la carte menus. Casual breakfast, lunch and dinner meals in The Garden Café Buffet on deck 15 all offered a great variety to fit all types of palates. We found dinners in all the main dining rooms to be excellent and were absolutely wowed by the entrees in the specialty restaurants. While on board we experienced The Ice Bar, a unique bar where the temperature stays at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and the specialty vodka drinks are served in ice glasses. While in the bar I received puzzled looks from other passengers, who were decked out in ship supplied hooded parkas, as I wore my Coveted Fagapo Blazer which I won in 2013 at the Annual Fagapo Invitational Golf Tournament in Graeagle, California. Following two and one-half days of leisurely sailing from New York City, the BREAKAWAY docked at Kings’ Wharf in Bermuda

11th Hole at Point Royal

22 Golf Vacations • September 2014

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Horseshoe Bay Beach

at the Royal Navy Dockyard where within minutes, golf, sightseeing, shopping, soft pink sand beaches, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling were awaiting. Bermuda, which is a British Overseas Dependent Territory with significant autonomy, was first discovered in 1503 by Spanish Sea Captain Juan de Bermudez after whom Bermuda was named. Shaped like a fish hook, Bermuda is not just one island but 122 islands connected by bridges and waterways. Its main seven islands are home to a vast majority of its 69,000 residents, scenic bays, outstanding sand beaches, historic sites, shopping opportunities and yes…gentlemen dressed in Bermuda shorts and long socks. Golf was introduced to Bermuda in the late 1800’s by British Army Officers and prior to the expansion of golf in California, Arizona, Florida and other states, Bermuda was the place to golf There are presently nine courses, six private and three public courses owned by the Bermuda government including The Port Royal Golf Course which we played. Designed in 1970 by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and reworked in the past few years by Roger Rulewich, one of the original design team, it is a 6,842-yard beauty, with emerald green fairways and spectacular views of the ocean. It is a challenging course with left and right dog legs and elevated, well bunkered, smooth, fast and undulating TifEagle greens. October 13-15 of this year Port Royal will once again host the PGA Grand Slam of Golf with the winners of the four Majors com-

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peting for a pink blazer and the $600,000 top prize in the 1.35 million dollar purse This year’s 36-hole event will pit Master’s Champion Bubba Watson, U.S. Open Champion Martin Kaymer, and British and PGA Champion Rory McIlroy. Since McIlroy won two of the four Majors, former Grand Slam and Fed Ex winner Jim Furyk received an invitation and will compete in this year’s prestigious event. Port Royal’s signature hole, the stunningly scenic and extremely challenging Par 3 235-yard 16th hole, may well decide the winner. From the tips it is a treacherous hole. A highly accurate tee shot will be key when hitting slightly downhill to the narrow green. To the left of the fairway shrub covered cliffs drop off into the shimmering light blue, turquoise and dark blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The right side of the fairway has sloping grass bunkers and rough which will provide awkward stances for chip shots to the green. I can hardly wait to see how the hole is played by the world’s top players. Golf excursions to Port Royal and other Bermuda courses, which include transportation to and from the course of choice and 18 holes of golf with a cart, can be arranged with the PGA pro on board the BREAKAWAY. Scott Perryman, a PGA Professional with 17 years of experience organizing golf excursions, was the pro on our cruise. He gave informative seminars, answered questions, and organized and accompanied golfers to Bermuda’s well groomed and scenic golf courses. Since we only played Port Royal, we hope to return to Bermuda to

Golf Vacations • September 2014 23

4th hole at Port Royal

play some of the other courses, especially Turtle Hill, an 18-hole Par 3 course that is rated one of the top five Par 3 courses in the world. When not golfing Bermuda has plenty to see and do. One of our favorite excursions was swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest located within the National Museum of Bermuda only a short 10 minute walk from where the BREAKAWY docks. Swimming with, touching, and even kissing a dolphin, was a thrilling experience.

Dolphin Quest, with locations in Hawaii and Bermuda is an international organization devoted to public education and conservation of marine wildlife. According to its literature, in addition to entertaining thousands of people like ourselves since it opened in 1988, Dolphin Quest has donated over 3 million dollars in funding, resources and field support to vital marine research projects around the globe.

16th hole at Port Royal

24 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

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Visiting Hamilton, the smallest capital city in the world, and the town of St. George, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were also highlights for us while in Bermuda. Hamilton is only 20 minutes by ferry from King’s Wharf Naval Shipyard where the BREAKAWAY docks. Another ferry, which runs from April to November, transports visitors and locals alike to St. George town only 45 minutes from Kings Wharf. Excursions by mini-bus or taxi can also take you to both places as well as to Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda’s most famous beach where you can enjoy gentle waves, warm water and soft light pink sand. On a wonderfully informative tour of Bermuda with Julie Richardson, a Bermuda native and co-owner of Winsome Tours with her husband Ralph, we gained tremendous insight into the history of Bermuda. Since Ralph is a former Commander of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, we had the rare opportunity to visit the member’s only club. We were extremely fortunate the day we visited to be able to view more than 100 amazing and highly impressive sail boats which had just completed the bi-annual 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race. Golfing in Bermuda was a delightfully scenic experience. Sightseeing in Bermuda was breathtaking and informative. Cruising to Bermuda on the spectacular BREAKAWAY was marvelous. Combining all these for a golf vacation was sensational.

Writer Chuck Miller in Ice Bar in Fagapo Blazer

Chuck and Myrna with dolphin

When considering a hotel for an overnight to stay in New York prior to sailing on the BREAKAWAY, check out the convenient, comfortable and reasonable Holiday Inn on 57th Street just minutes from the cruise port and 45 minutes from LaGuardia and JFK airports. Located within the Theater District and only a few blocks from Central Park, Carnegie hall, Tiffany’s and boutique shops, the Holiday Inn is a favorite for cruisers to Bermuda. For more information about Bermuda and cruising to Bermuda on the BREAKAWAY, visit www.GoToBermuda.com and www.NCL.com. To learn more about swimming with the dolphins while in Bermuda, go to www.dolphinquest.com. For excursion information with Winsome Tours, go to www.winsometransport.com.

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Golf Vacations • September 2014 25

GOLF CO SKI COU

Polo Creek Golf Club - Meadow #4

26 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ September 2014

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OLORADO UNTRY BY DAVID R. HOLLAND

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Golf Vacations • September 2014 27

Polo Creek Golf Club - Ranch #7

RANBY, Colo. - Deep in the heart of Colorado ski country you can get chill bumps from just hearing that your view is the Never Summer Mountain Range. But if you are seeking a “cool” golf getaway in the dead of summer - trying to escape sweltering regions of the U.S., welcome to Grand County, home to Winter Park, Granby, Fraser, Tabernash and Grand Lake. This is down-home Colorado at its finest, with no less than six world-class dude ranches and four excellent golf courses. Valet parking is non-existent. Grand County Adventure: Getting here is half the fun It’s only a 90-minute drive from Denver, but the scenery is majestic. Whether you are coming through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park or along wiggly U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass you will be rubbernecking all the way. And even Amtrak’s California Zephyr skirts the edges of one

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of the golf courses – Golf Granby Ranch, where the back nine is near the ski slopes of Granby Ranch. Grand County is home to two of the 10 Colorado roads designated as National Scenic Byways: Trail Ridge Road and the Colorado River Headwaters Byway. Trail Ridge Road is America’s highest continuously paved road. The 48-mile-long road overlooks peaks ranging from 12,000 to over 14,000 feet and 11 miles of the route zig-zags above tree line in the alpine tundra. Travelers encounter forms of life and climatic conditions also found at the Arctic Circle - so you have to come in the summer - the road is closed in winter. The Golf Courses of Grand County Envisioned by Jerry Jones, the guy who invented the highly successful “Ski The Summit” pass in the 1970s, Grand Elk Golf Club (7,144 yards, par 71), opened in 2002, was built as an outdoors getaway for golfers, fishermen, skiers, hikers and lovers of the outdoors. The Craig Stadler-signature design routed by Tripp Davis, wanted a down-home attitude, too. That’s Stadler’s personality -- a PGA Tour veteran who moved to Colorado just to be close to skiing, hunting and fishing. Davis calls Grand Elk a heathland-styled golf course because it reminded him of historic Gleneagles in Scotland with a gentle

roll of the mountain foothills located in a valley with rivers and streams. But gentle surroundings don’t equal an easy golf course - you have several opportunities to fire at greens just over a stream or wetlands that are difficult to see because of tall willowy shrubs or native grasses. The GPS comes in handy here. Across Highway 40 from Grand Elk is Golf Granby Ranch, a Michael Asmundson design that opened nine holes in the summer of 2001. It’s a gentle front nine for the most part with some wetlands, the Fraser River and holes that skirt aspens and pines. The back nine opened in 2003 and rolls up toward the ski slopes through sage valleys highlighted by panoramic views of The Continental Divide. Nicklaus Design has done extensive back nine renovation, adding and redesigning several holes. Nothing is hidden at Granby Ranch, which measures 7,196 yards at par 72. The greens have subtle breaks, which make them tricky to read, but overall this is a friendly layout you can score on. The preeminent golf journey, however, is Pole Creek Golf Club, a 27-hole masterpiece. Pole Creek’s Meadow and Ranch nines (6,895 yards, par 72) were designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby and the newest nine, The Ridge (3,564 yards, par 36), was laid out by Dennis Griffiths in 1999.

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This is a slice of Rocky Mountain heaven -- Golf Digest gave it acclaim immediately when it opened in 1985, proclaiming it as one of the Best New Courses in the U.S.

Grand Lake Golf Course #18

But what you might like best about Pole Creek is the down-to-earth staff, helpful rangers, earthy facilities and friendliness. The scenery is awesome with tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, dramatic doglegs and breathtaking views of the 13,000-foot Continental Divide and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Holes play down the valley, back up and have crossings of Pole Creek. Seven lakes and ponds will definitely challenge you. Wrap up your golf vacation with one of Colorado’s true hidden gems. Grand Lake Golf Course is a 6,570-yard, par 72 that was cut through huge stands of 50-foot tall lodgepole pines, just minutes from spectacular Grand Lake, a trout fisherman’s paradise. Henry Hughes designed the front nine in 1964 and Dick Phelps arrived in 1978 to complete the 18 holes. Situated at a lofty 8,420 feet it was once a lush forest of lodgepole pines, but sadly the pine beetle destroyed the stands of huge trees. But the new thinned out look almost makes it a new course. Now you have to deal with the thick rough that has grown lush with the added sunlight just off the fairways.

Golf Granby Ranch par 3 No. 12

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SWEETSTUFF

s golf technology evolves, sometimes the more it goes back to days-gone-by. For many years professionals and better players relied on clubs such as a 1-iron or 2-iron for more control off the tee or in the fairway. In later years, these clubs have given way to more fairway woods--and over the last decade or so to hybrids that are easier to hit and more versatile in different type of situations. In many player’s bags today, you now see hybrids even replacing 3 and 4-irons. TaylorMade Golf recently took a step back and added its latest technology to the old standard of long irons with the release of the Tour Preferred UDI (Ultimate Driving Iron). This isn’t your grandfather’s driving iron either. The UDI features TaylorMade’ s renowned Speed Pocket technology that allows the face to flex more efficiently for better distance and greater consistency. In addition, this key design element is instrumental to creating the high launch conditions golfers experience with UDI. Other features include an advanced sound dampening system for a soft feel and a crisp sound that appeals to better players, as will the minimal offset at address. The UDI has a much lighter feel and is much easier to hit than the long irons of years ago, but has the control that you just don’t get with a hybrid or fairway wood. It is a great choice for anyone looking for control and distance in an iron club because the UDI can be hit low or even with a moderately high trajectory by teeing it up a notch. The lightweight KBS C-Taper Lite shaft comes stock in the UDI and has a responsive feel while promoting a mid to high trajectory and controlled spin. This is an excellent choice for tight driving holes, keeping shots down in the wind or just finding something you can control when the driver isn’t working. “We designed the Tour Preferred UDI for players seeking a versatile club that delivers incredible distance off the tee and a high-performance alternative from the fairway,” said TaylorMade’ s Director of Iron Creation, Tomo Bystedt. “The clean, traditional look at address inspires confidence and the Speed Pocket technology provides amazing distance and consistency.” TaylorMade first introduced the club because of requests from its Tour staff for a long iron that combined distance and shot-shaping capabilities. The hollow head construction allowed engineers to move weight lower and more forward, resulting in faster ball speeds and a higher launch angle than traditional driving irons. By increasing the launch angle, TaylorMade engineers have effectively made driving irons more playable than past models--making it easier to hit high, towering shots with low lofted irons. The 455 Carpenter Steel material generates more pronounced ball speed and the milled score lines across the face also gives added control with the UDI.

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Justin Rose won two events this past summer using the UDI, and other players put it in their bag for the British Open to help adapt to the conditions there. The UDI is available in 1-iron (16°), 2-iron (18°) and 3-iron (20°) options. With most players using a 15° three-wood, the 1-iron is a good substitute for windy or dry and hard conditions where the extra roll that this club gets will gain yards. Some recreational players reported hitting it as far as 260 yards off the tee. An excellent way to get fitted and see which of these irons works best is to check out the TaylorMade Tuned Performance site at: www. taylormadegolf.com/try/taylormade-top-nav-try.html and look for a certified TM fitter. To get an idea of what Tour players experience in testing and getting their clubs custom built for them, a snapshot of behind the scenes life on Tour is available at: www.taylormadegolf.com/ontour/tour-truckconfidential.html For more information on the UDI, go to www.taylormadegolf.com

or anyone who has ever played golf and grown tired of having to lug a full golf bag around to take just a few shots or to practice with a club or two, then Frank Mancinelli might be your new best friend. An avid golfer from the Seattle area, Mancinelli has invented a clever, inexpensive device called the Extra Caddy that actually solves the problem of transporting just a few clubs out of the full bag, which all golfers end up doing from time to time either leaving the cart to walk to your ball or going to the practice tee or green and not wanting to carry a heavy bag around. Mancinelli grew tired of the cumbersome process of

fumbling with clubs and went in search of a solution. There wasn’t anything on the market, so he decided to create his own solution and after a few prototypes settled on what is now the Extra Caddy. Extra Caddy’s patented design is innovative and straightforward. Simply hold Extra Caddy in your left hand with the clip end up, and

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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss and FredRobledo

place the clubs inside with the heads at the top. Cinch the Velcro® together and you’re ready to go. Extra Caddy’s strong handle ensures you won’t have to fumble with your clubs again. When you’re done, clip Extra Caddy back onto your bag. This device is actually very versatile with several add-ons that can be purchased to make this into an ultra-light golf bag. The accessories include a ball pouch, which is great for storing extra balls, tees and pencils, and a grip cover bag, which keeps grips dry when you set your clubs down in the wet grass. A nice light shoulder strap is also available and now you have something that can carry from two to seven clubs comfortably along with balls and tees. Extra Caddy removes some of the burdens of golf and makes it really easy to carry around a few clubs while searching for a ball on the course. It is also perfect for the golfer who wants to play a Par 3 course with only a few clubs without taking an entire full bag. And it is a good, inexpensive way to ease into golf—if you aren’t sure you want to invest in a full set and bag—especially with kids who are just trying the game out. For more information on Extra Caddy, visit the company website at www.ExtraCaddy.com

ne of the keys for game improvement in golf is being able to see what you are doing—both right and wrong. And with today’s smart phones and tablets the ability to capture video—and high quality at that—is better than ever before While there are a number of motion and swing analysis tools on the market, a Norwegian company by the name of Initial Force AS, established in 2006 with the goal of developing an easy-to-understand and simple-to-use motion analysis system for golf instruction, has introduced a simple app that can be used by any player practicing on the range. Previously this type of data was only available at high-end research facilities, Olympic training centers and advanced university sports laboratories. The results of the endeavors led to the development of Swing Catalyst, a revolutionary new technological system for golf training that integrates the unique Swing Catalyst 3D Motion and Balance Plates, multiple high-speed cameras and the most-popular ball flight and club tracking devices. Swing Catalyst -- the complete swing analysis system used by instructors, coaches and golfers around the world--has introduced its long-awaited app that incorporates many of the program’s features, and is free to iPhone and iPad users. The company has been developing and perfecting the app for two years. Previously, only Tour pros had access to using the app. Many pros, including LPGA superstar Suzann Pettersen, have been using the app that allows golfers to capture and analyze their swing from anywhere. Now amateurs have access to it as well. While there are several swing analysis apps for mobile phones, the Swing Catalyst app is unique in that it has its own ecosystem. That is, it’s tightly connected to the sophisticated Swing Catalyst video analysis software. Golfers can now quickly send their instructor video of their swing, for instant and detailed feedback--all within the app. Some of the features include: capture swings in full HD, multiple drawing tools, analyze videos frame by frame, compare and synchronize two videos, download free tour swings, share videos with other Swing Catalyst users and instructors, upload to cloud storage (10 free videos) and download and view Swing Catalyst video lessons. “The Swing Catalyst App, already used by many of the best players

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and coaches in the world, is a sophisticated game improvement tool that fits right into your pocket,” said Tom Christian Lindvag, marketing manager at Swing Catalyst. “You are now able to monitor your improvements over time and receive instant feedback from your coach. Learning is no longer constrained by time and place.” For more information on the Swing Catalyst App, visit the website at: www.swingcatalyst.com/swing-catalyst-app

sing your favorite smartphone or tablet swing analysis app—such as Swing Catalyst—can be a real aid in improving one’s game on the driving range by showing instant feedback, but one problem still confronts most players—how do you mount your device to take good shots of your swings? Bracketron has developed several mounting solutions for today’s new devices that are pretty unique and very versatile given the range of devices that people have today to record their swings on video. Their Xventure Golf gear line aims to complement your favorite golf tech and swing analyzers with recently released products that will allow you to easily mount phones, tablets and also operate them remotely—making it easier than ever to film your swing during practice. If you’re looking for the all-encompassing golf package to handle any device and remote operation, the Swing N Click Kit offers it all: smartphone holder, tablet holder, tripod adapter, Click-iT remote and a tripod. This set, which comes in a handy package for under $100, will be available starting this month. For those that only need one or two of these, Bracketron is also offering these handy products in other configurations. The Bluetooth Click-iT remote pairs instantly with your smartphone or tablet, and allows you to control your device’s camera from up to 30

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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss and FredRobledo

feet away. The remote helps you capture photos and videos with the built-in camera on your device, featuring both an iOS Shutter Button and an Android Button. It also pairs with the Camera 360 app for easy editing, management and sharing of captured moments. Simply press the appropriate button for your device to start capturing photos or video to make sure your knees are bent just right and your posture is on point. The Click-iT has a handy built-in carabineer that can simply attach to your belt loops or keychain. You can take several shots at once, so you’re able to look back later and see what you need to do to optimize your swing. The new 360Vu mount option works on any standard ¼-inch thread tripod and is capable of gripping any phone up to 3.25 inches wide. Featuring a 360° swivel, you can check out your game from any angle in landscape or portrait modes. This mount comes with the Click-iT remote. For those who prefer to use a tablet on the range, the Click N Vu Kit comes with a tripod adapter, Click-iT remote and a tablet-compatible mount. With a single twist, you can turn any standard tripod into a mounting and viewing station. Click N Vu’s tripod ball adapter works in landscape or portrait modes with 360° swivel. If you decide to step it up a notch, the Click N Vu, 360Vu and Click-iT remote are also available as a set that includes a smartphone holder, tablet holder and tripod adapter, called the Mount N Click Kit. For more information, visit www.bracketron.com

olf manufacturers have been helping players for years with alignment putters that come with golf balls or arrows or lines designed on the top of the putter head to help a player line up

a putt. Players take it a step further, drawing direction lines on their golf balls to help them line up putts. It was only a matter of time before somebody came up with the same kind of novel idea to help one align a driver, fairway metal and hybrid. The void was filled by a couple of forward-thinking entrepreneurs – Andrew Glaser and Brendan Doyle who formed ClubCrown by VIVE, a company that has developed innovative ways to design alignment aids for the big-headed clubs in your bag. Their new product is The Stripe, a golf-ball wide strip that looks like a decal but is really a thin layer of film that fits across the crown of the club head. The idea was Glaser’s after the company had two years of success with the ClubCrown, a custom-made film decal that fits over the crown of a driver, but was more of a luxury item because you had to send your driver to a certified installer. “The ClubCrown came in all sorts of designs and colors,” said

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Doyle, the company’s president, “but we realized we could bring the price down if we could make it so people could self install them.” The ClubCrown sold for $39.99, but with a simple to understand self-install process, they were able to offer The Stripe for only $19.99. They also realized a smaller and narrower film could also be used to help players align their clubs. Just like the original ClubCrown, the Stripe can be removed and won’t damage a club’s finish. Every design features alignment properties and, at the same time, gives your clubs a very cool look. I applied a Stripe with two red stripes to my PowerBilt Air Force One DXL driver and was impressed by the new look. I took it out and played a round with my regular foursome and it lived up to its promise of making club alignment easier. My friends took turns trying it and loved the look of the Stripe. After the usual questions about how they could get the product, their interest intensified when I told them about the limitless range of designs possible for the Stripe. Right now The Stripe comes in a choice of 70 collegiate and military designs plus a wide variety of other designs. Doyle, the president of the company, said the product was launched in June after it appeared on Fox Business news and the inventory was sold out in four days. “The response really has been amazing,” Doyle said. “At first people thought it was just a decal, but when they realized the quality of the film, the attractiveness of the designs and the unlimited choices there were, they started buying sets to match their drivers to their fairway metals and hybrids.” About ClubCrown by VIVE ClubCrown designs and manufactures high-tech films that are installed on the crowns of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. The New York-based company, ClubCrown, started out selling a professionally installed product, the ClubCrown and now is introducing their new selfinstall product, the ClubCrown Stripe. The films are available in hundreds of designs, colors, patterns, universities and logos. ClubCrowns are extremely durable and are highly resistant to bubbles, ripples and peeling. They are also removable. ClubCrown officially launched its original product at Roger Dunn Santa Ana in July of 2012. The product is now being rolled out across the U.S. and internationally. ClubCrown launched its Self-Install product, the ClubCrown Stripe, in June of 2014. All designs are available at www.clubcrownstripe.com and www.clubcrown.com

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