OUR 18th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2019
GOLF & BLUES G REAT ESCAPE ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA
TRIP TO IRELAND ICONIC EMERALD ISLE
Vacations • September 2019 1 Plus: CLUB SELECTION: UTAH’S SAND Golf HOLLOW RESORT
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some greens are better when you add a little salt.
There’s nothing like the salty sea air on a warm Gulf breeze while playing on one of 14 unique courses in the coastal Alabama area. From sparkling coastlines to rolling hills and links-style golf, you’ll find an abundance of ways and places to play both on and off the course. 4 Golf Vacations • September 2019 www.golfvacationsmag.com
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GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2019
Golfing in Ireland
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Chip Shots
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Golf & Blues Great Escape
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Golf & Blues is a recipe for success…that has been proven. If this is the kind of golf vacation that might be of interest to you and your friends, mark the date; Tuesday October 1st through Saturday October 5th.
An Iconic Trip To Ireland
by Barry Lotz
A trip to the Emerald Isle, whether for a golf trip, a vacation, or a whiskey experience, is definitely a bucket list item. The pace of life is remarkably sedate and Irish welcomes really are as warm as the legend suggests. The “greenness” of Ireland is everywhere you travel.
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Resort Report: Utah’s Sand Hollow Resort
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Sweet Stuff
by David R. Holland
When Tony Finau stepped on the first tee at Sand Hollow Resort and saw a fairway as wide as Nos. 1 and 18 at St. Andrews he must have known what was about to happen. Yep, the personable PGA Tour pro and Utah native nailed a drive on the gradual downhill 447-yard, par 4 that rolled close to the green.
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Barry Lotz is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a consultant and mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”. His latest book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, is now in its 8th printing. He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling the Pocono Mountains his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Tenerife, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.
Associate Editor Terry Ross
Features Editor JD Latorre
Senior Writers 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.
Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben
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. “Multiple careers” best describes this world traveler (visited 35 countries), who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve. Holland 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. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, UPI and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Follow Dave on Twitter @David_R_Holland.
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
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tony Creek Media
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774-2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
and
Cimarron Communications President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2019 Stony Creek Media, LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Marriott’s Club Son Antem
Marriott’s Club Son Antem Acquires Second Premier Golf Course On Mallorca MALLORCA, Spain – August, 26th 2019 – Marriott’s Club Son Antem—one of Marriott Vacation Club’s worldwide collection of holiday ownership resorts—has purchased Son Antem’s famed East Course on the island of Mallorca, Spain. The resort is also developing a 10-year improvement plan for the course, building on previous enhancements to its companion West Course that included a reverse osmosis water purification plant for irrigation and new greens, tees and cart paths. Home to two world-class courses and one of the largest academies in Europe, Marriott’s Club Son Antem is Mallorca’s premier golfing destination. Players of all levels, beginners through the highly skilled, will find that a golf holiday at Marriott’s Club Son Antem is a must-do. Set on a lushly manicured property, located in beautiful surroundings with woods, old olive trees and breathtaking views, the resort offers spacious multi-room townhouses, spa, fitness center, delicious on-site dining and close-by access to local beaches, boutique shopping and the thrill of exploring numerous castles, cathedrals, ruins and other historic attractions. The courses are known to be among the best on the island. The East Course, 6,327 meters long with wide fairways laid on former hunting grounds, was designed to allow even beginners the opportunity to enjoy the game. The West Course measures more than 6,200 meters and meanders through the pristine Mediterranean countryside, with lakes that come into play on five holes. With its pure and spectacular view of the Randa mountain, the West Course is often considered one of the most challenging tracks on Mallorca. The Son Antem Golf Academy includes a unique circular driving range with room for 200 players, a short game area with approach greens with bunkers and a nearly 1,000-squaremeter putting green.
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The academy is one of the largest in Europe and offers a variety of lesson options—each with coaching from PGA professionals—that can be tailored to a player’s skill level. Also available are on-site clubfitting experts who utilize the latest video analysis technology from FlightScope to perfectly match clubs to a player’s body type and swing. Both courses at Marriott’s Club Son Antem blend beautifully into the Mediterranean landscape and are built on flat grounds, making them ideal to play from a wheelchair. In collaboration with Handisport Foundation, the resort offers Paragolfer all-terrain wheelchairs that raise the golfer to standing position, allowing for a more conventional golf swing. Recently, the golf complex hosted the first annual International Wheelchair Golf Open, with 40 players from 22 countries competing. Between rounds of golf or after a day exploring nearby Llucmajor and Palma de Mallorca, owners and guests will enjoy a swim in the connected indoor/outdoor pool, energizing workouts in the modern fitness center or a full-body pampering at the Son Antem Spa, one of Mallorca’s premier day spas. In the evening, it’s time to indulge at La Terrassa Mediterranean Bar & Grill featuring fare inspired by the resort’s Llucmajor heritage and a view that overlooks the two golf courses. The accommodations at Marriott’s Club Son Antem featuring spacious two- and threebedroom townhouses each with separate living and dining rooms, stylish bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and furnished outdoor patios. The townhouses are perfect for the entire family to spread out and settle in. To learn more about the golf and leisure opportunities and experiences at Marriott’s Club Son Antem, go to SonAntemGolf. com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos
LOS CABOS WELCOMES NEW HARD ROCK HOTEL AT DIAMANTE
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estled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, a luxury beachfront property infused with Hard Rock’s iconic music spirit, was unveiled last month within the 1,500-acre Diamante resort community. Deluxe all-inclusive accommodations at the 639-room hotel feature rooms in seven different categories, including Hard Rock’s branded “Rock Star Suite,” an epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom oceanfront suite with a plethora of amenities. “Sleep like a Rock” bedding features 300-thread count Egyptian cotton in all guest rooms. In addition guests can check out one of the hotel’s 20 Fender guitars at no charge as part of the Sound of Your Stay® program. Among other deluxe amenities, the hotel offers Limitless All-Inclusive, allowing vacationers to sit back, relax and fully indulge in paradise and luxury. Whether it’s finding Zen at the Rock Spa®, enjoying a star-quality pamper session at POSH® Beauty Salon, or an action-packed adventure at the region’s most breathtaking sites, there are fun hangouts for everyone-including the smallest VIPs.
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Entertainment options include designated family-friendly and adults-only areas, a bowling alley, two tennis courts, a basketball court, and Hard Rock’s own branded children’s program, Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™. There’s also 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space (indoor and outdoor). The Dunes Course, a Davis Love III design opened to acclaim in 2010, is a dazzling layout carved into massive sand hills perched above the Pacific. This windswept, lay-of-the-land links, stretching from to 7,022 yards, rambles through 50-foot dunes and skirts huge blowout bunkers in its journey to and from the sea. Breaching whales are a common sight from the fairways during the winter months. The revered layout is currently ranked No. 36 on Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses in the World” roster; and No. 47 on Golf Digest’s “World 100 Greatest Golf Courses” list. The facility’s 14-acre practice and performance center features four semicircular, rock-walled “hitting caves” wired for classic rock music--a plus for Hard Rock guests. The adjacent Slider Bar serves complimentary drinks and cooked-to-order
snacks. There’s also a secluded short game practice area for chipping and putting. Diamante’s El Cardonal, a strategic layout with an “Old California” design motif, marked the architectural debut of superstar Tiger Woods when it opened in 2014. Featuring panoramic ocean views, the course meanders through sand dunes on the outgoing holes and climbs to higher ground on the back nine, where several winding arroyos crisscross the fairways. With its broad landing areas and open-entry greens, El Cardonal, while Tiger-tough from the tips, was designed to accommodate players at all ability levels. Both courses feature comfort stations that serve complimentary Mexican specialties and refreshments throughout the round. For a fun outing, the Oasis Short Course at Diamante, a 12-hole, par-3 layout designed by Woods, features par 3’s ranging from 41 to 143 yards. This mini-links can also play as a three-hole loop featuring a 374-yard par 4, a 143-yard par 3 and a 540yard par 5. The layout, routed around a large lake and 400 palm trees, presents a walkerfriendly, oasis-like setting. www.hardrockhotelloscabos.com
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Punta Espada Golf Club
Dominican Republic Reigns as #1 Golf Destination in Latin America and the Caribbean DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Tour operator members of the Global Golf Tourism Organization, IAGTO have voted Dominican Republic the “2019 Golf Destination of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean”. This is the fourth time the country has been recognized as the go-to destination for golf travel by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), making it the most celebrated destination in the region. “We have worked diligently to establish Dominican Republic as the go-to destination for golf and are thrilled our hard work and breathtaking infrastructure is treasured by IAGTO as Latin America and the Caribbean’s Best Golf Destination 2019,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “Golf is an integral part of our tourism, and we are elated that our golf offerings continue to be recognized in international markets.” The IAGTO Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world class courses and golf destinations. Votes were made by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry – senior executives, tour operators, agents and media professionals. Votes were also cast by the public (golf tourism consumers). The voting worked on a first-past-the-post system to ensure impartiality and independence. Votes were submitted online via the IAGTO website. The winners of each national award went head-to-head with the winners of the other countries for the “Best in the World” title announced during the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on the evening of Thursday, October 18 at the International Golf Travel Market in Ljubljana, Slovenia. “We could not be happier to be recognized as a leading golf destination by such a prestigious award,” said Evelyn Paiewonsky, e-Marketing Director, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “It was an honor to accept this accolade on behalf of Francisco Javier
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García, Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, in addition to the entire country’s talented golf community.” With 86 sea-facing and 39 ocean-side holes, the country’s 26 challenging and stunning courses have helped Dominican Republic maintain the status of Golf Capital of the Caribbean. The country’s flagship courses include the Pete Dye-designed trifecta at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, which features Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links. From the British-inspired hills, lagoons and lakes at The Links to the challenging sea-facing holes at the world-famous Teeth of the Dog, Dye’s courses embody an elusive combination of variety, difficulty and natural beauty. Other courses at the top of every golfer’s bucket list include Cana Bay, located adjacent to the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. On the north coast, Playa Dorada is a must, designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., featuring five holes with sea views and one directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. For an inland challenge, golfers flock to Guavaberry Golf & Country Club near the capital city of Santo Domingo. The course features a 15-foot waterfall and coral rock formations that add dramatic visual interest at holes 9 and 18. This announcement comes on the heels of the country’s second annual Dominican Republic PGA Tour, March 2019. Puntacana Resort & Club and the Dominican Republic are preparing to host the second edition of the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship March 25 to 31, on the resort’s 18-hole course — a Tom Fazio creation that boasts six oceanfront holes set on rocky cliffs next to the Caribbean Sea. Whether inland or along the coast, you’ll find yourself at home on the greens of the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean. Learn more about Dominican Republic’s worldrenowned golf offerings and begin planning your trip at www. GoDominicanRepublic.com. For more details on the IAGTO Awards, visit www.iagto.com/ awards.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Princeville Makai Golf Club
Princeville Makai Golf Club’s Sunset Golf Cart Tour Named “Best New Amenity” By Golf Inc. Magazine Kauai, Hawaii – Princeville Makai Golf Club’s Sunset Golf Cart Tour has been named the “Best New Amenity” at a public/resort course by Golf Inc. magazine, the world’s only magazine for golf course developers, owners and management company executives. Golf Inc. annually recognizes the best new amenities at public and private golf clubs in their September/October issue. In 2019, eight new amenities were honored by the industry publication, with Princeville Makai’s Sunset Tours leading the way in the public/resort course category. Each day, the 90-minute guided tours begin at the Makai Grill, followed by five breathtaking stops with views of native flora such as plumeria and hibiscus trees; albatross and nene birds; and Garden Isle landmarks, including Hanalei Bay, Queen’s Bath, Kilauea Lighthouse, Anini Reef and North Shore beaches. The tour ends on the 7th hole as the sun disappears over the horizon. Tours are led by members of the golf staff, including Princeville Makai’s Head Golf Professional Tom Freestone and General Manager Doug Sutter. “Very clever and a great way to capture additional income,” said Frank Benzakour, one of the Golf Inc. judges. “This team redefined the meaning of ‘innovate or die.’ A+ for effort and A+ for results.” Princeville Makai Golf Club charges $69 per cart for the Sunset Golf Cart Tours. In 2018, more than 5,000 visitors took the tour generating additional revenue for the club. The club is on pace to break the 5,000 visitor mark in 2019. “Our number one goal with the Sunset Tour is to help visitors learn about the area,” said Sutter. “It’s also an opportunity for our staff to share the Aloha Spirit with guests. We’re excited by how the Tours have grown with golfers and non-golf visitors alike.” For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www. makaigolf.com
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Pga Golf Club To Host Second Annual ‘Red, White & You’ Fairway 5K Run / Walk In October PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – PGA Golf Club – the PGA of America’s award-winning 54-hole facility – will host the “Second Annual Red, White & YOU Fairway 5K Run / Walk” on Sunday, Oct. 20. Open to everyone, the race begins at 6:45 a.m. with kick-off ceremonies. The 5K run / walk begins at 7 a.m., and a post-race celebration commences at 8 a.m. Early registration ends August 31 and costs $25; after August 31, the entry fee is $30 (service fees not included). Each participant will receive a race shirt and breakfast on the day of the race. All proceeds benefit PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America’s charitable foundation PGA REACH. The year-round program introduces golf to veterans, while enhancing their mental, social, physical and emotional well-being. PGA HOPE also helps veterans assimilate back into their community through the social interaction of golf. Registration for the race can be done online, and race packets can be picked up at Fleet Feet in Stuart, Fla., on Oct. 18 from 12 – 6 p.m., and at PGA Golf Club on the 19th from 9 – 11 a.m. Second Annual Red, White & YOU Fairway 5K Run / Walk sponsorship and donation opportunities are available. For information about the event and sponsorships / donations, visit the event’s Facebook page or contact Heidi Geiser at hgeiser@pgahq. com or 772-467-5488. The Second Annual Red, White & YOU Fairway 5K Run / Walk takes place seven weeks before the Red, White & You Charity Golf Event (Dec. 8). Open to all golfers, the fifth annual golf tournament begins at 8:15 a.m. with kick-off ceremonies, followed by a scramble competition (with divisions) at 9 a.m. A post-event celebration starts at 2 p.m. Entry for PGA Golf Club members, PGA Professionals and active or retired military is $85. Cost for guests of members and the general public is $110. Breakfast, lunch, golf prizes and tax are included.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS “The tremendous success of our inaugural Red, White & YOU Fairway 5K Run / Walk inspired us to make this an annual event,” says General Manager and Director of Golf Jeremy Wiernasz. “It benefits a great cause in PGA HOPE, and we encourage everyone to lace up their running shoes and support our veterans.” Owned and operated by the PGA of America, and known as the “Ultimate Golf Resort Destination,” PGA Golf Club is home to three distinct golf courses – the Wanamaker, Ryder and Dye – designed by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Next year, PGA Golf Club will host the 2020 Boys and Girls Junior Championships. The Boys Junior PGA Championship will be contested July 13 – 16; the Girls Junior PGA Championship will follow on July 28 – 31. Each event features 144 players in a four-round, 18-hole, strokeplay format. In 2021, PGA Golf Club will host the PGA Professional Championship on the Wanamaker and Ryder Courses. The Championship will be comprised of players who advance from the 41 PGA Section Championships, along with past champions, competing to finish in the Top 20 and a spot in the PGA Championship. All four rounds will be broadcast live on Golf Channel. To learn more about PGA Golf Club, visit www.pgavillage.com. GETTING THERE: PGA Golf Club is less than a two-hour drive from Orlando and Miami – and under three hours from Tampa, Fort Myers and other Florida population centers. PGA Golf Club is conveniently
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located 50 minutes north of Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), off Interstate 95 in Port St. Lucie. PBI offers nearly 100 nonstop flights to more than 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
New Jersey Golf Foundation Annual Golf Classic Raises Nearly $250,000 The New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF), the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America (NJPGA), today announced that the 13th Annual NJGF Golf Classic – hosted at Baltusrol Golf Club on Monday, August 12th – raised nearly $250,000 to support dynamic golf programming for youth, military and individuals with special needs. The NJGF was created in 2004 to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, with a focus on 3 core pillars; youth, military, and special needs. Under the guidance of PGA Professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment. One of the highlights of the day was a Special Olympics NJ-YAP Clinic (Young Athletes Program) hosted by NJPGA Professionals, where a group of boys and girls ages 3-7 were introduced to the game of golf. The beneficiaries of the 2019 NJGF Golf Classic include “Golf in Schools,” an initiative that introduces the game of golf to children (K8) by incorporating the sport into the physical education curriculum at elementary and middle schools throughout the state.
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Golf & Blues G
Rock Hill, South Carolin
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Great Escape
na – October 1-5, 2019 www.golfvacationsmag.com
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BECAUSE THEY CARE . . . THEY are going to spend some time with you! THEY ARE . . . going to make sure you get to and from your after golf, evening activities safely! THEY REALIZE: that the Rock Hill area just south of Charlotte might be new for you . . . . . . so they have picked the courses for you . . . . . . AND . . . they also picked out and included your dinner spots! . . . And will be dining with you! NON GOLFERS are welcome too! There is a day off of golf to EXPLORE, SHOP or do nothing at all! THEY KNOW that you will love their GREENS . . .
. . . and that you will love the sounds of the 15th Annual York County BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL!
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olf & Blues is a recipe for success…that has been proven. If this is the kind of golf vacation that might be of interest to you and your friends, mark the date; Tuesday October 1st through Saturday October 5th. The Arts Council of York County will host its 15th annual Blues and Jazz Festival. “One location has it all, we will get you there after golf and provide the option of getting you back at a reasonable time” says Ricky Saucier of Golf Packages of South Carolina who is the organizer and he and his better half Jan will be your hosts! Golf Packages of South Carolina has had many such events under its belt over the years in other parts of the State such as Charleston and just this past October with the Greenville Great Escape. Kick off on Tuesday evening with a hosted reception with entertainment on the patio of the Hilton Garden Inn in Rock Hill. Three rounds of golf are included along with evening meals, evening transportation, and admission to the Blues Festival – no need to be concerned over drinking and driving on this vacation!
into the Catawba River. Thursday evening is the Kick Off to the 2019 York County Jazz & Blues Festival which takes place in the unique setting of Baxter Village. Friday you are on your own to relax, shop or explore the history and culture of York County. Or we can arrange additional golf for you! Friday evening, we travel to Old Town Rock Hill for the Blues and Jazz Festival Restaurant Crawl. 6-8 venues will highlight music, food and drink. Saturday’s round is on Carolina Lakes Golf Club, lunch included. Elevation changes lead you down fairways lined with tall maples, pines and oaks; blending in the challenges of large ponds, streams and the Catawba River. Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently located just off I-77 in Manchester Village a business and shopping center, offering all the amenities of a big city with sincere Southern hospitality. $799.00 US per person based on double occupancy.
First round of the week is slated for the historic and private Rock Hill Country Club. Steeped in tradition and opened in 1934 the A. W. Tillinghast design will provide a challenge for what should be an enjoyable and classic opening day!
Golf Packages of South Carolina has been the packaging arm for the entire Mountains to Midlands program which includes the Rock Hill area as well as Greenville (host of the 2018 Great Escape), Columbia and Aiken / North Augusta area.
Wednesday evening dinner; choose from either Legal Remedy Brewing, one of Trip Advisors Top 10 dining choices, or The Pump House - another of Rock Hill’s popular dining establishments overlooking the Catawba River.
For more information on the Golf & Blues Great Escape – Rock Hill visit www.golfpackagesofsc.com or email Rick: rick@ golfpackagesofsc.com or call 1-888-501-0954.
Thursday round two will be on the rolling fairways of Springfield Golf Club with its tree lined fairways taking you along holes flanked by Sugar Creek, with many holes that play across streams that lead
South Carolinas’ Got the Blues to go along with some pretty sweet Greens!
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A Trip To
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By Barry Lotz
o Ireland www.golfvacationsmag.com
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Portrush putting green
A trip to Ireland – why the Emerald Isle offers, tourists, golfers, visitors and whiskey aficionados a visit full of exploration, superb scenery, phenomenal golf courses and fun-filled pubs! “Céad Míle Fáilt” (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!)
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reland Golf outdid itself in 2019. This was the year that Irish golf took center stage. Not only did an Irishman, Shane Lowry, win The 148th British Open, but Royal Portrush, the site of the championship, received compliments from both the players and the attendees. The R&A did an outstanding job in not only preparing the course, a “real proper links”, but all the ancillary infrastructure -- player friendly and definitely visitor friendly. 237,000 tickets were sold and probably another 100,000 were needed. The Open shop was stocked to the rafters and the merchandize flew out of the store as though they were giving everything away for free. A trip to the Emerald Isle, whether for a golf trip, a vacation, or a whiskey experience, is definitely a bucket list item. The pace of life is remarkably sedate and Irish welcomes really are as warm as the legend suggests. The “greenness” 24 Golf Vacations • September 2019
of Ireland is everywhere you travel. Ireland is famous for having a third of the world’s links courses, making devotees of seaside golf chomping at the bit. As for whiskey lovers and enthusiasts, there are more than 30 whiskey distilleries spread across Eire. The “water of life” has been distilled in Ireland since the sixth century and with the iconic distilleries of Jameson’s, Tullamore, Bushmills and D.E.W. beckoning, there is no better time to explore the island’s whiskey story. Also take time to visit Glendalough, Clonakilty and Echlinvilole to sample a new generation of whiskey makers. As for golfing, Ireland has iconic venues such as Ballybunion, Portmarnock, Royal County Down and Lahinch as their standard bearers, but there are so many more outstanding courses that most golfers have never experienced. A review of 6 courses follows that merit your consideration and a visit in your future travel plans. Be familiar with the first rule of Irish golf: Ignore the weather forecast! Showers are predicted every day, but I was lucky to have a total of just 5 hours of rain over the six courses I played during 7 days of golf. By being a seaside links, the wind, of course, does blow often. Be prepared to learn how to hit shots that stay below the wind and have patience to only hit a shot in between gusts, if possible. As locals like to say, “The weather is as dry as the locals’ humor”. www.golfvacationsmag.com
Ireland’s west side, also referred to as the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, holds some terrific seaside courses that are half as expensive and twice as much fun as better-known venues — and you don’t need to call a year in advance for a tee time. This is the Ireland that existed before Ballybunion became the Pebble Beach of Europe. In fact, the western coast of Ireland can lay claim to the finest array of links courses in the world (sorry, Bandon Dunes and St. Andrews). The Wild Atlantic Way includes magnificent beaches, cliffs, bays and surfing seas stretching from remote Malin and the northern headlands to near sub-tropical waters and gardens ending in tranquil Kinsale Harbour in the south. It is a must to explore! And along the way it enables and enhances some of the world’s greatest links golf! Without any fear of contradiction, playing The European Club was the highlight of my trip! The European Club is just 30 minutes south of Dublin. Not only is the European Club ranked in the World’s Top100 Golf Courses, but its owner and designer, Pat Ruddy, the “Master of the Links”, is in my Top 100 most interesting, magnanimous and fascinating people in golf, whom I have been fortunate enough to meet and spend time with in their company. Golf Magazine USA ranked The European Club in their World Top 100 Golf Courses list in 2003, 2005, 2007,
2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. This is the course that Padraig Harrington won the Irish PGA in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Rory McIlroy won the Irish Amateur in 2006 and where Tiger set the links record at 67. Pat Ruddy is synonymous with Irish golf -- from his personal collection of over 6,500 golf books, to his exceptional golf design skills. Many courses around Ireland have some sort of a Pat Ruddy touch. He is a walking encyclopedia of every aspect of links style golf courses. Golf Magazine, in collaboration with ten other international golf magazines, nominated the course in their The 500 Greatest Golf Holes in the World, wherein three holes are from the links of The European Club. The par-4 seventh, measuring 470-yards, was named as one of the Worlds 100 Best Holes. The par-5 thirteenth and par-3 fourteenth were named amongst the Worlds 500 Best Holes. On a broader scale, nine of the Top-40 Golf Courses in Ireland, per Golf Digest, have been designed or substantially redesigned by Pat Ruddy and nine of his venues are listed in the Top-100 Golf Courses in Great Britain & Ireland. Of all the courses I have played in Ireland on my two trips there, The European Club, on the County Wicklow coastline, about 30 miles from Dublin is, by far, my favorite. This is a course I could play every day. The flow of the course is its USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Every hole follows a natural progression and that of marvelous and thoughtful design.
Portnoo Golf Course
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The European Club
The European Club is extremely challenging off the back tees and views of the infamous railway-sleeper lined bunkers only add to the difficulty. Caveat: Offline hits are prejudicial to say the least, but the saving grace is that the beach is in play on the back nine! The course boasts 20 holes (two additional par threes) and that back nine will live long in my memory with holes like 11, 12, 15 and 17 utterly captivating. The restaurant food is above par and the service exemplary. www.theeuropeanclub.com
County Sligo (Rosses Pt) Golf Course
18 holes, par 71, 6609 yards. Links. This is an awesome golf course! It is often referred to as the “Grand Dame” of Northwest Ireland golf courses. I daresay that if this course was located elsewhere, other than northwest Ireland, it would join the ranks of “must play” a la Ballybunion or Lahinch, as County Sligo is widely regarded as one of the greatest championship links courses in Ireland. The 125-year old course is located in the picturesque 26 Golf Vacations • September 2019
village of Rosses Point and known locally as ‘The Point’. The original 9-hole course, founded in 1894, is now a world class 27-hole complex with modern facilities and a spacious clubhouse. The west side of the course is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The view to the north is dominated by Benbulben; an impressive glacier cut rock formation bearing a strong resemblance to Cape Town’s Table Mountain. The east has great views of the Dartary Mountains, while the south vista is completed by Knocknarea. The traditional links layout was designed by Harry Colt who was reputed to have been influenced by the layout of St Andrews Old Course in his creation of County Sligo. Colt utilized the natural contours of the dune-covered landscape, rather than moving large amounts of earth during its design. On the fairways you’ll play from crisp turf, while the undulating greens are defended by plenty of deep sand traps. The end result is a course filled with dramatic flowing fairways, elevated tees, and raised plateau greens. The 7th, 8th and 14th holes are all stunning, due to the crossing of Mahon’s Burn – a meandering stream awaiting www.golfvacationsmag.com
any miss-hit shots! County Sligo, in my opinion, serves the best fish and chips that I have tasted in Ireland! www.countysligogolfclub.ie I highly recommend the Radisson Blu Hotel in Rosses Point, County Sligo as the best place to stay. It is modern, with great rooms and food service, especially at the bar. www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-sligo
Narin & Portnoo Golf Course, Portnoo, County Donegal, Ireland
18 holes, par 73, 6269 yards. Links. The Narin & Portnoo Golf Club was formed as a 9-hole course in 1930, until it was extended to the full 18 in 1965. Many regard this to be one of the most natural courses of all time, but it hasn’t quite received the recognition it deserves. Maybe this is because of its remote location. Liam McDevitt is the new owner. Liam is from Donegal, but now based in New York. McDevitt instituted a major redesign of the course and refurbishment of the clubhouse. Gil Hanse of the United States did an exemplary job of turning this truly spectacular setting into a true test of pure links golf. Golfers playing Narin & Portnoo Golf Course will need all their skills to effectuate a range of different shots. With the course’s tight doglegs, cavernous terrain, raised greens and twisting fairways, players will need to have their wits about them if they’re looking to score well. The signature par three is played over a gorge onto a two-
County Sligo Golf Course
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tiered green where making par is anything but easy. If you’re looking to play a simple, old-fashioned and rewarding links course, then Narin & Portnoo is the place for your golf vacation. ww.narinandportnoolinks.com
Donegal Golf Club, Murvagh, County Donegal, Ireland
18 holes, par 73, 7453 yards. Links. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay and a designated Special Area of Conservation, it is one of the longest golf courses in Europe, measuring a massive 7,453 yards from the championship tees. Donegal Golf Course was originally designed by Eddie Hackett, a legend of Irish golf course architecture and is often referred to as the Muirfield of Ireland. This links course is built on a promontory of 182 acres that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. The course, built on land of geological significance, was inhabited in past centuries, and the earliest of Irish maps indicate this. The original clubhouse was a caravan, to be replaced some months later, by a railway carriage. In 1976, a new clubhouse was built. We had lunch in the clubhouse and the food at the restaurant was terrific! The course, a par 73 for both men and women, consists of five Par 5’s, four Par 3’s and nine Par 4’s, stretching over 7400 yards from the tips, with five regulation tees from each hole, plus a beginner tee. Over the years the course has been re-molded by the “Master of Links design”, Pat Ruddy, with Pat still dropping by to lend his expertise to the club and help it continuously evolve. The outside loop plays along the dunes and the ocean, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. The inner loop is more protected, however, the constantly changing sea breeze provides a continuing test for both pro and Narin & Portnoo Golf Course
Donegel Golf Club
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Donegel Golf Club
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amateur golfer. Despite its length, the course is an easy walk, broken up by the outstanding views, wildlife and display of fauna and flora that continues to change and evolve throughout the year. Darren Clarke, the 2011 Open Champion and member of the Course, states that Donegal Golf Club is “one of my favorite courses in the world”. Donegal is an easy walk and a welcome break from the roller coaster dunes found on other links courses. The panoramic views of Donegal Bay and the surrounding countryside are sensational and the peninsula itself is steeped in local and ancient history. One of my many favorite holes during my visit was Hole 5 – Valley of Tears – 196 yards. With no fairway, this par 3 is certainly a challenge. Aim at the bunker back left from the tee. Fail to carry the valley, and you are left with a testing shot from an extremely deep bunker. The bowl shape of the green is forgiving, feeding the ball toward the pin, if it is placed kindly, This hole gives up more holes-in-one here than any other hole on the course, but just hit your best shot of the day to the green and walk on. www.donegalgolfclub.ie
Cruit Island Golf Club, Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland
18 Holes, Par 68, Length 5141 yards Roughly 40 minutes farther north from Portnoo on the Donegal Coast lies a golf course that has been described as simply one of the greatest 9-hole courses on earth. The course is set on the edge of the wild and rugged Atlantic Ocean -- next stop America! You will savor unrestricted panoramic views that will take your breath away, especially its iconic 6th hole hitting over the Atlantic Ocean onto the green on the cliff edge. The views afforded by Cruit Island are outstanding, on a par with world favorites such as Pebble Beach, Old Head, Kingsbarn in Scotland, Pinnacle Point in South Africa, and Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. Cruit Island is a true natural 9-hole links course where every shot must be methodically thought out. Cruit Island Golf Club (pronounced “Crutch” Island), is purely and simply a must visit. Place it on your bucket list. What’s so great about the course is that you can play there for about one tenth of the cost of the aforementioned “name” courses! www.cruitislandgolflclub.com
Cruit Island Golf Club
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Concra Wood Golf Club
Concra Wood Golf Club, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
18 Holes, Par 72, 6635 yards This was one of the nicest courses I got to play. So different from the true links courses, yet overall most enjoyable in all aspects such as setting, views, flow, operations staff and FUN to play. Concra Wood is a beautiful and evocative setting for a golf course. The golf course was designed by two of Ireland’s golfing legends: Christy O’Connor Junior and Senior. Overlooking Lough Muckno, a lake, the shape and flow of the golf course are perfectly complemented by the drumlins that roll across the countryside. The wooded landscape tilts down into Lough Muckno. The views are spectacular, stretching across the Monaghan Drumlins to the Cooley and Mourne Mountains to the east, and the Slieve Gullion and Mullyash Mountains to the north. And all the while you are surrounded by the lake and its scattering of islands, including Black Island, Otter Island, Crane Island and White Island. It is www.golfvacationsmag.com
a unique setting that golfers, fishermen and walkers will love. This easy rhythm adds to the beauty of the course and its challenges, and it will inspire every golfer who chooses to play here. Woods and trees stretch their way elegantly around the course and between holes to give Concra Wood a truly natural touch. This challenging course! It is a tough walk and accurate driving will help your score and prevent the loss of many golf balls in the water or gorse. There are plenty of hills between tees and on some holes. I suggest a cart. The course has a great club house with outstanding food and drink. www.concrawood.ie Ireland is a great country for its outstanding scenery, friendly citizens, plentiful whiskey and some of the best golf I have ever experienced. I look forward to my third visit to Ireland in the not too distant future. A special word of thanks go to my hosts, Rory Mathews of Fáilte Ireland and Bernard McMullan of Tourism Ireland. Golf Vacations • September 2019 31
RESORT REPORT
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HURRICANE, UTAH
by DAVID R. HOLLAND
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URRICANE, Utah – When Tony Finau stepped on the first tee at Sand Hollow Resort and saw a fairway as wide as Nos. 1 and 18 at St. Andrews he must have known what was about to happen. Yep, the personable PGA Tour pro and Utah native nailed a drive on the gradual downhill 447-yard, par 4 that rolled close to the green. Little did he know the best was lurking on a scenic ridgeline on the back nine. Holes 11-15 are about as picturesque and fun as you will ever see. Golfweek’s No. 56 on its Top 100 list measures 7,315 yards at par 72. The Devil’s Throat tee shot at No. 15, a 230-yard par three is a flashback to Denver’s Arrowhead Golf Club with tee box flanked on both sides by pillars of red rock formations. This amazing hole actually has its forward tees on higher ground, a bluff shot that’s a completely different look than the lower “Throat”. These holes are beyond scenic like Utah itself – Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and the USA’s fourth most visited national park, Zion, is just a short drive away. The ridge line that dominates these back nine special holes is best seen from a drone flyover and photographer Brian Oar has done just that. But few realize when you gaze off this ridge the Virgin River Valley that you see was instrumental in settling Hurricane. It was there Mormons grew cotton and dug by pick axe and shovel the Hurricane Canal that was the lifeblood of this settlement for 80 years. Small farmers also had peach and apricot orchards for the LDS Church, and pecans and pistachio nuts followed.
No duck hooks and have that camera ready
“ Each hole is a difficult birdie and easy bogey so all levels of players will enjoy playing again and again. Once you finish your first round on the Championship Course, you can’t wait to come back,” said John Fought, the designer along with Andy Staples, who was project manager. Fought was a talented college golfer at Brigham Young University, is a U.S. Amateur champion and two-time winner on the PGA Tour. Once you finish No. 10, a beauty of a par 5, the cart path makes a curve to open the ridge-line holes -- you have officially entered golf nirvana. Golf writer Glen Turk called this stretch of cart path a “hallelujah moment”. Amen, brother. No. 11 is a 190-yard, par 3 that has a large mound left of the green that will give you a friendly kick. Avoid a deep bunker complex that defends a drop to the valley. As far as no duck hooks, my cousin Jim Holland, pulled a shot that bounced off boulders left of the 12th (443-yard, par 4) then bounded on to the green. Check the photos – this beauty dives downward from the tee then climbs to the putting surface in a natural bowl created by the surrounding rock.
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RESORT REPORT
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SAND HOLLOW RESORT ave you put Sand Hollow on your bucket list yet? What makes this H course one of the best in the west is the fun factor and the beauty that is 360 degrees. The red dirt blends with the green and even spills into the awesome bunkers. The day we played that bunker red was compacted. After one swing you know that you are not splashing out of Augusta white sand – you have to swing hard – very hard to be successful.
Why visit Sand Hollow?
F or one there’s more golf. Inspired by the “Links Land” courses of the British Isles, Sand Hollow Resort’s Links Course is a 3,600-yard par-36 layout. The Wee Course, is Southern Utah’s only, par-3 course. Lodging is also abundant. I stayed in one of its brand-new condos that you can see from the first fairway. www.sandhollowresorts.com
Red Rock Golf Trail
Sand Hollow Resort is part of the Red Rock Golf Trail that encases 10 courses in St. George, Hurricane and Washington located in the southwestern corner of Utah. It is only an hour and a half from Las Vegas and one can play year around. This is my favorite “golf trail” in the USA – better than the famous one in Alabama by a country mile. And Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane is a new addition scheduled to open this fall. Log on to www.redrockgolftrail.com and schedule your visit.
Area capsules
S t. George is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. Zion National Park is spectacular and only a short drive from Sand Hollow. Mountain bikers come for its over-the-top trails and the Red Bull Rampage. Tuacahn Amphitheatre is set in a red rock canyon and has Broadway shows, concerts and comedic performances. The destination just announced it will host the 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon. The desert southwest, for my time, is the most beautiful part of the USA. Well, maybe the Rocky Mountains (my home) are its equal. Give me a trip to the west or a trip to Florida? The west is best.
And that name?
Hurricane was first settled in 1896, and received its name after a whirlwind blew the top off a buggy in which Erastus Snow was riding. Snow exclaimed, “Well, that was a Hurricane. We’ll name this ‘Hurricane Hill’.” Photos by Brian Oar, Cavalier Golf Photos by Jim Holland
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SWEETSTUFF Tour Edge HL4 Woods
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our Edge has rolled out its latest technology and newest designs in its popular Hot Launch lineup of drivers and fairway woods with the recent introduction of the HL4 clubs that have hit retail stores and are available from customclub fitters. The HL4 is the fourth release in the award-winning Hot Launch series from Tour Edge founder and master club designer David Glod--and offers a complete lineup from driver to irons--all designed to fill a niche at offering the latest technology at a mid-tier price point.
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The HL4 driver is easily one of the most user-friendly designs that the company has offered, with a much-improved sound at impact, easy to align and a strong look at setup that gives a level of confidence. The HL4 driver comes in two different configurations– a straight version and an offset version. Both drivers feature a forged titanium head and Cup Face technology, which increases the amount of face flexing for increased club and ball speeds. It also features an all new sloped crown design that is deeper from face to back. No skirt where the sole plate meets the crown equates to a 12% increase in MOI over the previous Hot Launch drivers. This driver achieves good distance even on off-center hits. This new design makes for an extremely high Moment of Inertia--meaning that the HL4 is a more stable driver with increased ball speed on miss-hits. This also helps shots fly straighter. The forged 6-4 Titanium head features a deeper cup face design and a rounder face shape for exceptional power. The new driver also features a further back rear sole weight placement for an even higher launch and more stable, powerful tee shots. The Power Channel on the sole of the club behind the club face is wider and deeper for better weight distribution and increased face flexing, and delivers amplified ball speed and less spin, as well as added forgiveness on shots struck lower on the face. “This is an early release to a product line that we developed for 2020,” said Glod. “We have spent the last 18 months looking at how to improve the best performance value drivers in the game and the end result is an all new shape that has a MOI that rivals that of a $500 driver. It’s an extremely forgiving design that all levels of players can benefit from.” The new HL4 fairway woods offer much of the same new features and like the driver come in a straight-neck and offset version that sets up nice visually and can help players who are fighting a slice. Both versions feature an all new shape and a thinner and lighter 17-4 forged steel crown for faster clubhead speed with a lower CG and an added weight for a higher MOI and an easier to launch design. A more aerodynamic head shape design in the HL4 fairway woods produces a lower
center of gravity and along with more weight in the rear sole, created by the new weight in the back of the clubhead, moves the center of gravity deep in the head for an extremely high MOI like the driver. A shallow face design and low CG in the HL4 fairway woods deliver a high launch with low spin for maximum distance, and this club also offers the Power Channel and Variable Face Thickness technology that provides greater distance from more contact points on the face--resulting in better off-center hit distance. The HL4 fairways also have a superior sound over previous versions and the increased distance and ball speed is readily evident, along with the much-improved trajectory for both fairway shots and those taken from the tee. “The re-engineered shape and thinner and lighter forged steel we procured make the HL4 fairway woods speed machines that truly earn the name Hot Launch,” added Glod. “This is our straightest and most forgiving design ever and it also features the fastest launch characteristics we’ve ever seen.” Both the HL4 driver and fairways have lighter heads that make them easier to swing and turn over, resulting in a higher ball flight and improved distance. The Hot Launch series is also designed to take advantage of the emerging growth of custom fitting within the equipment market. Tour Edge plans to have over 750 custom fitting centers across the country that will feature the mobile HL4 custom fitting bag. “We see HL4 as being the best value available in the custom fitting market,” noted Glod. “That is why we created our 48-hour custom fitting delivery guarantee.” The specs for these new woods include 9.5, 10.5 and 12- degree lofts for the straight neck driver, while the HL4 offset driver is be available in 10.5, 12 and 13.5degree lofts. The 10.5-degree HL4 Offset will be available in left-handed. The straight HL4 fairway woods come in 15, 17, 19 and 22- degree lofts, while the HL4 offset fairway woods are available in 15.5, 19.5, 22.5, 24.5 and 26.5- degree lofts. The 15.5 degree 3-wood, 19.5-degree 5-wood and 22.5-degree 7-wood in the offset version are also available in left-handed. Both clubs feature an upgraded UST Mamiya graphite shaft that offers enhanced
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
gussets, alongside web and motion zones that minimize bunching of material and allow for more dexterity. Easy grab-tab makes glove removal simple and quick. The new multi-dimensional honey-comb material adds elasticity for more comfort and a cool sleek look. It is also safe for hand and machine washing. RelaxGrip® 2.0 is available at www.relax-yourgrip.com as well as select retailers and pro shops.
Golf Pride MicroSu
I tip stability. The drivers are available in Ladies, A-flex, Regular and Stiff shafts ranging from 48 to 60 grams. The fairway woods are available in Ladies, A-flex, Regular and Stiff shafts ranging from 45 to 65 grams. To learn more visit www.touredge.com
Bionic Glove
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ne of the keys to a more efficient swing and more distance is a relaxed hand grip. A new golf glove by Bionic Golf—a division of the Hillerich & Bradsby Company that has been around for 130 years and is famous as the makers of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats—promises to help players achieve just that. The RelaxGrip 2.0 is specifically designed to help golfers achieve a more relaxed grip on the club and is built with a patented relief pad system that evens out the contours of the hand and provides a better grip through all conditions. Getting the grip right is among the most challenging aspects of golfing that can create a fair amount of stress. Like a winter glove automatically warms your hands, the RelaxGrip 2.0 adds an extra relaxation layer to your hand, providing instant control and balance. “The new RelaxGrip 2.0 helps golfers release pressure and unleash their best game on the course” said Ana Rodas, Director of Product Development at Bionic Gloves. “Golfers will love the ‘autorelax’ layer this glove provides with our signature comfort, fit and durability.” Bionic Gloves are designed by a leading orthopedic hand specialist and offer ergonomic technology that is wholly unique. Through extended research, patented features and top-grade materials, users enjoy second-skin comfort, enhanced gripping power and durability that lasts. Among the features of this glove are not only a lighter grip with the strategically placed patented relief pad system that helps even out the surface of your hand, but a reduction of hand fatigue with a patented pre-rotated finger design that complements the natural closure of the hand. The Terrycloth micro-pads inside the gloves absorb moisture, while Lycra motion and web zones allow for maximum breathability. This glove offers a better range of motion, fit and feel with Lycra
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t appears that one of the oldest, most basic parts of the golf club is part of a technology race these days as manufacturers are introducing increasingly more advanced grips with loads of new features and improvements to enhance the playing experience and help build a better swing. In what has evolved into a grip wars, each of the major companies that produce grips are introducing more models with ever more technology and features—which is really a treat for the golfing public. Golf Pride®, which boasts of being used by 80% of all players on the professional tours, has upped the ante in the field of grip tackiness and softer feel with the recent introduction of its Tour Wrap MicroSuede grip that comes in a distinctive smoke grey color and offers an exceptional blend of traction and feel that is a solid advancement over the popular Tour Wrap 2G and CP2 Wrap, which comprise nearly 40% of Golf Pride sales. As part of the Tour Wrap family, this new grip features the popular wrap style grip construction for enhanced finger nesting. The wrap grip design provides a differentiated feel, which players continue to gravitate towards while the new MicroSuede finish gives added traction and a new design for players to more effectively manage moisture in higher humidity areas or wet conditions. The soft brushed finish is very easy on the hands yet gives a solid feel even in the most hot and humid conditions. “The Tour Wrap franchise has an incredibly loyal following,” noted Bruce Miller, product manager, Golf Pride. “In fact, the Tour Wrap is Golf Pride’s 3rd best-selling grip series. This new MicroSuede technology feels very different than anything else in the family. While the Tour Wrap 2G is renowned for delivering high tack, the new Tour Wrap MicroSuede provides incredibly soft traction. It instantly conveys confidence, while providing a unique feel, different than any other wrap style grip we have made.” The Tour Wrap MicroSuede is available in both standard and midsize and is in retail stores now. For more information on the Tour Wrap MicroSuede and other Golf Pride product offerings, visit www.golfpride.com
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