OUR 20th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2021
A MEXICO MUST PLAY
PUNTA MITA GOLF CLUB
HAWAII’S BEST
TEE IT UP IN THE ALOHA STATE Plus: TRUE LINKSWEAR AND ONCORE GOLF
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Golf Vacations • September 2021 1
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GOLF VACATIONS SEPTEMBER 2021
Punta Mita Golf club, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
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In The Bag: TRUE Linkswear and OnCore Golfs
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Chip Shots
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Hawaii’s Best: Go Golf Kauai’s Courses
20 27
by Shane Sharp
by Dakota Diaz
KAUA‘I, HAWAI‘I – Kaua‘i’s Wailua Golf Course and Puakea Golf Course have been ranked among the “Top 100 Value Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” by GOLF Magazine. Wailua, ranked No. 78, and Puakea, ranked No. 81, are the only two courses in the state of Hawaii on the Top 100 Value Courses list. GOLF Magazine defines a “value course” as one a golfer can play for $150 or less, in many cases much less.
Playing Paradise at Mexico’s Punta Mita
by Dave McKibben
When the tide is up, the world’s only golf hole with a natural island green isn’t accessible by land. The rocky cart path on “Hole 3B”--from the beach to the offshore green--is submerged in several feet of water.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dakota Diaz is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Growing up in the golf mecca of Palm Springs, CA, Dakota is no stranger to the golf resort lifestyle. You’ll find him at his “real job” as Partner/Chief Investment Officer at Green Cloud Capital, a Southern Californa based private equity firm.
Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz
Dave McKibben has been battle-tested in raucous newsrooms and dimly-lighted press boxes for nearly 20 years as an award-winning Los Angeles Times journalist. He’s covered the PGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NCAA sports and even local high schools sports. In his career he’s interviewed such greats as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Cal Ripken, John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, Tony Gwynn and Michael Jordan.
Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz
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 Shane Sharp is a freelance writer and the owner of Southbound 4, a content marketing and PR shop in Greenville, S.C. He’s a contributing editor with GOLF Magazine, Club & Resort Business, Golf Inc. and Club Management.
Regional Advertising
Los Angeles Terry Ross • (949) 279–7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • (678) 906-4050 harold@chamblissmediagroup.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
President Jeffrey Diaz
PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774–2655 StonyCreekMedia.com
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 2021 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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IN THE BAG
BY SHANE SHARP
TRUE Linkswear Releases New Women’s Collections
I
t’s been a busy year for Tacoma, Washington-based TRUE Linkswear. The walking-focused golf shoe brand debuted several new lines, including its wildly popular TRUE Pebble and Dead Golfer collections. Rounding into the final stretch of 2021, these Pacific Northwest pioneers are showcasing two shoes for the game’s fastest growing segment – women.
OnCore Golf’s VERO X1
H TRUE’s most popular model of all time, the True Knit II, has been re-engineered for ladies with increased flexibility, durability and the addition of a proprietary WANDERLUX super foam midsole. The breathable, one-piece upper is 90% polyester and 10% Spandex, making all-day wear a walk in the park. A brandnew open cell footbed is ideal for warm days on the course. And weighing just 9.1 ounces, the True Women’s Knit II is like walking on air. The design was even further modernized with premium suede accents and finishes to produce a refined, athleisure aesthetic that can easily be worn from the golf course to the office, meetings or out on the town.
From up-start company’s onset, it’s been keen on partnerships. True to form (no pun intended), TRUE is debuting the Queen of Clubs True Knit II later this summer, its first collaboration with the women’s golf apparel brand Foray Golf. The Queen of Clubs “TKII” will come wrapped in a limited-edition bag perfect for travel or just storing the shoes at home. For more information, visit www.truelinkswear.com.
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igher launch, lower spin, greater distance and more control around the greens are attributes long-associated with the industry’s biggest brand name golf balls. According to independent testing recently conducted by equipment review website Golf EQ, OnCore Golf’s VERO X1 has unequivocally joined the elite Tour-caliber ball category. OnCore’s game-changing four-piece balls went up against Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x and outperformed the dynamic duo in Golf EQ’s driver and iron testing. It also finished atop the composite rankings with a total Golf EQ score of 372.68 versus 362.26 for ProV1 and 350.83 for ProV1x. The VERO X1 delivered 60% less side spin, resulting in significantly straighter drives. “The Golf EQ test results validate our primary objective with the VERO X1: to create a product that the best golfers in the world would objectively consider besti n - c l a s s ,” says OnCore CEO Keith Blakely. “At $39.99 a dozen, the VERO X1 presents serious golfers with a tremendous value proposition in relation to performance.” OnCore has carved out a formidable position in the direct-toconsumer ball category over the past decade. Its three-ball lineup includes the high-compression VERO X1, award-winning midcompression ELIXR and low-compression AVANT 55. The VERO X1 is a technological marvel, sporting a metal-infused mantle and enhanced perimeter-weighting yielding the highest allowable velocity off the club face and increased distance for every club in the bag. From the Golf EQ editors: “Overall, the VERO X1’s 4-piece construction and 80-84 compression rating provide a well-balanced performance profile, especially for golfers with 95 mph and above driver club head speeds,” according to Golf EQ editors. “The VERO X1 delivered a high launch and low spin performance profile that allowed our testers to pick up distance in irons and with their drivers compared to both the ProV1 and ProV1x.” More information visit www.oncoregolf.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Cherokee Valley Course And Club Cottage Collection
Cherokee Valley Course and Club in Upstate, S.C., Announces Fall Golf Packages TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Cherokee Valley Course and Club, Upstate South Carolina’s member-focused family club and mountain golf destination, announces its fall golf packages with stay-and-plays at its charming onsite cottages and the historic Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville. Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes along the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites offering privacy and ample room. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed, $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room, and $1,000 for “Cottage Six,” a two-story home with four bedrooms upstairs and a king bed master suite, one bedroom with four queens, two bathrooms and a game / theater room downstairs. A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountainstyle layout can be added for $35 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $45 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability. For more information on cottage rates, configurations, availability or to book visit the course and club’s Accommodations Page. “The golf travel market in South Carolina has been amazing so far this year, and all indicators point to a busy fall season here at Cherokee Valley,” says Cherokee Valley Course and Club owner Matthew Jennings. “We look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the state, Southeast and beyond.” Golfers enjoying a golf package at Cherokee Valley can now walk from their cottage to the course and club’s new full-service restaurant and gathering place, Core 450. Opening in May, Core 450
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overlooks the ninth and 18th greens evoking memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine. “With the cottages, Core 450 and our P.B. Dye designed golf course, we can now offer a complete golf vacation experience for groups of all sizes,” adds Jennings. “Golfers also love our exciting Finn Cycle electric scooters and new E-Z-GO RXV carts equipped with high-resolution GPS screens and Bluetooth speakers.” Cherokee Valley has also partnered with the historic Westin Poinsett in beautiful downtown Greenville to offer value-laden packages. Located in the heart of one of America’s most acclaimed cities, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is an easy 30-minute drive from the course. Packages include a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via our Partners Page. For more information on golf packages and memberships, visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.
Fall Golf and Gaming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula ESCANABA, MI – One of the best experiences that golfers who visit Michigan get to have annually during the fall season are the magnificent colors scattered across the Great Lakes State. Those looking for a head start on fall golf can combine this wonderful scenery with gaming and sportsbook betting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at Island Resort & Casino, located 13-miles west of Escanaba.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The region comes to life a few weeks earlier than downstate when sunny crisp days become a feast for the senses with hardwoods changing colors and turning their hues to scarlet, rust, gold and orange. Home of the award-winning Sweetgrass and Sage Run golf courses, golfers are now planning fall golf adventures and combining it with sportsbook gaming entertainment. The fall months of September and October are a perfect time to visit the Island Resort & Casino with premier sporting events like the Ryder Cup, College/NFL Football, and MLB Baseball taking place. TwinSpires, the official online wagering site for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby is the official partner of the resort. This is the perfect golf trip combining multiple championship courses and spending the evenings gaming and watching the best sporting events. With 14 kiosks conveniently located throughout T.McC’s Sports Bar, golfers can easily place bets watching golf, college or professional football, MLB baseball games and other sports on 30+ big screen TVs. Whether it’s a buddy trip or couples golf getaway, fully customizable fall packages can be booked featuring 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-night lodging options with up to four rounds of golf. Pricing starts at just $95 per person based on double occupancy. The popular Perfect Foursome package starts
out at $350.00 per person for four rounds golf (Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Greywalls, and Timberstone) and three nights lodging. Make sure to visit the Island Resort and Casino website for exciting sportsbook promotions during the fall season, especially Sportsbook Sundays for NFL football and exciting sportsbook action on Saturdays. Visit www.islandresortgolf.com for more details. Award-winning golf has become the centerpiece of the Island Resort & Casino Designed by Paul Albanese, Sweetgrass features an open layout with some of the game’s most fun greens to putt (Redan, Biarritz, Island and Double-Green), as well as some wonderful strategic holes -including the famous island green No. 15 and spectacular double green with finishing par-five holes on each side. The course, which plays host to the Symetra Tour’s Island Resort Championship, is ranked among Golfweek’s Best Courses and has been recognized by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as a Best in State selection. Sage Run, also designed by Albanese, offers a contrasting style from its sister course. The course, which was listed among Golf Digest’s prestigious list of “Best New Courses” in 2019, meanders through beautiful Upper Peninsula hardwoods, open vistas, and a very dramatic ridge -- offering
a scenic variety of shots that collectively create a fun thrill ride for golfers. The course annually plays host to some of the top collegiate players with The Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run. About Island Resort & Casino Located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula 13 miles west of Escanaba, Island Resort & Casino is one of the Midwest’s largest golf, casino and entertainment resort destinations. The resort features over 300 guest rooms, more than 1,200 of the latest slots, a poker room, various gaming tables, a sportsbook and a bingo hall, two championship golf courses, the luxurious Drift Spa, an RV Park, a headline entertainment showroom, a customizable, expansive convention space and enough dining choices to please every palette. The growing popularity of golf and gaming at Island Resort has driven the demand for a $30 million expansion that will be completed in 2021. More than 100 new hotel rooms will be added, a high-end dining venue and convention space are also planned for the top floor, as well as a pool with water park features. The destination is easily accessible via two regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette connecting through Detroit, Saginaw, Lansing or Grand Rapids. For more information, visit www. islandresortandcasino.com.
Fall Golf in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS
Champion Hills
Champion Hills Offers Enhanced Vertical Membership HENDERSONVILLE, NC – Champion Hills, Western North Carolina’s premier golf community, offers an enhanced Vertical Membership, extending the full benefits and privileges of its full range of golf and social memberships to immediate family at no extra cost. New for 2021, the enhanced Vertical Membership includes Champion Hills’ new Equity 55 Golf in addition to its Full and Social Equity offerings. Equity 55 is a full golf membership for those age 55 and under. The initiation fee is divided into four equal payments over four years, dues and replacement reserve fund contributions are reduced by 50% and the club’s $800 annual food and beverage minimum is prorated for new members. “We see so many families coming together here across two and three generations,” says Champion Hills Director of Membership and Marketing Heather Myers. “Whether they are on the golf course, at the pool or out to dinner, we love that Champion Hills is their ‘happy place.’” For those in the relocation market searching for their “forever” golf club and community, vertical memberships are by no means the industry standard. Most private clubs offer traditional “legacy” memberships granting members’ children club access up to a certain age. With its enhanced Vertical Membership and multitude of amenities and activities, Champion Hills is the perfect place for families to convene for multi-generational fellowship and unbridled enjoyment. During the summer and fall – peak seasons for visits from kids and grandkids – Champion Hills’ enhanced Vertical Membership provides unparalleled simplicity for members and their families. No guest fees are required to enjoy its renowned Tom Fazio-designed golf course, and food and beverage are seamlessly charged to members’ accounts so everyone can relax and enjoy their family time.
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In addition to fostering a family atmosphere, Champion Hills’ central location in Hendersonville, N.C. is ideal for visits with family. A charming “Main Street” town, Hendersonville is under three hours from Charlotte and Atlanta and a day’s drive from Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. It’s also a convenient stopover point for families traveling to Florida from the Midwest and Northeast.
Branson Golf Destination Adds New Attraction; Array of Amenities Ideal for Travel Getaways to Ozarks BRANSON, MO – What do golfers and anglers have in common? They tend to embellish their performance and results when telling others about them. Certain golf shots and fish caught take on greater emphasis than perhaps is warranted. Branson is the ideal destination for both recreational pastimes and the subsequent cock-and-bull stories. The recent debut of Angler’s Lodge, the destination’s newest accommodation, and its Tall Tales Bar & Grill – a brand-new over-thetop sports bar near all 10 Branson Golf courses – is the perfect place to relax and regale others with amusing accounts of days spent on the lush fairways and vast lakes. The full-service restaurant starts with a tasty menu – including blackened fish tacos and Kansas City strip steaks – then complements that with a golf simulator, large screen TVs, arcade games, Ozarks-themed décor and more. Tall Tales enhances the destination’s unique combination of incredible golf courses and its astonishing non-golf amenities and attractions. With four of the state’s top-rated courses in Missouri (including the top three), multiple new courses that have opened in recent years (including Tiger Woods’ only public course design in America),
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS and 10 total playing options to choose from, Branson has emerged as one of the country’s best settings for golf getaways. Three superb lakes offer boating and water sports. Astounding museums – Titanic Branson and Ancient Ozarks Natural History – showcase displays not found anywhere else. Hundreds of restaurants and lodging establishments beckon, along with dozens of live entertainment theaters, outdoor adventures (zip lines, world-class fishing) and award-winning family friendly places (Silver Dollar City theme park). At the heart of the golf destination is Big Cedar Lodge, home to five golf courses and a plethora of remarkable other leisure activities. Located a few miles from the resort, Tall Tales is one of its amenities and is situated conveniently near the destination’s golf courses. “Branson has always been coveted by visitors for our wonderful hotels, resorts, restaurants and leisure activities,” said Lynn Berry, Director of Communications, Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Tall Tales Bar & Grill adds another wonderful option to our destination, one that is perfect for golfers, anglers, and everyone.” For more information about Branson Golf, visit www.explorebranson.com/golf or www.facebook.com/bransongolf
Silvies Valley Ranch To Host Halloween Goblin Open SENECA, Oregon — The Links at Silvies Valley Ranch is preparing to host the inaugural Goblin Open, a two-person team competition that will take place on the resort’s 18-hole Craddock and Hankins courses. The tournament will take place on Saturday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. The Goblin Open is accepting entries from all golfers that would like to participate but will be capped at 40 teams. The deadline to enter the tournament is Saturday, Oct. 10, and all interested players can register here. The first day of the event will consist of a two-person shamble format where the team will use the group’s best tee shot before playing their own ball for the remainder of the hole, with a standard two-person scramble featuring “spooky pin positions” on day two. The weekend will also feature an individual competition called the McVeigh Challenge ($50/person, top six places paid with Silvies contributing $1,000 to the prize fund), a college football social hour, BBQ dinner, costume contest, and an awards luncheon. The cost to enter is $300.00 per team, which includes all greens fees, cart fees, admission to the awards luncheon, and range balls for both days of the event. Teams participating in the event will also receive a
fifteen percent discount on all Ranch House suites and cabins on a first come, first served basis. Prizes will be distributed to the top three teams, with the winning team receiving silver championship belt buckles. “The Goblin Open is a one-of-a-kind golf competition that will showcase the very best elements of our award-winning courses and our unique property as a whole, and the team here at the Ranch has been hard at work ensuring a memorable experience for each competitor,” said Sean Hoolehan, General Manager at Silvies Valley Ranch. “We could not be more excited to close out the season with some friendly competition as we celebrate some of our favorite fall activities.” The Links at Silvies Valley Ranch is best known for the reversible Craddock and Hankins courses, which were designed by renowned golf course architect Dan Hixson. Also included on the property is the Hixsondesigned 9-hole par-3 Chief Egan course, and the stunning 7-hole McVeigh’s Gauntlet course. In addition to golf, guests can enjoy a variety of ranch activities during their stay, including horseback riding, shooting, fishing, hiking, cattle feeding and goat herding. For more information on the Goblin Open at Silvies Valley Ranch, or to book your stay, call 1-800-SILVIES (745-8437), email info@silvies.us or visit www.silvies.us. Branson Golf Destination
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS North Course - Firestone Country Club
Firestone Country Club to Host 2022 U.S. MidAmateur Team Championships AKRON, OH – Firestone Country Club - renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf – announces it will host both the men’s and women’s U.S. Mid-Amateur Team Championships from Aug. 4 – 7, 2022. The 15th annual U.S. Mid-Amateur Team Championship is comprised of men amateur golfers over the age of 25. According to Executive Director Eric Hjortness, the men’s event will grow from 20 to 40 state teams, and will add a women’s championship for amateur golfers over the age of 23, due to the success of this past year’s championship at Creekmoor Golf Club in Kansas City. Each state is permitted to be represented by one team, except for states that have two golf associations. The tournament will be open to 40 3-woman teams and 40 4-man teams. Each team can add a senior player starting from a shorter set of tees. “We are honored and humbled to be hosting many of the best mid-amateur players in the U.S. in 2022,” says Jay Walkinshaw, general manager of Firestone Country Club. “Firestone is known for hosting professionals and numerous PGA Tour events, so we look forward to working with Eric and his team on these exciting championships at our legendary courses.” “The 2022 championships will be a reflection of how much the game is growing across the country,” says Tommy Moore, director of golf. “Adding a high-profile amateur tournament to our famed club will be a tremendous moment in Firestone’s history.” North Course - Firestone Country Club Since the 1950s, Firestone and its famed South Course have
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annually hosted the biggest names in professional golf. In addition to being site of three PGA Championships, the club was the long-time venue for the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and its predecessor, the World Series of Golf. It currently hosts the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions. The North Course is a splendid Robert Trent Jones design that opened for member play in 1969. Marked by numerous lakes and streams, the North Course has played host to both the American Golf Classic and World Series of Golf. Several publications have listed the North Course among the “Top 100 Modern Courses.” Formerly known as the West Course, the Fazio Course re-opened this past June following a bunker enhancement project. The dormitory-style club rooms each feature a view of Firestone’s layouts and pay homage to more than 50 years of incredible golf history. For a resort experience at Firestone, there are 57 golf villa rooms sprinkled throughout the property. Dining is available at three on-property establishments, including the clubhouse’s 1929 Grille & Legacy Pavilion and 55th Hole Bar, and opening soon “La Vetta” Italian Chophouse, all of which offer open-air dining and golf course views. Firestone is conveniently located less than an hour from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and 15 minutes from Akron-Canton Airport. It is also within easy driving distance of other major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Nearby off-course attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. For more information, www.firestonecountryclub.com.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Circling Raven Sustains, Builds Upon Record Business Numbers in 2021 Season WORLEY, ID – Circling Raven Golf Club is soaring yet again, achieving record numbers and financial performance this season as it comes through “The Year of the Pandemic,” something many industry watchdogs believed would bring the sport crashing back to Earth. An amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in the Idaho panhandle 50 minutes east of Spokane (WA), Circling Raven realized two superb seasons in 2019 and 2020, the latter partially fueled by the COVID-19 phenomenon that saw golf courses thrive due to players flocking to the socially distant havens that are the sport’s vast landscapes and outdoor recreational venues. “We believed that the additional players we hosted last year could be retained with first-class service, great course conditions, and creative event programs,” said David Christenson, PGA, Director of Golf. The numbers speak for themselves: - Stay-and-play packages were up 25% for June 2021 over 2020 and are up 90% through June Year over Year (YoY) - Golf shop retail sales are up 45% June 2021 over June 2020 and are up 65% through June YoY - Total revenues have increased by 48% for June 2021 over June 2020 and are up 41% through June YoY
“Our 2021 numbers are all the more meaningful as last year was a record-breaking year, the best we had had in the previous 12,” said Christenson. Designed by Gene Bates, Circling Raven will be the host course for the Symetra “Road to the LPGA” Tour August 23-29, 2021, the first of a three-year run for the professional women’s tournament. Named the Circling Raven Championship presented by KXLY News 4 Now, the event will place some of the world’s rising star female players on the No. 1 rated public course in Idaho. In addition to the “pure golf” that Circling Raven is known for thanks to its 620 pristine acres – more than four times the average number of acres allocated to golf course layouts worldwide – Head Golf Professional David Vonbrethorst has designed an array of programs that have resonated with people. These include competitive events, social events, couples events, equipment demo days, instructional programs, and more. Contributing to Circling Raven’s record season is the Advantage Card, which was launched in 2019. It maximizes perks for regular patrons. It rewards cardholders with complimentary rounds, free entry into an Advantage Cardholder tournaments, discounts off the lowest greens fee for each round, supervised practice on the range or clinics with Circling Raven pros, and exclusive benefits throughout the year. Visit www.cdacasino.com/golf for more information on golf and other resort options.
Aerial view of the 5th hole split fairway at Circling Raven
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Primland’s Highland Course
Play Luxury Golf at Primland’s Highland Course Through Sept. 9, Experience Incredible Value MEADOWS OF DAN, VA– It’s not often you can play a course rated among the top 35 in America (Sources: Golf, Golfweek, Golf Digest) for up to 40 percent off the normal greens fee. But that’s precisely what you can do at The Highland Course – an amenity of luxurious Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection – during Aug. 18-26. Annual golf course aerification is being conducted and the award-winning venue is temporarily adjusting rates to reflect that work. Book a tee time for Aug. 27- Sept. 9 and the greens fees are 20 percent off the norm. If you haven’t already, or you’re itching to play The Highland Course again, you won’t find greater value any other time of the year. Book now and bask in the game on the scintillating 18-hole course that unfurls within 12,000 acres of spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains terrain. Golf Digest named The Highland Course at Primland Virginia’s top public-access course in its biennial “America’s Greatest Courses by State, 2021-22” compilation. The Highland Course features ingenious holes, stunning views, no surrounding development, and a masterful course layout by Donald Steel, the Englishman whose design philosophy highlights nature and golf tradition. After-golf activities and amenities highlight the spectacular Primland property through fly fishing, shooting sporting clays, riding ATVs, mountain biking, yoga, archery, horseback riding, tomahawk
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throwing, guided hikes, and more. A full-service spa, astounding Observatory for deep-space stargazing, award-winning food and beverage options, and a variety of lodging options including tree houses beckon. For more info about Primland, visit Primland.com, or call 866.960.7746.
Quinta Da Marinha Prepares For Tourism Trends With €1.5M Villa Renovation Quinta da Marinha is offering golfers the perfect balance of privacy, Portuguese authenticity and contemporary décor after investing €1.5m into the refurbishment of its 27 villas. With self-contained accommodation set to be the trend this summer and beyond as people ease themselves back into international travel and busy hotels following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lisbon resort has refurbished and expanded all its existing villas to entice groups of friends and families. As well as renovating each villa to give them a fresh new look, they have also been adapted to create more space. Previously offering one-bedroom (Th1) and two-bedroom (Th2) options, each villa has been reconfigured to fit an extra single bedroom, so can now accommodate either one more adult or child each. The Th1 villa can now accommodate two adults and two children or three adults and one child, while the Th2 now sleeps four adults and two children or five adults and one child. Other than the spacious, comfortable rooms, each villa is also fully air-conditioned and features a living room with fireplace and
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS flat-screen TV showing satellite channels, free WiFi, fully-equipped kitchenette, in addition to a garden and large outdoor terrace. Under an hour’s drive from Lisbon in stunning Cascais, the five-star Quinta da Marinha resort is part of the ‘Great Hotels of the World’ portfolio and boasts an esteemed Robert Trent Jones-designed par-71 golf course with outstanding views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. Quinta da Marinha’s idyllic location in the heart of the Portuguese countryside is perfect for holidaymakers looking to escape and disconnect from the stresses of the past 18 months, while also having the option to keep space from other travellers. For those who would like to stay in their own ‘bubble’, picnic baskets and meals can be ordered as a takeaway from the resort’s Rocca restaurant or even delivered to the villa’s door. There is also a concierge service so that guests can purchase goods without the need to leave their accommodation. Quinta da Marinha sales director, João Pinto Coelho, said: “Our villa renovation programme has been completed just as the right time as we start to welcome back international visitors again. “We feel that this type of accommodation
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will be extremely popular for the remainder of the year with people desperate to get away, but may still want to distance themselves from the hustle and bustle and limit their social contact. Our villas are the perfect solution – as our guests will still be able to escape to the spectacular Portuguese sunshine and enjoy everything our resort has to offer.” Guests can combine rounds of golf with visits to the resort’s outdoor pool, the heated indoor pool, as well as the sauna, Turkish bath and sensory showers. There is also an abundance of other activities available at an extra cost, including bike tours, horse riding, tennis and padel courts, surfing lessons and private guided tours to Sintra and Lisbon. A stunning stretch of coastline is just a few minutes away, while there is much more to the enticing region with wine-tasting, historic landmarks, outstanding beaches – including the famous Guincho Beach – and the breathtaking natural beauty of the SintraCascais Natural Park to explore. For more information and reservations, email reservations@quintadamarinha.com or call +351 214 860 141. www.villasquintadamarinha.com
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by Dakota Diaz
HAWAII’S BEST
Golf Magazine Ranks Kaua‘i’s Wailua And Puakea Golf Courses Among
“Top 100 Value Courses You Can Play In The U.S.”
Poipu Bay Golf Course
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AUA‘I, HAWAI‘I – Kaua‘i’s Wailua Golf Course and Puakea Golf Course have been ranked among the “Top 100 Value Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” by GOLF Magazine. Wailua, ranked No. 78, and Puakea, ranked No. 81, are the only two courses in the state of Hawaii on the Top 100 Value Courses list. GOLF Magazine defines a “value course” as one a golfer can play for $150 or less, in many cases much less. With green fees ranging between $48 to $60 for out-of-state visitors, Wailua Golf Course is one of the best bargains in all of golf. The 18-hole ocean-side course, located on Kaua‘i’s Coconut Coast, was completed in 1961 and was designed by Toyo Shirai. In June of this year, GOLF ranked Wailua No. 26 on their ranking of America’s best municipal courses, saying “Wailua exudes a laidback atmosphere paired with some sneaky bite…” Puakea Golf Course is expected to reopen for public play in midNovember after being closed due to limited play during the Covid-19 pandemic. Set on more than 200 acres of a former sugar cane plantation, Puakea is built amid volcanic cliffs, massive ravines, giant sinkholes and lush tropical foliage. The Robin Nelson-designed course features Jurassic Period-like views of nearby mountains and glimpses of the
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nearby Pacific Ocean. Visitor green fees range between $64 and $119. In addition to the outstanding value courses listed by GOLF Magazine, Kaua‘i also features a selection of dazzling resort courses. Princeville Makai Golf Club, Poipu Bay Golf Club and the Ocean Course at Hokuala are all ranked among the top resort courses in the U.S. “We are so pleased with the GOLF Magazine ‘value courses’ ranking because it illustrates the variety of courses we have here on Kaua‘i,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “Visitors can enjoy a bucket-list resort course one day, and then play a top value course the next – it’s part of what makes Kaua‘i the perfect destination for golfers.” Nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfkauai.com. For the latest information on Kaua‘i’s travel guidelines related to the Covid-19 pandemic, please go to: www.kauai.gov/covid-19.
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HAWAII’S BEST
Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses The Ocean Course at Hokuala
The Ocean Course at Hokuala is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawaii. The picture-perfect course winds its way through papaya and guava groves to dramatic seaside cliffs. A 2016 renovation added sparkling white sand to all the bunkers, framing holes to be even more spectacular than before. Rated Hawaii’s Best Golf Course, 2018 and 2019 World Golf Awards, golfers can also surf the earth on Hokuala’s Golf Boards during their round.
Poipu Bay Golf Course
Poipu Bay Golf Course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs. The course incorporates more than 30 acres of colorfully landscaped tropical plants and flowers along with stunning ocean frontage, making it one of Hawaii’s most beautiful courses. An amenity of the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Poipu Bay is annually ranked as one of Hawaii’s best courses. Poipu Bay hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006.
Princeville Makai Golf Club
Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course was completely renovated in 2009, introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. The course has garnered countless honors for
its excellence, including being named one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest. Immaculate conditions and astounding views define the playing experience. Princeville Makai features surreal vistas of Mount Makana and Hanalei Bay, including the signature par-3, 7th hole that offers a 213-yard shot over scenic cliffs.
Puakea Golf Course
Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea is a spectacular layout built along massive ravines and lush tropical undulating terrain, with the backdrop being used for the Jurassic Park series. Named one of the top courses in Hawaii by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor/GolfPass and Golfweek, the dramatic 18-hole golf course is also known for its highquality, “Kaua‘i -style” customer service. Puakea was rated “Best of Kaua‘i ” by Garden Island Newspaper from 2013 – 2019.
Wailua Golf Course
Wailua Golf Course offers classic, golden-era seaside golf holes just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean. First built as a 9-hole course in the 1930’s, and expanded to 18 holes in 1961, Wailua has hosted three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships. This wonderful municipal layout was designed by Toyo Shirai and features stunning mountain views along the Coconut Coast. In 2021, GOLF Magazine named Wailua one of the “30 Best Municipal Golf Courses in America.”
Wailua GC 17th hole
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Playing Paradise at M
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Mexico’s Punta Mita By Dave McKibben
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hen the tide is up, the world’s only golf hole with a natural island green isn’t accessible by land. The rocky cart path on “Hole 3B”--from the beach to the offshore green--is submerged in several feet of water.
The Tail of the Whale is one of 15 holes on the 18-hole Pacifico and Bahia courses located along the Pacific Ocean, which is one of the biggest reasons 74-year-old Fred Sohegian of Fallbrook keeps coming back to Punta Mita.
Tourist Brian Nairin drilled his six-iron shot nearly 200 yards over the Pacific Ocean to the black-lava island green, landing his ball some 20 feet from hole. But Nairin, visiting from Park City, Utah, never got a chance to putt for birdie on the par-3 hole at the Pacifico Golf Course at the Punta Mita Golf Club, one of two Jack Nicklausdesigned courses that lie on this spear-shaped private peninsula 45 minutes northwest of Puerto Vallarta.
“These views are incredible and these courses are beautiful and in perfect condition,” said Sohegian, 74. “And unlike a lot of courses in the U.S., the courses in Mexico are never busy.”
Nairin didn’t seem to mind that his spectacular tee shot was unplayable. “Hitting over the ocean to that green is simply stunning,” he said. “You just don’t get to play shots like that. It’s memorable.” Also known as the “Tail of the Whale,” the island hole wasn’t designed as an official hole on the scorecard. “Jack saw that piece of rock out there and thought it was just the right distance from the mainland, so he put a hole out there,” said John McIntyre, Punta Mita’s Director of Golf. “He didn’t build a bridge out there on purpose. It’s a show hole, but it’s certainly an iconic one.”
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Over 20 years ago, this southwest point on the Riveria Nayarit was little more than an off-the-grid spot for hardcore surfers. No one would have imaged that two championship golf courses, multimillion dollar villas and two high-end resorts, the Four Seasons and St. Regis, would have been carved out of this 1,500-acre nature preserve on Banderas Bay. “This was basically a little fishing village with some surfers,” McIntyre said. “People thought it was the craziest idea in the world to build a luxury development here.” What’s really crazy is that Punta Mita is quickly distinguishing itself-and stealing tourists--from Puerto Vallarta, the resort city of 250,000 that sits 30 miles south in the state of Jalisco. The pristine beaches, half a dozen quality surf breaks, championship golf courses and luxury resorts are drawing families, surfers, divers, fishermen, golfers and A-list celebrities like Kanye West, Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Jennifer Aniston.
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Tourism and building are booming on the 200-mile stretch of beaches along Nayarit’s coast. Several high-end resorts and golf course developments are going up to the south and north of Punta Mita and a four-lane highway is in the works to accommodate all the tourists. But what started it all in Punta Mita was the Four Seasons Resort, which rose out of a lush jungle in 1999 between two sugary white-sand beaches. The gated-400 acre resort, which recently underwent a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation for its 20th anniversary, has the look and feel of a private village. With 177 redesigned ocean view casitas, suites and private residences, a network of pools that includes an adults-only pool, a variety of restaurants featuring fresh seafood, rural Mexican, contemporary Asian cuisine, two world-class golf courses and a spa with 13 treatment rooms, there’s no need to venture off campus. The golf courses are also being renovated. The Pacifico, over 20 years old, and Bahia, over 12 years old, are both being restored to their original condition. The five-year project began in April, focusing first on all 19 Pacifico greens, bunkers, surrounding areas and tees. The greens will be re-grassed with TifEagle Bermuda and the surrounds with Trinity Zoysia. Phase One will be completed in November with the Pacifico reopening after being closed for six months. Phase Two will begin in April of 2022, focusing on Bahia, which also be closed for six months. New fairways and a new clubhouse are also in the restoration plans, which are being led by original Nicklaus Design Senior Designer Jim Lipe.
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Earlier this year, Pacifico was ranked No. 77 in Golf Magazine’s top 100 public courses in the world. “The course is of a high enough caliber, so we wanted to stay with the original design,” said Shane Eble, the courses’ director of agronomy. “We think a restoration will even further enhance the status of this golf course.” After spending the morning on the wide-open fairways and tricky greens of the Bahia or Pacifico course, it’s easy to let the afternoon slip away at the infinity pool, munching on ceviche and sipping Mexican craft beers while gazing at beginning surfers catching their first wave off Manzanillas Beach. The price of luxury in Punta Mita is steep. Rooms at the Four Seasons start at $695. Green fees at the Pacifico and Bahia courses are $270 for 18 holes, not much different than what it costs to tee it up in Cabo, Mexico’s golfing mecca. Punta Mita will never be able to compete with Cabo for the golfcentric Mexico vacation. But for those who’d rather split their vacation between the golf course and the ocean, McIntyre believes Punta Mita is the better option. “Cabo has done a masterful job marketing itself as a golf destination,” he said. “But I think we have a little more to offer here in Punta Mita as far an overall experience. The ocean is warmer and clearer, the beaches are nicer and the opportunities are more diverse. You can go surfing, paddle-boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. I also think people that come here will find a slightly different, more laid back type of energy than Cabo.”
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If You Go Stay:
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/ St. Regis Punta Mita Resort: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrxr-the-st-regis-puntamita-resort/
Four Seasons Bahia By Richard Sandoval: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/dining/restaurants/bahia_ by_richard_sandoval/ St. Regis Las Marietas Restaurant & Bar: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/ details/pvrxr-the-st-regis-punta-mita-resort/5969124/
Play
Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course & Punta Mita Bahia Golf Course: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/golf/
Eat
Four Seasons Dos Catrinas: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/dining/restaurants/doscatrinas/ Four Seasons Aramara: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/dining/restaurants/aramara/
Experience:
Apuane Spa: https://www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/spa/ Tropic Surf School: https://tropicsurf.com/pages/four-seasons-punta-mita-mexico Surf Town of Sayulita: https://www.sayulita.com/ Cross Border Xpress, which now includes valet service: www.crossborderxpress.com
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
Galway Bay Rain Suit
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ith the beginning of fall and the turn towards colder and more inclement weather, it will be time to look more seriously at golf attire that will protect from the elements. Galway Bay, a mid-western manufacturer of top-level golf outerwear, is already getting accolades for its fall 2021 lineup of allweather rainwear that features exciting modern designs of jackets, pants and pullovers for the coming season. Built around Galway Bay’s proprietary ultra-waterproof HydroFlex 32 fabric that is even lighter and stretcher than previous designs, the new styles provide for better freedom of movement and a modern fit that still allows for ample room to swing and move in both the tops and bottoms. New colorways in the All-Weather Jacket line include black-onblack, black-on-sage and for the first time, an eye-catching shortsleeved white jacket with black accents. The jackets feature three nice sized pockets for gloves and other accessories. The matching pants are not only light, but customizable, stylish and can be worn as golf slacks without having to put them over a regular pair of pants. This is great for reducing the clothing bulk of playing in wet weather with layers---and are great looking golf pants in their own right and extremely waterproof with the special Teflon coating—the water simply rolls off. The comfort and ease of motion are impressive. And the waterproof and windproof pants now come in standard and tailored fit--with a more modern-cut tapered leg - option. Both pants feature belt loops, a seven-inch zipper and nine-inch-deep pockets. Galway Bay’s newest pants are constructed of the improved Hyrdo-Flex 32
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material and can be ordered to fit a golfer’s exact waist and inseam sizes, optimizing comfort, fit and style. “Our proprietary Hydro-Flex 32 fabric is the most breathable waterproof technology in the industry. The All-Weather Jacket is now more lightweight and includes more stretch with the same level of waterproofness and breathability,” said Galway Bay COO Michael Brown. “It’s the subtle touches, like a quieter, stretchier fabric and design elements that help you play undistracted and unrestricted, that our customers appreciate. “Our jacket collar, for example, is high in the back to keep your neck dry while tapering down in the front so it doesn’t poke your chin. Add in rubberized waterproof zippers and rain pants that fit to your personal waist and inseam--and you start to see our commitment to bringing golfers the most functional and enjoyable-to-wear rain gear on the market.” Galway Bay’s bi-component technology (Hydro-Flex 32) is a proprietary, three-layer 100% waterproof fabric that is constructed with a hydrophilic interior to pull moisture away from the skin and transfer it to the outer layer. The exterior surface area disperses and releases moisture for more efficient dry times. It regulates temperature in both hot and wintry conditions. In addition, the fabric is more breathable, stretchable than ever, and features a rubberized waterproof zipper that together ensures the ultimate comfort. Galway Bay fabrics are designed to breathe easy, releasing excess body heat and reducing sweat so golfers can swing and move freely. An All-Weather Short-Sleeve White (with black accents) Jacket will be available later this year along with the All-Weather LongSleeve Black with Sage Jacket. “The Short-Sleeve White Jacket is an eyecatching piece that will have its instant fans,” added Brown. “The black-onblack is a versatile staple that will likely be our best seller--but we’re excited to be doing new things with our colorways and how the accents panels and the logos appear on jackets-so the looks really pop. The Black with Sage Jacket really takes some fun, new directions with the accent panels--but it’s still a greatlooking, classic piece,” These are definitely some of the best and most functional rains suites we have seen on the market. Galway Bay rainwear is sold online and soon in select golf shops. To learn more about Galway Bay’s golf outerwear, visit www. GalwayBayGolf.com
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SWEETSTUFF Tifosi Varsity Hues Sunglasses
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ith college football season getting under way this month— and some schools hosting crowds for the first time in two years—one of the more popular names in golf sunglasses— Tifosi—is celebrating in a most colorful way. The Georgia-based company is going all-in for the fall season with a new collection called Varsity Hues—a takeoff on the 1999 movie Varsity Blues—with the introduction of a limited-edition spectrum of colorways from college sports. These light and stylish sunglasses are designed to inject some fun to ones’ golf attire, as Tifosi has added loads of color to their popular Swank Series frames. The original Swank and Swick frames are joined by the new styles called Shirley and Salvo. Colors like Ultra-Violet in the Shirley frame combined with a smoke yellow reflective lens and Crimson/Onyx in the Salvo frame with smoke red lens are sure to draw attention. In the Swank frames, colors such as Crystal Orange, Midnight Navy and the Ultra-Violet and Crimson/Onyx are available, while the Swick frames offer the Crystal Orange and Midnight Navy colors. The Varsity Hues color collection feature scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. Their hydrophilic rubber nosepieces grip the more you sweat, ensuring a no-slip fit. Tifosi’s Swank Series frames are also made with a durable Grilamid TR-90 frame that is lightweight and comfortable. For more information: www.tifosioptics.com
Drive Force Drink
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ith an increased emphasis on health and nutrition these days—especially among the golfing sector—comes a new and unique drink-blend powder that can be added to your water bottle to produce a nutritious and energy-producing beverage designed to keep you going during an entire round of golf. DriveForce (DF) is the new powder blend recently developed and introduced to the golf market by a group of innovators led by Zach Williams. The brand’s flagship product, DF-18, is golf’s first premium preround performance blend, according to Williams, and was designed to support 4-6 hours of playing a competitive or leisurely round of golf. It was developed with the help and approval of more than a dozen PGA/LPGA professionals, amateurs and instructors. Williams dove into the world of fitness and nutrition after a health scare three years ago and developed a passion for helping others through a targeted application of functional sports nutrition. Wanting to turn that passion into a business, Williams searched for an opportunity and discovered a void in the golf space. Using all he had learned and practiced, he began designing a formula to address specifically the wear and tear of playing a round of golf along with his co-founders, Caleb Williams (brother) and Chris Michaud. “For a game that has evolved where golfers are now training like athletes in other sports, it was shocking to discover how little was being done for them in this area. DF-18 is about bringing golf into the 21stcentury of sports nutrition,” said Williams. “DF-18 came together in pieces. First it needed to sustain player hydration, then provide focus and calm without over-stimulation. After that, it needed to reduce fatigue and support their cardiovascular system
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SWEETSTUFF and finally, it needed to do all this across a four to six-hour period during a round of golf in a single serving.” The company’s first blend—called Pineapple Passion Fruit—adds only 45 calories to your water, but contains loads of nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, Riboflavin, Thiamin and Vitamin C. Among those that helped Williams refine his product where LPGA pro Alison Walshe and 2021 New England PGA Teacher of the Year Adam Kolloff, who were both impressed with the finished results of the DriveForce blend. While playing on tour, Walshe was an early adopter and big believer in DF-18 since the beginning. “This product’s the real deal,” she said. “I took DF-18 before competing and it was unbelievable. Whether I am playing, practicing, or just doing my regular everyday activities, I genuinely notice that I feel a lot more clarity and energy, more hydrated, and I’m not always searching for coffee like I was before. What is really cool is I only need to drink it once to feel the benefits for a good portion of my day. Even the information from my Whoop recovery data correlated positively with my DF-18! It just makes me feel right.” Kolloff was won over after one serving. “I was hard on them at first, but they insisted what they had was innovative, so I decided to try it,” he said. “I teach all day and first tried it before a full day of lessons. I felt more focused throughout the day and with all my lessons, and that I didn’t need my coffee like usual. I started replacing my morning coffee with it--and then started taking it in the afternoons as well. It gave me energy, made me feel calmer, and I felt better hydrated. Once I noticed that my Whoop recovery data tended to improve on days I took DF-18, that was it. “In golf, when you feel better and less fatigued, you feel more focused, you don’t lose your swing, and can maintain your rhythm and swing mechanics for the day. I can see DF-18 helping all golfers do that in a profound way.” For more information: www.driveforce.golf
Cuddle Clones Expands Offerings
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since the start of the pandemic—and spending more time with them. Cuddle Clones, the Kentucky-based company that produces life-like golf club headcovers of your favorite pets, now has an array of golf-inspired products to go along with the headcovers that can feature your favorite furry companion. The designer custom headcovers are hand-made with highgrade plush materials to look just like your pet in every detail as the company utilizes photos of your dog or cat to create the lifelike headcovers that protect your driver or three-wood. They are a unique addition to your golf bag for sure—and are sure to turn heads at the golf course. Each cover has the name of your pet sewn inside. The company takes extreme care in making their products lifelike, and they do an excellent job in capturing all the physical details and personality of a pet Each purchase of a custom head cover feeds 17 shelter pets across the country, and the company is also donating a portion of proceeds for their other custom accessories such as pet mugs, blankets and golf towels. They even have custom ball markers and golf balls that you can have your pet’s picture on. Cuddle Clones is now offering up to 20% off orders currently on their web site and giveaways of their other custom products. To learn more visit: https://cuddleclones.com/product/golfclub-headcovers
n these times when being out on the golf course is one of the more popular activities when not at home, golfers can bring a little bit of home with them while out playing. It has been well-documented that more people are getting pets
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