Chip Shots

Golf Is Better In The Caribbean: Sandals® Resorts Taps Troon To Expand Its Golf Game Across Its Portfolio In The Region

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, along with the Luxury Included Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts, are pleased to announce a new sales and marketing collaboration that will further enhance the resort companies’ marketing strategies and elevate the guest experience across their golf destinations throughout the Caribbean.

The partnership will benefit Sandals’ and Beaches’ growing portfolio of golf resorts, including Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Beaches Ocho Rios in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas; Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Halcyon Beach in Castries and Sandals Grande St. Lucian in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

As part of a joint strategy, Troon will identify advertising and marketing opportunities targeting golfers including Troon Magazine and Troon’s digital and email marketing platforms. Sandals’ golf resorts will appear on Troon.com, the Troon App and will be included in Troon Golf Vacations offers and packages. In addition, full members of participating Troon Privé–managed clubs will also receive exclusive news about Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts through the Troon Privé Privileges program.

To further elevate the golf experience, Sandals will also be outfitting all four courses within its golf portfolio with an expanded retail selection of Titleist and FootJoy products. Products available to rent will include an assortment of men’s and women’s FootJoy shoes and sets of Titleist clubs with its industryleading woods and irons, iconic Vokey Wedges, and Scotty Cameron putters, as well as its premium line of TOUR golf balls available at Sandals’ practice facilities by late summer. All-new rentals and retail merchandise will be available across all Sandals golf courses by fall 2023 through the new partnership with Acushnet Company.

Celebrated for its expansive golf offerings, Sandals and Beaches Resorts provide guests with transfers to select golf resorts and complimentary green fees to its four companyowned courses across three islands within the Caribbean, listed below, including two Greg Norman-designed championship courses.

JAMAICA:

Sandals Golf & Country Club (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

Consistently ranked amongst the best in Jamaica, The Golf Club in Ocho Rios is recognized as one of the island’s finest courses by Golf Digest and the Frommers Travel Guide. The 18-hole, 6,311-yard course rises 700 feet above sea level in the lush hills of Ocho Rios and has spectacular views of both mountains and the ocean. Complimentary 15-minute transfers are available for Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation guests. Beaches Ocho Rios is also a featured golf resort in Jamaica, with complimentary green fees and transfers included for guests.

ST. LUCIA:

Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate (Gros Islet, Saint Lucia)

Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate features a complete redesign of its tees and greens by Greg Norman Golf Course Design with remarkable backdrops, dramatic elevation changes and lush tropical vegetation that can only be found in St. Lucia. The 18hole, par 71 design is rich in shot-making variety, offering a course that is fun to play for golfers of all skill levels including Sandals guests and the club members alike.

Sandals Golf Club at Sandals Regency La Toc (Castries, Saint Lucia)

This sporty, executive-style 9-hole, par 33 golf course is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush, villa-studded hills and is located directly on Sandals Regency La Toc. Measuring only 3,141 yards, this course challenges you to sharpen your club-selection skills and several holes demand laser-like accuracy to chart their tunnel-tight layout.

BAHAMAS:

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course (Great Exuma, Bahamas)

Located directly on property at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort, this 18-hole, par 72, championship caliber course spans over 7,001 yards. Designed by Greg Norman, it is recognized as one of the most scenic ocean-side golf courses in the Caribbean with unparalleled views from its six signature ocean-side holes featured on the back 9.

Sandals Resorts hosts a series of exclusive events at its award-winning Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course throughout the year, including the annual PGA TOUR-sanctioned season opener event for the Korn Ferry Tour. The Korn Ferry Tour’s first scheduled stop at “The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay” is slated to return next year for its sixth installment of the professional golf tournament, January 12-18, 2023, with a unique Sunday-Wednesday format for contested tournament rounds. A Pro-Am competition is held on the Saturday prior to the tournament and event week includes various activities for guests at Sandals Emerald Bay. Optional Pro-Am and VIP Packages are available as an add-on to any new or existing resort stay, and all Sandals Emerald Bay guests receive complimentary spectator passes for tournament access during this time. To find out more information about the annual Korn Ferry Tour event and explore resort accommodations, please visit https://www. sandals.com/pgakornferrytour/.

For more information about Sandals Resorts’ and Beaches Resorts’ golf destinations in the Caribbean, please visit www. sandals.com/golf, with details coming soon surrounding the brand new and just-opened Sandals Royal Curaçao, located adjacent to an award-winning 18-hole public course.

Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club

Montcalm Golf Club Offers Stay & Play Packages

ENFIELD, NH – If you’re considering a New Hampshire golf trip this spring, summer or autumn, look no further than the awardwinning 6,829 yard Montcalm Golf Club, one of Golf Digest’s and Golfweek’s top rated courses and one of New England’s premier golf experiences.

Located in Enfield, New Hampshire, Montcalm is taking reservations for Stay & Play packages that provide visitors access to their remote hidden gem with unlimited use of the course and club’s practice and training facility as well as preferred tee times. The packages, which are offered now through the fall, include accommodations at the Club’s nearby Hanover Inn on the campus of Dartmouth College and the Courtyard by Marriott Hanover Lebanon.

Situated between the Green Mountain National Forest and the White Mountain National Forest in the Upper Valley section of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, Montcalm Golf Club, conveniently located off of I-89 Exit 15 at 2 Smith Pond Rd. Enfield, NH has outstanding views of Killington, Vermont’s Green Mountains and Mt. Ascutney, as well as rolling hills of velvet fairways and greens.

Montcalm Golf Club’s Stay & Play are available at nearby hotel locations:

New this year, The Hanover Inn, an historic boutique hotel, overlooks the scenic Dartmouth College Green in Hanover NH and is nearby to Montcalm Golf Club. The Inn exudes New England charm with modern services amenities and is located next to the Hopkins Center for the Arts and Hood Museum. It is also easily accessible to the region’s most exciting outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The Inn also is home to PINE Restaurant which offers a fresh, farm-to-fork menu blending Tuscan style cooking with American cuisine.

Courtyard by Marriot Hanover Lebanon, NH offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Montcalm and is easily accessible to a number of nearby attractions and dining options. Spacious, comfortable rooms or suites offer fluffy bedding, a 37” HD TV, large desk, microwave, mini-fridge and more. The Bistro serves up delicious food day or night, along with cocktails and Starbucks® coffee. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool and a 24-hour business center.

“We welcome any golfers who are eager for a unique and

Montcalm Golf Club

challenging golf experience – whether you’re a day-tripper, visitor from nearby New England states or traversing the country,” said Steve Rogers, Montcalm Golf Club’s Director of Golf. “Montcalm offers a magnificent setting and many nearby activities. When the crisp air and fall arrives, you won’t find a more stunning backdrop than the panoramic mountain views that surround our club.”

In addition to great golf at Montcalm, there are many things to visit in New Hampshire — from scenic kayaking, walking trails and hiking opportunities to lakes, seacoast offerings and taxfree shopping. Dining options are aplenty with delicious local offerings from farm to table, fresh craft beer and wine throughout the state.

To learn more about the Stay and Play packages and for rates call 603-448-5665 or visit the website: https://montcalmgolfclub. com/stay-and-play/ Blackout dates will apply so it is recommended to secure your tee times by contacting Montcalm first.

Audubon International Partners with University Of Guelph’s Diploma in Turfgrass Management Program

TROY, NY – Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – has partnered with the Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) program at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada this fall to provide assistance training students in the areas of environmental sustainability, ethical land stewardship and stakeholder communications.

As part of the partnership, Audubon International, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, will provide the University access to its newly released 3rd edition of “A Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course” for students enrolled in classes titled “Turf Environmental Management” and “Turf Case Studies” during the fall and winter semesters.

“We are pleased to help train the next generation of golf course superintendents and turfgrass managers,” said Frank LaVardera, Director of Environmental Programs for Golf for Audubon International. “With this training, these individuals will better understand the relationship between turf management and the environment, ensuring best management practices are utilized, which will result in environmental sustainability wherever they may work.”

DTM is a 20-month program at the University of Guelph that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experience for a wide array of career opportunities, including golf course management, lawn care, sports field management, parks management, sod production and related supply and service businesses.

“Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program core philosophies and success stories have proven to be valuable teaching tools in our classroom,” said Cameron Shaw, Manager of University of Guelph’s DTM Program. “We are particularly excited about Audubon International making its newly updated guide accessible to our students as it will not only help them identify key principles in sustainability, but allow them to observe case studies and real-world stories being implemented successfully by current industry leaders.”

DTM requires a minimum 15-week industry co-op/internship and students have historically landed internships at golf courses and other turfgrass-based enterprises across Canada as well as in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Germany and the Caribbean. Graduates of the program are in high demand within the turfgrass industry across Canada and internationally.

To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www. auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.

Golf Fitness and Nutrition: More Now Than Ever

by Barry Lotz

Since I began writing about golf and working with many PGA Tour players on the mental and putting side of the game, I have come upon some excellent articles on mental techniques (covered in my book “The Right Mind for Golf now in its 14th printing) and putting specifically.

What I never really did find was an article on golf fitness and nutrition for golfers. Recently, after reading and studying this field, one article stood head and shoulders above the rest.

I was so enthralled and excited about what Gavin Groves, in conjunction with GolfRSA, produced for their organization and with Gavin’s knowledge, that I called and spoke to Gavin to see if they would allow me to publish the article in the numerous media outlets and entities with whom I regularly contribute to on a monthly basis. I received an expeditious positive response.

GolfRSA is the unified body of the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Women’s Golf South Africa (WGSA), administering, operating and providing service to amateur golf in South Africa. (www.Golfrsa.com).

Gavin Groves is the fitness expert for GolfRSA’s National Squad. Previously he headed up the Strength and Conditioning department of the TuksGolf Academy (https://www.up.ac. za/golf), working with junior golf coaches, fitness for young golfers, low handicap players, and Sunshine and European Tour members. Currently Gavin works on the DP World Tour as well as the Sunshine Tour as a strength and conditioning specialist to the tour pros and is still with GolfRSA National Squad.

Gavin has an honors degree in Biokinetics from the University of Pretoria, is Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) qualified and has completed his PGA Diploma. He is recognized internationally as one of the top experts in golf fitness and nutrition.

To read the article: https://www.golfrsa.com/wp-content/ uploads/2017/09/Golf-Fitness-Manual.pdf

Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, 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”, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf” which is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s bestseller list. His latest book,” The Right Mind for Golf is now in its 14th printing. He currently works with 14 Tour Players on mental coaching and scoring techniques.

He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net

Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head

The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island Gives Guests the Ultimate Travel Experience

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – Imagine a fall or winter getaway where the seaside destination is world class with ideal weather, endless recreational opportunities, championship golf, all at attractive and affordable rates. That’s exactly what travelers will receive when they purchase the “Getaway Package” at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island.

Available now through Feb. 24, 2023, reduced fall and winter rates on select villas and homes (minimum three-night stay) are available, and include an array of value-laden amenities:

Complimentary dinner entrees for two (one time only) at Fraser’s Tavern;

Complimentary lunch entrees for two (one time only) at Fraser’s Tavern or Harbour Town Bakery & Café;

Preferred rates at the resort’s award-winning golf courses, including Heron Point, Atlantic Dunes, and Harbour Town Golf Links — home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament and No. 25 on Golf Digest’s ranking of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses”;

A portrait session on the beach;

Unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center equipment;

Two hours of complimentary tennis per day at the Sea Pines Racquet Club featuring 20 clay courts;

Bicycles during entire stay for two adults to enjoy on the resort’s 15-mile network of paths (also ideal for walking).

In addition, the package provides for 10 percent discounts on all other dining at resort restaurants, including the sensational new Quarterdeck, which offers 270-degree sunset views and a rooftop oyster bar.

For ease of travel to Hilton Head Island, there are direct-flight options on three airlines: American, Delta, and United. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) serves Washington, D.C. (Dulles), Newark, Charlotte, and Atlanta, plus seasonal nonstop flights to and from Washington, D.C. (Reagan), Dallas, Philadelphia, and Boston.

The “Getaway Package” can be booked by visiting www. seapines.com/vacation-rentals/specials/fall-winter-getaways or by calling (866) 561-8802 (promo code GETAWAY). The package is unavailable for holiday periods — Nov. 19-28, 2022, and Dec. 20Jan. 3, 2023.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas Offers Exceptional Fall Vacation Packages

LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic Teeth of the Dog ranked No. 20 in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses in the World” – is offering an outstanding set of fall stay-and-play packages perfect for family and group vacations.

The “Unlimited Golf” package starts at $1,259 (per room, per night). Resort guests can tee it up to their heart’s content on two renowned Pete Dye-designed gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18). Play on the legendary Teeth of the Dog has a preferred rate of $199 per round (plus taxes). All golf rounds are based on availability and include play on arrival and departure days.

The offer also includes deluxe accommodations in the resort’s recently renovated guest rooms, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, use of a four-passenger golf cart to internal travel throughout the 7,000-acre gated property, unlimited horseback riding, use of the property’s tennis courts, one round at the 245-acre Shooting Club, non-motorized water sports, family program activities and use of the resort’s fitness center.

Casa de Campo is additionally offering its “Unlimited Golf in

Villa” stay-and-play offer starting from $3,319 (per villa, per night). This allows groups and families the opportunity to enjoy a “world of their own” in a three- to five-bedroom luxury villa with one daily round of golf (per person) on Dye Fore and The Links. Breakfast for the group is prepared right in the villa each morning along with daily housekeeping and dedicated concierge services. “We are always ecstatic to welcome families, friends and groups during our splendid autumn months to visit and experience our vast array of luxury resort amenities,” says Jason Kycek, senior vicepresident of sales and marketing. “We provide not only a worldclass golf facility highlighted by our celebrated Pete Dye-designed courses, but also a full line-up of fun resort activities to keep everyone entertained and wanting to return after-after-year.”

No. 6 on Teeth of the Dog

Teeth of the Dog has long been a “bucket list” layout for those seeking to play one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. Dye’s design hallmarks are all present: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. “The Heaven 7” oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.

The resort’s world-class Golf Learning Center is a “must visit” when on property. Highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology, it features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases multiple practice greens for honing short game prowess as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www. casadecampo.com.do/.

Tellico Village to Host Women’s Senior and Women’s Mid-Am Golf Championships

TELLICO VILLAGE, TN – Tellico Village is set to host The 2022 Tennessee Women’s Senior and Women’s Mid-Am Championships at The Links at Kahite on September 27 and 28. This is the second tournament The Tennessee Golf Association selected Tellico Village to host this year.

This event will attract a full field of some of the top female amateur golfers from across the state. Expected to compete are: • Sarah Ingram - a member of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. She is a former AllAmerican golfer who became a three-time winner of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. Ingram represented the U.S. on the Curtis Cup team in several years and was the most recent captain of the Curtis Cup team. • Former University of Tennessee golfer, Blakesly Brock, who won the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021. • Knoxville native and former University of Tennessee standout, Teleri Hughes, who now has her own women’s golf clothing line.

The Champions will be recognized with their names and trophies on display at Golf House Tennessee.

“We are excited about the outstanding courses that have graciously agreed to host tournaments in 2022. We will be hosting events across the state from the Tri-Cities to Memphis, and we hope to see many new and familiar faces alike playing in state championships” said Allison Brown, TGA’s executive director.

The Village hosted the 2022 Tennessee Senior and Super Senior Four-Ball Championships at Toqua Golf Club in May, which was a great success.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be chosen to host two major state championships in the same calendar year” said Chris Sykes, director of golf operations at Tellico Village. “The Links at Kahite is the perfect place to host a tournament. It has one of the most beautiful golf settings in the south – surrounded by Tellico Lake with views of the Great Smoky Mountains.”

The Links at Kahite opened in 2002, making it the newest golf course in the Village. It sits on over 200 acres of property and has six sets of tees that play from 7,170 yards to 4,435 yards. Kahite also boasts a Par 6 that plays 808 yard from the back tees and at one time was the longest hole in the country. The uniqueness of the course provides a variety of options and difficulty while making the experience fun and challenging.

In 2003, the Links at Kahite was nominated to Golf Digest as best new private course. It has hosted many Tennessee Golf Association events, including the 2006 Junior Amateur Championship and the 2009 and 2011 Four-Ball and Senior Four-Ball Championships. It has also hosted the 2009 and 2010 PGA Tour Nationwide Open Qualifier.

Rumbling Bald

Rumbling Bald Announces Late Fall, Early Winter Golf Packages Amid High Demand

LAKE LURE, NC – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has released its late fall and early winter golf packages amid high shoulder season demand.

Starting at $300 per golfer for two nights and two rounds on Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, late fall and early winter package rates are offered from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $400 and $514 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a villa or studio (blackout dates apply). Bald Mountain, Rumbling Bald’s mountain style-course will be closed from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31 and reopens on Jan. 1, 2023.

Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from its first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.

“Late fall or early winter is a great time to visit to enjoy Rumbling Bald when things are a little less busy than the peak fall season,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The package rates are a tremendous value, and golfers can expect high temps in the 60s in November and 50s in December.”

Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professionalmember trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods.

For golfers who want to experience both courses in the early fall, golf packages are still available to book for select dates between Sept. 18 and Oct. 31, starting at $347, $477 and $608 for two, three and four-night / round options, respectively. Additional nights and rounds can be added, subject to availability.

Learn more about Rumbling Bald golf packages at www. rumblingbald.com or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a twobedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio).

PGA National Resort to Showcase Renovation of The Champion Course

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination – announces its famed Champion Course will reopen for resort guest and member play on Sept. 2 after an extensive bunker renovation on the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout.

Led by Nicklaus Design, construction over the summer resulted

in all bunkers on The Champion Course being rebuilt or eliminated to ensure the absolute best in playability and strategy. The Champion’s bunkers account for more than two acres of the celebrated 18, which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic annually. The bunkers are now equipped with new subsurface drainage, “Better Billy Bunker” liners, and eye-catching G-Angle sand.

In addition to the impressive bunker renovation, The Champion Course now also features a major rework of its cart paths as well as new sod throughout. The upgrades join the stunning results of the resort’s recent $100 million transformation touching most every aspect of the legendary South Florida destination. PGA National Resort’s 99 holes of extraordinary golf also now features two new bold and innovative Andy Staples-designed layouts which both opened in 2021 to rave reviews, The Match and The Staple courses.

The mighty Champion Course with its notorious “Bear Trap” has long been feared and revered as one of the most challenging in the game. Resort guests can try and tackle The Champion Course this fall when taking advantage of the popular Gold Golf Package with rates starting at $560 (per person, per night, double occupancy).

The exceptional stay-and-play is highlighted by luxury accommodations with private balcony or terrace; grab-and-go breakfast each morning; one round of golf daily on The Fazio, The Match or The Estate courses as well as play on The Champion Course and The Palmer Course available with a surcharge; unlimited range balls / golf bag storage; and complimentary access to the resort’s state-of-the-art Sports & Racquet Club.

“With the exciting work from Nicklaus Design complete, our celebrated Champion Course is now better than ever,” says Jane Broderick, director of golf. “We invite you to visit us and play our ‘bucket list’ Champion Course, new Match and Staple courses, and also savor our world-class accommodations and amenities that few golf destinations can equal.”

Additionally, as part of the substantial investment, the resort launched six new culinary concepts showcasing signature restaurants, including James Beard Award nominee and “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford and multiple James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry. Guests can enjoy a new high-end chocolatier, ice cream shop, brand-new kids club, and a reimagined 40,000-square-foot Spa, just a few of the latest offerings throughout PGA National Resort.

A golf lover’s dream location, PGA National Resort features extraordinary instruction at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, and Full Process Golf – the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven training system for golf improvement – located at its off-site Estate Course. PGA National Resort additionally offers state-of-the-art club fitting.

For more information about PGA National Resort: visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.

Island Resort & Casino – Fall Golf Season Comes Alive

ESCANABA, MI – One of the greatest gifts golfers who visit Michigan get to experience annually is the magnificent fall colors scattered across the Great Lakes State. Those looking for a head start on the fall golf season should head to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where the fall foliage comes alive at the Island Resort & Casino, located 15 miles west of Escanaba.

September and October are great months to reserve a fall golf package where the region comes to life a few weeks earlier than downstate, when sunny crisp days become a feast for the senses. The award-winning courses, Sweetgrass (2022 National Golf Course of the Year) and Sage Run, show off a vivid transformation of the autumn landscape, with scenic views of scarlet, rust, gold, and orange that are unmatched in the region.

Golfers booking a fall golf vacation will love the new hotel addition and renovations combined with Sportsbook gaming entertainment. The new tower, connected to the south end of the resort’s Palm Tower, features 138 guest rooms and suites, with some special attention for golfers who visit – fresh, expansive golf suites. The spacious 675-square-foot suites are complete with a king, double queen, and common area, all with breathtaking fall color views of the Sweetgrass Golf Course and Northern Michigan – perfect for foursomes seeking added space and a fun environment. Horizons Steakhouse, the new high-end dining venue located on the top floor, features some of the region’s best fall-color viewing.

Whether it’s a buddy trip or couple’s 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.

Visit www.islandresortgolf.com to book your fall golf package.

Princeville Makai Golf Club

Go Golf Kauai Courses Recognized By Golfweek

Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i (August 16, 2022) – Kaua‘i’s spectacular collection of golf courses have once again been recognized by Golfweek in the publication’s 2022 rankings of the “Best Courses You Can Play In Hawaii,” “Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play” and the “Top 200 Modern Courses.”

Golfweek’s panel of course raters named four Kaua‘i courses among the 15 best courses in the state, with Princeville Makai Golf Club ranked at No. 4, Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course No. 7, Wailua Municipal Golf Course No. 11 and The Ocean Course at Hokuala No. 12. The Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed Princeville Makai Golf Club also placed on Golfweek’s prestigious “Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play” ranking (No. 75), and on its “Top 200 Modern Courses” list (No. 199).

Golfweek’s elite team of more than 850 course evaluators determine the annual selection of the country’s best public and private layouts. Each year, the raters survey over 3,600 facilities, grading each following Golfweek’s 10 strict evaluation standards. Magazine editors then rank the best classic, modern, resort and residential courses nationally as well as the best private and public courses in each state.

Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfKauai.com.

About The 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 Hawai‘i. 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. The Ocean Course at Hokuala has been rated as Hawai‘i’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards 2018 – 2020.

Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course – Po‘ipu 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, making it one of Hawai‘i’s most beautiful courses. Po‘ipu 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. Princeville Makai features surreal vistas of Mt. Makana (aka Bali Hai) 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 Hawai‘i by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek, the dramatic 18-hole golf course is also known for its high-quality, “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, goldenera 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 Royal Coconut Coast.

aboutGOLF set to launch 2022-23 Ryder Cup Sim Series competition

MAUMEE, OH – Officials at aboutGOLF today announced the details of the 2022-23 aboutGOLF Ryder Cup Sim Series, a monthly competition that is free to anyone with access to a public or personal aboutGOLF simulator. The contest will culminate with an in-person final event on an aboutGOLF simulator at a location to be determined, where a trip for two to the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy will be awarded to the champion.

Participants will compete in a monthly closest-to-the-pin competition running from September 2022 to February 2023. Each month, it will take place on a different signature par-3 at historic and future Ryder Cup venues available on aboutGOLF simulators.

“aboutGOLF is excited to bring our customers a chance to win a trip to the 2023 Ryder Cup through our award-winning golf simulator software. Our competition platform connects thousands of players from around the world with the click of button. From the United States to Europe and beyond, we can’t wait to crown our 2023 Ryder Cup Sim Series Champion,” said Ken Kamada, aboutGOLF CEO.

The monthly schedule includes the following golf courses:

September 2022 – Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Black), 14th hole

October 2022 – Gleneagles Country Club, 10th hole

November 2022 – Hazeltine National Golf Club, 17th hole December 2022 – Le Golf National, 2nd hole

January 2023 – The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 17th hole

February 2023 – Whistling Straits Golf Course (Straits Course), 12th hole

Each month, entrants will receive one free entry into the aboutGOLF Ryder Cup Sim Series. Players will attempt five shots on the month’s featured par 3, and the shot nearest to the hole will count for the competition. The player who is closest to the pin for each month’s contest hole will automatically qualify for the finals event. Additionally, a “Captain’s Pick” will also earn a trip to the finals during each month of the aboutGOLF Ryder Cup Sim Series via a random drawing for all players participating in the competition. In addition to advancing to the finals, qualifiers and Captain’s Picks will also win additional prizes.

At the finals event, all monthly qualifiers and Captain’s picks will compete in a nine-hole, closest-to-the-pin contest staged on par-3s at historical and future Ryder Cup venues. The player with the lowest cumulative total distance from the hole across these nine holes will win the aboutGOLF Ryder Cup Sim Series and a trip for two to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy.

To participate in the 2022-23 aboutGOLF Ryder Cup Sim Series, individuals must download the aboutGOLF app and create an account. Players can then sign into the contest each month and compete on any public or private aboutGOLF simulator. Participants can utilize the aboutGOLF sim locator tool to find facilities with aboutGOLF simulators in their area.