OUR 11th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: SweetStuff • Golf Trends • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS NOVEMBER 2013
M YRTLE B EACH GOLF, EATS, BEACHES AND BEER TWIN PASSIONS ON THE EMERALD ISLE
GOLFING AND HORSERACING
Plus: RESORT REPORT I GRAND CYPRESS RESORT 1 www.golfvacationsmag.com
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GOLF VACATIONS NOVEMBER 2013
Man O’War Island Greens in Myrtle Beach
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ChipShots
14 Myrtle Beach Golf Getaway by JD Latorre Not much golf gets played north of the Mason-Dixon Line in the winter months, but plenty of golf gets planned. From New York to Washington State (not to mention across all of Canada), phone lines are buzzing and keyboards burning as snow-challenged golfers research, plan and orchestrate getaways to sunny destinations.
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The Emerald Isle by Andrew Marshall There are 27 racecourses in Ireland - more per head of population than any country in the world, from world-class tracks to smaller ‘country courses’ where flat races, national hunt or ‘jump’ races and race days are held throughout the year.
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Resort Report: Grand Cypress Resort
by James McAfee Jack Nicklaus, the architect, really likes to test a golfer’s ability to hit pinpoint approach shots and this is certainty evident at the Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, FL, which features 45 challenging holes he designed.
SweetStuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.
Executive Editor James McAfee is the Dallas area based writer for The A Position and Texas Golfer. He is Director of Communications for The Golf Connection and President of On the Tee Communications, which handles PR assignments and runs more than 20 tournaments a year. He has been a member of the Golf Writers of America for more than 39 years. He was an editor with Golf Digest from 1971-78 and worked for 18 years as a sports writer and editor of newspapers in Texas and Oklahoma. He served as Executive Director of the Northern Texas PGA for 17 years and Executive Director/Secretary of the Dallas District Golf Association for eight years.
Jeffrey Diaz
Associate Editor Terry Ross
Features Editor Larry Feldman
Senior Writers Andy Marshall Born in England, Andy has been a professional freelance travel writer for the past 20 years. During that time, he has traveled to over 50 countries, including Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Barbados, Panama and Indonesia to cover a diverse range of travel-related features for various magazines around the world. He regularly works with his professional photographer brother, Paul, on different projects, particularly golf, food and drink features. Visit his work at www.bogey.se
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.
JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo
For Editorial:
call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
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portsMedia publications
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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 2013 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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GRAND LUCAYAN, BAHAMAS LAUNCHES $99 FALL SALE WITH FREE GOLF AND AN ISLANDINSPIRED THANKSGIVING FEAST
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, Bahamas – Nov. 6, 2013 – Fall travelers to the Bahamas will find plenty to be thankful for this holiday season: Grand Lucayan, Bahamas, the awardwinning resort located just 55 miles off the Florida coast, is offering a Fall Sale with unbeatable rates for travel over Thanksgiving and through Dec. 25, 2013. Grand Lucayan will also serve up a Bahamian-inspired Thanksgiving feast at Willy Broadleaf’s, its international buffet-style restaurant. Holiday travelers can enjoy a classic Bahamian experience and a free round of golf with Grand Lucayan’s Fall Sale. Available for stays of two nights or longer booked by Nov. 15 for travel through Dec. 25, sale rates start at $99. In addition, guests who book a stay of three nights or more with air by Dec. 2 will receive a $250 instant air credit. Reservations can be booked online with the rate code RTFAL. On Thanksgiving Day, guests can indulge on traditional holiday favorites or spice up their meal with Bahamian-inspired fare at Willy Broadleaf’s. Priced at $34 for adults and $12 for children ages 5-12, Willy Boradleaf’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet will be served from 5 to 9 p.m. Also over Thanksgiving week, Nov. 2430, Grand Lucayan will host the Basketball Travelers Inc. Junkanoo Jam, the annual basketball tournament featuring NCAA Women’s basketball teams from various universities throughout the United States. For
more information or tickets to the Jankanoo Jam visit www.basketballtravelers.com. For more information on Grand Lucayan, Bahamas or to make reservations visit www. grandlucayan.com or call (877) 434-2996.
GOLF HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY AT CASA DE CAMPO La Romana, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo—the number-one resort in the Caribbean with the finest golf in the region— wants to make it easier to play great golf. That doesn’t mean cutting the holes bigger or lining fairways with bumpers to keep balls in play. But it does mean offering a choice of golf packages that make world-class courses available to everyone. For 2014, Casa de Campo announces its first two golf packages, which combine accommodations, meals, other amenities, and rounds on its famous courses. Honoring the designer responsible for all 90 of Casa de Campo’s golf holes is the Pete Dye Golf Lodge Package, which features golf on 63 of those holes. Good for four nights, the package includes accommodations (double or single occupancy) in an elegant Pete Dye Golf Lodge; full American breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner at resort restaurants or room service; unlimited range balls and club storage; use of the resort’s fitness center and high-speed wireless internet; and round-trip airport transfers. More important, golfers get unlimited green fees on The Links course, one round on the Dye Fore course, and one round on Dye’s masterpiece, Teeth of the Dog, currently number 47 on Golf Magazine’s list of the world’s greatest courses.
The Dye Golf Package is $1,422 from January 4-April 20, 2014; $1,244 from April 31-October 31; and $1,390 from November 1-December 20. (Rates are double occupancy; extra nights also available.) For golfers desiring a little more flexibility, the Casa Golf Legends Packages include Elite Patio or Elite Balcony rooms at the resort along with daily breakfast (fullmeal packages also available); daily green fees on any of the three courses—Teeth of the Dog, The Links, and Dye Fore; range balls, club storage, fitness center, and high-speed wireless internet. Casa Golf Legends Packages start at $358 per day, double occupancy, from January 4-April 20; $257 per day from April 21-October 31; and $309 per day from November 1-December 20. Single occupancy is also available. And if enough golfers come together, “The Buddy Package” allows the 8th player in the group to stay free. (All rates are per person, per night and require a three-night minimum stay.) Earlier this year, Casa de Campo was named among the world’s “top 25 golf resorts” by LINKS Magazine and the Caribbean’s best resort, and its “Teeth of the Dog” the best golf course, by Caribbean Journal, the leading digital newspaper covering the region. Those are just the latest honors for the resort and its courses. So there’s no reason not to make 2014 the year to play Casa de Campo and understand, once and for all, what everyone is talking about.
Casa de Campo
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BILLY CASPER GOLF’S “WORLD’S LARGEST GOLF OUTING” RAISES MORE THAN $750,000 FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Billy Casper Golf (BCG) hosted more than 10,000 golfers at 110 of its golf courses in 24 states during the third annual “World’s Largest Golf Outing” on Monday, August 12, raising more than $725,000 for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Since its inception three years ago, the World’s Largest Golf Outing has donated more than $1.1 million to WWP, the largest amount ever via a single-day golf event. In addition to a portion of golfer entry fees WWP received, donations were accepted at www. worldslargestgolfouting.com. The simultaneous golf outing at BCG properties included participation of more than 70 wounded warriors at 27 different courses. WWP is the national non-profit organization that honors and empowers injured service men and women. “The outpouring from across the country is incredible,” says Sergeant Robert Maier, a wounded warrior who survived two IED attacks and played at Black Mountain Golf Course (Black Mountain, NC) with Mayor Carl Bartlett. “The money raised does amazing things for us and our families.”
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Other highlights of the emotional yet fun event include: • Lyman Orchards Golf Club (Middlefield, CT) topped all courses with $51,449 in total donations •Team Calkin – led by a retired Marine – at Alta Vista Country Club (Placentia, CA) raised $14,960, outpacing all foursomes •Four teams raised more than $8,000 each, 10 teams more than $5,000 each • Jordan Fairchild – born on September 11, 2001 – sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Palmbrook Country Club (Sun City, AZ) •The Claw at USF (Tampa, FL) hosted the most wounded warrior golfers (nine) • 10 courses hosted more than 200 golfers • Retired Lieutenant Colonel David LaPlane hit the ceremonial first tee shot at Rock Manor Golf Course (DE) •21-gun salute to kick off the outing at Orchard Valley Golf Course (IL) • Lincoln Hills Golf Club (Lincoln, CA) hosted 307 golfers (120 active or retired military), including personnel from Air Force Base Travis facing off against Air Force Beale in a friendly “Base Battle” match-play competition (Beale won) • Many BCG courses honored the military with moments of silence; ceremonial first tee
shots; standing ovations; national anthems; color guards; patriotic pin flags, tee markers and apparel; and golf carts decorated in red, white and blue • Service member families and politicians played • Three holes-in-one at Lyman Orchards (CT), Bear Creek (TX) and Eastpointe (FL) “WWP is in awe of the growth of this event and the generosity of golfers nationwide,” says Adam Silva, Chief Development Officer of WWP. “We and the warriors who took part salute the goodwill of Billy Casper Golf and look forward partnering for many years to come.” “The sacrifice of wounded warriors in the name of our country is humbling,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “Our loyal golfers are commended for turning out in droves this year and raising a fantastic sum for this worthy cause.” All golfers were entered into a drawing to win a grand-prize trip for four to the Nike Campus in Oregon to get fitted for Nike irons. In addition, tournament winners at each course were eligible to win tickets to the 2014 PGA Championship in Louisville, KY as well as products from top golf brands Ahead, Bridgestone, Callaway, Cleveland, FootJoy, Nike, TaylorMade and Titleist.
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HYATT REGENCY CHESAPEAKE BAY $179 GOLF ESCAPE OFFERS UNLIMITED GOLF FOR TWO
CAMBRIDGE, MD. – Golfers score their best deal ever with Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina’s Golf Escape. For the first time ever, this overnight getaway includes unlimited golf for TWO people playing the awardwinning River Marsh Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course, set on the Eastern Shore’s majestic Choptank River. The Golf Escape starts at just $199 per night through October and then $179 per night through the end of 2014. Guests of the spacious Four Diamond resort enjoy stunning fall foliage as they navigate one of the state’s “Best Courses You Can Play” as designated by Golfweek magazine. The Keith Foster-designed course is renowned for its finishing holes. The par 3 17th stretches 200 yards and calls for a carry over Shoal Creek. The 18th green sits on the mighty Choptank River and the finishing hole hugs it all the way home. For more details on the course, please click here. On Saturday, November 23, the resort hosts its third Annual Oyster Cup Tournament, which for $45 per adult and $25 per child, features a 9-hole Scramble on the Back 9 of the River Marsh course. Carts and range balls are provided and there is a prize for the winning team. To reserve a spot, call 410.901.6397 before November 22. Couples’ Clinics are available every Tuesday and Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. this fall for just $10 per person. And Twilight prices apply all day. Guests can play any time weekdays for $49 and weekends for $69. The PGA/LPGA staff at the River Marsh Golf Club also provides private instruction, equipment evaluation, and other services to raise golfer’s skill and enjoyment levels. The Golf Escape deal at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay includes luxurious accommodations, unlimited golf (for two people, for one day) and 15% off merchandise at Eagle’s Nest Pro Shop. Available through December 30, 2014, package starts at $199 per night during October, and starts at $179 per night thereafter, based upon double occupancy, and excludes tax and resort fee. First round of golf must be reserved before check-in. For more information and to make hotel reservations, please call 800.633.7313 or visit Chesapeakebay.hyatt.com. For more information on River Marsh Golf Club, please visit www.rivermarshgolfclub.com. Become a fan on Facebook at Facebook. com/rivermarshgolfclub.
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MAJOR CHAMPIONS, RISING STARS AND GOLF LEGENDS HIGHLIGHT 2013 CALLAWAY PEBBLE BEACH INVITATIONAL NOVEMBER 19 – 24
PEBBLE BEACH, CA – The Callaway Pebble Beach Invitational Presented by EMC returns to Pebble Beach Resorts November 19 – 24, 2013. For more than 40 years, this celebrated event has hosted the game’s top professionals from the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Web.com Tours competing head-to-head along with select amateurs from around the world. The four-day tournament on Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Del Monte Golf Course also allows “inside the ropes” access to spectators, offering a special perspective on the greatest players in golf. “Pebble Beach Resorts has been honored to host this tournament since 1972, featuring past winners such as Johnny Miller, Al Geiberger and Juli Inkster,” said Pebble Beach Company Chief Executive Officer Bill Perocchi. “This event gives fans wonderful access to our renowned golf courses and the playing professionals, and it also allows numerous amateurs the unique opportunity to win their own championship at Pebble Beach.” The four-day event features 81 professionals including former winners Mark Brooks (1992, 2002 and 2009), John Mallinger (2010) and Harrison Frazar (2011), as well as 2013 PGA Tour champions Scott Brown, Derek Ernst and Patrick Reed. World Golf Hall of Fame member and 10time major champion Annika Sorenstam also returns to Pebble Beach alongside local LPGA star Mina Harigae. Champions Tour participants include 2013 Senior Open Championship winner Mark Wiebe, 2011 U.S. Senior Open Championship winner Olin Browne and 2013 Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach champion Kirk Triplett. Last year’s Callaway PBI champion Tommy Gainey will defend his title after shooting 70 or better in each round in 2012, finishing one stroke better than runnersup Kirk Triplett and William McGirt. Tournament rounds will be played on all three courses simultaneously from Thursday, November 21 through Saturday, November 23, and at Pebble Beach Golf Links for the final round on Sunday, November 24. Spectators are welcome free of charge all days and are invited to walk on the fairways with the players. The Callaway Pebble Beach Invitational proudly supports the local charities of the Kiwanis Club of Monterey and the AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association.
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THE RENAISSANCE WORLD GOLF VILLAGE RESORT OFFERS STAY AND PLAY PACKAGE FOR SENIORS
The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, the AAA Four-Diamond resort that is located adjacent to the renowned World Golf Hall of Fame in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida, is offering a special golf package for those age 55 and over. The “Senior Stay and Play Package” includes one round per golfer on the resort’s popular Slammer & Squire championship golf course (just steps from The Renaissance Resort) or renowned King & Bear championship course (co-designed by Arnold “The King” Palmer and Jack “The Bear” Nicklaus). In addition, the package includes one World Golf Hall of Fame Combo ticket per golfer, valid for a two-day admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame museum which features fun interactive exhibits and historic golf artifacts; as well as one round on the World Golf Hall of Fame’s 18hole real grass championship putting course;
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and one shot at the 132-yard Island Challenge Hole. The package also includes: deluxe room accommodations; a $50 PGA Tour Academy credit voucher per golfer as part of a package (to be redeemed at PGA Tour Academy World Golf Village); breakfast daily; and range balls. The package, which is available through January 31, 2014, starts at $171 per room, per night, plus tax for one golfer in the room, or from $239 per room, per night, plus tax for two golfers in the room. In addition, the resort also provides a complimentary shuttle for individual guests (based on availability) to and from historic downtown St. Augustine. To take advantage of the special “Senior Stay and Play Package,” reference promotional code S9R when booking the package for one golfer in the room, or promotional code FXL when booking the package for two golfers in the room, and then show a valid ID upon check-in. For reservations or additional information, call
888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visit www. renwgv.com. “This package is a great way for seniors to enjoy the many offerings of our AAA FourDiamond resort and of historic St. Augustine,” said Jeffrey Oliasami, the resort’s general manager. Recreational options at the resort include the two championship golf courses, a fitness center, a sauna, pool, hot tub, and full-service concierge. Guests also have access to four additional golf courses within 15 minutes of the resort, for a total of 108 holes of golf. When visiting the resort, guests have the opportunity to take fun eco-tours and chartered fishing trips, relax on nearby beaches, and enjoy exceptional shopping at two large outlet malls. For information on The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, or for reservations, call 888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visit www.renwgv.com .
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Golf, Eats, Beaches and Beers: Best of Myrtle Beach for a Fall or Winter Golf Getaway by JD Latorre
N
ot much golf gets played north of the Mason-Dixon Line in the winter months, but plenty of golf gets planned. From New York to Washington State (not to mention across all of Canada), phone lines are buzzing and keyboards burning as snow-challenged golfers research, plan and orchestrate getaways to sunny destinations. The veritable “Golf Capital of the World” – Myrtle Beach, S.C. – should be on the short list of every have-clubs-will-travel type this season. The golf is affordable, the hospitality unrivaled, and the seafood so fresh you can hear the Atlantic Ocean if you put your ear to it. Many readers may think “been there, done that” but with120 golf courses and 60-plus miles of beaches, dining and entertainment on the celebrated Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is sure to produce a memorable golf trip without breaking the bank. The Golf No other locale in the golfing world showcases the handiwork of such a wide array of acclaimed course designers. Myrtle Beach boasts a virtual “all-star architect team” – Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Tom Doak, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones, Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Mike Strantz, Dan Maples – the list goes on and on. For those seeking to add a notch to their “Top 100” resumes, some of the best public access courses in the United States can be checked off: Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, Tidewater Golf Club, Dunes Golf Club and Grande Dunes. Additionally, Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach may be the only property in the world that has both a Pete Dye and Tom Faziodesigned courses on site. Add in layouts from Love and Norman and one would be hard-pressed to find four 18s of this caliber in one spot. Born into a family with roots in golf course construction dating back to the 19th century, Dan Maples is another architect whose name carries great weight in the Carolinas. A trio of his “can’t-miss” courses is located on Myrtle Beach: Mystical Golf’s The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard. The area presents literally dozens of mid-level daily-fee and value-oriented tracks that are perfect destinations for a long weekend with the guys or quality time with a significant other.
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The Eats, Beaches and Beers Myrtle Beach is second-to-none when it comes to post-round fun and there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions for those who want an authentic Carolinian experience. For breakfast by the beach, head to Sea Captain’s House Restaurant for their renowned crab cakes benedict or traditional Southern fare like country ham and pecan waffles. Searching for the best beachfront burger joint? Look no further than River City Café for a fun, rustic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind, run-down-your-chin, made-to-order patty. To experience the slow-paced South Carolina life, the Greater Grand Strand is home to one of the oldest and most unique towns in the state, Little River. Known for its fresh seafood, fishing charters and annual blue crab festival, it is also home to two Las-Vegas-style casino gambling boats and Jet Ski rentals. Head a little further south to the quaint fishing village of Murrells Inlet to experience Myrtle Beach like a local. It used to serve as a gateway to some of the area’s major rice and indigo plantations, and no area of the Grand Strand has managed to retain the majority of its original character like the Inlet. The Hot Fish Club has it all and remains a favorite gathering place for discriminating locals. Open Wednesday-Sunday, stop in for happy hour at the gazebo bar, crack crabs on the back porch and wind down the evening with nightly performances by the area’s best rock and country bands.
Hang Up Your Visor, Kick off Your Spikes For accommodations, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is the operator of the area’s premier vacation rental properties with six oceanfront and ocean-view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach. All properties feature breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Units are spacious one to three bedrooms, and all lodging options provide easy access to golf, dining, shopping, sugar sand beaches and other area attractions. Through its knowledgeable golf desk, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is able to completely turnkey golf vacations for any size group to meet any budget. So what are you waiting for? Get moving on planning your winter escape to Myrtle Beach before the snow starts to fly – you won’t regret it. Getting There Numerous airlines offer direct flights to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) from more than 20 cities in the U.S. and Canada. The Grand Strand is within a half day drive of Southeastern population centers like Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh-DurhamChapel Hill, and a day’s drive from Washington D.C., Philadelphia and other East Coast and Midwest metro areas.
Barefoot Resort
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Man-O-War Island Greens
Grande Dunes Golf Course
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The Emerald Isle By Andrew Marshall
Offering the twin Irish passions of golfing and horseracing
There are 27 racecourses in Ireland - more per head of population than any country in the world, from world-class tracks to smaller ‘country courses’ where flat races, national hunt or ‘jump’ races and race days are held throughout the year. Ireland also boasts over 300 golf courses, including picturesque parkland layouts and legendary links, that dot the coastline like gems - created by nature and linked together to form a necklace of beauty. From the unique one-day beach race meeting at Laytown, a major racing festival such as Galway, a world-class links such as Royal County Down or a lesser-known parkland course like Rathsallagh, there’s no better way of experiencing the “real Ireland” than spending a day at the races and combining it with playing 18 holes of golf. The great thing is wherever you are on the Emerald Isle you are never far from a horse race or a golf course and often they are only a short gallop away from each other. Adding to the whole Irish “Horses for Courses” experience are the locals you meet at the tracks, who have a tremendous gift of making you feel welcome. Whether you are gambling on the right line for some of the blind tee shots at Royal County Down or putting a few extra Euros on an outsider at the Irish Derby - here’s six of the best race courses and golf courses where you can bet and play: THE CURRAGH (County Kildare) Bet or Watch: A short drive from Dublin is ‘The Curragh’ one of the world’s most historic and famous horse racing venues staging
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around 20 fixtures annually. The 2-day Boylesport Guineas Festival in May, the Budweiser Irish Derby Weekend in June/July and the Oaks Summer Racing Carnival Weekend in July are the major meetings. The Irish Derby features some of the globe’s finest thoroughbreds, owned, trained and ridden by masters of their professions, competing for a prize of 1.3 Million Euros. Probably the best, and certainly the most famous Derby winner in recent times was the outstanding but ill-fated Shergar who never came out of third gear in cruising to victory under Lester Piggott in 1981. www.curragh.ie Play: In close proximity to the Curragh is Rathsallagh Country Club, a topquality parkland option beautifully laid out by Christy O’Connor Jnr. & Peter McEvoy on 250 acres of superbly natural terrain dotted by mature oak and beech trees. It features several lakes and small streams that meander across the fairways with immaculate greens. www.rathsallagh.com TRALEE (County Kerry) Bet: Several days racing are held at Tralee on Ireland’s picturesque southwest coast. A highlight of the Irish racing calendar is the internationally renowned ‘Rose of Tralee Pageant’ held in conjunction with a 4-day racing festival in August. The history of the racecourse dates back as far as 1767, and is intertwined with that of the famous pageant, which is contested by girls from Ireland and around the world, attracting an estimated 100,000 people to the area. www.goracing.ie Play: Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer,
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County Sligo Golf Club
Tralee Golf Club is a traditional links and although only built in 1980 has gained a reputation right up there with the big guns of Ireland’s west coast links. The 590-yard par 5 2nd is a standout hole - a sweeping dogleg right with the beach as a constant hazard for slice-prone golfers. From the tee block, there are panoramic views of the entire course with the Dingle peninsula on the horizon. www.traleegolfclub.com LAYTOWN (County Meath) Bet: People come from far and wide to witness this unique spectacle held on the beach in Laytown in early September each year - the only officially approved beach-racing event in Europe. Marquees are erected to use as weighing rooms, jockey’s room and bars on a field above the beach. The racecourse itself is a section of the 3-mile long golden strand, with the races taking place when the tide goes out. Don’t miss this quirky event on the Irish racing calendar. www.goracing.ie Play: Established in 1909, this little-known traditional links course is situated right next to the beach where the annual race meet takes place. Laytown & Bettystown as it is officially known boasts the distinction of having produced not one, but two Ryder Cup players in Des Smyth and Philip Walton. The 475-yard par 5 18th is a fun, finish with two blind shots, including a tricky approach to a green hidden in the dunes. www.landb.ie
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SLIGO (County Sligo) Bet: Sligo racecourse is nestled in a picturesque spot surrounded by the Benbullen and Knocknarea mountains. The journey here is all part of the experience, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland. The racing has an exciting local feel with competitive cards making for very lively betting markets, especially the early August meetings riding on the continued buzz from the Galway Races. www.goracing.ie Play: County Sligo Golf Club is one of Ireland’s great golf courses located on the Rosses Point peninsula, 6km from Sligo. Established in 1894, the present Championship links were designed in 1927 by the famous golfing architect, Harry S. Colt. Home to the West of Ireland Championships since 1923, past winners include Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley while players such as Hagen, Locke, Watson, Faldo and Clarke have also sampled the delights of Rosses Point. The 455-yard par 4 17th has to be one of the toughest holes to par in all of Ireland - a severe dogleg sweeps uphill and to the left on the second shot, with a green that is large but slopes severely from the back. www.countysligogolfclub.ie GALWAY ( County Galway) Bet: Starting in late July, the Galway Races featuring seven midsummer racing days and nights bring not just Galway city but the whole
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Galway Bay Golf & Country Club
of Ireland to a standstill. The Galway Races is probably the most lavish and sociable fixture in the Irish Racing World - the racing equivalent of the Ryder Cup. It is not only a great sporting event, but also a unique social occasion filled with atmosphere, passion and ‘craic’, and attracts both the true race goer and socialites alike. The excellent racing, oyster bars, champagne and beer tents, jazz bands, trade stands, race card competitions and even a best-dressed lady competition are all part of this classic Irish experience. www.galwayraces.com Play: Galway Bay Golf & Country Club is situated on the picturesque Renville Peninsula, one of west Ireland’s most historic sites, with the golf course literally peppered with historic remains including the mystical Rathnapours ring fort dating back to the 16th century. Designed by Christy O’Connor Jr, the course winds its way along the shoreline of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, but its not a links, and has a distinct parkland feel – a rolling landscape combine with water hazards, manicured fairways and top-drawer putting surfaces to ensure a true but fair test. Gary Player described the 178-yard 13th as one of the finest par 3’s he has ever seen or played. www.galwaybaygolfresort.com DOWNPATRICK (County Down) Bet: Situated in the stunningly beautiful County of Down, Downpatrick, in addition to being one of the friendliest racecourses in Ireland, is also the oldest, because racing started here in 1685. The race
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meetings are always cosy, intimate affairs with flat and jump racing on offer. The highlight of the year is the exciting Powers Whisky Ulster National run in late February over 3 1/2miles. www.downpatrickracecourse.co.uk Play: ‘Royal County Down’ - the very words are enough to have you running back to the clubhouse shaking with fear. Laid out beneath the brooding Mountains of Mourne and enjoying a magnificent setting along the shores of Dundrum Bay, this superb track is never out the world’s top ten. Designed by Old Tom Morris for the princely sum of four guineas back in 1889, this is one tough examination for any player, and with so many blind shots, the main challenge is to find a line from the tee and then hit it straight. Miss the fairways and you are severely punished as a minefield of bunkers, gorse and rough awaits. Bring plenty of balls. www.royalcountydown.org A five-mile drive from Downpatrick is Royal County Down’s lesserknown neighbour Ardglass, a beautiful golf course that hugs the coastline with the sea coming into play on eight holes. The par-3 12th is probably the signature hole drawing comparisons with the famous 17th hole at Pebble Beach. www.ardglassgolfclub.com USEFUL CONTACTS: Horse Racing Ireland: www.goracing.ie Irish Tourism: www.discoverireland.com
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Golf Vacations • November 2013
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RESORTREPORT
Grand Cypress Resort
45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Heave
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA
by James McAfee
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ack Nicklaus, the architect, really likes to test a golfer’s ability to hit pinpoint approach shots and this is certainty evident at the Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, FL, which features 45 challenging holes he designed.
I found this to be true when I played the original 18 holes, now called North and South 9s, back in the mid 1980s. It seemed the only way to hit the greens in regulation was to hit an accurate high fade, something I could do a little better back when I was in my 40s. Fast forwarding to 2013 after Nicklaus added some undulations to the small plateau greens perched above sand or water in 2007 and 2008 as part of changing a few holes and adding some length, I hit only two greens in regulation in posting a 90, playing the white tees at 6,000 yards. Nicklaus provides plenty of room off the tees. My only problem with drives was that on the closing long par 4s on each side that play besides a big lake were where I hit my two worst drives of the day, making it impossible to have a chance even with 3-woods to reach the double green. Visitors to the resort after Labor Day 2013 will find even more changes as Nicklaus is adding three new holes—a long dogleg left around water on the seventh of the North and a pair of short par 3s on both No. 8 holes—replacing a pair that featured a double green. Further proof of the difficulty is that the North-South sports a course rating of 75.9 and a slope of 142 from the gold tees at more than 7,100 yards—no place for most visitors. They will find it still enough of a challenge from one of the other tees. Beautiful Place!
Allowing golfers a little different challenge is the shorter, sportier East 9 that has less bunkers and allows run up shots except for the par 3 5th with its island green. When mixed with the more difficult North, the rating is 74.8 and with the South it is 74.7. The New Course is Nicklaus’ tribute to the Old Course at St. Andrews, the home of golf. It features replicas of Nos. 1 and 18 at the Scotland links course and the 17th road hole, except that the dangerous bunker is on the right side of the green instead of the left. Just like in Scotland, the road and wall behind the 17th green are integral parts of the course and no relief is given. Seven huge double greens are also reminiscent of St. Andrews. Adding to the challenge just like over the pond are 150 bunkers, ranging from some the size of hot tubs to some larger ones as deep as 12 feet with wooden ladders. Director of golf Joe Angelino noted his counterpart at St. Andrews told him that he felt Nicklaus captured the true feeling of the home of golf with his design. He added that one European writer’s first word when seeing the No. 1 and 18 replicas was “wow.” The Villas of Grand Cypress, featuring 146 rooms, are in the process of being renovated by new owners and are within walking distance of the golf courses. In addition, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offers 850 rooms and suites within a few minutes.
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SWEETSTUFF
manufacturers are going to in their latest creations. Further enhancing stability, weight is removed from the rear center of the sole courtesy of a dual-step cavity. The cavity allows the extra weighting in the rear heel and toe to provide maximum forgiveness. Variable face thickness technology offers multiple levels of thickness that maximize the spring-like effect from more points on the face, especially in the heel and toe areas. Completing the new XCG7 design is a Tour-inspired matte black finish which reduces glare and features the Exotics logo on the top heel. This advanced driver is extremely easy to hit and has a light feel but solid sound that players appreciate. Another key feature is the Fujikura Exotics Fuel 50 shaft that comes standard issue and is a perfect complement for this club. It has a smooth feel and is easy to hit and performs as well as any shaft on the market, and coming in under 60 grams for the regular flex version gives it even more power. The Matrix Ozik White, Red and Black Tie shafts are another option, and Tour Edge is also featuring its lifetime warranty and 30-day play guarantee with these clubs. For more information: www.touredge.com
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nown for their easy-to-hit and crazy long distance drivers, Tour Edge has introduced its longest and most technically-advanced driver yet in the new Exotics XCG7 that hit retail stores this fall. One of the key features is the advanced adjustability for the loft and lie angle via the sole plate screw that can be easily accessed with the custom wrench provided. The setting can go as low as 8.5 degrees to 12 degrees (in half-degree increments) and the lie angle can be moved from 58 to 60 degrees to accommodate a more upright fitting. The Exotics XCG7 adjustable driver also incorporates a 460cc 6A4V titanium head in which engineers designed a Power Grid positioned directly behind the hitting area to create an accordion-like effect and increase spring-effect by flexing at impact. The Power Grid alternates in thickness from 0.5mm to 1.0mm, allowing the thinner dimple-slots to flex to produce a hotter launch. The Beta version of the XCG7 has a 440cc head that is equally adjustable, presents a smaller profile, refined shape composed of 6A4V titanium with a deeper and beta titanium face. This version of the club is offered for better players who want the added maneuverability of the smaller head. Four advanced-position hexahedron weight pads maximize MOI for greater stability in each club head. The weighting positions the center of gravity in the optimal location in the XCG7 lower and deeper in the head for more stability and a higher launch angle, something that many
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ometimes the simplest ideas are the best. A new, relatively easy training tool that can be used indoors or out to teach one of the basics of the golf swing looks to be very useful in developing and training several of the fundamentals of a sound golf swing, such as how to rotate your shoulders along the axis of the spine so you don’t have excessive sideways movement which causes miss-hits—in addition to stress on your spinal column. Golf-X-Cube, developed in Germany, is a patent-pending training tool that fits easily in a golf bag, and can be used to teach a reliable, repetitive swing to improve your handicap and make the game more enjoyable. It is a UV-resistant polyamide reinforced cube with a hole on the bottom to insert a tee to keep it in place. It sits in front of you--between you and the ball as you practice your swing to show you the proper golf stance--guiding you to hit the ball more consistently and straighter. The Golf-X-Cube Golf Training Tool includes an instructional video DVD and user manual for training guidance. It features a deep green colored top and neon-yellow sides that work as color guides to show you when you are swinging with the correct position. When looking at the guide from above and preparing a backswing, the yellow sides should not be seen. If you see yellow sides, you are using too much upper body movement and need to try it again with a straighter position. It is simple to use, with powerful results. Many golfers don’t start playing golf until they are in their 40’s, 50’s or older, which makes it harder on their bodies to rotate using the correct angle and speed, leading to back injury. This device can helps players see how a balanced swing should feel. Golf-X-Cube is available at www.golf-x-cube.com and other major retailers. Golf-X-Cube includes the cube visual aid tool, instructional video DVD and manual.
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new line of stylish luxury golf bags and accessories, called the American Collection--a compilation of handcrafted golf bags by Belding that embodies the company’s lifestyle of golf--is now available for those looking for a well-made golf bag with traditional styling. Belding’s authentic handcrafted American Collection is manufacturing at its best. American tanned harness leather accents American woven waxed canvas to personify a classic Belding line of heritage golf and accessory products.
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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss
two-point strap connection make this classic easy to carry and durable. Ample pockets line the Bushwhacker which includes side accessory saddle pockets with belt closure, an oversized gusseted front ball pocket and integrated umbrella sleeve. A coordinated rain hood is included. Belding’s’ American XL is beautifully appointed with American tanned harness leather which promotes its rich authenticity to the game of golf. The American XL boasts a 9.5” six-way shearling wrapped top with a three full length divider system. A four point harness handle construction with two-point strap connection makes the American XL easy to transport as well as durable. A full-length side garment pocket and oversized gusseted front ball pocket with zippered valuable pockets provide ample storage space. The American Pencil Bag is dressed up with a two-zipper front ball pocket for today’s walker and structured with two stay rods. Sustainability at its finest, this recreation provides both a dynamic walking experience and easy cart ride. An authentic American 7” shearling top is accentuated with a two front zipper pocket for golf ball and accessory storage. The American Vintage Caddy Bag is manufactured for a lifetime of authenticity and experience. This carry bag provides the traditional design for walking. An authentic American 7” shearling top is complemented with a single front zipper pocket for golf ball and accessory storage. A leather belt strap fastens any garment and an umbrella loop keeps the umbrella neatly tighten. This smaller golf bag features a two point connection strap. For more information on Belding: visit the company website at www.beldingusa.com.
The American Collection features several golf bags, including the American Bushwhacker, the American XL, the American Pencil Bag and the American Vintage Caddy Bag. All golf bags are lined with natural shearling linings. The American Bushwhacker is a classic saddle design that accentuates the American Bushwhacker, whose original innovation in the 1980’s revolutionized golf bag design. It features a 9.5” six-way top with a full length divider system. Four point harness handle construction with a
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