OUR 10th YEAR
THIS MONTH: SweetStuff • Destinations • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2012
LAS VEGAS
CELEBRITY-RICH GOLF AT ANY PRICE
RESORT REPORT
ALBUQUERQUE
Plus: BIRDIES FOR THE BRAVE AT TPC SAWGRASS 1 www.golfvacationsmag.com
Golf Vacations • December 2012
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DECEMBER 2012
Ballooning in Albuqueque
GOLF VACATIONS
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ChipShots
14 • Birdies for the Brave
by Andy Reistetter
Golf Writer Andy Reistetter went over to TPC Sawgrass for the Birdies for the Brave event. He witnessed the Opening Ceremony and attended Operation Shower, a baby celebration for 30 moms-to-be whose husbands are deployed and serving in the military.
16 • Tee Up Las Vegas
by David R. Holland
It happens in a flash, almost on a daily basis in celebrity-rich Las Vegas. One minute you are unsuspecting, doing your rubber necking tourist thing. The next moment someone gets spotted. Even celebrities of the golf world can be victims.
22 • Resort Report: Albuquerque
by Alice and Danny Scott
Up, up and away to Albuquerque, the hot air balloon capital where high desert golf is booming and a rich list of diverse cultural activities take boredom out of the English language.
26 • SweetStuff 6 Golf Vacations • December 2012
by Terry Ross
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8 Golf Vacations • December 2012
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PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES “BEAR TRAP PACKAGE”
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL. – PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR Honda Classic – announces the new “Bear Trap Package” commemorating the notorious three-hole stretch (Nos. 15 -17) on its famed Champion Course. With two rounds offered in this exceptional stay-and-play, golfers can experience the Honda Classic venue the way the pros do, as well as the brand new Fazio Course opening on Nov. 1. One of only a handful of resorts in North America with five courses, players can also select a round on The Palmer, Squire or Estates Courses in addition to The Champion. This minimum two-night offer ($299 per person, per night, double occupancy) additionally features resort accommodations, daily breakfast, “Bear Trap” gift on arrival, golf cart, unlimited range balls and golf bag storage. “Our Bear Trap Package provides a true TOUR experience as golfers can battle on The Champion just like Rory and Tiger did last year in the final round of the Honda,” says Joel Paige, Vice President and Managing Director. “With our challenging new Fazio Course and three other outstanding layouts, we have 90 holes of golf not to be missed.” Fresh off the unveiling of its $100 million
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revitalization, guests will discover a floor-toceiling makeover of its 369 guest rooms; a new 19th hole bar and grill now called “Bar 91”; the Palm Terrace with its renowned breakfast buffet; and its new “Fazio Course” – a complete Tom Fazio II remodel of “The Haig” – PGA National’s original 18-hole course designed by his father and uncle. The Bear Trap has proven to be one of the most talked about three-hole stretches on the PGA TOUR. “There’s a pretty good reason they call it the Bear Trap because if it doesn’t get you one way, it’s going to get you another,” says Rory Sabbatini, winner of the 2011 Honda Classic. “It definitely caused some stress for me.” Jack Nicklaus says, “It’s not about length, it’s about precision. It’s about guts. It’s all about what do you have in your chest that you can finish those holes.” Australian Robert Allenby says, “On Sunday when the pin is in the back right on No. 17, this is the hardest holes we play on TOUR.” “It’s the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s one of the hardest three-hole stretches on TOUR,” says Boo Weekly. For PGA National’s Bear Trap Package information and reservations: www.pgaresort. com, 877.296.5615.
STREETS OF DOWNTOWN TAMPA TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO INTERACTIVE DRIVING RANGE TAMPA, FL – To kick off the holiday season, business executives, families and visitors to the downtown Tampa area are invited to an exciting interactive golfing experience, the Tampa Tee Off, as the streets of downtown Tampa will be transformed into a self-contained golf driving range. Presented by Edwin Watts Golf, one of the world’s premier specialty golf retailers, the Tampa Tee Off will be held Friday, December 14, 2012, from 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. on the 500 & 600 blocks of Franklin Street in Downtown Tampa. Mayor Bob Buckhorn will conduct a ceremonial first tee-off at 11 a.m. Tampa Tee Off is free and open to the public. Throughout the day, participants will have an opportunity to test their golfing acumen at a 4,200 sq. ft. urban driving range, while surrounded by the skyscrapers and office buildings of Downtown Tampa. Buckets of balls will be sold throughout the day, and proceeds will support Special Olympics Hillsborough. In addition, the self-contained driving range will be outfitted with pre-set targets, whereby consumers will have an opportunity to hit targets for a chance to win a number of exciting prizes. For more information, visit www.tampateeoff.com
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SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT OFFERS FREE NIGHT STAY BETWEEN DECEMBER 19-25
DESTIN, FL – Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – the 2,400-acre resort on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast – is offering complimentary accommodations in a deluxe studio with the purchase of a round of golf between December 19-25. Guests who book a round at one of Sandestin’s three participating golf courses will receive a free night stay in the resort’s Luau or LeCiel communities. Rates for The Links Golf Club, Raven Golf Club and Baytowne Golf Club are $89 and replay rounds are $79. “This promotion is our way to give people the gift of travel and the opportunity to experience all Sandestin has to offer, including the enjoyable game of golf,” says Robert Schamber, Vice President of Operations at Sandestin. Guests will relish Sandestin’s enticing mix of forgiving and fun resort courses and tournament-caliber tracks. Carts, unlimited practice facility use and range balls are included. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has been a treasured tradition for families during the holidays with more than a dozen events and activities including the Santa Tuck-in and Santa Skype programs, Village outdoor skating
rink, holiday movies under the stars and the “12 Nights of Lights” festive light show. For complete information about Sandestin holidays rates and activities visit www. sandestin.com or call 1-866-91-BEACH.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S CASA DE CAMPO OFFERS GOLFERS THE ULTIMATE FANTASY La Romana, Dominican Republic - Casa de Campo is dishing up the ultimate golfer’s smorgasbord, the game’s equivalent of the “all you can eat buffet,” including one of the top golf courses in the world. “The Golf Fantasy Trip” is just that, every player’s dream come true, highlighted by limitless golf. Stay at the resort—the Caribbean’s finest—for four nights and get everything for one price. That includes as much golf as a person can play on 63 holes designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, highlighted by the infamous “Teeth of the Dog.” Along with “The Dog”- the number-one course in the Caribbean according to Golf Digest - are three breathtaking nines at Dye Fore, spread along cliffs high above the Chavon River, and The Links, featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Golfers partaking in the “Fantasy” play them all, as often as they would like, thanks to unlimited greens fees.
Other elements of this Golf Fantasy include: • Four nights’ accommodations in a newly renovated elite-class room at the resort • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily • Unlimited drinks in all resort bars and restaurants, including Oasis bars and beverage carts on the golf courses • A one-hour lesson with Eric Lillibridge, director of the on-site Jim McLean Golf School • One round with a Casa de Campo PGA Professional • Two sports massages at the Casa de Campo Spa • Welcome champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries • Complimentary use of a golf cart on property throughout the stay • Pete Dye-autographed copy of the beautiful coffee-table book, “Pete Dye Golf Courses” • VIP treatment through arrivals at La Romana airport, plus airport transfers, taxes, and service charges Cost for the “Golf Fantasy,” available from Jan. 3 through March 14, 2013 , is $2,799 per golfer, based on double occupancy, or $3,695 single occupancy. Accompanying non-golfers are $2,110. This is one fantasy that easily can become a reality. For more information, call the golf reservations office at (809) 523-8215 or visit www. casadecampo.com.do.
Casa de Campo La Romana, Dominican Republic
10 Golf Vacations • December 2012
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FLORIDA’S MARCO BEACH OCEAN RESORT FEATURED ON AMERICA’S HIDEAWAYS
MARCO ISLAND, FL. – The Marco Beach Ocean Resort today announced that it is featured on America’s Hideaways, a new web site that presents a collection of the finest vacation hideaways across the United States. All listings on Americashideaways.com appear by invitation only. Site visitors are provided with a complete description of each chosen hideaway and then urged to visit that property’s web site for the whole story. The America’s Hideaways listing is very exclusive with just 42 hideaways in 27 states coast to coast featured on the site. The Marco Beach Ocean Resort is the only vacation hideaway in the state of Florida currently on the list. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the all-suite Marco Beach Ocean Resort brings stellar service, lodging and dining to Marco Island, one of the fabled Ten Thousand Islands located between Naples and the
Florida Everglades along Southwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. The Marco Beach Ocean Resort features a variety of dining options, including the Beachfront Bar & Grill and authentic Italian cuisine at the award winning Sale e Pepe restaurant. The resort also offers full-service spa and fitness center amenities, a sparkling swimming pool, white, sandy beaches and nearby golf perfect for a getaway, wedding or meeting. The resort’s Concierge and the highly-trained international service staff accommodates personal tastes and regularly exceeds expectations. Marco Beach Ocean Resort features a variety of dining options including the Beachfront Bar & Grill and authentic Italian cuisine at Sale e Pepe restaurant, recipient of the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine for seven consecutive years a spa and fitness center, amenities, a sparkling pool, white sand beach and nearby golf perfect for a getaway, wedding
or meeting. The resort’s Concierge and the highly-trained international service staff accommodates personal tastes and regularly exceeds expectations. Marco Beach Ocean Resort is enjoyed by resort guests, locals and members of The Tarpon Club at Fiddler’s Creek, who have the opportunity to enjoy a beach and boating lifestyle so precious to those who live in the Naples/Marco Island area. Fiddler’s Creek residents also enjoy The Club & Spa amenities and have the opportunity to join The Golf Club, ranked in Golfweek’s 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in the country for the eighth consecutive year. Fiddler’s Creek community is located off of Collier Boulevard on your way to Marco Island. For information, please call (239) 7329300 or visit http://www.fiddlerscreek.com. For more information, or to make a reservation at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, please visit www.marcoresort.com or phone 239-393-1400; 800-715-8517.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort
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18 GREATEST GOLF DEBUTS VISUALLY STUNNING BOOKS FOR DISCERNING GOLFERS
ATLANTA, GA. – Holiday shoppers with a discerning golfer or travel aficionado on their gift list can score an easy scratch off with a limited edition photography golf book from the 18 Greatest Golf collection. Capturing some of the world’s most breathtaking links and scenes, “18 Greatest Scottish Golf Holes” and “18 Greatest Irish Golf Holes” have led Math Kuchar, the PGA Tour’s 2010 leading money winner to rave, “The most beautiful golf book I have ever seen.” By combining limited edition collectability into its oversized, stunningly photographed and illustrated luxurious bound volumes and framed prints, 18 Greatest Golf appeals to every golfer discernment, making the company’s books a great gift not only for the avid golfer, but also the Ireland/Scotland traveler and any sophisticated man or woman. Printed and hand-finished at arguably the world’s finest print house, Editoriale Bortolazzi Stei in Verona, Italy, the high definition and high density treatment of the photographs and illustrations in the 18 Greatest Golf Collection is truly mesmerizing. Each book features brilliant, unique work from photographer John Kernick combined with the gorgeous art direction of Siobhan Royer-Hardy and exclusive interviews with the game’s luminaries to provide a more beautiful and accomplished collection than any other golf books on the market. The first two titles in the book series, “18 Greatest Scottish Golf Holes” and “18 Greatest Irish Golf Holes,” are large coffee table volumes that take browsers on a stunning journey through Scotland and Ireland. The exclusive photography and illustrations captured therein are also available singly as large format, hand-numbered limited edition framed prints. Readers of the 18 Greatest Golf volumes will trek across the UK’s top links, with some of the game’s greatest players serving as their guides. Limited to 3,000 copies, the Scottish edition features the Old Course at St. Andrews, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Royal Troon and Royal Dornoch. The 5,000 copy Irish edition is packed with interviews with golfing greats Clarke, Harrington, McDowell and McIlroy. Courses in the spotlight include Ballybunion, Portmarnock, Royal Potrush and Royal County Down. Thanks to their stunning artwork, the “Wall Street Journal” has called both books “sumptuous and superb” and “Forbes” magazine has described them as “instant collectibles.” This is an assessment with which Jason Scott Deegan, senior staff writer for the Golf Channel’s Travel Golf concurs. “Of the
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hundreds of golf books sitting in my office, these two ‘18 Greatest’ books will be among the handful I keep for the rest of my days and thumb through on a regular basis.” 18 Greatest Golf’s limited edition coffee table books ($199) are available in select golf stores nationwide and online at www.18GreatestGolf.com.
‘SWING IN THE NEW YEAR” WITH DORAL GOLF RESORT & SPA MIAMI’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PACKAGE “Swing in” 2013 with New Year’s Eve holiday packages at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. For those looking for an end-of-year getaway, the legendary resort is offering two New Year’s Eve packages that promise a memorable start to a new year. The Swing In The New Year Package includes: • Two-nights’ stay for two in a Garden View Room • Four-course New Year’s Eve dinner with complimentary glass of sparkling wine at Mesazul Steakhouse • Live band and DJ entertainment in Bossa Nova lounge • Daily breakfast buffet or breakfast in bed via in-room dining • One round of golf on the famed Blue Monster on New Year’s Day per person (one per stay) • One Doral custom massage or facial per person (one per stay) at The Spa • Rates from $399 for double occupancy Dine and Dance The Night Away Package includes: • One night stay for two in a Garden View Room • Four-course New Year’s Eve dinner with complimentary glass of sparkling wine at Mesazul Steakhouse • Live band and DJ entertainment in Bossa Nova lounge • Rates from $229 for double occupancy For those looking to travel to Miami this winter, Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami is offering guests 25 percent off the best available nightly rate with its Advance Purchase Offer. Available for Garden and Golf View Rooms as well as Resort and Spa Suites, guests who book a minimum of 14 days prior to arrival can take advantage of this special offer for stays completed by Jan. 31, 2013. Rates start at $189 per night. For New Year’s Eve Package reservations, call toll-free (800) 71-DORAL (36725) or visit www.doralresort.com/es1414/cat184/newyears-eve-packages-1-or-2-nights. For Advance Purchase offer reservations, call toll-free (800) 71-DORAL (36725) or visit http://www.doralresort.com/advance-purchase-offer/.
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A Blackhawk helicopter on the ground at TPC Sawgrass for Birdies for the Brave & Babies event
By AndyReistetter
Birdies for the Brave and Babies at
TPC Sawgrass
G
olf Writer Andy Reistetter went over to TPC Sawgrass for the Birdies for the Brave event. He witnessed the Opening Ceremony and attended Operation Shower, a baby celebration for 30 moms-to-be whose husbands are deployed and serving in the military. This Pro-Am charity golf event is like no other, featuring Phil Mickelson, President Clinton and the Greenbrier’s Jim Justice for the benefit of the Brave and the Babies. Join Reistetter as he experiences a truly remarkable morning, unlike any experienced before as a neighbor to TPC Sawgrass for the last five years.
blended into the stone façade of the Clubhouse. As I looked to more limp flags near the practice range, there sat a powerful Blackhawk helicopter with blades motionless. The stage was silent yet posed to come to life.
Arriving early on a calm morning at the Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, I noticed the flags were limp, hanging straight down on the poles. I thought of our brave fallen heroes of the military, perhaps this was a sign to bow my head and say a prayer to recognize their sacrifice. The dawn was peaceful, the fountain quiet, and it seemed as though the water was moving yet there were no ripples.
All four of his Majors are East Coast won, three at the Masters in Georgia, the third a PGA Championship in New Jersey. His Players win in 2007 came along with the unveiling of the new Clubhouse. Phil, always the numbers guy, pointed out that there are more tournaments in the East and is quick to have you remember that five of his 40 tour wins came in Atlanta at East Lake and Sugarloaf. Though it felt like he shrugged off the welcomed association, his manner strengthens his heart connection with the East.
The camouflaged military vehicle with three rockets perched atop
14 Golf Vacations • December 2012
For a guy from Southern California, Phil Mickelson sure likes the East Coast, particularly Northeast Florida. Though his lone win in 2012 came at Pebble Beach in February, his historic induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame came here on Monday of The Players week in May.
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The empty white chairs set up for the ceremony on the lower east lawn, along with a modest stage in front of the Blackhawk, took me to the vast expanse and seemingly endless white gravestones of Arlington National Cemetery. My mood changed quickly as vibrant life in the presence of expectant mothers, dignitaries and professional golfers the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Fuzzy Zoeller, David Duval, Billy Kratzert and Peter Jacobsen came streaming into what seemed like a natural setting. With the arrival of a gentle breeze coming off the ocean, the American flag was now unfurled at full mast above Champions Circle thanks to Matt Kuchar’s popular victory in the 2012 Players. I felt proud to be an American. This was a day to celebrate America. Silence returned as the colors of our country were presented followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Speeches were made and words uttered but the message that hit home the most was given by Phil as he turned, looked at the American flag and noted it meant two things to him—freedom and the cost of that freedom. This was a day to love, to respect and to honor our military and their families, especially the unborn babies in the wombs of the 30 mothers-to-be. These families need support and that takes money. That is where this event and the PGA TOUR make its impact: Their job is to raise money for charity. A General by the name of Brown got up and misspoke referencing ‘TPC’ as ‘TPG,’ then told a story that hits home. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full college scholarship grants to surviving children of Special Ops personnel lost in combat missions. They will come find you when you are a junior in high school and walk you through the college selection process. If your college grades are not up to par then you will get a visit from the Delta Force and receive all the help you need to graduate. Maybe the General had it right—TPG— Tournament Players Generosity or Gratitude? This was one of nine charities to benefit from this fundraising event at TPC Sawgrass.
I noticed Phil took his seat in the player’s section, not on stage, even though this is his and Amy’s baby that they started back in 2005 to help amputees coming back from war. His action today reminded me of the humbleness, respect and love for the game he demonstrated at this year’s Masters honorary starter ceremony with Gary Player, who joined Jack and Arnold Palmer. He came out to watch, like the rest of us, for the early morning tee time even though his was in the afternoon. I think it was the same thoughts and feelings for everyone there this morning. A humble and just tribute to our soldiers overseas, knowing that as the sun sets over there it rises here and our day is quite different than theirs but our American spirit is the same. I haven’t been to a baby shower in quite some time but I can tell you this—as good as the military salute was to our soldiers, this was a bigger hug to mothers and their “baby bumps.” LeAnn Morrissey, founder of Operation Shower in 2007, spoke of the challenge of military spouses to “make family” wherever they move and “doing it all” in the absence of a spouse who is overseas defending our country. Amy Mickelson and Cathy Justice spoke of the joys and responsibility of motherhood. Mothers hold children’s hands for a while and hold their hearts forever. Then lunch was over and there were presents galore and a party broke out! While there is a special sense of joy, suspense and excitement on Sunday, typically Mother’s Day at The Players, this morning’s events took the TPC Sawgrass Splash, whatever that is, to a new level. This was truly a special day for mothers at TPC Sawgrass and it was an honor and lots of fun to be a part of. With my writing work done, I will now head back over to TPC Nineteen for Happy Hour. If I can’t find a Splash, I think I might just have to try Fuzzy’s Vodka to celebrate!
Phil Mickelson addressing the gathering at Birdies for the Brave event at TPC Sawgrass
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Golf Vacations • December 2012 15
TEE UP LA
Restaurant at Bali Hai 16 Cili Golf Vacations • December 2012
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AS VEGAS By David R. Holland
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Golf Vacations • December 2012 17
I
t happens in a flash, almost on a daily basis in celebrity-rich Las Vegas. One minute you are unsuspecting, doing your rubber necking tourist thing. The next moment someone gets spotted. Even celebrities of the golf world can be victims.
Way down the eighth fairway two familiar specks appear and golfers having lunch stop, leave their tables, take their drinks out to the patio and watch Butch Harmon tutor a world-ranked golfer named Phil Mickelson. This time the scene is played out from Janelas Restaurant at Rio Secco Golf Club, where the seventh, eighth and ninth holes are within veranda view. Mickelson has hit a high cut into the wind about 300 yards past a corner bunker on the 566-yard par five. He makes birdie. “The crowd that gathered was awe-struck witnessing how far and how flush he hit the ball,” recalled Cascata head pro Charles Packard, formerly at Rio Secco. “It was impressive.”
My family certainly remembers our first visit to Sin City. It was 1955 and the vision runs like an old black-and-white movie in my mind. Waves of mirage heat rolled over the asphalt, and a ribbon of hotels, casinos and colorful lights appeared. That Las Vegas Strip was nothing like today’s full-color, upgraded glitz of carnival neon—more like Xbox 360 or Apple’s iPhone--not the unpolished 16 mm film I first saw from a now-classic turquoise Buick Roadmaster. Golf never entered my mind. Desert heat bakes today’s irrigated golf courses in summer, when fees take a dip lower, but the game can be played all year. Weather reminds me of West Texas–too hot, too cold, too windy—but the golf courses are sculpted spectacularly and desert-rugged. In winter you can tee it up one day in snow showers and enjoy the rest of the week in 70-degree windless sunshine. You can be spoiled with $500 rounds at Cascata, Shadow Creek and Wynn Golf Club or you can pay a lot less for numerous scenic layouts. Here are some selections you might consider:
Impressive might also describe another gallery-like day at Rio Secco when Harmon’s former pupil, Tiger Woods, set the course record of 64 just a week before his wire-to-wire 15-stroke U.S. Open victory in 2000 at Pebble Beach. Tiger opened the day on the tenth, a 378-yard parfour, by holing his second shot from the fairway for an eagle.
Rio Secco Golf Club Rio Secco, home to the Butch Harmon School of Golf (he’s ranked No. 1 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 50 Greatest Teachers), is an enviable start to a golf trip to Vegas, not only because it teams with Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, but it’s the sister course to Cascata. Both are Rees Jones designs.
These days your golf vacation to Las Vegas may never realize such celebrity-sighting stories to pass on--The Rat Pack and Elvis are but distant memories. But you won’t forget a visit to the city that is forever changing.
Play is fast and firm on this 7,332-yard, par-72, with quick and undulating greens and six broad desert holes, six plateau holes, and six diving into a steep canyon. This landscape rolls across 240 acres of craggy scenery, perched 800 feet above the Las Vegas Valley.
Rio Secco
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Another Rio Secco hit is the T-Mates program—young beauties who are part caddie, part model, part host, and all fun. The T-Mates greet every golfer at the front door, provide concierge service, accompany golfers throughout the round, hunt for wayward golf balls, maintain the scorecard and more. TPC at Las Vegas Formerly named TPC at The Canyons, this par-71, 7,063-yard adventure was designed by Raymond Floyd and Bobby Weed. It is brawny and tawny, has striking views of Red Rock Canyon, and was cohost to the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open. This is an Arizona-like desert golf course you will have to think your way around. It traverses canyons, rocky arroyos, and has elevation changes.
The par-71 course measures 7,002 yards from the tips and opens up views of the Luxor pyramid and other hotels on The Strip. Bali Hai’s sixteenth is a par-3 island green that frequently comes with an audience from the Cili Restaurant patio and the third hole which is a 468 yard par-4 with a creek running the entire right-side. Some call this hole “Shipwreck.” Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort The Paiute Tribe thought big when imaging this complex that includes 54 holes of desert golf and lush conditions. The Resort is 25 minutes from the strip, and stars with its boondocks location. Golfers enjoy the only Pete Dye-designed courses in Nevada.
The twelfth hole, a 145-yard par-3 plays to a canyon mesa island green. It is followed by a 423-yard, par-four thirteenth, called “Death Valley.” It has a blind tee shot and arroyo trouble the length of the hole.
Select the Wolf, Sun Mountain, or Snow Mountain courses, as well as some widely varied golf that includes water features, rolling terrain, and rugged mountain vistas.
Bali Hai Golf Club Just a minute from the vintage, famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign on The Strip, Bali Hai Golf Club was built to recreate a tropical, Indonesian land of golf fun.
Snow Mountain is the original course at Paiute, and according to some, it’s still the best. The 7,164-yard course features a progressive layout with wide rye grass fairways, traditional Dye railroad tie-decorated bunkers, and dogleg finishing holes. Water plays on seven of the holes at Snow, from a peninsula green on the 16th hole to an 18th hole that seems to wrap itself around a lake.
Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley in 2000, Bali Hai is a lush seven acres of water and palm trees. It totals 4,000 trees with 2,500 stands of towering palms and 100,000 tropical plants. Transition and out-of-play areas are accented with Augusta white sand and black volcanic rock outcroppings.
The Sun Mountain course is tamer, they say, and considered a “kinder, gentler” Pete Dye course. Golfers will be by the natural rolling terrain, the course’s isolated location within the resort, and the mountain backdrop. Easily the most scenic of the three courses, Sun features blue lakes and Joshua trees.
Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort
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Golf Vacations • December 2012 19
Caesers Palace Las Vegas
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The Wolf course is the most difficult of the three courses, as well as the longest course in Nevada at 7,604 yards. Swales, bunkers, arroyos, and undulating greens test you along with the fairways. The par-3 15th hole is an island green where half the challenge is simply getting on the green. Wynn Golf Club and Country Club When you visit Las Vegas you gotta splurge on one decadent round of golf. Wynn’s rack rate is $500 – but that includes bunches of extras like country club locker room amenities and attendants, no-charge rental club, shoes, and forecaddies -- all included. Wynn Golf Club occupies the land that was once the storied Desert Inn Golf Club. When it operated from 1952 until 2002 every celebrity golfer walked these fairways – entertainers like Bing Crosby, Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore and the Rat Pack. Construction on Wynn Golf Club began on February 11, 2003 and concluded on April 22, 2005. The first day of operation for Wynn Golf Club was opening day of Wynn Las Vegas, April 28, 2005. Wynn, a Tom Fazio design, is compact in acreage – a par-70 course is 7,042 yards in length with Tifway II Hybrid Bermuda grass on the
fairways and tees, and its’ Pennlinks Bentgrass. Taking completely flat terrain, they moved more than 800,000 cubic yards of earth to create the elevation changes and a rolling landscape, that includes 100,000 new shrubs to the 1,200 existing trees that were salvaged and relocated from the former Desert Inn Golf Course, some more than 50 years old and over 60 feet tall. Where to Stay On your golf trip to Las Vegas be sure and stay at Caesar’s Palace. Request the resort’s brand-new Octavius Tower, a 668-room hotel. It has a private entrance, and easy access to the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis and Gardens. The Octavius Tower, with 550-square foot rooms, marks a major milestone in the two-year renaissance of Caesars Palace, which began in March 2011 with the return of Celine Dion and encompasses the recent launch of Rod Stewart at the Colosseum. Other projects also include the return of Elton John, Old Homestead Steakhouse, Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge and Shania Twain’s Colosseum headlining. Wynn Golf Club and Country Club
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Golf Vacations • December 2012 21
RESORTREPORT
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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
by ALICE AND DANNY SCOTT
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UP UP! AND AWAY www.golfvacationsmag.com
p, up and away to Albuquerque, the hot air balloon capital where high desert golf is booming and a rich list of diverse cultural activities take boredom out of the English language. The Sheraton Uptown is minutes away from it all with the best bedding to rest after a long fun day. Take the Historic Old Town Trolley first, for an entertaining open air introduction to all the neighborhoods and sites in order to decide which you want to explore in detail. Starting in the plaza, it tours along the historic Route 66, noting preservation of architecture in theaters and gas station conversions to diners, Bart Prince’s fantastical designed spaceship featured on Extreme Homes, a castle and elephant sightings by the zoo. The mayor, popular with all parties says, “We don’t tolerate diversity, we celebrate it.” The Petro glyph National Park and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center show off Native American lifestyles. Spanish influence delivers Flamenco, interpretive theatrics marrying tap dancing with graceful yet dramatic moves in response to clapping, Moorish influenced music, singing and Olés. Mexican food is unmatched at El Pinto where the ambience is as great as the chili manufactured on the grounds of the restaurant. Seating for one thousand, there is still a wait on weekends. For Italian cuisine, don’t miss Torino’s at Home owned by husband and wife team, Daniela and Maxime Bouneou. She is the vivacious Italian hostess, and he the award winning French chef. This is fine dining at its best. All fresh ingredients in authentic dishes to be savored slowly. Mayor Berry also says, “We have enough stuff, we need more experiences.” Like golf? The elusive and subjective rating system of golf courses around the globe, dominates major publications. Albuquerque will heighten anyone’s passion for playing highly rated courses. Number one Paa Ko Ridge transforms a wooded mountainside landscape with emerald fairways, dense forest canopies, and extreme undulating greens. The optical illusion of slopes mystifies the best of green interpretation, causing one to ponder what just happened. “How could it break that direction?” Take the partially dirt, switchback road (not for the car sick passengers) over the Sandia Mountain to the arroyos of Twin Warriors Golf Club. En route, stop for a ride on the longest tram in the world to a height of over 10,000 feet. Summer hiking, winter skiing or relaxing in the restaurant all dish up dramatic scenery. At Twin Warriors, play beside Indian cultural mesas with a serene view of the western slope of Sandia, the Spanish word for “watermelon,” as the sunsets paint the mountain with hues of red and pink. A Gary Panks signature design with Pinion Pines and Juniper frame the grassy knolls that wind through canyons and hills along the sacred butte known as Tuyuna or “Snakehead.” In fact the whole serpent outline can be seen molten in the rock spanning several holes. The 19th Wind Dance Bar and Grill serves a foot long dog like no other, butter flied and smothered with onions and red or green chilies. Pair it with their special “Markarita” to toast the round. Sandia Golf Club and Casino Resort lies at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountains. This Scott Miller design is one of the longest in the state at over 7700 yards from the tips. Ample fairways offer subtle changes in elevation as it winds itself around the casino property with outstanding views of the high desert. Often awarded by Golfweek and Golf Digest as one of the Best to Play, the always immaculate condition of the course, provide an unbeatable combination with discriminating golfers. Managed by OB Sports, the resort hosted three weddings the day we played. Before a round, early birds should call Rainbow Ryders who know, unlike Dorothy’s wizard, how to safely float you through the skies in a gondola box with a hot air balloon. The International Balloon festival is
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held here annually for good reason. The climate is ideal and the views are surreal over the Rio Grande. Traditional celebratory toasting is done with local champagne after landing. If you love ballooning, check out the colorful balloon museum covering the history of use in sports, war and aerospace science. Aero and Outer Space is a recurring theme in New Mexico. Famous for the Roswell crash site of an alien spacecraft, New Mexico has a special relationship with anything galactic. The leap of faith by the people of Sierra County is building the first public spaceport for the future. Virgin Atlantic has successfully launched two orbital flight aircraft and will soon be the first private firm to transport the public into space to look back at earth. This business arm is called Virgin Galactic. Tours are available from Truth or Consequences; a town that looks like it was preserved from
the fifties and appears to be inhabited by no one yet has another great Italian restaurant Café Bella Luca. For years we have rushed through Albuquerque, stopping for lunch or dinner and hitting the road without knowing the fun to be had. Micro breweries abound as many highly awarded brew masters create their own styles. Ales, porters, IPA’s and lagers are the preferred varietals. New Mexico’s climate and high altitude has also developed numerous wineries. Fertile soils along streams and valleys introduced an artistic taste for wine connoisseurs. New Mexico’s legislature has established a friendly environment for the television and movie industry. Movies like The Avengers, Beerfest, and Transformers along with TV’s Breaking Bad are filmed in Albuquerque. Currently, Johnny Depp is filming the Lone Ranger, starring as Tonto.
There’s just no time for chilling in the land of chilies. Red or green, every day is like Christmas. On future travels, we will spend more time at the Bio Park, extend the stay at Twin Warriors, lavish in the spas, and visit Explora! (a “transactive” hands on museum), tour wineries and of course play more golf on all the Santa Fe Trail courses mentioned in addition to Santa Ana Golf Club, Isleta Eagle Golf Course, Towa Golf Resort, UNM Championship, and one of our very favorites, Black Mesa Golf Club. Gorgeous accessible courses with challenging layouts and unique vistas make you want to return even as you are flying home. With 310 days of sunshine, if only we could wish, “Beam me to Albuquerque” and have it come true. Perhaps Virgin Galactic will figure that out too. This is not “any town USA”, it’s a trip. Go to www.itsatrip.org to plan your unique vacation.
Sandia Golf Club
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Kaa Po Ridge
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SWEETSTUFF T
is quite possibly the smallest, lightest weight scale on the market. Weighing a bag in less than 2-3 seconds makes it the fastest scale available. It can weigh luggage to 110lbs/50kg and the red light illuminates when weight is locked into position. It uses two CR2032 batteries that are included.
he modern traveler has a lot more to think about than those that took to the road just a decade ago. When airlines are involved there are more restrictions and fees than ever, and being a smart traveler can make all the difference. Fortunately, technology has kept up with these changes and there are many choices out there when it comes to mastering some of the tricks of easy and hassle-free traveling. To highlight some of the new travel aids available this holiday season, Golf Vacations Magazine, with the help of Travelon, a mainstay of travel-specific products and luggage for more than 30 years, has compiled a list of Stocking Stuffers for your favorite traveler:
12V Dual USB Charger Probably nothing has become as important as keeping your mobile devices charged while traveling--and now you can charge two your mobile electronics at one time in your car with this 12VUSB charger. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter. This small device has two USB ports and 4.2 amps. It has enough power to charge two iPads® or tablets in a 12 volt outlet. It is also great for keeping his and her cell phones charged while on the road. system of wheeled luggage and works on single pole or double pole telescoping handles. It makes it easy to secures a second bag, coat or other item as you wheel your carry-on through the airport Micro Travel Scale The days of big, bulky luggage scales are over. And let’s face it, to avoid fees; carrying a luggage scale has become pretty much a necessity. At three ounces, the Micro-Scale
Packing Envelopes Sorting your travel items into packing envelopes and pouches is one of the newest and most-popular ways to not only have your essentials ready, but to make going through security much easier. Travelon’s set of seven Packing Envelopes offers an assortment of security-friendly zippered closures to keep contents secure that are made of see-through mesh-reinforced plastic that is water resistant and easy to clean. These are perfect for organizing personal, household, travel and easy-to-lose items. Bag Bungee™ Two items move as one with this bungee strap and holder made of Nylon/Microfiber that allows you to carry more with less effort. The Bag Bungee attaches easily to the handle
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Waterproof Camera Pouch
Smart
Phone/Digital
This Clear View Waterproof Pouch is great for protecting your camera, cell phone, mp3 player or any other small electronic device while playing golf or traveling near water. This waterproof phone case fits virtually all smart phones and pocket digital cameras and features a soft outer surface that allows
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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss
you to control your personal electronic devices—even a touch screen-- without taking them out of the case. Protects smart phone or camera from water, dirt, dust or sand and is air and watertight. It comes with a pillow insert that allows the pouch to float on water’s surface and Includes 17” carry strap.
RFID Blocking Deluxe Boarding Pouch This pouch that conveniently hangs around your neck can be a real must-have convenience accessory when negotiating through airports and terminals. It keeps your hands free and avoids having to rifle through your pockets and coats because it holds all the essentials in front and over the neck with pockets for driver’s license, boarding pass, passport and currency. It has a hidden rear zippered pocket and effectively blocks readers and prevents unauthorized access via RFID card scanners. For more information on these items and other travel aids: www.travelonbags.com
RFID Blocking Leather Front Pocket Wallet port. The Travelon RFID blocking products With the proliferation of credit cards block transmission of this information when that have RFID (radio frequency identificathe cards are in the RFID blocking product, tion) chips that broadcast personal informacompartment or pocket, preventing unaution 24/7, protecting your identity in airports thorized access. and public places has become harder than This leather wallet is designed so it can ever. All US passports issued after October be worn in a front pocket and features RFID 2006, as well as many debit/credit cards and blocking, rounded corners for comfort and driver’s licenses, now have these chips that six card slots. enable a person with a scanner to potentially read the personal data on your card or pass-
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