GOLF VACATIONS MAGAZINE - JUNE 2013 by Golf Vacations Magazine

OUR 11th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: SweetStuff • Healthy Game • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2013

CHARLESTON’S

WILD DUNES

GETAWAY TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Plus: RESORT REPORT I VERMONT’S LAKE MOREY1 www.golfvacationsmag.com

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Dalvay-by-the-Sea on Prince Edward Island, Canada

JUNE 2013

GOLF VACATIONS

ChipShots

12 “Healthy Game” 14

by Terry Ross

Prince Edward Island by Andrew Marshall It’s no ordinary Thursday evening in mid-September for the two Marshall brothers. We are deep in the heart of Atlantic Canada’s Nova Scotia having just driven past a sign that indicates the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole.

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Resort Reports: Lake Morey Resort

by Chuck Miller “The Traveling Guy” If you and your family enjoy golfing, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, tubing, hiking, exercising, or just relaxing and dining on delicious meals, the family owned Lake Morey Resort in Vermont is a place to seriously consider. Nestled in between the Green and White Mountains and just three hours from Boston and five hours from New York City, Lake Morey Resort has it all.

Wild Dunes: Charleston’s Resort

by Andy Reistetter and Merri Daniel Noted golf course architect Tom Fazio has designed more than 120 golf courses. What was his first solo design? The Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort which opened in 1980. With two closing ocean front holes on the way to the clubhouse, the Links Course is a must play for any golfer seeking the ultimate golfing experience.

SweetStuff

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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 Jeffrey Diaz

Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer as well as a Spotter, Research and Broadcast Assistant for The Golf Channel, NBC and CBS Sports. He spends time on all four major American golf tours and resides near the PGA TOUR headquarters and TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Andy is a lifetime golfer and enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS, while pursuing his passion for the game of golf. He can be reached at AndyReistetter@gmail.com

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 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

President Jeffrey Diaz

455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655

and

Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz

Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 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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CAMELBACK INN RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES NEW $10 MILLION AMBIENT GOLF COURSE

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa announced that it will unveil its new Ambientegolf course at Camelback Golf Club in the fall of 2013. Spanish for the word “environment,” Ambiente, which is designed with a detailed eco-friendly focus, will become the first new golf course development project in the Phoenix-Scottsdale and Paradise Valley areas in over five years, and one of a select group of new courses to be built nationwide. The completion of the $10 millionAmbiente golf course will culminate a seven-year, $70 million Marriott renewal project at Camelback Inn,designed to blend reverence for the past with relevance for the future. From preserving the resort’s 1930s adobe brick to the stylish renovation of the Inn’s 453 casita-style guestrooms, and from a new 20,000 square-foot, hi-tech grand ballroom to the debut of BLT Steak, Laurent Tourondel’s modern American steakhouse, the renewal project involved virtually every aspect of the historic resort. Today the new-look 125-acre Camelback Inn, set on its Sonoran Desert surroundings in Paradise Valley, strikes the perfect balance between showcasing the best of the resort’s storied past, while setting a visionary course for the future. Adding to the lore of Camelback, Ambiente is expected to gain golf industry-wide acclaim for its distinct design, the challenging, yet enjoyable experience it presents to golfers of all levels and the overall aesthetic and environmental qualities it brings to the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. In concert with the popular Padre golf course, Ambientewill help to establish a one-of-a-kind 36-hole Southwest golf destination, for both leisure and group golfers, within the enchanting resort atmosphere of the Camelback Inn. “Ambiente is more than just a new golf course, for it represents the final phase in Marriott’s unmatched commitment to reinvigorate Camelback Inn for the future, while preserving its history and the unique Southwestern style

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that has made it a favorite for generations of travelers,”said Jim Rose, General Manager, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. “While Ambiente is sure to distract golfers with its natural beauty and breathtaking views of Mummy Mountain, Camelback, the McDowells and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, our golfing guests will find a friendly test of skill and shotmakingthat will redefine the golf experience at a resort long known for its exceptional service, palette pleasing food, luxurious accommodations and spirit of adventure.” The launch of Ambiente, which replaces the old Indian Bend golf course, will create a uniquely different golf experience than the Padre course, which today is regarded as a great parkland style golf course that, while scenic, boasts numerous water hazards, towering Pine and Eucalyptus trees and 18 golf holes that will test every golfer’s ability. In contrast, Ambiente, which was designed by notable golf architect Jason Straka on behalf of Hurdzan/ Fry Environmental Golf Design,will present a distinct challenge where accuracy and a good strategy command the day, as every hole will force even the best players to focus on each and every shot. Golfers will find the eye-catching elevation changes, as well as rolling fairways with significant drops throughout the course, are among its most striking features. Ambiente will also feature five sets of tee boxes, designed to positively impact today’s golf industry “growth of the game” effort. The new forward tees have no forced carries and offer easier approach angles, which create opportunities for aspiring golfers to enjoy regardless of their playing ability. One of the most golfer-friendly features of Ambiente is the creatively shaped greens. The overall green acreage, which stands at about 122,000 square feet, offers great movement, character and feel. Visually intimidating, the putting surfaces are very fair, but will challenge golfers to bring their best putting stroke every time out.

Environment is a significant part of the Ambiente golf course story, which centers on water conservation, wildlife habitat creation and an overall 50 percent decrease in pesticide/ fertilizer and fossil fuel use, as compared to the former Indian Bend golf course. The design and layout of the course will be highlighted by 100 acres of new native desert and grass areas that will feature a mix of acacias, jojobas and sagebrush among many other desert shrubs and grasses, as well as an eye-catching collection of both summer and winter desert wildflower mixes. These native areas, which will require one-third less water than Indian Bend, will be complemented by 85 acres of hybrid turf grass that also requires significantly less water, while reducing the daily labor and machinery intensive maintenance of traditional Bermuda grass. Overall, the combined native areas will give the course a more Northern desert look compared to the area’s traditional Sonoran Desert layouts, making it a must-play Southwestern layout in Paradise Valley. From an Audubon standpoint, Ambiente is designed to cater to wildlife, which is part of Marriott’s overall role as a steward of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program. By removing over 100 acres of turf grass and replacing it with native desert and grass areas, bird inventory, as well as the local mammal population, will increase substantially. About Camelback Inn Set on 125 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape in affluent Paradise Valley, Camelback Inn embodies the spirit of the Southwest with its peaceful desert setting, private grounds for hiking and meditation and indigenous plant life. The resort features 453 oversized guest rooms and suites, each with a private entrance and garden patio or balcony. The resort also offers 36 holes of championship golf, six tennis courts, the 32,000-square-foot Spa at Camelback Inn, two swimming pools, and seven restaurants and lounges. www.camelbackinn.com

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DADS DEFEAT PROS IN FATHER’S DAY SURVEY BY TPC NETWORK

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – According to a recent survey by the TPC Network, 81 percent of golfers would ditch notable athletes like Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Lebron James and Tom Brady for the chance to play golf with their dad this Father’s Day. An overwhelming 60 percent of those surveyed would give up beer and bacon for one week to play 18 holes with Dad, while respondents held tighter to their Fantasy Leagues and SportsCenter. In honor of the holiday, the network queried more than 250,000 opt-in email newsletter subscribers and 2,500 Facebook and Twitter followers on what they would forgo to play a round with their dad. Key Findings: 81 percent of respondents would ditch Tiger, Lebron, Tom Brady and the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, for the chance to play 18 holes with their Father. 60 percent of those surveyed would give up beer and bacon, two staples in a golfer’s diet, all for the chance to hit the links with Dad. Survey takers would chose Dad’s personality, over his club membership and foot wedge, as the trait they would most like to inherit from their Father. Though respondents loved the fact that Dad’s buying the round, an overwhelming number of

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surveyors said their favorite part about a day on the links was just spending time with Pop. Those polled chose dad’s carefree personality as the trait they would most likely want to inherit at 45 percent, with his competitive nature (18%), club membership (15%), swing (8%) and foot wedge (14%) as other traits they wouldn’t mind Dad passing onto them. Though respondents loved the fact that Dad’s buying the round, an overwhelming number surveyed (70%) said their favorite part of the day was being able to spend time golfing with their old man. TPC Network, world-renowned for their championship golf courses designed by some of golf’s elite architects -- has always tried to make enjoying the game par for the course. For a golf experience to test tournament-ready courses with fathers and sons, TPC Network is offering special rates at select properties just in time to commemorate Father’s Day. • Golfers head out to TPC San Antonio, with golf vacations starting at just $239 per person. • Savvy swingers tee off with savings playing TPC Louisiana for just $79 each, from now until June 2, 2013. From June 3 - Aug. 31, 2013 players golf for just $59 per person, using promotional code ZURICH2013 when booking. • Players hit one of the most memorable greens on the TOUR, with “Its Your

Stadium” package at TPC Sawgrass, starting at $396 per person. • Linksmen test their game against the world’s greatest players with The Old White TPC at The Greenbrier’s “Sunday Pins” package. “Sunday Pins” includes a Sunday ticket, two rounds of golf, two nights luxury accommodations and more. • Gift cards, the perfect way to give dad what he really wants, with tee-times, merchandise and more. Available online at tpc. com/gift-cards. To truly challenge the game or just enjoy it with Dad, visit www.tpc.com for more information and tee times.

THE RENAISSANCE WORLD GOLF VILLAGE OFFERING “FREE GOLF PACKAGE” JACKSONVILLE/ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Be sure to check out the “Free Golf Package” that the AAA Four-Diamond Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida is offering. The package at this Northeast Florida resort includes a free round of golf on the resort’s popular Slammer & Squire championship 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), as well as

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overnight accommodations in a deluxe guest room. The resort, which is adjacent to the impressive World Golf Hall of Fame – the ultimate destination for the celebration of golf’s greatest players with fun interactive exhibits and historic golf artifacts – was named one of the “Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “2012 Readers’ Poll.” The “Free Golf Package” starts at $169 per room, per night, plus tax for one golfer, or from $189 per room, per night, plus tax for two golfers in the room. For guests who opt to play on the King & Bear course, there is a $10 per golfer upcharge. The package is available through September 15, 2013, based on availability, with a limited number of rooms available for this promotion. Advanced reservations are required, and the offer cannot be combined with any other offer and does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Blackout dates may apply, and other restrictions may apply. For reservations for the “Free Golf Package,” or for additional information, call 888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visit www.renwgv.com.

TITLEIST, FOLDS OF HONOR ANNOUNCE “PLAY WITH A PATRIOT SWEEPSTAKES” This summer, Titleist and the Folds of Honor Foundation are giving golfers the chance to experience the power of patriotism along with the explosive distance of the Titleist Velocity golf ball in the “Play with a Patriot Sweepstakes.” The grand-prize winner and two guests will be treated to an all-expense-paid trip on Labor Day weekend to play a round of

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golf at The Patriot Golf Club in Owasso, Okla., with Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, decorated military aviator and Iraq war veteran. In 2007, following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq, Rooney founded the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. As part of the trip, Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot in the Air National Guard, will give the grand-prize winner and guests an insider’s tour of a fighter jet. Each of them will also receive a custom A2 leather flight jacket. Accommodations will be provided at The Lincoln Cottages, situated along the ninth fairway of The Patriot. Ten second-prize winners will each receive a Titleist Vokey Design/Folds of Honor Limited Edition wedge. All winners as part of their prize package will receive limited edition Titleist Velocity golf balls, which utilize high-speed LSX core technology to deliver the fastest solid core of any Titleist golf ball for powerful distance. Golfers can enter the “Play with a Patriot Sweepstakes” now through July 7 at Titleist. com/Velocity. “Major Dan Rooney’s passion and endless commitment to making a difference has inspired the golf community and beyond. Playing 18 holes with Major Dan on Labor Day weekend, as golfers around the country participate in Patriot Golf Day events, will be a very special, unforgettable experience for the winners,” said Mary Lou Bohn, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing and Communications. “It has been and continues to be an honor for Titleist to support Major Dan and the Folds of Honor Foundation in their mission to give back to those military veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for this nation.” The seventh annual Patriot Golf Day, the Folds of Honor’s Flagship fundraiser, takes place this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, when golfers across the country will be asked to add an extra $1 to their green fees to help fund Folds of Honor scholarships. Over the last six years, golfers nationwide have been instrumental in raising more than $17 million through Patriot Golf Day events. As a result, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 4,000 scholarships. To learn more about the Folds of Honor Foundation, visit www.foldsofhonor.org. ON THE WEB: To enter, and for complete contest rules, visit www.titleist. com/velocity

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HEALTHYGAME

TERRYROSS

rying to maintain health while away from home on a golf vacation is always more challenging than in the comforts of home and in a regular routine, but with a little planning and effort it can be done effectively—especially if you arm yourself with a few packable and portable tools to use while away. After a day of golf or sightseeing, soothing tired muscles and getting rid of tightness can make all the difference in the enjoyment of a trip. A trip to the hotel massage therapist or hot tub is a possible choice, but a quick and possibly more effective method is to carry a portable roller for massaging out the kinks and tight muscles that build up during a day of activity.

he RumbleRoller™ compact model is very travel-friendly in a 12inch by 5-inch size model that fits easily in a carry on-or gym bag. The surface contains specially designed bumps that are firm but flexible, much like the thumbs of a massage therapist. The bumps continuously knead the contours of your body, gently stretching soft tissue in multiple directions to help restore flexibility and bring relief to common types of muscular pain.

TP Performance, which has a unique design that allows for targeted massage and allows you to find the distrodensity zone that best suits you. It can also be used for a core body workout. It is made with less foam than your typical roller and can withstand constant and repeated use without breakdown since it has a padded cover over a hard tube, making it very durable. Also very packable and light at 13-inches long and 5 inches high, The Grid features three distrodensity massage zones to replicate distinct types of manual massage. The long tubular zone has the feel of fingers, while the higher firm area is more like the finger tips. The low and flat portion is made to feel like the palms of the hand when rolling over the back, hips legs or feet for easy Myofascial Release Therapy.

The compact version is much like the larger 31-inch X 6-inch full size model in that contains specially designed bumps that are firm, but flexible. As you roll over the top of the RumbleRoller, the bumps continuously knead the contours of the body, gently stretching soft tissue (muscle and fascia) in multiple directions. This action erodes trigger points; helps restore flexibility, and can bring relief to common types of muscular pain. By design, the bumps are firmer than muscle tissue, but much softer than bone, so they deflect out of the way if they contact your spine or other bony protrusions. The smaller travel size of the RumbleRoller does a remarkably good job of manipulating muscle tissue and breaking up adhesions, especially for those that need some deep muscle therapy or massage. For more information: www. rumbleroller.com

nother popular roller with much more durability than the traditional roller made of foam is the Grid from

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HEALTHYGAME

or an even more advanced level of self therapy while on the road with some additional tools and instruction, TP Performance has produced several packable, light packages of massage tools that come in a mesh travel bag, including the Performance Golf Kit and the Ultimate 6 Kit. The Ultimate 6 Kit includes all of TP’s core products that are different deep tissue massage tools that are meant to mirror the feeling of a professional massage. The kit includes 2 TP Massage Balls, the TP FootBaller and Baller Block, the TP2 Ball Sleeve, the TP QuadBaller and the Ultimate 6 for Runner’s Guidebook, which is a very thorough guide to massaging some of the major muscle groups and correcting muscular imbalances that can affect the hips, legs and back. The Golf Kit includes the same tools but with a guidebook geared toward golfers. What makes these tools so effective is that they create enough stimulation to release muscle tension without using an overly aggressive approach that can actually end up harming you more. The book is an information guide featuring therapeutic techniques that target the 6 key areas of the body. By using both the book and products, you can help your body perform at its highest ability and preventing injury along the way. This progressive approach to self-massage can be applied to anyone with any type of fitness background or activity level; and with this combination of premium massage tools and the correct application you can counteract most common muscular aches and pains.

ce has long been used to treat sore muscles, and the Cold Roller by TP Performance targets muscles with cold compression. The company calls it the benefit of an ice bath without the pain and discomfort. The product combines Myofacial Release with cold compression to reduce recovery time and in turn, maximize performance. The Cold Roller mirrors the positive effects of an ice bath while adding the recovery benefits of Myofacial Release. With the product, you are able to target the points that need recovery the most instead of immersing your whole body into an ice bath by using the roller on leg, hips or your sides to rub our soreness with cold. Travel friendly in size, this tool requires some time in the freezer

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before use but proves to be an effective tool in soothing aching muscles. For more information on these products from TP Performance: www.tptherapy.com.

or longer trips and to continue working out while away from home, The SportCord is a very light, versatile solution to being able to work out in a hotel room with a variety of exercises using these very well made bands. The SportCord was developed in the early 1980’s by physical therapist Topper Hagerman and athletic trainer John Atkins as a means to keep the US Olympic Ski Team in shape while traveling. It proved to be an effective tool for maintaining strength and rehabilitating athletic injuries, and is now used by athletes and physical trainers worldwide. Over the years, many other companies have copied this concept with various types of elastic tubing and bands, but SportCord was one of the first stretch cord exercisers. SportCord uses bungee-type resistance cords that provide consistent levels of resistance that help eliminate the risk of breakage. The cord itself is constructed from multiple strands of rubber and covered by a tightly-woven, high-strength nylon jacket. This attachment system provides a strong, secure connection, and also makes it easy to change from one accessory to another. With a resistance cord and four basic accessories, you can quickly set up dozens of different exercises. These detachable resistance cords that can be attached to a door as an anchor come in four color-coded resistances for various levels of users. These cords come with a handy carrying bag and illustrated instructions for strengthening all areas of the body. In addition, the company web site has some great instructional videos for getting in shape and staying in shape on your next golf trip. For more information: www. sportcord.com

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Confederation Bridge

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND “Tee Shots & Lobster Pots”

t’s no ordinary Thursday evening in mid-September for the two Marshall brothers. We are deep in the heart of Atlantic Canada’s Nova Scotia having just driven past a sign that indicates the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. With the automatic set to cruise control and some cool sounds on the radio, we cut a swathe through dense pine forest that stretches as far as the eye can see. After crossing the spectacular 13km Confederations Bridge we arrive on Prince Edward Island (known locally as PEI), our final destination for a weeklong gourmet golf experience - playing six of the island’s best courses, staying in top-drawer accommodation and sampling some of the planet’s finest seafood. Only 280km from tip-to-tip, Canada’s tiniest province certainly packs a punch in the world of golf. Ten of PEI’s 26 golf courses are ranked in the Top 100 courses in Canada and all are located within a 45 minutes drive of each other. Characteristics such as stunning scenery, masterful course design, moderate climate, super friendly locals and abundant off-the-course activities have seen PEI named the ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year 2011’ by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Travel Operators). After the golf, seafood aficionados will think they have gone to heaven with the plethora of dining options and delicious local specialties such as oysters, lobster, mussels, clams and scallops. Our home for the first two nights is the Rodd Brudenell River Resort situated on the east coast, only a short drive from the historic coastal town of Georgetown and featuring 45 holes of quality golf (Dundarave, Brudenell River & the Divine Nine). The following morn-

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by ANDREW MARSHALL

ing after tucking into a hearty ‘Duffers Breakfast’ of two eggs, bacon, sausage with home fries and coffee, we find ourselves on the first tee of the Dundarave course - a red sandstone 18-hole championship layout designed by award-winning architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, opened in 1999. The course is a tricky opener and offers an attractive blend of traditional and contemporary architectural designs with some of the most memorable bunkering patterns in all of golf. Over the years, Dundarave has challenged the skills of some of the best players in the game and hosted some fine professional matches including the 2006 Legends of Golf featuring Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Offering a better opportunity of lower scoring is the more forgiving Brudenell River, which we tackle after lunch. This picturesque garden and river course offers six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, and features expansive fairways lined with lush pines and numerous gardens, ponds and water features that surround well-manicured greens. The 135-yard par-3 10th, Shimmering Water played over a lake sums up best what the course is all about. In the evening, we have dinner at Clam Diggers Beach House & Restaurant in Georgetown, which is typical of many of the island’s restaurants where seafood produce is supplied by local fishermen - scallops arrive in cheesecloth sacks and lobsters caught within a mile or two are dropped off from boat to kitchen. Seated on the Oceanside decking sipping chilled beers, we watch an intense orange sun slowly morph into a gorgeous sunset that competes for our attention with the delicious Clam Digger Mussels and Ocean Fresh Chowder placed before us.

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Glasgow Hills Resort & Golf Club

The par-four 8th at Dundarave

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Links & Lobster Overlooking the island’s north shore dunes is The Links at Crowbush Cove, the third course on our trip. Undulating fairways, water holes with a wisp of wind, pot bunkers, knee-deep fescue grass and challenging greens all come together to create the top pick of PEI’s golf scene and a worthy centerpiece to any golf vacation. After four run-of-the -mill holes through a parkland setting, Crowbush really kicks into gear, offering a string of classics routed within a coastal landscape of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Two in particular are standouts. The 219-yard par-3 8th, is set among the sand dunes and requires a testing strike over a tidal estuary and the par-5 11th called Sully’s Run played from an elevated tee, offers fabulous 360 degree views especially from the back tees marked by the course’s trademark ‘black crows.’ After playing Crowbush we drive to the capital Charlottetown and The Great George, a gorgeous historic boutique hotel dating back to the 1800s. Located conveniently in the heart of downtown, the Great George consists of 60 tastefully restored guestrooms plus a unique cluster of 15-award winning Heritage buildings along Charlottetown’s most famous street. With the automatic parked in the driveway, we excitedly clamber up the wooden steps to the porch of our own private house and turn the key in the lock – our home –away-from-home for three nights. Later in the afternoon we stroll down to the waterfront to join fourth generation fisherman brothers Mark & Cody Jenkins who have been operating their Top Notch Charter’s Lobster Fishing Excursions

for the past four years. “I’ve been involved in fishing all my life,” says Mark. ”Lobster is a big industry here and tonight you are going to get a crash course on how to catch them. During the two-and-a-half hour trip we will haul two lobster traps, a crab trap and finish off with a traditional PEI lobster supper.” As the working lobster boat motors away from shore, Cody serves chilled drinks from the cooler, while Mark enthusiastically tells us fascinating facts about the lobster. “The largest lobster ever caught was in Nova Scotia – it was nearly 4 feet long, 44lbs and 130 years old,” he says. “A little bit more on the lobster life cycle and then we will haul some traps.” Later on, over the crunching sounds of guests tucking into a delicious supper of lobster, potato salad and crusty rolls, Mark reveals more about his life on the island. “In addition to offering our lobster trips, Cody and I spend around 10-12 hours a day during the season on our lobster run checking traps. In the winter time we are true Canadians and play hockey and drink lots of beer,” he says with a grin. “We also make our own lobster traps. We cut the trees, mill the timber and build around 200 traps. They are made of juniper wood, as it doesn’t rot. In fact, there’s still a trap in circulation that my father built some 20 years ago.” Early the next morning, we drive to Stanley Bridge for 18-holes at Andersons Creek Golf Club. Designed by acclaimed golf course architect Graham Cooke, the island’s newest must-play is laid out over undulating land with water hazards featuring on half the holes, and the

Brudenell’s par-five 11th hole

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The Links at Crowbush Cove

course’s distinctive feature is the creek itself, which has to be crossed four times throughout a round. “Numbers 3, 4, 13 & 15 are the signature holes that a lot of golfers identify with,” says the starter Wayne Denman, as we prepare to get our fourth round underway. Wayne has been a starter at the club for the past 8 years and provides us with some detailed advice on the best strategy for tackling the course. “George is your Marshall today and Erin is your cart girl. And don’t forget the complimentary mussels in the bar after your round.” A plateful of mussels and a pitcher of beer – the very thought gets our taste buds watering and what could be better and more appropriate for a golf trip on PEI? More seafood is on the menu later that day back in Charlottetown. No trip to PEI is complete without indulging in some oysters, and only a crisply struck 5-iron from our residence on Great George Street is the intimate Claddagh Oyster Bar, one of the best places to sample them. Sitting at the bar, we order a dozen on the half shell with evocative names such as Lucky Limes, Raspberry Points and Shiny Seas and settle down to watch the scene unfold. Behind the bar, waiter and oyster shucker Brett Wilson is hard at work. Brett feels an oyster to find its most vulnerable point of entry, and then skillfully sweeps the blade of his knife through the muscle connected to the shell. Within moments an exquisite display of a dozen of the plump mollusks are placed in front of us ready to be savoured unadorned or perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of hot sauce. “A stout or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect partner for oysters,” says Brett.” Enjoy.”

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It’s Monday morning at 9.00 am and we are joining guide Betty MacPhee and two other couples for Taste The Town - a three-hour culinary walking tour of historic Charlottetown (the birthplace of Canada), visiting several venues to sample some of the island’s unique foods, including the town’s premier shellfish market on the waterfront, the Gahan House Pub & Brewery and the Spirit Shop to try some local vodka made from the island’s beloved potatoes. Talking of potatoes, a potato farm once stood where Glasgow Hills Resort & Golf Club, the venue for our penultimate round now stands today. Located in the beautiful village of New Glasgow (renowned for its lobster suppers), only a 20-minute drive from Charlottetown, Glasgow Hill’s mountain-style layout with panoramic views of the River Clyde makes it unique amongst PEI’s courses and it’s well worth a visit. Back in Charlottetown after our round, we dine at Sim’s Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, a new addition to the capital’s restaurant scene that serves outstanding seafood and cooks up the island’s premier steaks. World of Oysters The next day we drive to Fernwood on PEI’s south coast for Future Seafood’s Tong & Shuck oyster harvesting tour. “At first we didn’t think anybody would ever pay money to see people oyster fishing. But you know what? People love the tour,” says co-owner Brian Lewis, as we hop aboard a traditional oyster dory from an idyllic beach setting in Bedeque Bay. “We didn’t dress the tour up for anybody, this is the real thing. On our tour, everyone gets to try their hand at harvesting oysters, have a lesson in oyster shucking and eat the freshest oysters they will ever taste. We then go back to the plant to show grading and packaging and follow the procedure right through to where the oysters are loaded on to the back of a truck to be shipped to places like Boston.”

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Brudenall River Resort

Out on the water’s mirror–like surface Brian expertly demonstrates the art of oyster tonging, before we have a go ourselves. Using his two oyster tongs in a scissor-like action on the estuary bed, he digs up a catch and places it on a small platform attached to the boat. Amongst the weed and mud are the jewels of PEI’s seafood crown. A typical oyster will take three years to mature, and any that don’t make the size limit go back in the water for another day. Brian then quickly shucks an oyster and savours its briny flavour. “What a finish on that one, it’s like tasting the ocean,” he says, tossing the empty shell back into the oyster bed. “One of the perks of my job is that I get to eat oysters as often as I want. They are packed full of zinc, which is important for sperm production. It’ s a wonder I don’t have more children.” After our thoroughly enjoyable insight into the world of oysters, we cross to the island’s north coast, where standing proudly near the east end of the Prince Edward Island National Park, and overlooking the beach named after it, is the historic mansion of Dalvay-by-the-Sea built in 1895. Easily the most stunning accommodation on the north shore, Dalvay-by-the-Sea was thrown into world consciousness, when Wills and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited as part of their Royal Tour to Canada in July 2011, where amongst other activities, they tasted some of the chef’s seafood delicacies. On the morning of day six, we drive from Dalvay-by-the-Sea to the Top Notch Charter’s Lobster Fishing Excursions

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far west of PEI for our final round at Mill River Golf Course. Mill River’s claim to fame is that it’s the only Canadian course to host the Big Break in 2009, a Golf Channel reality show where male and female contestants from across North America competed in a variety of challenges that tested physical skills and mental toughness. “This mature forest course is a test for anyone, and you would have to go a long way to find as many dog-legs as here, ” says head professional Mark Roberts. “It’s a strategist’s course where you have to really plot your way around. If you try and cut corners you will be in trouble. Keep an eye out for our signature hole, the par-4 7th that is featured in 1001 Golf Holes: You Must Play Before You Die. You have to pick a side and commit to it.” From Mill River, a short scenic coastal drive takes us to some unique accommodation for our last night. Built in 1875, the historic West Point Lighthouse is the island’s tallest, and sections of the former lighthouse keepers’ quarters have been elegantly converted into a thirteen-room inn, the only one of its kind in Canada. After visiting the museum’s extensive collection of lighthouse artifacts and climbing the tower for a breathtaking view, we sit down on our own private deck and uncork a bottle of chilled wine. With the waves crashing in the Northumberland Strait and the striking black-and-white lighthouse to our left, we raise our glasses to a fantastic week on Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Dalvay-by-the-Sea

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Prince Edward Island Off-Course Activities & Attractions

WHERE TO PLAY Dundarave Golf Course – www.golflinkspei.com Brudenell River Golf Course – www.golflinkspei.com Links at Crowbush Cove – www.golflinkspei.com Andersons Creek Golf Course – www.andersonscreek.com Glasgow Hills Resort & Golf Club – www.glasgowhills.com Mill River Golf Course – www.golflinkspei.com

Biking at Dalvay-By-The-Sea

Explore the traditional and atmospheric fishing village of North Rustico on PEI’s north coast. Cycle the coastal tracks or paddle the waters in a kayak. Bike and kayak rentals are available from Outside Expeditions in North Rustico. www.getoutside.com

PLACES TO EAT Clam Diggers (Georgetown) www.clamdiggers.ca Claddagh Oyster House (Charlottetown) www.claddaghoysterhouse.com Lobster on the Wharf (Charlottetown) www.lobsteronthewharf.com Sims Steakhouse & Oyster Bar (Charlottetown) www.simscorner.ca St Ann’s Church Lobster Suppers www.lobstersuppers.com

Gorge yourself on Prince Edward Island’s famed shellfish by enjoying a traditional PEI lobster supper in New Glasgow or St Anne’s. Wander the quiet colonial and Victorian streets lined with gracious trees and elegant 19th-century mansions of Old Charlottetown (PEI’s capital and the birthplace of Canada.) Enjoy typical Maritime scenery of weathered fishing boats, neatlystacked lobster traps and fisherman’s houses in Malpeque famed for its large fleshy oysters. Visit Green Gables National Historic Site in Cavendish, the original site that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write Anne of Green Gables. Time your visit to PEI to coincide with one of the island’s most colourful festivals – the PEI International Shellfish Festival (A Falls Flavours Signature Event), featuring gourmet chefs, celebrity cooks and world-class oyster shuckers. GETTING AROUND Discount Car and Truck Rentals 60 Sky Boulevard at The Quality Inn, Halifax Airport, Nova Scotia airport@carrental.ca www.discountcars.ca WHERE TO STAY Rodd Brudenell River Resort – www.roddbrudenell.com The Great George – www.thegreatgeorge.com Dalvay-by-the-Sea – www.dalvaybythesea.com West Point Lighthouse – www.westpointlighthouse.com

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Claddagh Oyster Bar

CULINARY TOURS Taste the Town (A Culinary Walking Tour of Historic Charlottetown) www.experiencepei.ca Top Notch Charters (Lobster Fishing Excursions) www.markcharters.com Future Seafoods (Oyster Harvesting Tour) www.futureseafoods.com FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL WEBSITES Golf Prince Edward Island – www.golfpei.ca Tourism Prince Edward Island – www.gentleisland.com Atlantic Canada – www.AtlanticCanadaHoliday.co.uk Canadian Tourism Commission – www.canada.travel

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RESORTREPORT

Vermont’s Lake More

Has All the “INGs” for a gr 20 Golf Vacations • June 2013

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LAKE MOREY RESORT • FAIRLEE, VT

by Chuck Miller “The Traveling Guy”

f you and your family enjoy golfing, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, tubing, hiking, exercising, or just relaxing and dining on delicious meals, the family owned Lake Morey Resort in Vermont is a place to seriously consider. Nestled in between the Green and White Mountains and just three hours from Boston and five hours from New York City, Lake Morey Resort has it all. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at the resort for six nights while on my 50-week 50-state golfing tour of the US last year. Lake Morey, and the scenic forest that came down to the water’s edge, reminded me of lakes I had seen years before when in Switzerland. It is a beautifully serene 600-acre lake that is enjoyed both in the summer and in the winter. Summer affords all types of water activities while winter offers ice skating, ice fishing, snowboarding, a four and one-half mile groomed speed skating oval, and the Annual Vermont Pond Ice Hockey Championship. This year, 72 teams competed for the Golden Sap Bucket during the championship. Established in 1905, the Lake Morey Resort has been owned and operated by the Avery family since 1972. General Manager Mark Avery and his brother Jeffrey, who is the Golf Course Superintendent, are the third generation in the Avery family to own and manage the resort. Their stated goal is “to provide our guests with a pleasant, memorable visit achieved through superior guest service and genuine Vermont hospitality”. Based upon my experience at the resort and the comments of other guests I spoke with, they are very successful at meeting their goal. The Lake Morey golf course, which has been the home course for the Vermont Open for over 50 years, is directly across the street from the 132 nicely furnished guest rooms and suites at the resort. This makes golfing very convenient. Players of all ages and skill levels can walk the length of a long par 4 to begin competing and having fun on the well maintained course. At 6024 yards from the Whites, the Par 71 course is an enjoyable play but definitely not a pushover. Although I took a cart, it can be walked as the front nine is flat and the back nine has only a few hills. During my three rounds of golf played on the course’s tree lined fairways, two of my favorites holes were back to back par 5’s…the uphill 542-yard 12th and downhill 557-yard 13th. I loved savoring the stunning view of the surrounding hills and forest from the 13th tee. When the leaves turn in the fall the view must be incredible.

ey Resort

reat vacation www.golfvacationsmag.com

My third favorite hole on the course was the short 119-yard Par 3 8th hole. It is played over a deep creek bed to a small well guarded sloping green. Just like the famous 17th hole at PGA Sawgrass, it is much tougher than its yardage indicates. Each year over 140 golf groups play golf and enjoy the resorts facilities. The week before I was there, 120 policemen and fireman from Boston and Cape Cod were there to participate in their twice annual golf tournament at the resort. In addition to golf and lake activities, the resort is also the site of multiple business conferences, weddings and family reunions. In my mind, no summer vacation at the Lake Morey Resort would be complete without boating on the lake with Capt. Ken, a local resident for over 50 years who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the lake’s history and that of its residents. I highly recommend taking the hour long

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leisurely ride in the resort’s pontoon boat with Capt. Ken. It’s informative, relaxing and he is highly entertaining. I enjoyed every minute of the scenic tour around the lake.

excellent food served by friendly waiters and waitresses. To give you an idea of the evening meals, here’s the menu I was able to choose from the Sunday I was there:

If you come for a round of golf, for a few days of vacation, or for a memorable week or month, you’ll find the resort an outstanding place for both a relaxed yet active vacation. In addition to a room only plan, you can choose the American Plan which includes a full breakfast buffet, an excellent dinner and unlimited golf in addition to a well appointed room or suite. If you have young children, they will love the resort’s many activities designed specifically for them.

Appetizers – Carrot Soup, Salmon cake with roasted red pepper coulis, sun dried tomato hummus

Whether you stop in for drink in the Steamboat Lounge following a round of golf, or dine in the dining room which is only 15 feet from the water’s edge, you’ll enjoy

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Salad – Mixed greens with choice of dressing or Classic Caesar Salad Entrees – Grilled Herb Crusted Ribeye Steak Pan Seared Pork Loin Marsala Sauteed Cajun Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic and Butter Pan Seared Turkey Breast with Hunters Sauce Butternut Squash Ravioli with Cider Cream

And….there are tasty nightly desserts. For golfers and non-golfers, shopping is only minutes away in Hanover, New Hampshire the lovely New England town that is home to Dartmouth College. Also only minutes away in Quechee, Vermont you can shop at the renowned Simon Pearce glass blowing and pottery store as well as enjoy quality local food at their restaurant. Also nearby there are many shops to visit and shop in at the Quechee Gorge Village again only minutes from both the resort. For more information about the 108 year old Lake Morey Resort and all its amenities and activities, visit their website www. LakeMoreyResort.com or call the resort office at 800-423-1211. It is a wonderful year round resort. It has all the INGs.

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Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ June 2013 23

WILD D

Charlesto

24 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ June 2013

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DUNES

on’s Resort By Merri Daniel and Andy Reistetter

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “PlayWrite” series with a seaside round of golf on the Links Course at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Joined by Merri Daniel, golf’s new and emerging voice for women, the twosome walked the fairways together and toured the resort for this article. Join Merri and Andy as they golf and share Fazio’s original Masterpiece. Noted golf course architect Tom Fazio has designed more than 120 golf courses. What was his first solo design? The Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort which opened in 1980. His portfolio is impressive and includes a couple of courses at Pinehurst, Steve Wynn’s exclusive Shadow Creek in Las Vegas and Oklahoma State University’s Karsten Creek. Wild Dunes is likely Fazio’s most treasured golf course because it is his first. With two closing ocean front holes on the way to the clubhouse, the Links Course is a must play for any golfer seeking the ultimate golfing experience.

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Are the dunes really wild? They are massive, humpback and yes wild in the sense that they are uncultivated, natural and seemingly uninhabited beyond the resort boundaries. In terms of being unrestrained, furious and violent it is the ocean beyond the dunes that can be called wild at times. Hurricane Hugo in 1989 destroyed the course and virtually everything in Isle of Palms. The net effect after a year’s worth of reconstruction was less trees, more wind and improved links golf. Most recently the tides of the ocean changed and consumed the shoreline of the 17th and 18th holes. In 2008 nearly a million cubic yards of sand were pumped ashore to recreate the shoreline. Fazio was called back in and perfected the design resulting in two of the best ocean front golf holes in the world. In a sense, like Pebble Beach in the West with the Pacific, Wild Dunes in the East has tamed the Atlantic Ocean at least for the moment for the benefit of golfers to experience true links golf. As spectacular as the finishing two holes are the golf course begins its crescendo from the very first tee. The holes of the first nine follow

Golf Vacations • June 2013 25

a clockwise rotation on undulating terrain through palms and live oaks. After a gradual start much like the links across the pond the short 4th hole reveals a bit of teeth. With a right hole location not only are the deep front bunkers in play on this par-3 but also the short right water hazard. Though a par-5, the 5th hole is difficult and memorable for its 3rd shot which is semi-blind over a raised bunker and past a stately live oak tree. There is no relief as the first nine ends as the 9th hole; a lengthy uphill par-4 with a tucked smallish green is the lowest handicap hole on the golf course.

pacted by the ocean. No. 14 is a par-5 that plays away from the clubhouse veranda and challenges the golfer to patiently position oneself around the dogleg in the hopes of a birdie. No. 16, a par3, looks to the north, takes you the final leg and sets up the ocean finish. The wind is always a factor on this exposed hole which plays 175 yards from the tips.

The first four holes of the second nine follow a mini clockwise rotation loop returning the golfer to the clubhouse. The routing then unravels itself in a clockwise manner taking the golfer to the ocean for the climatic finish.

After being enchanted by the first 16 holes as the golfer puts her or his peg in the ground on the penultimate you know you will be playing two of the finest links golf holes in the world. The 17th changes direction heading to the southeast from where most of the storms come to North Carolina. Will your round end scenically with grace? Or will a raging storm appear on your scorecard and wipe out a well established round just like Hugo appeared in 1989?

No. 10 is a welcome relief in the form of a short par-4. Being uphill the length is elongated. With a semi-blind approach pitch one is completely feeling the links style in advance of being im-

The 17th is a modest 412 yards from the tips and sports a rather ample landing area near the 150 yard marker. Safely drive and it is a reasonable iron play to a good sized green with a hump in the front

26 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ June 2013

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left portion. Don’t get distracted by the view and a birdie or par is the number to be recorded on your scorecard. No. 18 is like No. 17 very playable if you do not allow yourself to be totally distracted by the seascape. From the tips, the par-5 “home hole” is 501 yards with a drive that determines if getting home in two is realistic. The dogleg right occurs in the landing area as the hole heads almost directly south to the finish. From the whites a carry of 228 yards is needed though a drive exceeding 287 yards finds you in the dunes or on the beach. A heroic tee ball may leave you with only 200 yards to finish strong with a birdie or even an eagle. There are bumps and hollows along the way with some flatness around the 100 yard marker if you choose to lay up. Reaching the green means carrying two bunkers short left and center. A hump in the right half of the green tends to throw balls off the right side of the green. With the right short game one will be reliving a birdie on a great finishing hole for quite some time.

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Merri’s Marvelous Moments 1. Wild Dunes Links Course is playable and walkable. “Walking a golf course is the best way to get to know a golf course and great exercise. I love walking with a pull cart or caddies.” 2. There’s gold on those gold tees. “I hit a driver and wedged to 12 feet and made the putt for birdie on the second hole. To play well and have the anticipation of the ocean ahead is ultimate fun and relaxation.” 3. Save the best for last. “The 18th green is so dramatic with the ocean beyond that it is hard to concentrate on golf. The beauty is overwhelming!” 4. The Wild Dunes Resort is a family affair for generations to come. “Don’t forget the picture with The Big Chair on the Grand Pavilion. It is huge, which makes us small so it is a great picture for everyone!” 5. Be sure to come back to Wild Dunes Resort. “Our schedule did not allow for a stay this time but the tour of the property mandates a return! It is really a city within a resort and I absolutely love the golf and the beach amenities at Wild Dunes.”

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SWEETSTUFF

to get through the turf. So while some of our bounce angles haven’t changed in terms of number of degrees, subtle improvements in the overall sole shape have made more effective bounce angles that the Miuras are very proud of.” The engineering changes also extend to the amount of offset, which is a bit higher in the 51-degree version, but decreases as loft goes up where more offset isn’t needed. In the 57 and 59-degree models, there’s even a small amount of onset. The Miuras performance-tested these wedges and found that this offset progres-

ome of the world’s finest handcrafted forged irons come from Miura Golf, the Japanese manufacturer of custom quality forged golf clubs, and the new Wedge Series from Miura certainly hit the mark when it comes to the scoring irons and building a club that feels and performs. Their new series, now in odd-numbered lofts from 51 degrees through 59, features redesigned bounce angles that work well with the way players like to select their scoring irons today with an emphasis on turf interaction and various conditions that call for a variety of clubs. Leading edge and bounce angle combine for a quality impact that leads to a crisp, consistent divot. Distance control and feel are available to the player like never before with these new clubs. Besides a light, confident feel, these new Miura clubs feature a fine chrome finish, topped by a new, understated Japanese character--or kanji--that translates best as “striving,” or “noble effort.” “Shinei Miura and his brother Yoshitaka, with help from their father, Mr. Miura, have come up with a truly artistic set of refinements for our wedges,” said Adam Barr, president of Miura Golf. “Significant changes don’t have to be big. After watching and listening to hundreds of players, the Miura family learned a great deal about how golfers like their wedges

28 Golf Vacations • June 2013

sion helps many players to make a clean, pure strike at the ball, which is something that stands out with these clubs. As with all Miura irons, the New Wedge Series is manufactured to very tight tolerances. Miura clubs in any model never vary more than half a gram--that is, 1/56th of an ounce. That’s much more accurate than the industry standard. The new wedges cover a head weight range from 297 grams in the 51-degree model to 307 grams in the 59. At each loft, the weight combines with the proper length of shaft (as determined by an authorized Miura dealer/fitter) to give players the feel and “heft” they need to create excellent shots around the green, in bunkers, and on tricky approaches. Miura Golf’s corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America More information on Miura products can be found by visiting www.miuragolf.com.

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SWEETSTUFF I by TerryRoss

t is well-known that the shaft is the engine for any golf club, and one of the more popular shafts on the market today for woods and hybrids are those made by Graphite Design and distributed by Pro’s Choice. So far, in the first five months of this year, Graphite Design shafts have been played by the winners of eight PGA Tour and two Champions Tour events, including one major; and the winners of seven LPGA Tour events, including one major. Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts was established in December, 2012 as the exclusive distributor of Graphite Design shafts. “The success on tour has helped Pro’s Choice continue the sales momentum of Tour AD shafts that Graphite Design International (GDI) built after 15 years in the U.S.,” said Wayne Ageno, president of Pro’s Choice Golf shafts. “All of GDI’s important customers have shown great brand loyalty and we are pleased they have continued this loyalty with Pro’s Choice.” The G Series is very popular with recreational players because of its soft feel and accuracy. The G Series shaft with X Directional Technology (XDT) is very adaptable to today’s new head technology and available in six weight categories. The G-Series wood shafts offer a wide

range of shaft weights and launch angle characteristics to golfers of all skill levels. The G Series lighter weight 40g and 50g series offer a mid/ high launch angle, the mid weight 60g and 70g series produce a piercing mid launch trajectory and the heavier 80g and 90g series favors a low/mid ball flight. This is a very stable-feeling shaft the offers great control but has a very light feel. Graphite Design’s latest technology, X Directional Technology (XDT) incorporates the use of the already proven Graphite Design MSI (Material Stiffness Integration) design method as well as this new and unique application of graphite fiber ply angle alignment throughout the shaft structure. During the development phase of XDT, measurable performance gains were discovered through a more balanced distribution of the graphite fiber angles within the piles of the shaft design. Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts is the exclusive distributor of Graphite Design golf shafts in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts distributes all current Graphite Design shafts including the G-Series, Tour AD BB, Tour AD DI, Tour AD DJ, and Tour AD GT shafts. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped profession-

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als earn nearly 100 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. Graphite Design continues to be the most dominant shaft on the Japan Golf tour and has been for the past eleven years. For more information about Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts or Graphite Design shafts www.proschoicegolfshafts.com

nother overseas company that is making a name for itself in the golf world is IOmic, a Japanese manufacturer of grips that is gaining traction on the professional tours and with consumers in the USA with their line of multi-colored grips. One of their latest innovations is the revolutionary and dynamically designed Absolute X Putter Grip that comes in a wide variety of bold colors and offers a soft, tackiness for control and feel. “At IOmic, we focus on grip technology, which is often underestimated when compared to the technology put into club heads and shafts,” said Katz Murai, Overseas Division of IOmic. “Our revolutionary approaches include the development of a new grip material called

“IOMAX” which gives golfers great feel and control. The Absolute X Putter Grip features our improved IOMAX material for ultimate feel and control.” The IOmic Absolute X Putter Grip features a classic design with a new textured surface that reduces grip pressure and improves traction. This grip inspires confidence during every putting stroke. It is available in mid-size only. All IOmic grips feature the revolutionary “IOMAX” technology, a proprietary compound that provides a soft feel with control. This material provides adhesiveness, is water and friction resistant and is naturally white in color which allows for a full spectrum of color-IOmic’s signature trait. The launch of the Color Grip Series helped the company gain attention in the industry for the wide variety of colors offered. This led to the development of the Art Grip Series, the industry’s first ever marbled grip. For more information about the IOmic grips please visit www.iomicusa.com.

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32 Golf Vacations â&#x20AC;˘ June 2013