OUR 11th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: SweetStuff • Golf Camp • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2013
VANCOUVER
ISLANDGOLFTRAIL HIGH SIERRA
ULTIMATE GOLF
Plus: RESORT REPORT I FLORIDA’S INNISBROOK1 www.golfvacationsmag.com
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MAY 2013
18th Hole at Edgewood Tahoe
GOLF VACATIONS
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ChipShots
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College Placement 101
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Vancouver Island Golf Trail by Terry Ross When the golf season gets fully underway in late spring and summer and vacationers look for enticing places to get away, relax,
by Ann Maness
play and enjoy themselves, Vancouver Island, British Columbia seems to always make its way towards the top of the list.
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Resort Reports: Florida’s Innisbrook
by Andy Reistetter and Merri Daniel Ever wonder what is it like to experience a championship course right after witnessing an exciting breakthrough victory by a PGA TOUR professional? Golf Writer Andy Reistetter, along with Merri Daniel, played the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook right after Kevin Streelman’s meaningful victory at the Tampa Bay Championship presented by Everbank.
High Sierra: The Ultimate Golf destination
by Andy Reistetter Like any spinning wheel in a Nevada casino my golfing journey went clockwise from Reno to Dayton to Lake Tahoe to Truckee to Graeagle. The terrain went from the mountain to the valley to the lake to the meadows to the really high mountains. Going around the High Sierra golfing wheel in seven days seemed like a magical and heavenly opportunity.
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 David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Holland, whose favorite golf moment was teeing it up with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine, and Fairway to Green (UK). He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, United Press International and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 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
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Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2013 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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AMATEUR TEAMS FROM MEXICO AND U.S. PREPARE FOR THIRD UNITING NATIONS CUP
PUERTO PENASCO, MEXICO – Vidanta Golf, the largest golf course operator in Mexico, will be hosting the 3rd annual Uniting Nations Cup, May 16-19, at the picturesque Mayan Palace golf resort in Puerto Peñasco. The Uniting Nations Cup (UNC) is a Ryder Cup style competition with 80 topnotch amateur players from Mexico and the United States.
In the event’s first two years, neighboring countries Mexico and the United States have each claimed victory on the Peninsula de Cortez golf course, a Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II co-design. The U.S. and Mexico will have 40-man squads with 20 two-man teams facing off in a match-play format over three days of competition. “We love being part of this tradition in such a beautiful setting, a Jack Nicklaus championship golf course on the Sea of Cortez,” said Jesus Torres, director of Vidanta Golf. “It’s a unique competition with a format that allows challenges for every player on every
shot. Of course, the most important ingredient of this event is the camaraderie that is built up over the week between the competitors.” The goal of the Uniting Nations Cup (Copa Uniendo Naciones) is to highlight the alliance between the United States and Mexico beyond their commercial and cultural ties, while attempting to one day rival the international acclaim of events such as the Ryder Cup or the Walker Cup, an amateur contest between the U.S. and Great Britain/Ireland. The UNC also aims to promote the expansion of the littleknown Mexican port destination of Puerto Peñasco. The world-class Nicklaus Design course at Mayan Palace Puerto Peñasco is in “spectacular shape,” according to Calvin Nielsen, manager of golf at Peninsula de Cortez. The Peninsula’s 7,100-yard, par 72 layout is one of the most challenging and breathtaking in Mexico and is perennially rated among the country’s elite courses. Tournament Director Vito Berlingeri said he sees a bright future for the event, which is slated to be held in Puerto Peñasco through 2016. “No one else is doing anything like it,” he said. “When it comes to golf, there are no borders and no language barriers between Mexico and the United States.” For the second consecutive year, the UNC is being managed by the Arizona Golf Assn. Rules officials Ed Gowan and Lorraine Thies are also provided by the AGA. Sponsors include Antigua, Bacardi, Corona, Coca Cola, Cemex, Vina Chocalan and Zagas.
6TH ANNUAL BAJAMAR VENDIMIA OPEN ENSENADA, MEXICO--The 6th annual Bajamar Vendimia Open will be held Saturday, July 27 at the Bajamar golf resort, a 27-hole seaside course north of Ensenada, Mexico. The tournament celebrates golf, gastronomy and music and benefits the Baja Scholarship Foundation.
Register now as a player or as an event sponsor to be part of one of Baja’s great grape harvest events, the prestigious Vendimia. For a $138-entry fee, participants will get golf, wine tasting, unlimited beer, appetizers on the course, a dinner party and prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive. The format is twoman best ball with modified tees. Participants can check in at 9 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start. Fiestas de la Vendimia, the two-and-ahalf-week harvest festival held between the first Friday and the third Sunday in August, dates back to 1990. The festival combines visits to state-of-the-art wineries, Italian tenors, alternative-style circuses, Kafkaesque plays, modern dance and performance art. Valle de Guadalupe—the 14-mile region 90 minutes south of San Diego—is Mexico’s premier artisanal wine–growing region, making up 90% of Mexico’s production. The Guadalupe Valley, located 15 minutes inland from the Ensenada coast, produces 1.2 million cases of wine a year--25% is exported abroad. Previous year’s festival activities have included an opera concert in the vineyard at Villa Montefiori Winery with Italian dinner and wine tasting, a cheese party with artisan bread, house wine and live music at Viña de Liceaga Winery and a gourmet dinner prepared by renowned Chef Enrique Olvera, pairing with Vena Cava wines and performances by Zirk Ubu at La Villa de Valle Winery, just to name a few. If you are traveling from the U.S. to attend this event, don’t forget you are not usually allowed to bring back more than one liter of wine per person. For more information on the tournament, visit http://www.golfbajamar.com/ or call 888311-6076 For more information on the wine festival, visit http://www.fiestasdelavendimia. com/ or http://www.bajabound.com/events/ vendimiaschedule.php Bajamar Golf Resort
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18 GREATEST GOLF COLLECTION RAISES THE BAR FOR THE ULTIMATE FATHER’S DAY GOLF GIFT
The game of golf has long been interconnected with Father’s Day, possibly because so many golfers share the game with their father, or are fathers sharing the game with their children. This shared interest makes choosing the perfect gift for Dad an easy task on this special day by scoring an easy hole in one with a limited edition photographic golf book or art print 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 Matt Kuchar, the PGA Tour’s 2010 leading money winner to rave, “The most beautiful golf book I have ever seen.” Now, this amazingly gorgeous collection is also available in full digital photographic ebook editions from Amazon and iTunes. Golf is an intergenerational bond and tradition that is passed down as a shared hobby, bringing many fathers and their children closer together. Additionally, Father’s Day is seemingly synonymous with the game of golf because each year, the holiday coincides with the final round of the US Open. Whether spending Father’s Day on the links or enjoying this world renowned tournament on television,
golf will continually be a part of the Father’s Day tradition, making the 18 Greatest Golf Series and framed art prints ideal gifts for the golf-loving father. 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 readers on a stunning journey through Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish edition (limited to 3,000 copies) features Scotland’s most famous holes and courses, amongst them The Postage Stamp at Troon and the Road Hole at St Andrews. The Irish edition (5,000 copies) is packed with interviews with golfing greats including Clarke, Harrington, McDowell, and McIlroy, Norman, Faldo and Palmer and with courses in the spotlight such as Royal County Down, Ballybunion and Lahinch. Either title is the perfect gift for a dad who dreams of golfing in Scotland or Ireland or maybe one who wants to remember a special vacation there. Likewise, the 18 Greatest Golf large format, hand-numbered limited edition golf prints are true works of art that are must-have items for aficionados of the game. 18 Greatest Golf’s limited edition coffee table books ($199) and framed prints (From $189) are available in select golf stores nationwide and online at www.18GreatestGolf.com.
HILTON HEAD GOLF ISLAND ANNOUNCES 2013 SPRING GOLF PACKAGES
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Hilton Head Golf Island – a collection of more than 20 of the Lowcountry’s premier golf courses – announces a diverse selection of stay-andplay packages available through May 2013. Spring is the perfect time for a Hilton Head Island golf vacation when temperatures are ideal, the azaleas are in bloom and the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage comes to the area. Ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Buddies Trip Destination” and “Best Value,” Hilton Head Golf Island offers an array of exceptional golf course and accommodation options. Sample packages include: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Stay-and-Play Package: Stay three nights and play up to three rounds at each of the resort’s championship courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Enjoy air conditioned carts, two hours of complimentary tennis court time daily, preferred rates on all other resort activities as well as dining and merchandise discounts. Rates start at $145 per golfer, per night. For package and reservation information: 866.809.1919, www.PalmettoDunes.com. The Heritage Collection Stay-andHilton Head Golf Island
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Play Special: Enjoy three nights at The Hampton Inn with daily breakfast included and three rounds of golf at any of the seven Heritage Collection courses including Oyster Reef and Palmetto Hall. Based on double occupancy, packages start at $155 per golfer, per night. For package and reservation information: 843-681-1706 or email vcastaneda@heritagegolfgroup.com. The Sea Pines Resort Golf Villa Package: Experience unlimited play at any three of Sea Pine’s championship golf courses (Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Ocean Course), private villa accommodations, complimentary range balls, 10 percent pro shop discount on retail merchandise, 10 percent food and beverage discount at the resort’s restaurants, complimentary wireless internet and use of the resort’s fitness center. Packages start at $162 per golfer, per night. To make a reservation, call 866.561.8802, www. SeaPinesGolf.com “Thanks to the variety of packages available through Hilton Head Golf Island, golfers can tailor a visit to their specific playing ability and budget, whether it’s a ‘golf buddy’ trip or casual family vacation,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association. As one of the nation’s foremost golf meccas, the Lowcountry is the preferred vacation destination of golfers who seek a high-concentration of world-class quality courses, an unspoiled natural environment, beautiful resorts and inns and old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Each course on Hilton Head Island has its own set of unique characteristics and challenges to keep even the most skilled player motivated. For additional information or to receive a quote: www.HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com, 800.523.3373.
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO INVITES GUYS TO TEST THEIR LUCK WITH “BLACKJACK ‘N BIRDIES” MASHANTUCKET CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino invites gambling golfers to dust off the sticks for an ultimate guys getaway at the height of golfing season, May 1 – June 30, starting at $339 per person, per night. From showing off swings by day to maintaining poker faces by night, guys create lasting memories at the largest resort casino in North America. Savvy swingers test their luck at Foxwoods, from a private blackjack table in electric casinos, to championship golf at the pristine Lake of Isles North Course (7,300 yards) and swing analysis at Troon Golf Academy. Escaping the constraints of busy schedules and work demands, gents rejuvenate with sports massages at Norwich Spa before
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reminiscing about late nights in college over cold beverages and a box of Macanudo cigars. “Blackjack ‘N Birdies” May 1 – June 30 • $339/per person, per night * • One round of golf at North Course • Reserved Blackjack table ** • Swing Analysis at Troon Academy • One box of Macanudo cigars • Sports massage at Norwich Spa • Deluxe accommodations The Rees Jones-designed North Course at Lake of Isles offers an ambitious, yet playable layout over rolling terrain, island greens and extraordinary views of Connecticut countryside. After the 18th hole, the momentum continues with more than six million sq. ft. of nonstop entertainment options at Foxwoods, including six pulsing casinos with more than 6,300 slot machines and 350 table games, world-wide poker tournaments and the largest bingo hall in the world. With chef-branded dining at more than 30 restaurants, exclusive nightclubs, A-list entertainment and high-end shopping for the ladies left behind, Foxwoods offers the place where boys can be boys and indulge in the activities guys love: gambling, golf and nightlife. To plan a “Blackjack ‘N Birdies” golf and gambling escape, call Foxwoods Resort Casino at (860) 312-3000 or visit www.foxwoods.com.
WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT’S GOLF SEASON OPENS MAY 3 WITH QUECHEE CLUB PACKAGES WOODSTOCK, VT – Home to Vermont’s only Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed course and recognized as a “Top 100 Golf Resort” by Golf Magazine, the Woodstock Inn & Resort opens the 2013 golf season on May 3 with three valuepacked packages. Golfers can choose from unlimited golf on the resort’s award-winning 18-hole course, a round at the Quechee Club, a private club located just 15 minutes from Woodstock, or a leisurely golf and spa escape. For more than 100 years, Woodstock’s par-70 course has entertained golfers with its picturesque views, challenging sequences of fairways, sand traps and over a dozen water hazards. Available May 3 through October 31, 2013, Woodstock’s golf packages include: The Unlimited Golf Package Spa & Golf Package: Quechee Golf Package For more information, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook. com/Woodstock-Inn-Resort, visit www. woodstockinn.com or call (888)-481-8802.
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THE RENAISSANCE WORLD GOLF VILLAGE RESORT OFFERING “AMERICAN HERO RATE”
JACKSONVILLE / ST. AUGUSTINE, FL If you are an active or retired member of the U.S. military, a U.S. firefighter, or a U.S. law enforcement officer you should definitely consider taking advantage of the “American Hero Rate” that is being offered by The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida. That way you can stay at a AAA FourDiamond resort, take in charming and historic St. Augustine, visit pristine Atlantic beaches, take advantage of great shopping at nearby outlet malls, and experience the many other offerings at the resort and in Northeast Florida. The “American Hero Rate” starts at just $109 per room, per night. In addition to deluxe accommodations for two, the special rate also includes complimentary breakfast-for-two daily in the resort’s Villagio Italian Grille restaurant. The offer is valid through December 31, 2013, based on availability. Blackout dates may apply. Or, the resort is also offering an “American Hero Stay and Play Package” for members of the U.S. military, U.S. firefighters, and U.S. law enforcement officers, who enjoy playing golf. The package, which is available through September 20, 2013, includes: accommodations in a luxurious, newly renovated guest room; a
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round of golf on the resort’s popular Slammer & Squire championship course (just steps from The Renaissance Resort), or renowned King & Bear championship golf course (co-designed by Arnold “The King” Palmer and Jack “The Bear” Nicklaus); breakfast in the resort’s Villagio Italian Grille; free range balls; and a World Golf Hall of Fame Combo ticket, per golfer, which provides a two-day admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame, one round on the Hall of Fame’s championship putting course, and one shot at the resort’s 132-yard Island Challenge Hole. The package for one golfer in the room starts at $184 per room, per night.
The package for two golfers in the room starts at $259 per room, per night. To take advantage of the special “American Hero Rate,” you simply need to ask for the special rate upon booking, and then show your appropriate supporting ID upon check-in. For the “American Hero Stay and Play Package” for one golfer, reference promotional code H47 and show your appropriate supporting ID upon check-in. For the package for two golfers, reference promotional code YX1 and show your appropriate supporting ID upon check-in. There are a limited number of rooms available for the promotion, and the offer cannot be combined with other promotions. Blackout dates may apply, and advanced reservations are required. Other restrictions may apply, and the offer is based on availability. For reservations or additional information, call 888-7407020 or 904-940-8000, or visit www.renwgv.com
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College Placement 101: Selecting the Right Camp By Ann Maness, Director of College Placement at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy Depending on your sport, a camp can be a crucial part of your recruiting process. College coaches want to see high school recruits attend camps for several reasons. One of the more important reasons being the third-party verification of your skills and abilities. Any recruit can claim they are ready for the next level but an outside organization will help verify. How do you decide which camps to go to? There are hundreds, if not thousands, of options to choose from. Just remember the Four E’s: Exposure Many camps have many connections to college coaches and able to assist with your recruiting process. Camps also conduct tournaments to add to your resume which helps you get noticed by collegiate programs. Evaluation Most coaches are not able to travel and watch you play so they rely on reports from camps to evaluate distant athletes. Insert these comments into your resume. Take advantage of having detailed statistics
about your game to share with top coaches. Education Going to a camp is beneficial to high school athletes in many ways. Being able to see exactly what college coaches are looking for is crucial. Training with some of the top recruited athletes is a huge advantage, as you can see what it takes to reach the next level. Camps also help determine your strengths and weaknesses so you have an idea of what you need to improve. Exercise Training year-round is important so use the camp as a goal to hit your peak fitness level to help you perform in front of coaches at the highest level. The exercises and drills you see at camps are similar to those in collegiate programs. Take detailed notes and work on them when you return home. About Ann Maness Ann Maness is the Director of College Placement at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) on Hilton Head Island, S.C. She has an intimate knowledge of the recruiting process and played collegiately at Coastal Carolina University. During her freshman year, Ann came from six shots behind in the final round of the Big South Conference Championship, firing a 68 to claim the individual conference title and still stands as the single-round record for the women’s golf Big South Championship. She was a four-time Big South All-Conference selection and eight-time Big South “Player of the Week.” To contact Ann, e-mail her at Ann.Maness@juniorsports.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DCP1AManess. Hank Haney IJGA is the world’s only academy to combine training, competition and academics for serious junior golfers (grades 5-12). Director of Instruction Hank Haney – coach to winners of every major championship on the PGA TOUR – and his elite staff train junior golfers from more than 25 countries across six continents.
Hank Haney (center) and coaches
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Victoria Orca Jumping
Vancouver Island Golf Trail:
W
Great Golf and a Lot More
hen the golf season gets fully underway in late spring and summer and vacationers look for enticing places to get away, relax, play and enjoy themselves, Vancouver Island, British Columbia seems to always make its way towards the top of the list. Rated as the # 1 Island vacation spot for the United States and Canada by Travel & Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, this 300-mile long Island only 30 miles west of the City of Vancouver across the Straights of Georgia is not only home to some of the most scenic and enjoyable golf courses on the continent, it also affords travelers an array of experiences away from the links that are really the essence of any enjoyable trip. If your tastes also include experiencing nature, whale watching, fishing, hiking, shopping, festivals, sightseeing and even wine tasting, this island has it all. There is enough to fill the itinerary on more than one trip. Vancouver Island is environmentally sustainable and famous for its fresh-farmed food and fish that is locally grown and heartily supported by those that live there. From May through September, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Vancouver Island when it comes to weather, even though golf is pretty much played there year around. As one of the more temperate spots in North America to play during the spring, summer and fall, the climate there can be a welcome relief for those coming from the Southern US regions. Golf Vancouver Island, a consortium of 10 of the key golf destinations and more than 15 hotels that comprise the Vancouver Island Golf Trail is an excellent starting point for planning a vacation on the island. It is a one-stop-shop for booking golf vacations and other activities and is owned and operated by the golf courses themselves. Under the guid-
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by Terry Ross
ance of Central Reservations Manager Patrick Meagher, this organization lets travelers save time and money, and provides complimentary information, vacation planning, assistance and reservations for Vancouver Island golf vacations. A great way to start a Vancouver Island golf excursion is to embark from the capital city of the province—Victoria—at the southern end of the island. This city has a great blend of old and new world experiences that include The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Royal British Columbia Museum, Market Square, Chinatown and Butchart Gardens, not to mention the many breweries and brewpubs in the city. Just north of the city, the Bear Mountain Resort stands as a singular property on the southern end of the island as the one of the largest resort developments in Western Canada covering 1300 acres and boasting Canada’s first and only 36-hole Nicklaus designed golf offering. This lush mountainside community features a montage of residential and vacation real estate homes, as well as The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, featuring the west coast aesthetics at the Santé Spa, a dining mecca with eclectic and world-class restaurants. Bella Montagne is their signature restaurant and is a must-visit. It was rated as Victoria’s #1 New Restaurant for 2011. The two golf courses designed by Nicklaus—the Mountain Course, which opened in 2003 and the Valley Course, which made its debut in 2009, offer two distinct experiences that should not be missed when visiting this part of the world. The Mountain Course, open for a decade, was host of the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game. This 18-hole masterpiece that offers spectacular views of the city of Victoria and the harbor over a challenging 7,212-yard par-72 layout meanders through the mountains and offers a
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Arbutus Ridge
Bear Mountain
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great variety of holes. It has immaculate greens and some blind shots that the GPS on the carts help in making it a very enjoyable course to play, despite its length. You can feel the breezes blowing in from the harbor and the deer from the forests are in abundance along the course. The Valley Course at Bear Mountain offers a different experience in its par 71, 6,807 yard-design that is at a lower elevation than the Mountain Course, but boasts the same spectacular west coast rock and water features for which Bear Mountain has become very popular in the area. The greens on these 18 holes are a little more challenging, to be sure, but the company you get along the way definitely lets you know why they call it Bear Mountain. Members of the professional staff note that the bears you see from time to time along the course are so tame and domesticated that they seem like spectators at times watching the golfers. They are one of the larger spectators, for sure. One reported teeing off with a 700-pound black bear only a few meters away—a real different feeling. At the other end of the spectrum, the Red-Legged Frog might stop and rest on your golf club. Not far from Bear Mountain, the newest member of the Vancouver Island Golf Trail is Highland Pacific Golf Club. Carved from the Highland wilderness in Victoria, Highland Pacific’s lush bent grass fairways thread through a majestic landscape of west coast forest, rock, fescue and natural water features, boasting panoramic views of the city of Victoria, Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Bear Mountain and Thetis Lake Park. This is a very playable course with some subtle elevation changes where a lot of locals play, but a good many tourists and visitors will find this a really fun track. It has generous fairways where you can use driver
on most holes, but can be challenging from the back tees that measure 6,600 yards at a par 71. There are no homes or hotels around this course that was built by a local family and is still operated by them. You get a chance to use all the shots with this nice variety of holes, and most people will find it a very enjoyable course and a fine new addition to the trail. No more than a 30-minute scenic drive north from Highland Pacific up Highway 1 is the quaint water front village of Cowichan Bay. The village is a fascinating blend of sail and fishing boats, piers, wharves and floating homes, constantly active and full of independent, creative characters living and working on the water. Up the hill are some of the nicest vineyards to be found. This area, once primarily devoted to farming, has found new life producing some of the best wines around. Visiting in the fall during the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival is a real treat with the many wineries in the area involved during this celebration of wine and food. For wine connoisseurs who like to play golf, you can’t beat this experience with events such as the wine tasting at Cherry Point Estate Vineyards and the Winemaker’s Dinner—the Battle of the Pinot’s--as part of the festival. Vancouver Island has emerged as one of the top wine regions in North America because of the good growing climate and the proliferation of top-notch growers in the area. Cowichan Bay is also the ideal base for visitors interested in boating, kayaking, diving, and the experience of a genuine working marine community with a waterfront village, so you can sail all day on a twin masted ship, race across the waves in a Zodiac to go whale watching, rent a boat and take a picnic to a deserted beach, dive deep to see the creatures of the sea or go kayaking as the sun sets. On land you can play tennis on
Butchart Gardens
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Bear Mountain
the second oldest active lawn tennis court in the world next to Wimbledon, ride a horse, hike a trail or go for a bike ride. The Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay is an all-suites hotel on the water in the village with scenic, serene views of the Straights of Georgia and the Coastal Mountain Range behind. It takes you back in time to a more relaxed, easier day with very friendly people and a casual lifestyle that is refreshing. Excellent local fare is available in the hotel’s Terrain Regional Kitchen--a place where you can find fresh seasonal food, carefully sourced and thoughtfully prepared with the same care it was farmed, caught and raised. In addition to wine, this area of Vancouver Island is also known for Arbutus Ridge Golf Club, with some of the most stunning views on the island and rated one of the Top 10 courses in Canada by WestJet airlines Up! Magazine. A very walkable course, Arbutus Ridge is a beautifully manicured course with an interesting layout designed by Bill Robinson. The large greens can be tricky to navigate, but this is a very playable course even with its challenging aspects. The course gets a lot of local play, but tourists are finding it a hidden gem among the island’s many choices. Don’t let the yardage on the card fool you—at least until you have played the course a few times—since it is probably best for most players to try the 5,800-yard tees. The back tees are only 6,100 yards—but it plays longer with uphill carries and local knowledge really helps here. Using a little more club on many approach shots is a smart move here, and be very conscious of the elevations. The par 3 16th hole is very challenging with a semi island green. And the par five 10th is a dog leg that can be reached in two. Arbutus Ridge winds through the seaside community of Cobble Hill in the Cowichan Valley. This is a fun golf course with an excellent pace of play and a friendly staff led by General Manager Jason Lowe. The Satellite Lounge has excellent food and with nine wineries directly surrounding the course you can sample some of the local vino product after your round or over an evening meal--such as the tasty buffalo--along
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with an outstanding view of the countryside. If you journey further north up Vancouver Island yet more adventures await along the Trail. Campbell River is world renowned as one of the top salmon fishing areas on the continent and Painter’s Lodge has a storied past of hosting celebrities like Bob Hope, Glenn Ford, John Wayne, Curt Russell and Goldie Hawn who have journeyed to this secluded outpost for fishing, enjoying nature and just relaxing for weeks on end. Originally built in the 1920s, Painter’s Lodge burnt down during a fire in 1985 and was rebuilt to continue its colorful history that continues to this day. Painter’s Lodge offers not only world-class salmon fishing, wildlife and nature tours combined with breathtaking scenery; it also has all the amenities you would expect from a traditional resort. The accommodations are reminiscent of the state rooms on a ship in the main house that overlook the Straights of Georgia and Quadra Island for some of the most picturesque scenery on the island. The lodge is usually open from May until early October during the height of the fishing season. The staff, under General Manager Christine Fleming, does a great job of creating a home-style feel with excellent fresh catch in the Legends dining room, not to mention a host of fun activities. An early morning fishing trip from the docks adjoining the resort is a real treat and a must while on the island. One of the local fishing guides—Russ—even works at the local salmon hatchery during the off season—replenishing the supply that he helps the guests catch during the warmer months! For golf in the Painter’s Lodge area, Storey Creek offers an outstanding natural layout with its tree-line fairways that give a sense of solitude and a true wilderness feel. This 6,669-yard layout meanders inside a dense forest and is a fun track to walk or ride. A little south of Painters Lodge is Crown Isle, a high-end residential community and resort that has much the same feel as Bear Mountain
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Highland Pacific
when it comes to a luxury clubhouse and a big, challenging golf course. It is readily accessible from many points in Canada and the U.S. via the Comox airport just five minutes down the road. An expansive layout that stretches to 7,024 yards from the black tees, Crown Isle has gorgeous views of the Comox Valley with the Beaufort Mountains in the background. If you decide to stay in close proximately to the Comox Airport, the Westerly Hotel and Convention Centre is an excellent choice that is also convenient while playing the Courtney and Comox courses like
Crown Isle and Morningstar. The rooms all have kitchenettes and the atmosphere at the pub on site is very accommodating. A friendly and knowledgeable staff makes this an excellent place to spend a few days in the heart of downtown Courtenay. The golf and fun activities on a visit to Vancouver Island never get old—probably because there are so many reasons to come back and try new things. For more information on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail visit: www.golfvancouverisland.ca
Victoria Harbor
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VANCOUVER ISLAND
Golf Trail Information The easiest way to plan a trip along Vancouver Island’s Golf Trail is through Golf Vancouver Island or, by contacting these resorts and courses: Westin Bear Mountain
Golf Vancouver Island Victoria (888) 465-3239 www.golfvancouverisland.ca The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria Victoria (250) 391-7160 www.bearmountain.ca Highland Pacific Golf Club Victoria (250) 478-4653 www.highlandpacificgolf.com Victoria Orca Totem Pole
Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay Cowichan Bay (250) 715-1000 www.oceanfrontcowichanbay.com Arbutus Ridge Golf Club Cobble Hill (250) 743-5100 www.arbutusridgegolf.com Painter’s Lodge Campbell River (250) 286-1102 www.painterslodge.com The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre Courtenay (250) 339-7741 www.thewesterlyhotel.ca
Painter’s Lodge
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Golf Vacations • May 2013 21
RESORTREPORT
INNISBROOK
Much More Than A PGA TO
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by ANDY REISTETTER And MERRI DANIEL
OUR Stop
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INNISBROOK RESORT & GOLF CLUB • PALM HARBOR, FL Ever wonder what is it like to experience a championship course right after witnessing an exciting breakthrough victory by a PGA TOUR professional? Golf Writer Andy Reistetter, along with Merri Daniel, played the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook right after Kevin Streelman’s meaningful victory at the Tampa Bay Championship presented by Everbank. With some time to reflect on their golfing experience, Streelman’s victory and their exploration of the resort, join Merri & Andy as they survive the Snake Pit and live to tell their tales and share a few “WOW” moments at Innisbrook.
W
ith a Duke degree in sociology in his mind, Streelman had been close to winning before with twenty Top 10s in 152 starts on the PGA TOUR. Remember Streelman was the strongman from the mini tours who rocketed to the PGA TOUR in 2008 via Q-School bypassing the proving grounds of the Web.com Tour. To date his claim to fame, in the minds of many, was capturing a season-long mishmash of the most photogenic holes on the PGA TOUR. Holes like the par-3 13th on Copperhead, beautiful to the eye, yet challenging and dangerous to the golfer. With five solid seasons on tour, but without what Tiger Woods calls the “W,” Streelman came to the 13th tee on Sunday afternoon not knowing for sure if this would be his day. Seeing the hole located in the far right portion of the green and well protected by water, he knew this was no ordinary test of mind or golf. Taking his 200-yard club, a 5-iron, hitting into a slightly hurting wind, he hit a cut shot that was nearly perfect. With that birdie and another at the par-3 17th Streelman strolled to a two-stroke victory in his first PGA TOUR win. Some say us amateur golfers can never duplicate the experience of a professional golfer winning a tournament down the stretch. Having played many other host courses, I would say Innisbrook and the 1974 Larry Packard designed Copperhead Course comes pretty darn close. The golf course is there for all to see and to play. But what makes it memorable and special is the way Packard routes you along the nontraditional Florida hilly terrain. In an almost swirl-like motion, circling outside to inside the course climaxes at the uphill par-4 18th after many favorite interludes along the way. One begins with a scenic view off the first tee with a gentle downhill par-5. Then we go left, then right, before we encounter the first straight hole, the par-3 4th. Be careful, as Merri found out with your play, and that of others, in your “fore-some” on this hole. The par-5 fifth is a little more difficult than the first, going up-and-over a hill but no less scenic with a lake to carry and a bunker framing the tee shot. The blind second shot hides the impact of a lone tree in the fairway on the third shot and makes reaching the well bunkered green difficult for the long bombers or quinquagenarians playing it forward like me. The intervening holes to Streelman’s heroic 13th with names like Hidden Gem, Hide Away and O’s Alley bring more excitement and fun in the course of playing at Innisbrook. The 12th has lots of water and a bridge that is impassable for your golf ball so toughen up, play smart and take enough club to carry the green. Don’t miss the view of the signature 17th from the 12th fairway with the shrubbed “Copperhead” encompassing the tee. Packard’s double dogleg par-5 14th is my favorite. Once conquered in as few of strokes as possible, the green feels like a mountaintop refuge and the view back of the shrubbed “Innisbrook” brings a sense of achievement. The round ends in a flurry with a mix of par-3s, the 15th downhill and the 17th uphill amidst two solid par-4s. The Snake Pit begins with the 16th, with water right and a narrowing fairway, it is one of the toughest holes on the golf course. The 18th is a majestic uphill hole that between the wind and the sand can bring a terminating tear to
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yours or Merri’s eyes. Enough of one golf course, there are three others- the North, the South and the Island; all Packard designs. The Island which we enjoyed playing, hosts the Legends Tour, the official Senior Tour of the LPGA. While couples golf was fun there are many more activities to enjoy at Innisbrook whether you have a day, week or even years to explore and enjoy. Maybe that is why Larry Packard lives on site, enjoys life and recently celebrated his 100th birthday! Innisbrook is part of a Floridian diamond necklace assembled by Shelia Johnson, founder of Salamader Hospitality. Like her amphibian namesake, she possesses strength, courage and fortitude bringing Hammock Beach, an oceanfront resort on the east coast, Reunion in Orlando, home to Annika’s Academy and Innisbrook together during challenging economic times. Affectionately becoming known as the “Lady Trump of Golf” she is opening up a new resort in August in the equestrian and wine country of Virginia.
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As an amateur golfer, don’t let it take 153 tour events to experience the magic of Packard’s Copperhead and the Innisbrook Resort. Bring along non-golfer friends and lovers as they will surely have an enchanted time too. Merri’s Marvelous Moments 1. I loved the accommodations. Innisbrook is unique with 28 lodge buildings interspersed among the 800-acre resort. They are named after other famous golf courses and arranged alphabetically from Augusta to Turnberry. We stayed in Baltusrol on the east side of the property. Recently updated, one feels at home, secluded in a natural way, amongst the trees and hills. 2. Okay, so here is what Andy alluded to with our “fore-some” on the 4th hole. As I waited to hit on the forward tee I leaned back on the windshield of our golf cart to bask in the sun for a moment. Our playing partner Joe hit an errant shot that awoke me from my sunny slumber and struck me in the chest. Thankfully, only a glancing
blow and a reminder as to where to position yourself early in the round when unsure of the abilities of new playing partner. 3. While Packard’s steakhouse is great, don’t miss a casual dinner at Market Salamander Grille. We shared a delicious strawberry, arugula and goat cheese salad. Andy had the Pressed Tampa Cuban and I had the Ahi Tuna. Of course we shared that too and savored not only the food eaten but the friendly dining experience. 4. Well this moment is not so marvelous either. A reminder to check the wind direction prior to playing a bunker shot. Greenside, on the last hole, I did not and got a mouth and eye full. It was a tearful end to a great round. 5. To end on a good note- the spa, the spa, the spa is named Indaba which translates to a gathering or meeting place. Where else can one have an outdoor massage in the center of a meditation labyrinth? Perhaps that is what I liked most about Innisbrook- I felt a strong connection with myself, others and nature during our visit.
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Edgewood Tahoe
High Sierra: The Ultim Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “Play-Write” series this time with a weeklong visit to the High Sierra region of northern Nevada and California. Defined by Reno, Carson City, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Graeagle this golfing Mecca is spread out just enough to capture all terrains and playing conditions. The 240 square mile area contains over 40 golf courses. Two of them you know for sure- Edgewood Tahoe, home of the American Century Celebrity Championship and Montreux CC, home of the PGA TOUR’s Reno-Tahoe Open. Join Reistetter as he tries to play eleven golf courses in seven days in golfing heaven- the High Sierra.
I
may have been hypnotized for my week of High Sierra golf. It seemed surreal as I looked out the window and down at the Sierra Nevada on my flight into Reno. Flying along in the wisps of clouds in brilliant sunshine above grandeur takes one into a new state of awareness. My mesmerizing meditation became focused as I saw the magnetic magnificence of Lake Tahoe. Below I could see where the golfing gods had one day walked through and left behind golf courses in their green footprints. I knew I would be playing many of those courses during a weeklong golf journey. I couldn’t wait for the plane to land and get to the first tee.
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Like any spinning wheel in a Nevada casino my golfing journey went clockwise from Reno to Dayton to Lake Tahoe to Truckee to Graeagle. The terrain went from the mountain to the valley to the lake to the meadows to the really high mountains. Going around the High Sierra golfing wheel in seven days seemed like a magical and heavenly opportunity. With unlimited tee times at 40 courses how many could I play in seven days- maybe I could roll that lucky 7-11, 7 days, 11 courses? My first round of golf was at Montreux CC, a private real estate enclave and superb Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. You know it as the scenic course that hosts the annual Reno-Tahoe Open on the PGA TOUR, the tournament J.J. Henry won this year. Nestled in the Ponderosa pine trees on the gentle eastern slopes of snow-capped Mt. Rose, Montreux was a good first experience of High Sierra golf. The pine trees are taller than Jack’s beanstalk, with dramatic views all around, the golf is very different. In this part of the country it is all about the altitude. I figured it out on the 4th hole after flying a wedge 20 yards over the green. I thought it was my superb and powerful ballstriking abilities. That it was not, it was high altitude golf, a plus for anyone’s game and attitude! The next day we golfed at Dayton Valley a solid Arnold Palmer
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Edgewood Tahoe
mate Golf Destination
By Andy Reistetter
designed facility. As a pre-qualifying site for the Reno-Tahoe Open and Frys.com as well as Q-School this golf course provides all the challenge one golfer needs. If the wind kicks up as it did for us it becomes more of a challenge than a foursome of golfers needs. The rain never came but a rainbow did appear in the distant cloud enshrouded mountain tops. My playing partner and I persevered through the weather to post an 8-under par 64 scramble score. Needless to say it was one of the best ball-striking days of my life as evidenced by the driver to five feet for eagle on the 323-yard 15th hole. Okay so it was downwind and from the whites but the putt was no gimmie! On the third day (and you know where I am going with this seven day odyssey) the drive up to golfing heaven was spectacular via the NV-207 Kingsbury Grade Road from Minden. Once we rose to the elevation of Lake Tahoe we played along its shore and in a nearby forest at Edgewood Tahoe, home to the American Century Celebrity Classic. This is the “Major,” where sports and celebrity entertainers compete for the right to be called the best golfer in America that is not a professional golfer. That honor went to Dan Quinn, a former NHL center who won the event this year. The course design is really a Fazio Plus with Uncle George doing the original design that opened in 1968 and nephew Tom renovating
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the course for the 1998 season. The first nine leads the golfer up a gentle slope through tall towering pine trees while the second nine brings you quietly down to the lake. In a tranquil state one plays the par-3 16th with lake right and putts out on the final green as gentle waves slap along the shoreline. To complete your experience at Edgewood Tahoe find the hidden hallway down the stairs behind the bar in the Brooks dining area. Check out the fascinating golf pictures of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and John Daly when they played junior events at Edgewood Tahoe. When one is on a golfing pilgrimage to the High Sierra one must drive along the edge of Lake Tahoe. From south to north on the east side of the lake it is spectacular. Like a tap-in birdie one must stop to pause, take in the view and remember the feeling of awe and satiation. After Montreux, Dayton Valley and Edgewood Tahoe it was time to experience a unique combination of golf near Truckee- the closely mated twosome of golf courses, Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing. The terrain is gradual, meadows abound and the land well suited for parkland golf courses. I walked Old Greenwood, saw some deer, and tried to stay out of
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the chaparral. With a logo that depicts a golfer in knickers and Jack Nicklaus design signature a golfer knows playing this course will be a memorable experience, and it was. On the fifth day I played Gray’s Crossing (Peter Jacobsen/Jim Hardy design) with Ed Leinenkugel, a grandson of the brewery founder and Joe Starkey, the voice of the 49ers. If Peter Jacobsen can have “Jake’s Takes” on NBC golf broadcasts I can have an “Andy Dandy” on one of his golf courses. After I hit a great tee shot on No. 3 Joe makes the call “what a bonanza” and after the round Ed gives me a bottle of the family’s best Summer Shandy. Does it get any better than that for a golf travel writer of average golfing skill? Did I tell you this is a great golf course and I did not even mention PJ’s casual indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar (yet). Are you counting? That was five golf courses in five days. I was definitely the “slacker” of the group. I picked up the pace on the 6th day driving up to the Graeagle area to play The Dragon and Plumas Pines. Playing the Dragon was a good and unique experience. I loved it! When you drive up to the clubhouse and it is a Frank Lloyd Wright design you know it is going to be a special day. I played with a guy that last played it when the course opened and he said it is much more playable now. That is how I found it to be. Fairways and greens is good course management. Spray it a bit and you will pay the price though it will be lots of fun!
What can I say about Plumas Pines? There is no nicer Golf Professional (Brandon Bowling) in the world. The Superintendent (Mark Callahan) rides around with his dog in the golf cart. You feel like family the moment you step onto the property. The golf course is a good test of golf and a fun time if your girlfriend or wife can play along too! Have time to stay for dinner at Longboards as the slow roasted baby back ribs are outstanding! The seventh and final day of my High Sierra golfing trip came and I saved the best for last- Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club! Now how can I say that after sharing the previous seven courses with you? Well I shot a two-birdie 73 from the 6,500 yard three-hawk tees. This is no creampuff of a golf course but it is so picturesque that you are totally relaxed. In that state I believe you play some of your best golf, at least I do. I guess the 126 holes I played the previous six days helped a little too. High Sierra Golf is not an ordinary golf trip. Perhaps it is the refreshing mountain air, the scenery, or the elevation. Altitude maybe but attitude for sure- there is a certain personality, camaraderie that makes the trip a lot of fun on and off the golf course! While I did not play that lucky 7-11, I only played eight golf courses in seven days I hope to return next year and play eleven! To customize your golfing trip to the High Sierra visit the website: www.golfthehighsierra.com
Montreux CC
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Author Andy Reistetter in Reno
Where I Stayed: Atlantis Casino in downtown Reno - FUN! Carson Valley Inn in Minden - comfortable, scenic and everybody loves this casino! Chalet View Lodge, this is a hideaway with all the amenities! Stay as long as you can! Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe - loved my mountain view, it is a suite! Hyatt Incline Village near North Lake Tahoe, what a view! Larkspur Hotel Truckee Tahoe, very personable and convenient to everything!
Where I Dined: The Chocolate Bar near downtown Reno’s Riverwalk - who doesn’t love chocolate? The chocolate milkshakes was awesome! Campo Italian Restaurant on downtown Reno’s Riverwalk - I recommend the Salumi and Charcuterie Board for an appetizer and the Dover Sole with Prince Edward Island Mussel sauce for the entrée. The Basil in Carson City - great Thai restaurant with unbelievable food, presentation and atmosphere. I recommend the fresh mango and Bangkok spring rolls for an appetizer and spicy cashew nuts with shrimp for an entrée. Ciera Steak & Chophouse inside MontBleu Resort & Casino in South Lake Tahoe. The staff goes out of their way to make this a fine dining experience. My treat was dining with Al Barkow and hearing Jack Fleck stories about his U.S. Open win over Ben Hogan in 1955 at Olympic Club. Al wrote a book entitled The Upset and the U.S. Open was the next week at Olympic! Lone Eagle Grill in Incline Village - wow, this is one of Annika Sorenstam’s favorite places when she is at her home in Lake Tahoe. She was there earlier in the evening but I missed seeing her. The beef tenderloin from their signature mesquite fired grill is to die for! Doing a $1.3MM transformation so Lone Eagle is a must do for 2013! PJ’s at Gray’s Crossing. There is nothing like relaxing after a round of golf outside in big comfortable leather chairs with a fire blazing to take the chill out of the air as the sun sets over the mountains. Fifty-Fifty Brewery in Truckee (a chip shot from the Larkspur Hotel). You win either way- great food and great local brews. I recommend the 6 craft beer taster and the seared Ahi BLT. Longboards Bar & Grill at Plumas Pines in Graeagle. Ditto above- miss the second nine if you have to but don’t miss the slow roasted baby back ribs at Longboards.
Edgewood Tahoe 18th Hole
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SWEETSTUFF A follow-up hardcover book to the popular instructional video-- Pure Strike: 5 Simple Keys to Consistency—is now available through Medicus Golf and is an excellent compliment to one of the better instructional videos on the market today. The book version of these lessons features an in-depth look at each of the Five Simple Keys developed by Medicus Golf Founder Bob Koch, who predicts he can help any golfer to hit the ball pure, with repeated accuracy and steady distance. Although Ben Hogan’s swing was sweetly controlled, Arnold Palmer lashed at drives with powerful fury and Jim Furyk famously kills snakes in a phone booth, there are profound similarities between all three players. And it’s why their “secrets” so to speak, or commonalities, can help most golfers, according to Koch. His teaching principals are based on a simple head-to-clubhead approach. “The Five Keys are the next big step in golf instruction, because they will allow a golfer to apply a simple and repeatable swing that consistently produces pure ball striking, regardless of experience level or body type,” said Koch. The first Pure Strike Key is keeping a Steady Head, which means keeping the head centered between the feet from address to at least until follow-through. Data shows that the average PGA Tour player moves his head only one inch during the swing. While some downward motion is normal—because the body compresses during the backswing—the fixed point of the head without side-to-side motion promotes balance, an initial step toward consistency. The second key is called Weight Forward, which means that 80 percent of a right-handed golfer’s weight should be on the left foot at impact. In fact, the average PGA Tour player arrives at impact with up to 95 percent of their weight on their forward leg. Incorporating The Flat Left Wrist, which prevents the golfer from “flipping” the ball, follows the first two keys. There are no flippers on the PGA Tour. The local practice range is overrun with them. Flat left wrist keeps the shaft of the club from passing the left arm prior to impact. If the shaft does get past prematurely, it virtually assures fat and skulled shots. In the Pure Strike book, drills are demonstrated to engrain the right motions that prevent flipping. Key number four is called The Diagonal Sweet Spot Path of a swing, which helps bring the clubface’s sweet spot to the golf ball, followed by Club Face Control, the final key, involving the movement of the clubface from takeaway to
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nice sizing matrix results in 30 different sizing options for a golfer, insuring a perfect fit. The inseam lengths are 27”, 29”, 31” and 33” and Sunice also does a generic length that is graded up or down based on waist size. Sunice® was founded in 1976 in Alberta, Canada as a skiwear brand and successfully transcended its technical outerwear capabilities into the golf market in the early 1990s as the golf industry gravitated towards designing sport-specific garments that truly helped enhance the game. It is owned and run by Montreal, Canada-based
follow-through. While the first three keys ensure a pure, compressed strike on the golf ball, these last two control its flight. For more info and to purchase Pure Strike: 5 Simple Keys to Consistency: www.purestrike.com
S
pring brings more daylight and opportunities to play golf, but in many parts of North America—especially this year—there is still a lot of inclement weather to deal with in heading out to the links. New choices in outerwear make it easier and more comfortable than ever to brave those spring showers and cold spells as several manufacturers have some new apparel that booth looks good and feels good. Sunice®, Canada’s No. 1 outerwear brand, has just introduced its 2013 Narooma Rain Pant, the company’s most popular rain pant on the professional tours. The Narooma is a pleasantly light, breathable GORE-TEX® rain pant using the wellknown performance shell fabric that is used extensively on the PGA TOUR®, Champions Tour® and Web.com Tour®. Like all outerwear in the Hurricane Collection, the Narooma Rain Pant has a lifetime waterproof guarantee. This rain pant has a nice slim fit, gripper waistband, snap waist adjusters and best of all, both pass-through pockets in addition to dual pockets sewn into the pant on either hip. The result is a perfect fitting bottom that insures superior comfort and ultimate performance, both benchmarks attributes of the Sunice brand. Sunice offers inseam sizing on all of its black bottoms--both men’s and women’s--and this includes the men’s Narooma Rain Pant. The Su-
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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss
Fletcher Leisure Group Inc., a company with 42 years of golf industry experience. Sunice® golf rainwear is a chosen favorite by many PGA and LPGA Tour players around the world. For more information on the new outerwear offerings from Sunice: www.sunice.com
New Outerwear from Fila For those windy and sometimes wet spring days, Fila Golf’s London (for men) and Victoria Waterproof Wind Jackets (for ladies) are two new very stylish and practical choices. These latest developments from the classic Fila heritage sportswear brand include a variety of soft-shell wind and water proof outerwear, perfect for chilly conditions.
FootJoy HydroLite Rainwear FootJoy, which has become an increasingly bigger player when it comes to golf apparel—especially outerwear—has introduced its lightest raingear yet with its new FJ HydroLite collection of rain jackets, pants and rain shirts in an assortment of colors and features. As with all FootJoy apparel and outerwear, FJ HydroLite is made specifically for golf. The versatile 2.5-layer fabric is stretchable, 100 percent waterproof, windproof, breathable and highly packable, making it a real plus for golf trips. It combines a four-way stretch shell fabric with a waterproof barrier and smooth finish on the inside. The ultra-lightweight construction is ideal for layering and packing in your golf bag, yet still delivers waterproof protection up to 20,000mm of water column pressure. A waterproof front zipper allows for easy on, easy off wear while protecting from the elements. “All of our outerwear pieces are designed to complement our highly successful layering strategy that aims to Make Every Day Playable,” said
Whitney Trimble, Director of Marketing, FooJoy apparel. “HydroLite is ideal for players in all conditions –-whether it’s a layering piece in cool, wet conditions or as an outer shell for protection during warm, wet days.” Besides being very light, this line enjoys a full cut yet has a classic design and styling that make it a nice addition to any wardrobe. It also features an Xtreme DWR finish that beads water off the garment and a new YKK waterproof main zipper that resists leaking. Inside and outside storm flaps offer protection in wind and rain. The jackets have nice, large pockets while the rain pants also have a handy scorecard pocket for easy storage and retrieval. This latest category from FJ, offers a wide range of options for players, including a FullZip Jacket (one available with zip-off sleeves), Pullover Rain Shirt, Short Sleeve Rain Shirt and Rain Pants. HydroLite rainwear is tour-proven as it has been tested on the PGA Tour. For info on FootJoy Performance Golf Apparel, please visit: www.footjoy.com/apparel
Both of these styles feature a detachable hood that comes in handy on or off the course when the weather turns bad and has a drawstring adjustment that is really nice to pull tight when the temperature goes down. Both the London and Victoria Waterproof Wind Jackets are designed with light, exterior fabric that boasts superior water resistance and a mechanical stretch that is designed to not inhibit the swing, while the mesh lining keeps the jacket breathable and lightweight when the weather is warm, but conditions are adverse. The fulllength cut and true-to size styling is a plus on the golf course as is the ample room around the arms for any kind of physical activity. Other features include critical seam-sealing 3,000mm waterproofness / 3,000gm breathability); microfleece-lined neck and pockets for a soft, warm feel; kissing welt zipper front; self adjustable sleeve closure with Velcro; front zipper pockets with microfleece lining; E-Zip™ Embroidery System and liquid metal F-box logo on right sleeve hem. For more information about Fila Golf: www.ShopFilaGolf.com
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