STEPPING BACK IN TIME AT THE WIGWAM RESORT I MORE SWEET STUFF
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contents I march 2010
cover
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stories
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Sunny Scottsdale, Arizona by Chuck Miller, “The Traveling Guy”
With 314 days of sun a year, and over 60 golf courses, it is no wonder that Scottsdale, Arizona has become such a mecca for golf enthusiasts and sun worshippers.
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Wigwam Resort: Step Back In Time
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Two Gems To Play In Southern California
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Discover North Carolina’s Golf Coast
by Karen and Michael Villalpando
The Wigwam Resort exudes Old West charm with a touch of Hollywood glamour. It reminds me of a place where Sinatra and Martin would hideaway for a weekend watching starlets lounge by the pool.
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by Terry Ross
The Resort at Pelican Hill in the Newport Coast and the Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar Resort in North San Diego are two “must-play” courses during a visit to the Southern California region.
by Bob Black
Discerning travelers are discovering some hidden gems in these parts: the golf courses of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Golf as it’s meant to be played, in a relaxed and peaceful setting
departments 25 Sweet Stuff
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by Terry Ross
Davek Umbrellas, Adidas Powerband 3.0, Sundog Eyewear
26 Destinations Your Link To Great Resort Golf Locales
on the cover: The Boulders Resort, Carefree, AZ
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 0
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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
Michael Villalpando is a Los Angeles based travel writer. He is also publisher of the Park La Brea News and The Beverly Press, both local weekly publications covering news and events in the Los Angeles area. Michael and his wife Karen also run The Melrose Media Group, a successful L.A. based media rep firm.
Associate Editor Terry Ross Online Content Editor Bruce Binder Features Editor Larry Feldman For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 • e-mail: JD@GVLinks.com
Bob Black has played golf since he was 12 years old and led his high school golf team as a top finisher in the conference championships while growing up in Illinois. He lived and played the sport in the Seattle area for 26 years before moving to the San Diego region where he regularly writes about golf in the Southwest.
Regional Advertising New York • 518-789-3005 Jon Meigs - jon@meigsmedia.com
Chuck Miller (The Traveling Guy) a Southern California native and 11 handicap golfer at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista, California, writes about golf for newspapers, magazines and internet travel sites. His business background includes developing the initial international distribution network for Adams Golf.
Chicago • 630-871-9417 Patrick Keane - patkeane@comcast.net Atlanta • 770-971-1616 John Reock - reock@mindspring.com San Diego • 619-889-7706 Bob Black - bobblack@cox.net San Diego • 619-709-4425 Wayne McCollum - wayne@gvlinks.com
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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 2010 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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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2010
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SUNNY
SCOTT
W
ith 314 days of sun a year, and over 60 golf courses, it is no wonder that Scottsdale, Arizona has become such a mecca for golf enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Since my first trip there some 40 years ago, Scottsdale has grown by leaps and bounds to become one of the West’s most highly sophisticated business and vacation playgrounds. Today’s Scottsdale, which stretches some 33 miles from north to south, has it all…terrific golf courses, wonderful accommodations, restaurants to please any palate, shopping galore, a vibrant art district, and the Scottsdale Trolley, a Free shuttle which operates seven days a week providing access to parks, recreation, and shopping for vacationers and locals alike. Along with its nearby neighbors, Carefree, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley, Scottsdale is no long just a suburb of Phoenix. It is a much sought out destination by those seeking a restful yet activity oriented locale for a vacation or business conference. As a golfer and golf writer, when it comes to vacations, my interests lean toward hitting a little white dimpled ball. I love the challenge of trying to hit the middle of a lush green fairway, drive over babbling brooks or areas of natural grass. I love to chip to undulating greens while trying to avoid the sometimes fluffy, sometimes gritty sand bunkers that are strategically placed in fairways and around the greens. I also love to putt on a wide variety of greens with their sometimes subtle, sometimes draconian breaks. The courses in and around Scottsdale offer all these challenges. When in Scottsdale recently, I had the opportunity to try my skills against three
beautifully manicured, strategically designed, and immensely enjoyable courses, Legend Trail Golf Club in Scottsdale, the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa in Fort McDowell and Boulders South in Carefree. These three extremely scenic, challenging but fair golf courses are all within minutes of the newly remodeled Xona Resort Suites, an all suite resort where we stayed in North Scottsdale. The Xona, which offers very comfortable one, two and three bedroom suites, is a great retreat for a couple, a family, a group of golfers or a company business conference. All were in attendance during our stay. As a member of the Annual Scottsdale Media Classic, I enjoyed most of our meals in either The Pavilion, the Xona resort's large banquet room or around one of the four swimming pools on the property. We did eat one night in the resort's Asada restaurant, a Sonoran Grill serving fresh fish, seafood, steaks, chops and poultry grilled or smoked and finished on the grill. We not only enjoyed the southwestern style cooking but also the casual atmosphere and the Arizona earth tone decor of Asada. It was warm and inviting place after a tough day of golf. The first day of the Media Classic, I played golf at the Legend Trail Golf Club with three of the more than 90 golf writers from the US, Canada, the UK and the Czech Republic who were present for the four day event. We played from the Silver tees at 6400 yards, second longest of the five tees. Since I am a military type player...left, right, left, right, left...I got to see quite a bit of the course. Course architect Rees Jones designed a course that, depending on the tees that are used, is challenging and playable for both scratch players and rank amateurs. The format for the first day of the
by CHUCK MILLER “THE TRAVELING GUY”
TSDALE
three-day Media Classic was a Shamble. We took the best drive on each hole then played our own ball and scored the two best net scores of our foursome. With our handicaps, we came home with a net 9 under par, good enough for a tie for first in our bracket. Although score was important, the fun we had meandering through the scenic natural environment and admiring the Sonoran Desert landscape was the thing that had us really excited and pleased about our round. The wide fairways of summer bermuda grass were plush with over seeded rye grass when we played. Surprisingly, our foursome's favorite hole was the only hole on the course with water. We avoided the water which bordered the left side of the fairway for a good 200 yards, stayed out of the strategically placed fairway and greenside bunkers, carved our shots from right to left on the doglegged fairway and walked away with two pars on the 475 yard par 5, the course's number three rated handicap hole. It was a good hole and a good day. Following golf we headed to the driving range to watch a demonstration by PING professional PGA Pro Bubba Watson, the tour's long-drive leader the past three years. It was easy to see why Bubba has led the tour in long drives. With a tempo and flexibility that were just like amateurs read about in Golf Digest, Bubba's drives raced into the atmosphere like bullets shot from a rifle. The ooohs and aaahs from the assembled crowd were constant as Bubba's 300 to 400 yard drives rocketed off his pink-shafted PING driver high into the light blue cloudless sky. Not only is Bubba a great golfer, he truly appears to be a squared away, down to earth person with a good understanding of
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his abilities and how fortunate he is to make a living playing and enjoying golf. After watching and hearing him, it seemed to be the consensus of those in attendance that he will becomes a top flight player on the tour. We all hope that is the case as he is fine golfer, an excellent representative for PING and seems to be a true Southern gentleman. The second day of the three-day Media Classic I teamed with a journalist from Toronto. We played a two-man scramble and scramble we did. We hooked and sliced our way around Fort McDowell's We-Ko-Pa's par 71 Saguaro course. Course architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw would have been chagrined to watch us as we hit balls into the cactus decorated desert, traipsed through dry river washes, and three putted a few of the beautiful undulating two-tiered greens. Although our golf left a great deal to be desired, the breathtaking views from almost every hole of the mountain ranges and the vast Sonoran Desert valley made up for our lack of skill. The Saguaro course, which opened in January 2008, joined We-Ko-Pa’s Cholla course which opened in December 2001. Both courses yield dramatic and "natural" views of the surrounding mountain ranges. They are both definitely challenging whether played from the tips that extend out to 7,225 yards on the Cholla course and 6,996 yards on the Saguaro, or the forward tees at 5,289 and 5,061 yards respectively. Both courses have won numerous awards since opening including recognition in 2008 as Golf Digest's #1 and #2 ranked Best Public Access Courses in Arizona. When you play either or both, you will notice one of the somewhat unique features is that
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orre T there are no residences on the course...and we are told...never will be. Pure, wonderful, scenic golf. My favorite Saguaro hole was the 4th, a long, long, long 607yard Par 5. I enjoyed it not only because it was long, but because it had elevation changes, lush rolling fairways and lots of risk and reward options. My partner and I scrambled well, managed a "Par 6" and were proud of it. The third day of golf was played at Boulders South, one of two courses at The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree. Having played there once before, I was looking forward to returning to what I remembered was a stunning desert course. I wasn't disappointed. The golf course was in exquisite shape and the sight of the 12 million year old boulder formations that dot the course was once again amazing. Tall and rounded from millions of years of weathering, these multi-shaped giants stood guard as we attacked the course. We played as individuals and played we did. From tee to green I dodged from left to right, from the edge of the desert, to and from bunkers of soft beach like sand, from behind small and large Saguaro cactus. I played as if I were dodging fighters who were intent on strafing me right out of existence. It wasn't the course, it was my golf. I did manage to right the ship so to speak and made four pars and a birdie on the last six holes. Besides being a gorgeous course, kept in immaculate shape, The Boulders South and its companion course, Boulders North, offer interesting holes of varying length, elevation, and degrees of difficult. Boulders South also offers one of the more unusual back
to back holes combinations I have ever played on a championship course...two par 3's in a row. The 15th is 104 to 151 yards depending on which tee is used. The 16th is 141 to 227 yards. I will never forget the 16th because I came within inches of a hole-in-one that would have won me a seven night cruise on Royal Caribbean. As the last one in our foursome to tee off, I hit a three wood that moved from right to left, landed on the green, rolled toward the cup on the lower tier of the green and disappeared. As I and my fellow golfers began to shout and jump around, the ball came back into sight and stopped three feet past the pin. It had disappeared from view because of the undulation in the green. Disappointed but undaunted, I sank the putt for a birdie and put the idea of a free seven night Caribbean cruise out of my mind. Actually, when I came to my senses I was a bit relieved as I realized a hole-in-one would have meant free drinks for nearly 100 thirsty golf writers. The Scottsdale area, with all its sunshine and terrific golf courses, is a true paradise for golfers and sun lovers. As Mikey used to say in the TV commercials..."Try It, You'll Like It".
For more information about Scottsdale visit www.Scottsdalecvb.com For tee times and information about Legend Trail Golf Club, go to www.legendtrailgolfclub.com for We-Ko-Pa, visit www.wekopa.com for The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, visit www.TheBoulders.com For more information on Xona Resort Suites visit www.xonaresort.com
THE CUISINE OF ITALY
“Combining Old-World Italian comfort food with personalized service, a congenial atmosphere and an extensive wine list, La Torretta excels as one of Arizona’s most impressive restaurants” — Dining Out
With a menu that utilizes the freshest and most authentic ingredients and pasta made fresh in-house daily, the restaurant’s culinary fare is consistently delicious and refreshing.Their Osso Buco,Taglio del Vitello Farcito con Quattro Farmagio and Veal Piccata have become local legends and inspired positive reviews from the Scottsdale Republic, the New Times, Guest Informant, TravelHost, and Scottsdale Magazine. The combination of La Torretta’s sophisticated interior and authentic food make it a prime candidate for intimate dinners to group celebrations of special occasions.
LIVE WELL
•
LOVE MUCH
•
LAUGH OFTEN
LA TORRETTA Ristorante & Italian Steakhouse
16640 N. Scottsdale Rd • SW corner Frank Lloyd Wright/Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale • 480.991.2000 • www.latorrettaaz.com Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm • Dinner Daily 4:30-9:30pm
W IG KICK OFF T
I
t was December 31, and many of you were probably thinking about New Year’s resolutions. “In 2010, I plan to exercise more, relax, spend more time with the family,” you pondered. I say start the new decade at a destination where you can accomplish all of that: the Wigwam Resort in Western Phoenix.
GWAM RESORT
THE NEW DECADE WITH A TRIP BACK IN TIME
By Karen and Michael
Villalpando
The resort has been around for eight decades, maintaining a sense of nostalgia while updating it in authentic Arizona style. The owners of the Goodyear Tire Company originally purchased 16,000 acres in the Litchfield Valley to cultivate cotton. Later, they transformed the grounds into a retreat for their executives and their families. In the early days, guests would roam the acreage on horseback, typing up outside their casitas, the lodge and the church. The Wigwam Resort exudes Old West charm with a touch of Hollywood glamour. It reminds me of a place where Sinatra and Martin would hideaway for a weekend watching starlets lounge by the pool. The warm and inviting atmosphere invites you to unwind, slow down and stop and smell the roses – over 8,000 of them on property. The Wigwam boasts three 18-hole championship golf courses, three award-winning restaurants, an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, nine lighted tennis courts, and two swimming pools. The 331 guest rooms, including 72 luxurious suites, are decorated in authentic Arizona style, combing rustic leathers and warm, Southwestern colors. The resort is a short 30-minute drive from Phoenix airport. Nestled in the Phoenix suburb of Litchfield, a circular driveway with hundreds of rose bushes welcomes you. Wood floors and rustic chandeliers adorn the lobby area, where a portion of the original structure and fireplace remain. The Southwestern charm carries over to the casitas, suites and guest rooms, each offering cozy yet elegant furnishings. An Adobe Fairway accommodation overlooks the Blue Course in an oversized room of 550 square feet, scenic views, privacy, and wet bar. An Adobe Casita guest room, located near the Adobe pool, is a convenient short walk to the restaurants and the Red 14
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Door Spa. The Wigwam’s accommodations offer such a variety, every guest will feel pampered here. Visit their website to see examples of the different accommodations available. Need more relaxation in 2010? The Red Door Spa is the ideal place to find it. Continuing the Southwestern feel, the spa’s warm and inviting décor promotes a sense of calmness. The diverse menu of treatments available may cause the only consternation of your visit- which to choose? I opted for the Red Door Signature Escape, which was a 50 -minute massage, followed by a Red Door manicure and pedicure, and a make-up refresher. It was 4 hours of bliss, totally relaxing. My massage was perfectly comforting and soothing, I was in a quasi-state of sleep, yet was fully cognizant of where I was. Afterwards, I enjoyed the whirlpool and sauna for a brief 15 minutes before moving on to my next treatment, the signature manicure and pedicure. I usually do not go for the extra paraffin wax at my regular manis and pedis, so that was a real treat. Then, I retreated to the women’s lounge for a quick shower before having my make-up retouched. I left feeling like a new woman! When booking your appointment, be sure to ask for the extra 15-20 minutes between treatments so you can enjoy time in the sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. I know, there was “exercise” on that resolution list. With the three 18-hole championship golf courses available, there are plenty of tee times available. Michael enjoyed two of the three courses on our three-day weekend, finding the Blue course to be challenging, yet the wide-open fairways forgiving. The courses are well established, with plenty of old-growth tress offering shade and beauty. If you’re looking to spend time with the kids, there’s always www.gvlinks.com
frolicking in the two pools at the resort. However, if you’re looking for a little adventure, just 10 minutes down the road is the brand new Dodger spring training facility. The Camelback Ranch facility is also home to the White Sox. Tickets go on sale January 9, with the first game against the White Sox on March 5. The facility is magnificent. I could almost smell the hot dogs as we stared through the fence, waiting for spring. Our trip, however, was a “marriage booster shot” so the kids were at home. But sometimes, that’s just what a relationship needs! A dose of romance goes a long way. A long walk through the 8,000 rose bushes and other foliage on the property is therapeutic as well as beautiful. The Wigwam even has its own historian, who also serves as a full-time caretaker of the rose bushes. He is a walking encyclopedia of history and information about the resort. Dining at the Wigwam is superb. When we arrived, we enjoyed a late afternoon lunch overlooking the golf course at The Grill at the Wigwam. We shared the delicious blackened shrimp and blue crab Louie sandwich with fried black forest ham, caramelized celery and red onion, Thousand Island dressing, lettuce and tomato. If the chef can make a sandwich taste this good, what can he do with an entrée? We ventured back that night for dinner and were delighted to see his innovation taken a step further. Matthew Steffen is at the helm here, creating dishes like Cilantro-Orange Mahi-Mahi with spinach-jalapeno couscous, mint scented squash, citrus infused buerre blanc. Matthew is a personable guy, who is itching to push the envelope even further. Perhaps we’ll return on our final night to see what else the young chef can create. Breakfast is served at the Arizona Kitchen, offering items such
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as cowboy hash and sweet potato waffles. The main attraction at the resort however, is Red’s Steakhouse, named for the beloved golf pro, Red Allen, whose family has been at the Wigwam for three generations. Black and white photos of Red during his illustrious golf career at the Wigwam grace the walls of the contemporary restaurant, while leather booths and distressed wood round out the décor of the resort’s new signature restaurant. The menu is typical steakhouse fare, with a few extra surprises. Chef de cuisine Kristen Seltzer churns out cooked-to-order steaks of course, and then kicks it up a notch with black truffle mac-ncheese as a side dish. The duck two ways appetizer is an interesting combination of a duck lollipop resting aside the duck confit with potato risotto, with the two textures playing nicely off one another. A dish or two on Red’s New Year’s Eve menu piques my fancy, namely the duck confit relleno and the Southwest poblano soup with smoked good luck bean relish. It may be a little late to get there in time for dinner tonight, but can you imagine what Chef Seltzer may be planning for Valentine’s Day? For our final night at the Wigwam, we decided to check back with Chef Matthew at the Grill, and the rising star had a special surprise awaiting us: a five-course menu with wine pairings exclusively prepared for the Villalpandos. He had been hard at work in the kitchen all day. The charming maitre d’, Lou Giamo, hand selected the wines and provided us with entertaining stories all night. Chef Matthew first presented us with a small bowl of chilled tomato bisque with ginger cream, asparagus tips dipped in spinach ream, and lump crab rolled in curry powder. The small bites were meant to either dip in the soup or to have separately and both ways worked wonderfully. The smoky taste of the curry paired beautifully with the crab, and the fresh, crisp asparagus balanced out the
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rich tasting bisque. Deliciously paired with a pinot grigio. The next course Matthew termed a “deconstructed fish fry” relying on the history of the Grill, which also serves as the clubhouse restaurant for the golf course, where many club members dine here on a weekly basis. Chef played off the idea of the “weekly fish fry” by poaching cod in butter, rolling it in Savoy cabbage and topping it with fried capers and a saffron aioli sauce. The fish sat upon a tempura cake, resembling the “batter” and a picked onion accompaniment added a bit of zest. Edna Valley chardonnay was well matched with this delicate “deconstructed” fish. I needed a rest after the rich second course, and somehow, Matthew knew that, and sent out his digestif: a shot glass of watermelon and orange juice with a touch of Chambord, next to a watermelon gelee with fresh mint and mint foam. It was a perfect palate cleanser and marvelously refreshing! I was ready to move on to my next course. The star creation of the night: a rib eye steak crusted in Portobello mushrooms, with carrot puree, plated with potato gnocchi with a red wine Portobello mushroom reduction. The two sauces provided a ying and yang flavor, and the “King of Sangiovese” wine selected by Lou was the perfect pairing. I am not a big dessert eater, but I had to give this frozen creation a taste: a peanut butter and jelly martini with homemade peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. First, Matt froze jelly swirled in a martini glass. Then he mixed vodka, Frangelico and peanut butter with ice in a shaker and poured it into the jellied glass. He presented it on the plate next to the riches homemade peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. It was delicious and oh-so rich. Just a few bites for me, please. And careful on the martini, yummy but dangerous! This dinner was one of the most enjoyable I’ve had in a long time. Young Chef Steffen may be at the Grill at the Wigwam for now, but someone will soon discover his hidden talents and propel him to a bigger stage, perhaps the next Iron Chef! So make your reservations now, while there are still seats available. Our three day weekend at the Wigwam Resort accomplished just what we needed: rest, relaxation, romance, time together and fabulous dining! We managed to leave the resort to do some shopping in Scottsdale, www.gvlinks.com
Golf at the Wigwam Resort is an old school throwback. Starting with the Blue course, designed by Robert Trent Jones in the 30s, the layout is wide and lush. Oldgrowth trees line the fairways along with quite a few ball-attracting bunkers. At just over 6,000 yards, it’s not a “monster”, but does require a good repertoire of skillful shots. Doglegs and water are strategically placed along the entire course. I especially like the canals crisscrossing the course as
perfect for golf. Oh yeah, my score? 86. Next up was the Gold Course, a course with a reputation as a long ball hitter’s delight. Not being one of them, I stuck with the white tees, about 6400 yards with a 70 rating. Another Robert Trent Jones design course, it has been updated by Forrest Richardson with some hole lengthening, bunker and green reconfigurations. Once again, the condition of the course was immaculate. Rich landscaping included lots of color, mature trees and towering palms gently swaying in the breeze. It’s worth mentioning again that the entire golf resort has that old school feel. It’s like you fell you might bump into Frank Sinatra or Peter Lawford on the back nine or more
they held a lively assortment of fish racing up and down their own little track. Fish aside I thoroughly enjoyed the course especially since I played the entire first round without any of my golf balls sleeping with any fish. For me, a weekend golfer with a 15 handicap, to play a round of golf with just one ball is a major accomplishment. Overall, the Blue Course was fun, challenging and rewarding. November was prime time to be in Arizona and the weather did not disappoint at 65º-72º. It was cool and sunny,
likely, the 19th hole. With such history and perfect location, it’s easy to understand the why the Wigwam Resort enjoys such a high percentage of repeat guests. By the way, getting to the 18th green was quite a challenge with a water hazard to carry, and a canal lurking next to the green. I was happy to finish with a bogey, and yes, with the same ball from the day before. The Wigwam Golf Resort is definitely a place I’ll return to, especially to check out the Red Course and make it a trifecta. www.wigwamresort.com
but there was really no need to leave other than that. I will return to the Wigwam Resort in 2010 – that’s MY New Year’s resolution. I hope you add it to your list, too.
Teeing It Up
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Pelican Hill Clubhouse
SOUTHERNCALIFORNI TWO GEMS TO PLAY
“The Resort at Pelican Hill in the Newport Coast and th
Resort in North San Diego are two “must-play” courses d 18
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golf vacation to Southern California in the spring normally yields moderate temperatures, little rain (most years) and an almost mind-boggling number of quality golf courses to choose from. And that’s just counting the public and resort courses. There are an equal number of great private clubs to play, but unless you know a member or find a charity tournament that has secured one of these exclusive golf courses for the day, then you are pretty much limited to those designated for public play. Two of our favorites that are located south of the Los Angeles area in Orange County and San Diego cater to visitors and yet have a top-level ambiance and private feel to them that make you feel like you are at your own home club. The Resort at Pelican Hill in the Newport Coast and the Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar Resort in North San Diego are two “must-play” courses during a visit to the Southern California region. Both offer first-class resort accommodations, great golf layouts, top line service complete with country-club locker room and dining facilities and an excellent staff of forecaddies for each group to guide you and help you get to know the course. Pelican Hill, which was developed by the Irvine Company and features two championship 18-hole courses that meander along the Pacific Ocean, was built in the early 1990s before being closed in the mid-2000’s, remodeled and then reopened in the fall of 2007. The courses now are capped-off with a spectacular 44,000-square foot club house with separate men’s and women’s locker rooms and lounges with a full array of appointments and amenities: acclaimed Pelican Grill restaurant and its popular bar; Caffé II, an Italian coffee bar; and a worldclass golf shop offering the latest golf fashions and accessories. The clubhouse is impressive with its dramatic combination of comfortable, elegant California style and the large, arched Palladian-style windows that open up to magnificent coastal panoramas. Dining al fresco on the terrace with its spectacular ocean and golf course views and hidden heaters and sunscreens for year-round comfort is the quintessential California dining experience. The full-service practice facility is one of the better that you will find—located just outside the pro shop and including target greens, sand bunkers, approaches, roughs and fairway turf – designed to give players an advance glimpse of the design elements of the two Tom Fazio courses.
IA Y By TerryRoss
he Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar
”
during a visit to the Southern California region. www.gvlinks.com
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Grand Del Mar Balcony View
Grand Golf Club 4th Hole
Of the two courses, the Ocean South provides the most spectacular ocean views that rival anything in the state and a golf experience to match. Stretching to only 6,580 yards from the back tees and a slope of 134, the Ocean Course is plenty challenging from there or the Blue Tees at 6,323 yards because of the ample bunkering and tour-like green speed that can bring even good putters to their knees. Reading the subtle breaks—and the help of the forecaddies here is critical—is the key to scoring since the fairways are pretty manageable on most holes. On the Par 3 fourth hole you can see a house that Tiger Woods has built on the bluff above the green and the Par 3 seventh hole is so spectacular that you feel that you can simply reach out and touch the Pacific Ocean. The 18th is a 453-yard Par 4 with an uphill approach that can ruin a round if you are not careful. Keep it right on that hole and forego the temptation to take on the dog-leg left unless you are capable of an extremely long drive. Both the Ocean South and its sister the Ocean North course are great experiences and were named to Golf Magazine’s Top 20 Courses in California. The Bungalows and Villas at the Resort were added in 2008 as part of the remodeling of this outstanding facility, and offer exquisite luxury accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. Pelican Hill 17th Hole
About an hour or so further south, the Grand Golf Club is located east of the I-5 in Del Mar just minutes from the pristine beaches, restaurants and boutiques of this quaint area north of San Diego. One of the newest resorts in the area is The Grand Del Mar, which is adjoining the golf club that is another Fazio design dating back a decade, but like Pelican Hill has been redesigned and made over into one of the finer public access courses in the area. This is a shot maker’s course, especially from the Black and the Grand Tees. The spectacular fairways that wind throughout the scenic valleys of the beautiful Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve deftly captures the essence of Southern California’s coastal beauty with its varying elevation, diversity of its bunkering, and impeccable manicured fairways and greens. You will find a lot of uphill carries on this course until the back nine and the greens are fairly quick. You will want to get advice from your forecaddie in reading these, along with how to play some of the holes that are rather tricky the first time through. The club has added a new set of tees that measure 4,824 yards that enable one to play a much easier course, but the back tees at 7,160 yards and a slope rating of 139 should be reserved for those that can handle a good challenge. The Black Tees at
6,688 yards will do for most players and still comes in at a slope of 135, while the White tees at 6,043 yards also get a lot of play. A luxurious, Mediterranean feel prevails in the 55,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a member’s locker room and Addison, the resort’s signature restaurant. In a unique twist, this resort also has 90 private members who share the course and amenities with resort guests and daily fee golfers. Both Pelican Hill and the Grand Golf Club are two very unique resorts—built and operated to private club standards— that should be on any itinerary when visiting the Southern California Coast to play golf. For more information, visit:
www.PelicanHill.com and www.TheGrandDelMar.com
Pelican Hill Bungalow
Grand Del Mar Lobby
Grand Golf Club
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SPOTLIGHT
GOLF AS IT IS MEANT T DISCOVER NORTH CAROLINA’S
ou approach the tee, casually glance over your shoulder and spy no one but the rest of your foursome — three of your best friends –– leaning against the cart, waiting to see what you will do to redeem your game after the last hole. All eyes are on you as you line up the ball, practice your swing.
Y
Here in this area known as the “Golf Coast,” the subtropical temperatures lure golfers back year after year, yet somehow the crowds and traffic always manage to vacation elsewhere. Maybe that’s because those who’ve experienced the beauty and serenity of golf in this special place want to keep these treasures all to themselves.
What will you do? Drive it up the middle? Make a splash in the water hazard? Dig a deeper hole for yourself in a sand trap?
Space simply doesn’t permit us to tell you about the more than 35 golf courses, which are so gracefully interwoven into the fabric of the Brunswick Islands. But here’s a representative sampling of the caliber of golf that awaits you:
No pressure. No need to rush. You’ve got plenty of time. Because this is golf as it’s meant to be played, in a relaxed and peaceful setting––without the next foursome breathing down your neck. Tee It Up In North Carolina's Golf Coast The North Carolina coast has always been famous for its hidden treasures. These islands and beaches, after all, were the hideaways of pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnett. Today, discerning travelers are discovering some other hidden gems in these parts: the golf courses of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Tiger’s Eye Golf Links
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For starters, just north of the South Carolina line you’ll discover a pair of courses featuring two of the most groundbreaking designs on either Carolina coast: Marsh Harbour and Oyster Bay. Both were created by master architect Dan Maples, and with their imaginative use of the richly diverse topography – creeks, lagoons, ponds and portions of the Intracoastal waterway – they set a fresh, innovative standard for other coastal courses that have followed in their wake. True to its name, Oyster Bay incorporates oyster shells into much of its design. A classic example is the par-3 17th hole, where you hit from an oyster-shell-lined tee box to a Oyster Bay Golf Links
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TO BE PLAYED GOLF COAST
lovely island green built on a mound of more oyster shells. Marsh Harbour, Maples’s other masterpiece, is situated right on the North Carolina/South Carolina border. In fact, on the 10th hole, if you fade your drive a bit, your ball will travel from North Carolina across a historic boundary marker into South Carolina and then come in for a soft landing back on North Carolina soil again. The 17th hole here is billed as "the most beautiful and exciting" in the Grand Strand area. A long par 5, it requires you to hit successive shots to three different landing areas, which get smaller and more demanding with each shot. After a well-placed drive threading your way between tall pines and oaks on the left and gaping bunkers and a large marsh on the right, you’re then required to shoot across another treacherous stretch of marsh onto a peninsula of fairway. And then you’re faced with hitting to yet another peninsula, where the green is perched on the side of a marsh. There just aren’t many safe harbors for errant golf balls at Marsh Harbour. A little further north is architect Tom Jackson’s jewel, Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club. The trademark features here are crater lakes and almost 100 strategically Lion’s Paw Golf Links
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By BobBlack
placed bunkers. "It’s what I’d call a traditional layout," says the head golf pro, "in that it hasn’t been tricked up by moving a lot of dirt. That of course means there’s no visual trickery – everything’s right in front of you. The course also features a lot of mature pines lining the fairways, and when the hundreds of azaleas we have here blossom, visitors tell me it gives them a little flavor of Augusta National in the spring." Perhaps no place on the East Coast blends golf and nature more gracefully than Bald Head Island. Here, once you’ve disembarked from of the ferry that brings you over from Southport, the only motorized mode of transportation allowed is a golf cart. (Each villa comes equipped with one.) The undulating greens on the course average a remarkable 11,000 square feet. And along with plenty of water – freshwater lagoons languidly snake around or through fourteen of the fairways – this George Cobb design offers golfers a rare surprise for a coastal course: elevation changes. The vertical drop from tee box to green on the signature par-3 sixteenth, for example, is around 40 feet. Bald Head Island is also renowned for its turtle-preservation program, which can make for unforgettable sights for you and your family during nighttime strolls. Thistle Golf Club
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Over on scenic Sunset Beach are three sister courses with perhaps the most intimidating names in the Brunswick Islands: Panther’s Run, Lion’s Paw and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links. Fortunately, these fierce names are counterbalanced at Sunset by more gentle-sounding ones: Angels Trace Golf Links – North and South courses – as well as The Pearl – East and West – Sandpiper Bay and Thistle Golf Club. But don’t let these feline beauties scare you off. Panther’s Run actually ambles genially around a nature preserve – home to barred owls, deer and hawks. Lion’s Paw has scored four stars in Golf Digest’s "Places to Play." The third green is actually
built in the shape of a lion’s paw, with the bunkers surrounding it shaped like paw prints. And Tiger’s Eye boasts 60-foot elevation changes, an island par 3, a waterfall and bulkheads featuring coquina boulders (in which one can find shark teeth, among other things). Thanks to the Islands’ secluded, uncrowded location, you’ll find excellently maintained courses, the perfect tee time and a game that tests your skills, no matter what level you play. Mix it up. Play a tough course in the morning, followed by an easier round where you can just enjoy being out. Out of the office. Out of the daily grind. Out in the fresh air.
Panther’s Run Golf Links
Just relax. And when your round is done, the area's five distinct islands offer plenty more in the way of entertainment. Hop around Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach and Bald Head Island –– as well at the inland towns of Southport, Shallotte and Calabash –– to enjoy warm hospitality, charming shops, great restaurants and breathtaking scenery. Welcome to the Brunswick Islands, North Carolina’s Golf Coast. For more detailed information on all of these magnificent coastal courses, go to: www.ncbrunswickgolf.com
Oyster Bay Golf Links
The Brunswick Golf And Beach Sweepstakes
The Pearl Golf Links
Tucked into the southeastern corner of the state, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are known as NC’s Golf Coast, and it’s easy to see why: 35 courses dot the beautiful coastal landscape of Brunswick County, and among the many luxurious accommodations here is The Winds Resort Beach Club, a lush, tropical paradise on Ocean Isle Beach. Now, you can enter to win an amazing beach and golf getaway to this charming oceanfront resort! The winner will receive a three-night stay for four people at The Winds, along with rounds of golf for four at Cape Fear National, Meadowlands Golf Club, and St. James Plantation golf courses. Plus, you’ll get a hot breakfast buffet each morning and a $500 travel voucher to help you get here.
Bald Head Island Club
Sandpiper Bay Golf & CC
Visit www.visitnc.com/sweeps/ view/the-brunswick-golf-andbeach-sweepstakes and enter to win today! The sweepstakes ends March 31st
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by Terry Ross
SWEETSTUFF I
A
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Davek, based in New York, recently unveiled a solution that addresses the age old problem of what to do with your rain umbrella while hitting a shot away from your power golf cart and bag. If you have a caddie, he or she holds the umbrella and other clubs, a sight seen fairly often while watching a pro tournament. But for the vast majority of players, with no one to hold the umbrella in most instances, especially around and on the green, you end up leaving the umbrella in the cart and get drenched. This problem, and the and the other quandary of keeping the grips dry on the other clubs you take with you from the cart is solved with a patent-pending, sleek aluminum-alloy “anchor spike” on the bottom of the umbrella handle. Push the spike into the turf to keep the open umbrella in place while taking your shot. This allows you to focus on your game—not your umbrella blowing in the wind. And, once the open umbrella is anchored, individual clubs can be propped against the ribs to keep them upright and dry while you take the shot. Other models in the Davek umbrella line include the individual-sized Solo model, the larger Duet model, and the tiny compact Traveler model that folds to nine inches but expands to 40 inches of coverage arc. All of their models include a lifetime warranty. For more information visit www.davekny.com
adiPRENE+ technology is now in the inlay sole, directly beneath the ball of the foot, to manage energy effectively for enhanced response, better weight transfer and improved balance. Lastly, GRIPZONE technology lines the footbed and now extends into the heel area, locking the foot securely in place to promote maximum power and energy transfer. This brings the golfer closer to the ground for improved stability, better footwork and ultimately, more consistent ball-striking. Powerband 3.0 footwear is available online at www.miadidas.com
new Paula Creamer Collection, Hunter Mahan H Series, and Mike Weir’s own Weir Golf Signature Series. Visit www.sundogeyewear.com
t seems that with golf accessories these days we are constantly finding better ways to do things. But, just when you think that with golf umbrellas just about everything has already been tried; a unique new twist to this ages-old golf staple has just hit the market.
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didas Golf has introduced its latest high-tech golf footwear with the unveiling of its Powerband 3.0, a shoe built to deliver top-level power and stability. The chasis of this new high-tech shoe wraps up higher on the lateral forefoot and medial heel than ever before to delivery extraordinary lateral stability to secure the foot and provide more power and better control. Comfort remains a premium for the Powerband 3.0, which delivers support and cushioning from heel to toe with improved FitFoam™ technology. Its full-grain leather provides a rich look and feel, as well as superior durability, and ClimaProof® technology provides 100% waterproof protection. Also new to the Powerband 3.0-- as in every 2010 model from adidas Golf-- is the incorporation of advanced THiNTech lowprofile technology and new exclusive THiNTech cleat. Positioned closer to the foot than in previous Powerband generations,
unglass for golfers has evolved over the years. Starting out as a fashion accessory, they are now regarded as that and much more as they have become not only a health aid, but another performance tool to help the all important vision during the round. Sundog Eyewear, a Calgary, Canadabased company that has gradually gained a larger share of the golf sunglass market, has found a lot of admirers for its Mela-Lens™ designed for golf and has recently expanded that line with the introduction of the Mela-Lens™ Polarized, Mela-Lens™ Photochromic, and a new smoke-colored Mela-Lens™ for brighter light conditions. Paula Creamer, perhaps the top American player on the LPGA Tour with eight wins, including four in 2008, has worn Sundog eyewear since 2007. “I think wearing sunglasses is just as important as having sunscreen on! Everyone is aware of the dangers to our skin of being in the sun without sunscreen. Why can’t we get that message across when it comes to protecting our eyes?” “Mela” is short for Melanin, a naturally-produced pigment that acts as a Sunscreen in protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. The exclusive Sundog Mela-Lens is infused with a synthetic melanin that absorbs light seamlessly over a broad spectral range providing 98 percent blue light filtration and 100 per cent UVA/B protection. This makes for an extremely comfortable view while playing golf and eliminates dark spots in the shade. Among its many sunglass lines featuring the Mela-Lens, Sundog offers the all-
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DESTINATIONS
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WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO PLAY
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WHERE TO STAY
DESTINATIONS
WHERE TO PLAY
RANKED - TOP 5 PUBLIC COURSES
Daily
99
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Standa rd
65
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For Tee Times Call
Twiligh t
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Turbo’s Tavern & Grille (760) 200-9844
Rated Best Course Under $100 - The Desert Sun
RATES THROUGH APRIL 4 www.gvlinks.com
• Golf Digest - Places To Play • Public Welcome • Corporate & Group Events Welcome • GPS Yardage System On Every Golf Cart • Premium Club Rentals • 18 Hole Championship Course G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2010
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