Our
THIS MONTH: S W E E T S T U F F I C H I P S H O T S I D E S T I N AT I O N S
10th Year!
GOLF VACATIONS MARCH 2012
RESORT REPORT AMELIA ISLAND’S RITZ-CARLTON
PORTUGAL
BACK NINES & PORT WINES
PLUS: Black Diamond 25th Celebration I Fitness Profile
Save 65%
on the
Family Value Combo
Plus, 3 Free Gifts
to every shipping address in your order.
FREE 6-piece Cutlery Set FREE Cutting Board
Family Value Combo 45069YXC 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz. approx.) Boneless Chicken Breasts 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers Save 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks $9401 4 Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Reg. $14400 | Now Only 4 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers
Š2012 OCG OmahaSteaks.com, Inc.
$
4999
Limit of 2 Packages at this Special Price. Standard Shipping and Handling will be added per address. Your free gifts will ship per address and must ship with an order of The Family Value Combo (SKU#45069) or purchase of $49 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offer Expires 4/30/12.
To order: www.OmahaSteaks.com/value83 or call 888-648-4708
13883-M12
contents I march 2012
cover
12
stories
Back Nines & Port Wines: Portugal
9
by Andrew Marshall
It didn’t take us long to realize that there was more to port than watching a pipe-smoking uncle crack open a bottle of the mysterious purple stuff once a year after a Christmas turkey roast.
18
Black Diamond’s 25th Anniversary
20
Resort Report: Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
by JD Latorre
Like a boxer setting up his opponent with a series of strategic jabs and body shots, the Quarry’s front nine is methodical in makeup, featuring dramatic elevation changes, classic bunkering, and fairways framed with thousands of beautiful live oaks.
12
by Andy Reistetter
A gentleman named Ritz opened the first Ritz Hotel in London in 1905. At the time he set the "swanky standard" for a hotel with a kitchen on each floor so room-service meals could be served course by course.
departments
18
9 ChipShots Updates From The World Of Golf & Travel
12 FitnessProfile
by Terry Ross
Gustafson Physical Therapy
30 SweetStuff
by Terry Ross
TaylorMade, Butch Harmon, Pure Strike
on the cover: You’re never too young to get in a vacation round 6
20 G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
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. 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 by e-mailing him at AndyReistetter@gmail.com.
Associate Editor Terry Ross Features Editor Larry Feldman
Andy Marshall Born in England, Andy has been a professional freelance travel writer for the past 20 years. During that time, he has travelled to over 50 countries including Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Barbados, Panama and Indonesia to cover a diverse range of travel-related features for various magazines around the world. He regularly works with his professional photographer brother Paul on different projects particularly golf, food and drinks features. Visit his work at www.bogey.se
For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 e-mail: INFO@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angeles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.
Los Angeles • 949-279-7801 Terry Ross - terryross@cox.net Atlanta • 770-239-7500 Harold Chambliss - haroldcmg@ceocenters.com
Download the new e-book and audio book:
GOLF JOURNEYS
Senior Writers Tom LaMarre Fred Robledo
Golf Journeys & Culture www.golfjourneys.net
& CULTURE Author: Andrew Marshall
Kansas City • 913-217-7242 Harry Noll - hmdn1954@yahoo.com
Published by
S
portsMedia publications
President Jeffrey Diaz 777 E. Atlantic Avenue, Suite C2-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5360 760 . 744 . 2655
and Photography:
Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshall photography Paul Marshall by
8
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
“A must read for every gonzo golf adventurer.” JD Latorre, Golf Vacations Magazine
Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2012 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
www.golfvacationsmag.com
U p d a t e s f r o m t h e Wo r l d o f G o l f & Tr a v e l >> RENAISSANCE INVESTING IN NEW ICONIC CLUBHOUSE AND GOLF COURSE EXTENSION East Lothian, Scotland. The Renaissance Golf Club has announced a £5million investment in new course facilities which include the creation of an iconic clubhouse building and the extension of the golf course to feature three new holes along a stunning peninsula of
leisure facilities. Key features include private dining, a wine cellar and tasting area, snug bar, international business centre alongside private gym and treatment rooms. The clubhouse will have a number of viewing areas and terraces overlooking the 9th hole, 18th green and 8th green and fairway. The upper floor of the new clubhouse will feature six luxury bedroom apartments to complement
chip shots which will have dramatic new views overlooking the Firth of Forth and will add considerably to both the course features and playing challenge. Beyond the clubhouse development and course extension, the Renaissance owners are also considering the creation of a stand-alone, twenty bedroom luxury lodge in the longer term. This would add to the Club’s accommodation and leisure facilities for international guests and their families seeking to enjoy a short break in Scotland with the appeal of easy access to Europe. Jerry Sarvadi, Managing Director and joint owner of The Renaissance Club, commented on the developments: “The creation of a new clubhouse and extension of our golf course, marks the next major stage in the development of The Renaissance Club. We created and opened the Club in the midst of the recession and have been fortunate to receive such a high
land overlooking the Firth of Forth. The Renaissance Club which opened in 2008 has almost 200 domestic and international members from counties across Europe, Asia and the USA. The new investment and facilities at the club are expected to attract considerable new membership interest. The latest developments at the Renaissance Club will take the total investment to date to over £20 million, all of which has been funded by the owners
- the Sarvadi family, private members and individual investors. The Clubhouse is expected to be completed in early summer of 2013 in advance of the British Open Championship at nearby Muirfield. The new facility, which will cover 34,000 square feet over four floors, will feature extensive hospitality, accommodation and www.golfvacationsmag.com
the existing 14 luxury suites in the club’s existing upscale lodge accommodation. The golf course extension which is being designed by award winning US golf architect, Tom Doak, who originally worked with the owners to create the Renaissance course, will be ready for play from early summer 2013. The extension features three new holes 9, 10 and 11
level of support and interest from our members in the early years. Domestic and international members already enjoy our fantastic coastal location in East Lothian with its international credentials for world -class golf. Our course architect, Tom Doak, has created a stunning course; designed to fully utilise the landscape and geography of our unique position nestled alongside Muirfield and North Berwick links and only a short distance from Edinburgh. The Renaissance Club is establishing a unique blend of traditional historic East Lothian coastline links with modern luxury and amenities that promises an unparalleled golf experience.” The architect of the new Renaissance Clubhouse is Yeoman McAllister and the construction company is Ogilvie Construction. G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
9
U p d a t e s f r o m t h e Wo r l d o f G o l f & Tr a v e l >>
New Survey: Courses That Cater to Women Golfers Will Witness Happier Players, Increased & Faster Play, Enhanced Bottom Line NEW YORK, N.Y. - Women who play golf at facilities that follow best practices tailored to them will play the sport more often and enjoy an enhanced overall experience, while rewarding course operators with better financial results and pace of play, a new study revealed this week. According to “The Right Invitation: 2011 Women’s Golf Longitudinal
Research,” there are as many eight best practices that especially resonate with women golfers, and courses that employ most, if not all, of them are apt to see as much as a 16 percent increase in play. The study was commissioned by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), funded by The Little Family Foundation, and conducted by Sports & Leisure Research Group (SLRG). The 2011 study confirmed the findings of 2009 research as it compared 15 golf facilities that followed best practices against a comparable group of facilities that did not. To qualify in the survey as a “best practices facility,” a course needed to meet 80 percent of all best practices. According to the survey, best practices yielding in dramatically enhanced loyalty to a facility from women players, include: • Four or more sets of tees, with the forward most set of tees ideally under 4,500 yards (though up to 4,800 yards considered), all to allow golfers to reach
DESTINATIONS
10
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
chip shots greens in regulation • A golf shop in size of at least 500 square feet with a solid selection of welldisplayed women’s clothing and equipment and a dedicated women’s department • Both men and women staff employed in the golf shop • Abundant directional signage on the golf course • Greeters present at the facility entry/starting area • Ample drinking water available at a minimum of three tees per nine holes • Both men and women staff available for golf instruction • The availability of childcare Best-practice facilities reported higher merchandise and food-and-beverage sales, as well as a better overall profit per round. Full copies of the 2011 study (plus the original 2009 study) can be found at www.golfwithwomen.com under Research, as well as the SLRG website at www.sportsandleisureresearch.com.
WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO PLAY
www.golfvacationsmag.com
U p d a t e s f r o m t h e Wo r l d o f G o l f & Tr a v e l >>
DORAL OFFERS NEW 2012 WGCCADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP PACKAGES Imagine having exclusive access to one of golf’s greatest events, rubbing shoulders with some of the sports utmost players, and teeing off on fairways walked by golf’s greatest only 48 hours after? Well now, you can. Catering to golf lovers alike, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott resort is giving guests access to one of golf’s most prestigious events – the 2012 WGC-Cadillac Championship March 7-11. With three packages available, golf aficionados will have the opportunity to enjoy the resort while witnessing the race for the trophy. Travelers who book the Champions Golf Package or the Blue Monster 4Night Golf Package will score one round on Doral’s famed course only two days after the event, along with exclusive invitation to autograph sessions with tour players, cocktail parties and nightly vendor events. WGC Viewer’s Package includes accommodations and a single admission ticket to the WGC-Cadillac Championship Tournament ($165 value). Nightly rates start at $349 for single occupancy and $205 for double occupancy.* WGC Champions Golf Package includes garden-view room accommodations, one round of golf on the Gold, Jim McLean Signature or Great White course (valued up to $225), daily breakfast, one admission ticket to the WGC-Cadillac Championship ($165 value) and complimentary access to the Spa at Doral. Based on a two-night minimum stay, nightly rates start at $459 for single occupancy and $325 for double occupancy.* Available March 9-13, the WGC Blue Monster 4-Night Golf Package includes garden-view room accommodations, two rounds on the Gold, Jim McLean Signature or Great White course (valued up to $225), one round on the TPC Blue Monster on Tuesday, March 13 ($325 value), daily breakfast, one admission ticket to the WGC-Cadillac www.golfvacationsmag.com
Championship ($165 value) and complimentary access to the Spa at Doral. Based on a four-night minimum stay, nightly rates start at $449 for single occupancy and $315 for double occupancy.* In addition, those who book the WGC Champions Golf Package or WGC Blue Monster 4-Night Golf Package will also enjoy: • Exclusive invitation to golf personality receptions and nightly vendor events with brands like Callaway, Hugo Boss, Nike and more. • 50% off club rentals (Taylormade Burner Woods/R11). • 50-minute Doral massage priced at $99. • Discounted airport transfer from key transportation. For reservations, www.marriott.com/miadl. For resort details www.doralresort.com or call (800) 71-DORAL.
chip shots GOLF HOLIDAY, ‘BIG BREAK’ STANDOUT, PAIR-UP FOR EXCLUSIVE WEB-BASED TV SHOW MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday announces Blair O’Neal – former “Big Break” standout and Sports Illustrated “Hottest 50 Athletes of All-Time” selection -- will host “Myrtle Beach Golf Buzz,” an exclusive web-based television program available at www.golfholiday.com. Launching in February, the “webisodes” showcase the area’s legendary array of courses and golf packages; golf schools; family attractions; countless nightlife / restaurants options; temperate weather; and 60-plus miles of sweeping Atlantic beachfront.
POUND RIDGE GC, STAMFORD MARRIOTT ANNOUNCE STAY & PLAY POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – Pound Ridge Golf Club – the public Pete Dye-design in Westchester County – today announces a new stay-and-play package with the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, starting at $214 (Fri. – Sun.) and $300 (Mon. – Thurs.). Located 15 minutes from Pound Ridge, the Stamford Marriott embodies an exceptional mix of New York energy and New England charm, while providing a memorable hotel experience for business, leisure, meeting and celebration needs. “The Stamford Marriott is a perfect match for Pound Ridge, providing convenient access to the course, elegant accommodations, fine dining and a spa where golfers can relax post-round,” says owner Ken Wang. Stay-and-play guests can take advantage of tee time booking via concierge or hotel staff, transportation options (rental cars, limousines) and complimentary rental clubs and golf shoes from Pound Ridge ($100 value). Hotel guests enjoy the flexibility of Pound Ridge’s weekday nine-hole rates of $80 (before 8:30 a.m.) and $60 (after 4:30 p.m.). Advance golf reservations are needed 48 hours prior to weekend tee times (Fri. – Sun.). Forecaddies are available upon request by calling the pro shop at least 24 hours before a booked tee time. For Stamford Marriott Hotel reservations, please call Peter Griffith at 203.977.1217. For more info on Pound Ridge, visit www.PoundRidgeGolf.com or call 914.764.5771.
O’Neal, an avid social media participant and persona, will blog for Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday’s website and be an integral part of its branded social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. A standout collegiate golfer at Arizona State University, O’Neal rose to national prominence with her runner-up finish on Golf Channel’s “Big Break Prince Edward Island” in 2009. Also an indemand professional model, she has graced runways, print ads, catalogs, magazine covers, websites and commercial advertisements around the world, she is currently a member of the LPGA’s Futures Tour and has dedicated herself in 2012 to earning full status on the LPGA Tour. For more information about golf in Myrtle Beach, visit www.GolfHoliday.com; for more On Blair O’Neal, visit www.blaironeal.com. G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
11
Douro Riverview
Back Nines & Port Wines: 12
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
“
Driving through grape country was pure pleasure with each vista better than the last”
P
roduced from grapes grown on the steep, rocky slopes of Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley, port, arguably the world’s greatest fortified wine, was discovered during the 17th century when two British traders added brandy to preserve the local wine for an Atlantic sea voyage. The pioneers of the port trade soon found that ‘fortifying’ did far more than just protect the wine, it actually improved it, giving it the power to mature into something unique, and be transformed in the cool, peaceful wine lodges that huddle in the tight streets of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the River Douro from Porto. Huge signs above the terracotta rooftops announce the big guns of the port world – Cockburn’s, Ferreira, Sandeman and Taylor’s. Many offer tastings and tours for visitors, and this is where we found ourselves one sunny autumn afternoon. It didn’t take us long to realize that there was more to port than watching a pipe-smoking uncle crack open a bottle of the mysterious purple stuff once a year after a Christmas turkey roast. Ruby Port, Tawny Port and Vintage Port - the more we tasted, the more we understood the complexities of the types and styles made - or at least that’s my excuse. We could have stayed for days searching for the perfect tipple, but it was time to put our glasses down for the moment at least, to travel to the spectacular World Heritage Douro Valley, where the luxuriant liquid is produced, with some golf before and after. The Algarve may have the lion’s share of the courses, but for golfers looking for something off-the-beatentrack, there are several decent layouts within an hour’s drive of Porto, and what the clubs perhaps lack in manicured quality, they more than make up for with local character, an unpretentious nature and affordable green fees. Plus, there’s always the wild beaches, fine regional gastronomy, historic towns and of course the port, to balance things out. First on the agenda was Oporto Golf Club, the oldest course in Portugal and the fourth oldest in Continental Europe. Founded in 1890 mainly by British residents connected with the port wine industry, and steeped in tradition, it is laid out on ideal links terrain near Espinho, south of the River Douro.
: PORTUGAL www.golfvacationsmag.com
by Andrew Marshall
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
13
From the laconic green-keeper, with a rake casually slung over his shoulder to the joking club members in the locker room, everything about the club was mellow and low-key. Walking into the clubhouse was like stepping into a golf museum. Think lush leather armchairs, a worn visitor’s book, dusty trophy cabinets, a gilded honors board and all manner of golf memorabilia adorning the walls. The course’s historical flavor is enhanced by the holding of the Skeffington Cup - a tournament that has been played here since 1891 without interruptions. A little raggedy around the edges, Oporto Golf Club’s layout can’t really be described as a ‘must play’ in the golf world. The par-4 4th and the par-5 11th are perhaps the most challenging on this historical course, particularly when the strong, gusting north winds blow. Go for the pre-trip warm up with no pressure, the ‘golfer’s home away from home atmosphere’ and the top-notch steak sandwiches served in the bar. The scenic surroundings are one of the attractions of Amarante Golf Course situated 50kms east of Porto. The relative short-
ness of the track (5,085metres) is compensated by a number of tricky holes throughout the undulating and hilly terrain. Good distance control and judgment are requirements and there’s plenty of downhill, uphill and side-hill lies to add to the challenge. “To score well here, you must ideally master the seven par-3’s on the card, especially since most of the greens are small and fast,” said club professional Jaoa Silva. Amarante’s intriguing par 3s range from 110 to 175 meters, with the 165-metre 15th being a standout hole, played from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by a backdrop of vineyards which, when we were there, looked especially beautiful in autumn colors. The 306-metre, par 4 4th hole is a classic. Locals call it the ‘volcano’ because of the conical-shaped mound sloping on all sides on which the narrow green is situated. “During a National Professional Golf Championship we had one pro who had a 14 here,” said Jaoa. “Short does not always mean easier.” From Amarante, we drove southeast into the Douro Valley. Vines have been grown on these remote hillsides since pre-
Roman times, planted on tiers of walled terraces, the product of centuries of toil and sweat. The River Douro is always present – snaking through abstract patterns of rustcolored vines that march up the dizzyingly steep valley sides. Driving through grape country was pure pleasure with each vista better than the last. It was late September and harvest time. Specks of colorfully clad pickers carrying baskets dotted the hillsides. A heady sweet aroma filled the air, and every second vehicle seemed to be a tractor pulling a trailer load of precious fruit. At Quinta Seara D’Ordens, near the town of Peso da Regua, I asked Antonio Moreira, one of three brothers who run the winery: “What are the secrets of making good port?” “If you don’t have good grapes you don’t have good wine. Climate is important too and so are the terraces that help to retain moisture in the soil,” replied Antonio. Quinta Seara D’Orden’s range of ports and table wines have won several prizes in domestic and international wine contests. “We recently won a gold medal for a Ruby Ponte de Lima Golf Club
14
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
Reserva,” said Antonio, as he drew some wine from a cask, poured it into a glass, then held it up to the light. “It has a vivid, deep ruby color, pronounced fruity aromas balanced with oak driven vanilla notes. But the wine speaks more articulately than I do.” Several kilometers away at Quinta Da Pacheca, a team of several men with arms interlocked stomped up and down inside a wide stone tank regimented by the chief of the group. “One-two-left-right,” shouted Alvaro, to his crack grape-tramping team of Alberto, Joao, Zeca, Vigia, Zegirao and Constera. It was like a cross between the All Blacks before a rugby game and a scene from Monty Python’s ‘silly walks’. But this was serious stuff. All the hard labor is designed to extract as much color and flavor from the grapes without crushing the pips and stems that would give the wine a tannic edge. After tramping the grapes for a few lengths of the tank, the team took a break, had a drink of wine and then repeated the process. “No machines can yet match the sensitivity of the human foot,” said Alvaro with a passion. After we witnessed this curious tradi-
tion, there could scarcely be anywhere more appropriate to spend the night than the Vintage House in Pinhao, situated on the very edge of the River Douro and surrounded by terraced vineyards. If the Douro Valley is the cradle of Portugal’s port trades then the Vintage House is the epicenter. Everything here oozes, class, quality and knowledge of the purple nectar. At the Vintage House’s Wine Academy, port connoisseurs will find a wine shop where they can taste and purchase some of the finest and rarest ports of the region, in addition to taking part in tutored tastings, wine courses, port and chocolate tastings and gourmet dinners. We spent a convivial evening in the Library Bar by the cozy glow of a log fire watching a bottle of vintage Taylor’s being opened in an age-old ritual. Instead of a corkscrew being used, the bottle is first placed on its side in a wire cradle. Then a special pair of tongues, called tenaz (pre-heated to a high temperature) severs the neck of the bottle. This is done because of soft corks and to avoid the sediments getting disturbed
inside the bottle. Once decanted, vintage port like all bottle-aged wines should ideally be drunk the same day it is opened or at least within a few days. Traditionally the port decanter is passed clockwise around the table from right to left. Pass it left to right, diagonally or under the table at your peril! One of the new courses in the north, not far from the border with Spain’s Galicia region, and about an hour’s drive from Oporto is Ponte de Lima Golf Course, a varied mountain layout with glorious views (especially from holes 2 and 8) over the Lima Valley and the historic town of Viana do Castelo 20kms away. One of the interesting holes is the extremely long par-5 3rd, and at 622 meters off the white tees it is one of the longest in Europe. The surrounding area is well known for its solaces (restored historical manors converted into guesthouses). In fact, Ponte de Lima has one on the course itself, with its Anquiao Manor House in a private setting right next to the 4th tee. “Golfing guests can tee off at the 4th, call at the clubhouse
Vidago Palace Hotel
www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
15
Amarante Golf Club
Back Nines & Port Wines: 16
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
for lunch and then continue until the 3rd green and home,” said club manager Manuel Miguel. The final 18-holes of our northern Portugal golf journey, was Estela Golf Club, undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. Built over three kilometers of beautiful dunes on the Costa Verde and set tight to the pummeling Atlantic Ocean, Estela is a testing pure links especially when the prevailing north winds blow. It successfully hosted the Portuguese Open in 1991, three years after its inauguration. With narrow fairways all the pressure is placed on the tee shot. There are few fairway bunkers on the course, simply because they are not needed. Miss a fairway at Estela, and the dunes will welcome you. Just like a traditional Irish or Scottish links, most shots at the greens are open, allowing the ball to enter them rolling. The speedy well-contoured greens made with Penncross bent grass are typical of a links layout. The signature hole is the 13th, a 457-metre downhill par-5 to the most southerly point on the course, with nothing but ball-hungry dunes on the right and a sneaky little dogleg at the end. Other golf clubs in the region include three nine-hole courses: the traditional links of Miramar Links Golf Course (established in 1932), situated 13km south of Oporto among coastal dunes, Quinta da Barca Golf Club on the banks of the River Cavado at Barca do Lago and Vidago Golf Club, a MacKenzie Rossdesigned mountain and parkland style layout featuring mighty specimens of maple, oak and chestnut trees that line the fairways. Last but not least is Quinta Do Fojo, a short and fun 6-hole layout and golf academy just south of the Douro River mouth in Porto town, that’s ideal for practicing the short game. From windswept links and parkland nine-holers to Rubies and Tawnies, both the golf and the port of Northern Portugal have their own special flavours and characteristics. ‘Back Nines and Port Wines’- it makes a refreshing change from the more familiar Algarve golfing holiday.
WHERE TO PLAY Oporto Golf Club: www.oportogolfclub.com Amarante Golf Club: www.golfedeamarante.com Ponte de Lima Golf Club: www.golfe-pontedelima.com Vidago Golf Club: www.vidagopalace.com Estela Golf Club: www.estelagolf.pt WHERE TO STAY Praiagolfe Hotel / Espinho: www.praiagolfe.com Casa da Calcada/ Amarante: www.casadacalcada.com Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort Hotel (connected to the golf course): www.hoteldogolfe.com Vidago Palace Hotel: www.vidagopalace.com Hotel Flor De Sal/ Viana do Castelo: www.hotelflordesal.com Vintage House / Pinhao: www.hotelvintagehouse.com OFF-COURSE ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES There’s no better way to discover Portugal’s lush vineyards, storied culture and stunning natural beauty than on a Douro River cruise. On a Douro River cruise, you’ll see restored palaces in modern cities, lovely rural villages and pass through port wine vineyards along one of Europe’s most charming rivers. Various length cruises are available ranging from one-day trips from Porto to weeklong journeys further afield. www.dourorivercruise.com • Take the 1 hour 30 minutes steam train trip from Pinhão (Douro Valley) to Regua and take the trip back to with a cruise boat. The “Tua Valley” line is one of the most spectacular in Portugal with the train hugging the side of the rocky ravine and climbing through a wild and unspoilt area of tiny isolated villages. Pinhão’s Railway Station itself is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and its exterior walls are decorated with 24
PORTUGAL www.golfvacationsmag.com
colourful tile panels (azulejos) depicting the activities that are related to Douro’s port wine - vineyards, boats and the grapes’ harvest etc. • There’s plenty of port tasting and port education on the Port Wine Route Rota do Vinho Do Porto, an association that organizes visits and wine tastings to some of the Douro Valley vineyards, wine dinners and lunches, visits to grape harvests and wine pressing (a program consisting of a traditional grape crushing with a Port wine tasting). For more details: www.rvp.pt • When in Porto, take a side trip to nearby Afurada, a picturesque fishing village near the mouth of the Douro where many older residents still cling to traditional ways - men fishing and women washing their laundry at communal fonts. Houses are decked with azulejos and cafés offer hearty caldeirada (seafood stew). • Sample some traditional cuisine in Porto. Try O Escondidinho where chefs combine fresh ingredients and a woodburning oven to create classic bacalhau dishes and flavorful baked octopus, while the grilled seafood dishes are equally impressive. Another good option is cozy Adega São Nicolau half-hidden down a narrow lane that serves satisfying traditional seafood to a mix of locals and travelers. Bacalhau a Gomes (codfish with potatoes) and polvo con arroz (octopus with rice) are top picks. USEFUL CONTACTS & WEBSITES Turismo De Portugal: www.visitportugal.com The Marshall brothers, travel writer Andy and photographer Paul, have travelled to 13 countries and played 65 golf courses during an 8-year period. Read more about their fantastic adventures on their blog at www.bogey.se and in their newly released E-book and audio book available at www.golfjourneys.net G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
17
Black Di Celebrates 25th Anniversary,
18
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
I
n 1987, vaunted course architect Tom Fazio collaborated with Mother Nature to pull off one of the great golf design feats in history – Black Diamond’s Quarry Course. By forging the layout through the steep cliffs and lakes of two retired limestone quarries in Central Florida, Fazio created scenery that can only be described as other-worldly. Twenty five years later, the Quarry Course remains one of the most sought after golf experiences in the world. Like a boxer setting up his opponent with a series of strategic jabs and body shots, the Quarry’s front nine is methodical in makeup, featuring dramatic elevation changes, classic bunkering, and fairways framed with thousands of beautiful live oaks. Shortly after making the turn, Fazio delivers his knockout punch in the form of five holes famed golf writer Dan Jenkins called “the five best consecutive holes in the world.” The stretch begins at No. 13 and concludes with the 218-yard par-3 17th. The Quarry was a game-changer when it opened 25 years ago and remains one of Fazio’s seminal works.
With stunning hilltop views of up to 25 miles, the Highlands Course, which was completed in 1999, is a magnificent mix of lush, rippling fairways, stands of oak and pine, pristine water features and mesmerizing natural beauty. From the back tees, the nine-hole, par-36 course plays to almost 3,500 yards and has an impressive slope rating of 143. The Highlands can also be played in tandem with either nines of the Ranch. For all of Black Diamond’s virtues, a large part of what beckons golfers is what the community doesn’t have. Traditional golf hotspots like Orlando and Miami are metropolises with traffic and overcrowding. Black Diamond’s location in bucolic Citrus County leaves it devoid of big city problems, providing a truly relaxing golf experience.
iamond The Quarry is one of three courses at Black Diamond, all by Fazio. Completed in 1997, the Ranch Course is carefully crafted to gently blend into its natural surroundings. Reminiscent of Pine Valley, the Ranch sports rolling fairways and dramatic elevation changes of more than 100 feet. The Ranch places a premium on strategy and distance control. Sand and waste bunkers, pristine lakes and numerous twotiered greens serve as par’s guardian.
Black Diamond is granting golfers unprecedented access to the community via the Black Diamond Experience stay-and-play package. A one-night stay with two rounds of golf starts at $399 per golfer. Two nights’ accommodations and two rounds of golf start at $485 per golfer. Golfers stay on-site in one of the community’s homes. Rates are based on quad-occupancy. Black Diamond is a 1.5 hour drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), both of which feature direct service from myriad markets in the U.S. and abroad. For more information: www.blackdiamondranch.com, krosselet@blackdiamondranch.com, (352) 453-5473.
Offers Stay-and-Play Package By JD Latorre
www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
19
RESORTREPORT
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
By Andy REISTETTER
The Ritz Carlton Memorable For All The Right Reasons
Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive "Play-Write" series with an extended stay at the Ritz-Carlton and a few rounds of golf at the Golf Club of Amelia Island. Perhaps to some vacation travelers, Amelia Island is a hidden piece of the coastal Northeast Florida treasure map. For those in the know "putting" on the greens of the Golf Club of Amelia Island while staying at the Ritz-Carlton is the ultimate double eagle- the new generation "putting on the Ritz!" Join Reistetter as he experiences golf and luxury in one of the truly pristine areas of the Southeastern United States. gentleman named Ritz opened
A
the theme restaurant and lounge aptly
the first Ritz Hotel in London in
named SALT.
1905. At the time he set the
Salt - the only rock people consume
"swanky standard" for a hotel with a
yet we forget how precious it is in terms
kitchen on each floor so room-service
of the ocean, salt marshes and cuisine.
meals could be served course by course.
A meal in SALT is extraordinary yet
Jim
educational. Like a lot of our commercial
McManemon was part of the Ritz-
food, common salt is stripped of every-
Carlton team that opened up the Amelia
thing good before it reaches our dining
Island property over twenty years ago.
room tables but not at the Ritz-Carlton in
Another
gentleman
named
Now having come back home as the
Amelia Island.
General Manager, the Jim Valvano - like
The AAA Five Diamond restaurant uti-
natural leader and his incredibly talent-
lizes 52 different types of natural salts
ed team will make an impact on you the
from all over the world- Croatian salt
moment you walk in the front door to this
from the Adriatic Sea, ancient salt from
oceanfront resort.
the Himalayan Mountains and BBQ
Whether you come with friends, fam-
infused salt derived in part from the
ily or by yourself, your visit to the Amelia
wood of apple trees from the American
Island Ritz-Carlton will be memorable for
Northwest.
all the right reasons. Creativity is the hallmark of any dynamic venture and you will find it with
Each signature dish is "simple elements from the earth and sea, properly seasoned and artfully prepared."
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
21
RESORTREPORT Near the end of a six year, 55 million dollar renovation all of the Ritz Carlton facility, including the area's largest conference facilities are exquisite and unsurpassed in quality and functionality. Open the door to your room and its new dĂŠcor takes you from a dark mahogany wood floor that simulates brown reeds to a wind-swept sandy carpet to the dramatic ocean view through the floor to ceiling windows. You will want to spend more time in the elegant marble bathrooms and lounge around in your plush bathrobe. Once you come out of your room deciding which way to exit the lobby can be perplexing?
McCumber, along golfing great "Gene the Machine" Littler designed two golfing experiences into one. Though the fairways are wide throughout the course the first nine feels tighter with lakes and majestic live oaks defining fairways and guarding the opening to greens. The second nine is more open as it meanders out towards the ocean through marshes. The brilliance of the McCumber-Littler design literally peaks and speaks for itself on the strategic par-5 15th hole. Like classic holes of the Golden Era there are important decisions to be made- risks to be analyzed and rewards to be seized.
Does one head out to the sandy beach for relaxation or
The inviting experience culminates at a perched green
towards the sandy white bunkers of the "nearby" golf course
complex at the closest point to the ocean on the golf course.
for recreation? "Nearby" is an understatement. As Johnny Miller would say on television it's a simple "slice" lag putt from the front door of the Ritz Carlton to the house of the Golf Club of Amelia Island.
22
So close in fact you can hear the surf while you are putting. No need to hush the ocean as its rhythmic tones may improve your putting stroke. The Golf Club of Amelia Island is a very scenic and playable course yet with challenging competitive shot val-
As golfing experiences go, this one is world class, yet unique.
ues. When the World Golf Hall of Fame's Slammer &
Jacksonville native and PLAYERS champion Mark
Squire course was not yet ready to go the Champions
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
www.golfvacationsmag.com
AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA Tour came here to stage their Legends of Golf tournament in 1999. Golfing legends Charles Coody and Dale Douglas teamed up to win both the Legends (over 40 years of age) and Legendary (ages 50 to 69) while Joe Jimenez and Charlie Sifford won the Demaret Division (over 70). Like the family atmosphere at the Ritz Carlton it is likely that you will be greeted at the turn by Director of Golf John Price just to see how you are enjoying your day. Ask John to show you his autographed poster from the Legends event- talk about capturing golf history! Afterwards, if you choose to hit a bucket of balls like me you may run into professional golfer Bubba Dickerson at the practice facility. You really can't beat this golfing experience! Or the Spa experience where afterwards you can extend the treatment as warm water is cascading down on your shoulders in the signature whirlpool. Or the romantic beach fire near the dunes for couples complete with s'mores, hot chocolate and a warm blanket if needed. Or the Ritz Kids programs with island adventure themes- ocean tides, native birds, sea turtles, scavenger hunts and of course sharks and pirates! There many options though out the day for as many days as you like. The Ritz-Carlton is synergistic with the Fernandina Beach community of Amelia Island. Whether it's a narrated trolley tour around town with guides David and Ellen Edwards or an Amelia River tour with Captain Kevin McCarthy, educational and recreational opportunities abound. Our trolley stopped by to visit with Billy Burbank at his manufacturing facility. Hear an inspiring American success story first hand from a "good young guy" who transformed a family www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
23
RESORTREPORT
business from fishing nets to state-of-the-art sports nets. If you sat in really good seats behind home plate at a Major League baseball game, it was Billy's nets that protected you.
Only fifteen minutes from Interstate 95 and thirty minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport yet less than a 6hour drive from Miami and Charlotte, 5 hours from Atlanta.
Have a shrimp cocktail or fish sandwich during your visit to
There are many special events to schedule your trip
Amelia Island and it was Billy's nets that captured your seafood
around including one within view of the Ritz-Carlton on the
yet by an innovative design safely released any sea turtles.
fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island.
Feel the wind and sudden temperature drop as Captain
Whether it’s the highly acclaimed Shrimp Festival in April
McCarthy swings you out a bit into the Atlantic Ocean to get
(remember Fernandina Beach is the birthplace of the modern
an encompassing look at Fort Clinch.
shrimping industry) or Blues Festival in September or Jazz in
On the way back see the never touched wild horses roaming on the shores of Cumberland Island.
October this is a place you want to come and visit to relax and to be entertained.
Saddle up and enjoy a horseback ride along pristine shores.
The upcoming Concours d'Elegance car show on March
Paddle for pleasure with egrets, herons and perhaps a dol-
9th through the 11th rivals the one in Pebble Beach,
phin, manatee or sea turtle while exploring the tranquil salt
California as the best in the world.
marsh of the Talbot Islands State Park and Timucuan Preserve.
The gala gathering of prestigious cars dates back to 17th
On land Fort Clinch comes to life with period re-enactors
Century French aristocracy parading their horse-drawn car-
depicting military life in the 19th century. Hikers and bicy-
riages in the parks of Paris and literally takes place on the
clists can enjoy a six mile trail with remarkable views of some
10th and 18th fairways.
of the biggest sand dunes in the state of Florida. Amelia Island is a special destination for families, and those who visit are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. While convenient to reach it remains a hidden piece of the coastal Northeast Florida treasure map. 24
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
From sunrise beach activities to dancing the night away in the Lobby Lounge, the Ritz-Carlton and Golf Club of Amelia Island bring "Putting on the Ritz" back into style. Enjoy your visit and be sure to say hello to "Jimmy Mc M" for me! www.golfvacationsmag.com
FITNESSPROFILE TRAINING FOR A BETTER GAME Good golf and fitness go hand in hand, and in the California resort community of Palm Desert, Frank Gustafson, has been one of the leading proponents of getting both visitors and locals into top shape to help them enjoy the game more. As most people know by now, developing a strong core is a must for healthy and enjoyable golf. And you will be happy to know this does not mean doing sit ups, notes Gustafson, who is a Registered Physical Therapist and has a thriving practice in an area that fea-
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
tures more than 120 golf courses. In his private practice of now more than fourteen years, Gustafson has worked with professional athletes as well as the weekend warrior. He holds credentials as a Certified Athletic Trainer and has credentials with PGTCA as a Professional Golf Instructor. Recently Gustafson was awarded a Level 3 Registered Physical Therapist from TPI, the Titleist Performance Institute. Gustafson has experience as a trainer with the for the U.S. Olympic Committee, ultimately becoming U.S. Olympic Committee Crew Chief with an
expertise in areas such as rehabilitation, emergency medicine and drug doping. He was part of the medical field staff as Crew Chief for two Olympics, the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games and the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Gustafson has Advanced Training in Active Release Technique and Graston Technique. These techniques are scientifically advanced methods for treatment of soft tissue injuries. For more information on Gustafson Physical Therapy and his services, contact: (760) 346-3322.
Black Butte Ranch
www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • M A R C H 2012
25
SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
W
ith an eye towards maxing out the USGA’s upper limit for club head size, TaylorMade Golf recently released its latest, most technologically advanced driver yet—the R11s—and it has been an immediate hit. Bigger and more forgiving than the original R11, the 460cc head in the latest version of this club stands right at the USGA maximum limit for size, and is more aerodynamically designed and has some very nice tweaks to the adjustability components that enable players to fine tune their driver to even greater lengths to better fit their own launch conditions when it comes to spin rates and ball flight. More accuracy and distance can be obtained with the new R11s for players that take the time to test their launch conditions and make the appropriate adjustments. A number of Tour players have reported picking up in excess of 20 yards with some of the new improvements in the Moveable Weight Technology (MWT), Flight Control Technology (FCT) and the Adjustable Sole Plate (ASP) when fine tuning their specs, and even recreational players have reported those kinds of yardage increases by experimenting with various launch settings. “The R11s is a golfer’s dream come true; it’s the realization of every ounce of innovation, adjustability, and performance we could package in a bigger, more aerodynamic, white clubhead,” said Sean Toulon, executive vice president at TaylorMade. “It would have been easy for our product creation team to rest on the laurels of the original R11 driver, the most successful product we’ve ever created. Instead, we’re delivering golfers yet another significant advancement in adjustability and performance. And, with the proper fitting, we know golfers of all skill levels will be longer and straighter off the tee.” This all-white driver features a 3 degree FCC sleeve that allows players to dial up both loft and lie angles (1.5 degrees up or down) by rotating the sleeve, and an all-new 5-way ASP which allows the golfer to find their optimum address set-up – a proprietary setting not found in any other driver. The new R11s driver can be tuned for 80 separate launch settings, making it the most adjustable driver in golf while the flat-white crown color and black PVD face improves alignment and accuracy off the tee. The white crown color makes it appear even larger (2%)--an advantage that TaylorMade testing indicates helps with confidence at address from a head that appears large relative to the ball. The head of the newly designed R11s boasts a contemporary, slightly more triangular appearance than traditionally shaped drivers and provides higher MOI and a deeper, farther-forward center of gravity (CG). 26
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • M A R C H 2 0 1 2
Players can also adjust the weights to influence trajectory, either to enhance the launch conditions created by the face angle setting, or independent of the face-angle setting. For instance, some players prefer to look at an openface at address while still desiring a drawbias performance. With the R11s, a player can open the face and install the heavy weight in the heel, resulting in an open face but a draw bias weighting. Like every TaylorMade driver since the R500 Series (launched in 2002), the R11s incorporates TaylorMade’s Inverted Cone clubface technology, which dramatically expands the COR zone, which is the portion of the clubface that delivers maximum ball speed and helps save distance on off-center hits. The R11s comes standard with an Aldila RIP Phenom 60 shaft (X, S, R and M flexes), which weighs 60 grams, measures out at 45.75” and features a medium-firm tip profile. RIP shafts feature Reverse Interlaminar Placement to provide more stability at impact and promote more distance and control without the harsh feel associated with some firmer tip shafts. It comes in lofts of 9 degree, 10.5 degree, 12 degree in right-handed; 9 degree and 10.5 degree in left-handed. For more information visit: www.taylormadegolf.com
B
utch Harmon is probably as well-known as any golf instructor on the planet, and the stable of players he has taught over his 46-year career reads like an induction list to the Hall of Fame. From Tiger Woods, to Greg Norman, Ernie Ells, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and more than 100 professional tour players from all over the world, Harmon has carved out a name in golf instruction and teaching that is second to none. His new DVD set, entitled "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist” is a four-hour, two-DVD set featuring 57 chapters containing more than 250 specific tips and instruction from the man voted #1 in Golf Digest's annual ranking of America's Best Teachers for the past 11 consecutive years. In addition, "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist" features actual footage from the golf professionals who benefited from Harmon's instruction: (alphabetically) Fred Couples, Els, Natalie Gulbis, Johnson, Mickelson, Norman, Adam Scott, Nick Watney and Woods. This well-paced DVD also comes with an excellent 20-page booklet that is a great reference for any golfer out on the practice tee or before a round. The DVD is directed by former ABC sports producer and seven-time EMMY award-winner Terry Jastrow, who does a wonderful job in mixing in some very excellent and insightful instruction with Harmon’s dry wit and no-nonsense approach to game improvement. Filmed at the beautiful Rio Seco Golf Club near Las Vegas where the Butch Harmon School of Golf has it US headquarters, this DVD features some never before seen footage of the some of the top names in golf working with Harmon on improving their game and discussing how they get better with his instruction. Harmon’s teaching philosophy revolves around taking what a play-
www.golfvacationsmag.com
SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
er has and making it better—not by trying to over haul someone’s natural tendencies to fit a particular system or theory, and he is quick to note that he has learned as much from the players he has taught as they have learned from him. “I pride myself in taking what is natural with a player and making it better, and over the past 40-plus years I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest players in the game: Phil, Ernie, Greg, Tiger, Seve, Freddie, and several up and coming players, such as Adam, Nick, and Dustin, who are destined to carve their names in the golf record books," said Harmon. "Obviously I am proud to have been associated with them and to have contributed in some small way to their success. But their accomplishments are only part of the overall picture of the scores of everyday players, from all walks of life who have left the practice tee after working with me, that feel that their game has been improved. For everyone that has worked with me there are thousands
of golfers that I will never have a chance to try and help”. Those players who have worked with Harmon all agree that the keys to his success are his keen eye for the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player's swing; his comprehensive understanding of the game; his ability to communicate with the golfer; his toughness; his enthusiasm for his players to succeed; and his relationship and rapport with his players, making their work about teamwork rather than individual accomplishment. The "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist" DVD set is sponsored by Titleist, Winn Grips, Rolex, Golf Digest and JMA and is available on-line at www.butchharmondvd.com
O
ne of the most important elements to anything—and this is especially true in golf, is consistency. It was what separates the good players from the average and the great players from the good ones. But in the sport of golf the consistency from shot to shot, hole to hole and even round to round can be elusive. It may be one of the hardest things for players—especially those that don’t play as often—to master. A new website and an innovative e-book—Pure Strike: 5 Simple Keys to Consistency—tackles this problem with some easy principals
that can help all golfers hit the ball with repeated accuracy and steady distance, which leads to better scores, according to the publisher of the book, Bob Koch of Medicus Golf, a Southern California firm specializing in golf training aides and videos. Clearly no two golf swings are quite the same. 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. But a recent study by Medicus Golf identified five basic elements that every great golfer—from Bobby Jones to Tiger Woods—has in common. “One reason teaching is so complicated is that a student can’t focus on 10 different parts of the swing at once,” explained Koch. “But while golf’s most prolific champions had different grips, stances and swing planes, all had mastered five essential things that are obvious on film and in photos. It’s the common traits that enabled the greats to strike balls with consistent purity.” Developed in conjunction with PGA Instructors Chuck Evans, Randy Sparks and Dave Wedzik, the Pure Strike Keys can be found on the new website www.purestrike.com. It contains information, videos and will also feature links to webinars on each of the Pure Strike Keys. A DVD and instruction book will follow this spring. Meanwhile, Medicus is developing training aids for each Pure Strike Key to help golfers engrain the fundamentals. All five training aids will be available for purchase in 2012 on the website. Anyone who registers on the website will automatically receive the ebook and receive invitations to webinars, updates on the new Pure Strike training aids and the opportunity to purchase the products. As Koch suggests, the basics are, well, fairly basic, and were identified by studying the swings of 100 years worth of champion golfers. The first Pure Strike Key is keeping a Steady Head, which means the old noggin atop one’s shoulders remains centered between the feet from address at least until follow-through. A fixed point that does not move side-to-side or up and down, the Steady Head 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. “One hundred percent of the best ball strikers have their weight forward at impact, while 100 percent of the worst have the weight on their back foot,” explains Evans. “There is a direct correlation between forward weight and handicap. Get the sequence down that puts the weight forward correctly and you’ve set the foundation for consistent ball striking.” These two are followed by incorporating The Flat Left Wrist and the Sweet Spot Path of a swing, which together help bring the clubface’s sweet spot to the golf ball. Club Face Control is the final Key, involving the movement of the clubface from takeaway to followthrough. Such control has a profound influence on shot accuracy and consistent ball flight. For more information on Pure Strike: www.purestrike.com