Our
THIS MONTH: GOLF GEAR I SWEET STUFF I CHIPSHOTS I DESTINATIONS
9th
Year!
GOLF VACATIONS NOVEMBER 2011
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
COLORFUL GOLF GLORIOUS GOLF
HEADING SOUTH TO PLAY MEXICO BACK ON TRACK WITH GRUPO VIDANTA GOLF
PLUS: Colonial Williamsburg I Puerto Penasco: Part II
99 WAYS GET AWAY TO
HALF WAY BETWEEN THE EXCITEMENT OF ATLANTA AND THE TRADITIONS OF AUGUSTA, NESTLED ALONG THE BANKS OF LAKE OCONEE, YOU WILL FIND 99 HOLES OF GOLF FROM THE GAME'S GREATEST ARCHITECTS. CHOOSE FROM JACK NICKLAUS' FAMED GREAT WATERS, JONES' BRILLIANT OCONEE COURSE, FAZIO'S AWARD-WINNING NATIONAL COURSE OR BOB CUPP'S DUAL MASTERPIECES, THE PLANTATION AND THE LANDING. NOW, REYNOLDS PLANTATION INVITES YOU TO EXPERIENCE GOLF’S ULTIMATE DESTINATION LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
. TRADITIONS GETAWAY GOLF IS A GAME OF TRADITIONS, AND REYNOLDS PLANTATION IS PROUD TO OFFER A SUPREME COLLECTION WITH UNMATCHED VARIETY.
. ULTIMATE TEST DRIVE PACKAGE
THIS SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY ALLOWS YOU TO TEST DRIVE THE GAME’S BEST EQUIPMENT ON THE BEST COURSES.
. FAMILY RETREAT
THIS REYNOLDS PLANTATION VACATION HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES.
FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON GOLF GETAWAY PACKAGES OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REYNOLDS PLANTATION, VISIT WWW.REYNOLDSPLANTATION.COM/PACKAGES. FOR PACKAGE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877.809.3324.
& Endless Lake Activities.
World Renowned Golf, a Variety of Accommodations, Fine Dining
Lake Oconee GREENE COUNTY, GEORGIA
For more information about Lake Oconee an vacation packages, visit www.visitlakeoconee.com or call 866.341.4466
• All Suite Hotel • Just Minutes Away From World Class Golf Courses • Complimentary Full Breakfast Every Morning • Sunday through Thursday Complimentary Hosted Reception • Stay & Play Golf Packages
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Enjoy three nights lodging and three rounds of golf at Missouri’s # 1 course and we’ll add the
fourth night free! Play Porto Cima by Jack Nicklaus - The Cove by Robert Trent Jones Sr. - The Ridge by Ken Kavanaugh
porto cima DESIGNED BY JACK NICKLAUS
Congratulations to The Club at Porto Cima - MGA’s #1 Golf Course for 2010! Have fun and feel special, with this exclusive offer to play Porto Cima, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Only Club members, and guest of The Lodge of Four Seasons, have exclusive privileges to play the #1 golf course in Missouri as voted by the members of the Missouri Golf Association. Also included in your golf vacation, the legendary signature course at The COVE, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and The RIDGE course designed by Ken Kavanaugh. These are the three courses of THE LODGE – membership and guests have privileges. This three course package turns into a fourth night of free accommodations at THE LODGE…to rest, relax and celebrate.
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contents I november 2011
cover
stories
14
Mexico Is Back On Track
18
Puerto Penasco: Not So Secret Anymore
22
Colorful Golf In Northern Michigan
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by Dave McKibben
It's been buried beneath all the negative coming out of Mexico, but something quite fascinating is happening south of the border— Mexico is becoming a golf destination and more of a golfing nation.
by Dave McKibben
It has become an annual rite of passage in Yuma. Every winter, hundreds of seniors pile in buses jammed with golf bags, suitcases and bathing suits for a 3-hour drive to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
by David R. Holland
18
Driving through almost any part of Michigan on a glorious summer day a golf purist from a southern state sometimes can’t believe what he’s seeing.
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Resort Report: Colonial Williamsburg by Andy Reistetter
"Are you people of the frontier?" cries Mr. Richard Lee, a historical re-enactor in the R. Charlton's Coffeehouse. The same could be said for seasoned golfers who have yet to play the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Colonial Williamsburg.
departments
22
9 ChipShots Updates From The World Of Golf & Travel
13 Destinations Your Link To Great Resort Golf Locales
32 Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
Antigua, Club Glove, Martin Golf Apparel
on the cover: Picturesque Golf Getaway At Puerto Penasco, Mexico 6
26 G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
www.golfvacationsmag.com
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month If you saw someone having a seizure, would you know what to do? Go to www.GetSeizureSmart.org to learn about epilepsy, take the quiz and Get Seizure Smart!
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dave McKibben is a former award-winning sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times who covered nearly every sport imaginable during his 20-year career, including the PGA and LPGA tours. He resides in Carlsbad, Ca., he has his own media company, specializing in sports public relations. He has a passion for golf and traveling, teeing it up in Scotland, Portugal and Hawaiian islands. He can be reached at dmckibben@roadrunner.com 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.
David R. Holland is a former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, a football magazine publisher and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Multiple careers best describes this world traveler, who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve, serving during the Vietnam and Desert Storm eras. A former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, you can follow Dave’s travels on www.twitter.com/David_R_Holland.
Associate Editor Terry Ross Features Editor Larry Feldman Senior Writers Tom LaMarre Fred Robledo For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 e-mail: INFO@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising
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.
Los Angeles • 949-279-7801 Terry Ross - terryross@cox.net Atlanta • 770-239-7500 Harold Chambliss - haroldcmg@ceocenters.com San Diego • 619-889-7706 Bob Black - bobblack@cox.net
Palm Springs Resorts Golf Package Specials Cimarron Golf Resort – 1 round incl. cart Woodhaven Country Club – 1 round incl. cart 1 nights accommodations Homewood Suites – Palm Desert or Holiday Inn Express – Palm Desert
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
S
portsMedia publications
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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 2011 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 >> CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY WELCOMES PRO-AM TOURNAMENT MIAMI FL – Club Med Sandpiper Bay – the only all-inclusive family resort in the U.S. – announced recent improvements to its 18-hole course including a completely remodeled driving range, practice green and short game facility. Boasting 25 years of experience in the golf course management field in over 300 golf facilities in three countries, Championship Golf Course Services (CGCS) now oversees maintenance, upgrades and landscaping of the golf course at Sandpiper Bay. This upgrade is part one of the greater initiative to enhance the golf facilities and experience at Sandpiper Bay. Additional upgrades are in store for the new club house scheduled to open Dec. 20, 2011, featuring a new lounge, retail space, club fitting, video analysis and indoor training facility. The Club Med Golf Academy is powered by Brad Brewer, the Golf Channel’s lead online instructor and protégé of golf legend Arnold Palmer, and Don Law, awardwinning Junior golf instructor and founder and director of one of the largest junior programs in the U.S. The Academy also features esteemed
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coaches Laurie Rinker, a two-time winner of the LPGA Tour, and Marie-Clair De Bortoli, a LPGA Master professional. Golfers also have access to a personalized golf concierge service that facilitates access to 15 private and public world-class golf courses including the PGA Ryder Course. Guests at Club Med Sandpiper Bay now have the chance to train with the Golf Academy’s world-renowned coaches on a newly renovated elite golf course. Club Med offers exceptional rates, which include green and cart fees, starting at just $45 for a morning golf game during winter months and only $25 during the summer. Unlimited golf packages are available for golf-enthusiasts, allowing guests to play an unlimited amount of rounds per day. With these amazing upgrades, Club Med Sandpiper Bay has been selected as a host resort for the Sandpiper Cup Golf PRO/AM tournament held Nov. 14-17, 2011. Thirty pros and 60 amateur players will compete for one trophy and $100,000 in prize money by playing on four beautiful courses throughout Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie that have been carefully chosen to provide an outstanding experience of what Florida has to offer. For golf enthusiasts
chip shots competing in the Sandpiper Cup PRO/AM, Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers four, five and seven day all-inclusive packages with rates starting at $4,999 per person. Golfers are invited to compete in the Sandpiper Cup Golf PRO/AM, featuring four top of the line courses including the Trump International and Old Palm, two of the most exclusive and private clubs in the nation, along with two PGA courses, Wanamaker and National. The courses are designed by legends Fazio, Nicklaus and Floyd. After an exciting day of golf, guests of the all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper Bay can unwind at the 216-acre renovated property, featuring two new restaurants, the Slice Bar & Lounge, four swimming pools including an infinity pool exclusively for adults and a certified lap pool. From sailing lessons and wine tastings to Zumba classes and evening parties at Slice Bar & Lounge, Club Med Sandpiper Bay makes the perfect vacation destination to enjoy during the Sandpiper Cup Golf PRO/AM. For more information about the tournament format or schedule, visit www.sandpipercup.com. To book your Club Med stay, visit www.sandpiperbay.clubmed.us or call 1-800-ClubMed.ClubMedNorthAmerica.
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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chip shots
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 >> WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS LAUNCHES NEW VILLA BRAND PORT WASHINGTON, NY – World Travel Holdings (WTH) announced the debut of VillaRental.com, which provides a novel way to plan the world’s best villa vacations in more than 50 destinations. With a unique twist on the villa vacation planning process, the new site offers a fresh take on the way consumers search
for and create the perfect vacation, customized to their vacation style and specific reasons for traveling. “Villa vacations are rising in popularity not only because they offer affordable lux-
ury, but also because it’s the ideal vacation for anyone seeking a truly customizable, private vacation with more amenities and space than at a hotel or resort,â€? said Steve Lassman, Vice President and General Manager of VillaRental.com. “When planning a vacation, consumers usually begin with a purpose for travel – whether for a multi-generational family reunion or honeymoon escape – so we’ve developed this site to create a truly personalized vacation planning experience.â€? Unlike other sites, VillaRental.com lets travelers narrow down their vacation options based on personal interests or “theme vacations,â€? rather than solely relying on destination searches. On the new site, villas are categorized by vacation types, so that travelers who know what they’d like to do – but not where they’d like to go – can search with more ease and flexibility. “Themed Vacationâ€? option searches available on VillaRental.com include, among others: • Spa Retreat (Virgin Gorda’s Baraka Point or Tuscany’s Villa Lucia) • Eco-Friendly (Costa Rica’s Mariposa or Oahu’s Villa Soluna) • LGBT (Tuscany’s Casa Marcando or
Anguilla’s Tequila Sunrise) • Corporate Retreat (Hacienda Santa Ines in Costa Rica and Nandana Private Resort in the Bahamas) • Kid-Friendly (Coral House in Turks & Caicos and Knockando at Round Hill, Jamaica) • Wine Region (Sonoma’s Tin Cross Winery House or La Maison Blanche in Loire Valley) • Golf or Tennis Hotspots (Maui’s Azure or St. Martin’s Sandyline) Guest Arrival Concierges can arrange a variety of deliveries and services before travelers ever arrive - including car rentals, pre-stocked groceries, private chef services, tours & excursions, and more. In most destinations, the VillaRental.com team can also arrange for butlers, maids, chefs, babysitters and other special services. The site’s “Hot Dealsâ€? section features real-time promotions that are available in many destinations and may include a 40% savings, 7h night free, free car rental and dining credit offers. For more information or to sign up for the new company’s e-newsletter – including villa rental tips, deals, news and more – visit www.VillaRental.com.
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
Mon-Fri 6am-8pm Sat-Sun 8am-6pm The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a classified 501 (c)(3) charity.
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orre T 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 >>
SEA PINES INN AT HARBOUR TOWN UNVEILS STUNNING NEW LOOK
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Sea Pines Resort – the award-winning family-friendly vacation destination on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island – has unveiled a stunning new look for The Inn at Harbour Town, its treasured boutique hotel. The 60-room Inn has been completely revitalized, creating a truly unforgettable experience for discerning travelers. Guests are welcomed by a rejuvenated lobby marked by soft blues, soothing greens and warm neutrals. Furnishings have been updated to exude a relaxing seaside ambiance, while newly-installed tropical landscaping and lighting craft a gracious exterior. Sound and light-proofing creates total tranquility and relaxation in guest rooms, while stylish new fabrics, linens, window treatments and spa-like bathrooms are playful and energizing. Renowned artist Michael B. Karas was commissioned to create signature, Lowcountry giclée prints
that adorn both the lobby and guests rooms. “We are thoroughly delighted to reveal The Inn at Harbour Town’s elegant new look to our guests,” says John Munro, director of hospitality, sales and marketing. “The improvements reinvented The Inn’s personality, and now, more than ever, staying here is an experience exceeding guest expectations.” Business and leisure travelers will appreciate the sleek 37-inch flat screen televisions, iPod and laptop docks, complimentary high-speed Internet, and glass door mini bars. A video tour and detailed information about amenities, guest services, weddings, events and dining is available at http://www.seapines.com/accommodations/inn-at-harbour.asp Sea Pines Resort offers an eclectic mix
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of packages featuring The Inn at Harbour Town, including golf packages starting at $209 (per person, per night), the “Romance Package” from $289 per night and “Extended Stay 3 Nights” with a 10% discount for a three-night stay. For resort information: Call 866.561.8802 or visit www.seapines.com,
MYRTLE BEACH GOLF PACKAGE ROUNDS ON THE COAST OF S.C.
Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Spring is an ideal time for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation. But with rising temperatures, come premium prices. Many golfers head south to jumpstart their golf season in spring and that increases demand for tee times. So golf courses in Myrtle Beach charge their highest rates for spring tee times. This year, the Glens Golf Group is bucking that trend and showing golfers a way to have a great spring vacation for less. With a little planning and some early booking by Dec. 1, golfers can save 20%
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
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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 >> off the cost of their golf package rounds. Even more savings can be had by taking advantage of the Glens Free Replay Promotion. Accommodations for these special golf packages are at The Village at the Glens, adjacent to Heather Glen Golf Links. Each Scottish-style villa has two bedrooms, each with double beds, two full baths, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a large living and dining area. “By booking a spring golf package with the Glens before Dec. 1, golfers can realize great savings and still have the flexibility to customize their packages,” said Jason Himmelsbach, director of marketing for the Glens Golf Group. “Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have raved about Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch and Shaftesbury Glen, and Golf Digest considers Possum Trot to be one of the most underrated courses in Myrtle Beach. Imagine playing premium courses in prime season at discounted rates.” The four Glens courses, which are all within a short drive of each other, include Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch, Shaftesbury Glen and Possum Trot. Heather Glen is located in Little
River, S.C., near the Village of the Glens. Set on a magnificent, 400-acre historic site, it was named the Best New Golf Course In America when it opened. Architects Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston crafted 27 beautiful holes inspired by the great links of Scotland. Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links, often referred to as “Myrtle Beach’s Most Talked About Course,” was designed by Clyde Johnston in a tribute to legendary course architect Donald Ross. Glen Dornoch is a traditional course and each hole flows with the natural terrain of lakes, live oaks and spectacular marsh and river views. Several holes play along the Intracoastal Waterway. Known as the “Friendliest Course On The Beach,” Possum Trot has an honored place in the history of Myrtle Beach golf. One of the first ten championship courses built along Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, Possum Trot has stood the test of time. The course’s Old English design features spacious fairways, challenging par 5’s, as well as flawlessly manicured greens and spectacular flower displays. Inspired by world-famous courses like Winged Foot and Augusta National,
architect Clyde Johnston designed a traditional British Isles course at Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club, located on the banks of South Carolina’s beautiful Waccamaw River. Shaftesbury Glen's honors include being named the 2009 Golf Course of the Year by Myrtle Beach area golf course owners. For more information about how to book by Dec. 1 to receive 20% off Spring 2012 Myrtle Beach golf package rounds, call 1-800-999-9520 or go online to www.glensgolfgroup.com. For more deals, follow Glens on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheGlensGolfGroup.
COMPLIMENTARY GOLF FOR WINTER GUESTS AT CORDEVALLE SAN MARTIN, CA – The “ultimate golf enticement” is available this winter at CordeValle, a Rosewood Resort. All guests receive complimentary rounds at the award-winning Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, as well as a 30-minute golf clinic with a member of the CordeValle PGA Professional teaching staff, also compliments of the resort. Beginning November 29, 2011 and continuing through the month of January
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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 >>
2012, CordeValle will waive all green fees for overnight guests, while the golf course undergoes a seasonal turfgrass reconditioning and aerification program. There is no cart fee, but applicable fees for a forecaddie (one per group), or personal caddie still apply. “We appreciate the high expectations our guests have when playing the golf course,” said Michael Marion, the Director of Golf at CordeValle. “This is an opportunity for golfers to tune up their game, while we tune up the golf
course. It should be a good experience for everyone.” Room rates for the Complimentary Golf Package begin at $345 (single occupancy) and $395 (double occupancy), with breakfast included daily. Recently ranked among the best destinations in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine and winner at the 2011 World Travel Awards as “North America’s Leading Luxury Resort,” CordeValle also has established itself as Silicon Valley’s home to championship golf competition. Besides hosting the PGA Tour, CordeValle was the site for the 2011 PGA Cup, a prestigious international competition of club professionals from the USA against a team from Great Britain & Ireland, and the course also hosts the annual Gifford Invitational, a premier men’s collegiate event, each fall season. Situated along the inland foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Jose and the Monterey Peninsula,
DESTINATIONS
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chip shots CordeValle offers country club charm, with 45 expansive rooms that create a secluded sanctuary, designed into the harmony of the natural mountainside landscape, overlooking the golf course and rolling hills. Guests at CordeValle can augment their visit with access to the facilities and amenities at the resort, including the intimate CordeValle Tennis Club, swimming pool and Sense Spa. Dining options include Il Vigneto’s Italian cuisine with contemporary California flair, the Lion’s Peak Grill, with relaxing indoor and outdoor patio seating, and the popular One Iron Bar. Also available is a taste of California’s famed wine country, with a working winery and vineyard located right on property. For more information about CordeValle vacation packages and to reserve guest accommodations, visit www.cordevallegolf.com. or call 408/695-4562.
WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO PLAY
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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M GOLF
B by Dave McKibben
I
t's been buried beneath all the negative coming out of Mexico, but something quite fascinating is happening south of the border—Mexico is becoming a golf destination and more of a golfing nation.
While golf course development in the United States has plummeted every year since 2008, the sport is booming in Mexico. Golf is bringing in more than $2 billion per year to the Mexican economy and that number is expected to reach $10 billion by 2015. Fifteen to 20% of the country's 220 courses have been built in the last 15 years and 60,000 nationals are playing, according to the Federation of Mexican Golf.
MEXICO
Back On Track!
Go figure. "We've experienced a massive slowdown in business in the states, so Mexico and Latin America have sustained us," said Julio Viscontti, president of development for Greg Norman Golf Course Design. "We've been surprised at the amount of business there." The explosive growth is being driven by Mexican nationals and Americans. Nationals are spending $480 per month on golf, foreigners are spending $2,183 a month on average. Sixty-four percent of the rounds are played by nationals and 36% by tourists-- 90% of the tourists are American.
Nuevo Vallarta Golf
Puerto Penasco Golf
Grupo Vidanta, Mexico’s largest golf course and resort developer, is joining a growing list of companies who are actively seeking American tourists to populate their courses. "Mexico has realized that golfers are tourists who spend money, want high-quality services and hotels, and are willing to pay for it," said Jesus Torres, managing director for Vidanta Golf, which has courses in Nuevo Vallarta, Acapulco, Los Cabos and the Riveria Maya. "This trend towards targeting a high-end, sophisticated tourist is a deviation from years past, when Mexico positioned itself as a bargain destination." Until a few years ago, golf was a sport enjoyed by only the upper class in Mexico and there weren't many places to play. Now there are well over 200 courses splattered around the country and most golf course architects are legends of the game—Norman, Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
Mexican golf experts are crediting champion female golfer Lorena Ochoa for expanding golf beyond the elite. Ochoa, a Guadalajara native, won 27 LPGA tournaments and two majors before retiring last year to start a family and design courses. “Some are calling the surge in popularity of Golf in Mexico ‘the Lorena Ochoa factor,’ much like the Tiger Woods factor boosted the game in the U.S.,” Viscontti said. Fernando Chavez, the eldest son of iconic civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, travels several times a year from California to play golf at a high-end resort course. He has noticed the courses are no longer filled with millionaires. “Now the young, the middle class and the upper middle class are playing,” said Chavez, who lives in Northern California. “Golf is becoming a world sport. Why would Mexico be immune from its influence? It’s become a huge social event and a place to conduct business for www.golfvacationsmag.com
Riviera Maya Golf
Mexicans and Americans who travel there. The golf course is where things get done.” So how have developers managed to build so many golf courses with such a slowdown in the global economy? There are several factors, but the main one might be the affordable price of real estate along the water. "You can buy an oceanfront home or lot with a golf course view for less than half of what it would cost in Southern California," Torres said. It also helps that Mexico has more millionaires per capita than almost any country, so the projects are nearly 70% funded from private sources. Much of the new projects are being planned for Mexico’s golf mecca, Los Cabos, with half a dozen courses set to open there in a few years. Cancun is the new kid on the block with at least 12 high-end courses.
Torres said Mexico is now competing with Hawaii as a high-end golf alternative for Americans. “People don't have to spend as many hours on the plane to get a golf destination in Mèxico,” he said. “And wherever they go, they’ll always get to play a course designed by one of more important designers in the world.” Grupo Vidanta facts: Vidanta Golf is the largest golf course and time share operator in Mexico. Its award winning golf courses are located in the most beautiful beaches of Mexico including: Acapulco, Los Cabos, Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Puerto Penasco. To learn more about golf with Grupo Vidanta, visit www.vidantagolf.com Vidanta golf has three more courses planned for Nueva Vallarta, two more for Puerto Penasco and several more throughout Mexico. Riviera Maya Golf
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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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by Dave McKibben
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PUERTO Secret Setting N
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Mayan Palace Resort
ONotPENASCO So Secret Anymore I
t has become an annual rite of passage in Yuma. Every winter, hundreds of seniors pile in buses jammed with golf bags, suitcases and bathing suits for a 3-hour drive to Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The buses turn off just before hitting town and head straight for the Mayan Palace resort, where a picturesque Jack Nicklaus designed links course and a 700-room, 5-star resort and spa are situated along a twomile peninsula. “The first time my wife and I saw the Mayan resort, we were awestruck,” said Mark Croft, a PGA pro at Cocopah RV and Golf Course. “The hotel is beautiful, the pool is one of the most gorgeous you’ll ever and the golf course is a gem.” Croft has been taking groups of golfers to Puerto Penasco for years. “It’s a secret setting down there,” he said. “Anybody that goes there is going to come back with a great experience.” Seventy-two-year old Evelyn Pribble is a believer. She’s been relocating her Yuma golf league south, to her favorite resort for three years.
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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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Shopping in town
“The course is tough and it’s always in excellent shape,” said Pribble, who expects to bring 85 seniors with her in January. “The hotel is something else. I was absolutely unable to inhale when I walked up there for the first time.” Long-term plans for the resort are grandiose—more upscale time shares, high-rise condominiums and villas, a marina and two more golf courses, one designed by Nicklaus and the other by Greg Norman. “Before the slump, this was going to be a small city,” said Andrew Gilchrist, director of golf at the Mayan resort. The slump is related to a number of factors beyond Puerto Penasco’s control-- the prolonged economic reces20
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sion in the U.S. and Mexico and a slowdown in the American golf industry. But even though residential building has nearly ground to a halt—there are some 1,200 unfinished condos sprinkled along the sea--work has begun on a $15 million convention center that will host business gatherings now held at condo towers, hotel rooms and even restaurants. City leaders are also pushing for a home port that would serve as a terminal for cruise lines that already sail in the Sea of Cortez. An international airport was built a few years ago by Grupo Vidanta, which owns the Mayan and four more golf resorts throughout Mexico. But the runway that nearly backs up to the Mayan resort has not had any commercial traffic in over a year. The hope is that in a few years, www.golfvacationsmag.com
the convention center, the airport and the city’s three golf courses—two other courses are located closer to town--will feed off each other.
Clubhouse
For now, Croft and Pribble say they will continue to make the 3-hour trek to the Mayan Palace and cash in on “the steal of the century. “One of my friends keeps telling me that we’ve got to go there as much as we can now,” Croft said. “Once everybody finds out about this place, we won’t be able to afford it.”
Special: The resort offers three nights lodging, four days of unlimited golf and all meals for under $400 per person. A two-night package is priced under $300. For more information and details, please email: golfpuertopenasco@grupovidanta.com Golf at Puerto Penasco
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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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Grand Traverse Resort
Planning A NORTHERN MICHIGAN Golf Getaway
By David R. Holland
G
AYLORD, Mich. – Driving through almost any part of Michigan on a glorious summer day a golf purist from a southern state sometimes can’t believe what he’s seeing. Every few miles there’s a sign proclaiming another golf course is just down the road. But if you do some research there’s another startling fact. A recent study found that Florida has the most golf courses in the USA with about 1,281, California is second with around 907, but Michigan is third with about 851. So on a recent journey through northern Michigan it seemed like there was a fun golf course beyond every bend of the road, cradled onto farm land, nestled into a heavily wooded rolling site or hugging the spectacular Lake Michigan sand dunes. That’s a lot of golf for Michigan golfers to explore when winter sets in during November and thaw doesn’t come until April or May. But mid-summer in northern Michigan can provide adequate light for golf until 10 p.m. There’s even a conglomeration called The Gaylord Golf Mecca, a northern Michigan home to 21 golf courses in a span of 45 miles. It just celebrated its 25th year of cooperative marketing and also includes 20 lodging properties good for any budget. The Mecca lands awards every year and a recent Golf Digest poll ranked Gaylord and Northern Michigan as the 12th best golf destination in the world, and 8th best in the United States. In the same northern Michigan area there are other golf 22
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
courses, too, and my favorite for scenery was Bay Harbor Golf Club, for a stern test was The Donald Ross Memorial Golf Club of Boyne Highlands, and my pick for overall excellence was Kingsley Golf Club, a private layout ranked No. 21 in the nation by Golfweek. And you can play it if your golf pro gives them a phone call. Bay Harbor Golf Club in Petroskey Built on the site of an old Portland Cement Plant in 1998, the Arthur Hills-designed 27 holes of Bay Harbor Golf Club, and the Inn at Bay Harbor, are not to be missed. Most rave of the Links/Quarry combination -- reminiscent of formidable Irish seaside courses. You can spend hours gazing at the lake coastline, rolling dunes, and waving tall fescue, while being challenged by the immense shale quarry, that plunges 40 feet and frames shots from atop stone cliffs, over ponds and a scenic waterfall. The Preserve nine is known for its natural beauty and is a refuge for wildlife and golfers. Hardwoods frame green grasses, wildflowers and wetlands -- all within audible range of Lake Michigan's shores. The final hole opens up to a photo worthy shoreline panorama. After golf settle in at The Inn at Bay Harbor, designed after the turn-of-the-century classic hotel The Del Coronado in San Diego. www.golfvacationsmag.com
Treetops Resort in Gaylord Made famous by the nationally televised Par-3 Shootout from 1999-2006, be sure to play the Threetops Course at Treetops Resort, where Lee Trevino holed an ace on the plunging third hole to win $1 million. But Treetops has more and could be the busiest golf complex in the state. It’s a ski resort in the winter so you know there are lots of elevation changes. The favorite is probably the Rick Smith-designed Masterpiece, but the toughest is the only Tom Fazio-designed golf course in Michigan, The Premier. The Masterpiece was built by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1986. There’s even an 18-hole "Himalayas" putting course. Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs Boyne Highlands, which also owns Bay Harbor, serves up four 18-hole courses, including the classic Heather Course by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and The Moor by Arthur Hills. But it is The Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course that will make you mutter over false fronts, swales and bowled-green edges that funnel golf balls off the putting surfaces. Ross, who has been dead for 63 years, designed more than 500 golf courses, and is widely known for his classic style. This course has 18 recreations of his greatest holes from Seminole, Pinehurst, Royal Dornoch, Inverness, Oakland Hills and others. Boyne also offers access to The Alpine and Crooked Tree. After your rounds spend the nights in Boyne Highlands Resort hotel which serves as a ski chalet in winter.
Bay Harbor
The Quarry Nine
Boyne Highlands
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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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Lochenheath Golf Club
The Heather GC at Boyne Highlands
Grand Traverse Resort Grand Traverse Resort's three golf courses are headlined by Jack Nicklaus’ difficult Bear course, a regular host to the Michigan Open. Gary Player layed out the Wolverine design, and there’s Spruce Run, the resort's original course Grand Traverse’s hotel, a 17-story glass building is like being in Vegas, and has the Aerie Restaurant, spa amenities, and -- fiveminute shuttle ride to Turtle Creek Casino. LochenHeath GC in Williamsburg LochenHeath, designed by Steve Smyers, is just a few minutes from Grand 24
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Traverse and is a gem in rebirth status. This was a private club for 10 before being idle for two years. But it is back and a must play on a scenic bluff overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. Once a cherry orchard, this flowing test has the lake and the native grasses to get the Scottish translation of LochenHeath. Local golf professional Mike Husby updated the course and this is the essence of a country club experience for the dailyfee players. Its clubhouse restaurant is packed on a nightly basis. Otsego Club in Gaylord The Tribute Golf Club, designed by golf commentator Gary Koch, and the Jerry Matthew’s-designed Lake Course, are the gems of Otsego Club, the senior member of the Gaylord Golf Mecca. Designed on ski property, both courses have quick greens and elevation changes. The Resort, with its alpine log-style ambiance, and conference facilities for 500, is perfect for corporate meetings and
has all the amenities of a four-season getaway including outdoor thermal pool, lighted tennis courts and a 1,200-acre wildlife preserve. It is home to the "Otsego Club" all-inclusive family golf/ski club. Don’t miss the Pontresina Restaurant, overlooking the ski slopes and the Sturgeon River Valley. Third Hole at Otsego Club & Resort
The Lakes and The Loon in Gaylord For years The Lakes and The Loon (Husby design) were kind of afterthoughts in this golf-rich area, but that was before one of the game’s best teachwww.golfvacationsmag.com
Loon Lake
ers, Butch Harmon, and LPGA starlet Natalie Gulbis became more involved in the marketing of this excellent complex. The Loon is the Michigan home to the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Player friendly describes these layouts with The Loon Resort the only complex in Michigan that will transport the golf clubs of overnight guests to other area golf courses. Brand-new townhomes have also been added at an affordable price and makes a visit so comfy you might not want to leave the grounds with the excellent restaurant with a view overlooking the infamous 18th lake of The Loon.
Black Forest at Wilderness Valley in Gaylord Tom Doak, one of the world’s hottest golf architects, makes his home here in Northern Michigan, and his second design, Black Forest, is a traditional layout in 400 acres of forested meadow and valleys. There are some radical, undulating greens and a near impossible par-3 that measures 255 yards uphill. If you like difficult golf courses then Black Forest is for you.
Bay Harbor
Black Forest at Wilderness Valley
Third Hole on the Links Nine
The Valley Course at Wilderness Valley was designed by former Ryder Cup teammember Al Watrous, and offers golf the average hack can conquer. For complete information log on to www.gaylordgolfmecca.com.
TreeTops www.golfvacationsmag.com
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RESORTREPORT
By Andy REISTETTER
Colonial Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
Historic Golf Discovery
Golf Writer Andy Reistetter takes his exclusive "Play-Write" series on the road north to
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. While known for its historical role in the emergence of American democracy, more should be known about its present day role as a 45-hole worldclass golfing destination. Whereas George Washington and Thomas Jefferson walked down the main street on the way to American liberation, so too have many famous golfers walked the fairways of the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Enjoy this autumn golfing trip with Reistetter, then schedule a golfing trip of your own!
"Are you people of the frontier?" cries Mr. Richard Lee, a historical reenactor
in
the
R.
Charlton's
which opened in 1963 his "finest design- a natural arboretum upon which a great golf course has been built."
Coffeehouse when asked a silly question about life and politics in the year of 1765. The same could be said for seasoned golfers who have yet to play the
The following year the World Golf Hall of Fame member reconfigured the original 1947 Fred Finlay 9-hole course
"Are you golfers of the rough?" Come to the fairways and greens of the championship Gold and Green Courses designed by the renowned father-son golf course architects Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones. Jones Sr. called the Gold Course
the
executive-length
Spotswood Course.
Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Colonial Williamsburg.
into
This
little
family-favorite
gem
earned "the best nine-hole course in the
country"
distinction
of
Golf
Magazine. From
where
does
the
name
"Golden Horseshoe" originate? Spotswood, the course's namesake, was the colonial governor in 1716 and led an expedition from the coastal
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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RESORTREPORT plains to the far western portions of the Virginia colony. Many horse-shoes were consumed due to the newly encountered rocky soil of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The expedition was successful and when they returned to civilization the governor gave each pioneer a Golden Horse-Shoe.
In fact you could be a million miles from civilization for all you know yet you are close by one of the earliest civilizations in our country. The 16th is a true island hole. Being constructed in 1963 it is one of the first holes with an island green anywhere. The second shot on the reachable par-5 second hole is a
Four years after the Gold Course opened Jack
risk-reward all or nothing shot over the same stretch of water.
Nicklaus set the professional course record of 67 in an
The par-3 third hole has water of its own cutting across
exhibition match. More
recently
the front of a diagonally placed green. From the elevated in
collegiate
competition
Daniel
Summerhays of Brigham Young University and Michael
tee a bunker short right appears as a beach even though Virginia Beach is 60 miles away.
Schachner of Duke University have posted 10-under-par 60s.
Originally the Gold and Spotswood courses met the
Though relatively short at 6,817 from the back tees
needs of the locals and golfing guests to Colonial
the tightly laid out design nestled amongst rolling hills and a hardwood forest requires precise golf shots from tee to green. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the soul are the four par-3s which are memorable.
Williamsburg. Glen Byrnes, Director of Golf has been golf professional at Golden Horseshoe since 1986. He recalls the design challenge of the Green Course as being "a playable resort course that can host a major golf championship as well."
Three of the four, Nos. 7, 12 and the signature 16th
Rees Jones, the younger son, answered the call and
cross water in a magnificent little valley near the center of
designed a green masterpiece literally next door to his
the traditional layout which is free and clear of any adja-
father's legacy.
cent development.
Both the Gold and Green Courses are certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. The Gold and Green Courses are the only father Robert Trent Jones Sr. and son Rees Jones side-by-side designed courses in the world. One could literally play the first five holes on the Gold then check in at the Green clubhouse, play 18 and come back to finish the remaining holes on the Gold. With up to five or six teeing grounds on each hole the yardage of the Green Course extends from the red tees at 5,348 to the green tees at 7,120. With extreme flexibility of course setup particularly in tee and hole locations, narrowing of fairways and length of the rough this playable links style course can be transformed overnight into the most difficult test for the world's best golfers. That happened in the 2004 U.S. Women's Amateur
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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
www.golfvacationsmag.com
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA Public Links Championship. Defending champion Michelle Wie battled a young Yani Tseng down the stretch. It all came down to the classic finishing hole- a reachable par- 5 with an elevated tee shot over water down into a valley with an upward slope to the well bunkered green. For a touch of history one can look to the right and see the timeless boathouse of John D. Rockefeller Jr. the man who championed the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1920s. All square in their 36-hole match both Wie and challenger Tseng bunkered their second shots greenside at the home hole. Tseng got it up-and-down and Wie did not. Tseng, at age 15, became the second-youngest winner of the championship behind Wie, who captured the title as a 13-year-old. Wie is in the record books as the youngest titlist of a USGA "adult" championship. Tseng, if by chance you have been out in the frontier, has gone on to become the youngest player ever, male or female to win five major championships. The Rees Jones designed Green Course opened in October 1991 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Colonial Williamsburg's motto is "The future may learn from the past." Whether you play the Spotswood, www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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RESORTREPORT Green or Gold or hopefully all three what you will learn is
Grilled Angus Filet and Veal Sweetbreads for my entrée.
that Colonial Williamsburg is a premiere golfing destination.
In addition the steward recommended a local Virginia
I guarantee that you will remember your rounds of golf
wine Octagon vintage 2006- a proprietary blend by from
at the Golden Horseshoe in 20 years time.
Barboursville Vineyards. My desert selection was the Carrot-Coconut Cake with caramel cheesecake frosting and pineapple relish. Truly a memorable culinary experience! With nearly 700 guest rooms and suites available, whether you stay at the Williamsburg Inn, Lodge or the Woodlands you will be close to the golf courses and Colonial Williamsburg. The Lodge is literally right across the street from the Gold (& Spotswood) clubhouse with the Green only a few drivers away.
My insider's tip when golfing Williamsburg is to make it truly a 'Jones family affair." Prior to going, read older brother Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s Golf by Design book. This will give you the knowledge to lower your score by understanding how golf courses are designed. Perhaps once you come in from the frontier, armed with knowledge and faced with the challenge of these 45 holes of golf, your golfing experience at the Golden Horseshoe will be your best ever! Golf Williamsburg's motto, in my opinion, is "Come
Also across the street is The Spa. I enjoyed the sports
play golf here and we will do whatever it takes to make it
massage which is really the golfers' massage. Even after
a memorable experience."
11 years of yoga I don't think my shoulders or hips have
Besides the golf and American historical experience of Colonial Williamsburg, there are great restaurants, lodging and of course the full-service Spa. For an elegant dining experience may I recommend the Regency Room at the Williamsburg Inn (coat required)? I had the Crabmeat Randolph for a first course and 30
G O L F VA C AT I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1
ever been so free. I only wish I had taken the massage before I played the golf! One final tip- there are five taverns nearby. Don’t miss an opportunity to taste one of the locally brewed AleWerks beers. That's all for now, reporting from a state of bliss… Golf Williamsburg - a true golfing destination! www.golfvacationsmag.com
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
www.golfvacationsmag.com
G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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SWEETSTUFF A
s the official supplier of the United States LPGA Solheim Cup team that competed at Killeen Castle, Ireland, this fall, Antigua golf apparel for men and women is gearing up for the 2012 season with a new performance golf fashion collection that is fresh, bright, fun and new. It introduces shades of cool wedgewood, bright berry, electric keylime, sharp melon, rich azalea and a wash of turquoise. Paired with every shade of neutral and along with shades of grey, the bright colors compliment the subtle neutrals in an unexpectedly pleasing palette. Complimenting the use of color is the merchandised offering which offers textured drop needle horizontal and vertical fabrics, subtle piping details on a textured style, incorporating a block of fabric and color for simplicity, and including the compliment of a soft contrast stripe. Embellishing the offering with a splash of color makes this spring 2012 presentation sharp and fresh. Add to this the tie in with the complimenting outerwear which Antigua has expanded on in both layering styles as well as sweaters, vests and wind shells enhances the color story and presentation. Antigua's outerwear is created to function in various climates and incorporates the trend that focuses on layering. As weather fluctuates throughout the day it is more desirable to take offand-add on layers to adjust for comfort and function. Antigua has developed options to meet this demand. The Antigua layering line-up starts as base layers that can be combined with wind resistant or water resistant wind shirts and jackets as well as worn with fuller weight outerwear pieces to function against more inclement weather. Antigua has an excellent base layer long sleeve mock called Hero. Hero uses Antigua's proprietary Desert Dry moisture management technology and is constructed with a hyper-micro poly fleeced backing against a super soft interlock face which has enough weight to be worn alone and is light enough that it layers remarkably well. Add to that the next tier in style –-Succeed--consisting of a contemporary color block stretch jersey half zip shell with a micro fleece brushed back which can be worn on its own, under a jacket, over a base layer--or both depending on climate and preference.
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Antigua has a great wind shirt and wind jacket in styles Rendition and Highland. Antigua's Desert Breeze wind block fabric serves as a guard against wind while offering warmth. Made with a four-way stretch laminated jersey bonded to a water resistant membrane, Rendition and Highland both offer water resistance as well as comfort against the wind and rain. Antigua has a variety of great golf jackets. Style Motion is a full zip jacket constructed with a stretch jersey face bonded against a high-low fleeced wave pattern engineered for warmth while allowing breathability for comfort. Style Explorer is built for warmth while being light weight and ideal for layering. With its water resistant woven shell bonded against a micro-fleece inner core, Explorer wears and travels well and is well suited for both cold and precipitation alike. For warmer days, Antigua’s Desert Dry Xtra-Lite golf shirts feature the company’s exclusive moisture wicking ultra-light fabric in an array of styles and colors that offer a fresh, cool feel in a stylish cut. For more information on Antigua apparel: www.antigua.com and shop.antigua.com
C
lub Glove, one of the top names in premium golf bags, club covers, travel bags, accessories and luggage has also made strong inroads into one of the basic needs that most golfers have in their bags—the golf towel. The Club Glove Caddy Towel is easily distinguishable on television at all PGA Tour events by the waffle texture and stitched trim, the towels are strong enough to remove dirt, grease and sunblock off a player’s hands, yet gentle enough to safely clean eyeglasses. The pro-sized Club Glove Caddy Towel is a 17” X 40” pro-tour size towel with more than 5 million yards of microfiber strands, giving it the ability to hold 300 percent of its weight in water and features a large elongated slit for fitting over a club head. The company recently has paired this professional-style towel with its new Pocket Towel in a tandem package. The Pocket Towel measures 8” X 12” and is perfectly unobtrusive in a back pocket when conditions are damp and it’s essential for cleaning clubs and balls. Both ultra-lightweight towels are super absorbent and virtually lint free. They are available at hundreds of the finest public and private facilities nationwide, as well as scores of PGA and Champions Tour events. Major retailers carrying Club Glove’s industry-leading towels include Golf Galaxy, Golfsmith, PGA Tour Superstores, Edwin Watts and Worldwide Golf. For more information on the Club Glove Caddy towel: www.clubglove.com
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SWEETSTUFF R
ick Martin thought he was finished with the golf apparel business when he sold the company that he founded in the mid-1990s’—Fairway and Greene—five years ago and began a leisurely life of playing golf four times a week and “sitting on a park bench and feeding the pigeons.” He didn’t really think that after more than 30 years in leisure apparel that he would get back in the fray, but the desire to onceagain showcase fine, upscale cotton golf shirts and vests in a market obsessed with high-tech synthetics has brought Martin back to the golf industry in a big way with his latest venture—Martin Golf Apparel. “I’ve always believed that cotton as a natural fiber can l o o k m o r e enduring and perform as well as synthetics when it is properly executed,” said Martin, who operates out of his Dallas headquarters. “It was the move away from the cotton fabrics by today’s manufactures that brought me back into this business. When you do something special with cotton and do it right it can do anything that the synthetic performance shirts can do.” The world’s finest Pima cotton will be the main ingredient in the company's lines, starting with the spring 2012 collections that will be available beginning this month. Each garment will feature excellent high-end sourcing and finishing. Right now Martin’s shirts will only be available in private clubs. “Every fine country club has a cotton customer—that is what we are after,” he added. “It has a certain look and feel with a balanced look and fit.” Martin has loved golf since first discovering it in the 1940s, and was drawn to professional golf by the likes of Jimmy Demaret, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan. "It was not only their skill, but their persona on the course, — elegant, serious men who competed against others as gentlemen," Martin added. "They inspired me not only by their behavior, but by their appearance." Their fine, 100% cotton lisle golf shirts had what Martin calls "a drape and a stance that allowed for the free motion of their swing. The classic styling and the fact there weren’t logos didn't upstage their talent. "Beginning in the 1970s," noted Martin, "as the Tour was developing new stars, many of the players were drawn away from anything considered classic. Soft color was replaced by a palette that could be best described as 'anything goes' — garish plaid pants bookended by matching white belts and shoes. Then bright-hued poly-cotton blends and other synthetic golf shirts began replacing 100% cotton as
www.golfvacationsmag.com
the golf shirt cloth of the moment." By 1995, borne of his frustration with contemporary, synthetic golf shirts, Martin began a two-year search to develop the kind of fine cotton golf shirt fabric that had virtually disappeared years before. His endeavor resulted in the creation of a 100% Long Staple Pima Cotton Lisle fabric that could prevent fading and almost eliminate shrinkage – "a golf shirt that will keep its shape and also its luster after years of play," Martin added. That same lisle yarn was developed into the unique soft knit collar that completed the shirt that, according to Martin, "became the benchmark that all other golf shirts were compared to." Martin couldn't understand why shirt makers moved away from this costly process and away from Cotton Lisle. "So, now, going into 2012, I find very similar conditions exist compared to 1995," Martin added. "Contemporary styling, synthetic fabrics and almost all labels in them can be interchanged with one another. I call it 'Group Culture.' Since the legacy of the shirt I developed was abandoned, I wanted to see first if the desire and technology were still present in the vendors I trusted and believed in. Would making fine 100% Cotton Lisle shirts be possible once more? Martin is as enthusiastic about his new collections as he is about his return to the business he loves. "For nearly a year, discussions and on-site prototypes and yarn trials have resulted in two unique 100% Cotton Lisle fabrics that make up our initial offering,” he explained. " S u n f l o w e r, Cozumel and Natural White were catalysts for the color in the 2012 line, and the finish of the product is very rich. The Ancient Madder and Decoupage collections can be displayed together and work very well and complement each other." Martin Golf Apparel’s spring 2012 collections that are just now arriving in shops will feature sweaters – Alpaca Linksvest, Italian Merino Windvest, Italian Merino Henley Vest and Mercerized Pima Cotton Pique Vests in addition to the fine shirts. For more information on Martin Golf Apparel: www.martingolfapparel.com by Terry Ross G O L F V A C A T I O N S • N O V E M B E R 2011
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