Golf Vacations Magazine Late Fall 2009

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ALISAL GUEST RANCH I THE CROSSINGS AT CARLSBAD I RESORT REPORT

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GOLF VACATIONS OCTOBER 2009

BADLANDS GOLF CLUB THE REAL WEST

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Raven Three Peaks I Swinging Through The West Coast

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Tee Times / Stay & Play Packages Call 1.888.727.4427 or visit us online at harrahsgolf.com For groups of 16 or more call 702.294.2010

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Cut out the middleman.

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Choose to stay at Bally’s, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Paris & Rio in Las Vegas and play at Cascata, Rio Secco, or one of over 12 other fabulous golf courses.

Check availability and pricing, and reserve the entire package online at www.harrahsgolfonline.com

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2007, Harrah’s License Company, LLC.

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contents I october 2009

cover

stories

12

Badlands GC: A Real Western Shootout

14

More Courses, More Golfers, More Cabo!

20

The Crossings at Carlsbad

12

by Terry Ross

One of the most popular upscale courses in the golf-rich Las Vegas area— Badlands Golf Club-- offers a definite western desert theme for vacationers looking for a memorable experience.

by James McAfee

On what once was an arid wasteland favored as a place to stay by fishermen in search of trophy marlin, there are 10 golf courses––plus more on the drawing board––and plenty of deluxe accommodations to whet the appetites of discerning golfers.

14

by Terry Ross

One of San Diego County’s newest courses – The Crossings at Carlsbad – has become one of the area’s favorites, and not just for locals, but also visitors to this small coastal community.

22

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks

by Shane Sharp

60 miles west of Denver in Silverthorne, you’ll find one of Colorado’s highest – and highest rated – golf courses.

departments 10 Resort Report

by Terry Ross

20

Homewood Suites - Palm Desert, CA

18 Personal Postcard

by Tom LaMarre

Swinging Through The West Coast

23 Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

Will Ferrell Sunscreen, Ultimate Walking Gear, Raylor Hybrid

24 My Turn

by Chuck Miller, “The Traveling Guy”

Alisal Guest Ranch And Resort

on the cover: Palmilla Golf Club, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico 6

22 G O L F VA C AT I O N S • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

7

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS James McAfee is a freelance golf and travel writer based in Wylie, TX. After early stints in newspapers in TX and OK and as an editor with Golf Shop Operations and Golf Digest, James held the title of Executive Director of the Northern Texas PGA for 27 years and of the Dallas District Golf Assn for eight years. He served as an Editor of Texas Golfer Magzaine and writes for the Caribbean Business Journal and Diversity Magazine. Currently Director of Communications for GolfDFW.com he has been a member of the Golf Writers of America for 36 years and was one of the founders of the Texas Golf Writers Assn. Playing the game for 55 years James was recently named to the U.S. Amateur Golf Hall of Fame.

Chuck Miller (The Traveling Guy) a Southern California native and 11 handicap golfer at Shadowridge Country Club in Vista, California, writes about golf for newspapers, magazines and internet travel sites. His business background includes developing the initial international distribution network for Adams Golf.

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz Associate Editor Terry Ross Online Content Editor Bruce Binder Features Editor Larry Feldman For Editorial: call: (760) 774-2655 • e-mail: JD@GVLinks.com

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.

Regional Advertising New York • 518-789-3005 Jon Meigs - jon@meigsmedia.com

Tom LaMarre has been a sportswriter for some 40 years, including long stints with the Oakland Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. He was the Tribune’s beat writer with the Oakland Raider for seven seasons in the 1970’s and has written two books, “Winning Offensive Football” with quarterback Kenny Stabler and “Stadium Stories: The Oakland Raiders.” Tom makes his home in Orlando

Chicago • 630-871-9417 Patrick Keane - patkeane@comcast.net Atlanta • 770-971-1616 John Reock - reock@mindspring.com San Diego • 619-889-7706 Bob Black - bobblack@cox.net San Diego • 619-709-4425 Wayne McCollum - wayne@gvlinks.com

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

OVER 40 COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM

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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

Published by

President Jeffrey Diaz 100 S. Sunrise Way., Suite 257 Palm Springs, California 92262 1-800-940-7816 • fax 214-889-3667

and For reservations or inquires contact Bill Cannedy Golf Vacations Magazine Travel Concierge

Destiny Media, LLC

mrgolf@dc.rr.com

President/CEO James A. Diaz

(760) 902-5587

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 2009 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

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Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2007, Harrah’s License Company, LLC.

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T O B E R 2009 9 G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C10/18/07 1:33:10 PM

RESORTREPORT

W

ith the weather finally starting to turn towards the milder side in the Southern California Desert region, the prime golf season is just around the corner, and an excellent new addition to the mix of golfer-friendly hotels has made its way onto the scene this fall with the opening of the Homewood Suites—Palm Desert.

Located conveniently in the mid-valley city of Palm Desert, this latest extended stay hotel by Hilton is currently offering some of the most aggressive rates in the area for what amounts to a four star experience.

The hotel features not only beautifully appointed full suites in all of its rooms, but also includes a kitchen, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, dining table/ workstation, high speed internet capability, two televisions and a luxurious feel with all the finer appointments.

Studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom suites are available for family stays, and the pool, Jacuzzi and fitness areas provide all of

the comforts of home. The Homewood Suites Palm Desert is also a pet friendly hotel and their efficient, courteous staff is very accommodating.

In the mornings, a complimentary hot buffet breakfast is available in the lobby seven days a week, and from Monday through Thursday there is a complimentary reception in the evening that features a light meal and beverages-- including wine and beer.

Located on Cook Street near the I-10 Highway and just across from the new Cal State San Bernardino and University of California Riverside campuses in Palm Desert, the Homewood Suites is perfectly situated in the middle of dozens of worldclass golf courses that have been made famous by the many professional tour events that have been played in the Valley over the years.

Notable courses such as the Classic Club and PGA West are available in the many golf packages offered by the

Homewood Suites, as well as some of the other desert favorites such as Desert Willow and Indian Springs, which are just minutes away.

In addition to the many golf options available for guests, the Homewood Suites Palm Desert has a number of family-oriented packages and with every room a suite, makes this a great choice for a full-family outing.

For more information and details on the many golf and family pages available: www.palmdesert.homewoodsuites.com

orre T HOMEWOOD SUITES Palm Desert, CA

by Terry Ross

PACKAGES

1. REACH FOR THE SKY - Package includes 2 adult tickets for Sky Sailing at Warner Springs Airport with a one night stay in a studio king suite or one bedroom king suite.

2. UP,UP,UP AND AWAY - Package includes 2 adult tickets for a balloon ride over the valley with one night stay in a studio king suite or a one bedroom king suite.

3. LIVING DESERT - Package includes 2 adult tickets and 2 children’s tickets to the living desert with a one night stay in a one bedroom double queen suite.

4. ROMANCE PACKAGE - Indulge yourself with the Homewood Suites Romance Package.

Includes 2 comfortable bath robes, a luscious box of assorted fine chocolates, complimentary Suite

ping pizza and 4 sodas with one night stay in a studio king suite or a one bedroom king suite.

6. MOVIE PACKAGE - Package includes $30 gift card to local movie theatre, show times will be given upon arrival, with one night stay in a studio king suite or a one bedroom king suite.

Start® hot breakfast and late checkout at 1:00 PM with one night stay in a studio king suite or a one bedroom king suite.

5. WEEKEND ESCAPE - Whether it's a special occasion, a girl’s night out or a family getaway; plan the perfect escape at Homewood Suites for a relaxing weekend at a very affordable price.

Package includes a movie, popcorn, single top-

7. GAS CARD - Package includes $25 gas card included with 1 night stay in studio king of one bedroom king suite.

8. PET FRIENDLY - Package includes a 50% discount on pet deposit. Pet treats, water bowl

and food bowl with one night stay in king studio suite or one bedroom king suite.

9. JEEP TOUR - Package includes 2 adult tickets for Jeep Tour with one night stay in studio king or one bedroom king.

10. WINDMILL TOUR - Package includes 2 adult tickets for Palm Springs Windmill Tours with one night stay in studio king suite or one bedroom king suite.

11. MASSAGE - Package includes $50 day spa gift card. With one night stay in king studio suite or one bedroom king suite.

12. STAY AND PLAY - Golf at Indian Springs Golf Club 13. STAY AND PLAY - Golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort 14. LOUIS THE DUCK - Package includes Louis the duck book and rubber duckies in room with one night stay in a king studio or one bedroom king.

15. PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY Package includes 2 adult tickets to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with one night stay in a studio king suite or a one bedroom king suite.

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

CHIPSHOT

NEVADA

BADLANDS GOLF CLUB

Get Set For A Real Western Shootout

O Diablo Course

Outlaw Course

Desperado Course

ne of the most popular upscale courses in the golf-rich Las Vegas area— Badlands Golf Club-- offers a definite western desert theme for vacationers looking for a fun track and a memorable experience.

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin, Badlands Golf Club is set against the majestic Red Rock canyons and offers a full 27 holes of picturesque golf designed by PGA star turned announcer Johnny Miller.

A true masterpiece, the Badlands is comprised of three ninehole courses: the Desperado, Diablo and Outlaw courses offer distinct layouts that will challenge your game at any level.

Spanning across more than 220 acres, the course crosses over deep-flowing arroyos, canyons and natural washes while playing in the surrounding desert landscape. Scenic views of the entire valley are incredible.

The courses themselves are finely manicured and among the best in the Las Vegas area, having won accolades from regional and national publications as one of the Top 10 Courses in Nevada.

While the Badlands offers generous fairways lined with multimillion dollar homes, the native desert scape comes into play often if you wonder too far off the beaten path with your shots. There is adequate room for error for the average player—just don’t make too big of a mistake or you will be hitting out of the rocks.

Shot making and strategy are the key ingredients to good scores on any of these three 9-hole tracks. The 286-yard par 4 5th hole on the Outlaw Nine is a drivable hole with a wide fairway, but with water looming to the right of the green, the percentage shot is to use a long-iron off the tee and wedge it in for a birdie chance.

The three sets of nine hole layouts play from 6,879 yards for the Desperado/Diablo combination to 6,577 for the Desperado/Outlaw 18. The Diablo/Outlaw combination at 6,856 yards offers yet a third distinctive golf course setup.

The practice facilities are very accommodating and offer a full length driving range with chipping and putting greens. The expansive clubhouse features an elegant restaurant and bar, with attached terraces, provides guests fantastic panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding mountains.

Customer service is exceptional at the Badlands, and together with the quality of the golf course, makes this club one to definitely experience on a trip to the Las Vegas area.

For more information, visit: www.badlandsgc.com

By TerryRoss

12

G O L F VA C AT I O N S • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

www.gvlinks.com

www.gvlinks.com

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

13

Los Cabos

Build It And

Golfers Keep Coming!

"

Build it and they will come." That's what the Kevin Costner character in the movie, "Field of Dreams" was told about building the baseball field in the middle of his cornfield. He did as asked and some of the greats of the game showed up along with his dad.

Well, it's also exactly what land developers have done in Los Cabos at the tip of the Mexico territory of Baja California Sur. On what once was an arid wasteland favored as a place to stay by fishermen in search of trophy marlin, there are 10 golf courses––plus more on the drawing board––and plenty of deluxe accommodations to whet the appetites of discerning golfers.

The metamorphosis started in the early 1990s when the developers realized that the scenic coastline with views of both the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean coupled with 350+ days of sunshine represented a vein of gold just waiting to be mined.

By moving a lot of dirt on the desert and mountainside, adding some man–make irrigation lakes and finding enough water by building their own desalinization plants, they created some championship courses that combined ocean, desert and mountain characteristics. Add luxury accommodations and home sites and a new destination was created for golfers.

These developers––most of the original ones are no longer involved––spared no expense either when it came time to obtain architects. Jack Nicklaus' signature is currently on five of them––Palmilla Golf Resort, Cabo del Sol's Ocean, Eldorado Golf and Beach Club, Club Campestre San Jose and Puerto Los Cabos.

Robert Trent Jones Jr. came in to finish up Cabo Real Golf Club. Tom

Fazio created a masterpiece at the Club at Querencia and then Tom Weiskopf did the second course at Cabo del Sol, the Desert.

Nicklaus' first design was the Arroyo and Mountain nines at Palmilla on the mountain side of the ultra–modern highway between the sleepy Mexican town of San Jose and the party–hearty Cabo San Lucas where the first marina is located.

He routed holes around long waste bunkers, ponds and deep arroyos to create a target style of golf similar to Arizona.

The difference? The views of the Sea of Cortez. Later, a third nine, the Ocean, was added with one hole playing down a canyon to the water's edge where the luxurious One&Only Palmilla Resort, voted the No. 1 golf resort in Latin America, is located.

Given some land a lot closer to the water, Nicklaus' second design was the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol While others may not entirely agree, Nicklaus called the final three holes the best finishing stretch in all of golf. The par 4 No. 16 plays down to a green that was moved even closer to the ocean. The par 3 No. 17 plays from an elevated tee built atop a decomposed granite cliff over a sandy beach and rock outcropping.

Just like No. 18 at Pebble Beach, the finishing hole borders the water, but Nicklaus did provide a 35–yard area left of that green for the golfers not wanting to risk hitting a ball onto the beach. It's deserving of its No. 1 ranking in Mexico; so put it at the top of your "must play" list.

The newer Desert Course provides more target–style golf, including shots over canyon–like arroyos, as it climbs the mountain-

By James McAfee

www.gvlinks.com

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

15

side on the other side of the highway. Vistas of the sea are visible from every hole. The 18th is another great finishing hole, calling for an accurate approach shot over a lake. As usual for Weiskopf, there's a drivable par 4 on No. 7.

Nicklaus also did Eldorado, but six holes of his original design near the water were eliminated in favor of high–priced home lots and new holes were built higher up on the hillside. It's now an exclusive private club for members and their guests, but worthy of trying to get an invitation.

Definitely put Cabo Real on your schedule. It plays uphill until you reach the No. 6 tee at 450 feet and then drops to the water's edge for the greens on the par 4 No. 14 and the par 3 No. 15. The par 3 No. 12 offers a tee shot from a mesa 150 feet above the green with spectacular views of the ocean. The par 4 No. 9 features a large double green (50 by 125 yards) guarded by water that will also be used when a new 9 holes is added.

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G O L F VA C AT I O N S • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

The Club at Querencia, featuring a spectacular 26,000 square-foot Tuscan-themed clubhouse that includes spas for both men and women, was the first private club. While the course can only be stretched to just 7,050 yards from the tips, the roller-coaster terrain with few even lies and the lighting fast (11 on the stimpmeter is the norm) and undulating greens make it a challenging test. However, touring pro Pat Perez found it to his liking from a shorter set of tees and posted a 10-under par 62, according to assistant pro Mario Navarro.

Club Campestre, nestled in the foothills of the Sierras opened two years ago and should definitely be on your schedule if you have not had a chance to play it. The fairways are wide, but spray the ball a little and you are in the desert. It's the greens where the course shows its teeth. It was the first course to use Paspalum grass, more tolerant to salt water, and the turf has matured very well to provide an idea playing surface. One of the most interesting holes is the double dogleg par 5 No. 7 where even the longer hitter may have to back off going for the peninsula green with their second shots.

www.gvlinks.com

The latest opening is Puerto Los Cabos, which features a unique hybrid with 9 holes from the Marina Course (holes carry names of marinas) by Nicklaus and the other 9 holes from the Mission Course (holes named after missions) by Greg Norman.

Most golfers can readily tell the differences in design philosophies, according to the staff. Two golfers that I talked to actually preferred the Norman 9 since they felt Nicklaus created a couple of long carries that tended to be a little unfair. One neat thing for visiting golfers is that all drinks on the golf course are included in the green fees. The owner indicated it might be as much as three years before the other 9s are completed.

All of these golf courses can be pricey with green fees between $150 and $250 in the high season—rates drop in the summer when temperatures climb--but there are less expensive options at Cabo San Lucas Country Club near Cabo San Lucas and the Mayan Palace Golf Course near San Jose. The latter is

www.gvlinks.com

probably better suited for beginners, but does now have a second set of tees for those wanting to play 18 holes. There's a 9-hole Indian Head Putting Course at the Playa Grande Hotel is Cabo San Lucas. An hour's drive north of the airport is a 9-hole par 3 at the Hotel Palamas de Cortez.

The economy has slowed down the continued growth of golf courses on the tip of Baja, but there is still a sense of untapped potential. On the drawing board are a pair of Fazio designs at Chileno Bay between Cabo Real and Cabo del Sol, Davis Love III and Phil Mickelson designs at Diamante, a pair of Nicklaus designs at Quivira Los Cabos, another Nicklaus creation at Cabo Pacificia, a David Duval re-design at Loreto Bay Golf Club and a second course at Querencia by architect Gil Hanse.

Los Cabos was spared a direct hit by Hurricane Jimena in late August and the golf courses reportedly didn't receive any major damage from the high winds and the rain.

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

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PERSONALPOSTCARD

Half Moon Bay Golf Links

T

he blue-sky, sun-splashed days of the San Francisco Bay area displayed during the President’s Cup reminded golfers throughout the U.S. that Northern California is panacea for year-round golf.

With its enviable collection of top-notch golf courses and wide-array of hotels, inns and lodges, the region sets up perfectly for an extended stay-and-play circuit.

Our modest proposal, to borrow a phrase from Jonathan Swift, is to kick off a California swing with a trip to the seaside of hamlet of Half Moon Bay, follow that with a jaunt down to the storied Monterrey Peninsula, and cap it off with a sojourn into California’s historic Gold Country.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links, Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California Nestled quietly between the Pacific Coast Range and the powerful Pacific Ocean, and located only 40 minutes from San Francisco and 25 minutes from the airport, is the oldest settlement in San Mateo County: Half Moon Bay. This seaside hamlet has a colorful history dating back to 1840. It was a refuge for early Spanish settlers in California, and because of its deep water coves and thick fog, it was a prime hideout for bootlegger 18

G O L F VA C AT I O N S • O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9

ships during Prohibition.

For nearly 40 years, avid golfers have been discovering -- and returning -- to Half Moon Bay Golf Links (www.halfmoonbaygolf.com). The seaside golf resort offers an incomparable setting (hard on the Pacific Ocean), and features two award-winning courses: Arnold Palmer’s classic, American parkland Old Course and the links-style Ocean Course designed by Arthur Hills.

Within chipping distance of the clubhouse is the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, a AAA “Five Diamond,” Conde Nast “Gold List” hotel that enjoys one of the most enviable settings of any property in the world.

The Old Course is a classic American design, with a series of strategicallydemanding holes linked through the property’s interior. The famous, par-4 18th emerges along the Pacific Ocean, boasting one of the most stunning tee-to-green views in the U.S. It plays up to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s (www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb) oceanfront courtyard and fire pit.

For a true links style experience golfers flock to The Ocean Course. The prevailing winds may vary, but the salt air of the Pacific is constant as it is transported up from the crashing waves below. Fairways are separated by coastal mounding and

native grasses, and open green fronts and creatively designed green surrounds encourage a variety of short game options.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay and Half Moon Bay Golf Links are offering an unlimited stay-and-play golf package throughout 2009. It includes unlimited golf from 2 p.m. the day of arrival to 7 p.m. the day of departure. Rates begin at $399 for one player or $519 for two players per night, during the week.

Bayonet Black Horse Golf Club The drive down California Highway 1 to Monterey is one of the most scenic in the U.S. The ribbon of road hugs the Pacific coastline and offers views west limited only by the horizon. Cypress trees perch on rock outcroppings as waves crash against the jagged shore.

For golfers, however, the memorable ride is simply a means to and end.

Bayonet and Black Horse (www.bayonetblackhorse.com), the courses formerly known as Fort Ord, present 36 holes of quintessential northern California golf at about a third of the price as the area’s more famous layouts.

Award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates recently completed a multiwww.gvlinks.com

WEST COAST SWINGING

by Tom LaMarre

Bayonet Black Horse Golf Club

Saddle Creek Resort

year, multi-million dollar renovation of both courses, making wholesale changes to routings, corridors and view sheds in order to take advantage of the property’s sight lines to Monterey Bay. Bunkers were relocated and reshaped, providing each course with its own unique character (the serrated-edged style of Black Horse’s is particularly distinctive), and green complexes and putting surfaces were redesigned and rebuilt to USGA specifications.

Purists will be shocked to find bentgrass from tee box through green on both courses – unique in an area full of pleasant but unpredictable poa and kikuyu. And singledigit handicappers will no doubt dig that Bayonet and Black Horse have been engineered to professional tournament standards. Bayonet was recently in the mix to replace Poppy Hills in the AT&T rotation and Black Horse is fresh off hosting a round of PGA Tour Q-School.

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Club has partnered with Inns by the Sea, the Peninsula’s premier collection of boutique hotel properties, to offer stay and play packages. Accommodations include five cottagestyle hotels ranging from 13 to 35 rooms, all located in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, www.gvlinks.com

one of the most sought-after shopping districts on the Peninsula.

The packages, ranging from $249 to $389 per night, per golfer, offer a myriad of stay-and-play options at a variety of price points. Included (in addition to accommodations) is one round of golf, daily, on Bayonet or Black Horse with cart and range balls. Continental breakfast is delivered to the room each morning.

Saddle Creek Resort The trip across the San Joaquin Valley an into the Mother Lode of central, Northern California is about a three-hour exercise in bobbing and weaving around assorted state and federal highways.

California Highway 4, running between Stockton and the Sierra Nevada, takes golfers directly to the doorstep of Saddle Creek Resort (www.saddlecreek.com). A 900-acre residential golf resort, Saddle Creek offers 18 holes of championship golf, tennis, hiking, fly fishing and (wait for it wine lovers) access to 28 local vineyards.

The property is conveniently located within a 2.5 hour drive of more than seven million people; the Bay area is two hours west, San Jose two hours southwest and Sacramento just an hour and a half to

the northwest. Not surprisingly, Saddle Creek has become a golf home away from home for hundreds of Northern California residents.

The resort component centers on the aforementioned golf course, designed by Carter Morrish (son of Texas-based architect, Jay Morrish). Ranked among the top tracks in the state by Golfweek, GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest, no two holes run parallel at Saddle Creek, and native grasses and wetlands blend seamlessly with the high country surrounds.

If it’s teeth you’re after, back it up and play from Saddle Creek’s 6,800-plus-yard tips. The Northern California Open is regularly contested from these back tees, and the best golfers of the NCAA’s West Coast Conference recently tested their mettle against the track’s formidable chops. A hole to belt notch: the 535-yard 18th, a strong downhill par-5 with bunkers flanking the left and native grasses along the entire right side.

Golf packages are offered in concert with Saddle Creek’s 17 course-side bungalows, all equipped with outdoor patios, fireplaces, full kitchens, and satellite TV. The floor plans break down into one bedroom, one bedroom suite, and full, two-bedroom options.

G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

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State Of The Art

by TerryRoss

T

he North San Diego area—particularly the city of Carlsbad—has been famous for its gentle year-round weather and great golf. One of its newest courses—The Crossings at Carlsbad---has become one of the area’s favorites for not only locals, but visitors to this small coastal community.

(http://ci.carlsbad.ca.us) this public course is nestled among more than 1,000 acres of Carlsbad's coastal terrain and natural habitat. It is home to wetlands, sage brush and other plant, animal and bird life.

Built through the rugged canyon terrain, and inspired by its surrounding natural coastal habitation with the Pacific Ocean views and protected native flora and fauna as its backdrop, The Crossings features memorable views of the Peninsular Mountain Ranges in a cool seaside setting that is almost always comfortable with the ocean breezes.

Designed by Greg Nash, the Crossings at Carlsbad plays to 6,835 yards from the tips—to a short forward length of 5,030-- but features multiple options and terrain to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course and its design offer an array of features including, five separate teeing areas for each hole that allows golfers to determine not only the length of the hole but also the manner in which they play it with generous fairways and large greens with numerous pin placement options.

This state-of-the-art, 18-hole championship municipal golf course and event facility offers visitors magnificent views and a relaxing natural environment. Developed and owned by the City of Carlsbad

A true shot-makers course, amenities include state-of-the-art incart GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation and information systems for the seven-mile cart path that meanders about the course.

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The Crossings at Carlsbad offers an aesthetically pleasing, yet challenging and fun experience in a layout that offers a good variety of holes. Named for the five bridges - or crossings - that were designed into the course to meet existing environmental and topographic conditions, the course also features a lighted practice center and access to The Crossings Trail (www.carlsbadca.gov/trails), a three-mile round-trip walking path that links with the Carlsbad's extensive trail system.

From its dog-leg left opening hole that measures a robust 416 yards from the blue tees, the Crossings offers an excellent variety of long, short and medium golf holes to test all phases of your game. The downhill 339 yard 10th hole plays much shorter than the measured distance and is adjacent to the City’s walking trail system. It is a true risk reward hole for players of all skill levels and really sets the tone for the back-side that places a premium on shot-making. Sizing up the best club to hit to this rather narrow fairway will be the biggest challenge on this hole. You can probably leave the driver in the bag as players should select a club they can hit just under 200 yards getting them to the widest portion of

the fairway from the back (or blue) tees. Bunkers on both sides of the green, coupled with sage brush along both sides, add additional risk for long hitters attempting to drive the green. Once in the fairway, par or better is very attainable.

The 430-yard par four 6th hole requires two good shots to get home as does the 412-yard 12th, while the par fives have a good mix of yardages ranging from 520 to 567 yards from the blue tees. The par four 18th is an outstanding finishing hole that requires a good drive and an accurate mid-iron approach to an undulating green.

The Crossings also features a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse complete with a golf shop, banquet facilities, a spacious fireplacelit dining room, full-service kitchen and an outdoor deck with ocean views. The Canyons restaurant, located in the clubhouse, offers a nice 19th-hole atmosphere and excellent food while watching sports.

For more information, visit: www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com

The Crossings AT CARLSBAD

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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

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RAVEN THREE PEAKS

Tops Next Year’s Golf Destination Hot List

by Shane Sharp • Special to Golf Vacations Magazine

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raveling golfers in search of world-class mountain golf next season might be surprised to learn that a Rocky Mountain high is only a direct flight away from most major U.S. airports. The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks, 60 miles west of Denver in Silverthorne, is one of Colorado’s highest – and highestrated -- golf courses.

Designed by Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Tom Lehman, Raven Three Peaks is a true destination golf facility easily worth the trek from points east and west. Once there, golfers can soak up its 9,000-foot-plus perch in the Front Range of the Rockies.

The golf course serves up scenery, strategy and 18 positively unforgettable holes, all in climate that is up to 20 degrees cooler than Denver and its environs during the summer months. That’s right, sweater golf in the summer is a true possibility at Raven Three Peaks.

The course is ideally situated off the first exit out of the Eisenhower Tunnel and at the cross roads leading to the famous resort towns of Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone (all three are less than 30 minute drives from Silverthorne).

After the easy one-hour drive from Denver, golfers will find a panorama of towering pines, snow-capped mountains, mountain streams and wildflower meadows. Hurdzan/Fry and Lehman utilized the routing of the former Dick’s Phelps-designed Eagle’s Nest Golf Course.

But the playing surface they morphed from Phelps’ original routing is unlike any other mountain course we’ve sampled. Landing areas are clearly defined on every hole, and rarely does one encounter a side hill or topsy-turvy lie. Raven Three Peaks has just the right amount of elevated tee shots, uphill approaches and level land to produce a truly fair, and challenging mountain golf experience.

The front nine climbs toward the upper reaches of the golf course, culminating at the 533-yard, par-5 sixth hole (“Warriors Mark”), the highest point on the golf course. In plain view from the tee box are the signature “Three Peaks” for which the course is named. The back nine flows across the distinctive mountainous ter-

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rain, leveling off relative to roller-coast ride out yet still chock-full of dramatic shot-making.

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks closes with one of the strongest finishing stretches Colorado, with the final four holes providing a PGA Tour-level ending to an unforgettable round of golf. The 601yard, par-5 16th features a 150-foot drop from the tee to the landing area below. It is an unforgettable prelude to the two final par 4s, stout two-shotters measuring 468 and 448 yards, respectively.

Unique to the region, Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks' bunkers are patterned after the distinctive style first introduced by Alister Mackenzie at Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne, and Kingston Heath.

Steep faces and deep furrowed edges give way to native grasses perched at the edge of the sand. In addition to being visually dramatic, the “Mackenzie bunkers” frame the golf course and help contain tee shots that can have up to a 10-percent increase in carry due to the course elevation.

For those golfers who like to make their plans well in advance, stay-and-play packages range from $180 to $250 per person, per day, and include accommodations at Main Street Station, Grand Timber Lodge, Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center, and Resort Quest, Breckenridge.

Getting There: Direct flights to Denver International are available on a wide variety of major carriers (including low fare providers Frontier and Southwest) from major airports across the U.S. Connections are available on a number of airlines to Eagle County Airport, just minutes from the golf course.

For more information: www.ravenatthreepeaks.com, 970.262.3636

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S WEETSTUFF C omedian Will Ferrell, who has promoted his share of laughs through the years on programs like Saturday Night Live is now appealing to the golfing public to try his own brand of sunscreen protection in an effort to save skin—as well as help those that have battled cancer.

The non-profit Cancer for College has launched a new line of sunscreens featuring the actor/comedian. A first for Ferrell, all proceeds from the sunscreen sales will go to benefit Cancer for College’s Willpowered Scholarship Fund in granting college scholarships to cancer survivors and amputees.

Ferrell’s Sexy Hot Tan, Sunstroke and Forbidden Fruit SPF 30 sunscreens are PABA free, alcohol free, mineral oil free and fragrance free. They are available on Amazon, eBay and www.cancerforcollege.com starting at $11.99. The products are Ferrell’s first foray into fundraising products for a charity he has been involved in since his college days.

The sunscreen line features three options: The “Sexy Hot Tan” play up Will’s propensity for appearing in public less than clothed. The “Forbidden Fruit” line highlights Will’s artistic side. “Sun Stroke” caters to the ever-growing category of golfing bodybuilders The launch of this product significantly expands the organization’s ability to help cancer survivors obtain a college education. The organization helps fund everything from text books to full scholarships for kids who have battled cancer and dreamed of going to college, despite the financial hardships of battling their conditions.

"We are obviously appealing to sun worshippers, streakers, art lovers and the ever growing market of body-building golfers,” said Ferrell. “We hope that everyone will see the humor in this product and join us in support of a very worthy cause.”

I

n its infancy, golf was strictly a walking sport—as it continues today on the professional tours—until motorized carts came on the scene and altered the way the game is played on the recreational level forever.

But for both health reasons and pure pleasure, many players today continue to enjoy walking the course, which can be a trek of six or seven miles, depending on the layout and length. To help battle fatigue and actually improve performance, a company called Ultimate Walking Gear has targeted golfers with a range of specially designed, high-tech products that everyday walkers have come to learn can make striding more comfortable and enjoyable.

UWG sells a range of products such as compression shorts and socks as well as knee, ankle and elbow supports that

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are constructed out of space-aged materials that aid healing, in addition to giving added support to muscles and joints.

The secret behind their UWG compression shorts is a new Lycra® Power fabric material by DuPont with 40% more compression that surrounds and supports the muscles and significantly reduces muscle vibration, a main cause of fatigue and helps the wearer achieve and sustain high-levels of force and power production during intense activity.

Ultimate Walking Gear also offers compression walking socks that increase the blood flow and reduce blisters and irritation with a padded sole that helps cushion the feet and absorb shock.

The knee, ankle and elbow supports feature the new Nano Flex Technology that has material woven with a new polyester filament yarn within the support that provides numerous therapeutic functions for the body such as increasing blood flow, maintaining body warmth and moisture wicking.

For more information visit: www.ultimatewalkinggear.com

I

t is not too often that a golf club manufacturer will introduce a club and tell golfers that that may not need it for every round, but that is exactly what TaylorMade is doing with its new Raylor Hybrid that is being promoted as a part-time addition to one’s bag for those special occasions.

The name Raylor itself hails from a former incarnation for a utility wood first introduced by TaylorMade over 20 years ago in the formative years of the conversion from persimmon to metal woods.

This newest version is billed as a specialty club for courses with extreme rough and/or with abundant uneven lies.

The new Raylor comes in two lofts-19° and 22°--and incorporates two key features that work in conjunction to make so effective from the rough. 1) A slightly sharp, slightly pointed leading edge that allows you to slide the face down through the grass and onto the back of the ball. 2) A "Raylor sole" shaped like ship's hull, sloping upward at the sides. The Raylor sole separates the blades of grass to allow the clubhead to glide cleanly through instead of slowing down or getting stuck.

The RE*AX® 65-gram shaft that comes standard in the Raylor is made by Aldila, is an inch longer than normal and promotes a higher ball flight, but is extremely easy to hit in just about any situation—sand, rough or fairway—or even off the tee on holes where accuracy is at a premium. This club is also a great choice to play low, running chips from certain greenside lies, and is especially good for when the ball comes to rest awkwardly against the collar.

For more information, visit the TaylorMade website at: www.tmag.com Terry Ross G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

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MYTURN

“It’s Beautiful As Is”

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ajestic oaks, sprawling sycamores, and towering eucalyptus trees lining lush fairways.

Scenic beauty observed from tee to green.

Challenging greens conjuring up of visions of three putts.

When you play The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort’s Ranch Course, which is open only to guests of the resort and members of the local men’s club, these are images you will enjoy.

Opened in 1955, the Ranch Course is part of a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and full-service resort located in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, 35 miles north of Santa Barbara. Golf course architect Billy Bell, Jr. designed the Ranch Course around a barranca that winds through the course and comes in to play on 12 holes. A championship par 72, 6500-yard layout with three sets of tees to accommodate golfers of varying skills, the Ranch Course is challenging yet fun to play.

In addition to an abundance of century old trees and acres of unspoiled natural beauty, the course is home to a variety of wildlife. The day I played, black tailed deer wandered nonchalantly across the fairways and numerous hawks glided through cloudless pale blue skies.

Playing the course was like taking a leisurely walk through the country, void of life’s daily hustle and bustle.

Unusual in its design in that the 9th and 18th holes are both par 3’s, the course’s challenges are many…tight fairways, subtle dog legs, well bunkered sloping greens, and the meandering barranca that seems ever present throughout the course.

My favorite holes were #8 and #16. Anytime I par a number one handicap hole it automatically becomes a favorite hole…and the 416-yard par-4 eighth hole is the course’s toughest. My drive was short of the barranca that crosses the fairway 236 yards from the tee. My second shot avoided the outof-bounds behind the green and the bunkers to the right and left of the green. When I coaxed a pitch and run shot to within 10 feet of the pin and sunk my curling double breaker putt, I had my par. The hole immediately became a favorite.

The 16th hole, a relatively easy 377-yard tree-lined downhill par-4 was my second favorite. I managed to avoid the large fairway bunker guarding the left side of the fairway but proceeded to hit my second shot into the bunker to the right of the green. Although I bogeyed the hole, because it was one of the most scenic holes on the course, and a doe and two speckled fawns crossed the fairway prior to my second shot, it quickly became my second favorite hole.

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Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

by ChuckMiller “The Traveling Guy”

Home to numerous tournaments including the Southern California Golf Association Senior Amateur, the Ranch Course’s low round record of 63 is held by Johnny Henn who, incredibly, was a freshman at Santa Ynez High School at the time. Other notable scores include a 65 by “Mr. 59” Al Geiberger, and a 65 by now deceased local Santa Ynez Valley golfer Dick Thomas who was 65 at the time.

When you finish your round of golf, you will find there are plenty of other things to do at The Alisal. You can swim, kayak, sail or fish in the resort’s 100-acre spring fed Lake Alisal, play tennis, take a horse back ride, lounge by the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a refreshing drink in the lodge’s comfortable western themed bar, or just plain sit and commune with nature.

If you do decide to go fishing for blue gill, trout or wide mouth bass in Lake Alisal, be sure and ask the resort’s professional fishing guide Jason Grupp for fishing tips and/or a guided fishing trip. I did and caught four bass in 30 minutes.

The Ranch Course reflects the old style course design not found at many of today’s modern courses. When asked what changes he planned for the course in the future, Course Superintendent Dave Rosenstrauch said, “We are going to leave it the way it is. It’s beautiful as is.”

Both Head PGA Pro Dave Hartley and I agreed…The Ranch Course at The Alisal is truly beautiful.

If time permits, be sure and play The Alisal’s River Course on the outskirts of Solvang just a few minutes away from the resort. Its serene riverside setting offers wide-open fairways with challenging lakes and bunkers For more information about The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, and its myriad of guest packages and activities, visit www.alisal.com

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DESTINATIONS

WHERE TO STAY • WHERE TO PLAY

Southern California Sat-S Holidaun ys

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$89

$79 rd

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Standa

$60

$55ht

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RATES NOVEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 24

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G O L F V A C A T I O N S • O C T O B E R 2009

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You Don’t Have to Live Here to Play Here...

As a Golf Vacations Magazine subscriber, you are invited to receive a preferred invitation for golf membership at Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club.

• Enjoy 36 holes of championship golf • Extensive practice facilities • Our new spa and sports club • 10 lighted tennis courts • Active tennis leagues and programs • Swimming pools • A full schedule of social and dining events Limited Memberships available. To find out more about Membership, please call the Membership office

949.858.4100

25291 Vista del Verde Coto de Caza, CA 92679 www.coto-de-caza.com

© 2009 ClubCorp USA, Inc. 2/09 CLB-2911a, SC

As a special invitation to experience the Spa at Coto de Caza, please call 949-858-2790 to reserve your 50-minute Swedish massage plus 50-minute deep cleansing facial for only $120. (Just call and mention this postcard.)