Spring 2015
Tournament & Travel
Warm & Sunny Tucson
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KANSAS CITY’S PREMIER GOLF PUBLICATION
Spring 2015
Tournament & Travel
In This Issue 6
Inside the ropes
8
Warm & Sunny Tucson By Wes Bolyard
12 Sandals Emerald Bay 20 Puerto Rico – The All-Star Island By Wes and Angela Bolyard 24 Habel named KCGA Executive Director 26 Miguel Angel Jimenez Chooses Bobby Jones As Official Apparel Provider 28 Golf Updates
A GTM Publication (913) 707-4653 | kcgtmgolf@aol.com Publisher Dave Garcia Editor Chris Chapman | cvchapman@aol.com Writers Chris Chapman Wes Bolyard Angela Bolyard Designer Mark A. Palmer
Some trailS lead to
Paradise
Advisory Board Mary Altman Deron Cherry Shane Gardner, PGA Professional Cindy Rarick, LPGA Professional Matt Roberts, PGA Professional Nancy A. Roe, Legal Counsel Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel Magazine is published four times annually by Golf Tournament Management, LLC. Any reproduction or use of the content in this publication without permission is strictly prohibited. © 2015 Golf Tournament Management, LLC. All rights reserved.
enchanting golf
Eight award winning courses in the heart of the Southwest
Supported by Cover: Tucson National #15. Photo provided by Wes Bolyard. This page: JW Marriott balcony in the morning. Photo provided by Wes Bolyard.
Midwest Section
g o l f o n t h e S a n ta f e t r a i l Completely customized arrangements for spectacular New Mexico courses golfontheSantafetrail.com
800-741-6359
Inside the Ropes The Kansas City Golf Show is every golfer's favorite place to be in Kansas City in February. This year's event, Feb. 6-8 at Overland Park Convention Center at 6000 College Boulevard, is no exception. The show is just two weeks after the PGA Merchandise Show, which means you can see and test the latest equipment and technology. All the major club manufacturers have a booth at the Golfsmith Testing & Fitting Zone, a huge indoor range. There are plenty of other activities: putting challenges, long drive, short game and closest to the pin contests. You can get free lessons from PGA pros and there are lots of programs on the main stage to help improve your game and your fitness. And of course there's the Michelob Ultra 19th Hole, where you can grab a drink and watch golf and basketball on TV. You'll get a bag of free stuff at the door that includes rounds of golf and free subscriptions to Golf Digest and Global Golf Post. Keep that bag handy – you'll need it to collect information from the courses and resorts on hand offering specials on golf, along with news about services and equipment.
The show is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10-5 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday. Tickets are available at the door, or you can buy them in advance at www.kansascitygolfshow.com Chuck Evans Golf Academy at Tiffany Greens Golf Club has been named one of the 30 inaugural Golf Channel Academy sites. The Golf Channel recently announced the formation of a dedicated network of facilities committed to growing golf instruction. Chuck Evans has been a driving force in Kansas City golf player development. As part of the Golf Channel network of instructors, he will now have the group's support in marketing and technology, along with access to shared best practices. Coaches will also have the opportunity to appear on Golf Channel's instructional shows on both television and digital platforms. Golf Channel plans to expand the academy sites to 100 locations in the US and Canada over the next five years. Chuck is also a Golf Magazine Top 100 instructor and a Golf Digest Top Teacher. He runs a number of instructional programs at Tiffany Greens, including structured junior development. You can reach Chuck at
816-880-9600, or go to www.chuckevansgolf.com In other news from Tiffany Greens, long-time head professional Mike Zadalis has accepted a position as PGA General Manager at Oak Hills Country Club in Omaha. We wish him all the best. Mike consistently promoted growing the game.
C&C Group Alphapointe Pro-Am June 8, 2015 | Loch Lloyd Country Club
Garrett Walker has been hired as the new head golf professional at Brookridge Golf & Fitness. He was the pro at St. Andrews Golf Course. Tony Roberts, former PGA director of instruction for the Overland Park golf courses, has taken his place. Maureen Farrell, formerly at Blue Hills Country Club, has been appointed as the PGA director of instruction. The OP Golf Division has also hired Tyson Spratt as 2nd assistant professional at St. Andrews, and Rob Mlynar as 2nd assistant pro at Sykes/Lady Golf Course.
Tournament & Event Calendar
Chris Chapman Editor, Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Date
Tournament
Location
More Information
June 8
C&C Group Alphapointe Pro-Am
Loch Lloyd Country Club
www.alphapointe.org (816) 237-2026
June 12-14
The Watson Challenge
Mission Hills Country Club
www.kansascitygolfer.org
June 16
Deron Cherry Celebrity Invitational
Loch Lloyd Country Club
kcgtmgolf@aol.com (913) 707-4653
August 3-9
Midwest Classic
Nicklaus Golf Club LionsGate
www.midwestclassic.com
August 18
Liberty Mutual Invitational for the Lockett-Up Foundation
The Deuce at the National
kcgtmgolf@aol.com (913) 707-4653
6 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
The 2015
www.alphapointe.org
Warm & Sunny Tucson
Winter blahs got you down?
Need some warm rounds of golf ? Tucson is just the place to go, with over 20 public access golf courses ranging from parkland style to desert layouts to mountainside venues. Here is a quick synopsis of seven great choices whether your stay is short or long.
By Wes Bolyard
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, nestled against the Santa Catalina Mountains, celebrates is 30th anniversary this year. A prestigious AAA Four Diamond property, this boutique hotel offers 50 suites that range in size from 800 to 1,500 square feet.
JW Marriott Starr Pass
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is home to a prestigious private county club – Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club. This includes two award-winning Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, Mountain and Canyon, interwoven with the Sonoran Desert. There are several especially beautiful holes with elevated tee shots on the Mountain course; holes 3, 4 and 18 come to mind. The highest point on the golf courses, about 3,200 feet, is at the tee on hole number 3 on the Mountain course. At only 107 yards, this hole offers a green you had better hit, otherwise you are hitting your third shot from the tee again as it plays across a canyon of cacti. This hole was made famous in the 1980s by Tom Watson during the Merrill Lynch Shootout when he four putted. According to some sources, the hole is the most photographed west of the Mississippi, and with good reason: it is spectacular. There is a 360-degree view of the city and a panoramic view of all the mountains. The Canyon course takes a different route, winding down through the beauty of Esperrero Canyon offering picturesque views throughout. These two golf courses could be played on a daily basis and never be boring. www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com The JW Marriott Starr Pass Tucson Resort & Spa is in a magnificent setting, with saguaro-covered foothills
8 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
of the Tucson Mountain Park in the background. The scenery is mesmerizing as you drive up the hill to the resort and take in the beauty of the amphitheaterstyle setting designed to give the best possible views of the mountains and the city of Tucson. This resort has it all! Great rooms, great food, great amenities, great staff and an outstanding 27 holes of golf. Add to that special events for both adults and children, and you will have one of the happiest vacations imaginable. All 575 guest rooms and suites have the usual amenities plus luxurious baths with granite countertops, separate tubs, walkin showers, plush robes and more. The incredible array of dining options means you can find a great food whenever hunger strikes, from the Signature Grill with a great breakfast buffet in the morning and fine dining in the evening to Starbucks, open for breakfast and lunch. The resort will celebrate its ten year anniversary this year with a series of special events. Part of the draw to the Marriott is the Starr Pass Golf Course, which originally opened in 1986 with 18 holes. The third nine was added in 2004, completing this Arnold Palmer Signature Golf facility. Todd Howard, the Director of Golf, feels that most people will get a different sense of desert golf in Tucson than most of the man-made desert golf courses in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area. They didn’t move much dirt here which presents a truer desert mountain natural golf course with arroyos and dramatic elevation changes. Starr Pass is probably one of the more exciting golf courses I have ever played. So many holes are outstanding, and will be long-remembered after the round, including wonderful par 3s throughout the 27 holes. It is important to remember that about half the holes require a carry over some type of desert vegetation, so choose an appropriate tee based on having fun and enjoying the day. www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com Spring 2015
Ventana Canyon #13
Ventana Canyon Mountain #3
Starr Pass Rattler #6
Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel 9
Sewailo Golf Course #3
Sewailo Golf Club is the pride and joy of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and was designed by Native American Notah Begay III, a winner on the PGA tour and now a commentator on the Golf Channel. The course is a new addition to the Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center. The resort offers a gorgeous high-rise hotel adjacent to the casino. Arizona’s newest AAA Four Diamond-destination features 215 rooms and ten suites with balconies; a variety of dining options, including fine dining at PY Steakhouse plus casual options with a mix of cuisines; and Hiapsi, an elegant spa and exercise facility. A major drawing power to this destination is Sewailo Golf Club, an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. Golfers may be challenged from the 7,400-yard championship tees, but four other sets of tees allow players of all abilities to enjoy the round. The idea to combine the greens of the 1st and 8th holes was born when Notah played in The Open at St. Andrews, Scotland. The 66 strategically-placed bunkers make you choose just how much to challenge the fairways and water. Take advantage of the state-of-the-art GPS systems on the cart as some of the streams are not visible from the tee. Distant mountains ring the perimeter of the land adding more beauty to the landscape. What started as land “flat as glass” (according to a Pascua Yaqui Tribe member) is now one of the finest new courses I have played. Sewailo Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf, offers an extensive driving
range and practice areas for chipping and putting, and a full complement of Callaway Golf rental equipment is available. www.SewailoGolfClub.com and www.CasinodelSol.com Omni Tucson National Resort is a complete resort offering a variety of rooms and suites, a luxury spa, fine dining as well as casual fare, and two championship golf courses. Their considerable golf history includes sponsorship of Jack Nicklaus as their first touring pro plus hosting the Tucson Open over 30 times. Originally there was only the Catalina Course; after several additions the Sonoran Course was formed. Danny Medina, Director of Golf at the Omni Tucson National Resort says “You can come to one property and enjoy two golf courses with completely different styles. This is very unique not only to the Southwest, but most places that have multiple golf courses are very similar because of the geography. Here you have two different types and styles of golf, different sand in the bunkers and different grass on the greens.” The Catalina Course is parkland style with mostly wall to wall grass, giving it a more traditional style with tree lined fairways (pine and eucalyptus), and 17 of the 18 greens are elevated. Water comes into play on eight holes and there are 80 bunkers. The 18th hole, with two lakes, is considered to be one of the finest and most challenging finishing holes on the Tour, presenting a great risk-reward hole. The Sonoran Course is mainly
10 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Tucson National Country Club #18
desert landscape and is named after the Sonoran Desert of which Arizona is a part. This course is more rolling with some very interesting elevation changes such as on holes 3 and 15. Hole 3 is a downhill par 3 with a breathtaking view of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Number 15 is an uphill, and I mean uphill, par 5 with a lake at the tee. This desert style course has two lakes and 69 strategically placed bunkers. I found the Sonoran Course exciting to play with all its elevation changes, the doglegs and the desert carries. Brent DeRaad, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, is very enthusiastic about the Tucson Conquistadores Champions Tour event that will debut in March 20-22, 2015 at Tucson National. He says “The facility is world-class and is centrally located, making it very convenient for spectators. Medina adds “It’s a really good layout and very walkable. It is not widely spread out and the terrain isn’t too undulating. It will be great for both players and spectators.” www. omnihotels.com/hotels/tucson-national The Westin La Paloma has been completely renewed with a $35 million resort-wide rejuvenation, and offers 487 guest rooms, seven dining options, retail shops, the Red Door Spa, five pools, tennis courts, fitness center, nature walks, large conference space and a 27-hole golf course. In 1984, Jack Nicklaus was given the opportunity to design his first golf
La Paloma Hill #7
course in Tucson, La Paloma. The unique topography of this 27-hole course wanders across and through the Sonoran landscape filled with washes and hillsides; the nines are named Hill, Ridge and Canyon. The Hill might be the most famous nine because it was the setting for part of the movie Tin Cup, starring Kevin Costner and Renee Russo. To have more fun here choose the correct set of tees, as there are some holes that have forced carries across washes that are up to 40 feet deep. Several of the fairways are tight in spots, but are U-shaped to help guide the ball back into play; some are more forgiving. However, if you miss the fairway, beware of what plants Mother Nature has waiting in the rough. They will grab your attention and your ball very quickly. The par 3s are memorable and challenging; many of the fairways have interesting elevation changes; and the views of the mountains are terrific. There is an excellent hole-by-hole description for each nine on the website. The course is managed by Troon and it is in great condition. www.westinlapalomaresort.com Arizona National Golf Course is another mesmerizing golf track that is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains and borders the Coronado National Forest. It follows the rugged natural flow of the land across shady mesquite-lined arroyos and skirts craggy rock outcroppings. Opened in 1996 as Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this highly acclaimed layout offers awe-inspiring views of the valley.
The course winds its way up, down and across the mountainside, offering a variety of shots with the culmination of the 5th and 18th holes back down toward the clubhouse where the greens are guarded by the same lake. I felt the back nine was harder than the front because the holes were longer, had more demanding tee shots and several were more uphill. There are a couple of blind tee shots such as on hole number 11, a 600-plus yard par 5 where you aim at a pole on the horizon. The facility is equipped with all the amenities you need to round out your experience, including a full-service pro shop, state-of-the-art teaching and instructional center, exceptional practice facilities, sports bar and restaurant. www.arizonanationalgolfclub.com Located on top of one of the higher rolling hilltops in the Catalina Foothills is a charming resort that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and the urban sprawl of Tucson to the south, plus unbelievable sunsets. The Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort was originally built in 1929 by owners John and Helen Murphey as a college preparatory school for daughters of society's elite families with names such as Campbell, Maxwell, Pillsbury, Spalding, Vanderbilt and Westinghouse. Later it was converted into a guest ranch, attracting many of the leading film stars such as John Wayne, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. In 1999, a major restoration of the hotel was completed, retaining and enhancing the original integrity of the architecture
Hacienda del Sol
and landscape. Be sure to view the photo gallery of the school’s early years in the hallways surrounding the courtyard. Currently the 34-acre property offers 28 secluded luxurious guestrooms, suites and private casitas. Each has free highspeed Internet access, flat screen TVs and more. Other amenities include a business center, two spa treatment rooms, fitness room, pool, and horseback riding. Hacienda del Sol is a well-known venue for weddings and corporate dinners. A garden dining experience for lunch, happy hour and a casual dinner is offered at Terraza Patio & Lounge. The Grill, one of only five of Tucson’s FourDiamond restaurants, is Hacienda del Sol’s celebrated fine-dining venue. A major expansion project is underway that includes enlarging the Terraza patio, adding another pool adjacent to a new special events area with a built-in bar and patio. By the end of the expansion, scheduled for August 2015, there will be 32 brand-new guest rooms. Golfers will appreciate the proximity of several golf courses even more because the resort is able to offer golfing privileges at some neighboring resorts as well as public courses. www.haciendadelsol.com Tucson International is the closest airport to these golf destinations, but Phoenix Sky Harbor is another option just 80 miles to the north. Learn more about these great resorts and courses by visiting their websites to choose the best Southwestern golf escape to relieve your winter blues.
Sandals Emerald Bay An all-inclusive golf resort getaway for couples
A
golfer’s dream, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort offers an indulging escape with every imaginable luxury included. A mere 45-minute flight from South Florida, the spectacular 500-acre, all-oceanfront resort is set along a pristine mile-long crescent beach in exotic Great Exuma, Bahamas—proof that you don’t have to travel off the grid to vacation in paradise. Referred to as the Gem of the Bahamas, Sandals Emerald Bay is one of the most refined, accessible and picturesque resorts in the Caribbean. As guests walk through the resort’s lobby onto the grounds of the property, they are greeted by a breathtaking view that includes a dramatic zero-entry pool, a soaring sunset tower and a swim-up bar that leads directly to the white-sand beach. Ideal for those seeking both relaxation and luxury, the couples-only resort boasts seven three-story buildings and 14 seaside villas, totaling 249 spacious beachfront retreats. Accommodations feature opulent furnishings and top shelf details such as fully-stocked in-roombars replenished daily, plush robes, fine Egyptian-cotton linens and the attentive service of personal butlers or Club Sandals concierges trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers. There are six lively bars plus seven world-class restaurants, and everything is included and unlimited. From exquisite Italian dishes and the romantic ambiance
12 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
at Il Cielo to island-inspired seafood enjoyed along the spectacular shore at Barefoot by the Sea, the resort’s Discovery Dining program offers many options, including a British gastropub and a French pâtisserie. If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a complimentary Culinary Concierge service to help you create a personal customized menu. The resort offers beach volleyball, croquet, life-size chess, a Red Lane® Fitness Center and six Har-Tru tennis courts for unlimited play day or night. The ultimate gem of the resort, though, is Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club. The award-winning 18-hole, par 72 championship course was host of Golf Channel’s Big Break Sandals Resorts and recently voted Bahamas’ Best Golf Course at the 2014 World Golf Awards. Legendary golf-pro Greg Norman is the mastermind behind Emerald Reef 's design. Norman took advantage of the landscape’s natural barriers by weaving the front nine holes through scenic mangroves to build a course that reflects the natural beauty of the island’s environment. While most courses feature one signature hole, Sandals Emerald Reef has six, which edge a rocky coastline with rolling fairways and unobstructed views. The coastal breezes keep players refreshed, while the prevailing trade winds pose a new challenge every round.
Spring 2015
Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
13
The 7,001-yard course has five tees to choose from. Guests who book a tee time have access to the driving range, chipping and putting greens, and a short game area complete with a practice bunker. Emerald Reef also offers a weekly complimentary PGA-certified golf clinic, and you can sign up for customized private lessons with a PGAcertified instructor at an additional cost. Guests who book a three-night stay or longer in any room category enjoy two complimentary rounds of golf, and those who stay in butler-level suites enjoy unlimited golf play. Visit www.sandals.com for all the details on golf here. Top-of-the-line TaylorMade equipment is available for rent, giving guests the convenience of leaving their clubs at home. After the round, enjoy a drink or snack at the Shark Shack, with an outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green. There is also a jogging trail along the course to enjoy the spectacular
scenery and cool ocean breeze. Water sports? You name it. From the zero-entry pool to unlimited access to kayaks, aquatrikes, paddle boards, guided snorkeling tours and even scuba diving for certified divers, there are plenty of water diversions. If you’re not a certified diver, Sandals Emerald Bay may be the place to get certified, considering it is one of PADI’s top five scuba diving operations in the Western Hemisphere. Optional diving certification programs are taught on-resort by Master Scuba Divers and PADI instructors and are available to all guests at an additional cost. If you're looking for added pampering, head to the resort’s Six Star Diamond Award-winning Red Lane® Spa. There are 16 indoor treatment rooms and six outdoor sanctuaries in the spa, with calming music, organic products and assorted teas, locker rooms with showers and fully-stocked vanity areas, plus complimentary hot and cold plunge
14 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
pools, eucalyptus steam baths and saunas. Indulge in a massage, body scrubs, facials or a romantic packages for two, which may be in the spa, in private cabanas on the beach, or in the privacy of guests' suites. With so much included in a stay here, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort is a truly indulging getaway not those who love golf, luxury and all the fun of the Caribbean. For more information or to find out how you can take advantage of exclusive offers, visit www.sandals.com
THIS COULD BE YOUR LUCKY DAY. FUN AND GAMES.
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THE INNOVATION CONTINUES
FIND ALL YOUR BUSHNELL GOLF ELECTRONIC MEASURING DEVICES AT THE BUSHNELL FACTORY OUTLET
LEE’S SUMMIT STORE
LENEXA STORE
8500 MARSHALL DR LENEXA, KS 66214 (913) 310-0783
445 MURRAY RD LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64081 (816) 525-2220
12th Annual Hope Faith Ministries Golf Classic May 12th, 2015 -
Hope Faith Ministries Our Mission is to alleviate homelessness in Kansas City by providing basic necessities and to empower the homeless to move from dependence to independence
Loch Lloyd Golf & Country Club -
TOURNAMENT
DATE
Stone Canyon GC
March 15
Drumm Farm GC
June 28
Adams Pointe GC
March 29
Winterstone GC
July 12
Falcon Ridge GC
April 12
Falcon Lakes GC
July 26
To be announced
April 26
Shoal Creek GC
August 9
Prairie Highlands GC
May 31
August 22-23
Sycamore Ridge GC
June 14
City Championship at Country Club of Blue Springs
For more information please contact:
Delbert Kinchelow Tour Director—Kansas City, Golf Channel Amateur Tour 816-807-9400 | Dkinchelow@gcamtour.com | www.gcamtour.com
18 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Join us, Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 for a day of golf at the beautiful Loch Lloyd Golf & Country Club in support of Hope Faith Ministries. Your team/individual participation or sponsorship directly supports the philanthropic work of HFM. Together, we can empower the homeless to move from dependence to independence. Sponsorships still available! Learn More: www.HFMGolf.Org www.HopeFaithMinistries.Org
2014 Services Provided: • 210,860 meals served • 1,393 prescriptions filled • 34,714 volunteer hours • 1,146 visits to our free health, vision & dental clinics • 244 IDs/Birth Certificates purchased • 1,265 families provided furniture and household items • 9,387 showers taken • 149,755 diapers given out • 8,076 computer uses for job searching, resume building, etc.
Contact: HFMGolfTournament@Gmail.com - www.HFMGolf.org
Spring 2015
Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
19
the course, it is pretty forgiving overall. It was used as the Monday qualifier for the 2014 Puerto Open and is managed by Troon Golf, ensuring its wellmanicured look. Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course architect, designed it around a network of saltwater lagoons, resulting in 15 holes with water hazards, and the final three along the Atlantic coast. Lodging options include luxury golf and seaside villas. Rio Mar Country Club #16
Puerto Rico – The All-Star Island By Wes and Angela Bolyard Ah, the Caribbean!
Just hearing the name sounds exotic. It is not so much a place as a feeling, where the mood is tranquil and the pace languid. One seemingly small part of the Caribbean is the island of Puerto Rico, although small is a misnomer. The island exudes a quiet, subtle magnetism, yet bursts with a pride and happiness that is passed on to its visitors. Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States after the SpanishAmerican War in 1898, and Puerto Ricans were granted U. S. citizenship in 1917. Just 110 miles long by 35 miles wide, with a high point on Cerro de Punta at 4,390 feet, the island is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. One of the most unique and allencompassing accommodations on the northeast side of the island is the El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo. This Waldorf Astoria property has 984 rooms which includes Las Casitas Village. Another resort of this magnificent setting and location will won't be found on the island again due to ecological constraints. Located on a bluff overlooking azure blue water, the El Conquistador Resort is spread out over 500 acres, with another 100 acres of its own private island.
El Conquistador is a complete destination with amenities to please everyone. Coqui Water Park features pools, a lazy river and speed slide. The resort boasts seven outdoor pools and whirlpools, including a lap pool, a pool with swim up bar and an activity pool. If you want to relax, head to the Waldorf Astoria Spa where there's a full menu of spa services and treatments. There's also a fitness center with a team of specialists to assist you. You can take a short catamaran ride to the resort's private Palomino Island, where you can ride horses, go windsurfing or sailing, or you can enjoy the warm water and brilliantly colored sea life as you snorkel or scuba dive. Don't forget the 21 restaurants, the great shopping, and of course, the golf. The Arthur Hills Golf Course at the resort, named after its architect, is intimidating at first glance. However, I found it to be remarkably exciting. The tree-lined fairways were accommodating, the elevated tees gave great views of the holes, yet there were enough doglegs to make you pay attention. Overall assessment? What a wonderful 18 holes of golf ! There is an elevation change of more than 200 vertical feet which follows the contours of the natural landscape, and the trade winds offer an
20 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
additional challenge. www.elconresort.com Another 22 golf courses are spread throughout the island, giving golfers a vast variety of options. Two courses, River and Ocean, comprise the layout of Rio Mar Country Club, located in Rio Grande. The Mameyes River also winds through the River Course, coming into play on 6 holes. Greg Norman let native foliage and the natural terrain determine placement of the holes resulting in several doglegs. Ideal for players of all skill levels, the design features wide fairways, open greens, shallow bunkers and light rough Atlantic panoramas, ocean breezes and iguanas are all part of the 6,782 yards of Tom and George Fazio's Ocean Course. One of Puerto Rico's most popular courses, its classic layout features four sets of tees, numerous bunkers and elevated greens. The signature 16th hole, an ocean-side par 3 of 238 yards, always rates among the Caribbean's best. www.wyndhamriomar.com Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club offers resort guests, members and the general public a fun and exciting layout. The course, also in Rio Grande, was built in the early 90s and re-built in 2007. Considering all water and trees that line
An additional 139 luxurious guestrooms and suites are offered at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Personalized care at Remedé Spa plus the convenient fitness center provide a complete health experience. Situated next to the ocean with a two-mile long beach, this resort boasts spectacular views and magnificent beach opportunities. These two properties are part of a master-planned community set on 483 acres of lush native maritime forest, representing the ideal union of luxury and natural beauty. www.bahiabeachpuertorico.com Dorado Beach’s history began over 50 years ago when Laurance S. Rockefeller unveiled his eco-friendly luxury island resort. It is now home to three legendary championship golf courses (East, Pineapple and Sugarcane) in Dorado. Recent restoration on the historic East Course brings this classic seaside layout into the 21st century, reestablishing the original panoramic site lines to the ocean on 15 holes. Most fairways are tree lined and you will need to negotiate water hazards that are intertwined on several holes making it a challenging but fun round. You might even meet Puerto Rican legend Chi Chi Rodríguez, Dorado Beach Golf Ambassador. For family entertainment, check out The Watermill aquatic playground fashioned after a traditional Puerto Rican sugar mill. Numerous lodging opportunities are available ranging from 940 sq. ft. to 8,000 sq. ft. www.ritzcarlton.com/DoradoBeach
On Puerto Rico’s northwestern coast, in Isabela, is Royal Isabela, a private luxury golf course and resort community. The course terrain has dramatic elevation changes with a lush growth of vegetation. There are several holes on the front nine that have blind tee shots, so the use of a caddy might help your comfort level and your score. Starting with number 10, the ocean comes into view and is much more playable than the preceding nine. Several holes on the back run along the rugged coastline and make for interesting shots, especially number 17, a par 3 across a chasm. In creating these links, paramount importance was placed on protecting the existing contours, natural features and native flora and fauna along this oceanfront land. Food and drink at The Restaurant at La Casa is first-class. Lodging in freestanding casitas is available. www.royalisabela.com.
Other recommended Puerto Rico activities the Puerto Rico Open (www.gotopuertoricoopen.com) held at Trump International Golf Club for 2014, El Yunque Rainforest (www.fs.usda.gov/ main/elyunque), the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system, and Eco Adventures’ (www.ecoadventurespr.com) Bio Bay kayak excursion to watch hundreds of tiny star-like bioluminescent plankton light up as you wave your paddle through the water.
Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club #1
Private Beach El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo
Besides an 82 degree average temperature, abundant beaches and spectacular golf, Puerto Rico is the perfect tropical paradise for U.S. citizens to visit. Currency is the dollar, both English and Spanish are official languages, no passport is required, and flights are domestic (Southwest Airlines flies there now!). Begin planning your Puerto Rico experience today. www.seepuertorico.com Royal Isabela #17
Spring 2015
Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
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Experience Championship Golf at its Finest.
Clubfitting Technologist
WE ONLY USE THE BEST.
Trackman Launch Monitor for fittings
We Build What We Fit
Green reading classes
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Top 100 Clubfitters in the World by KZG Custom Fitted Clubs Trackman Launch Monitor Testing Reshafting ✓ Repairs ✓ Regripping Professional reshafting with Tour shafts
AND FITNESS CENTER
11231 Strang Line Rd. Suite B | Lenexa, Kansas 66215
913-663-5050 | www.golf-md.com
Golf TournamenT manaGemenT Specializing in the business of golf Tournament planning Celebrity events Corporate outings Stay and play packages
Quality Golf at Affordable Prices
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, $22 includes green fees and cart The Rock & The Quarry
Golf Tournament Management, LLC 913-707-4653
21601 East State Route P Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 (816)540-5225
“It’s not just a golf club, it’s a lifestyle unsurpassed in the KC Metro Area.” For more information and to schedule a tour of the facilities contact our membership director at 816.734.3839 ext. 711
Hoot’s Hollow
20800 East 215th Street Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 (816)380-4920
www.CountryCreekGolf.com 22 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Enjoy this Eric Iverson Design complete with bentgrass tee to green, relax in our ruggedly elegant Clubhouse, and immerse yourself in the Staley Culture with monthly memberships starting as low as $39.99.
Visit us today:
10310 N. Olive Ave., Kansas City, MO 64155 Phone (816) 734-3839 | www.StaleyFarms.com The Northlands Premier Golf club
AND FITNESS CENTER
Book your golf group to Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas TRAVEL SEPT. - FEB. 2014, 2015 & 2016 (4-night minimum booked in second category or higher) For every 11 paid rooms, golf groups receive one free room at award-winning Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas– the Bahamas’ Leading Golf Resort, where guests can experience the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.1
Doug Habel, Executive Director of KCGA
Habel named KCGA Executive Director Doug Habel has been named
Executive Director of the Kansas City Golf Association. Habel had been Competitions Manager for the KCGA since 2012. Previously, Doug had been a PGA assistant pro at Hillcrest in 20032005, Wolf Creek in 2005-2009 and Oakwood in 2010-2011. He has since had his amateur status reinstated. Habel grew up in the Kansas City area. He attended Hickman Mills High School and graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville. Doug and his wife Laura are the proud parents of four children, ages 4 through 11.
Doug replaces Matt Williams, who was recently hired as Executive Director of the Georgia Golf Association. “I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Habel said. “I’ve spent my whole life working in golf in the Kansas City area, and I’ve always admired and respected what the KCGA does. I’m honored to be leading such a fine organization into the future.” 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Kansas City Match Play Championship, which will be held, appropriately, at Swope Memorial Golf
KCGA 2015 Competition Schedule Tournament
Location
May 28
Watson Challenge Qualifier
Prairie Highlands
June 2-3
June 12-14
June 30-July 1 July 17-19
Kansas City Match Play Championship Kansas City Junior Championship The Watson Challenge
The Prairie Invitational
Kansas City Amateur Championship
▲1. Greens fees additional at Sandals Emerald Bay. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc., is the affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
The Prairie Invitational, formerly the Women's Amateur of Kansas City, was revamped last year and elevated to a regional championship. The 36-hole stroke play event has Open and Players divisions to include expert level players who will play from around 6,100 yards as well as women who will play gross and net competition from the forward tees at Staley Farms.
The Premier Tournament Hosting Facility in the Kansas City Metro
Swope Memorial
Prairie Highlands Mission Hills Staley Farms Shoal Creek
Information on qualifications, deadlines and entry fees is at www.kansascitygolfer.org KCGA also manages local qualifiers for USGA Championships, including the US Open. Check the website for entry information. It's also a good time to renew your GHIN index, which is maintained by KCGA and its member clubs.
24 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
TravelBenefitsByDesign.com | 816.595.6000 | 800.475.1281 | Info@TravelBenefitsByDesign.com
A Touch of The Ozarks
Date
May 8-10
Course May 8-10. Activities are in the works to mark the centennial. This year's Watson Challenge will be June 12-14 at Mission Hills CC.
17101 E. Kentucky Rd. Independence, MO 64058 816-257-5755
www.WinterStoneGolf.com Spring 2015
Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
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Miguel Angel Jimenez
Miguel Angel Jimenez Chooses Bobby Jones as Official Apparel Provider
“The Mechanic” To Debut Bobby Jones Spring 2015 Collection at Abu Dhabi A
tlanta, GA – Bobby Jones, the leading purveyor of authentic luxury golf products for more than a quarter century, today announced that golf superstar Miguel Angel Jimenez has chosen Bobby Jones as his official apparel partner for 2015. Jimenez, widely hailed by golf fans as “the most interesting man in golf,” will proudly don Bobby Jones Spring 2015 collection of finely crafted golf attire beginning this week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Jimenez, who is currently ranked 39th in the Official World Golf Rankings and has 22 international victories to his credit, is popular among fans for his tour success, unique persona and modern chic style. As part of the agreement, “The Mechanic” will wear Bobby Jones full range of on-course apparel including the brand’s signature luxurious cotton knit polos, premium sweaters and pants in all professional events in 2015. “We are very excited to partner with Miguel to become his official apparel provider,” said Andy Bell, President/ CEO of Jones Global Sports. “He is easily one of the most recognizable
players on Tour because of his unique combination of his intriguing personality and incredible talent. With our continued march towards global expansion of the Bobby Jones brand, there was an easy, natural fit with Miguel. Given his respect for the game and Mr. Jones, we know he will be a great brand ambassador for us throughout the world.” “I am very excited to become a Brand Ambassador of Bobby Jones,” said Jimenez. “My key requirement when choosing golf apparel for 2015 was to select the highest quality cotton shirts available. My tournament schedule takes me to many different countries and climates around the world, so it is vital that I feel comfortable at all times on the golf course in order to give me the confidence to both play and look my best. Bobby Jones offers me the best range of apparel to suit all conditions as well as a great selection of styles and colors. I look forward very much to forging this relationship with Jones Global Sports and having the opportunity to proudly represent one of the greatest names our game has ever known.”
26 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
For more than a quarter century, Bobby Jones has provided luxury men’s and women’s sportswear, including polo shirts, button downs, shorts, slacks and sweaters/knits to demanding consumers looking to exude a classy, cool confidence on and off the course. The Bobby Jones brand can be found at the finest golf clubs, resorts and haberdasheries in the world. For more information on the Bobby Jones brand, visit www.bobbyjones.com. About Bobby Jones Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Jones Global Sports, a division of Waitt Brands, manufactures, markets and distributes elegantly styled men’s and women’s sportswear, accessories and performance golf equipment. Like its namesake, Bobby Jones products are the definition of class, using only premium quality materials to create classic, timeless designs that exude confidence on and off the course. The Bobby Jones brand has been a mainstay in the golf industry since the 1990’s and is sold in the finest private clubs, resorts and golf courses worldwide. For more information visit www.bobbyjones.com.
Golf Updates
experience Kansas
Topgolf Kansas City opens in May If you drive 435 in Johnson County, you've probably seen the huge poles and nets just north of the highway at Nall. What's going up? It's Topgolf Kansas City, a golf entertainment venue which plans to open in May.
Topgolf facilities feature climatecontrolled hitting bays where you and your group play golf – and games. There are games for fun to play with your nongolfing friends and family, and scoring and accuracy games for experienced players. As many as six people can use a bay at a time. You hit golf balls containing microchips at targets on the range, and the technology in the balls keeps score for you. Topgolf provides golf clubs, but you can also bring your own. The hitting bays feature “Bay Hosts,” who take your orders for food and
alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The menu includes everything from chefinspired to family favorites, including some great desserts. Topgolf has locations across the country, and gets great reviews as a fun way to combine socializing with your friends and family with a relaxing way to play golf. The three-level building will hold about 3,000 square feet of space for events, 102 hitting bays. Topgolf officials project attendance at about 450,000 in the first year at 10611 Nall in Overland Park. Overland Park's Topgolf will be similar to the one in Tampa, which is pictured here. www.topgolf.com is also on Facebook.
Brookridge Golf & Fitness open for play There has been a lot of speculation about Brookridge Golf & Fitness since it was purchased by Overland Parkbased Curtin Property Company last year. Development plans for the property that included both retail and residential buildings were submitted to the city of Overland Park, generating talk that the course might close sooner than later. Jon Lienemann, general manager of the club, says golfers need not worry. “The course will be open for play,” he explained. “In fact, the first phase of the redevelopment is five to seven years out. “It is business as usual. We will have all
27 holes open this year,” he added. “We have 412 members and are still taking memberships. We have several levels of amenities in our Full Golf, Fitness and Social memberships.” The club recently hired Garrett Walker as the new head golf professional. Longtime pro Bob Usher remains as the PGA director of instruction. Curtin Company's plan extends forward 20 years. The evolving master plan envisions a retail village and three hotels, housing, office space, a performance venue and a park with a lake. The development would begin near the corner at I-435 and Antioch.
Ironhorse Golf Club — the best of Kansas City With its opening in 1995, Ironhorse Golf Club has quickly become the topic of conversation among golfers throughout the Kansas City Area. Located at 154th and Mission Road in Leawood, this par 72, championship, 18-hole layout was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan of Columbus, Ohio. Every effort was made during construction to maintain the natural
Architectural Photography by Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC
aspect of the land.
15 4 0 0 M i ssi o n R oa d | L e awo o d, K s 6 62 24 | i R o n H o R s e G o L F.Co M | 913.6 85.G o L F (4 653)
“As the project progresses, we will make improvements that will elevate the nine holes west of Antioch. As development continues, some of the holes on the current front nine will be used for that, and the course routing will change. “We are looking at ways to improve safe connections between what will become front and back nines separated by Antioch Road,” he said. “Eventually, if all plans are approved and come to pass over 20 years, all the holes on the east side will be used for development, and Brookridge would become a nine-hole executive course on the west side with a luxury clubhouse.”
Now scheduling Summer & Fall Events
I R O N H O R S E G O L F C L U B I S m a N a G E d B y T R O O N G O L F, ® THE LEadER IN UPSCaLE GOLF COURSE maNaGEmENT
28 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Call us to book your golf outing or league or to enroll your junior golfer in our First Tee summer programs!
Winner of 6 Awards at the Printing & Imaging Association’s 2012 Graphex Awards! Summit Litho is now your one-stop-shop for all your promotional needs. Check out our LogoMall by visiting our website www.summitlitho.com or call us at 816-525-0810 for more information.
www.summitlitho.com 816.525.0810 1807 SW Market Street • Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Make an Impression
RC’s Restaurant and Lounge Now serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Fried Chicken For Two Special
$19.99
330 E. 135th St. | Kansas City, Mo 64145 | 816-942-4999 | rcschicken.com 30 Spring 2015 Kansas City Golf Tournament & Travel
Introducing
Great Life Golf and Fitness Now with seven courses in the Kansas City metro area Want to play golf, workout or take your family for a swim? There's a Great Life membership that fits your lifestyle. For individuals, couples or the whole family, membership options start as low as
$19.99 a month. Our New Elite Membership Clubs include
(Formerly The Golf Cub of Kansas)
AND FITNESS CENTER
Memberships starting at $235 monthly (816) 734-3849 StaleyFarmsGolf.com
Memberships starting at $79.99 monthly (816) 350-9900 DrummFarmGolfClub.com
Memberships starting at $149.99 monthly (913) 529-2235 CanyonFarmsGolfClub.com
Our Select Membership Clubs include Liberty Hills Country Club | Leavenworth Country Club | River Oaks Golf Course | The Oaks (9 holes) Golf Course
Stop in to tour any of our courses or learn more about our memberships at
GreatLifeKC.net
Come by our booth at the Kansas City Golf Show. Feb. 6 - 8 , 2015 at the Overland Park Convention Center