| SEE "WHAT'S NEW IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS...CLICK HERE |
GULL LAKE VIEW GOLF CLUB & RESORT
ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW STOATIN BRAE GOLF CLUB
Renaissance Golf Design's Course is Attracting National Attention
AUGUSTA, MI – Golf designers are transitioning into a much-anticipated phase that puts the sheer enjoyment of the game – the fun of golf – at the forefront. Not long ago, the buzzword in new course construction was minimalist. Today, it’s maximizing the joy of the game. The new Stoatin Brae golf course at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in southwest Michigan takes this concept to heart. After a partial opening last fall, Stoatin Brae is ready to hit the ground running with 18 holes opening this spring. It’s charm and beauty is sure to resonate with golfers, and Stoatin Brae has everything a premier golf destination course needs – rolling topography, spectacular views and pure, uncompromising golf where the secret to a good round is hitting good golf shots. (READ MORE...)
Natural beauty and sporting challenge of
PGA Catalunya Resort captured in new photographic portfolio
irona, Spain – A specially-commissioned portfolio of new golf course images, revealed today for the first time, perfectly showcases why PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, is regarded as Spain’s No.1 golf course* and one of Europe’s finest luxury lifestyle locations.
Shot through the lens of accomplished golf course photographer, Steve Carr, the images capture the beauty and tranquillity of the resort’s Stadium and Tour Courses, the former consistently ranked as one of the best golf experiences in Continental Europe. (READ MORE...)
SILVIES VALLEY RANCH BRINGS GUESTS UNMATCHED VIEWING
OF UPCOMING TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN
Silvies Valley Ranch to offer Total Eclipse of the Sun package in advance of the August 21 eclipse
On August 21, 2017, the U.S. will experience the first total eclipse of the sun in 26 years. Stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, the solar eclipse will make its way across the country, displaying one of nature’s rarest and most spectacular sites. Located just outside of the path of totality, Silvies Valley Ranch is a premier viewing site for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Guests of Silvies Valley Ranch can witness an unparalleled and uninterrupted viewing experience that is both educational and awe-inspiring with the resort’s Total Eclipse of the Sun package.
From August 19-22, guests can partake in this unique natural event while staying on-site at Silvies Valley Ranch, a working cattle ranch and western eco-resort located in eastern Oregon. The frontier boutique resort merges luxury and relaxation with an authentic Western ranch experience, offering an endless array of activities and adventures to its guests. (READ MORE DETAILS...)
2017 Golf Digest's Top 100 Courses in Ameirca
Since 1966, Golf Digest's biennial ranking of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses has been considered the gold standard in the golf community. Our most comprehensive, detailed presentation of our rankings can be seen below, which includes bonus photos of every 100 Greatest course on this year's ranking, comments from our course-ranking panelists, plus additional write-ups and statistics. For those looking for our America's 100 Greatest Public and Best in State rankings, we're holding the release of these lists to be included in a June package celebrating great golf-course architecture.
READ ABOUT THEM HERE:
Miura Golf Debuts Hayate Driver and Fairway Woods
Miura Golf has introduced its new Hayate driver and fairway woods. Pronounced "hi yaw tay", Hayate directly translates to "the sound of the wind", says Bill Holowaty, COO of Miura Golf. "The Miura family has worked long and hard to create models that offer forged excellence to golfers who don't strike the ball consistently. The same can now be said with the Hayate line of woods. The patience and attention to detail of Shinei Miura - son of company founder and legendary clubmaker Katsuhiro Miura -- have resulted in a driver and fairway woods that are worthy of the Miura name." (READ MORE...)
Canaan Valley Resort Offers Value Season Rates
on Bed & Breakfast and Stay & Play Golf Packages
DAVIS, W.Va., – Summer has arrived in the Allegheny Mountains, and West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort is offering discounted packages for golfers and couples seeking a getaway.
Stay & Golf
Canaan’s Stay & Golf package features one night of lodging in a mountain view double queen room, breakfast in the Hickory Dining Room, one-day unlimited green fees, 18-hole shared cart rental, use of the outdoor swimming pool and privileges to the resort’s Beech Club pool and fitness facilities.
Rates are based upon double occupancy in lodge rooms and do not include tax and resort fee. From now through May 25 and again Oct. 2 – 29, rates per day are $86 per person during the week and $106 on weekends. The package is also available in two-day/one-night and three-day/two-night versions. (READ MORE...)
New Courses, Packages Highlight What’s New
in Michigan Golf for 2017
Leading golf destinations add amenities, programs and a non-stop flight
to welcome new travelers
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s reputation as one of the top golf destinations in the country continues strong in 2017 with multiple new golf course developments opening for the first time in years and existing destinations making significant investments in their products and packages for golfers nationwide.
“With our championship courses and top notch destinations, Michigan is consistently named among the best places in the country for golf,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “As courses and destinations within the industry continue to make new investments, Michigan continues to be a destination of choice that offers world-class golf products and experiences that travelers come to expect.”
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| The new 18-hole reversible golf course designed by Tom Doak - The Loop at Forest Dunes. |
Leading the way is a truly unique and one of a kind 18-hole reversible golf course designed by Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design, which opens to the public at Forest Dunes in Roscommon this spring, after a limited launch in 2016. The Loop is an innovative, walking-only experience with two different layouts that alternate directions on a daily basis so golfers can have a distinct experience. It has been recognized as the Best New Public Course by Golf Digest and among the Best New U.S. Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine.
A second Renaissance Golf Design project opening this spring is the highly-anticipated Stoatin Brae course, which is the sixth golf course for Augusta’s Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort. As part of Southwest Michigan's largest and oldest golf destination, Stoatin Brae is a dramatic departure from Gull Lake’s other five courses. Third-generation owner Jon Scott worked with Renaissance Golf Design architects to create a championship-caliber, 18-hole, par-71 golf course that stretches more than 6,800 yards. (READ MORE...)
SILVIES VALLEY RANCH IN OREGON OPENS NEW FRONTIER
RETREAT DEEP IN THE PURE WEST
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Silvies Valley Ranch Resort, a unique boutique vacation destination in Oregon
is NOW open.
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The development and design of new golf courses and resorts in today’s market are becoming few and far between. Silvies Valley Ranch is named for a French trapper, Antonine Sylvaille who discovered the valley in the early 1800's. The 140,000 acre working ranch is located in the central eastern section of Oregon. This new family resort will offer two 18-hole reversible golf courses, a 9-hole par-3 course, a 7-hole “gauntlet” course and authentic experiences of the Old West. You ask, “When you have 140,000 acres, why build reversible courses? Why not two typical 18-hole courses?” Well, that’s why this is a good story for both the golfer and the family looking for a unique vacation experience.
We caught up with Dan Hixson recently and he answered our questions. Hixson is the golf course architect from just outside of Portland and one of only two high-powered golf course designers from that state. He grew up in the Cottage Grove area and attended Oregon State College. Dan is the son of a club professional, raised on the golf course and a former golf professional. He decided to form his own design business in 1999. Dan designed a couple of notable courses in the Northwest such as Bandon Crossings in Bandon, Oregon and Wine Valley in Walla Walla, Washington. The other Oregonian star golf course architect is David McKay Kidd who designed the Bandon Dunes Course and Tetherow Golf Course in Bend. (READ MORE...)
NEW PRODUCTS AT THE PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW
Each year, GoGolfandTravel.com attends the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. This is a three-day presentation of just about anything having to do with the game of golf...you name it and it is exhibited in this show. One of the areas we all enjoy visiting are the "New Products Area." Our good friend and collegue, Bill Hobson with Fore Golfers Network (www.ForeGolfersNetwork.com) producted a very all inclusive and broad base video featuring some of these new products. With his permission, CLICK HERE to see some of his "hits and misses." Thanks Bill!
Antigua To Serve As Official
Golf Apparel Licensee for 2017 U.S. Solheim Cup Team
PEORIA, ARIZ., January 31, 2017 -The Antigua Group, Inc., one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand, has been named the official apparel licensee for the 2017 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. The 2017 Solheim Cup will be held at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, August 14-20.
"We have had the good fortune to design and develop the Ryder Cup uniforms for the American team back in 1993 and now four times for the LPGA and the Solheim Cup Team in 2011, 2013, 2015 and now in 2017", said Ron McPherson, president and CEO of the Antigua Group. "These opportunities are a great honor and recognition for our brand and company." Though the international competition doesn't take place until August, the process of designing and developing the team uniforms alongside U.S. Team Captain Juli Inkster and her Assistant Captains began in spring of 2016. The designs were finalized in January. (READ MORE...)
Jack Nicklaus Breaks Ground on Banyan Cay Resort & Golf,
a Noble House Hotels & Resorts managed property in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Development to Feature Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
WEST PALM BEACH (December 1, 2016) – Situated on 250 acres in the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, the redesign of Banyan Cay Resort and Golf began Tuesday, November 29, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by golf icon and globally acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus and other notable guests. Noble House Hotels & Resorts—an owner and operator of luxury hotels and resorts from Seattle to the Florida Keys—will take over the management of Banyan Cay. The popular and prestigious golf resort is the latest addition to Noble House’s recent expansion of its roster of premier properties throughout the United States. (READ MORE...)
MedZone Announces New Activity PAK (Personal Activity Kit)
Offering Topical Treatments in One Convenient Kit
Leading sports medicine company debuts new kit, featuring BlisterZone, BurnZone, ChafeZone and PainZone, designed to manage muscle aches, skin irritations and minor burns
Orlando, Fla. – MedZone, a leading manufacturer of products to help athletes prevent chafing and blisters and manage muscle aches, minor burns and skin irritations, announces today its new MedZone Activity PAK (Personal Activity Kit). The Activity PAK includes travel size bottles of MedZone’s family of products, including its latest product BlisterZone® as well as BurnZone®, ChafeZone® and PainZone®.
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“From professional and Olympic athletes to the military and weekend warriors, we have a broad spectrum of customers who are using MedZone’s product line,” said Joe Freeman, CEO of MedZone. “With MedZone’s Activity PAK, consumers can now get their hands on a kit that offers a complete solution to manage pain and treat common, minor injuries during a workout or at an athletic event. The MedZone Activity PAK is great to take on travel tournaments, use during marathons or to leave in your gym bag for your daily workout.” (READ MORE...)
POIPU BAY GOLF COURSE LAUNCHES NEW "OCEAN ELEVEN" GOLF PROGRAM
Golfers play holes 8-18 with early morning tee times
POIPU, Kauai, Hawaii – With sun-soaked days on an island known for its wealth of activities, Kauai visitors have a lot to fit into their schedule. Poipu Bay Golf Course’s new “Ocean Eleven” program allows golfers to take in the island’s best holes while still leaving time for other experiences.
Providing an early start to the day, the “Ocean Eleven” golf program at Poipu Bay Golf Course includes just 11 holes with tee times between 7-8 a.m. Golfers play holes 8-18, with the green fee, cart fee, GPS and bottled water included in the program rate. Price is $115 per person. Special club rentals available at $35. Tee times can be booked at 800-858-6300 or 808-742-8711. (READ MORE...)
NATIONAL CLUB COTTAGES OPEN
AT REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE
New Luxury Lodging Ready for Guests at Southeast’s Premier Golf Destination
GREENSBORO, Ga. — The spacious new National Club Cottages, adjacent to the Tom Fazio-designed National Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, are ready and waiting for golf groups at the Southeast’s premier golf destination.
Part of the recently completed National Village, which includes the award-winning National Tavern, the eight Club Cottages overlook the short-game practice facility at the National Course, one of five layouts available to Reynolds Lake Oconee guests.
Designed to comfortably accommodate eight, each Club Cottage features four bedrooms, 4½ baths, and a full kitchen, as well as two open living spaces and an expansive porch area.
The interiors of the National Club Cottages have a casual yet sophisticated feel, with neutral color palettes, natural woods, and modern touches throughout. Ideal as a relaxing getaway for a golf foursome, the National Club Cottages offer all the comforts of home for a family vacation, as well. (READ MORE...)
ON AND OFF THE COURSE RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY AT SELECT
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS GOLF DESTINATIONS
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| The Omni Homestead is enhancing its Cascades Course, regarded as the finest mountain course in the country, designed by architect William S. Flynn in the 1920s. |
DALLAS, Texas – Three courses and one clubhouse in the Omni Hotels & Resorts Golf Collection are undergoing improvements as part of Omni’s commitment to its premier golf destinations coast to coast, including two of Omni’s most historic properties — the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. and Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford, PA.
A new clubhouse will be unveiled at Omni Bedford Springs in summer 2017 which will feature an architectural design that reflects the integrity of the resort, a National Historic Landmark established in 1804. The 5,000-square-foot clubhouse will be home to a restaurant, golf shop, and both indoor and outdoor viewing areas overlooking the Old Course, an American classic designed by Spencer Oldham (1895), A.W. Tillinghast (1912), and Donald Ross (1923). (READ MORE...)
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS HIT THE SWEET SPOT
| Golf professionals also offer help solving sticky situations on the course |
DALLAS – Omni Hotels & Resorts have hit the sweet spot with its “Magic of Maple” promotion that features mouthwatering libations and menu items created from maple, being showcased this summer at its properties across the country. And at the 12 Omni Golf Resorts, golf professionals are sharing a sweet series of golf tips so golfers can handle “sticky situations” on their world-class golf courses.
Whether it’s dealing with a water hazard, handling a tricky lie around the green, or facing an impossible shot to save par – Omni’s professionals can help…before, during and after the round.
Omni golf professionals know what to do when things really get sticky (To see the full text for escaping these sticky situations on the golf course, visit https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/golf-sticky-situations:
“Playing out of a water hazard”
Simon Andres, Director of Golf at The Omni Grove Park Inn
If a shot winds up in a water hazard and you want to play it, you can. It all depends on the lie. … Pull on your rain pants, particularly if it’s one of the first holes of the day. You don’t want to spend all day in wet pants … Limit the damage – to your score and to your clothes. (READ MORE...)
The Art of Being a Top Hotel in the U.S.
Thanks to the Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine
Winter Park, Florida – The Alfond Inn at Rollins was named one of the top 15 Best City Hotels in the Continental U.S. in the Travel + Leisure 2016 World’s Best Awards, announced in the August issue of the magazine.
The awards are the result of the Travel + Leisure annual reader’s poll. The prestigious endorsement from the magazine’s well-traveled, discriminating readers establishes The Alfond Inn’s ranking among the top echelon of hotels in the United States and confirms what has set the hotel apart since opening three years ago this month – the growing preference among travelers for small, stylish boutique hotel experiences, the antithesis of cookie cutter lodging experiences. In the case of The Alfond Inn, the distinction comes from being one of the most committed art hotels in the U.S., a strong emphasis on service and a mission that’s firmly rooted in philanthropy. All of this from a boutique hotel owned by Rollins College, located in the charming and historic town of Winter Park, Florida. (READ MORE...)
RESTORATION OF THE PLANTATION COURSE COMPLETE
Reynolds Collection’s Initial Design Features New Flexible Playing Route
GREENSBORO, GA.– The Plantation Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee reopened recently after a multi-phase restoration project to the award-winning design by architect Bob Cupp. As a component of the comprehensive restoration a flexible short course routing has been added for golfers who want to carry only a few clubs and play only a few holes.
The first course built at Reynolds Lake Oconee, The Plantation Course opened in 1988 as part of the new community along the shoreline of Georgia's second largest lake. Now one of six world-class golf courses at Reynolds Lake Oconee, the Plantation Course has been refreshed from tee to green.
Part of the Plantation Course renovation is the new “Quick Six”—a unique six-hole “course within the course” that offers a variety of tee box options while utilizing the existing greens on hole Nos.1-2-3 and Nos. 7-8-9. None of the “Quick Six” holes play longer than 130 yards, so a “round” will take approximately 60 minutes. (READ MORE...)
Mystical Golf’s The Wizard, Man-O-War Courses
Celebrate 20th Anniversary
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Mystical Golf – offering "Myrtle Beach’s finest 54 holes of golf” – announces this year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of its acclaimed Man-O-War and Wizard courses.
Since joining Mystical Golf’s first course – The Witch, which debuted in 1989 – Man-O-War and The Wizard have formed a trifecta continually lauded by customers and major golf media. Designed by Dan Maples, the trio have been consistently recognized among Myrtle Beach’s “five best courses” and “best values.”
The Witch and Man-O-War courses were recently ranked in the “Top 15 Courses in South Carolina” in Golf Channel’s Golf Advisor rater reviews for 2015. Man-O-War’s 15th hole ranks among GOLF Magazine’s “Five Most Memorable Island Greens” alongside No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass, the “Alcatraz” hole at PGA West’s Stadium Course and Coeur d’Alene Resort’s movable, floating putting surface. The Wizard has earned an exceptional 4-1/2 stars from Golf Digest. (READ MORE...)
Poipu Bay Golf Course Launches New “7-Hole Stretch” Golf Program for 2016
POIPU, Hawaii – Golfers have a new way to fit some green time into busy schedules on Kauai. Poipu Bay Golf Course has announced a new “7-Hole Stretch” program that focuses play on only the first seven holes.
In contrast to the common 9-hole specials offered by most courses, the Poipu Bay Golf Course “7-Hole Stretch” program aims to fill a need by golfers on an even tighter budget or schedule. With the 7th hole finishing at the Poipu Bay Clubhouse, golfers can swiftly check-out and be on their way. (READ MORE...)
PRIVATE VILLA, SPECTACULAR GOLF, PERSONAL CHEF,
AND MORE AWAIT AT PUEBLO BONITO’S MONTECRISTO ESTATES
All-inclusive package features unlimited golf at spectacular Quivira Golf Club
Los Cabos, Mexico - Avidgolfers who want to savor the luxury of a private villa with friends and family while teeing it up to their heart’s content at Quivira Golf Club, the dazzling world-class course at Land’s End, can take advantage of an exclusive new package.
Designed for sophisticated travelers who demand the best, the ‘Ultimate Golf Package’ is a four-night, five-day experience offering plush, spacious accommodations at a Montecristo Estates villa, each with a private infinity pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, maid and butler service. The richly furnished, beautifully appointed villas, set within an exclusive gated resort community, are designed in a Spanish Colonial revival style and feature panoramic ocean views. The Montecristo Unlimited Golf Package includes food and beverage at on-property restaurants and convenient shuttle access and transfers to the restaurants, bars and facilities of all four Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas in Los Cabos.
For golfers, the cornerstone of the program is unlimited play at Quivira Golf Club, a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed layout opened to acclaim in 2014. The 7,139-yard, par-72 course commences at sea level, scales sheer cliffs high above the foaming surf, meanders through massive dunes, rambles through desert foothills, and returns players to the thatched-roof clubhouse on the beach at the finish. With a view of the sea from every hole, Quivira has more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. (READ MORE...)
NEWLY LAUNCHED AIR FORCE ONE - AFX PRO SERIES IRONS
PALM DESERT, CA - Air Force One introduces the AFX Pro Series.
The AFX Pro Series replaces the AFO Players Series' irons, featuring less offset and a thinner top line. The AFX Pro Series features Nitrogen Charged technology in the 3- and 4-iron, and an undercut cavity in the 5-iron thru PW. In addition, the AFX Pro Series has matching muscleback 52-, 56- and 60-degree wedges. The irons are soft cast, which produces a soft impact feel and workability.
Nitrogen Charged Technology uses nitrogen gas inside a hollow-back iron supported by 50 pounds of pressure. This allows Air Force One to create a super-thin face with no internal bracing -- creating an enormous sweet spot with no hot or dead spots. It creates incredibly consistent ball flight and distance from club to club. (READ MORE...)
Miura Debuts Left-Handed Models
Miura Golf is now offering a new Y Grind option in its popular left handed models while also introducing a LH putter model for the first time.
"With our operations based in Canada, where recent statistics indicate that some 30 percent of new golfers are lefties, we're always looking to better serve left-handers," says Bill Holowaty, Executive Vice President, Product Strategies of Miura Golf. "We are thrilled to offer some more options for those golfers -- first with our LH KM 006 putter in which Mr. Miura has delivered a LH Forged Putter that feels as good as it looks. Secondly, the Y Grind version of our LH Blade and Cavity Back models allows golfers to benefit from a refined leading edge and sole design that leads to better turf interaction and therefore produces more solid shots." (READ MORE...)