| HERE'S THE LATEST NEWS IN THE WORLD OF GOLF AND TRAVEL |
DISCOVER PUERTO RICO FOR TROPICAL GOLF GETAWAYS
Astounding Island Beckons with 18 Courses, Beautiful Beaches,
Vibrant Culture, 4000+ Restaurants
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Like flowers and trees, spring is when golfers come out of hibernation and embrace warming temperatures as they rush to the lush greenery of golf courses. Puerto Rico is ideally suited to welcome them with tropical weather, 18 golf courses, and as an acclaimed traveler friendly destination. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Soon-to-Open Gil Hanse Designed ‘New Course’ Highlights
Enhanced Sustainability Approach at Les Bordes
Viable, sensitive management of all three courses,
estate at forefront of property’s commitment to nature
March 29, 2021 / Loire Valley, France – Set to be unveiled this summer, the New Course at Les Bordes is one of the golf industry’s most talked-about new design projects and is at the heart of a comprehensive new eco-strategy devised by the luxury estate to deliver improved sustainability on and off the golf course.
The exclusive French venue is working in association with the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) and following its ‘On Course’ environmental stewardship program to implement a 3-year plan that provides improved efficiency and a more sustainable performance across all areas of its estate. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Burgeoning Branson Golf Destination
Beckons Visitors for Spring Break and Beyond
Country’s Fastest-Growing, Most-Compelling Place to Play Astounds with Array of Courses
Planning golf trips now is particularly appealing as players anticipate the more golfer-friendly weather of March and April, and Branson is an ideal choice for those who want to experience what many are calling the country’s most compelling golf destination.
The Missouri Ozarks oasis earns high praise through its 10 golf courses, all public access, all near one another, and including Tiger Woods’ first-ever public course design – Payne’s Valley, an 18-hole extravaganza with a stunning bonus 19th hole called “The Big Rock.” When one sees the towering, 300-million-years-old limestone formations that surround the green (as does water )– with waterfalls cascading down them no less – they’ll understand that this special extra hole came by its name honestly. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Cabot Pacific Lands In Revelstoke B.C.
According to the Whitman, Axland & Cutten Golf Architects website, strategic design coupled with great contour (either natural or manmade) is the essence of golf architecture. The statement is part of their mission.
It sounds simple enough, right? But the key is finding the ingredients which, when combined, along with a strategic approach, turn out the product the designers were working towards. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
BOBBY JONES LINKS HEADS INTO 2021 WITH ADDITION OF NINE NEW CLUBS
Bobby Jones Links paves way for additional growth and projects in the new year
Atlanta, Ga. – Atlanta-based club management company, Bobby Jones Links, heads into 2021 after another impressive year of club additions and renovation projects. With the addition of Union Country Club and Oak Shadows Golf Club, Bobby Jones Links concludes the year with nine new clubs in its portfolio. The new clubs are located in Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio and North Carolina.
(READ THE FULL STORY....)
Golf Datatech Releases National Rounds Played Report for November 2020;
Exclusive Data Shows
Golf Rounds Up 57% in November and Over 13% Year-To-Date;
Excellent Late Fall Weather Plus Limited Other Activities/Options Due to Pandemic Drove Rounds Up In November
Kissimmee, FL., December 22, 2020 … Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer and trade trends, today unveiled the results of its National Rounds Played Report for the month of November 2020. According to data compiled directly from golf course owners and operators, rounds of golf at public, private and resort courses nationwide were up 57% for the month and over 13% year-to-date through November 2020. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Here’s how GOLF ranked the
Top 100 Courses in the World
Any “best” or “greatest” list is, at its core, a study in subjectivity, our Top 100 Courses in the World ranking being no stranger to the whims of human taste. We’re more than fine with that, if for the only reason that the folks who rate courses on GOLF’s behalf have the keenest eyes in course architecture. We empower and hold accountable a group of 80 well-traveled — and well-connected — golfers/aficionados, each capable of expressing their own sense of design excellence at the highest level. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
THINGS TO DO IN GULF SHORES/ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA
Staying Safe In The Age of Pandemic
What’s happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? This brief article is about “social distance-friendly” ways visitors can experience our little slice of paradise at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama. (READ MORE DETAILS...)
Treat yourself to a Golf Trip in England’s Lake District
Lake District, England: With the reopening of Linthwaite House (https://leeucollection.com/UK) in the Lake District on 31st July, it’s time to treat yourself to a golf trip in one of England’s most popular holiday destinations that promises plenty of space and fresh air in the great outdoors. Part of the Leeu Collection, the stunning hotel in Cumbria, England has teamed up with the nearby Windermere Golf Club to offer a ‘Golfing in the Lakes’ package that combines a two-night stay at the luxury property with 18 holes of golf for two at one of Cumbria’s most delightful and scenic golf courses, and a three-course set dinner at Michelin-starred Simon Rogan’s newest restaurant Henrock. (READ MORE OF STORY...)
Italy's Argentario Golf Resort & Spa in Tuscany
Reopens its Luxury Hotel & Independent Villas
Tuscany, Italy: The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa (www.argentarioresort.com), one of Italy’s premier golf and wellness destinations in the Maremma region of Tuscany, has reopened and is ready to welcome guests once again to its luxury hotel and independent villas this summer and autumn. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Tifosi to Donate Face Shields
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Americans and people throughout the world have faced challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while our lives have been forever changed, we do believe that we can get through this together, but not without healthcare workers on the front lines who continue to fight for us.
Supplies continue to run low across the United States as the infection spreads, putting healthcare professionals at risk of contracting or spreading the virus. Tifosi has commissioned professional grade face shields for health care workers. The face shields are made with a thick anti-fog plastic that will cover the entire face, forehead foam to protect and ease pressure after long hours of use, and an elastic band to secure the shield. (READ THE FULL STORY....)
Where Tradition Meets Technology:
GolfLogix Introduces Printed Green Books to Help Every Golfer Read Greens Like a Pro
The traditional paper yardage books just got an upgrade with cutting-edge green contour data for more than 14,000 courses nationwide. (READ MORE...)
Georgia Country Club Nominated for Two Golf Advisor Golfer’s Choice Awards
Osprey Cove Named Top 25 Value Golf Courses in the U.S. and Best of Georgia Golf Courses
St. Mary’s, Ga. (February 24, 2020) –Osprey Cove, located in St. Mary’s, Georgia, has been awarded “Top 25 Value Golf Choices in the U.S.” and “Best of Georgia Golf courses” by Golf Advisor’s Golfer’s Choice. Golf Advisor Golfers Choice awards are based on ratings from Golf Advisor’s 2019 community of recreational golfers.
The Golf Advisors Golfers’ Choice “Top 25 Value Golf Courses in the U.S.” honors golf courses that deliver exceptional value to the members and golf community. Golf Advisor’s Golfers’ Choice “Best of Georgia Golf Courses” honors golf courses in Georgia that excel in membership, play and growth. The courses must offer public access and receive at least one review in 2019 to be eligible for the award. (READ MORE...)
AUDUBON GOLF TRAIL
Expands to 18 Premier Golf Courses
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser recently announced the addition of three top courses to Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail, bringing the total to 18. The trio includes LaTour Golf Club along Bayou Lafourche in Mathews; Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond; and Koasati Pines Golf Club at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder. Trail members undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure first-class courses with high standards of customer service and top-quality maintenance. (READ MORE...)
I REMEMBER ARNOLD PALMER
By Bill Hensley
I was a junior at Wake Forest in 1948 when Arnold Palmer enrolled on a golf scholarship.
He was accompanied by Marvin (Buddy) Worsham, his friend and golfing pal. Since I was sports editor of the student newspaper, I was in contact often with Palmer and other members of the team, covering some classic matches involving such fine players as Mike Souchak and Art Wall of Duke and Harvie Ward of North Carolina. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Breakthrough Golf Technology Introduces New Stability Armlock Putter Shaft
Richardson, TX - Breakthrough Golf announces an addition to its revolutionary Stability Shaft. Introducing the new Stability Armlock Putter Shaft. Designed with the same advanced technology and performance benefits as the original Stability shaft. The Armlock Stability will feature a steel core wrapped with a highly twist-resistant outer graphite wrap, that reinforces flexural rigidity; over the typical flex point of the shaft, which is closer to the putter head.
Stability uses a scientifically advanced multi-material design with new geometries never
used in putter shaft design before. A shaft that has the same look, solid feel and weight as traditional steel putter shafts. The Stability Shaft delivers the face squarer at impact for improved accuracy and solid feel and has a lower launch for a predictable roll, resulting in better distance control.(READ MORE...)
THE DEMISE OF PUTTING ON TOUR...
While perusing the improvements in golf equipment over the years, I came across data analysis that caused several rereads! Using Shotlink data, I looked at putting stats on Tour from 2003 to now. Using putts made at specific distances, the make percentage is LOWER today than 2003! Given the advances over the last 15 years, better, more consistent greens, millions of dollars invested in putter head designs, contour books showing every break every grain pattern and not the least, the arrival of sophisticated putting instruction, my first reaction was "this can't be right." (READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE...)
Bag Boy Launches Electronic Tech Accessories
Richmond, VA – The Bag Boy Company is proud to announce a new line of five electronic tech accessories featuring the Mini Soundbar, Electronic Hand Warmer, 3-in-1 Fan, Bluetooth Speaker and Solar Charger. “Our goal was to transform our push cart into the ultimate walking machine,” said Pat Gallagher, Dynamic Brands Product Manager. “Then, we took it a step further and made universal attachments, so these accessories are portable and can be used in any setting.” (READ MORE...)
According to Golf Digest:
Bay Harbor among Best Resorts in the Americas
Boyne Resorts flagship property recognized by Golf Digest editors
Petoskey, MI – The Inn at Bay Harbor, the flagship property for Boyne Resorts, one of largest golf and resort attractions in North America, has received an Editor’s Choice Award by Golf Digest as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the Americas.
The publication's annual review of "The Best Things in Golf" by its editors appeared in the May 2018 issue and online at Golfdigest.com. The listing recognizes resorts throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada.
The scenic Inn at Bay Harbor and Bay Harbor Golf Club, located along a seven-mile stretch of Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan, was recognized by the editors as one of the best resorts in the Midwest region. Bay Harbor joined other elite destinations from the Midwest including The American Club, Erin Hills, Forest Dunes, French Lick Resort, Giants Ridge, and Sand Valley. (READ MORE...)
True Spec Golf Opens Fitting Facility
at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
CARLSBAD, CA - Custom club fitting leader True Spec Golf has officially opened a state-of-the-art shipping container fitting facility at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's Golf Performance Institute in Carlsbad, Calif. Located just north of San Diego, within the iconic world-class resort, this is their first shipping container fitting studio stocked with a full studio fitting matrix, blueprint station, loft and lie machine, and Trackman.
"We are thrilled to partner with Omni La Costa to open True Spec," says Tim Briand, Director of Fitting and Sales at True Spec Golf. "It's an amazing learning environment for golfers in one of the world's best golf settings. With two championship courses on site, it was an easy decision to bring True Spec to La Costa." (READ MORE..)
MONTHLY SUSCRIPTION GOODIE BOX FOR GOLFERS
At GoGolfandTravel.com, we receive a lot of products for testing and reviewing. When the iGC package arrived, we were surprised at the quality of very useful golf items in the attractive gift box. So, we took each item out one-by-one and gave them the test of usefulness, quality and value. They all met the test with high marks. There’s something in the package that every golfer can use.
The iGC provided us with the following:
- Six (6) golf balls with urethane cover, three piece,
- One (1) cabretta leather golf with magnetic ball marker,
- Two (2) izzo “flatball” training aids,
- Ten (10) golf tees (high durability, star pattern), and
- One (1) ballmark/on course game sample from Vegas Golf the Game.
This is only a sample of the kinds of products a golfer receives with either a seasonal (March – September) or year-round subscription to the iGC package plan. The cost is the same for either subscription, $19 per month, plus $2.95 for shipping. (READ MORE TO ORDER...)
GULL LAKE VIEW GOLF CLUB & RESORT
ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW STOATIN BRAE GOLF CLUB
Renaissance Golf Design's Course is Attracting National Attention
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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...)
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 offers 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...)
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...)
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...)
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...)
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...)