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2018 Dominican Republic
Golf Travel Exchange Dates Announced
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The fifth annual Dominican Republic Golf Travel Exchange will return Sept. 1 through Sept. 6 for the second year at SECRETS® Cap Cana Resort & Spa. The announcement follows the 2018 World Golf Awards where Dominican Republic was recently announced the Best Caribbean Golf Destination for the fourth consecutive year. (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 appears 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...)
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Golfer Experience Enhanced at
Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club and The Links Golf Club.
GoGolfandTravel.com likes to bring our readers the news before it is made available to the general public. Well, this is one news item our followers will enjoy. It may be a first...it is NEW to us. Thought you would like to know: (READ MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING NEWS...)
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Leave Only Footprints – Everything You Need to Know
Pete Farris - April 17, 2018
Did you know that, according to Conserve Energy Future, over one million seabirds are killed by ocean pollution each year? Or that 300,000 dolphins and other marine life die each year from entanglement in polluted plastics and items. You may wonder how this pollution is entering the ocean in the first place. Most ocean pollution begins on land, but there are small steps we can take as a community to keep our beaches beautiful and create a sustainable ecosystem for the creatures that call the Gulf Coast their home.(READ MORE OF THIS STORY...)
From Enrichment to Equipment
...TGA Launches New Junior Golf Club Line
| Leading youth sports brand expands to become the only company in the golf industry to offer junior golf programming and equipment |
TGA Premier Golf (TGA), one of the nation’s leading introductory and recreational golf programs, has expanded on its junior golf expertise with the launching of its own line of custom fit golf clubs for boys and girls.
“Since 2003 TGA has become a leading expert on introductory and recreational junior golf instruction,” said TGA’s founder and CEO, Joshua Jacobs. “By experiencing first hand how juniors learn, swing and react to equipment, we have developed junior clubs that kids will find esthetically pleasing and well performing, which will further expand our expertise and credibility among our golf consumers.” (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...)
Overload Golf Announces Partnership with Cut Golf
KIRKLAND, WA - Overload Golf announced a partnership with Cut Golf today. Overload Golf brings together complementary businesses, ideas, products and markets, while applying innovation from other industries to golf. The partnership includes access to Overload Golf's extensive network, market expertise, resources and promotion of Cut Golf products. (READ MORE...)
New Leadership Drives Innovation at aboutGolf
Maumee, Ohio -- aboutGolf, Limited, the world leader in golf simulator and golf performance technology, is pleased to announce that its shareholders have appointed a new board and management team to drive the business with an innovation- and people-focused strategy. As a result, leading the company's next chapter are Executive Chairman Brett Campbell and CEO/President Randall Henry.
"We are pleased to be involved with such a strong brand, and look forward to working with an experienced team of business, tech and golf leaders -- as well as partners like The Golf Channel and PGA Tour," said Campbell. "aboutGolf will continue growing on its strong foundation of products and partners, to push the limits of what indoor golf can be. At the core, we are a company of innovation and plan to continue raising the bar." (READ MORE....)
SkyTrak Releases Version 3.0 of the SkyTrak App
Winston-Salem, NC, – SkyTrak LLC, a joint venture of SkyGolf and SportTrak, announces the release of Version 3.0 of the SkyTrak app. Version 3.0 features an updated look and a variety of performance enhancements.
“We are always looking to improve the experience golfers have with SkyTrak,” said Andy Allen, SportTrak Managing Director of Golf. “Version 3.0 updates the look and performance across all platforms and allows users to get the most out of their SkyTrak launch monitor. We recommend that all of our users update to Version 3.0 today!”
Version 3.0 software updates include:
• Newly re-designed user interface
• Enhanced practice range 3D environment
• Complete rewrite and migration to UGUI system
• Optimizations for all platforms
• Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements
Bag Boy Introduces 3 New Golf Bags for 2018 Season
Richmond, VA – The Bag Boy Company, a golf industry leader since 1946, is proud to announce their 2018 bag line featuring 2 new cart bags – the Defender and the Revolver FX, along with a new stand bag, the TL Stand Bag. New colorways are also introduced in the Chiller Hybrid and Chiller Cart Bags. “We are excited to announce our new bag line, all 5 models include our innovative attachment system, TOP-LOK™ Technology,” said Pat Gallagher, Bag Boy Product Manager.
“TOP-LOK™ Technology is a patented bag-to-cart attachment system designed to securely lock a Bag Boy bag onto a Bag Boy push cart preventing the bag from twisting or turning, eliminating the need for cart straps,” said Gallagher. “We created a secure attachment that was lacking in the traditional brackets and straps method. The benefit with TOP-LOK™ is your bag will no longer twist and turn, requiring readjustment in the middle of your round.” (READ MORE...)
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...)
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...)
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...)
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 – 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...)
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...)
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...)
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...)