| HERE'S THE LATEST NEWS IN THE WORLD OF GOLF AND TRAVEL |
The Highland Course at Primland Rises to No. 28 in Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest” List
Golf Amenity at Luxury Resort in Blue Ridge Mountains
Stands Out Among 13,500 U.S. Public Venues
MEADOWS OF DAN, VIRGINIA – October 1, 2021 – The numbers are in from Golf Digest course raters, and The Highland Course at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, has climbed to No. 28 in the esteemed publication’s biennial compilation - “America’s 100 Greatest of Public Courses, 2021-2022.” (READ THE FULL STORY...)
USGA Golf Museum and Library
Now Open at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta
The USGA (United States Golf Association) Golf Museum and Library has opened the Bob Jones Room in the Murray Golf House at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta. The permanent exhibit celebrates the nine-time USGA champion’s character, competitive career and contributions to the game and features artifacts, library materials, photographs and footage from the association’s world-leading collection. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Branson Beckons with Easy Access,
Renowned Fall Foliage, Scintillating Shoulder Season Golf
Award-Winning, Multi-Faceted Destination Shines in Fall, Provides Array of Appealing Attractions
(Branson, Missouri) – Branson Golf established itself as the nation’s most-compelling rising-star destination through an astounding addition of courses, off-course activities, and more in the recent past. This fall is an ideal time to visit thanks to superb weather, stunning foliage, new amenities and a slew of convenient transportation options. And then there’s the commencement of shoulder season, a time when the courses are less crowded and the value skyrockets. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Bringing Clarity to the Golf Simulator Industry
Indoor golf innovator Bill Bales is back and determined to help the golf sim industry evolve.
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| Bill Bales |
Holland, Ohio - Bill Bales likes the changes he sees taking place in the world of indoor golf and wants to contribute further to its growth and evolution through his new company Clarity.Golf. Bales' first indoor golf company AboutGolf forever changed the industry. Bales introduced radar to indoor golf in 2002, then introduced machine vision in 2008, and went on to be the first with simulators to integrate seamless screens, sophisticated video systems, force plates, online competition, and countless other innovations. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
LEAP INTO FALL AT ROCK CITY GARDENS
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| Wurstbrats German band performing onsite. |
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. The region’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration returns to Lookout Mountain Saturday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 31 at Rock City Gardens! The 15th annual German-themed harvest festival, Rocktoberfest, offers delicious new German food and a variety of themed entertainment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Rocktoberfest hosts one-of-a-kind characters including the Fall Fairy, Jerry the Mime, Ik the Troll King and a caricature artist onsite to draw pictures of guests, included free with admission! And of course, the event would not be the same without Rock City Raptors birds of prey shows and live German music from The Musik Meisters and Wurstbrats. Mini pumpkin painting is also available! (READ THE FULL STORY...)
THE 2021 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP: FANTASTIC AND FIRST CLASS
By Mike May
For the last week, golf fans have been focused on The Open in England’s county of Kent,
The weather during tournament week was wonderful – definitely heaven sent.
It was the 15th time that the Open was played at Royal St. George’s, along England’s southeast coast.
There was never any rain in four days, which meant this Open was drier than most.
Players came from near and far for the right to be called Champion Golfer of the Year.
Collin Morikawa emerged as the winner, which prompted fans to clap and cheer.
(ENJOY THE REST OF THIS BEAUTIFUL POEM...)
Circling Raven Sustains, Builds Upon Record Business Numbers in 2021 Season
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Amenity Has
Catapulted from Pandemic Driven Boosts to Achieve Financial Highs
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Worley, Idaho; July 29, 2021) – Circling Raven Golf Club is soaring yet again, achieving record numbers and financial performance this season as it comes through “The Year of the Pandemic,” something many industry watchdogs believed would bring the sport crashing back to Earth.
An amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in the Idaho panhandle 50 minutes east of Spokane (WA), Circling Raven realized two superb seasons in 2019 and 2020, the latter partially fueled by the COVID-19 phenomenon that saw golf courses thrive due to players flocking to the socially distant havens that are the sport’s vast landscapes and outdoor recreational venues.
“We believed that the additional players we hosted last year could be retained with first-class service, great course conditions, and creative event programs,” said David Christenson, PGA, Director of Golf. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Winner of Simmons Bank Open for Snedeker Foundation Used BGT Stability Shaft
Richardson, TX - Breakthrough Golf Technology, manufacturer of the Stability putter shaft, announced that Austin Smotherman was the Korn Ferry Tour winner of the Simmons Bank Open in College Grove, Tennessee used the BGT Stability Tour putter shaft in his win over the weekend.
“Congratulations to Austin Smotherman on the top finish while using the Stability shaft,” says Breakthrough CEO and Founder Barney Adams. “More pros on all the Tours are using the Stability Tour shaft and realize that it can make a huge difference in their game.” (READ THE FULL STORY...)
PUERTO RICO OFFERS TROPICAL ISLAND GOLF GETAWAYS AMID IDEAL WEATHER
U.S. Territory Superb for Fall, Winter Visits; 18 Courses, Variety of Hotels and Resorts Await
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Visit Puerto Rico this fall and winter to bask in tropical weather on exhilarating golf courses at vibrant hotels, amenity-rich resorts, and award-winning restaurants overlooking beautiful beaches.
(READ THE FULL STORY...)
New video “Golf in the Dominican Republic”
The name Dominican Republic immediately conjures up images of white, palm-lined beaches and turquoise sea. But the holiday paradise has a great deal to offer for golfers in particular – the Punta Cana region boasts two of the world’s top 100 courses and the PGA Tour is also a regular visitor. Watch the four-minute travel report from EXPERT GOLF, with breathtaking shots that will whisk you away to the three most beautiful courses in the region – a dream for every golfer. (WATCH THE VIDEO...)
Gil Hanse-Designed New Course Debuts at Les Bordes
Exclusive golf club in France’s Loire Valley now offers 46 world-class holes
(Saint-Laurent-Nouan, France – July 12, 2021) – The gift-wrapping has been taken off Les Bordes’ eagerly awaited New Course, with architect Gil Hanse taking time out from his busy schedule to unveil his first golf-course design project in continental Europe at the start of this month.
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| Hanse travelled from his home in America to France’s famous Loire Valley to give his personal seal of approval to the new layout. |
Hanse travelled from his home in America to France’s famous Loire Valley to give his personal seal of approval to the new layout, hitting the inaugural tee shot prior to members flying in from across the world to experience his new creation.
In direct contrast to Les Bordes’ Old Course, the New Course features a more traditional heathland style. When combined with the 10-hole short course – the Wild Piglet, also created by Hanse and opened in 2020 – members of Les Bordes Golf Club will receive one of the greatest golfing experiences in the world.
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 WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TO TEAM
Industry veteran Doug Hellman will lead Atlanta-based club management company's growth and corporate strategy
ATLANTA (Aug. 5, 2021) – Atlanta-based club management and lifestyle hospitality company, Bobby Jones Links, is pleased to welcome Doug Hellman as president of business development. In this new role, Hellman will draw from his more than 30 years of experience in business strategy, thought leadership, business development and operations management to lead Bobby Jones Links' growth and corporate strategy and serve on the executive leadership team. (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...)
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...)
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...)
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..)
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...)
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...)