The Great Golf Guide 2014 - America

The Great Golf Guide 2014

THE LOWDOWN ON GOLF In

America We narrow down the bewildering options in this huge country of varied attractions

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE | USA

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Fancy this?

Oak Marsh is in the north of Florida

Welcome

No matter what kind of golf trip you fancy, America will provide it...

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F you wanted to plan a golf holiday in America but felt bewildered by the sheer scale and choice that this great country offers, we hope this guide puts your mind at ease.

We have tried hard to give an insight into the different types of courses and attractions that several of the most popular states to visit can offer.

America provides a wide spectrum of golf, as varied a collection as you will find in any country in the world.

This is of course a

or call us on 0845

consequence of America being such an enormous country and therefore possessing such a varied terrain; so whether it is coastal courses buffeted by the Atlantic (or the Pacific), arid desert tracks or immaculate palm-lined parklands, ‘The Land of the Free’ can sate your thirst.

We give you plenty of details about the most popular areas, states such as North and South Carolina, Florida and California, but we also bring you a flavour of lesser-known regions such as Alabama and Oregon for those who possess the true pioneering

spirit on which America was built.

The two consistent themes across the USA are great service and the incredible conditioning of the courses – America does both these elements like nowhere else.

I’ve even heard American golfers come over to Great Britain & Ireland and turn their nose up at the state of some of our great links – and believe me, the courses they were referring to were in pristine shape!

American golfers routinely play on courses without a blade of grass out of place. Not here do you find scruffy tees, bobbly

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greens or ‘mud balls’ on soft fairways. The weather helps, of course, and is another significant lure for the travelling golfer.

We’ve brought together some fantastic deals and look forward to making your American Dream a reality.

Andrew Stanley, CEO

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | North Carolina – Pinehurst

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NY discussion of golf in North Carolina begins with Pinehurst, which is often described as the spiritual home of golf in the USA. Three-time Major champion Tommy Armour once wrote of Pinehurst: “The man who doesn’t feel emotionally stirred when he golfs at Pinehurst beneath those clear blue skies and with the pine fragrance in his nostrils is one who should be ruled out of golf for life.”

The first course was built in 1899, and the club brought in Donald Ross to expand its golf

where to stay There were hotels on site at Pinehurst before a single hole was built, and the resort now boasts many outstanding accommodation options. The Holly Inn opened in 1895, and offers 82 luxury rooms and suites along with superb dining facilities. The 1895 Grille menu is inspired by the best local produce from both inland and the coast, while the Tavern offers a more relaxed pub-style atmosphere and features a traditional bar brought across from Scotland. The Carolina dates back to 1901 and is Pinehurst’s largest hotel with 230 rooms, while The Manor is a smaller modern option. Pinehurst also has many on-site villas and guests can enjoy the spa, gym and even kayak on the private lake.

portfolio in 1900.

By 1903 it consisted of Pinehurst No 1 and nine holes on No 2. The Scot was then asked to redesign the first and extend the second as well as adding a third and fourth layout.

There are now a staggering eight courses to choose from.

Pinehurst

The spiritual home of golf in the USA

“Nicklaus described Pinehurst No 2 as his favourite course” The most famous layout at Pinehurst is No 2, this year’s host course for both the US Open and US Women’s Open.

Jack Nicklaus says it is his favourite course from a design standpoint, describing it as “a totally tree-lined golf course without a tree coming into play”.

However, Nos 4 and 8 are also ranked as two of the best courses in the country, and much like St Andrews, there is frequent debate among locals and regulars as to the merits of each of the different tracks.

One top traveller tip is to avoid the summer months, when it is simply too hot to play golf in North Carolina.

April and September are perfect, when temperatures hover in the mid 70s and pleasant sunshine replaces the stifling summer heat.

Flight Information: Fly into Charlotte or Raleigh Durham then 2 hour drive to Pinehurst

5 nights’ B&B 3 rounds & return flights

from £1,299 7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,509 Flight Inclusive

Pinehurst No 2 The iconic Donald Ross design

The Holly Inn at Pinehurst 5

★

Pinehurst

Play at: No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7 or No. 8 • Upgrade to No.2 from £145 • Includes buggies and range balls

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or call us on 0845

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | South Carolina – Myrtle Beach

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ou could quite easily spend two months playing golf in Myrtle Beach in South Carolina without ever needing to play the same course twice.

That’s not to say that you wouldn’t want to revisit the stunning venues in this part of the world – but then again it is hard to resist the prospect of discovering another new gem each day.

Myrtle Beach runs for around 50 miles down the South Carolina coast and even has a small airport in its centre.

One of the best-known courses in the area is TPC Myrtle Beach, which boasts a championship layout designed

by Tom Fazio and Lanny Wadkins. It is a previous host of the Senior Tour Championship and contains fairways which cut through pine forests and pristine wetlands.

A short drive north on Route 17 and you arrive at Myrtlewood, which has two wonderful

where to stay The significant advantage of basing your break in Myrtle Beach is that there is a style of accommodation to suit everyone.

If you want to stay centrally without breaking the bank, then the Myrtlewood Villas provide the perfect HQ. Both Myrtlewood courses are on-site, with the beach and other courses also close by.

The Embassy Suites Hotel is a large ocean-front hotel which can be found in North Myrtle Beach and close to Meadowlands, Farmstead Links and Arcadian Shores. Also ideally suited for these courses is the four-star Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, which has the added benefit of having the Resort Course on site and boasts 230 guest rooms.

championship courses, both offering a classic Carolina golf experience.

Pine Hills is regarded as the tougher of the two, and is the only course in the area to be designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills.

The greens are guarded by bunkers and water hazards, with water also bordering many of the tight fairways.

The Palmetto course features wider fairways which wind through pine trees and around an inland waterway.

Myrtle Beach

Fifty miles of coastal golf heaven await

“Myrtle Beach runs for around 50 miles down the coast” A short drive from Myrtlewood is the Robert Whitedesigned Pine Lakes. This is one of the oldest courses in Myrtle Beach and is known as ‘The Granddaddy’.

Pine Lakes was built on dunes just half a mile from the beach, but contains many freshwater lakes and perfect rolling fairways.

One of the longest and toughest tracks in Myrtle Beach can be found at Grande Dunes.

The Resort Course measures 7,618 yards from the back tees, contains many elevation changes and 34 lakes.

Moving up towards the state border you arrive at Arcadian Shores, another Myrtle Beach classic designed by the feted Rees Jones in 1974.

The golf coast then moves into North Carolina, where you can get a linksy experience at Farmstead or play more typical Carolina golf at Meadowlands.

Sensational The Dye Course at Barefoot

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,089

from £1,165

from £1,245

• Includes buggies and range balls

• Includes buggies and range balls

• Includes buggies and range balls

Flight Inclusive Flight Information: Fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect via Myrtle Beach regional airport or 4 hour drive to Myrtle Beach

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7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

Myrtlewood Villas & Golf Resort 3

Embassy Suites Hotel 3

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes 4

Play at: Myrtlewood - Pine Hills and Palmetto courses, Arcadian Shores and Pine Lakes

Play at: TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes, River Hills GC, Meadowlands GC • FREE drinks between 5pm & 7pm each day

Play at: Grande Dunes, Arcadian Shores, Myrtlewood GC, Farmstead Links

★

Myrtle Beach

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Myrtle Beach

or call us on 0845

★

Myrtle Beach

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | South Carolina – Hilton Head Island

H

ilton head Island is something of a curiosity when it comes to golf. Reached via a bridge from the mainland, the island is no bigger than 60 square miles but contains no fewer than 24 top-class courses.

The biggest name in this part of South Carolina is Harbour Town, which has welcomed the world’s best players for the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour every year since 1969.

The course is located on the inland side of the island, and the 4th hole overlooks the Calibogue Sound, which is the stretch of water that separates the island from the mainland.

The par 3s are regularly regarded as some of the toughest found anywhere in the USA, while the 18th is both difficult and iconic, playing up to the Harbour Town lighthouse.

The links-style course is certainly one of the toughest in South Carolina, measuring 7,101 yards from the back

where to stay Alongside the wonderful array of courses on Hilton Head Island, there is a wealth of luxury accommodation options. The five-star Harbour Town Villas are perfect for any of the Sea Pines Resort courses and offer access to the resort’s fitness centre and tennis courts. The Sea Pines Resort also boasts the five-star Harbour Town Inn, which has 60 luxurious rooms, a brand new pool and a range of dining options. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort makes for a perfect base for those wishing to tackle the four courses on the northern part of the island, while visitors to Palmetto Dunes can base their break at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, which boasts access to its own private beach and has 295 rooms.

tees, but is a must play on any visit to the area. Harbour Town forms one third of the Sea Pines resort, along with Heron Point and the Ocean Course.

The former is the latest addition to the collection and was designed by TPC Sawgrass creator Pete Dye, while the latter was the first course to be built on Hilton Head Island, and boasts one of just two oceanfront holes on the island.

The only other oceanfront hole is the 10th on the Robert Trent-Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes, which is found on the Atlantic edge of Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head island

An array of courses from PGA Tour stops to secluded beauties

“The Fazio is arguably the hardest on the island” Considered another South Carolina classic, the course plays around a lagoon, bringing water into play on 11 holes.

Palmetto Dunes also has two other stunning tracks in the George Fazio Course and the Arthur Hills Course.

The Fazio is arguably the hardest on the island, measuring over 7,000 yards. It is frequently named inside the USA’s top 100 golf courses.

The Arthur Hills Course provides a pleasant contrast to the other two Palmetto layouts. It is still an exhilarating challenge but plays out over rolling dunes and around natural waterways.

Also on offer to the north of Hilton Head Island are four other exquisite courses – Port Royal, Oyster Reef, Shipyard and the Palmetto Hall Plantation. All sit close to each other and form a perfect itinerary.

Water hazard The Fazio at Palmetto Dunes

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

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from £1,299 • Includes buggies Flight Inclusive

Flight Information: Fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect into Savannah followed by a 45 minute drive.

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7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,219

from £1,219

• Includes buggies

• Includes buggies

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

The Sea Pines Resort - Harbour Town Villas 5

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 5

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort 5★

Play at: Harbour Town Links, Ocean Course and Heron Point

Play at: Palmetto Hall Plantation, Shipyard GC, Port Royal GC, Oyster Reef GC

Play at: Palmetto Dunes Golf - Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, Arthur Hills Golf Course, George Fazio Golf Course

★

Hilton Head

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Hilton Head

or call us on 0845

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543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | South Carolina – Kiawah Island

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YDER Cups and Major championships seem to be synonymous with the Carolinas, and nowhere more so than at Kiawah Island – venue for the War on the Shore in the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship won so emphatically by Rory McIlroy.

Located close to Charleston, Kiawah Island has five courses, with the Ocean Course the most famous by some distance.

Kiawah Island

Amen corner The iconic 12th and 13th at Augusta

Play the legendary Ryder Cup venue

“The Ocean course is the most famous by some distance” It was designed by Pete Dye in 1991 and contains raised fairways and large sand dunes.

It provides views of the sea from all parts of the course, and is fiendishly difficult when the wind is strong. In fact, much like on a links course at home, the holes play differently from one day to the next.

Often understated is Kiawah’s Turtle Point course.

This layout is one of Jack Nicklaus’ earliest creations and offers narrow fairways, small greens and plenty of hazards.

The Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Point is surrounded by lakes and pines, while Oak Point sits alongside the Kiawah river and is known for its undulating fairways and testing greens.

Finally, not to be outdone,

The Masters 2014

Kiawah Major venue and Ryder Cup host

Follow the stars around Augusta National’s hallowed turf

Gary Player’s Cougar Point features a great variety of holes and was recently named ‘Golf Course of the Year’ by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,759

Flight Inclusive Flight Information: Fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect into Charleston followed by 1 hour drive to Kiawah

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort 5★ Charleston, South Carolina

Play at: The Ocean Course, Oak Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point • Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie on The Ocean Course

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

which allow complete access to all four tournament days.

All will provide you with unforgettable experiences and a lifetime’s worth of memories to share with your friends.

A visit to the Masters also provides a great opportunity to play some top-quality golf of your own.

There are many wonderful

Augusta, Georgia

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2-day Masters Pass (Monday & Tuesday practice days)

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The Villas at Kiawah Island Golf Resort 4★

Francis Marion Hotel 4★

Play at: The Ocean Course, Oak Point, Turtle Point, Cougar Point • Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie on The Ocean Course

Play at: RiverTowne GC, The Links at Wild Dunes, Charleston National GC, Dunes West GC • Includes buggies

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the stars in action.

Happily, times have changed and it is now possible to go to watch the Masters by using an agent like Golfbreaks.com.

A visit here is truly a once-ina-lifetime experience.

There are a variety of different packages available, from breaks which solely include practice round tickets to those

Practice Round Package

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from £1,299

Charleston, South Carolina

T

he masters could aptly be described as the greatest golf show on the planet.

For many years, the season’s opening Major was viewed as elusive for British visitors, with cost and accessibility preventing people from travelling to Georgia to watch

Weekend Package Augusta, Georgia

3 nights’ B&B (Friday arrival) & return flights

from £3,255

2-day Masters Pass (Saturday & Sunday) Includes daily transfers

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Charleston, South Carolina

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nearby courses including five outstanding layouts at Reynolds Plantation, Forest Hills and the River Club.

Above all else, it provides a unique opportunity to watch the world’s best players compete for one of the game’s most coveted prizes on what is unquestionably one of the world’s greatest courses.

Green Jacket Experience

Augusta, Georgia Play at: Forest Hill and River Club Tuesday and Wednesday 7 nights’ B&B (Monday arrival) & return flights

from £6,575

4-day Masters Pass (Thursday to Sunday) Includes daily transfers Flight Inclusive

or call us on 0845

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | Alabama and Wisconsin

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labama is home to one of the world’s most ambitious and biggest golf projects – the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

The brainchild of local businessman Dr David Bonner, the trail initially comprised eight different sites and 378 holes, before three further venues were added in 2005, taking the total number of courses to 26.

Trent Jones was tempted from semi-retirement to take on the design work in the mid1980s, and his legacy today is one of the biggest and best expanses of championship golf found anywhere in the world.

Beginning in the state’s largest city, Birmingham, you can play at one of the longest courses in the world at Ross Bridge, which measures a staggering 8,200 yards from the back tees.

alabama

Discover the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

“One of the biggest and best expanses of championship golf” Birmingham is also home to Oxmoor Valley, which has 54 holes on offer. The Ridge and Valley are Oxmoor Valley’s premier layouts, with the Short Course an 18-hole par-3 course.

Heading south to Alabama’s state capital, Montgomery, Capitol Hill has three courses of over 7,400 yards. The Judge is a parkland with 14 waterside holes, while the Senator is a links-style layout.

There are also 36 holes at Cambrian Ridge, south of Montgomery, and three more sets of 18 at Grand National, on the Sougahatchee Lake going towards Atlanta.

Flight Information: Fly into Atlanta & drive 2 hours to Montgomery or Birmingham.

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Wisconsin

Championship golf on the shores of Lake Michigan

W

isconsin might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a US golf break, but the Midwest state has much to offer the travelling golfer.

For a start, a visit here will allow you to play the host venue for the 2020 Ryder Cup and 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships.

Ross Bridge An immense course of 8,200 yards

7 nights’ room only 5 rounds & return flights

Whistling Straits offers two courses, with the Straits regarded among the best in the world.

It boasts an outstanding set of holes which run alongside the shores of Lake Michigan, and it can be absolutely brutal when the wind picks up.

Not to be completely outdone by its more famous neighbour, the Irish Course at

from £1,345

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from £2,099

• Includes buggies at Blackwolf Run and caddies at Whistling Straits

Robert Trent Jones - 7 day Trail

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Flight Information: Lots of options here, key routes are into Chicago or Atlanta then connect to Milwaukee followed by a 1 hour drive to Kohler.

from £1,915

• Includes buggies at Ross Bridge GC

Play at: Ross Bridge Golf GC, Oxmoor GC, Cambrian Ridge GC, Capitol Hill GC and Grand National GC

“The Midwest state has much to offer the travelling golfer”

7 nights’ B&B 7 rounds & return flights

Flight Inclusive

Stay at: 2 nights’ - Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 5* 3 nights’ - Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa 4* 2 nights’ - Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel 4*

Whistling Straits is also superb in its own right and is frequently ranked inside America’s top 100 courses.

Modelled on a classic Irish links, it plays out over rolling dunes and measures a little over 7,200 yards from the back tees.

There are also the two outstanding Pete Dye creations at Blackwolf Run, which hosted the 2012 US Women’s Open.

Inn on Woodlake 4★ Kohler, Wisconsin

Play at: Whistling Straits - Straits Course and Irish Course Blackwolf Run - River Course and Meadow Course

or call us on 0845

Flight Inclusive

• Includes buggies at Blackwolf Run and caddies at Whistling Straits

The American Club 5★

Flight Inclusive

Kohler, Wisconsin

Play at: Whistling Straits - Straits Course and Irish Course Blackwolf Run - River Course and Meadow Course

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

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The Great Golf Guide | USA | Florida

O

rlando might be more famously known for its theme parks and shuttle launches, but alongside a host of family adventures are some truly memorable golf courses.

There are two standout venues – the Reunion Resort and Grand Cypress Resort.

The former is home to three courses designed by legends – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Watson’s Independence Course has fast, firm, wide fairways and large greens.

North East FLORIDA The Sawgrass courses are the highlights here

Orlando

Stunning courses designed by the greats of the game

“Grand Cypress has 45 holes all designed

by Jack Nicklaus”

The original The iconic par-3 17th at Sawgrass

E

VERY year, the world’s best players head to Florida to compete in what is universally known as the game’s fifth Major – the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

The Stadium Course at Sawgrass is one of the world’s most iconic courses, and contains the famous 17th, the

best-known par-3 hole in golf.

Also on site, and designed by the same man, is Pete Dye’s Valley Course, which you should certainly factor into your plans.

The nearby Sawgrass Country Club has 27 holes of championship golf on offer.

The tight fairways here are surrounded by pine and palm trees, and water comes into play on 24 of the 27 holes.

“Sawgrass is home to the best-known par 3 in golf”

Also in the area is Marsh Landings, which is slightly less taxing and weaves through marshes, pine trees and lagoons.

South of Sawgrass is the also excellent Hammock Beach Resort, which has the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course and the Jack Nicklausinspired Ocean Course along with a five-star hotel.

Flight Information: Fly direct to Orlando and drive 2 hours to north-east Florida

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

The Palmer Course plays out over more hilly terrain and contains dramatic elevation changes, while the Nicklaus Course has smoother fairways with elevated tees and greens.

Grand Cypress has 45 holes, all designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The North and South courses are the oldest layouts, but the highlight is the New Course, which is Nicklaus’s tribute to the Old Course at St Andrews, where he won the Open twice.

It contains pot bunkers up to 12-feet deep, double greens and stone walls.

Flight Information: Fly direct to Orlando then 20-30 minute drive to resorts

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,559

7 nights’ self catering 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,259

• Includes buggies, range balls and forecaddie

• Includes buggies and range balls

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,109

from £1,289

• Includes buggies and range balls

• Includes buggies and range balls

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa 5

Hammock Beach Resort 4

Reunion Resort 4

The Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort 5★

Play at: The Players Stadium Course, Marsh Landing Country Club, Sawgrass Country Club, Golf Club at South Hampton

Play at: Conservatory Course and Ocean Course

Play at: Nicklaus’ Tradition Course, Watson’s Independence Course and Palmer’s Legacy

Play at: Grand Cypress GC - New Course, North & South Course and North & East Course

★

Jacksonville, Florida

2 JULY 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

★

Palm Coast, Florida

Many more great value breaks available online at

★

Orlando, Florida

or call us on 0845

Orlando, Florida

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 3

The Great Golf Guide | USA | Florida

W

Hile Sawgrass, Orlando and Miami might be the golfing powerhouses in Florida, there are some equally excellent places to play in Tampa and Naples.

There are two stand-out resorts in Tampa – Saddlebrook and Innisbrook. The latter sits close to the west coast and has four outstanding courses.

Tampa & Naples

Tour-standard golf and stunning sandy beaches

“The standout Tampa resort is Innisbrook”

Palm Beach & Miami

Tour stop PGA National is a highclass venue

Play famous PGA Tour stops at PGA National and Doral

M

IAMI is home to two of the best golf resorts in Florida – the PGA National Resort at Palm Beach and the Trump National Doral Resort.

There are five courses on offer at the PGA National Resort.

The most famous is the Jack Nicklaus-signature-designed Champion Course, which hosts The Honda Classic on the PGA

Tour and also held the 1983 Ryder Cup. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are known as The Bear Trap, regarded as one of the toughest stretches anywhere on tour.

The Resort is also home to the signature-design Palmer Course, which is a links-style layout featuring many grass bunkers and a double green.

There are also the Fazio-

-signature Squire and Estate courses.

Not to be outdone, the recently renovated Trump National Doral Resort has five courses including the famous Blue Monster and Greg Norman’s White Course.

Both the PGA National and Trump National resorts also have extensive luxury accommodation options.

“The 15th, 16th and 17th are known as The Bear Trap”

Flight Information: Fly direct to Miami. Doral is 10 mins from the airport. PGA National is a one hour drive

7 nights’ room only 5 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

• Includes FREE pre-golf breakfasts.

Buggies & range balls included

• Includes buggies, range balls, replay rounds (Gold & Silver courses), 1 hr golf clinic

from £1,119

PGA National Resort & Spa 4

★

Flight Inclusive

Palm Beach, Florida

2 JULY 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Trump National Doral Miami 5

★

Play at: The Great White Course, Silver, Red and Gold • Upgrade to the Blue Monster from £175

Many more great value breaks available online at

Flight Inclusive

Exciting area Naples Beach is part of a vibrant scene

Flight Information: Fly direct to Tampa. Naples is 2 1/2 hours’ drive south

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,109

from £1,529

Miami, Florida

Play at: Champion Course, Fazio Course, Palmer Course and Squire Course

The Copperhead welcomes the stars of the PGA Tour every year for the Valspar Championship.

The Island course is a close rival, having recently undergone a huge renovation programme, and the North and South courses have much to offer.

Moving down the west coast from Tampa to Naples and there are two great courses to be found at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort.

Guests can relax in five-star luxury before taking on either Hammock Bay or The Rookery.

Naples has an abundance of stunning beaches, making it the perfect place to balance sun, sea and terrific golf.

from £1,379

• Includes Executive Suite accommodation, buggies & range balls

• Includes four evening meals, buggies & range balls

Flight Inclusive

The Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club 4

★

Flight Inclusive

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort 5★

Tampa, Florida

Naples, Florida

Play at: Copperhead Course, Island Course, North and South Courses

Play at: Hammock Bay Golf Course and The Rookery

or call us on 0845

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 3

The Great Golf Guide | USA | California

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FIVE-time US Open venue and annual host to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA Tour, Pebble Beach Golf Links is on the wish list of every golfer.

Played along the coastline and containing several holes which run directly along the cliffs, Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of America’s most iconic courses.

Pebble Beach

®

Pebble Beach ® One of the game’s iconic venues

Play at Jack Nicklaus’ favourite golf course

LA & San Diego Experience the best of the California coast

“Pebble Beach is one of America’s most iconic courses” Indeed, Jack Nicklaus described it as his favourite course to play in the world.

Guests can stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, which has been open since 1919 and sits directly next to the 18th green.

There are 161 luxury rooms, and most include their own woodburning fireplace.

Alternatively, base your break at Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts or the Inn at Spanish Bay, which offers fivestar accommodation and access to The Links at Spanish Bay, a Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum design that weaves between the sand dunes and offers great views.

L

Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach Golf Links, distinctive images of the course, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, The Inn at Spanish Bay, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course and Casa Palmero are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company.

Flight Information: Fly direct to San Francisco followed by a 2-hour drive to Monterey

© Joann Dost

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

bungalows and villas which come with charming individual features, and there are several on-site dining options and a sumptuous spa facility to take advantage of.

The resort boasts two courses, both designed by Tom Fazio, and they offer some of the best golf in the City of Angels.

Both are clifftop courses with

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

from £2,209

© Joann Dost

OS ANGELES is the largest city in the largest US state, so it is unsurprising that it boasts an enviable supply of great golf.

If you are looking for the ultimate luxury golf break then the five-star Pelican Hill resort, in Newport Beach just 45 minutes from LA, is the perfect option.

Guests here stay in luxury

5 nights’ B&B 3 rounds & return flights

from £2,635

© Joann Dost

Flight Inclusive

views out over the Pacific.

Drive for around two hours down the Pacfic Coast Highway from LA and you arrive in San Diego, where the golf offering is headlined by Torrey Pines.

The North and South courses here host the PGA Tour each January with the latter the venue for the US Open won so memorably by a hobbling Tiger Woods in 2008.

“Los Angeles boasts an enviable supply of great golf”

Flight Information: Fly direct to LA or San Diego

© SanDiego.org

from £1,565

Flight Inclusive

from £1,535

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

the inn at spanish bay 5

the lodge at pebble beach 5

the resort at pelican hill 5

The Lodge at Torrey Pines 5

Play at: Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course • Includes buggies

Play at: Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course • Includes buggies

Play at: Ocean South and Ocean North Courses • Includes free replay rounds and $200 resort credit per room • Plus buggies, range balls and forecaddie

Play at: Torrey Pines North and South Course

★

★

pebble beach, california

2 JULY 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

pebble beach, california

Many more great value breaks available online at

★

newport Beach, la, california

or call us on 0845

5 nights’ room only 3 rounds & return flights

★

San Diego, California

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 3

The Great Golf Guide | USA | Greater Palm Springs and Scottsdale

Greater Palm Springs A perfect setting for an off-season adventure

Scottsdale

Experience the best of golf in the desert

All carry Check out the Indian Wells Golf Resort

L

ocated 130 miles east of Los Angeles, Greater Palm Springs is a true desert oasis.

The region enjoys a perfect climate for golf, especially through the winter months when the sun is not as intense as it is during the spring and summer.

The stand-out place to play is the La Quinta Resort at PGA

West. Guests here can enjoy their own private ‘Casita’ or stay in one of the resort’s many luxurious villas or suites.

There are five courses here including the TPC Stadium Course, the Nicklaus Tournament Course and the Greg Norman Course.

All offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, but the pick of the bunch is arguably

the Stadium Course, which is a classic Pete Dye design.

The celebrated Dye is also responsible for the Resort Course at nearby Mission Hills, which offers the Gary Player Signature Course too.

Both layouts at Mission Hills are carved into the desert and offer stern challenges without the enhanced difficulty of some of the region’s other courses.

Rock and roll The amazing Boulders course

“Stunning views of the surrounding mountains”

Flight Information: Fly direct to LA followed by 2 hours drive to Palm Springs or use connecting flight to Palm Springs

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

• Includes free replay rounds at La Quinta & PGA West Courses plus buggies & range balls

• Group Leader (groups of 4) receive one complimentary round and $25 resort credit

from £1,185

A

Rizona, and specifically the area around Scottsdale to the north east of Phoenix, is synonymous with desert golf, dramatic landscapes and mild winter climates.

For quintessential target-style desert golf, try the awardwinning Cholla course at WeKo-Pa, or play the undulating,

boulder-strewn Pinnacle course at Troon North.

The Westin Kierland Resort is around 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and has 27 holes which are characterised by dramatic elevation changes and represent some of the best desert golf in the region.

Other stand-out courses in the region include Greyhawk and TPC Scottsdale. Both have 7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,159

Flight Inclusive

36 holes, with the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale playing host to the PGA Tour’s wildly popular Phoenix Open.

The Stadium layout is also complemented perfectly by the Champions Course, which is excellent in its own right.

It is possible to combine a trip to Arizona with Palm Springs and Las Vegas for a multi-centre holiday.

Flight Inclusive

“Enjoy desert golf, dramatic landscapes and mild winters”

Flight Information: Fly direct to Phoenix followed by 20 minutes drive to Scottsdale

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,495

from £1,335

• Includes buggies and range balls

• Includes buggies and range balls

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive

la quinta resort & club at PGA West 5

the westin mission hills golf resort and spa 5

the westin kierland resort 5

hyatt house scottsdale/old town 3★

Play at: TPC Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, Norman Course, Tahquitz Creek Legend Course • Includes FREE pre-golf breakfasts

Play at: Gary Player Signature Course or Pete Dye Resort Course • Includes buggies and range balls

Play at: Kierland GC, Boulders - North or South Course, Troon North

Play at: TPC Scottsdale, Talking Stick, Boulders - North or South Course

★

Greater Palm Springs, california

2 JULY 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

★

Greater Palm Springs, california

Many more great value breaks available online at

★

Scottsdale, arizona

or call us on 0845

Scottsdale, arizona

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 3

The Great Golf Guide | USA | Oregon and Las Vegas

F

amous for its casinos and largerthan-life hotels, Las Vegas has long been established as a mustvisit destination for visitors from across the globe.

However, Nevada has much more to offer prospective visitors than bright-lights and blackjack tables, not least several truly outstanding golf courses.

TPC Las Vegas can be found just 20 minutes from the city centre, and is a golfing oasis in the middle of the desert.

Famous for its elevated tees, the course offers stunning panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

Oregon

Golf as it was meant to be on the Pacific coastline

Las Vegas

Sample the best that Nevada has to offer

Wide appeal Bandon Dunes has a global reputation

H

EAD north from California to the Pacific North West and you will find some wonderful golf on offer in Oregon.

Bandon Dunes is the standout resort here, and aims to stay true to the spirit of Scotland’s best-loved links.

The five courses here hug the rural coastline and play

over grassy dunes to large undulating greens.

The club’s aim is to provide ‘golf as it should be’, which can be taken to mean a stunning coastal experience over some of the most natural fairways and green sites imaginable.

Alternatively, head inland to Sunriver Resort, which has three excellent 18-hole layouts located in a rural mountainous

setting. The Crosswater course is perhaps the pick of the bunch, and plays out over 600 acres of woodland and heathland, with the Deschutes River coming into play on seven holes.

Sunriver is a five-star resort with enviable accommodation and dining options for visitors; stay at Bandon Dunes if your priority is the golf.

“Both Bandon Dunes and Sunriver are five-star resorts” Flight Information: The most popular route to Bandon is to fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport via San Francisco followed by a 40-minute drive from there to all resorts.

© Wood Sabold

“TPC Las Vegas is a golfing oasis in the middle of the desert” Without question, the most surreal Vegas golf experience is found at Royal Links, which outrageously replicates some of golf’s most iconic holes, including the Road Hole at St Andrews and the Postage Stamp at Troon, and throws them together in one course.

Also available are the excellent layouts at South Shore, Bali Hai, Paiute, Sun Mountain and Desert Pines.

Roll the dice South Shore is exciting and pretty

Flight Information: Fly direct to Las Vegas. The strip is next to the airport.

7 nights’ B&B 4 rounds & return flights

© Wood Sabold

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,339

from £1,449

Flight Inclusive Flight Inclusive

bandon dunes golf resort 5

★

bandon, Oregon

Play at: Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald

2 JULY 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,629

Flight Inclusive

sunriver resort 5

★

bend, Oregon

Play at: Sunriver - Meadows and Woodlands course and Crosswater GC

Many more great value breaks available online at

7 nights’ room only 4 rounds & return flights

from £1,569

Flight Inclusive

Flight Inclusive Flight Inclusive

the westin lake las vegas resort & spa 5

mgm grand hotel & casino 4

Play at: The SouthShore Golf Club, Bali Hai, TPC Las Vegas • Includes buggies and range balls

Play at: Bali Hai, TPC Las Vegas, Paiute Golf Club - Sun Mountain Course, Desert Pines • Includes buggies and range balls

★

las vegas, Nevada

or call us on 0845

★

las vegas, Nevada

543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 3

Wild Wing Plantation Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Great Golf Guide 2014

Call free on 0845 543 6674

Monday-Friday 8am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-3pm

Email sales@golfbreaks.com Or visit Golfbreaks.com facebook.com/ Golfbreakscom

@golfbreaks www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JULY 2014 1