2022 Spring Issue Golfing Magazine New Jersey/Pennsylvania

New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s #1 Golf Magazine www.GolfingMagazine.net

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McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links Links Golf at The Jersey Shore

New Jersey / Pennsylvania Edition Spring 2022

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your permanent golf vacation

begins now.

You’ll feel it the moment you enter the community. The tree lined streets, lush landscaping and brick walkways. With its magnificent Clubhouse as it’s centerpiece, the feeling is traditional and memorable. Then there’s the worldclass Baywood Greens golf course that winds it way through the community, creating backyard vistas like nothing else around. And if that weren’t enough, there are marinas with boat slips with access to Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, restaurants and shopping all just minutes away.

Known as the “Augusta of the North,” Baywood Greens is by far the most visually spectacular golf course in Delaware and is consistently ranked #1

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New Jersey Pennsylvania

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Get out and PLAY!!!

Volume 34

A

fter a long winter and a rough Spring…

The weather is finally turning and its lime to hit the Links.

In this issue of Golfing Magazine, we give you the lowdown on some of the best “Links” courses at the Jersey Shore. All of these courses are special and are worth playing

this Season.

When you visit Jack Frost National Golf Club in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania feel free to embrace the layout figuratively and literally. The course covers over 200 acres of some of the most beautiful terrain in northeastern Pennsylvania and is routed on the crest of Jack Frost Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 2,000 feet.

Ron Jaworski Golf properties continue to fine tune their operations to create best in class when it comes to an all-around golf experience. Jaworski’s impressive portfolio of public daily fee courses includes New Jersey properties Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway, Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, Ramblewood Country Club in Mount Laurel, Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, RiverWinds Golf and Tennis Club in West Deptford and Downington Country Club in Downington, Shore Gate Golf Club in New Jersey has earned a reputation as one heck of a challenging layout as well as one of the most visually pleasing courses in South Jersey. The par-72 track can be stretched to 7,227 yards and is routed over 245 acres of pristine forestland.

Also, discover all of the great courses in Essex County…

You will not be disappointed.

Enjoy our digital magazine and keep playing golf. We hope you enjoy this issue and that you always hit ‘em straight and long.

Issue 1

Spring 2022

Must Play …………….…………………………..….………… 8 These courses are a “Must” this season Links Courses at the Jersey Shore Shore Gate GC Jack Frost National Essex County Golf Courses

Physical Therapy ….…………………………..….…...…… 22 Myokinetix Physical Therapy and Performance

Company Profile …………….…………………………..…. 24 A local company in the Golf Industry Jaworski Golf

Travel …………….……………….......................…………..…. 32 Thailand Exceeds All Expectations Innisbrook Resort Four Legendary Courses Gaylord, Michigan America’s Summer Golf Mecca

golfing M A G A Z I N E™

1924 Route 35, Suite 10B Wall Township, NJ 07719 732-449-0515 Publisher Contributing Writer Sean Fawcett Sean Fitzsimmons ph: 732-449-0515 Contributing Photographer fax: (860) 307-7469 Mark William Paul golfingmag@verizon.net Senior Writer John Torsiello editor@GolfingMagazine.net

Graphic Designer Heidi Dyer

Editorial Contributions should be mailed to above address or emailed to the publisher. Material accepted is subject to revisions necessary to meet requirements of the publication. The act of delivering material shall express a warranty by contributor that material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Reproduction of the contents of this publication is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Golfing Magazine New Jersey / Pennsylvania is published four times annually.

2018 Home Delivery Subscription Rate: $49.95 per year

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Must Play

Links Golf at the Jersey Shore By, Sean Fawcett

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inks Golf is a unique and special kind of golf played on seaside, or bayside, bordered land where the game first began. Originally played on the common land “linking” the towns of Scotland and Ireland, like St. Andrews, links land is the land which “links” the town to the coast which features treeless, sandy and sometimes hilly landscapes.

Close to the shore in many spots, the Atlantic City region, a thriving and classic golfing community for more than a hundred years, boasts some of the very best and thoroughly enjoyable links golf courses in the entire country.

One of the truest links courses in all of the historic and iconic Atlantic City golfing scene is The Links at Brigantine Beach.

Opened in 1927, The Brigantine Links is a rare “step back in time” for local and vacationing players. The Jersey Shore staple, Brigantine was, when it was first opened

in the 1920s, a favorite training ground for many of America’s top professional and amateur players hoping to hone their games before hopping the boat to compete at the British Open and British Amateur championships of the day.

Known for more than sixty years as Brigantine Country Club, and with Nines named for golfing legends like Walter Hagen and Harry Vardon, Brigantine’s beautiful, and nearly century-old course meanders through the mushy marshland, coastal creeks and tiny tidal tributaries on Brigantine island’s west side.

For a similar feeling of nostalgia to golf ’s historic, and distant, Scotch-Irish past, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in nearby Egg Harbor Township is another great links-inspired place to play a round of 18. Designed to simulate links golf as it is in Ireland and Scotland, McCullough’s is a terrific treat modeled after some of the most famous British Open holes from ancient giants like The Old Course at St. Andrews and Royal Troon, and Irish gems like Royal

8 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

Portrush and Waterville. McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links provides golfers a true Irish and Scottish links experience and a rare opportunity to play, and try to make some birdies at, some of great British links without having to take a plane or a boat to go and tee it up.

“If you can’t afford the trip over the Atlantic, then come to McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links for an inspiring links experience,” said McCullough’s General Manager Tom Sullivan.

A third links, and located just a few miles down on Ocean Heights Avenue, is Twisted Dune Golf Club. With holes named “Twisted”, “Punter’s Alley”, and “St. Brigid’s Hollow”, just to name just a few, Twisted Dune has the wide and gently rolling fairways symbolic of traditional links by the sea with fair, and smooth, and very puttable greens with plenty of Scottish-style fescue and sandy hills. Undeveloped, with only the course anywhere to be seen, you can sometimes get the feeling of what it was like to play the game when men wore suits

and ties and ladies wore full-length dresses when they played.

“When people think of links courses, they usually think of only a course being sparse of trees, but it also includes a variety of other conditions associated with being near the water,” said Twisted Dune General Manager Jim Endres. “ Twisted Dune exhibits all of those features. Consistent wind couples with few trees creates firm soil which requires a golfer to think more about their shots and how the golf ball will react once it hits the ground.

“All the courses in the Atlantic City area are affected by the ocean so despite each course’s unique design, inherently each one has a “links” element.”

That is, also, the case with AC’s only nine hole links, Heritage Links Golf Club, near Marmora. Just off Route 9, Heritage Links golf course is a great little linksy gem close to Corson’s Inlet. Lovingly maintained by owner and superintendent Rob Prettyman, and with some of the best, and most fun-to-putt, putting greens at the Shore, Heritage Links Golf Club is a family run, family friendly, and enjoyable place for everyone to play a quick nine, or an enjoyable 18, any time of the day all the year around.

“We’re a great little links style course people can play in just two hours, or less,” said Prettyman. “ We’re close to the bay and have similar conditions to the links kind of golf so many people enjoy playing.”

The oldest links course in the AC area is its wonderful, and incredibly nostalgic, Seaview Bay Course in Galloway Township. Drawn up, mostly,

by Scotland’s very own Donald Ross, Seaview Bay, opened in 1914, features Ross’ signature small, round and crowned greens ringed with fescue and dunes with generally flat fairways often at the mercy to the winds blowing right off Reed’s Bay. The host site of the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic and Pro Am, and the locale of World Golf Hall of Famer “Slammin” Sam Snead’s legendary first major championship victory, the 1942 PGA Championship, Seaview is maybe the most famous links course in all of New Jersey and the entire Tri-State region.

“The south Jersey shore is, because of the land and its proximity to the ocean, just a terrific place to play some great links style golf,” said Seaview’s TROON GOLF Director of Golf Alex McGann. “ Designed by the great Scottish architect, Donald Ross, and on land connecting Route 9 to Reed’s Bay, The Bay Course at Seaview is one of the very best examples of links golf in New Jersey and the whole Northeast.”

Links golf is a special kind of golf harkening back to the game’s very ancient beginnings in Scotland and Ireland, and with several fine courses like Seaview, Heritage Links, Twisted Dune, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links and The Links at Brigantine Beach, located bayside, or close to the coast, the South Jersey Shore is a links lover’s playground.

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Elevated above the rest...naturally Golf on 45 acres of pristine forest

Lessons for all skill levels 7 days a week Practice on driving range, putting greens, and bunkers Shop at the stocked Pro Shop Memberships to a premier course located adjacent to OVR

Shore Gate Golf Club 35 School House Lane Ocean View, New Jersey 08230 About us...

Shore Gate Golf Club has been perpetually ranked as one of the top public golf courses in New Jersey. Carved out of the trees, Shore Gate allows each group to feel unbothered as they navigate the course from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a round of golf, a membership to a premier golf course, lessons, or just a driving range, we have it all. Located just two miles from the beach, Shore Gate is the perfect place to relax.

Book your tee time online or call!

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Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

(609) 624-TEES (8337) www.shoregategolf.com

T

he ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer will be played this fall as part of a shift in the LPGA schedule.

The tournament will be held September 27 through October 3 with the best female golfers in the world competing for $1.75 million in prize money at Seaview, A Dolce Hotel, in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

The tournament was held last year without spectators due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions. Despite having no pro-am or spectators, ShopRite still donated over $1.5 million to local and regional charities. ShopRite felt these organizations likely needed the assistance more than ever and it’s was a testament to the company that is was still deliver to those on the front lines and in the community.

“The tournament is preparing for as normal an event as possible,” said Bill Hansen, Tournament Director. “We have no restrictions on fans or hospitality structures, so for those fans that attend or watch on Golf Channel, it should look similar to what they’re used to.”

Hansen said the tournament is also welcoming back the largest pro-am in professional golf, which takes place over two days at three-courses each day. “For the format of the event, it will be a three-day tournament, Friday through Sunday, where 132 of

the best players in the world will compete.

Our normal field is usually 144, but since we’re playing a bit later in the year, with less daylight, we’ll reduce the field a bit.”

Hansen said the tournament is “absolutely thrilled” to welcome back “the best golf fans in the world”. He added, “It was great that we were able to hold the event last year and give the ladies a chance to compete for $1.75 million, but it just wasn’t the same without the electricity of the large crowds.

Grounds and hospitality tickets are on sale at www.shopritelpgaclassic.com/tickets.

Thanks to ShopRite, Price Plus Card holders can download two free grounds tickets from our website by entering their card number.” The event’s past two champions, Lexi Thompson and Mel Reid, are expected to be in the field “Fans will also be able to enjoy our fun-filled expo area,” said Hansen, “where the Oreo Family Fun zone will have games, bounce houses and free Oreos. A Junior Golf Show will take place on Saturday afternoon at the driving range, where kids can watch and learn from LPGA stars and receive free snacks and gifts, courtesy of ShopRite. We will also bring back the Patriots’ Pavilion presented by Kleenex and SERVPRO, which is a private hospitality structure for military, service personnel and front-line workers. Free grounds tickets and

Patriots Pavilion tickets for these heroes are available for download on our website.”

“The tournament venue,” said Hansen, “is such a fantastic course for spectators.

It’s very easy to walk, and given the lack of trees, you can see and hear action on multiple holes throughout the course from one location. The course is one of the shortest on Tour, but the small greens and the frequent wind makes this a true test for the best players in the world. It’s pretty common to play the course and hit every club in your bag. It’s a true test for shot-makers.”

For more information about ticket sales, volunteers, pro-am player packages and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.

ShopRiteLPGAClassic.com.

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11

Must Play

The Golf is Surely Sublime at

Shore Gate Golf Club By, JOHN TORSIELLO

S

hore Gate Golf Club in Ocean View, New Jersey has earned a reputation as one heck of a challenging layout as well as one of the most visually pleasing courses in South Jersey.

The par-72 track can be stretched to 7,227 yards and is routed over 245 acres of pristine forestland. The tees, fairways and greens are bent grass and the rough is blue grass and fescue.

There are 88 bunkers scattered about and there are seven ponds and lakes that make navigating this beauty a real test of playing ability.

Said Gregg Johnson, Director of Golf/General Manager, “We renovated some bunkers over the winter and we are making an effort to keep the tall grasses down in order to make the course playerfriendlier. Pricing has pretty much stayed the same for the year.”

What makes Shore Gate special is that it contains “18 unique looking holes”, said

Johnson. He expounded, “Not two holes look or play the same. There are no houses on the course. You are basically out in nature with different types of wildlife roam-

ing around. Shore Gate will challenge every aspect of your game.”

It has been a very busy year at Shore Gate, Johnson reported. “Mornings have pretty much sold out every day and we have had a lot of late afternoon nine-hole play as well. A majority of our customers are vaca-

12 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

tioners visiting the beach towns between Memorial Day and Labor Day. A lot of them come from the Philadelphia area, Northern New Jersey, and even Maryland and Delaware. We do have a good following from South New Jersey locals as well. In the off season (spring and fall) we have a lot of groups on golf trips.”

Shore Gate has a bevy of great holes. “The ninth is the hole that most people talk about,” said Johnson.

“It measures 648 yards from the back tees and 577 from the middle tees with a waste area that borders the left side of the tee shot landing zone. After the waste area, a large lake comes into play and runs along the rest of the left side of the dogleg left fairway and in front of the green. The safest way to play the hole is with a drive down the right side. The layup shot is a true risk/reward. You can lay up to the right side of the fairway and

leave yourself with a middle to long iron or fairway wood into the green or you can try and take your second shot over the lake to a generous landing area that leaves you with a short iron into a very undulating green.”

Johnson said management will be “tweaking things” on the course “here and there” in the offseason. “We will be doing bunker repairs and reseeding different areas on the course, although no major renovations are planned for the immediate future.”

Let’s take a look at some of the other holes at Shore Gate Golf Club.

The second is a 432-yard par-four with two lakes that flank the left side of the hole.

A well-placed tee shot over the first lake must stay to the right to avoid a second lake. The fairway widens to present a generous landing area just ahead of the first lake. The landing area is a generous 47 yards wide, but is difficult to see from the tee. The idea is to hit the left hand side of the landing area to avoid adding 40 to 50 yards to your second shot.

A well-placed drive will leave you with an approach of about 170 yards to a guarded green.

Avoid the bunkers on the right on your approach shot.

The 163-yard third is the first of Shore Gate’s parthrees. It’s protected by a lake and a bunker, both of which you must carry to reach a tiered green. The putting surface is comparatively narrow, presenting the challenge of a fairly small target protected by front and rear bunkers.

The sixth, a 589-yard parfive, is called “Riptide” because of the substantial sculpting in the fairway. It’s best played as a three-shot hole. The drive must be placed along the left side of the fairway to avoid a bunker on the right. The smart golfer will play for accuracy, not distance. Steer left and avoid driving through the fairway. There are no waste

areas on this hole, as all hazards are bunkers.

The 13th, a 556-yard par-five, is the first of three holes known as “The Kingdom”.

Thirteen is a dogleg left, guarded by waste areas on the left and lakes on the right.

A 45-yard patch of rough cuts across the fairway, so be careful to hit your drive short of the rough. Your second shot should also favor the right side of the fairway to avoid

waste areas and traps on the left but not too far right so as to avoid a bunker about 100 yards out. You want to hit your approach shot to the middle of the green because if you miss to the right, you’ll be faced with a waste area that is 14 feet deep in some spots.

The 144-yard 14th is the shortest hole on the course. The smallest green on the course is guarded by deep bunkers.

An environmentally protected area runs along the left side of the green and plays as a lateral hazard. Make sure you pull the right club out of the bag and aim for the center of the green.

The tee shot on the 406-yard 15th should be aimed at the barber pole in the middle of the fairway. An environmentally protected area runs along the entire left side. A layup to the 150-yard marker is the smart play but if you hit the driver straight it is a great risk/reward. A large lake comes into play on the right side from the 150-yard marker and runs all the way along the front and right side of this undulating green. If the wind is blowing, make sure to take an extra club on your approach.

The finisher is a 460-yard, dogleg right par-four. The ideal tee shot would be a fade aiming down the left side of the fairway. The longer hitter can hit it straight over the left edge of the waste bunker on the right side of the fairway into a generous landing area, leaving a mid- or short-iron approach shot. Pay attention to where the flag location is and pick your club accordingly as it could be a three-club difference from the front to the back of the largest green on the golf course.

Shore Gate Golf Club Ocean View, New Jersey 609-624-8337 www.ShoreGate.com

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13

Club News

“Slammin’ Sammy” and

The Jersey’s Shore’s PGA Championship

By Sean Fawcett

T

he South Jersey Shore, one of America’s greatest, and oldest, golfing meccas, has hosted only a few of Golf ’s major championships, but Sam Snead’s 1942 PGA at Seaview Golf Club was one of the most important ever played in the entire Garden State.

Played on the historic bayside links designed by maybe the game’s greatest architect, Donald Ross, and Seaview’s Pines Course, drawn up by William Flynn and Howard Toomey, “Slammin Sammy”, won his 28th professional tournament and first of his seven major championship, the ’42 PGA Championship, on May 31 when he chipped in miraculously for a birdie-2 from some 60 feet to down talented journeyman Jim Turnesa 2&1on the 16th hole at The Pines, “The 1942 PGA Championship was played on both The Bay and The Pines,” said Seaview’s TROON Golf ’s Director of Golf Alex McGann. “ It was a match-play event back then and it was played on The Bay’s Front Nine and the first and second holes, and most of the Back Nine, of the Pines.”

Played in head-to-head, hole-byhole, 36 hole matches, Turnesa, who would eventually go on to win a PGA Championship of his very own in 1952, went 2-for-3 against Golf ’s “Big 3”(Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead). Snead, for his run, rolled to the face Turnesa by defeating 1940 Masters champion, and 3-time Green Jacket winner, and fellow World Golf Hall of Famer Jimmy Demaret, 3&2 in the semis after out-driving 1933 PGA runner-up Willie Goggin(9&8) and Ed Dudley(1-up). Snead, who was second in the 1940 and 1938 PGA Championships would win 3 PGAs and seven total majors in his storied and stellar career..

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Immediately following his 1942 victory at Seaview, Snead began his US military service career when he joined the US Navy.

The ’42 PGA was the second and final major of the year(the other was The Masters).

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

The PGA, and the other three majors, The Masters, The US Open and The British Open were suspended in 1943 because of World War II. The PGA returned in 1944 with the other three golf championships resuming play in 1946.

Snead won three Wannamaker trophies in all while winning 1946 British Open and the 1949, 1952 and 1954 Masters.

“It’s really incredible to have the kind of history we have, and with Sam Snead, here at Seaview,” said McGann. “ We’re one of maybe a dozen public golf courses in the country, and one of only two courses here at the Jersey Shore, to have hosted a major like the PGA, and having one of golf ’s all-time best players to have won it, and his first major, right here is really amazing.

“When you talk about Sam Snead, you’re talking about one of the five, six, or seven greatest golfers in history.”

10/31/22

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17

Must Play

Jack Frost National A Visual and Playing Delight

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

W

hen you visit Jack Frost National Golf Club in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania feel free to embrace the layout figuratively and literally.

The course covers over 200 acres of some of the most beautiful terrain in northeastern Pennsylvania and is routed on the crest of Jack Frost Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 2,000 feet. The track, which opened two years ago, offers sometimes stunning views of the Pocono Mountains and the natural oak forests through which is ambles. Although technically a “mountain course,” Jack Frost National features wide fairways, target areas that are easily identifiable, very few uneven lies and no blind shots.

The course has five sets of tees and can be stretched to 7,246 yards when played from the back markers. The more enjoyable and manageable yardage for first timers will be the second set of tees down, 6,741 yards, or third set of tees, which plays 6,197. Even at those rather modest distances, Jack Frost National plays to slopes of 136 and 133 respectively, which tells you something about the challenge you’ll be facing here.

“We have been very busy last year and this, in fact we are up in 2021 over last season,”

said Robert Birk, Director of Golf. “We really haven’t made any changes to the layout recently but we do have our head teaching pro and director of instruction, Ryan Kearn, with us for a second season after coming over from Lord’s Valley Country Club. He’s helped us boost our lessons, especially for juniors and women and he does a great demo day every Saturday that has been very popular. Growing the game has been one of our marketing themes.”

Birk said the club brought in “Finn Scooters”, basically mini motorbikes suitable for use by one golfer carrying his or her clubs.

“We have done over 1,000 rentals of the scooters in two years,” said Birk. “They have been well received.”

Birk said the course was in superb condition, “something it has been in for the past two years”. He added, “The weather patterns have been conducive to good growing conditions.”

The attraction of Jack Frost National is its challenge, playability for all skill levels and location, the latter presenting the golfer with beautiful views on many of the holes. Said Birk, who has been at Jack Frost National eight years, “We have panoramic views and wonderful aesthetics on the entire course, which is routed through thick oak forest. You don’t get the same look on any two shots during the

entire round. There are elevation changes and five sets of tees, ranging from 7,200 yards from the tips down to around 5,400 yards.”

Jack Frost National gets a lot of tourist play during the summer months when the city folk head to the Poconos, especially on the weekends. During the weekdays, the locals make up a good portion of the clientele. The peak weekend greens fee is $85 with rates dropping on weekdays. There are twilight rates and special rates for individuals living within a 30-mile or so radius of the course. Play this year began in late March and Birk hopes the course can remain open until around Thanksgiving, weather permitting.

“As for the future, we do have plans for a new clubhouse to replace the small one we are operating out of now. We would like to add some simulators to our practice feature when we do that.”

As mentioned, Jack Frost National is an interesting design that gives golfers of every skill level an enjoyable experience. The course has a real nice mix of holes, long and short parfours, demanding par-threes and four par-fives that can be reached in two by long hitters.

Designer Terry LaGree did a fine job using the natural terrain to create a course that rewards wise club selection and proper place-

Scotland Run Club 18 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section 18 18 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

ment of tee shots and approaches to the rather large greens.

LaGree, who joined Barbaron, Inc. in 1995 after 25 years in golf operation, construction, management, marketing and sales, has designed a number of high profile courses during the last 10 years. They include Royal Oaks Golf Club in Ocala, Florida, The Short Course at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Fla., the Diamond Player Club in Clermont, Fla., Sky View Golf Course at Citrus Hills in Hernando, Fla., and Pennbrooke Fairways in Leesburg. Fla. His work at the Diamond Player Club, which has been called “Florida’s Mountain Golf Course,” was lauded as one of the Sunshine State’s top new tracks when it opened in 1999.

Of his design style, LaGree says, “It’s a read of the land, and I think any of the great architects do that. Tom Fazio, to me, there’s no one better. He simply never forces any issues and creates an environment for the golfer that is pleasant and fair and beautiful.

You can’t ask for much more than that. But the land really dictates it. You have to look at what’s given to you on the palette and use those to your full advantage.”

LaGree’s work at Jack Frost National, which spanned 2005 and 2006, created an opener that is a beefy, 461-yard par-four that plays shorter than its scorecard yardage because the tee shot is downhill. Hit driver to the catch a down slope and you’ll pick up 30 or more extra yards.

Number two is a 431-yard par-four that is fairly straightforward, although you’ve got to steer clear of a marsh that sits at the rear of the

putting surface.

The third hole is the first of four strong par-threes on the track. It plays 181 yards from the tips and the tee shot must clear an environmental area that sits in front of the tee box.

There are several bunkers guarding the green.

The 222-yard par-three eighth demands a precise fairway wood or long iron off the tee.

The first shot is best played with a low trajectory to find the turtleback green framed by three bunkers.

The course’ number one handicap hole finishes the front side. The par-five is only 516 yards from the tips, but the hole winds its way uphill and finishes at an elevated green. The drive is fairly uncomplicated as it is to a flat spot in the fairway. But there are four bunkers guarding the fairway landing area and then two

more near the green to further complicate successful navigation.

The 10th hole, like the first, is a long par-four, measuring 451 yards from the championship markers. But again the hole plays downhill, allowing a well-placed, crisp drive to gain yards. The second shot is also dramatically downhill, which makes selecting the proper club for the approach critical.

Number 11 is considered the course’s signature hole. It’s a pretty par-three that plays 169 yards from the back. The green is protected by a pond.

The 12th hole is a monstrous, 599-yard par-five that plays slightly uphill. It is considered by some to be more difficult than the ninth hole because of its terrain and the fact that it is one of the narrower holes on what is a fairly wide-open golf course.

The 13th is a 367-yard par-four that is one of the more visually appealing holes on the track. There are a number of fairway bunkers that must be avoided to set up a short iron approach to a small, elevated green.

The course finishes with a fun par-five.

It’s 523 yards from the tips and plays shorter because the drive tumbles downhill. Strike a driver with fervor and accuracy and you’ll be rewarded with the distinct possibility of landing on the putting surface in two shots.

Jack Frost National Golf Club Blakeslee, Pa. 570-443-2414 www.JackFrostNational.com

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EXPERIENCE THE CLUB AT TWIN LAKES Constructed in the late 50’s and early 60’s, The Club at Twin Lakes is a mature Lehigh Valley course located on the grounds of an old iron ore mine. Come join us and play this uniquely challenging golf course that features elevated tees, sloping fairways and interesting water hazards.

Upgraded 18-hole championship public golf course Enjoy casual drinks & dining at the Wild Turkey Pub N e w L a k e v i e w B a l l ro o m f o r e x q u i s i t e w e d d i n g s a n d e v e n t s

3625 SHANKWEILER RD | ALLENTOWN, PA 18104 THECLUBATTWINLAKES.COM | SOCIAL @THECLUBATTWINLAKES TWIN LAKES IS A JAINDL LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 20

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

JACK FROST NATIONAL E M B R A C E T H E P O C O N O M O U N TA I N S ON THE GOLF COURSE

•

Spectacular Views On And Off The Golf Course

•

Relax, Drink, And Eat After Your Round At The Pavilion

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Take Golf Lessons Or Shape Up Your Game At The Practice Facility

•

Ride The Course On A Finn Scooter

•

Host Your Outing At Jack Frost National

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU jackfrostnational.com • 570.443.2414 www.GolfingMagazine.net

21

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Stay Active on the Golf Course by Avoiding These Common Injuries Part 2

A

s mentioned in Part 1, most injuries on the golf course come from overuse or repetition. Previously we talked about low back pain, a rotator cuff injury, and golf elbow, and will now go into tendinitis of the wrist, and knee pain

Click below to access our free Ebooks!

Tendonitis of the Wrist Like the elbow, the tendons of the wrist can become inflamed from repetitive motions of the golf swing and the high-velocity forces that are placed on the wrist joint. Most of the signs and symptoms of wrist tendonitis are similar to that of elbow tendinitis and include pain/stiffness, decreased range of motion, tenderness/swelling, and decreased grip strength.

Wrist tendinitis pain typically arises when your wrist is placed in an overly bent or extended position. You can control the pain with rest, ice, and activity modification.

They act as protection to these structures as the knee moves.

• The ligaments of the knee connect bone to bone and are found inside and around the knee joint. They also provide stability to the knee joint during movement.

• Your hamstring tendons attach near the top of your lower leg bone.

• The infamous patellar tendon connects your quadriceps muscles to the large bone of your lower leg at a very specific site called the tibial tuberosity.

How To Get Back on the Golf Course After Injury Follow these tips to help you get back on the golf course after an injury strikes

Knee Pain Suffering from knee pain is not uncommon when it comes to golfing. When it comes to overuse, several structures in the knee joint can be easily aggravated by logging hours on the golf course. Some of them include: • Bursa are small sacs of fluid between tendons or ligaments and the knee bones.

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• Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are going to be your first line of defense if the injury recently happened.

If your pain doesn’t resolve, check in with your physician as you may need imaging to determine the cause.

• Once your pain is under control, stop in to see a movement specialist, like a physical therapist. He or she can show you how to strengthen the injured area, regain mobility and flexibility, and improve your techniqu to avoid future problems.

• Activity modification is necessary to getting back on the golf course. Instead of playing 18 holes, aim for 9 holes or less and gradually work your way back to a full round

Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

If you’re struggling to get back on the golf course after an injury, then don’t hesitate to call the experts at Myokinetix Physical Therapy and Performance, a premiere physical therapy clinic in Essex County, New Jersey. Their doctors of physical therapy are highly trained in common and not-so-common sports injuries, including golf, and will show you how to get back on the golf course in no time. Give them a call today at 973-281-4853 or visit their The links links at at Poland Poland Spring Spring website at: The www.myokinetix.com

www.GolfingMagazine.net

23

Company Profile

Ron Jaworski Golf Strives for Best in Class

By, JOHN TORSIELLO

R

on Jaworski Golf properties continue to fine tune their operations to create best in class when it comes to an allaround golf experience.

Jaworski’s impressive portfolio of public daily fee courses includes New Jersey properties Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway, Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, Ramblewood Country Club in Mount Laurel, Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, RiverWinds Golf and Tennis Club in West Deptford and Downington Country Club in Downington, Pennsylvania. .

With an Eagle Pass Membership, golfers receive unlimited playing privileges to six amazing golf courses for the price of one. The variety of courses and pricing for membership is second to none.

Jaworski, a former National Football League star quarterback, football analyst parexcellence, and avid golfer and fan of the game, has built a superior stable of courses.

His solid and well-known name, reputation and likeability factor has no doubt helped his golf company maintain a high level of success over the last three decades. He plays as much as he can and is a single digit handicap.

“All of Ron Jaworski golf courses are open to the public,” said Jamie Riley, Director of Marketing and Promotions. “Conditions of all RJG courses make them a great places to play and or join, and the staffs provide

an exceptional experience every day with prompt and courteous customer service.”

Here’s what’s happening at each facility.

At Blue Heron Pines Golf Club there’s a new addition to the staff, Chris Mandia, assistant golf professional. “He has been a great addition to our outstanding golf staff.

The course has been very busy,” said Riley.

Blue Heron Pine’s signature hole is its 15th. You need to hit a solid tee shot to carry the waste area and if you attempt to keep your tee shot up the left side there is a possibility it could roll out into the pond that runs up the left side of the fairway and fronts the left portion of the green. If you hit a solid tee shot to the middle of the fairway it will leave you with a mid to short iron into a large green. Aim for the middle of the green and walk away with away a par after two solid putts.

Lots of things are happening at Downingtown Country Club, said Riley.

“Jim Coffey was announced as our new general manager in March and Andrew Braun was promoted to director of golf. We received an entire new fleet of golf carts in April, which feature Bluetooth speakers in addition to club and ball washers on carts. We also started the year with Dynamic Pricing.”

Downingtown boasts “immaculate” course conditions and a welcoming, friendly staff that provides top level customer service

24 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

that makes all RJG courses places to be.

The course has been very busy this year.

Downingtown draws from Chester, Bucks, and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania and has recently been seeing more people coming from Philadelphia, and South Jersey.

The 12th is Downingtown’s signature hole. A par-three, often into the wind, it can be very difficult. Although the hole appears downhill, it typically plays the entire distance listed on the scorecard, or more. A shot anywhere on the green is a great start to this difficult short hole.

Dynamic Pricing has also come to Ramblewood Country Club; book early and save. “You are family when you play or join a Ron Jaworski course,” said Riley.

“From the environment and customer service to the conditions and quality of venue. We provide nothing but the best.”

This has been an especially busy year at Ramblewood. “Golf is at a premium,” said Riley, “and it is showing in all areas.

Ramblewood draws most of its customers and members from Mount Laurel and the surrounding areas.”

Number nine on the Red Course is Ramblewood’s signature hole. The par-three has a beautiful backdrop and there are bunkers short and long left. A solid tee shot leaves a fair chance for birdie to wrap up the Red Course.

“At RiverWinds Golf and Tennis Club, course conditions have been outstanding the last two years, a testament to the club’s grounds staff and their hard work and dedication to the property”, said Riley. “It’s been a busy year and on pace for most rounds ever. A lot of new customers coming from the Philadelphia area with our proximity to the city, a lot explaining how easy it is to get here from Center City.”

The signature hole is number 17. A low-flighted shot is necessary when playing from an elevated tee box right next to the Delaware River, as the wind is always a major factor. Trajectory is everything when playing this short but tricky par-three.

Running Deer Golf Club is a course that will test every level of golfer. The course provides a truly unique experience where membership is accessible to all while retaining a private club feel.

At Running Deer Golf Club, in order to provide more options and amenities for membership, the club increased member-exclusive tee times seven days a week.

Members’ guests receive a prorated rate if with a member. Public times are still available in the afternoons.

“Our season has been unprecedented,” said Riley. “We expect to break records with membership and public play. We draw our members from the whole tri-state area.”

A classic risk-reward signature hole is the third, a short par-four that can play between 300 to 390 yards, depending on which tee

box you play. Your tee shot is safe playing to the right and safely played with a shot that will put you between 100 to 150 yards out.

An aggressive line with driver can reward you with a shorter approach. There’s a hazard on the left that runs the length of the elevated fairway. It’s a tricky approach into one of the bigger greens on our property that is undulating and tiered. Any shot short will roll back down this elevated green. Be sure to look back and admire the view heading to the next hole.

Valleybrook Country Club has expanded the tee boxes on holes one and 10 and there was a redesign of number nine’s green complex. The club also has a new cart fleet.

It’s been extremely busy at Valleybrook, said Riley. “We draw our customers and members from a 30-mile radius. Valleybrook has established its own junior program, offering private instruction and junior camps.

This gives the junior the ultimate learning experience where one on one attention is provided to the student. Their teaching professionals are available seven days a week and offer appointments during the daytime and evenings for the convenience of the student.”

The par-five ninth is one the course’s signature hole It presents options of the tee to an undulating fairway. If you find the fairway, your second shot is an intimidating one. At the par-three 12th, you must carry your tee shot to the center of the green to avoid a false front.

And, don’t miss out on Ron Jaworski Golf ’s best deal of the year, Buy Now Play Now! All six of Jaworski’s courses will be offering this superb membership deal.

Let’s sum it up, shall we? TJG offers six great golf courses from which to choose, each one a unique experience, with attention to detail you’d expect from private clubs, but open to the public and available to all. Gather up your foursome or group, schedule a tee time, book an outing, tournament or that special banquet or wedding, or just simply stop by for a cold one in any of Jaws’ pubs and taverns.

You can’t go wrong with Ron Jaworski Golf. www.RonJaworskiGolf.com.

www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Experience Essex County Hendricks Field Golf Course!

Enjoy Championship Caliber Play at a Public Golf Course The Charles Banks’ designed course* has been completely restored and updated to create challenging holes and picturesque fairways for golfers of all abilities.

Course Highlights: • Hole 8 is a 190-yard, par 3 Redan Hole • Hole 11 is a 575-yard, par 5 inspired by the Road Hole at St. Andrews • Hole 12 is a three-tiered mini-Biarritz Hole

River’s Edge #9

*renovations designed by Stephen Kay

Hendricks Field Golf Course 220 Franklin Avenue, Belleville, NJ essexcountyparks.org/golf Visit our other two courses: Francis Byrne Golf Course, West Orange Weequahic Golf Course, Newark

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Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive Golfing and Magazine • New Jersey /Commissioners Pennsylvania Section the Board of County

Leopard’s Chase #18

About Rutgers Golf Course The 18-hole Rutgers University Golf Course is open to the general public and tee times start at 7AM weekdays and 6AM on weekends in the height of the season.

Over 6,300 yards in length, the picturesque, tree-lined, PGA sanctioned course is a par 71 and offers a challenging layout with four teeing areas per hole. Highlights include narrow fairways, fast greens, and water hazards on nine seven holes.

Book a Tee Time Online golfcourse.rutgers.edu

The Pro Shop The Pro Shop offers a variety of Rutgers branded and professional golf merchandise. Speceial orders are welcome. Our selection of name brand merchandise includes:

Practice and Teaching Facility Rutgers Golf Course has a 28-bay driving range and an 11,000 square foot chipping and putting practice area. The practice green is available on the day of play to warm up and cool down. We recently added a new product, AccuRange, that provides GPS measured distances to each flag on the range through an app on your phone!

77 Hoes Lane West Piscataway, New Jersey

848-445-2637 rugolfcourse@ipo.rutgers.edu golfcourse.rutgers.edu

RutgersGolfCourse

RutgersGC www.GolfingMagazine.net

27

Must Play

Superb Golf Courses with Historic Lineage

In Essex County, New Jersey By, JOHN TORSIELLO

E

ssex County, New Jersey golfers have it pretty good. They have access to three very good, historic courses that have been undergoing improvement projects to make them even better.

The Essex County courses include the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course in West Orange, built in 1926 and designed by legendary architect Charles Banks; Hendricks Field Golf Course in Belleville, opened in 1929 and another Charles Banks work but recently renovated under the guidance of Stephen Kay; and Weequahic Golf Course, opened in 1913 and the first public golf course in the state of New Jersey, designed by Baltusrol Golf Club’s first pro George Low. Established in 1895, the Essex County Park system was formed to serve its residents and has over 6,000 acres of open space that offers a wide array of uses, which include,

of course, the three above-mentioned golf courses.

“We have just finished a complete renovation of Hendricks Field Golf Course,” explained Tim Christ, Director of Golf Operations for the Essex County Parks.

“Stephen Kay designed the restoration in keeping with Charles Banks’ principles and standards at the forefront of all design work.

We have a state-of-the-art First Tee learning center under construction that will have a three-hole practice facility attached.”

Christ went on to say that “none of the renovation work would be possible without the support of the County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Board of Commissioners. Joseph DiVincenzo supports golf, and in government that is not always the case.”

Christ explained that Francis A. Byrne’s first and 15th holes were redesigned due to safety issues, and “obviously we utilize Stephen Kay whenever we do any design work.” Number 15 is now a par-five that plays 490 yards and the first is a par-four, 391-yarder. We established a chipping green, enlarged putting green, and a warm-up area. Since Hendricks is completely renovated,

Runner-Up Kramer Hickok tees of 18th hole in playoff

28 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

we have not had the rating and slope of that course finished.”

Here’s a look at all three courses: Francis A. Byrne Golf Course was designed as a private country club layout.

Through a renovation project, many of the course features have been restored to their classic roots, making Byrne one of the premiere public golf destinations in the state. A number of holes are based on famous courses from Scotland, including the par-five first hole that is modeled after the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews.

Among other classic holes on the Byrne course are the long par-three Biarritz second hole that measures well over 200 yards from the championship tee and the short 14th that is similar to the Eden hole that is also found at St. Andrews, as well as many of the best private clubs in the United States.

The back nine at Byrne includes several long holes, such as the 12th and 15th, the latter champion golfer Bobby Jones considered to be one of the most difficult holes in America.

This scenic course features deep bunkers, hilly topography and rolling greens that combine to create a challenging layout that measures nearly 6,800 yards and offers public golfers the rare opportunity to play a course from golf ’s “Golden Age of Design”.

The Club at River Oaks, 17th Hole www.GolfingMagazine.net

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Francis A. Byrne Golf Course plays 6,750 yards from the tips and has a par of 70. The par-fours are strong, especially a stretch from holes nine through 12 that play over 400 yards each, including the 465-yard ninth and 445-yard 12th. The other par-five on the course, the 490-yard 16th. In a testament to its challenge, the course has a rating of 73.6 and a slope of 135.

Hendricks Field Golf Course features well contoured putting surfaces and many interesting holes. Renovations at Hendricks have included the reconstruction of tees and bunkers, as well as extensive upgrades in drainage that have significantly improved playing conditions.

Hendricks has a number of classically designed holes, such as the par-four four hole that has a cluster of “Principal’s Nose” bunkers in the center of the fairway that present strategic decisions, and the exacting par-three sixth with a green that is almost completely surrounded by bunkers. Among the best holes on the back nine is the par-five 10th where golfers must negotiate a stream that crosses the fairway to reach the green.

Narrow fairways and well-guarded greens at Hendricks require both accurate and thoughtful play.

Hendricks Field Golf Course plays 6,113 from the championship tees and has a par of 70. It’s what might be termed a playerfriendly layout that features approachable holes for a majority of golfers with a few toughies thrown in for good measure. Two par-fours, the 437-yard seventh and 445-yard ninth, are a test for even the best golfer.

Weequahic Park Golf Course is set on beautifully rolling property. New bunkers have been added to the course through a renovations process and greatly enhanced its strategic and visual appeal.

Weequahic Park Golf Course is home to The First Tee of Essex County, a youth development program that teaches children ages 7 to 17 positive values through the game of golf. The program has a dedicated practice

area for program participants adjacent to the golf course.

While Weequahic measures slightly less than 6,000 yards, the course offers an ideal golfing landscape and its small greens make low scoring difficult. Among the best holes are the uphill par-five third with two large bunkers carved in the hillside, as well as the long par-four 16th that plays to the crest of this same hill and down to the green that is set in the base of its long slope.

Weequahic Park Golf Course is on the short side, measuring 5,712 yards from the tips and also has a par of 70. But it’s not a pushover with three strong par-fives, including the 554-yard 11th. There are five par-threes on the course that range from 111 yards to 144 yards, allowing players good shots at birdie if they can find the green. The number one handicap hole is the 500-yard par-five fourth.

“All three courses are classically designed routings,” said Christ. “The significant history is felt by the design and surroundings of these parkland courses. It’s​great to have good courses that are affordable to play and are close to home.”

Christ said play this year has been “crazy”, adding “The pandemic has created a new golf reality. Walk-on play almost doesn’t exist,

people are coming out like never before.

Our golfers are made up of 60 percent Essex County residents, 20 percent from other parts of New Jersey, 19 percent from New York, and around one percent are Liberty international Airport passengers who come to play.”

As for significant holes on the courses, Christ said, “At Francis Byrne we have several classics, the par-three “Biarritz” second hole measures well beyond 225 yards, the 14th par-three is similar to the “Eden Hole”, and a long par-four 12th that Jones said was one of the most difficult holes in golf. Hendricks Field has its “Principle’s Nose” on a newly restored 15th hole, a “mini-Biarritz” green measuring 49 yards from front to back, and the par-five 10th that plays 575 yards and is modeled after the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews.

Christ said the county is looking into possible restoration of the Francis A. Byrne Golf Course. “This would be similar to what we did at Hendricks Field Golf Course, where we would rebuild bunkers, restore sizes of greens, make drainage repairs to include greens drainage, cart path repairs, and re-grass tees.”

www.EssexCountyParks.org

www.GolfingMagazine.net

29

TRAVEL

America’s Summer Golf Mecca

Gaylord Michigan 17 Spectacular Courses

By TOM LANDERS “My thoughts were short my hair was long.

Caught somewhere between a boy and man.

She was seventeen, and she was far from in-between.

It was summertime in Northern Michigan.”

You might recognize these lyrics from one of my favorite rock songs by non other then Kid Rock. We know he didn’t have golf on his mind when he recorded this, no doubt focused on guiding his boat cutting through one of the many pristine lakes in Northern Michigan.

I am not even sure if Rock golfed back then.

We do know that he is a golfer now, and if he came back to Gaylord now those lyric’s might just be different, or maybe not!

Either way, from my visits to Gaylord Michigan, America’s Summer Golf Mecca I am confident to say that your visit will live up to and exceed your expectations, maybe even Rock’s.

The focal point of the destination is the Town of Gaylord in Otsego County, offering no fewer than 17 spectacular courses for golfers to choose from. We didn’t have time to get to them all but we were treated to a stellar collection.

Two of the iconic resorts in the Gaylord area

are the Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort we split our time between the 2 and for good reason, both have so much to offer.

Treetops Resort is home to 81 holes, (5 courses) of exciting and challenging championship golf, spectacular terrain with dramatic views, contours, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Once you get to that horizon, you’ll see why it’s called Treetops. www.TreeTops.com We played the Jones Masterpiece which when opened in 1987 was voted 2nd best new course in the country. It is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. “masterpiece” you could say. Jones utilized elevation changes, deep ravines and numerous water hazards to create what might be considered the most challenging course at Treetops.

The three other traditional 18-hole courses are no gimee’s either. The Fazio Premier might just have 18 signature holes, because that is just what Tom Fazio does. Rick Smith was most influential over a lot of the Golf at Treetops with his own, Smith Signature course, and the Smith Tradition that might be considered the most player friendly.

One course not to be missed and oh so much fun is the 9-hole, par 3, Smith Threetops.

Arguably the #1 par 3 course in the country. It

Golfing Magazine NewJersey/E. Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine ••New Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey/Pennsylvania Section 30 30

might be the best 90 minutes that you ever spend on a golf course.

If you haven’t had enough golf in any one day at Treetops, you can check out The Himalayas a massive 9 hole putting green with contours like no others. It’s no wonder Golf Digest named Treetops an “Ultimate Michigan Buddies’ Trip” destination in 2018.

Needless to say, that dining at a world class resort such as Treetops is second to none whether in the Sports Bar or the Tavern on the Hill, a couple of our favorites.

The Otsego Resort is home to two uniquelychallenging PGA championship courses – The Classic and The Tribute. Founded in 1939, Otsego Resort has been a prominent fixture in northern Michigan. While golf is the #1 pastime in the summoer months, skiers enjoy meticulously groomed, family friendly ski hillls during the winter. www.OtsegoClub.com The Classic was designed by perhaps the country’s finest golf course architect of his time, William H. Diddel, and became the founding course of the Gaylord Golf Mecca. This course provides great play with the beginning golfers in mind.

Treetops Resort SugarloafGolf GolfCourse, Course, Hole 16 Sugarloaf Hole 16

The Tribute Golf Course: Can you say elevation change? This Gary Koch / Rick Robbins masterpiece covers over 1,100 acres of the majestic, natural forestry of the Sturgeon River Valley.

Nearly every tee is elevated, with numbers 3, 6, 11, 14, 16 and 18 being the most stunning.

From the tees of the 430 – yard par – 4 3rd hole, players can see the horizon over 30 miles away.

Where getting to the green may be considered an experience in itself, the adventure doesn’t stop there as the green complexes are spectacular from hole to hole with huge undulating greens.

Other courses we played on this adventure included: The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort, a Jerry Mathews design, located on the west side of Otsego Lake is very deserving of its name.

This championship 18-hole golf course has been constructed on one of the most scenic sites in northern Michigan. The course was designed so golfers could enjoy an exciting challenge amidst beautiful land of oak, maple, birch, and pine; rolling terrain and some of the most visually outstanding wetlands in northern Michigan. Tip: play the right set of tees here! A long ball hitter will not have a problem but short hitters may find themselves needing to layup on some holes. www.TheNaturalGolfCourse.com The Lakes of the North Golf Course: A classic very well maintained semi-private course that shows pride of ownership. Keep it on the short stuff if you expect to score well.

You will love with our rolling terrain, and expertly manicured greens and tees, the strategically placed hazards, maybe not so much!

Got your own plane by chance?

They have a landing strip for you!

10th Hole at Sugarloaf Golf Course www.LakesOfTheNorthGC.com We played the Fountains Course at Garland, one of 4 golf courses at the spectacular Garland Lodge & Resort, another spectacular setting and

Gaylord Golf Club home to the largest log cabin I have ever set foot in!

The course offers a unique 6-6-6 design, with several par 5’s offering dramatic risk and reward opportunities. It is all about the approach shots here, once on the greens your work is just beginning. Like most of the greens at Garland, there are two words “complex” and “undulating.”

The Fountains ranked as the number 12 course in Michigan by Golf Advisor in 2017.

Definitely a must stop in Northern Michigan. www.GarlandUSA.com Michaywe Pines Course: One of the founding partners of the Gaylord Golf Mecca is impeccably maintained, featuring secluded fairways, winding through beautiful white birch and pine forests along the AuSable River. Strategic bunkering and a minimum of water hazards add to the character of this unique course. www.MichaywePines.com Just to change things up a bit we decided to sit on our butts for a while, not really! We took advantage of the offer by Sturgeon River Paddlesports to take us rafting. Exciting and

Monarch and Reflection Courses at Garland Lodge & Resort

exhilarating, ramps up the pace compared to a round of golf. They have all that you could want for a day on the river. Check them out at www.SturgeonRiverPaddle.com All of this outdoor adventure gets one parched and hungry. Other than the great food at our home base resorts we did venture to a couple of other spots for you to enjoy when you visit Gaylord.

How can you not love a place called Big Buck Brewery??? Big brews, big tastes, big stuffed heads on the wall, and a big friendly Northern Michigan attitude. Their food comes from the land and the people that surround us, enjoy farm-to-table fare, it sure made us to feel at home. https://www.bigbuckbrewery.com Bennethum’s Northern Inn, ready to kick back? Looking for somewhere cozy? You have just found it! Great friendly staff something for everyone on the menu, beer, a fine selection of wines and just about anything else a visitor could want.

In fact, Gaylord, America’s Summer Golf Mecca has just about everything that a visitor might want. Even Kid Rock! Great variety in courses, bars and restaurants, northern hospitality and so many things to do while being surrounded by the pristine beauty of Northern Michigan!

Getting there is easier than ever. You would be amazed at the number of direct flights into Traverse City, including, Newark, LaGuardia and Logan from the Northeast. Want to take in a ball game in Detroit, it is then about a 3-hour drive to Gaylord. Might be a fun thing to do! Easy to get, you pick how.

For more information visit https://www.GaylordGolfMecca.com

www.GolfingMagazine.net

31

TRAVEL

Covering All the Bases Thailand Exceeds Expectations

By CLAUDIO DEMARCHI

On and Off the Course

T

he far too often used term Bucket List is one that is used regularly to describe a visit to Thailand for North Americans. Whether it is because it seems to be on the other side of the world or because of the overall expectations, its all true. Thus, the label - Amazing Thailand Getting to a bucket list destination should not be about what it takes to get there or how long - it is about the experience. Having been 5 times I can assure that Bucket List cannot be used often enough when it comes to Thailand.

Expectations will be met both The Old Course at Siam Country Club on and off the golf course. with the season.

World Class, another far • The Central Thailand Golf Tour is too often used term, but when describing the golf courses that we are going to recom- a 10-day escorted tour starting in Bangkok mend you play, that is exactly what they taking you to Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin. are. After all Tiger and Vijay both won at CLICK HERE • The Bangkok / Pattaya Experience is the Thai Country Club and Tiger still has a 14 Day escorted tour with plenty of golf a locker there.

Golf, there is a plenty, but you would split between the 2 destinations.

CLICK HERE be remiss to not indulge in the diverse culIn all there are over 260 courses in ture. Note: Below you will find a couple of sample golf and touring packages provided Thailand but you will likely want to start a

by Asia Golf Experiences a preferred sup- Thai adventure in Bangkok, especially if it plier of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. is your first visit. It won’t take long before All programs can be adjusted cost will vary you understand why Bangkok, “The City

of Angels” is the #1 most visited city in the world.

In the Bangkok area The Thai Country Club is a must stop and it was here that in 1997 Tiger Woods won the Asian Honda Classic. Another real treat is the Royal Gems Golf City – Dream Arena a full replica course, the front 9 is a collection of great holes from around the world plus the back nine from Augusta National for your back nine. The Nikanti Golf Club is one of the newer additions and has quickly risen to must play status with it’s unique 6-6-6 layout, meticulously maintained and you will be spoiled the Thai hospitality the entire day.

Since it is not only about the golf, here are some of the things you should expect and enjoy off the greens.

Warning!!! The People of Thailand are amongst the friendliest in the world. The “Land of Smiles!” You may not want to leave.

Weather, golfers need not worry, it is always warm!

Food from local, tasty, sometimes spicy Thai cuisine to international flare beyond compare. Fancy, if you want, from “Michelin” Stars restaurant, dining on

Grand Prix Golf Club 32 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

Banyan Golf Club Bangkok’s rooftops or take it to the street, and you need to do street food at least once.

Learning to cook Thai style is also a fun experience.

There are a couple of things that Thailand has set the standard for the world.

Thai Massage: It started here and nobody does it better. If you have never had one you don’t know what you are missing.

Working you from head to toe, a thera10th Hole at Sugarloaf Golf Course pist utilizes deep pressure point techniques while assisting you in a series of yoga like stretches and contortions. Even you will be

able to make a full turn on your next golf swing.

The Caddie Experience: Yup, this too started here! Female caddies are the norm, and again, nobody does it better.

Do not underestimate the knowledge of these young ladies. They have been well trained and love what they do for a living.

Professional and friendly and it won’t be more than three holes in before they know how far you hit every club in your bag. It is an experience like no other, about $10 – $15 is the standard fee. Please tip gener-

Black Mountain Golf Club

ously – they deserve it!

Before leaving Bangkok, make sure that you explore some of the historic, shrines, temples and landmarks such as the Grand Palace, take a longtail boat ride along Chao Phraya River and its mysterious canals, enjoy the nightlife and do some shopping – great bargains to be had throughout Thailand.

Pattaya is just over an hour from Bangkok, but a destination unto itself with a collection of golf courses. One stop at the Siam Country Club will put you on to 4 of the best in Asia. The Old Course is home to the Honda LPGA Thailand, the Plantation Course having been the prior host course and newcomer Rolling Hills gives you a unique links experience with a bunker that you do not want to get into.

Pattaya is a popular Beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand, hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn each year to Pattaya for some of the finest seafood and to windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbathe, snorkel, sail, or take trips to nearby Islands…….and just maybe some of the most pulsating nightlife.

Hua Hin offers a change of pace. Originally a resort town for Bangkok-based nobility, today, it’s a fashionable mix of where the city meets the sea with lively markets, dining experiences for every pallet, water

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parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting hipper and more cosmopolitan everyday. If you have not yet had your street food, look no further than the fascinating Hua Hin Night Market which sets the standard for the most sophisticated form of street dinning in the heart of the city. This is also where I took a Thai cooking class at Bamboo Tai Cooking School! A yummy experience to say the least.

Golf here is top notch, maybe not as many courses as other destinations but 2 of my favorites and also 2 of the best. Black Mountain Golf Club, plenty of wow factor, a Top 100 in the World by Golf Digest (59). #1 Course in Thailand by Golf Digest in 2016 and to top it off IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) 2020 Golf Experience of the Year for Thailand.

Banyan Golf Club, another multi award winner, “Best in Asia” awards for excellence, in addition to the Order of Zenith, which is the highest and most prestigious golf award in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf in 2018 For something a little different how about a train ride over the Bridge on the River Kwai, after all you won’t want to golf everyday. A couple of hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi Province holds a more sombre message from World War II, labelled the Death Railway and Hell Fire Pass is a short ride down the track. History is well documented and a special Thai tourist destination to visit.

There is some pretty cool golf here too!

The name, Grand Prix Golf Club says it all, or does

it?! As you drive in past automobiles and Formula 1 sponsor signs, if you asked anyone you will learn that all 18 holes have been sponsored by leading automobile companies with signage delicately placed throughout. The high standards of F1 have been implemented in the look and mainte-

nance of the course.

Monkeying around at Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club. Monkeys there are a-plenty as we stood on the first tee and must have seen a couple of hundred traverse the fairway.

All going in the same direction, Monkey’s on a mission. You’ve got to keep an eye on your ball and other things when they are around.

They are very inquisitive.

Once they grab something you are not likely to get it back!

For more information on Amazing Thailand visit: www.thailandinsider.com For more information or to customize a Thailand Golf Vacation contact aj@asiagolfexperiences.com or visit www.asiagolfexperiences. com

Doral Blue Monster – replica hole at Royal Gems Dream Arena – Bangkok

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TRAVEL

Four Legendary Courses One Destination

T

here are many places to golf in Florida, but there’s only one Innisbrook Resort. Located on 900 sprawling acres of rolling hills and lakes on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, Innisbrook Resort offers the perfect place for epic golf trips and leisurely getaways alike.

The Tampa Bay golf resort is home to four outstanding courses, including the famed Copperhead Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, and a favorite among some of the world’s finest golf professionals. Designed by the innovative and imaginative architect Lawrence Packard, each of Innisbrook’s four courses feature unique layouts, scenery, and elevation change more reminiscent of the Carolina Sandhills and Georgia Foothills than the typical Florida terrain.

Tee off on the Island Course with picturesque views, tight fairways, intimidating water hazards, and abundant bunkers. Or, imagine yourself hitting from the fairways graced by some of the world’s greatest on the Copperhead Course, and challenge yourself to the Snake Pit, where tournaments have been won and lost. The North Course, also known as “Baby Copperhead,” features

daunting par 3s, tight fairways, and wellbunkered greens — placing a premium on accuracy from tee to green. While the South Course’s undulating terrain, ample bunkers, water hazards, and Gulf of Mexico breezes all combine to make it another great challenge.

No matter what your playing ability is, Innisbrook Resort provides a variety of golf experiences for all levels of play, whether you’re breaking 100 for the first time or following in the footsteps of the pros. Three golf packages offer the best year-round value for players, featuring daily tee times, newly renovated accommodations, unlimited access to practice

36 Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section Golfing Magazine • New Jersey / Pennsylvania Section

facilities, daily breakfast or lunch, and more player perks. Groups of 12 or more can also elevate their golf package with additional discounts on golf, upgraded accommodations, and a dedicated golf service manager to assist with trip details before, during, and after your stay. And, for golfers looking to fine-tune their skills, the Innisbrook Golf Institute provides the perfect place for students to focus on the intricate mechanics of the game.

Off the course, guests will enjoy Innisbrook’s amazing resort facilities and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, including six swimming pools, four unique restaurants, a full-service spa, and an awardwinning tennis facility. Newly renovated guest accommodations range from Deluxe Guest Rooms to Two-Bedroom Suites highlighted by separate living and dining areas, kitchens, and private balconies or patios.

At Innisbrook Resort, your enjoyment has no limits on and off the course. And now it’s your chance to discover for yourself why golfers from all over the world love to tee it up here. www.InnisbrookResort.com

Four Courses. One Destination.

Play where the pros play in Tampa Bay, Florida, on the legendary Copperhead Course — home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship.

Tee off on four signature courses, enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch, and more with our Platinum Golf Package.

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GOLF, PAR ADISE, REPE AT

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This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase made in any jurisdiction nor made to residents of any jurisdiction, including New York, where registration is required. Tower Kauai Lagoons LLC uses the Timbers Resort,® Timbers Collection® and certain other ® ® marks

brand names under a limited non-transferable license in connection with the sales and marketing of the Hokuala Kauai™ – A Timbers Resort (the “Project”). If this license is terminated or expires without renewal, the Project will no longer be identified with nor have any right to use the Timbers 38 Timbers New / Pennsylvania Section and names. All renderings depicted in this advertisement are illustrative only and mayJersey be changed at any time.

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