Chip Shots

While the Situation is Fluid, the Game Continues to Pass Social Distancing Guidelines

In the face of the novel COVID-19, golf has shown the world just how innovative and resilient it can be. From riding single in carts and not touching flagsticks, to smoothing bunkers with shoes and mobile check-in and payment, the industry reacted swiftly and effectively.

While the situation is fluid and changes hourly, the game continues to pass social distancing and cleanliness guidelines with flying colors.

Walking nine or 18 holes is the safest way to enjoy a round of golf in the coming weeks while burning between 500 and 1,000 calories in the process. Walker Trolleys recently introduced its new Cape Model pushcart available for pre-order with delivery targeted for spring.

The engineering behind Walker Trolleys pushcarts is sophisticated, belying its outwardly streamlined, minimalist appearance. However, the mission is simple: make walking golf cool, again.

“The game is so pure when you’re walking, you take the time to really see the golf course from tee to green and appreciate the architecture and strategy behind it,” says Walker Trolleys founder and CEO Brad Payne. “And then there’s the health and wellness aspect. Walking with a push cart can burn up to 1,000 calories over 18 holes and lead to better scores versus carrying.”

Payne, formerly with Apple, debuted Walker Trolleys at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, back in January. Through social media and wordof-mouth, he, his wife Julie and principal designer Bryce Gibson generated enough buzz to catch Golf Channel’s attention.

The Walker Trolley was featured on the channel’s popular “Morning Drive” as one of the PGA Show’s best products of opening day. Media and PGA Professionals in attendance were duly impressed with the push cart’s high-end look and feel.

Premium materials – including aluminum, waxed canvas and handcrafted leather – create a unique, elegant appearance that wouldn’t be out of place on the great links courses of Scotland during the time of Old and Young Tom Morris.

A convenient one-fold handle makes collapsing and unfolding the trolley easier than any other push cart on the market. The patent pending central hub enables the handle and legs to bend on two separate axes, allowing for a compact fold.

The storage unit, made of waterresistant waxed canvas, provides an endless number of ways for golfers to customize their trolley and the company is working with a well-known soft goods company to realize these designs.

Payne says a non-folding line of Walker Trolleys made with the same materials will be offered directly to courses, clubs and resorts as a rental option. The push carts nest for easy and quick storage in units and premium soft good options can be customized with logos and other branding elements.

For more information about Walker Trolleys, and to join the Walking Golf Movement, visit www.walkertrolleys.com. While the Situation is Fluid, the Game Continues to Pass Social Distancing Guidelines

True Spec Golf Opens Custom Fitting Studio at Pelican Golf Club in Tampa Bay

True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, announced the opening of its newest fitting center at Pelican Golf Club in Belleaire, Florida. This collaboration offers golfers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area an unmatched luxury fitting experience to customize their next set of clubs at a championship course.

Consistently ranked by GOLF.com, GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as one of America’s top club fitters, True Spec’s fitting matrix boasts more than 35,000 club head and shaft combinations to ensure that Master Club Fitters can match players with the perfect club combinations for their game. The indoor-to-outdoor hitting bay is stocked with True Spec Golf’s brand-agnostic fitting matrix, blueprint station, loft and lie machine, proprietary wedge fitting matrix and Trackman launch monitor.

True Spec CEO Hoyt McGarity said: “The Pelican Golf Club has spent years putting valuable resources into becoming one of the finest courses in the Tampa Bay area and we are excited to offer its golfers the premium fitting and custom club building experience.”

The Pelican Golf Club is located in Belleair, on the Gulf of Mexico just south of Clearwater. This is True Spec’s sixth studio in the Sunshine State, known for its rich density of premier scenic golf courses. The 100-year-old course is known for its ‘Golden Age’ style, and underwent a recent restoration project, aimed at keeping its Golden Age feel and making changes in strategy and playability. Among other changes, the course planted Latitude 36, a new strain of Bermuda grass that keeps its green color throughout the year.

Golf Digest named the Highland Course at Primland, the boutique luxury resort amid 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 2020 Editors’ Choice in the Best Mid-Atlantic Resorts category. The Editors Choice program identifies ‘The Best Things in Golf,’ with an emphasis on lifestyle properties, products and services.

The Highland Course features immaculate conditions, stunning views, no surrounding development, and a masterful course layout by Englishman Donald Steel, whose design philosophy highlights nature and golf tradition. Flowing seamlessly and breathtakingly through the dramatic mountain landscape, the ingenious routing is rated No. 30 in Golf Digest’s biennial “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2019-2020.” “It was the vision of Didier Primat to create a place of immense beauty that offers guests a return to simple human pleasures in an environment of refined authenticity and sensuality,” said Steve Helms, Primland Vice President. “Golf Digest recognizing these attributes is a gratifying testament to our founder’s vision.” Golfers can book their preferred experience from a variety of options at Primland – instruction, individual rounds, group events, stay-and-play packages, even a bundle of 12 rounds for $2,100 that can be shared with other players through August 2020. After-golf activities and amenities highlight the spectacular Primland property through fly fishing, shooting sporting clays, riding ATVs, mountain biking, yoga, archery, horseback riding, tomahawk throwing, guided hikes, tree climbing, and more. For more information about Primland, visit Primland.com, or call 866.960.7746.

Keswick Hall

Keswick Hall Receives Prestigious ‘Editors’ Choice Award’ from Golf Digest

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Keswick Hall – the acclaimed 600-acre luxury resort set in Virginia’s scenic Wine Country – has received the prestigious Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award for “Best Golf Resorts in the Americas” for the fifth consecutive year.

With its annual Editors’ Choice Awards, Golf Digest celebrates the “best of the best” golf destinations as well as more than 30 additional industry categories. Keswick Hall was one of only seven resorts listed in the Mid-Atlantic section and joins the highest echelon of resorts across North America including Pebble Beach Resorts, The American Club, Streamsong Resort and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

Keswick Hall continues to receive accolade after accolade from top publications, especially for its celebrated Pete Dye-designed golf course, Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club. The exceptional layout sits at No. 3 in Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play” in Virginia and is No. 39 in the publication’s “Top 100 Resort Courses in the U.S.”

Upon opening in late 2014 to rave reviews, Full Cry was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses” in the U.S. It hosted the Virginia State Golf Association’s 106th Amateur Championship last June.

The perennial Forbes Five-Star Award resort is currently amid a major hotel and amenities renovation headed by owners Molly and Robert Hardie in conjunction with global design firm Hart Howerton. Once completed, the results will showcase the integrity of the original elegant structure and provide an even more luxurious and modern setting for Keswick Hall’s guests to savor a true world-class experience.

Project highlights include an increase in the number of guest rooms from 48 to 80, a dramatic new horizon pool and inspiring food and beverage outlets under the direction of acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten who will oversee the property’s culinary operations. During the renovation, Full Cry and the resort’s golf facilities have remained open.

“We are once again thrilled to be honored by an outstanding publication such as Golf Digest,” says John Trevenen, managing director. “Once our entire resort revitalization is final later this year, we look forward to our guests enjoying the results of the extraordinary renovation for decades to come.”

For more information on Keswick Hall visit www.keswick.com or call 434.979.3440.

Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel Amenity Maintains Green Fees at $55

Worley, ID – Circling Raven Golf Club, the state’s No. 1 ranked public course, will maintain the 18-hole round fee at $55 per player through April, a supreme value considering the peak season rate is $109.

“This is a win-win for players and the golf club,” said David Christenson, PGA, Circling Raven Director Golf. “Golfers can enjoy one of the country’s top courses at a great price, do so amidst the superb beauty that we’re fortunate to be set within, and enable us to provide relaxing recreation for people.”

The $55 greens fee is a savings of nearly 40%. Beginning on May 1, green fees will increase to the Spring Rates ($89 MondayThursday, $99 Friday-Sunday and holidays). Peak season rates ($99 and $109) commence on May 21.

To enhance safe practices at Circling Raven, the following protocol is currently in place:

For safety, each player will be the only one touching his/her equipment upon arrival and throughout your visit. Guests have the option to ride or walk the course currently, and they can use a personal push-pull cart if so desired. If riding, we allow one Circling Raven golf cart per person. (Carts are not permitted in the parking lot due to insurance purposes).

No more than ten customers are allowed in the clubhouse at one time. When approaching the counter, individuals must maintain six feet of social distance, as outlined by tape on the floor. This holds for anywhere on the property.

Food and beverage offerings include togo orders at the service window on the back deck. The dining room and bar are closed for inside seating. To place an order from Twisted Earth Grill on the 9th hole, for pick up at the turn, call 800.523.2464 (ext. 7263).

Tee times are set at 10-minute intervals to promote safe distancing. Golf carts are allowed on the course paths only currently. Bunker rakes have been removed. Flagsticks are to remain in the cup, and cups have been raised above the putting surface. Our local rule is, when the player’s ball touches the cup and remains within one club length, the

Circling Raven

putt is considered holed. If the ball deflects against the raised cup and settles outside one club length, another attempt is required.

On course restrooms are open and sanitizing stations are provided inside the clubhouse and at both restroom locations on the golf course. These can be found at hole nos. 5 and 14. Extra sanitizing maintenance is being provided in all areas of the business to ensure we are providing the safest environment for your enjoyment.

For more information, visit www.cdacasino.com/golf or call 800-523-2464.

Golf Digest named the Highland Course at Primland, the boutique luxury resort amid 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 2020 Editors’ Choice in the Best Mid-Atlantic Resorts category. The Editors Choice program identifies ‘The Best Things in Golf,’ with an emphasis on lifestyle properties, products and services.

The Highland Course features immaculate conditions, stunning views, no surrounding development, and a masterful course layout by Englishman Donald Steel, whose design philosophy highlights nature and golf tradition. Flowing seamlessly and breathtakingly through the dramatic mountain landscape, the ingenious routing is rated No. 30 in Golf Digest’s biennial “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2019-2020.” “It was the vision of Didier Primat to create a place of immense beauty that offers guests a return to simple human pleasures in an environment of refined authenticity and sensuality,” said Steve Helms, Primland Vice President. “Golf Digest recognizing these attributes is a gratifying testament to our founder’s vision.” Golfers can book their preferred experience from a variety of options at Primland – instruction, individual rounds, group events, stay-and-play packages, even a bundle of 12 rounds for $2,100 that can be shared with other players through August 2020. After-golf activities and amenities highlight the spectacular Primland property through fly fishing, shooting sporting clays, riding ATVs, mountain biking, yoga, archery, horseback riding, tomahawk throwing, guided hikes, tree climbing, and more.

For more information about Primland, visit Primland.com, or call 866.960.7746. Gamble Sands

Golf in the Dominican Republic: 2020 Lakes Golf Tournament Discount Offer

Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort is a world-class golf destination – and late September is one of the best times for golfers (and golf fans) to visit the all-inclusive Dominican Republic resort. Comprised of Barceló Bávaro Palace and the adult’s only Barceló Bávaro Beach, the resort hosts the Lakes Golf Tournament each year, offering the chance to compete in a spectacular Caribbean setting. This year, the event takes place Sept. 25-27, and Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort is offering a 20 percent discount for the tournament. Lakes Golf Course Tournament Details & Offers: • Categories: Cat A (0-9); CAT B (10-17); Cat C (18-24) • Tee Box: 0-9 Gold; 10-17 Blue; 18-24 White and Red women’s tees • Format: Individual Stableford; 75 percent handicap allowance • Competitions: Closest to the pin; longest and straightest drive

Special offer: Three rounds of golf (one practice and two tournament days)

Prizes: Win complimentary stays at Barceló Hotel Group properties, golf accessories and even a vehicle for a hole-in-one 20 Percent Discount Code: Barceló Bávaro Palace: GP2020 Barceló Bávaro Beach: GB2020 Register for the tournament by e-mailing: bavaro.golf@barcelo.com

12 Golf Vacations • April 2020 Education City Golf Club Officially Opens in Qatar

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the official opening of the Education City Golf Club as it hosted its first international tournament, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2020 on the European Tour.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, ViceChairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, also attended the opening ceremony, as golf stars from around the world played their opening rounds in the latest edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which has moved from its previous home at Doha Golf Club for the first time in its 23-year history.

“We look forward to welcoming people from across Qatar and beyond to experience the Education City Golf Club, which adds to the array of publicly-available, community-focused facilities at Qatar Foundation while also supporting Qatar’s national tourism goals and enhancing the nation’s global profile as a sporting destination,” said Machaille Hassan Al-Naimi, President of Community Development, Qatar Foundation.

Also participating in the tour at the official opening of the Education City Golf Club were Hassan Al Naimi, President of Qatar Golf Association; Joseph Abraham, Group CEO of Commercial Bank of Qatar; Omar Hussain Alfardan, Managing Director, Commercial Bank of Qatar; Keith Pelley, CEO of the PGA European Tour; and leading professional golfer and Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew.

“The Education City Golf Club is an inclusive facility on many levels, especially the academic level, as it offers many opportunities for those aspiring to practice golf, whether they are beginners, advanced, or professional players,” said Mr. Al Naimi.

“We decided to move the 23rd edition of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament to the Education City Golf Club for the first time to enhance community involvement, and to further highlight how Qatar is a global destination for golf lovers.”

Speaking at the official opening, Keith Pelley European Tour CEO said: “It is my first time in Qatar, and my first opportunity to visit the Education City Golf Club. The course is excellent, the facilities are brilliant, and the immediate reaction from the players has been incredibly positive.

“This is a big step in the right direction for the game in Qatar. Golf is the most inclusive sport in the world, as you can play with anybody of any age, ability, and gender. Golf is very healthy and can teach you life skills. We think it is the best-kept secret here in Qatar and hopefully, it will grow over the coming years.”

Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthews also visited for the opening state “This is my first time here at this amazing golf course at Education City. It has all the high-tech equipment necessary to play golf, and it is great to see young girls and boys practicing the game here. It is also great to have this facility next to universities, schools, and research centers.”

www.golfvacationsmag.com Ozarks Oasis is Home to Many Top-Rated Golf Venues

BRANSON, MO – Branson golf courses, increasingly becoming known as some of the best in America, are embracing players with smart, timely, and player friendly best practices as the 2020 season begins.

The majority of the area’s 10 courses, including two that have opened within the past 12 months, are welcoming players while implementing CDC best practices designed to diminish

Coronavirus risk. Precluding groups of 10 or more people from gathering, disinfecting equipment and infrastructure, and many other proactive measures are ongoing.

Following is additional news from some Branson Golf playing venues. 1. The Pointe Golf Club is asking players to leave the flag sticks in the hole, removing ball washers from the golf course, not putting water coolers on the course, and removing rakes from sand traps. Staff is raking bunkers as often as possible, and the club is asking players to use their feet to create a decent lie. 2. Branson Hills Golf Club has extended the winter rate of $79 through the end of April and has a new special local rate of $59. It is transferring shotgun tournaments to tee time formats with all prizes and scoring being done by email (to preclude group gatherings. To-go containers of food are offered. 3. LedgeStone Country Club is power washing all golf cars and using disinfectant wipes on seats, steering wheels and any other touch points. The club issued the following statement: “LedgeStone is located on 325 acres that encompass over a mile from our north to south boundaries. With 10-minute tee times, our players are spread out and they use their own equipment. We feel an obligation to provide people with the option of a healthy and active lifestyle location at a time when everyone needs it.” 4. Big Cedar Lodge, home to five of the 10 area courses, has hand sanitizer in all clubhouses for guest use. They are stocked at the pro shop counter and by the exits, free to use. Like the other Branson Golf courses, Big Cedar is closely monitoring CDC directives and reacting accordingly, including disinfecting frequently and thoroughly.

Branson Golf provides a first-class collection of courses in the glorious natural wonder that is the Ozarks. For more information, visit ExploreBranson.com/golf, or Facebook.com/BransonGolf.

Princeville Makai Golf Club Says Aloha/ Goodbye To Plastic Water Bottles

Kauai, Hawaii – Princeville Makai Golf Club, located on the North Shore of Kauai, recently said “aloha” or goodbye to singleuse plastic water bottles. Princeville Makai did so to help reduce plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, fight the negative impacts plastic pollution causes on wildlife, and to cut landfill inputs. Water served in plastic bottles will no longer be available at the Makai Grill and on beverage carts, while beer and soda will be served in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans. Princeville Makai estimates that the club and guests were using approximately 100,000 plastic bottles each year.

Princeville Makai currently has two FloWater refill stations on property and additional water stations throughout the golf course. While on property, Princeville Makai guests have multiple alternatives to purchasing water in plastic bottles, including: • Bring their own vessel to fill with water • Use a complimentary paper cup (produced from recycled materials) • Purchase a Pathwater aluminum bottle for $3 per bottle – Pathwater’s tag line is “refill not landfill” • Purchase Yeti or Corksicle aluminum vessel products from the golf shop

For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www.makaigolf.com.

Payne’s Valley Golf Course Holes 4 and 5