Chip Shots

Gil Hanse-Designed Course Debuts at Les Bordes

SAINT-LAURENT-NOUAN, FRANCE – The gift-wrapping has been taken off Les Bordes’ eagerly awaited New Course, with architect Gil Hanse taking time out from his busy schedule to unveil his first golf-course design project in continental Europe at the start of this month.

Hanse travelled from his home in America to France’s famous Loire Valley to give his personal seal of approval to the new layout, hitting the inaugural tee shot prior to members flying in from across the world to experience his new creation.

In direct contrast to Les Bordes’ Old Course, the New Course features a more traditional heathland style. When combined with the 10-hole short course – the Wild Piglet, also created by Hanse and opened in 2020 – members of Les Bordes Golf Club will receive one of the greatest golfing experiences in the world.

Hanse said: “We’ve never built anything in continental Europe and we wanted to make sure that our first project was going to be something special, and Les Bordes gave us that opportunity. I have always loved visiting France, and to have the chance to create this course and leave a lasting legacy in such a beautiful part of the world makes me particularly proud.

“The golf facilities at Les Bordes are on a par with anywhere else in the world. When you consider the variety and contrast of the Old and New, the originality and quality of design coupled with the Wild Piglet and Himalayas putting green, across the board there are outstanding facilities for serious golf and fun golf – and there are very few places who can say that.

“One of the challenges that we were excited to accept was to have the chance to build a golf course on the same estate as (the Old Course), a course that has been ranked as the best in Europe.

“There are elements of a number of golf courses (in the New Course) including a lot of the great heathland courses around London and Paris. I think that I am always influenced by Pine Valley, which is very near to my home, and I think that some of the scale of National Golf Links is apparent out there too. If you roll all of those into one, I think that’s a pretty good recipe.

“With the three golf courses and the amenities that are already in place and the ones that are coming, I can’t see how Les Bordes won’t be considered one of the finest golfing destinations in Europe or in the world.”

Set 90 minutes south of Paris in France’s magical Sologne Forest, the New Course fits harmoniously into its surroundings, with the fairways blending seamlessly into the natural vegetation and trees, and maximum care and attention was taken by Hanse and his team to clear the location and preserve the natural environment.

Featuring large bunkers, subtle elevation changes and incredible green complexes, the layout measures 7,211 yards from the back tees but, in contrast to the Old Course, is expected to play shorter than its overall length due to the firm and fast playing conditions.

Jack Laws, director of golf at Les Bordes, said: “The opening of the New Course is a significant landmark in the history of Les Bordes and the culmination of many years of hard work from Gil and his team, and everyone here on the estate.

The opening of the New Course headlines three years of investment at Les Bordes, developing a community where all

family members have endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Completed on-site amenities include natural swimming lakes and pools, beaches, watersports, go-karting, fishing, equestrian, petting farm and biking and walking trails.

Future investment plans include an announced partnership with Six Senses for the transformation of the 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into a luxury hotel and spa, a village square with shops and restaurants and a variety of residential homes in various styles, as well as an equestrian centre, an organic farm, an art gallery and outdoor amphitheatre.

A new video documenting the New Course and Les Bordes Golf Club can be viewed here. www.lesbordesgolfclub.com I www.lesbordes.com

Summer/Fall Tournaments Include Play On Pete Dye’s Celebrated Teeth Of The Dog

LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)– Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – is showcasing an array of golf events for later this summer and fall ideal to enjoy its world-class golf and resort amenities in grand style.

The 7th Annual Latin America Pro Am will be held Aug. 10 –14 with four nights’ accommodations and all tournament rounds contested on Teeth of the Dog. Competing teams are comprised of four amateurs and one professional. For the event, Casa de Campo is offering an all-inclusive package starting at $2,283 (per player, based on double occupancy).

Slated for Sept. 15 – 19, the 40th Annual Casa de Open is highlighted by four nights’ luxury accommodations as well as tournament play on Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links. The format is a 54-hole individual stroke play competition using the Stableford scoring system. Men and women will compete in flights defined by index and age. The storied tournament will also feature the first annual “Country’s Cup.” The allinclusive stay-and-play is loaded with extras and starts at $1,655 (per player, based on double occupancy).

The 3rd Annual Couple’s Golf & Spa Retreat will be held Oct. 20 – 24. Guests will enjoy playing golf on Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links in the mornings with an opportunity to relax and enjoy the resort’s spa and its additional world-class amenities in the afternoons. The all-inclusive four-night stay includes luxury accommodations and starts at $1,775 (per person, based on double occupancy).

This Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas invites all golfers to participate in its 16th Annual Casa de Campo Twosome Championship. Featuring six nights’ superior accommodations and numerous additional fun activities, the event will be played on the property’s three outstanding golf courses with two rounds on Dye Fore, one round on The Links, and two rounds on Teeth of the Dog. Ideal to also enjoy all the many amenities Casa de Campo offers, prices start at $2,474 (per person, double occupancy).

The Casa de Campo Women’s Getaway with Suzy Whaley is a four-day / three-night event from Dec. 3 – 6. Whaley – recent President of the PGA of America, renowned PGA Professional and one of the game’s top instructors – will host the joyous Caribbean get-together. The stay-and-play is all-inclusive and starts at $1,799 (per person, double occupancy). The many highlights include unlimited green fees on all three courses and personal instruction by Whaley at the resort’s state-of-the-art Golf Learning Center.

The 1st Annual Casa de Campo Spanish Cup is organized exclusively for Spanish golfers and will take place Dec. 3 – 10. With superior lodging for seven nights, the event includes rounds on all three of the resort’s Pete Dye-designed layouts including Teeth of the Dog with additional unlimited play on Dye Fore and The Links during the stay. Prices start at $2,910 (per person, double occupancy).

For each of the above events, Casa de Campo additionally offers an array of fully appointed villas perfect for golf groups and families. The villa options range from three to 11 bedrooms with stylish living areas, a private pool as well as endless creature comforts. From secluded Garden Villas highlighting the area’s abundant flora to the tranquil splendor of the Caribbean coast in an Oceanfront Villa, each style offers contemporary designs.

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www. casadecampo.com.do

PGA National Resort & Spa Announces Grand Opening of New ‘Staple Course’

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination – announced the grand opening of its thrilling and innovative new nine-hole Andy Staples-designed “Staple Course” on June 30.

Built on the former opening and finishing holes of the property’s Squire layout, The Staple is a bold take on the par-three course concept created for pure enjoyment while highlighted by intriguing fastand-firm shot corridors, and in some cases, difficult to reach shelves on the dramatic, undulating greens. With hole distances ranging from 48 to 130 yards, The Staple is ideal for fast-paced, joyous rounds while using just a putter and a few short irons.

Additionally crafted for heroic tee-shots with numerous “hole-inhole” pin locations throughout, The Staple Course’s unique figureeight configuration with crossing holes at Nos. 2 – 3 and Nos. 7 – 8 provide social interaction meeting points with other players at an outdoor seating experience complete with firepits and a café / bar area.

The Staple is also the perfect setting for golf groups to unwind and relax in a casual setting after playing the resort’s four “traditional” and celebrated 18-hole layouts: The Champion, The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses.

“Our goal for The Staple Course was to combine classic course architecture attributes with a contemporary reimagined approach by highlighting playability, a quicker pace of play, and simply creating an enjoyable golf experience for all,” says Staples. “We think guests are going to love The Staple Course so much they’ll want to play it multiple times in the same day.” .

Opening later this summer is PGA National’s highly-anticipated “Match Course,” also created by Staples. Additionally built on the land of the former Squire Course, the 18-hole Match Course promises to display some of the most groundbreaking concepts in golf design while encouraging “match” versus “stroke” play. Both layouts are part of the ongoing $100 million capital revitalization touching every aspect of the celebrated property.

“Andy Staples’ incredible vision for both our new Staple Course and upcoming Match Course are beyond exciting additions to our world-class golf amenities,” says Jane Broderick, PGA National’s Director of Golf. “From playing The Champion Course just like the PGA TOUR superstars do annually in the Honda Classic to savoring the joys of The Staple, we offer an array of exceptional golf courses and amenities few resort destinations can equal.”

A golf lover’s dream location, PGA National also features extraordinary instruction at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, and the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven golf training center, Full Process Golf. PGA National also offers state-of-the-art club fitting.

Resort guests can also enjoy the high-tech 33,000-square-foot

Sports & Racquet Club featuring a wide array of fitness activities and classes, including pickleball and tennis on the 18 Har-Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). Not to be missed is a visit to The Spa to enjoy its luxurious and soothing wellness treatments.

For more information about PGA National: visit www.pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.

PGA TOUR, Anheuser-Busch extend partnership spanning three decades

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – The PGA TOUR and Anheuser-Busch announced an extension of their longstanding marketing relationship that continues Michelob ULTRA’s position as the “Official Beer Sponsor of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions” through 2024. Additionally, O’Doul’s will continue to serve as the “Official NonAlcohol Beer of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.”

As part of the multi-year extension, Anheuser-Busch will add Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer as the “Official Hard Seltzer of the PGA TOUR,” a new official category for the PGA TOUR.

Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with the PGA TOUR began in 1994, and Michelob ULTRA became an official sponsor of the TOUR in 2002. Michelob ULTRA will continue to have a substantial activation footprint at tournaments across the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions schedule.

Michelob ULTRA will continue to advertise within PGA TOUR telecasts and across PGA TOUR social and digital channels.

For more information, visit MichelobULTRA.com or follow @MichelobULTRA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Rumbling Bald Rolls Out Fall 2021 Golf Packages

LAKE LURE, NC – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure just two hours west of Charlotte, is rolling out its golf package lineup for the fall, customized for golf groups of any size and ideal for weekend or weekday buddy trips during Western North Carolina’s most scenic season.

Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas. Lodging options abound, including the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee.

With a nod to the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’ lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon.

“The golf experience at Rumbling Bald is better than ever with enhancements to both courses and practice facilities, new golf carts and a wide-variety of lodging options,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “And with Lake Lure, the surrounding fall foliage and daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, it just doesn’t get any better.”

For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professionalmember trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www. rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@ rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

Mystic Creek Golf Club Set To Host Murphy Usa El Dorado Shootout

EL DORADO, AR– Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas will host The Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout presented by Pepsico September 18 – 26, 2021. 2021 marks the sixth year the Symetra Tour event has been played at Mystic Creek, recognized as the No. 1 “Golf Course You Can Play in Arkansas” and No. 34 on Golfweek’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” in 2021. A field of 108 professionals will compete in the 54-hole tournament competing for a purse of $175,000.

Cydney Clanton drained a birdie putt on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff against Julieta Granada to capture the 2019 Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout, her second career Symetra Tour victory. The Symetra Tour is the official qualifier of the LPGA, with a mission to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Since its inaugural sponsorship year in 2012, the Symetra Tour has grown to $4 million in prize money awarded over the course of 24 tournaments. With more than 600 alumnae moving on to the LPGA, former Symetra Tour players have more than 427 LPGA titles.

Golf fans are encouraged to attend the El Dorado Shootout and support the professional golfers. Sponsor and volunteer information can be found at www.eldoradoshootout.com Thanks to First Financial Bank, spectators and the general public are invited to attend this worldclass sporting event free of charge. For the first time in tournament history, two nonprofit organizations have been selected as the 2021 charitable beneficiaries – Susan G. Koman and #teamcorrie Cancer Foundation (an El Dorado-based non-profit), both of which provide financial support to individuals impacted by cancer.

This year’s tournament will also feature the debut of Mystic Creek Golf Club’s new clubhouse. Set amid tall cathedral pines, the clubhouse opened to the public in January 2021 and features an allexposed timber structural system with columns that support both the main dining area in The Grill and the upper terrace. The clubhouse’s exterior employs other organic materials, including red cedar siding, glass, and weathered zinc. The natural elements flow into the interior with exposed beams and a wood roof deck. The new clubhouse includes Mystic Grill, a golf shop with the latest golf equipment and apparel, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. Open to golfers and non-golfers alike Tuesday through Sunday, Mystic Grill features a fullservice bar with panoramic views of the golf course through floor-toceiling windows, plus an outdoor patio that overlooks the 18th green.

Mystic Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, Kenneth Dye, Jr-designed course managed by Troon’s Honours Golf division. Open since May 2013, Mystic Creek Golf Club features cathedral pines similar to Augusta, high-flashing bunkers similar to those designed by A.W Tillinghast and domed greens with runoffs similar to Pinehurst No. 2. Just after opening in 2013, the semi-private course was named one of the “Best New Courses” by Golf Digest. With impeccable course conditions and outstanding service, Mystic Creek Golf Club continues to be recognized as the regions premier course. In addition to The Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout, Mystic Creek has also hosted a number of other high profile events, including the Men’s Sunbelt Collegiate Championship and the Women’s Southland Conference Championship in 2021.

For more information on The Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout presented by Pepsico, visit www.eldoradoshootout.com or follow at Facebook.com/road2eldo, Twitter.com/ROAD2ELDO, and Instagram @road2eldo. For information on Mystic Creek Golf Club, visit www. golfmysticcreek.com or call (870) 312-0723.

Golf Saudi Ambassador Camilla Lennarth Gives A Special Clinic For Female Players From The Muslim Golf Association

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: As part of Golf Saudi’s continuous efforts to develop the game of golf, a clinic was organised for ten female golfers from The Muslim Golf Association (MGA) as part of an exchange of golfing experience between the U.K. and Saudi Arabia. Held on the first day of the inaugural Aramco Team Series – London event, the clinic was held at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire. The clinic was given by Golf Saudi ambassador Camilla Lennarth, who provided technical tips to help the participating MGA ladies improve their game. This session was held as part of Golf Saudi’s Mass Participation programme, which aims to introduce the game of golf to female golfers in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

The Muslim Golf Association was founded in 2020 as the world’s first dedicated golfing platform that caters for modern, professional, Muslim male and female golfers. Commenting on the opportunity to host such a clinic, Golf Saudi ambassador Camilla Lennarth expressed her excitement saying: “I’m happy to be part of this initiative. Being able to work closely with Golf Saudi always gives me the opportunity to play a more active role in developing and supporting the game. I’m happy to be able to introduce the game to more ladies and inspire them to take up the sport in future.”

Amir Malik, the founder of the MGA, described the experience as inspirational: “It was a phenomenal event and such a proud moment for the MGA to be invited as guests of Golf Saudi. The MGA ladies got a unique insight into the professional women’s game by having the opportunity to spend time in-person with Camilla Lennarth, which for any budding golfer is priceless. Events, such as the Aramco Team Series provide inspiration to future generations of up-and-coming golfers, both male and female and long may they continue.”

Golfers from the MGA were excited to participate in the clinic and reacquaint themselves with a feeling of normality after the past 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic and a long period of social distancing. Farah Bhatti, one of the participating MGA ladies described the positives of taking part in the clinic having herself suffered during the ongoing series of lockdowns: “Having recently experienced life-threatening issues of my own, my physical and mental health has been seriously impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Muslim woman, finding an activity to not only suit but also improve my lifestyle seemed impossible, until now. The MGA has not only given me this opportunity but has also introduced me to a fantastic new sport in golf!”

Bhatti continued: “ I was invited to attend the Aramco Team Series-London event and having met with Ladies European Tour Pro Camilla Lennarth was such a fantastic opportunity. To hear first-hand about her sporting journey and how she started out in golf from a very young age was a real privilege. By sharing the highlights of her career as well as offering us simple tips on how we could each individually improve our own game was simply fantastic. This experience is one I will never forget!”

During the clinic, all necessary COVID-19 precautions were followed, from social distancing to limiting the number of attendees who were able to attend, to ensure a safe event for all participants. The limitations on the number of attendees provided a more concentrated and focused clinic for the participants who attended.

An event entirely unique to golf, The Aramco Team Series is a first of its kind. The initiative, which was developed by Saudi Arabia, consists of 36 teams made up of three pro’s and one amateur with scores from all four contributing to the final result. Following the inaugural London event, the Series will now move onto Sotogrande, in Spain, from 5th -7th August, then New York from 14th - 16th October and finally Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 10th – 12th November.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Heralds A New Beacon Of Beachfront Glamour With The Debut Of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort

ST. GEORGE’S, BERMUDA – St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. Extending the legacy of St. Regis from New York’s finest address of 55th and Fifth, the resort blends the timelessness of a bygone era with avant-garde Bermudian design and cultural influences. Situated in the historic Town of St. George’s, an UNESCO World Heritage site, and nestled among the soft sands and turquoise water of St. Catherine’s Beach, the resort is the first Marriott International luxury brand property to debut on the island. Drawing upon the celebrated spirit of leisure travel, The St. Regis Bermuda Resort seamlessly brings together elegant accommodations, exceptional amenities, and the brand’s signature Butler Service to create an enchanted island escape.

“Bermuda has long served as an exclusive destination for the global luminaries, making it the ideal location to debut a glamorous new St. Regis resort. Much like the island, St. Regis is steeped in rich history, offering a storied past and exciting future,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “The St. Regis brand’s founding family, the Astors, spent time on this beautiful island more than a century ago. Now, the House of Astor’s celebrated traditions and rituals will bring this visionary spirit, avant-garde style and impeccable service back to Bermuda where our address is your muse.”

Spanning St. Catherine’s Beach in a gentle arc, the OBMI designed architecture and interiors of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort draw inspiration from the destination’s notable local geography, heritage and traditions, beautifully weaving the island’s legacy together with the glamourous spirit and sophistication of St. Regis.

The resort features 120 elegant guestrooms, including 21suites and an ultra-luxury residential development offering two and three-bedroom residences. Each guestroom features a private balcony and is designed to immediately draw the eye to expansive ocean views and stunning vistas of Bermuda’s celebrated Fort St. Catherine. Speaking to the island’s bold fortitude, stone foundations and formations inform texture and patterns, while the purposeful irreverence of Bermuda’s fashion is brought in through saturated colors and striking geometry.

“The St. Regis Bermuda Resort promises to be an enchanted beachfront oasis for guests and local luminaries alike,” said Jan Vanhaelewyn, General Manager at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. “With bespoke service, exquisite design, outstanding culinary venues, the historic Five Forts Golf Course, and more than a dash of glamour, we hope to inspire and contribute to the local hospitality landscape and help elevate luxury in this iconic leisure destination.”

The resort’s sophisticated food and beverage offerings include Lina, a flavorful all-day restaurant whose name is a playful nod to the nickname of St. Regis’ founding patroness Mrs. Caroline Astor.

This venue features a delectable, light and fresh menu that leans into Bermuda’s coastal offerings and is inspired by the irreverent glamour of yachting clubs of the past. In the evening, the signature blackboards of famed BLT Steak NY will share daily specials, offering guests the finest in modern steakhouse fare. At the iconic St. Regis Bar, guests can socialize and celebrate while enjoying champagne, libations and light bites. The resort will also debut the Gates Bay Mary, its unique twist on the brand’s signature cocktail – the Bloody Mary. The Gates Bay Mary is named for the turquoise bay bordering the resort and infuses native fennel, Goslings Gold Seal Rum, Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers Sauce, and a special spice mix created on the island.

Overlooking azure waters, the resort features both an adult and a family pool where guests can lounge luxuriantly or enjoy a private cabana for an exclusive retreat. Indulgence and relaxation awaits at the St. Regis Spa, which offers a comprehensive menu of unique personalized treatments using natural and precious elements and featuring products by Sothys. Additionally, a 24-hour fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment. Younger guests will be able to enjoy unique amenities and enriching activities at The St. Regis Children’s Club, while Family Traditions programming offers meaningful excursions and experiences for the whole family.

True to the Astors love for sports and speed, both guests and locals can relax with a day on the links or a night at the casino. Breathing new life into a historic landmark, the scenic Five Forts Golf Course is a marvelous and challenging 18-hole course. Named for the five notable forts that surround it, leisure seekers will tee off near Fort Victoria and enjoy captivating ocean views as they make their way through the 4,436-yard course, concluding at Fort St. Catherine. State-of-the-art, GPS-enabled golf carts will ensure the brand’s bespoke service reaches guests no matter where they are on the green. For a dazzling evening of sophistication and glamour, the resort proudly features the St. Regis brand’s first casino, slated to open later this year. This 5,500 sq. ft. gaming floor offers a variety of options for guests looking to roll the dice, in addition to a salon privé with two private tables.

As the finest address for truly bespoke events and celebrations, the resort also features 10,989 sq. ft. of event space. Perfect for executive retreats, family gatherings, or enjoying milestone moments, offerings include a state-of-the-art boardroom, an exceptional ballroom that can host up to 150 people and a stunning terrace for oceanside events. The resort can also create a personalized, private set up on the beach while an additional event lawn located at the 18th hole of the Five Forts Golf Course offers spectacular sunset views overlooking both the ocean and Fort St. Catherine. Informed by the brand’s legacy of celebration from the Gilded Age to the present day, each event at The St. Regis Bermuda is thoughtfully curated and complemented with exceptional service.

For more information or reservations, please visit: stregisbermudaresort.com.