Golf Vacations Magazine - December 2020

OUR 19th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2020

EISENHOWER GC

BEST IN THE DOD

HOLIDAY TRAVEL GUIDE

CAROLINA GOLF PACKAGES Vacations • December 2020 1 Plus: NEW FALDO COURSE OPENS INGolfPHNOM PENH

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2 Golf Vacations • December 2020

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Golf Vacations • December 2020 3

GOLF VACATIONS DECEMBER 2020

Eisenhower Golf Club - Colorado Springs, CO

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Chip Shots

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New Nick Faldo Course Opens in Phnom Penh

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Holiday Golf Travel Guide

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Best in the DOD: Eisenhower Golf Club

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by Dakota Diaz Sir Nick Faldo has designed both Championship Courses at Vattanac Golf Resort and the new “West Course” compliments the existing “East Course”. The two courses provide a spectacular setting around famous cultural expressions that include scale models of Khmer historical architectural sites, such as: Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear and Bayon.

by Shane Sharp The numbers are in. Golf rounds played in across the U.S. were up again, year-over-year, in September and October, continuing a mercurial rise that began in May once courses around the country reopened amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

by David R. Holland Almost as spacious as the wild blue yonder, the United States Air Force Academy spans more than 18,000 acres of the Razorback Foothills in the Rampart Range just north of Colorado Springs. Elevations climb to 7,100 feet with ponderosa pines and scrub oak dotting a rugged landscape that’s home to deer, elk, black squirrels, bears, mountain lions and wild turkeys as well as cadets earning the right to be the next generation of Air Force officers.

Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Dakota Diaz is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Growing up in the golf mecca of Palm Springs, CA, Dakota is no stranger to the golf resort lifestyle. You’ll find him at his “real job” as Partner/Chief Investment Officer at Green Cloud Capital, a Southern Californa based private equity firm.

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz

David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. “Multiple careers” best describes this world traveler (visited 35 countries), who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve. Holland splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine and Fairway to Green. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, UPI and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Follow Dave on Twitter @David_R_Holland.

Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz

Features Editor JD Latorre

Senior Writers Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35 years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capacities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and is based in Orange County, California.

Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben

For Editorial:

call (760) 774–2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com Shane Sharp is a freelance writer and the owner of Southbound 4, a content marketing and PR shop in Greenville, S.C. He’s a contributing editor with GOLF Magazine, Club & Resort Business, Golf Inc. and Club Management.

Regional Advertising

Los Angeles Terry Ross • (949) 279–7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • (678) 906-4050 harold@chamblissmediagroup.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com

Published by

President Jeffrey Diaz

PO BOX #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774–2655 StonyCreekMedia.com

Cimarron Communications President/CEO James A. Diaz

Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2020 Stony Creek Media, LLC, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS

Horseshoe Bay Resort Offers First-Ever Stay, Play & Learn Package

HORSESHOE BAY, TX – The newest golf package at the all-new, AAA-Four Diamond- and Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award-winning Horseshoe Bay Resort is a first for this world-class destination. The Stay, Play & Learn Package is the only bundle ever offered at Horseshoe Bay that combines accommodations plus expert golf lessons. It includes a classic guest room for a minimum of two nights; one-hour lesson for two with Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner; 9-hole, on-course playing lesson for two with Steiner; and a 9-hole round of golf for two following the lesson.

Steiner is excited to help hotel guests get their golf games to the next level in a unique environment. he takes a handson approach that makes lessons fun and educational. “I like to talk to the golfers before they get here, so I get a good feel of where they are with their golf game, what their experience has been with lessons, and why they are coming,” says Steiner. “I want to know how I can help them become better and enjoy themselves more on the course.

The actual instruction is different for each

Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner

person in your group. And it doesn’t matter if your skill levels are the same or not, I tailor the instruction to each person, and teach all facets of the game.”

According to Steiner, this getaway package is ideal for couples-- regardless of if their skill sets are identical or differ by

a large margin -- or for pairs of buddies or women who want to enjoy some time together and share an amazing experience.

“And of course, you still get to play some golf while you’re here,” adds Steiner, who has more than 20 years of golf instruction experience at nationally renowned golf schools. “If you go on a trip and just play golf, it makes for a great vacation but you sort of leave it there. But if you incorporate golf lessons into your getaway, then the benefit of that vacation lingers on way after you get home. Horseshoe Bay Resort is such a wonderful place. It’s one of the most beautiful settings in a special part of the world. And I’m thrilled we’ve started the Stay, Play & Learn Package. It’s long overdue and I’m confident people are going to love it.”

Here’s Bobby Steiner delivering a golf video tip: https://youtu.be/yHqPgiGH1jg Call 877-611-0112 or visit https:// www.hsbresort.com/golf/golf-packages to book your instruction package at one of the most thrilling resort destinations in the Southwest. We also offer the Unlimited Golf, Tee It Up Golf, and Nine & Dine Golf packages. Visit www.hsbresort.com for more information.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Langston Golf Course

Excitement Builds For The Future Of Public Golf In Washington, DC As National Links Trust Completes Long-Term Lease Agreement On Three Historic Golf Courses Scottsdale, AZ – With the National Links Trust (NLT) recently completing a long-term lease agreement with the National Park Service for the management, operation and improvement of East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek Park Golf Courses in Washington, DC, excitement is building for the future revitalization of these three historic public golf courses. The NLT has partnered with Troon to manage operations and to collaborate on the upcoming golf course renovations that will help rejuvenate the three iconic golf courses. The NLT’s lease agreement is for 50 years and officially commenced on October 5, 2020.

Troon’s Honours Golf operating division will provide initial golf operations, agronomy, retail, sales and marketing, and varying food and beverage services at the three properties, with all course employees becoming Troon associates. With much of the focus on the long-term renovation plans for the golf courses and the future of DC golf, Troon/Honours Golf and the NLT will make a number of immediate enhancements to include (but not limited to) new golf cart fleets, new golf course maintenance equipment, golf course beautification projects at Langston Golf Course along Kingman Lake and Anacostia River (in collaboration with Anacostia Watershed Society) and the launch (this fall) of three new golf course websites, plus a new overarching website at PlayDCGolf.com.

The NLT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting affordable and accessible golf, preserving and restoring historic golf course architecture, and engaging with local communities at municipal golf courses across the United States, has committed to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the three golf properties. Rock Creek Park Golf

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Course will be renovated first by golf course architect Gil Hanse.

Tom Doak will lead the East Potomac work and Beau Welling will oversee the Langston renovation. Investments at all three properties will be guided by the following tenets: maintain affordable golf fees; develop and support youth golf and educational programs; implement environmentally favorable practices; and provide architecturally engaging golf courses. In addition, the NLT will take steps to acknowledge the unique social and sporting histories of these parks, and honor their rich past, especially their role in the racial integration of public golf in Washington and the nation.

“The National Links Trust is thrilled to be working with Troon at these three historic and unique golf courses. Troon’s guidance and expertise have been instrumental to NLT’s efforts to this point, first in winning the lease and now in transitioning to operations. The Troon organization clearly understands the importance of affordable and accessible golf to the health of the game and we look forward to continuing our partnership over the coming years as we make these exciting investments in the DC golf courses,” said Michael McCartin, co-founder of the NLT. In addition to Hanse, Doak and Welling providing design services, golf developer Mike Keiser is serving as senior advisor to the NLT. The NLT is also partnering with civic, philanthropic and environmental organizations such as First Tee of Greater Washington, DC; Golf. My Future. My Game.; Anacostia Watershed; and many others.

“Troon is proud to support and be an integral part of the National Links Trust’s vision and commitment to bringing these historic courses back to their original prominence,” said Tim Schantz, president and chief executive officer, Troon. “Humbled to be working together with partners such as Mike Keiser, Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, Beau Welling, and future industry participants, Troon is committed-to and investedin the long term success of these three incredible properties.”

For more information on The National Links Trust, visit www. nationallinkstrust.com.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Hoiana Shores Golf Club

Hoiana Shores Golf Club named World’s Best New Course for 2020 HOI AN, Vietnam — Hoiana Shores Golf Club has been named the Best New Course to open worldwide for the year 2020. The Robert Trent Jones II design, opened earlier this year in the stunning dunescape of Central Vietnam, was singled out for this honor as part of the 7th annual World Golf Awards.

The World Golf Awards are the game’s only global decorations and the only course laurels voted on by the golfing public and industry professionals during a ballot period that, this year, extended from 23 February to 1 September.

Hoiana Shores GC — part of the US$4 billion Hoiana Integrated Resort, located on the beach southeast of Hoi An — earned World’s Best New Course honors for 2020 by besting an exceedingly strong field of nominees, among them Old Toccoa Farm and the Tiger Woodsdesigned Payne’s Valley GC at Big Cedar Lodge; the Dumbarnie Links in Scotland and PGA National in the Czech Republic; the Education City GC in Qatar and the Dubai Hills GC in the UAE. Hoiana Shores is a modern links design, laid out on a treeless expanse of pure sand, with no fewer than 5 holes coming into direct contact with the East Sea. “The success of Hoiana Shores makes it a game-changer,” said its architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., “and from a pure golfing perspective, this is some of our very best work. We really opened up the sand dunes and allowed the greens to settle into them. I wanted greens nestled into the dunes early in the round.

When players get closer to the water, we wanted to open up vistas to the sea.”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with this World Golf Award,” added Ben Styles, General Manager of HSGC. “This is the only award that combines the votes of both golfers and industry professionals globally. We’ve not been open a full year, but we do feel we’ve created something very special here, something that will stand as a landmark course in Asia-Pacific for decades to come. It’s gratifying to see that others agree.”

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Hoiana Shores GC and the other winners were meant to be feted as part of an Oct. 29 red-carpet ceremony and gala reception that has customarily drawn market leaders from nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania. Sadly the event was cancelled on account of the worldwide pandemic.

“Despite the many challenges that golf tourism has faced in this most unprecedented of years, this year’s program has seen a record number of votes cast by both golf consumers and golf industry professionals from around the world,” according to Chris Frost, Managing Director of World Golf Awards. “The appetite for golf tourism has never been as keen, with golf fans urging World Golf Awards to continue acknowledging the leading brands in our industry. This bodes well for golf tourism’s future as the global recovery begins.”

Streamsong Resort Unveils A New Tradition “A Golfer’s Holiday Stay & Play 36” Package STREAMSONG, FLORIDA – Streamsong Resort announced its latest golf package, just in time for the holiday season. “A Golfer’s Holiday Stay & Play 36” package offers a two-night stay at the lakeside Lodge, two rounds of golf on your choice of Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue or Streamsong Black and breakfast each day. But that’s not all. In this season of giving, Streamsong is adding a Golfer’s Holiday travel bag and exclusive items valued at over $800.00 while supplies last. The Florentine leather cabin bag is thoughtfully packed with luxury and lifestyle brands from Maui Jim®, Maker’s Mark®, Titleist® and more. They even slipped in a complimentary round of golf on the course of your choice for your next visit.

With the recent October reopening of Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue and Florida weather at its finest, there has never been a better time to stay-and-play at Streamsong. Both courses were temporarily closed for regrassing, and now sport the revolutionary new ultradwarf bermudagrass, Mach 1.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The package is available Nov. 23, 2020 – Jan. 16, 2021. Pricing starts at $1,299.00 per person based on double occupancy, or $1,499.00 per person based on single occupancy. Pricing includes tax, but does not include resort or caddie fees.

Streamsong is home to Florida’s highest rated golf courses, and the only destination in the world to experience three distinct golf courses designed by four legendary architects.

For more information on the Golfer’s Holiday package, or to book a reservation, visit www.streamsongresort.com.

Ballenisles Country Club Leaders Play 250 Holes Of Golf, Raise $15,000-Plus For First Tee Of The Palm Beaches Palm Beach Gardens, FL – BallenIsles Country Club General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Walls and Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert played a combined 250 holes of golf on Monday, November 2nd to raise funds for the First Tee of the Palm Beaches.

Walls and Fitzherbert were participating in the 5th Annual 100 Hole Challenge held at Jupiter Country Club and raised more than $15,000 for the First Tee through BallenIsles’ member donations and pledges.

The two played 125 holes each, over eight and a half hours, covering approximately 18 miles, while playing three balls on every hole but one. Walls, used seven Callaway golf balls (lost four), went through one Callaway glove and remarkably, made it around using only one tee.

“It was a fun, windy day. I got to hang out with the best pro in

town and play golf, literally all day,” said Walls. “But importantly, a huge thank you to our incredibly supportive members who helped us surpass our initial goal of donations. A big thank you to the leadership of Carl Mistretta, Executive Director of First Tee, who does so much to give back to our local golf community. He is such a contributor and I am so thrilled knowing good things will come to kids in our area because of Carl’s work. Also, to the staff and members of Jupiter Country Club who allowed us access to the golf course all day (and we didn’t have to rake the bunkers after ourselves). A lot of people in our community pulled together for an important cause.”

“Ryan and I had played, combined, maybe 50 holes of golf this year prior to this event,” said Fitzherbert. “We really enjoyed playing and supporting children and veterans of the First Tee of the Palm Beaches. It’s an important and meaningful program for many kids and families in our region. Thank you to all who have, and who will be donating to this worthwhile cause.”

While their 100 Hole Challenge is complete, Walls and Fitzherbert hope to continue to collect donations for the First Tee of the Palm Beaches through mid-November as the fundraising website is still accepting contributions.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors – Tylenol, Callaway, Theragun Massager and Biofreeze,” Walls quipped.

For more information on the First Tee of the Palm Beaches and their 100 Hole Challenge, visit www.firstteefloridagoldcoast.org/ palm-beaches. For more information on BallenIsles Country Club, visit www.BallenIsles.org.

BallenIsles 100 Hole Challenge - Fitzherbert and Walls

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS

Kapalua Plantation

Troon Golf Vacations Unveils Best Of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package Scottsdale, AZ – With the state of Hawaii now allowing U.S. mainland travelers to travel to the Hawaiian Islands – provided pre-travel testing protocols are followed and passed – Troon Golf Vacations has unveiled a new Best of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package. The 10-day, 9-night package includes seven rounds of golf on some of Hawaii’s most spectacular oceanfront courses, luxury accommodations at three amazing resorts and stays on three beautiful Hawaiian Islands – Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai.

Start at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui and play both the Bay and Plantation Courses at Kapalua. Then head to the Big Island’s Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection and play the North and South Courses at Mauna Lani. Wrap up on Kauai with a stay at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and tee it up at Princeville Makai Golf Club. Travelers can select the order of the islands they visit and golf courses they play.

The Best of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package includes: Hawaii Island: 3 nights’ accommodations at Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection 1 round of golf at Mauna Lani – North Course 1 round of golf at Mauna Lani – South Course 1 round of golf at Wikiwiki 9-hole Short Course 3 days, Avis Rental Car Maui: 3 nights’ accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua 1 round of golf at Kapalua Plantation Course – home of the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions

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1 round of golf at Kapalua Bay Course 3 days, Avis Rental Car Kauai: 3 nights’ accommodations at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas 1 round of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club – the #1 ranked course on Kauai by Golf Advisor 2nd round of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club 3 days, Avis Rental Car Extra: Sunset Golf Car Tour (for two) – Details at: https://www. makaigolf.com/sunsetcarttour/ The Best of Hawaii Island Hopper package starts at $497 per person/night. Troon Rewards points are available for the golf portion of the vacation. To view additional Troon Golf Vacation packages or request a customized quote, visit www.troongolfvacations.com or call (877) 876-6648. For travel updates and the latest testing information, visit: https://hawaiicovid19.com.

Billy Casper Golf Re-Brands to Indigo Golf Partners RESTON, VA – Billy Casper Golf has changed its name to Indigo Golf Partners, representing a new, modern brand aligned with golf’s evolving landscape and the company’s leadership in golf course ownership and operations.

Significance of Indigo Golf Partners lies in blue sky thinking that inspires creative and practical ideas which know no limits. It is personified by a contemporary logo design with graduated blue hues.

The principles carried out by the company’s nearly 7,000 passionate employees serving guests and members at more than 160

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS golf courses, country clubs and resorts in 29 states follow a “golf for everyone” theme. It is anchored by inclusion – promoting a sense of belonging – for all involved in owning, operating and frequenting Indigo Golf Partners-managed properties.

Since its founding in 1989, Indigo Golf Partners’ unwavering vision is to be the best operator in the history of golf; mission is to create safe, fun and enjoyable experiences daily; and responsibility is to generate healthy business returns for owners of daily-fee and private golf clubs.

With utmost attention to member and guest satisfaction, Indigo Golf Partners’ growth is fueled by advancements in all facets of modernday golf and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, datadriven marketing, HOA integration, technology, special events and financial management.

“We believe golf is for everyone and our goal is to lead the industry with innovations for current and future generations,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of Indigo Golf Partners. “With a rapid pace of cultural, health and economic change all around us, now is the time for our entrepreneurial company to further evolve.

“We are stronger and more courageous than ever building tools and cultivating hard-working, well-trained, caring, collaborative and high-performing talent for our managed properties and the sport of golf at large to thrive.”

Indigo Golf Partners added 21 properties to its portfolio, and renewed

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15 partnerships, the past 12 months, demonstrating the benefits of outsourcing management for substantially increased revenue generation and profitability that come with crisp execution and economies of scale.

The company has also acquired and leased several courses.

“In today’s world of dynamic shifts in our personal and professional lives, golf is becoming increasingly regionalized and localized,” says Alex Elmore, President of Indigo Golf Partners. “Filling tee sheets at optimum rates doesn’t happen by accident, and course owners who professionalize their operations and marketing are positioned to capture greater market share.”

Within the $84.1 billion annual golf economy, Indigo Golf Partners is universally recognized for introducing tens of thousands of golfers to the game and inspire lapsed players to return each year. The result is record-high revenue for Indigo Golf Partners-managed courses and increased lifetime value of guests and members.

The company is also known for its pioneering ACE the Guest / Member Experience and Superintendent Business Institute bestpractices learning modules; “World’s Largest Golf Outing” that raised more than $3,500,000 for military charities; “GoFutures” laboratory for prototyping forward-thinking course management concepts; “4 MORE” people-, data- and technology-driven stimuli to grow repeat foursome rounds; and “Indigo Green” environmental sustainability in compliance with Audubon International certification requirements.

More information: www.indigogolf.com, 703.761.1444.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Costa Caribe Golf and Country Club

Discover Puerto Rico Golf For Tropical Island Getaways SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Golfers love warm weather that allows them to play in sun-kissed comfort during fall and winter.

They also prefer destinations where many lodging, restaurant, and after-golf activities exist. Puerto Rico is tailor-made to provide traveling golfers with the things they seek. Here are two stay-and-play packages that are representative of the 18 diverse yet complementary courses and numerous resorts on the Island.

Costa Caribe Stay and Play Package includes: • Unlimited golf at Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club, home to 27 holes adjacent to the ocean on one side, mountains on the other • Standard room accommodation with garden or ocean view at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort • Breakfast buffet for two persons at La Terraza Restaurant • Two DonQ welcome drinks • Starting from $189 per night, per room For reservations and additional details, please call 787-259-7676 or email reservations@hilton.com Code: PGGSP1 Golf Experiences Package at The St. Regis Bahia Beach includes: Choice of two rounds of golf at the 18-hole, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course, or two spa treatments at Iridium Spa per stay • Daily Breakfast for two at Seagrapes • Minimum three nights • 20 percent off additional rounds of golf • 20 percent off additional spa treatments Call 1-800-228-9290 for additional details pertaining to the package. Enter ZJ4 in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation Not only are the Island’s playing venues fun and scenic, several are rated among the best in the Caribbean and Mexico. They offer an array of options to suit each player’s tastes, with a range of price points, terrain features, and designs from some of the game’s greats. These include Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Fazio, Tom Kite, Rees Jones, and Gary Player.

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Ocean, mountain, and rain forest views await from many of Puerto Rico’s courses. El Yunque is a spectacular rain forest that can be seen from several Puerto Rico golf courses, including at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve’s Championship Course, where the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open is played annually, and from the Ocean and River courses at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort.

Unfathomably beautiful ocean views await at Royal Isabela and Punta Borinquen, both perched atop seaside cliffs on the Island’s Northwest Coast. Near San Juan, Ponce, and Humacao, the courses in Dorado Beach, Bahia Beach, Costa Caribe, and Palmas Athletic Club are adjacent to the ocean, with holes parallel to the sandy beaches and turquoise surf.

Each Puerto Rico visit starts with a warm welcome (“Bienvenidos”) and continues everywhere you explore. The Island is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music, and the people (“Boricua”) are genuinely gracious and hospitable. With 78 municipalities, many with unique customs and distinct “personality,” there’s always another interesting place to discover nearby after golf.

If you’re in Puerto Rico, you’re already pretty lucky, but if you’re feeling extra charmed, try visiting some of the many casinos throughout the Island. Whether you’re a fan of blackjack, poker, or the slots, there are plenty of places for you to play your cards right.

Your trip will be enhanced by Puerto Rico’s food. With more than 4,000 restaurants, the choices are tantalizing. Try dishes such as mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains and lechón, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin. Be ready to experience the distinctive spice that characterizes Afro-Caribbean cuisine. If you don’t have time to sample the wide variety of local dishes, consider trying out a food tour to sample the Island’s flavors.

Puerto Rico is an American territory that does not require a passport for American citizens, is bilingual, uses the U.S. dollar for currency, and is the air hub of the Caribbean.

For Puerto Rico travel guidelines, visit https://www. discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines. For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Tasmania Golf Cruise from Voyages.Golf Voyages.Golf in association with Events Travel have chartered Coral Expeditions brand new CORAL GEOGRAPHER for a one-way cruise from Melbourne to Hobart departing February 8, 2022.

World ranked golf courses include Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes on King Island, Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm near Bridport, the Tasmania Golf Club and Royal Hobart in the capital. An optional 2-night pre-cruise experience playing the famed Royal Melbourne West Course staying at Sofitel on Collins is also available. The cruise ends with 3-nights in Hobart at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection hotel opening in April 2021, creating an 11-night trip or a 13-night trip with further extensions possible.

King Island is a remote location in Bass Strait with two of the best golf courses anywhere. Cape Wickham Links is rated #21 in the world by Golf Digest USA with Ocean Dunes ranked #4 best public course in Australia. On the North East Coast of Tasmania is Barnbougle Dunes, ranked #16 and Barnbougle Lost Farm at #47 in the world - truly a golfer’s dream come true. Sailing for 8 days we also visit the Tarkine Wilderness, The Tamar River, cruise down the East Coast via Wineglass Bay, Ile de Phoques, Schouten, and Maria Islands. Ultimately, you’ll enjoy Bruny Island’s rugged coastline whilst on board and experience what Bruny Island offers in the way of produce aided by superb Tasmanian wines.

Included with the 11-night Expedition is a 3-night stay at The Tasman, a brand-new Luxury Collection Hotel in Hobart opening in 2021, located in a 19th century heritage listed building. We also visit Mount Wellington, Battery Point and MONA for some artistic enlightenment completing the Expedition with a Brewery visit and a farewell dinner in Hobart. Guests depart Hobart on the 19thFebruary, or we can arrange extensions individually.

Prior to the Cruise an optional 2-night stay in Melbourne at the Sofitel on Collins is offered. Golfers will enjoy a round at the most famous Sandbelt course, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club ranked #1

in Australia and #5 in the world, with transport and lunch included.

The memorabilia in the club house is enough to ensure a fabulous start to this golf cruise. Non golfers will experience a visit to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest shopping mall at Chadstone with ample free time to explore the designer stores, or they can relax and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.

This is an all-inclusive cruise with complimentary Wi-Fi, all transportation; airport to airport, 6 rounds of world-class golf, an interesting escorted itinerary for non- golfers, premium beers & a selection of quality wines with gourmet lunches & dinners throughout the itinerary all included. Expeditions to the Tarkine Wilderness or Stanley are included, with selected walks plus wine tastings and other culinary activities such as the visit to Pipers Brook Winery and an onboard culinary experience at Bruny Island.

All guests will receive a superb Golf Travel Kit from Voyages.Golf including a cap, a Signature Experience Polo shirt, and a high-quality souvenir traveller’s Windbreaker. Golfers will also receive branded golf accessories including golf balls and tees.

With four decks to choose from, the Coral Geographer is an ideal vessel for the numbers of guests anticipated. This ship is the best of its kind in Australian waters for a high-quality, hands on golf-cruise experience.

Small ship luxury Expedition Cruising offers peace of mind with like-minded guests and staff. Coral Geographer sails with a team of 40 aided by 6 staff from Voyages.Golf primarily focused on Golf Operations, pre & post Cruise Transport, Hotels, Luggage, Golf Clubs and Functions.

Importantly, the significance in catering to non-golfers is recognized. The ships Expedition Crew have an interesting and engaging program for these special guests, or they can simply rest and enjoy a good book – cruising is about relaxation and absorbing one’s surroundings whether at sea or ashore.

For more information visit: www.voyages.golf

Cape Wickham Golf Course

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CAMBODIA’S BEST VATTANAC GOLF RESORT OPENS SECOND SIR NICK FALDO CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE IN PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

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cottsdale, AZ – Troon®, the leader in club management, development, and marketing, is delighted to announce the opening of the second Sir Nick Faldo designed Championship Course at Vattanac Golf Resort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The newly opened ‘West Course’ will also be managed by Troon International, the international operating division of Troon, who were brought in by Mr. Vattanac six months ago.

The opening of the “West Course” aligns with the “East Course” being recognized as ‘Cambodia’s Best Golf Course’ at the recent World Golf Awards. The World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf and is part of the World Travel Awards. The “East Course”, with imposing character and striking identity, has received high praise from golfers the world over. Set within captivating natural surroundings, the “East” is a strategic golf course that utilizes dramatic water features, creative bunkering and various forms of native fauna to challenge golfers of all levels.

Sir Nick Faldo has designed both Championship Courses at Vattanac Golf Resort and the new “West Course” compliments the existing “East Course”. The two courses provide a spectacular setting around famous cultural expressions that include scale models of Khmer historical architectural sites, such as: Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear and Bayon. Positioned on the 7th hole of the new course, one statue pays heritage to King Jayavarman VII, from the Angkor period, who represents one of the most energetic reigns in Cambodian history.

The “West Course” will certainly contend with the “East Course” as not only one of the best in Cambodia, but also one of the best in Asia. The West Course has distinctive differences from the East Course, of which are defined by narrower and more undulating fairways, a variety of unique water features and testing Paspalum greens. Cultural sculptures and stunning landscaping attribute to the striking scenery of Cambodia’s newest golf course. The “West” is a rewarding test of skill for players of all levels, featuring 5 sets of tees, starting at 4,935 yards, right through to 7,249 yards.

Sir Nick Faldo heralded the opening “It’s a great moment to see the West Course now open and ready to play. The West Course complements the East Course magnificently with its fluid shaping giving the design its own identity.

“Much like the East, the West Course project focused

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heavily on celebrating the amazing culture in Cambodia and Vattanac Golf Resort’s surrounding environment to create the course’s truly unique character. By integrating cultural inspiration into the landscape, like the Terrace of Elephants replica statue or the Dragon Lake for example, the course has a real sense of place and its local features help to create an unforgettable experience.

“The West Course offers a slightly more intimate look and feel to the resort’s East, but just like the East it offers different strategic challenges with fairway positioning and shot choice crucial for players looking to find reward and an inviting line to the green. It certainly asks questions of golfers’ game-management, long, short, left or right from the tee can find difficulty and create a complicated hole. However, with five tee sets the course is accessible to all with something for every golfer, from the very best to the very beginner, so, importantly, enjoyment out on the course will not be hard to come by.”

Cambodia’s luxury golf resort now moves into the next phase of the

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integrated resort development that will soon include Night Golf and a world acclaimed Golf Academy.

Karl Whitehead, General Manager at Vattanac Golf Resort, commented: “We are extremely excited at what we are creating here, following Mr. Vattanac’s vision, and look forward to delivering a new standard of golf resort in South East Asia that will be compared to the world’s best. The Golf Academy is a key component of this project as Mr. Vattanac is extremely passionate about Growing the Game of golf in Cambodia”.

Future developments of Vattanac Golf Resort will see a stateof-the-art Clubhouse offering dining, retail and spa, complimented by a luxury hotel and residential community. “Our excitement continues to build as our vision is coming to life and we thank Troon for their expert management since we brought them on board. The West Course has received wonderful reviews from our local golfers since opening for play on the 17th October. We are extremely

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proud to have two Sir Nick Faldo designed Championship Courses and we look forward to continuing to develop our Golf Resort in the coming months to be ready to welcome tourists to our new golf destination”, said Sam Ang Vattanac, owner of Vattanac Golf Resort.

Mark Chapleski, President of Troon International, remarked: “Cambodia certainly has a new golf destination and we are proud to be part of this world class project. Mr. Vattanac’s passion for quality is infectious and we share his ambition to make Vattanac Golf Resort a landmark for golf, not only in the region, but worldwide. Stay tuned for phase two, that will take Vattanac Golf Resort to the next level”.

To take a sneak peek into early photography of the “West Course”, click here.

For more information on Vattanac Golf Resort, visit www. vattanacgolfresort.com.

Golf Vacations • December 2020 17

Holiday Golf

Rumbling Bald, Apple Valley Course No. 7

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Arou

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Travel Guide

by Shane Sharp

Golf Packages und the Carolinas www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations • December 2020 19

The numbers are in.

Golf rounds played in across the U.S. were up again, yearover-year, in September and October, continuing a mercurial rise that began in May once courses around the country reopened amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

A few months ago, it was easy to attribute golf’s gain to other activities still being shuttered, particularly youth sports, live events and movie theaters.

But with many cities and states and fully reopened, it’s clear the sport’s growth is also due to other factors. New golfers are sticking with it, experienced golfers are playing more, and the weather throughout most the country has been abnormally warm this fall.

Especially in the Carolinas, where high temps have been in the 70s this fall.

In December, golfers can expect highs in the 50s the Piedmont of North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, and 60s in along the South Carolina coast. From the mountains to the Sandhills, here is a triumvirate of holiday shoulder season packages from around the Old North and Palmetto States.

Donald Ross Package “Evergreen” Rates at Pinehurst Resort The holiday season is an underrated time to visit the North Carolina Sandhills and Pinehurst Resort. The USGA’s new future second home is the setting of its famed No. 2 Course, recently minted as a U.S. Open “Anchor Site” starting with the 2024 edition.

From a golf consumer standpoint, November through February presents an extended, value-laden period (potential frost delays notwithstanding). Rates on golf packages like the everpopular Donald Ross drop more than 50% through the winter.

You can book a two-night stay in The Carolina, three rounds of golf on any of the resort’s nine golf courses and enjoy Pinehurst’s famous Southern breakfast and a three-course dinner each night starting at $713 in as of Nov. 29. There’s a surcharge for playing No. 2, but if you’re on a budget and want to stick to the package as is, you can still enjoy premium tracks like No. 4, No. 8 and No. 9.

As for what to pack, December and January highs are usually in the 50s and February is back into the 60s. There can be big swings in highs and lows, so be sure to check the weather before packing.

For more information, visit www.pinehurst.com

Pinehurst Resort, No. 2 Course 13th hole

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Cherokee Valley 13th Hole Looking Back

Cherokee Valley Course and Club Cottage Packages For traveling golfers, or local groups in search of a golf vacation near the burgeoning small city of Greenville, S.C., Cherokee Valley Course and Club is the Upstate region’s premier golf destination. Its collection of on-site cottages feature four master suites with one or two beds in each, five full bathrooms, great room and wrap-around porches.

They are conveniently located just a few steps from the golf shop and first tee. Full cottage rentals start at $400 and single rooms at $130, per night (tax not included). Golf can be added for $30 or $50 all-day subject to availability.

Rumbling Bald Resort Golf Packages Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure, offers golf packages customized for golf groups of any size, and ideal for weekend or weekday buddy trips.

Starting at $345 per person, resort’s “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses, breakfast both days and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Lodging options include the recently updated Apple Valley Studios and twoand four-bedroom Fairway Villas.

Ideally located 30 minutes north of award-winning downtown Greenville and 45 minutes from the craft beer capital of Asheville, N.C. Cherokee Valley is the perfect basecamp for exploring the beauty and adventure of the western Carolinas.

Paying homage to the rescheduled 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald is offering a limited availability “Ryder Cup Package.” The resort’s expert golf vacation planners will design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

Or guests and park the car and stay on campus if they’d prefer. Cherokee Valley’s full-service restaurant, CORE 450, is opening in December. Led by Executive Chef Todd Warden, it features a contemporary, engaging and casual theme with a diverse menu ranging from small plates and pizza to five course meals.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and resort hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres, and unlimited use of the practice facilities.

For more information, visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com

For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com

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Golf Vacations • December 2020 21

Best in the DOD

by David R. Holland

USAFA’s Eisenho 22 Golf Vacations • December 2020

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ower Golf CluB www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations • December 2020 23

Eisenhower Golf Course

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lmost as spacious as the wild blue yonder, the United States Air Force Academy spans more than 18,000 acres of the Razorback Foothills in the Rampart Range just north of Colorado Springs. Elevations climb to 7,100 feet with ponderosa pines and scrub oak dotting a rugged landscape that’s home to deer, elk, black squirrels, bears, mountain lions and wild turkeys as well as cadets earning the right to be the next generation of Air Force officers.

But like any college campus, sports are key to providing a competitive spirit, a camaraderie amongst classmates, a break from the rigorous schedule of academia and a haven for relaxation. That was the idea 100 private citizens had when they formed the Air Force Academy Foundation back in the late 1950s and donated money to build the Eisenhower Blue Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Many believe it is the best golf course in the Department of Defense. And last year the popular course opened a new clubhouse.

Ranked No. 5 in Colorado by Golf Digest, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, dedicated the course on July 8, 1963, with a ceremonial tee shot at No. 1. When Ike’s drive went woefully crooked, someone from the galley shouted, “mulligan”, so our 34th president obliged with a second, downthe-middle drive. The persimmon driver he used is displayed in the Eisenhower Room on the second floor of the clubhouse.

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Former Colorado Governor Dan Thornton, Randolph Scott and J.E. Manning, chairman of the foundation, first met with Pres. Eisenhower in 1958 at the White House to discuss the course and ask Ike’s permission to use his name.

Today, there are two golf courses on the campus, the Eisenhower Blue and Silver layouts, and there’s a history many haven’t heard. Tiger Woods played here in an EastWest Junior match when he was 16, and it was also host to Sam Snead and Jimmy Demaret in a 1966 Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match. Shell has only revisited Colorado once since then, when Phil Mickelson took on Colin Montgomerie at Cordillera in 1997.

Hale Irwin, Dale Douglass, Jonathan Kaye, Steve Jones, Tom Watson, Tim Herron, J.C. Snead, Tom Kite, Johnny Miller, Andy North, Mike Reid, Bobby Clampett, Jay Don Blake, and Fuzzy Zoeller are other pros who have played here. And legendary North Carolina hoops coach, Lieutenant Dean Smith, was the very first golf coach at The Air Force Academy. Back in those days it was an “additional duty” to his assistant basketball coaching job.

No one knows the history of golf here better than Gene Miranda, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, who served as golf coach for 28 seasons -- 14 as an Air Force officer and 14 as a civilian. He also served as the AFA’s PGA Master Professional and Director of Instruction. Every year he showed the cadet www.golfvacationsmag.com

golf team the video of the Snead-Demaret Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match, getting to know it well and collecting stories about those two days, which Miranda says were so cold they had to pay locals $5 to become the gallery. Even though it went down in the record books as a Snead win, shooting 74 to Demaret’s 76, Miranda’s keen eye caught something from watching the film so many times.

“Snead knocked a drive in the lateral water hazard at No. 17 (now No. 8), a 453-yard par four,” Miranda said. “On this day there was just a little water in the hazard, with loose rocks on the bottom. The film shows Snead moving the rocks around with his feet getting a stance. That’s a rules violation. You can’t move loose impediments in a water hazard -- it should have been a two-stroke penalty.”

Snead must not have been too happy about his score, because Miranda said he gave his local caddy, Sgt. Clarence Tomlinson, a nasty attitude both days. When they reached No. 18, a 577-yard par five, with a 90-degree dogleg left, Snead asked Tomlinson if he could carry the corner over a huge bunker. “I don’t know if you can, Mr. Snead,” Tomlinson answered, “but I can.”

What Snead and Demaret discovered on their visit to the AFA was foothills terrain very much like land where The Broadmoor is situated. And putting is paramount to scoring.

Eisenhower Golf Course

Eisenhower Blue No. 11 - par 5

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Golf Vacations • December 2020 25

“In the early days of the Eisenhower Blue Course, putting was probably harder than at The Broadmoor,” said Miranda, who also served as general manager at Colorado Springs’ Gleneagle Golf Club. “Putts never turned into the mountains, always away. But there has been so much verti-cutting over the years, it took away much of the grain. Still, there are few straight putts on the property and it causes problems for the AFA’s golf team -- when they go on the road they want to read too much break into putts.”

Another Miranda memory concerns the Pikes Peak Intercollegiate. From the late 1960s through 1971, 18 holes were played on the Blue Course and 36 at The Broadmoor the first week of May. “The weather was always iffy bringing rain, sleet, snow and wind. The records show one year Hale Irwin shot an 86, probably in snow,” said Miranda, who is in the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. “The Air Force Academy also cohosted the 1969 NCAA Championships at The Broadmoor and he remembers a freshman from Stanford named Tom Watson winning the long drive trophy with a 320-yarder off the East Course’s No. 1 with a persimmon driver and balata ball.

In 1995 when the Falcon Invitational, now named the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational, was played on Blue Course, Miranda recalled a day when the greens turned to surfaces as quick as the hood of a Dodge pickup.

“It was October and the water had already been turned

off for the winter,” he recalled. “Well, that night before the tournament there was a frost. That dehydrated the greens and made them roll 12 on the Stimp meter. A kid from Utah in the very first foursome seven-putted the first green. The maintenance staff had set the pins and this one was on a knob.

The ball just kept rolling back to the kid’s feet. We knew we had a big problem so I got a golf cart and filled trash cans with water. We hauled them around to the greens with the toughest pin placements. After we poured water around the holes it helped greatly to slow down the greens.”

The undulating bent-grass greens of the Blue Course and bluegrass fairways roll out today to 7,301 from the back, Falcon Tees. There are no houses, no out of bounds, a generous amount of directional and greenside bunkers, but very little water. “It reminds me of the Olympic Club in San Francisco,” Miranda says. “You just hit it and go find it.”

The eleventh is considered the most scenic. It is a 557-yard par 5 that doglegs left with water fronting the green. No. 15 is another favorite -- a difficult 480-yard par four with a dogleg right with a challenging green and greenside bunker. No. 17 is a daunting 216-yard par three with a kidney-shaped green, and presents a tiny target when the pin is tucked into the right corner.

There’s no water on the finishing hole, but this 434-yard par four has bite. “I always told the golf team that if the pin is back and left and you hit it to the right side of the green it is just

New clubhouse

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Eisenhower Blue No. 10

like putting it in water,” Miranda said. “Not many will be able to two putt.”

Frank Hummel designed the Silver Course at The Air Force Academy, which opened in 1976. It measures only 6,510 yards from the tips, but your score could be just as high because of slick greens and uneven lies. “The Silver Course is shorter and tighter and was supposed to be built as an executive par 68, but was ultimately turned into a regulation par 72,” Miranda said.

“It could be stretched out to 6,800 yards, but complements the Blue Course and can be just a tough with the same tricky putting characteristics dominated by the foothills.”

Longer hitters can drive three of the short par fours -- six, fifteen and sixteen are downhill and only 360, 356 and 370 yards. Water comes into play on eight holes including No. 17, the signature hole. It’s downhill 211 yards to a narrow green with water left and sand right. This looks like an easy target from the tee, but it can be frustrating.

Cadets, active duty military, Department of Defense civilians, retirees and guests can play the two golf courses at The Academy.

Coach Miranda just turned 81 years old and his buddies say he continues to be a factor in the scoring department.

For more information visit: https://www.usafasupport.com/ golf-club.html David R. Holland is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. He served as a medical administer at the USAFA Hospital.

Polaris Hall USAFA new building

One might be surprised to hear that the Air Force Academy ranks as one of Colorado’s most frequently visited man-made attractions. The Visitors Center features informative exhibits on cadet life as well as a 250-seat theater, a complete line of Academy merchandise, cafeteria, gift shop and nature trail leading to the Cadet Chapel, which is being refurbished.

The money collected from the Visitors Center helps support all 27 men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports with little assistance from taxpayers. Military golf courses are selfsustaining and their profits contribute to many other “nonappropriated” moral and welfare activities not funded by the taxpayers. Because of Covid-19 concerns the base is closed to visitors presently unless you have a valid military ID. www.golfvacationsmag.com

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SWEETSTUFF Honma XP-1 Driver

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ith the emphasis on driving distance these days—and hitting it as far as you can—manufacturers are stepping to the plate with the latest technology to enable players on all levels to maximize their abilities with the Big Stick.

Honma Golf, the venerable golf club company that was founded six decades ago in Sakata, Japan and has now gained world-wide stature with its performance clubs going all the way to the tour level, has branched out in an effort to reach the largest segment of the golfing market—the mid to high handicapper.

The XP-1 driver is one of Honma’s most popular clubs in the game improvement category—and comes loaded with some of the latest technological features that could easily make it the favorite club in your bag.

Designed for players that swing a driver 94 miles an hour or less, the XP-1 Is considerably lighter than most drivers, especially with what Honma calls the industry’s lightest carbon crown. Its use allows for internal draw-bias weighting, a low center of gravity that results in a higher launch, and a high moment of inertia that translates to stability at impact. The clubhead’s “Double Slot” technology lets the entire front of the driver flex inward at impact, with more flex occurring in the heel and toe to help retain speed and accuracy on mishits, including shot enhancing gear effect--before rebounding outward and

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catapulting shots forward with some thrust that results in greater distance.

It is said that the shaft is the real engine of the club and for the XP-1 Honma has developed a proprietary shaft that makes this club extremely easy to hit. Honma designed and produced a new series of lightweight VIZARD shafts in its Sakata plant to complement the performance of the XP-1 head. The new ultra-light 43 and 63-gram VIZARD shafts have a unique blend of a soft mid-section and higher torque with enough stiffness in the butt and tip to allow the golfer to feel the head for better timing and deliver it consistently to impact with more speed. In various tests these light shafts have even held up with higher swing speeds.

The exclusive Honma non-rotating adjustable hosel maintains the precisely located shaft spine in the same location while offering a multitude of settings for face angle, loft and lie angle. The torque wrench supplied with the club allows you to make custom adjustments to fine tune settings for your own game. The club sets up nicely at address—and with all the adjustment features you can really dial it in.

“We are thrilled to bring the many decades of club-making knowledge and shaping talent of Honma’s master craftsmen to game-improvement golfers with XP-1.

This product line is incredibly beautiful and exceptionally playable and will help golfers with a wide range of skill levels enjoy the game even more,” said Chris McGinley, Honma’s Vice President of Global Product.

The golf equipment-rating website MyGolfSpy has named the XP-1 as its best driver for slower swing speeds, while also praising Honma’s newest driver—the TR20 460—for its Top 5 finish among all drivers and swing speeds from tests performed earlier this year.

“We were also very pleased to see this,” added McGinley. “It proves that TR-20 works well across all swing speed categories.”

Honma also works to fit the right club to the right player. The Honma Mobile Experience, which will come to many golf clubs by setting up an appointment on the website for a custom fit—is absolutely free.

The program was launched in 2019 on a national scale in the US with a fleet of mobile vans that have all the tools such as launch monitors to measure a player’s swing characteristics—including expert fitters that

can custom design a Honma club.

“Honma believes in custom fitting its clubs—and it has been great for us to watch the players who appreciate the optimization we can give,” said Nick Dini, the territory manager in Southern California and a master club fitter. “We also have pre-determined mobile fitting days with our network of courses, so that is another option as well.”

For more info or to schedule a fitting: www.us.honmagolf.com.

FootJoy Jacket

HydroTour

Rain

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ootJoy is meeting the fall and winter seasons this year with a new addition to its rainwear lineup that has been designed to be the ultimate in protection from the elements.

The new HydroTour™ rain jacket is the latest addition to FJ’s HydroSeries™ of rain gear that includes the HydroKnit™ and HydroLite™ jackets, along with rain pants for those days when mother nature just will not cooperate. The HydroTour jacket makes good on its intention to be a jacket that gives maximum protection from both the cold and rain—in the most extreme conditions, featuring the new proprietary DrySeal™ technology that is 100% waterproof.

Utilizing a double collar, DrySeal features an inner collar system with a stay dry cinch cord that keeps rain out, as well as drainage grommets to move water away from the collar opening, delivering maximum waterproof protection.

Designed as FJ’s most innovative rain jacket, HydroTour

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SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

features a three-panel construction with fewer seams and premium, multi-directional stretch fabric, providing full range of motion throughout the golf swing while delivering maximum protection in cooler conditions.

The minimalist, yet highly protective jacket offers protection in cool, wet conditions and boasts a waterproof rating above 20,000mm of water column pressure. This jacket is very well constructed with a full cut design that is comfortable—with plenty of room for under layers—yet avoids sloppiness and unneeded bulk. The adjustable sleeve with Velcro adjustments also helps make this jacket super watertight, and the four pockets in the jacket—three outside and one on the inside—make it very handy for all your accessories.

This jacket is perfect for colder weather as the heaviest of the Hydro series yet is light enough—and very breathable—even when the conditions are just slightly chilly.

“We wanted to design a rain jacket that was the ultimate seal from the elements,” said PJ Skurla, Senior Apparel Designer for FootJoy. “The combination of 3-panel construction with the DrySeal Technology collar minimizes any chance of rainwater reaching the body, keeping you dry and comfortable in the worst conditions.”

For those looking to compare FootJoy’s rain wear selections, the new Outerwear Selector allows you to find the right rain protection to keep you dry and playing through any weather. Find the right outerwear layering that best fits your climate conditions at www. footjoy.com/outerwearfinder.

“All of the outerwear we bring to market is geared towards comfort and protecting golfers from the elements,” said Chad Crocker, Product Manager, FJ Apparel. “We offer a multitude of performance products to extend the golf season and we are truly committed to make every day playable.”

For more information: www.footjoy.com

Virtual Lesson

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ince the Covid-19 pandemic hit early this year, just about everything we do has undergone a transformation of some kind.

Getting better at golf is certainly one of them.

Although golf instruction via the internet as opposed to live sessions in a studio or at an outdoor driving range are nothing new, the ease and popularity of taking instruction on-line have made tremendous strides—and virtual lessons are becoming the new norm.

Just like in the business world, new and better technical tools are making it much easier to get instruction without ever having to leave home in many instances—or at least your home course.

With the golf industry seeing rejuvenated participation across North America, a growing segment of golfers is taking advantage of the ability to take remote lessons from top teaching pros, anytime and anywhere. V1 Sports (V1), which has enjoyed a leading position in the video swing analysis industry, reports record numbers of video lessons this past year. Using the V1 Pro (for teaching pros) and V1 Golf (for golfers) software and mobile apps, the company reported a record year for virtual lessons.

Earlier this year, V1, who saw users surpass the four-million mark in online lessons earlier this year, made significant upgrades and improvements to its mobile platforms, including a sleek, efficient user interface.

“In many ways, 2020 has served as a tipping point for the

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utilization of technologies that enable people to be productive from home or anywhere, they may be. The V1 Golf and V1 Pro apps connect instructors and golfers in a way that tightens the student/coach bond and gives golfers the satisfaction of improving on an accelerated pace,” noted V1 Sports CEO Bryan Finnerty.

The month of September saw the most lessons delivered by V1 in a month in the last five years--and a 55% increase over 2019’s digital lesson total.

For those that have taken lessons— but only the in-person variety—a virtual lesson can be an eye-opener.

For starters, you can take it anywhere, which is a big plus in not having to make an appointment and then travel

to an instructor’s facility. One of the best features is that after easily sending videos of your swing to an instructor via the app, you get a custom video swing analysis back via email with comments and instructional lines drawn on the screen that you many times don’t get during an in-person lesson. It gives you something to study and refer to during practice sessions that you can put in our pocket! If you have questions, instructors can answer those via phone while both of you look at the video.

“It’s the next best thing to being there for a lesson in person,” said Eric Woods of GolfLab, who has been a V1 instructor for many years and works from his studio in Southern California. “In many ways it is more convenient than an in-person lesson. We have found that 80% of players come back for more instruction.”

Among the academies seeing a continued rise in lessons delivered is the Mike Bender Golf Academy in Orlando, Florida. Academy founder Mike Bender, the 2009 PGA of America National Teacher of the Year, said their remote lesson business was growing as an extension of their in-person golf schools prior to COVID-19 restrictions on travel and gathering, but has skyrocketed in recent months.

“People have a better understanding of the value of following up in between golf schools and lessons with remote instruction and they are realizing just how personalized, detail-oriented and effective an online lesson can be,” Bender added. “The easy-to-use V1 Golf app and the slick process of sharing swing videos keeps our students on a track of improvement, even if they’re contacting us from Mexico, Venezuela or Germany.”

For more information on V1 virtual lessons, visit www.v1sports. com and https://v1sports.com/athletes/online-golf-lessons/

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SWEETSTUFF

Laboratories, Inc., that found amateur golfers wearing Sqairz, as compared with those wearing other shoes, gained an average of 2.2 miles per hour in swing speed and 8.8 yards in distance off the tee.

“Golfers should be considering their shoes as a piece of equipment - just as they would a driver, putter or ball--and finding the brand that helps them perform at their best,” added Winskowicz.

“What the modern game has shown is that increased distance leads to better scores, and lower handicaps.”

Additionally, a study conducted last year at famed Pinehurst Resort, found that driving distance, ball speed, shot dispersion and smash factor all improved when golfers wore replaceable cleats instead of spikeless footwear.

These are among the most comfortable shoes on the market with its ample toe box and the flexibility to walk for miles. Among the other technological innovations in this shoe are the heel stabilizer that centers the heel and assists in full range of motion while preventing foot roll-over injury and the hybrid sole that has replaceable cleats augmented with nubs for greater connection to the ground, fostering maximum torque that translates into distance. The cleats positioned directly under the pressure points are colored red.

In addition, the custom insole provides added compression in the pressure point areas and works in concert with the outsole design for comfort, balance, and stability. Another new and innovative feature is the Stay-Put lace design that has raised silicone square nubs that keeps laces locked in throughout the round.

Sqairz Golf Shoe

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brand new entrant into the golf footwear arena has taken a decidedly different approach—but appears to be fulfilling the promise and the goals that the company set out when they first came on the scene at the beginning of this year.

Sqairz has taken the approach with its design that like many models of golf clubs—it is a game-improvement piece of equipment and can actually help with your set-up position and to hit the ball further—and has testing results to prove it.

“Every great shot starts in the feet, so our mission has been to develop a shoe with features and innovations that help every golfer create more great shots,” said Robert Winskowicz, SQAIRZ founder and longtime golf industry veteran. “We believe that SQAIRZ achieves this by helping golfers get in the right foot position more often, while providing more ground connection, balance and stability– allowing them to hit more accurate and longer shots.”

Added Winskowicz, recent golf shoe enhancements primarily have focused on two features: comfort and style. This ignores the critical role that the shoe, and its connection to the ground, plays in supporting balance and creating torque for the modern power swing. With its focus on performance, as well as comfort and style, SQAIRZ’s first line of shoes has created a triumvirate that turns shoes from apparel into equipment.

The company even instituted a study, conducted in June by Golf

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The shoes were developed by award-winning designers Joe Napurano and Jonathan Morris, who specialize in biomechanics and design ergonomics and have decades of experience with global footwear brands including New Balance, Fila and Reebok. Sqairz have been endorsed by Sir Nick Faldo, the six-time major champion who calls them the best golf shoes he has ever worn.

They seem to have thought about every nuisance that make this shoe both extremely comfortable and a champion when it comes to performance.

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SWEETSTUFF In addition, the company also has a Spikes for Life program that provides replacements as long as the shoe lasts.

Spikes typically last about 12-15 rounds before they begin to break down, which can translate into a new set between 1 to 3 times per year. Golfers now can access free replacements, paying only shipping and handling, from Squairz.

Available online, Sqairz shoes feature youth, men’s, and women’s styles in a full range of sizes, as well as four colors.

For more information, visit www. sqairz.com.

Dry Glove

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ne of the oldest problems that many golfers face—and with little or no solution—is what to do about perspiration on your hands while playing.

Not only does it tend to ruin your glove, but damp or wet hands tend to make players grip the club too tight and can lead to loss of distance and control.

A new product from Dry Glove USA has been introduced that not only keeps hands dry but helps preserve golf gloves in the process by limiting perspiration on the

hands during the round.

Players often change gloves frequently during play due to excessive perspiration.

Dry Glove solves this problem by keeping hands dry for hours, is non-sticky, nonchalky, odorless and dries in seconds. A small amount goes a long way—just rub a small amount in your hand before the round—and make sure you cover thumb areas where sweat builds up and can ruin gloves. Hands will stay dry for several hours, helping preserve expensive gloves. The lotion can be reapplied as often as needed.

“Our goal was to develop a product that not only keeps golfer’s hands dry, but extends the life of expensive golf gloves and other sports gloves,” said Dry Glove USA founder Brad Nazzarini, a former college golfer for the University of Alabama who has also played professionally. “We’re eager to improve golfers and other athletes’ comfort and enhance overall performance. Using Dry Glove will give the user a better grip in any condition--especially hot and humid weather.”

Dry Glove can also be used for any sport requiring dry hands and the use of gloves-including racquetball, baseball, tennis, pickleball, weightlifting, hockey, cycling and others.

Dry Glove antiperspirant lotion can be purchased at https://drygloveusa.com/, amazon.com and ebay.com.

MagnaReady Jacket

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f there is one thing that golfers never get tired of—it is always looking for that new thing they have not tried before. When it comes to clothing, it is probably harder than ever to find something that is really new.

But MagnaReady®—a company that uses magnets for closures in the front and pockets—has introduced an incredibly unique jacket that is great for those early morning tee times in the fall and winter—or just about anywhere.

The company’s first-ever long-sleeve knit jacket for men with its patented magnetic closure system has a comfortable fit, soft feel and plenty of pockets—which golfers love. The machine washable jacket features magnetic closures that “button themselves” to hold shut the front of the jacket as well as the pockets. Just slip on the sleeves, line one side of the jacket front up over the other, and click, click, click it will snap itself shut for

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effortless and stress-free dressing.

This 60% Cotton 40% Poly fleece in the ‘Dillon’ jacket fit utilizes MagnaReady® patented adaptive technology – magnetized closures at the front placket combined with a classic fit for stress-free dressing. It features a knitted fleece fabric offering a luxurious look and feel good just about anywhere.

Additional features include a knitted rib tail, self-fabric turn back cuffs and concealed magnetic closures at placket and pockets.

Because of the ease of opening the jacket and its pockets, this jacket can help players that have physical limitations: such as issues with limited mobility in hands and fingers that can make it difficult to maneuver zippers, buttons and snaps; for golfers with arthritis, MS, Parkinson’s, missing limbs, stroke side-effects and dozens of other mobility-limiting health conditions.

The MagnaReady Dillon jacket is now available at https://juniperunltd.com/ collections/magna-ready

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SWEETSTUFF Kentwool Merino Wool Socks

comfortable than most cotton or synthetic materials, but is naturally absorbent, odor resistant, and breathable. This combination creates an extremely long lasting, luxuriousfeeling sock.

For more info visit: www.kentwool.com

Insta Steam

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n the wintertime there is no better feeling than a nice comfortable, warm pair of socks—and on the golf course it is even more important.

Kentwool, which remains one of the nation’s longest running, family-owned textile companies with a history that goes back to 1843, has introduced a new line of Merino wool socks to the golf market with new Fall/Winter colorways that are as warm and comfortable as they are stylish.

With eight new and exciting color combos, the latest offerings from Kentwool are available in classic ankle style (artifact, brick, teal, evergreen, emerald, azalea, eggplant, amethyst) and in low cut (brick, azalea, eggplant, emerald). In addition to be warm, these socks have just the right padding in all the pressure spots that you would want for your feet to be comfortable either swinging a club or walking the fairways.

Lauren Luneckas, the President of Kentwool Performance Apparel, noted that “Merino wool is nature’s perfect performance material and the ideal companion to Kentwool’s comfort focused sock design – it keeps you warm as the weather cools down and breathes exceptionally well, wicking moisture to keep you comfortable. Our new limitededition Fall/Winter collection is just that – limited. Get them while available because the new colors won’t be around for long.”

She also explained that the secret to the feel and performance is the quality of Kentwool’s material as well as the company’s patented design, featuring the brand’s signature cushioned footbed. Like all Kentwool products, these new limitededition socks are made in the USA from the highest quality superfine Merino Wool, which is not only softer and more

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ne of traveling’s long-time annoyances has been how to keep your cloths looking fresh and pressed while stuffed in a suitcase or overnight bag. With the advent of today’s modern materials apparel is more wrinklefree than ever, but far from wrinkle-proof.

That is where InstaSteam comes in.

Billed as the world’s first hands-free, electricity-free clothing steamer, InstaSteam smoothes wrinkles and deodorizes in as little as three minutes using mineral-based, non-toxic ingredients.

Utilizing a plastic garment bag that folds for easy packing along with handy individual steam pods, it takes only three minutes after putting water in the pod, inserting it into the bottom of the garment bag, zipping the bag-- for it to start working.

The pod produces heat and steam that takes the wrinkles out of the garment in the InstaSteam bag that you can hang in your hotel room.

Developed by 22-year old entrepreneur Ari Hirsch during a post-high school year abroad, with no travel steamer or dry cleaner nearby, he resorted to using his dorm room iron that left his garment burned. Determined to find a better way, he began brainstorming what would soon become an effortless, portable option that empowers everyone to “look fresh wherever, whenever.”

“Like any great product,” explains Hirsch, “It all started with an idea: a

garment bag that could steam my clothes, so they’re ready to go when I arrive at my destination.”

He also noted that InstaSteam is an ideal at home, no-contact option --perfect for weddings, events, stay-cations, work, school, and more.

More information is available at: www.

Instasteampod.com

Canteen Drink

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f there ever was a drink made for this time of year—or for anytime during a round of golf—the Canteen Vodka Soda is certainly a unique and refreshing new addition to the refreshments available on the golf course.

Founder Brandon Cason, an avid golfer himself, actually made the regular 12oz cans to a size so they would stay in the cup holders of his golf cart—and so they’ll fit your koozies and just about anywhere else you might want to store them.

Pleasantly refreshing—but not too strong—the Canteen Vodka Sodas feature 0 sodium, 0 sugars, and only 99 calories to a can—and are gluten free.

Canteen has a higher alcohol content than most beers (5%), and with no carbs or GMO ingredients, sparkling water, and a hint of fruit flavoring, make a nice, healthy pick-me-up for the back 9.

Available in five flavors—Black Cherry, Lime, Grapefruit, Watermelon and Cucumber Mint-- Canteen is a refreshing drink to sip on during a round—and a drink that should appeal to a wide variety of tastes when it comes to refreshments.

For more information, visit: https:// www.drinkcanteen.com

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