Chip Shots

Winner Andrew Landry with Phil Mickelson

8 Golf Vacations • February 2020 www.golfvacationsmag.com I n the beginning, the January PGA Tour stop in the Southern California desert that began 60 years ago was a celebration of Hollywood movie stars and professional golf that got the winter vacation season in this part of the country off to a rousing start. Bob Hope became the driving force with his love for golf and celebrity friends who gladly spent a week in this winter oasis making jokes with the other amateurs and pros and helping raise money for local charities in what used to be the Bob Hope Classic.

Now, six decades later, much has changed, but much remains the same as this event has come full circle. Now, instead of Hope as the tournament host, PGA Tour Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson has now become the face of the tournament. And instead of a steady stream of movie notables, the event has now evolved into a golfer’s version of Coachella Music Festival and Stagecoach—the world-renowned concert weekends that highlight the month of April in the Coachella Valley.

American Express signed on to be the new title sponsor and put their stamp on the tournament for the first time in January’s playing of this PGA tournament that is now called The American Express by bringing in music legend Stevie Nicks and country music super star Luke Bryan to entertain record crowds on Friday and Saturday evening after the finish of golf at the PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta.

Both nights provided an electric atmosphere as the music reverberated off the Santa Rosa Mountains nearby after sunshinefilled days of world-class golf—something that hasn’t changed in all this time.

Another new aspect of the tournament is the behind the scenes involvement by Mickelson, the San Diego native who has formed a new charity along with his management company—Lagardère Sports—to be the non-profit beneficiary behind the tournament that will disperse proceeds to local charities in the Coachella Valley. Lagardère Sports has been managing the event for the past three years and has worked to enhance the fan experience with new hospitality offerings such as the Albertsons Vons Pavilions Club 18, Casamigos Tequila Club 17, Michelob Ultra Beers Fore Birdies, and the Corona Premier Par Tee Lounge.

Even though this event used to be at 90 holes played over 5 days, the current 72- hole format in four days is still one of only two on the PGA Tour that has amateurs playing during the regular competition as the pros are paired with their amateur partners for the first three days in a ProAm format.

Among a strong professional field that included Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau and Paul Casey, emerging star Andrew Landry - who lost this tournament in a playoff two years ago - managed to pull out victory this year by shooting 26-under and held off Abraham Ancer by two shots on the final two holes.

Although much has changed with this early-year PGA tournament as it has adapted to the desert’s growing reputation as a music and festival destination, the winter sunshine and world-class golf is still as bright as ever. By Terry Ross

Rumbling Bald Readies for Spring with New Golf Packages

LAKE LURE, N.C. – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure, announces new golf packages for 2020, customized for golf groups of any size, and ideal for weekend or weekday buddy trips.

Starting at $225 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 two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas.

Paying homage to the 2020 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.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $499 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 included; and unlimited use of the practice facilities.

“We want golfers to get here, unplug, play 18 or 36 holes and shed the stress of the hurry-up, always-on lifestyle we lead,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Post round, they can relax over a hearty meal and a cold beverage, then retreat to the deck of their vacation rental with a cigar or night cap.”

For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the resort. 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 golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

About Rumbling Bald Resort Located on the north end of stunning Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald is one of Western North Carolina’s only multi-course golf resorts. An hour’s drive from Asheville and less than two hours from Charlotte, it features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.

Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from the movie “Dirty Dancing.” A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.

The resort’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining on shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Rumbling Bald Resort

The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

10 Golf Vacations • February 2020 www.golfvacationsmag.com A Golf Package That Takes Guests To New Heights, Literally!!

The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has earned awards and accolades from Conde Nast Traveler, US News & World Report, TripAdvisor, USA Today and AAA among others. A significant contributor to these high rankings is due to the excellence of the LaPlaya Golf Club whose manicured greens wind around 14 lakes and water features. The 18-hole links course, designed by Robert Cupp, is both scenic and challenging. Resort guests can opt to play a round or two reserving tee times while enjoying any of the resort’s package offerings. However, for a truly memorable golf getaway, we recommend the inclusive 3-Night Golf Package*, unlike any other in the world.

DAY ONE • Premium Beachfront hotel room • 2 rounds of golf • Private beach dinner for 2 with select wines

DAY TWO • Premium Beachfront hotel room • Private poolside cabana with champagne & oysters

• Couples massage DAY THREE • 1-hour helicopter tour covering Estero Bay, Sanibel Island Lighthouse, and the Naples Beach and Marco Island areas

For rates and availability check here or call the resort’s reservations line at (239) 597-3123. *3 night minimum. Reservations must be booked 7 days prior to arrival with full prepayment, non refundable non changeable 14 days prior to arrival.

About LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Nestled on the picturesque beachfront in Naples overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is the ultimate vacation destination for locals and travelers alike. The resort boasts 189 guest rooms and eight suites; a 4,500 square foot SpaTerre with salon and spa services; a state-of-the-art fitness center; beach butler service; private poolside cabanas with cold towel and sorbet service; waterfront dining at BALEENnaples and Tiki Bar; sophisticated meeting and event spaces; an 18-hole Robert Cupp-designed golf course; and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club, an elite membership club. 9891 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108. For more information please visit www.laplayaresort.com. Davis Love Iii Designed Putting Course Opening Soon At Historic Boar’s Head Resort The golf offerings at the historic Boar’s Head Resort continue to evolve with the addition of the new putting course, designed by PGA Professional Davis Love III and Love Golf Design (LGD). Nearly an acre in size, this extensive 31,000 square foot putting course features 18 holes lined with slopes and ridgelines, mimicking the surrounding terrain and mountains.

Located directly behind the clubhouse back patio, the opening of the putting course will follow the completion of the new driving range, which has been redesigned to complement the new 18-hole championship course, anticipated to open July 1, 2020.

“When we began developing the layout and design of the new putting course, we were so inspired by the landscapes,” said Love Golf Design Lead Architect Scot Sherman. “You truly capture a sense of place on this course and we wanted to find a way to celebrate that. Many of the slopes found in the putting course directly mirror the ridgelines and peaks of the surrounding mountains. We hope players embrace the magic of their surroundings while enjoying time out on the links.”

The new golf course is one of several recent updates at Boar’s Head Resort. In 2019, the resort completed major renovations that introduced a new lobby experience and porte cochere at the historic main building, along with a complete redesign of the acclaimed Mill Room restaurant.

For further information on Boar’s Head golf, please visit: www.boarsheadresort. com/golf. GAMBLE SANDS UNVEILS A

Gamble Sands Unveils 2020 Stay & Play Packages And New Stay & Play Promotion

Brewster, WA – Gamble Sands, named one of GOLF magazine’s “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America” in 2019, recently unveiled its 2020 Stay & Play packages. In addition, the golf destination also launched a new Stay & Play Giveaway promotion in which one lucky person and a guest will win a two-night stay at the Inn at Gamble Sands, three rounds of golf and breakfast daily during their stay at the Danny Boy Bar & Grill.

Gamble Sands’ 2020 golf season will kick-off on April 1st (weather permitting). Stay & Play Packages include golf on the Sands Course, ranked the No 1. golf course in Washington state by Golfweek, luxury accommodations at The Inn at Gamble Sands and complimentary golf carts. On-site dining is available at the Danny Boy Bar & Grill. Package prices vary depending on day of week and month, and are priced per person. For more information on Stay & Play packages, visit www.gamblesands.com/stay-and-playpackages.

To register for the Gamble Sands Stay & Play Giveaway promotion, golfers should visit www.gamblesands.com/2020-stayand-play-giveaway. One entry will be accepted per valid email address. A winner will be randomly selected on April 1, 2020.

The Inn at Gamble Sands features oversized rooms that perfectly match the wide-open nature of Gamble Sands as big rooms open to Gamble Sands

the big golf course, framed by even bigger views that sweep across the Columbia River Valley. Guest rooms are available with two queen beds, a deluxe king and a king suite.

For more information on Gamble Sands, visit www.gamblesands. com or call 509-436-8323.

12 Golf Vacations • February 2020 www.golfvacationsmag.com Casa de Campo Resort & Villas Offers Exceptional 2020 ‘Teeth of the Dog’ Packages

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic GOLF Magazine “World Top 100” Teeth of the Dog course – is offering two outstanding “unlimited” stay-and-play packages perfect for winter and spring getaways to start the 2020 golf season in grand style.

Highlighted by the opportunity to enjoy the Pete Dye-designed masterpiece widely acclaimed as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean, the “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” package starts at $249 per person, per night. In addition to “dawn to dusk” play on celebrated Teeth of the Dog, resort guests can also tee it up and play to their heart’s content on two additional Dye gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18).

The offer also includes deluxe accommodations in the resort’s recently renovated guest rooms, full daily breakfast buffet at Lago Restaurant, use of a four-passenger golf cart to travel throughout the resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s fitness center. All golf rounds are based on availability and include arrival and departure days.

The “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog All Inclusive” golf package features all the highlights above plus daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and drinks by the glass at resort signature restaurants or room service (extra delivery charge), unlimited horseback riding, use of the property’s tennis courts, one round at the 245-acre Shooting Club, non-motorized water sports and family program activities. This offers starts at $899 per person, per night.

Casa de Campo also offers an array of exceptional fully appointed villas perfect for golf groups. The villa options range from three to 11 bedrooms with stylish living areas, a private pool as well as myriad creature comforts. From secluded Garden Villas showcasing the area’s abundant flora to the tranquil splendor of the Caribbean coast in an Oceanfront Villa, each style offers contemporary designs. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full access to a wide range of onsite activities are additional highlights.

Villa stays also include use of four-passenger golf carts for easy travel throughout the 7,500-acre resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center.

“There’s no finer way to start the 2020 golf season off right than enjoying a spirit lifting getaway to play our mighty Teeth of the Dog course while savoring all the amenities we offer here at Casa de Campo,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We cordially invite everyone to come visit and enjoy our splendid Caribbean weather and unwind from the stresses of daily life here in paradise.”

Since opening in 1974, Teeth of the Dog has been a “bucket list” layout for those seeking to play one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. Dye’s design hallmarks are all present: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. “The Heaven 7” oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”

The resort’s new world-class Golf Learning Center is a “must visit” when on property. Highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology, it features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching games as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.

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

Yoga and Golf Retreat Set for Magical Islands of Loreto

Imagine welcoming the sun as it rises in front of the tees at TPC Danzante Bay’s iconic 17th hole overlooking the Sea of Cortez? Or honing your golf game with added flexibility on a golf course recently named the Best in Mexico and Latin America by the World Golf Awards?

These experiences can be yours at the inaugural Golf and Yoga Retreat - Embody Your Swing, March 10-14, 2020, at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort at The Islands of Loreto, Sabila Spa, and TPC Danzante Bay on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

The five-day, four-night immersion will be led by the resort’s head golf professional Danny Garcia and international yoga instructor Emily McMichael.

In his 35-year golf career Garcia has taught over 40,000 golf lessons worldwide. Helping people improve their golf games while having fun is his passion. McMichael has been practicing yoga for 15 years and for the past five years, has worked internationally as a yoga instructor, retreat leader, and Thai massage therapist. She has created mobility and strength programs specifically designed to improve the body, which in turn, evolve the golf game.

The four-night package includes lodging in a deluxe suite, breakfasts, one dinner, golf clinics, an 18-hole round of golf, seven yoga classes, unlimited kayak and paddle board use at the resort’s beachfront, hiking, a 50-minute massage, and roundtrip transportation to Loreto’s charming downtown.

McMichael has designed the yoga classes to increase mobility, strength and balance needed to improve the golf swing and protect the body from unwanted injuries.

Garcia will lead the clinics and facilitate the on-course rounds, working with guests to implement what is learned throughout the four-day retreat.

The retreat is available as a European plan (includes daily breakfast and farewell dinner) for $1281 per person, based on double occupancy or as an all-inclusive package at $1505 per person, based on double occupancy; both package prices include taxes. Only a few of the 20 available spots remain.

Another 2020 golf and yoga retreat is scheduled for December 1-5.

Sabila Spa, a 39,000-square-foot facility set against a tranquil view of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, offers a world-class menu of signature treatments, massages, body wraps and unique wellness service, with an on-site meditation room.

TPC Danzante Bay, the acclaimed Rees Jones design along of the Sea of Cortez and Baja’s majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, has quickly established its place among the world’s most visually stunning courses and is loads of fun to play. Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto is synonymous of beauty and tranquility. The setting along the Sea of Cortez on the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula is a two-hour flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via Alaska Airlines. Loreto is served seasonally with direct WestJet flights from Calgary, and year-round from Tijuana via Calafia Airlines and Volaris flights.

The package may be booked directly by calling toll-free at 800.790.4187 from the United States or Canada, or 800.838-2662 from Mexico. For more information about the package, visit https://villadelpalmarloreto. com/specials/yoga-and-golf-retreat.

Celebrate 50Th Anniversary Of Harbour Town Golf Links With Stay-And-Play Packages HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, one of the world’s top golf destinations, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harbour Town Golf Links – home to the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament – with an array of attractive stay-and-play packages. Guests can select from a variety of golf, dining, lodging, and length-of-stay options.

Three of the five “Inn & Club” packages, which start at $300 per night for two guests, include a one-night stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town with one round of golf for either one or two players. The Player’s Choice Culinary non-golf package features a $150 dining credit and complimentary room upgrade, plus early check-in and late checkout (based on availability).

The Golf Champions package, starting at $400 per night, features golf at Harbour Town Golf Links, the award-winning Pete Dye design that is home to South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event. Heron Point, also a Dye design, and Atlantic Dunes, renovated by Davis Love III in 2016, are available for play in The Player’s Choice package. These packages may be customized with combinations of golf, dining credits or both.

As part of the 50th anniversary season, The Sea Pines Resort has introduced two “Villa” packages with three-night stays in a one-bedroom Harbour Town Resort View Villa plus golf on each of the three championship layouts; these packages are $1,000. The Golf Only package is for two players, while the Golf and Culinary package is for one player but adds in a $275 dining credit.

All of the packages are available through Feb. 29, 2020, with blackout dates applicable. Rates do not include taxes, service charges, resort fees or surcharges. To make travel easier and minimize the possibility of layovers, Hilton Head Island visitors now have seven direct flight options. American, Delta, and United airlines fly directly into Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) from New York (LaGuardia), Washington (Reagan and Dulles), Newark, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

To reserve any of the Harbour Town Golf Links 50th Anniversary packages, visit www.seapines.com/golf/harbourtown-anniversary-package or call (843) 785-3333. For more information about The Sea Pines Resort, visit www.seapines.com.