Golf Vacations Magazine February 2017

OUR 16th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2017

EAST SIDE STORIES

DISCOVER GOLF COURSES GALORE

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB

DESERT DESTINATION A PGA FAVORITE

Atlantic Dunes at Sea Pines Resort

www.golfvacationsmag.com 2017 1 Plus: RESORT REPORT: TORREY PINESGolfINVacations LA •February JOLLA

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GOLF VACATIONS FEBRUARY 2017

Nicklaus Tournament Course - Hole #9, La Quinta, California

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Chip Shots

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La Quinta Resort & Club

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by Terry Ross

So-called snow birds from the colder climates of the US and from Canada have long flocked to the Southern California desert region during the winter for the sunshine, moderate temperatures, outdoor activities and of course golf when most of the northern regions are sitting under snow and freezing temperatures.

East Side Stories

by JD Latorre

No matter your point of view on these upcoming transformations, every golfer can agree on one resolution: this year, a change is needed to play more golf. One part of the country where there is no shortage of courses to help achieve this goal is out east.

Besides its well-known golf destinations, there are several hidden gems plus those bringing their golf amenities to an elite level.

Resort Report: Torrey Pines North

by David R. Holland

It’s an unmistakable scene. You arrive at Torrey Pines, a PGA Tour stop, where a beautiful, rugged, cliffside Pacific Ocean view is the star attraction. But something is different. This is a public 36-hole facility where the South and North courses draw countless locals daily heading to their tee times pulling or pushing their golf clubs and all set to walk 18 holes of amazing scenery and normally awesome weather – January or June.

Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS 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.

Executive Editor JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Tenerife, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles.

His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.

Jeffrey Diaz

Associate Editor Terry Ross

Features Editor Larry Feldman

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, whose favorite golf moment was teeing it up with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, 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.

Barry Lotz is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America.

He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a consultant and mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf”. His latest book, “The Right Mind for Golf”, is now in its 8th printing. He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net

Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo

For Editorial:

call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com

Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com

Published by

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portsMedia publications

President Jeffrey Diaz

455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655

and

Destiny Media, LLC 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 2017 SportsMedia Publications, 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 Historic Belvedere GC in northern Michigan Undergoes Major Restoration Project

CHARLEVOIX, MI - Long recognized as a must-play experience in northern Michigan, the historic Belvedere Golf Club has turned back the clock thanks to a find that has purists and golf aficionados alike waiting in anticipation for this spring.

In the summer of 2016, the demolishment of an old building in Charlevoix led to the discovery of famous golf architect William Watson’s original drawings of the historic course. While aerial photos existed from the late 1930’s, there was no actual documentation of the original parkland design with its classic flowing fairways, strategic bunkers and subtle greens.

The original course was designed in 1923

by Watson who is famous for classic and major championship designs across America including Olympia Fields in Chicago, Interlachen in Minneapolis, The Olympic Club in San Francisco and others. With five teams of horses and 150 men, the brilliant Scotsman turned a farm on the outskirts of the small Lake Michigan village of Charlevoix into one of the most iconic and enjoyable courses in America.

After 95 years, with the genius of William Watson having resurfaced, the decision was quickly made to begin a restoration that would restore much of what had been lost over the decades. Under the watchful eyes

of golf architect Bruce Hepner and course superintendent Rick Grunch the restoration project will be completed for the 2017 season.

Hepner, a former Tom Doak disciple, has been highly regarded in the industry as a specialist when it comes to classic course restorations by legendary designers such as Ross, Tillinghast, MacKenzie and now Watson to name a few.

Hepner and Grunch spent a great deal of time studying the plans and walking the golf course. That led to changes like expanding putting surface areas on many of the holes that were lost over time, and strategic tree removal.

The tree removal has opened up the winding creek that meanders through the front nine and brought it back in play in certain areas. Other changes included restoring and expanding lost fairway and approach areas, as well as bringing back lost bunkers. The work has brought back some of the strategies for playing the course that Watson originally intended.

The new design strategies are most evident at the historic 16th hole, a favorite of legendary golfers like Gene Sarazen, who spoke highly of the hole even late into his life. The classic short par 4, known for its well-positioned green set in the hillside, lost some of its green complex over the years, as well as a strategic bunker and fairway approach area on the left side. Hepner has brought the expanded putting surface and left side bunker back in play challenging the golfer up the left side for the best approach angle.

Home to the Michigan Amateur for 40-years and the annual Belvedere Hickory Open, the course was recently named 2016 Michigan Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association.

The course has long been a favorite of many golf greats, including legend Walter Hagen, who won the first Great Lakes Open at Belvedere, and five-time British Open winner Tom Watson, who as a youngster honed his game playing summers at Belvedere. He remains a member today and loves to return to play the before-mentioned 16th hole, which he describes as one of the great par fours in America.

Belvedere is pure golf as it was meant to be played. If you haven’t experienced this wonderful historic course, make sure to add this on your next trip to northern Michigan.

Diablo Grande Golf & Country Club Named “No. 1 Value Course in U.S.”

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Ranch Course at Diablo Grande Golf and Country Club has been named the “Number One Value Course in the U.S.” by Golf Advisor. The Dennis Griffiths-designed 18-hole course is managed

by Troon Golf and is located in Patterson, Calif. about 80-miles from San Francisco.

According to Golf Advisor, they looked at 100,000-plus reviews submitted to GolfAdvisor.com by golfers over the past year

Belvedere Golf Club

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PGA Resort & Spa

to determine which facilities most consistently provided value according to their star ratings.

The Ranch Course at Diablo Grande Golf and Country Club consistently receives fivestar ratings for value and staff friendliness, while nearly 97 percent of reviewers would recommend the course to a friend.

“It’s quite an honor to be named the ‘Number One Value Course in the United States,’” said Howard Fujimoto, general manager, Diablo Grande Golf and Country Club. “The fact that this award is determined by the golfers who play here regularly is particularly gratifying. Our staff works hard to deliver an outstanding golf course, while being friendly and courteous to every guest.”

For more visit www.golfdiablogrande.com.

PGA National Resort & Spa Unveils Four Warm-Weather Escape Packages

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class golf, spa and vacation destination – has unveiled a slate of packages perfect for warm-weather getaways to the Sunshine State’s enviable climate.

The resort’s most popular offering, the Gold Golf package, features a daily round of golf on any of its five award-wining courses.

For a surcharge, golfers can tee it up on the iconic Champion Course which will host the world’s top professionals including Tiger Woods

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for the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic Feb. 23-26.

Starting at $339 (per person, per night, double occupancy) through April 30, it also includes luxury accommodations, daily breakfast, club storage and unlimited range balls.

With its new “Winter Warmer Package,” all guests booking and consuming a pool-view room or suite by April 9 receive a daily $100 resort credit (per room) which can be used for food and beverage, golf, spa or retail items. A two-night stay minimum is required; the credit may not be used toward room rates, taxes or resort fees.

Guests can book online using the code WIN17 or call 877.328.1640 for more information.

For spa enthusiasts, the “Waters of the World” package features the choice of a relaxing, 50-minute daily treatment, unlimited use of spa amenities, and access to the Sports & Racquet Club and Waters of the World mineral healing pools, full breakfast daily and luxury accommodations. Until April 30, the offer starts at $289 (per person, per night, double occupancy).

For guests seeking the best of both worlds, the “Dual Delights – Spa and Golf” package features one 50-minute treatment (such as a massage or facial) and one round of golf on either the Palmer, Fazio, Squire or Estates courses (surcharge for The Champion).

Through April 30, the offer starts at $320 (per person, per night, double occupancy) and also includes accommodations and daily breakfast.

For more on PGA National Resort & Spa: www.pgaresort.com, 561.627.2000.

Keswick Hall & Golf Club Announces Luxury Spa Package

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Keswick Hall and Golf Club - the acclaimed 600acre luxury resort set in Virginia’s scenic Hunt Country - announces its luxury “Spa Package” ideal for relaxing getaways at the Forbes Five-Star destination.

Starting at $299 per night, the Keswick Spa Package features overnight accommodations in one of the resort’s elegant guestrooms plus breakfast for two and a $150 credit for use at the splendid spa.

The Spa offers a wide variety of soothing and relaxing treatments for pampering in style. In addition to a full range of services including massages, body wraps and facials, the tranquil facility also features some of the latest techniques in wellness including raindrop therapy and a bamboo fusion massage.

“Our world-class spa is the ultimate place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and indulge in luxury,” says Will Jones, General Manager. “In addition, we offer exceptional accommodations, first-class amenities and sterling customer service all designed to provide our guests with a true five-star experience.”

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

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Azalea Package Puts Golfers On Three Championship Courses

Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Myrtle Beach Golf Trips is offering its popular Azalea Golf Package again in 2017. The package provides the opportunity to experience popular golf courses and enjoy two memorable aspects of The Masters tournament in Augusta, Ga. - spectacularly beautiful mature azaleas in bloom and the event’s famous pimento cheese sandwiches. The first of golf’s four “majors,” The Masters is set for April 6 through 9 this year, and the Azalea Golf Package being offered

by Myrtle Beach Golf Trips will be available April 3 through June 4, 2017.

The Azalea Golf Package starts at $178 for a three-round package that includes golf booked before 8 a.m. or after 1 p.m. at Litchfield Country Club, Willbrook Plantation Golf Club and Tradition Golf Club courses in Pawleys Island, S.C. During the spring, the three championship

golf courses are some of the most beautiful along the Grand Strand with colorful azaleas and other flowering plants throughout. In addition, Litchfield Country Club will also be offering The Masters signature pimento cheese sandwiches, a popular item among The Masters’ patrons during tournament week.

“Myrtle Beach is the perfect stopping point for golfers going to or coming from The Masters,” said Steve Mays, director of marketing and sales for Founders Group International. “Our fairways are lush and our azaleas are huge, rivaling the beauty of those throughout Augusta. So a stop here is a great way to soak up The Masters spirit and enjoy an early spring vacation.”

One of the most popular courses on the Grand Strand, Litchfield Country Club is filled with Southern charm. Built on the site of a former rice plantation, it is the oldest course in the laid-back Litchfield/Pawleys Island area of the Grand Strand, having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. Its majestic whitecolumned clubhouse features elegant stairways

leading to a covered porch lined with rockers, and in spring, its walkways are ablaze with spectacular blooms on massive, decades-old azaleas.

Consistently rated one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most scenic golf courses, Willbrook Plantation features an abundance of waterfowl and other wildlife as its lush fairways weave among centuries-old moss-draped oaks and giant azaleas. Opened in 1988, its 18 holes are on historic rice plantation land in use since the 1770s.

Tradition Golf Club was nominated for best New Public Course by Golf Digest when it opened 22 years ago. It has also been recognized as a South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. Accented by colorful azaleas and other blooming plants, Tradition offers a “Mega Practice Complex” that is the perfect place to warm up before a round.

More information about The Azalea Package, is available at MyrtleBeachGolfTrips. com or call 800-882-3420 to book tee times now.

Litchfield Country Club

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Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Wins Player Development Award From NGCOA

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club was awarded the prestigious 2017 Player Development Award from the National Golf Course Owner’s Association at this week’s NGCOA Golf Business Conference in Orlando, Fla. The Player Development Award recognizes the NGCOA member who throughout the year has implemented the most successful player development program, providing effective return-on-investment and an overall welcoming atmosphere for new and returning golfers of all ages. According to the NGCOA, the recipient of this award must be well rounded in offering programs that encourage non-golfers to come to the course, new golfers to come back to the course and beginning golfers to raise their level of play to core golfer.

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“We are so proud and excited to win this national award,” said Brady Wilson, general manager, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. “Our teaching professional, Ben Meidl, is at the heart of this award for all of his efforts with our player development programs. In addition, our current and past head golf professionals have all contributed and spent countless hours to grow the game and develop new golfers.”

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, a Troonmanaged facility, offers a multi-faceted approach that attracts new golfers of all ages, genders and demographics. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes has developed programs that are specifically tailored to the audience, including ladies clinics, junior clinics and new golfer instruction and social outings.

To assist in attracting new golfers, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes created a “convertible” driving range. The facility serves as a traditional driving range during the day, but once the twilight hours hit,

the range converts into a six-hole par three short course. The club named the course #miniDunes to appeal to a younger audience, while also increasing social media awareness. “#mini Dunes is our laboratory to grow the game,” added Wilson. “We use the facility to introduce new golfers, young and old, to the game of golf.”

The club also engages the Ak-Chin Indian Community and brings in women, juniors, and encourages new golfers from the Community to learn the game. After school programming targets the Ak-Chin youth and includes van transfers to/from school, complimentary instruction, play on #miniDunes, complimentary use of clubs and fun activities mixed in such as SNAG golf games, water balloon fights, and “bunker jumping.”

For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, call 480-367-8949 or visit www.akchinsoutherndunes.com.

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Golf Vacations •February 2017 11

La Quinta Re

Delicious Dese TPC - Stadium Hole #17

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esort & Club

ert Destination www.golfvacationsmag.com

by Terry Ross

Golf Vacations •February 2017 13

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o-called snow birds from the colder climates of the US and from Canada have long flocked to the Southern California desert region during the winter for the sunshine, moderate temperatures, outdoor activities and of course golf when most of the northern regions are sitting under snow and freezing temperatures.

Long associated with Palm Springs on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, this entire desert region-- extending 45 miles and encompassing nine cities--has long been known for its winter golf and resorts.

The most iconic of the resorts in this region—and perhaps still the best with its mix of amenities, golf courses and accommodations—is the La Quinta Resort & Club located on the eastern end of the valley in the city of La Quinta—which was named after the resort—so you know there is some interesting history right away.

This famous resort just celebrated its 90th anniversary last year with a $22 million renovation with upgrades to just about everything about this destination resort that sprawls over 45 acres beneath the Santa Rosa mountains and is a member of Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts group. With 620 guest rooms and 98 individual villas, the La Quinta Resort & Club is a grand resort with an intimate feel. It just received a four-diamond rating by AAA. If these modern upgrades were not enough, the history of the resort is like something out of a novel. Back in the 1920’s, San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan was drawn to this area and wanted to build a tranquil retreat. He purchased 1,400 acres from the local Cahuilla Indians with the idea of creating a hacienda-style getaway in the covearea of the valley that was known as the La Quinta Hotel.

After Morgan opened his creation in 1926, the La Quinta Hotel became a well-known escape for the stars of Hollywood and many others working in the thriving movie industry. Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable were among the stars of the day that spent time there, and Frank Capra found creative inspiration for many of the films he wrote and produced. He penned “It’s a Wonderful Life” while residing in one of the resort’s casitas that offer privacy and seclusion from the outside world.

Golf’s beginnings in the Coachella Valley are also synonymous with the La Quinta Hotel. Morgan built a nine-hole golf course on the grounds of the hotel at the cost of $50,000. Designed by Norman Beth, the La Quinta Hotel course was the first such facility in the Valley and was also open to the public—at the cost of $1 per round.

The La Quinta Hotel was closed during much of World War II while the military requisitioned the facilities and grounds for its use, and with it the original golf course was abandon. After the war, the La Quinta Hotel again became a favorite of the Hollywood set again. Ginger Rogers married French actor Jacques Bergerac there in 1953, and a private airstrip built shortly after the war made it even easier for celebrities and other dignitaries to visit. President Dwight Eisenhower and his wife made many winter visits to the hotel, and his first public reception after leaving office in 1961 was at the La Quinta Hotel.

Fast-forward to the La Quinta Resort of today and the charm and elegance is still there with a modern makeover. Those opulent suites that celebrities and presidents have occupied are still used for special events or just get-away retreats.

The individual casitas and 41 pools and hot spas that adorn the property

Hacienda Living Room

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La Quinta Resort

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Golf Vacations •February 2017 15

Mountain Hole #15

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Hideaway Suite

give visitors a feel of a smaller, intimate setting, and the new landscaping and patio features have given the resort a fresh look.

Dining choices now include Morgan’s in the Desert—their signature restaurant; Twenty6—an American bistro; the Adobe Grill featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains; the Centre Court Café next to the main pool and the tennis/fitness center and the Marketplace with baked good and sandwiches to go.

The well-equipped Fitness Center has classes and personal training options, and the tennis center features 23 courts on both hard a clay surfaces--with lights for night play. The Spa La Quinta offers a full menu of therapies and even a pet massage program for canine visitors—something that the resort is very fond of.

In fact, the resort prides itself on its accommodations for its four-legged guests, and those visiting with their pets can look forward to rooms with doggie beds, bowls and treats in front of a fireplace when you check into your room. Even doggy-bag stations are located around the lush gardens and grass of the resort grounds, which are adorned with citrus trees, roses and Bougainvillea during the season.

In addition to the many meeting and ballrooms rooms that have hosted some of the biggest events in the desert, the many boutique shops along the Plaza area of the hotel near the main entrance offer many shopping experiences.

And of course, a world-renowned golf destination like the La Quinta Resort & Club has plenty of options to hit the links, with courses designed by names like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Two of the courses available to guests are now used for the PGA Tour event now known as the Career Builder Challenge, but was the Bob Hope

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Classic for half a century.

The La Quinta Resort Mountain and Dunes courses are two of the most highly-rated resort courses in the nation and have hosted events such as the PGA Tour Qualifying School, Senior Skins Game, the World Cup of Golf, the California State Open, the women’s NCAA Championship and the PGA Club Professionals Championship.

The Mountain Course is spectacular with its soaring peaks and elevation changes as it winds through the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and is one of the most scenic courses you will see. With its eight combination of tees ranging from 6,666 yards to the orange tees at 3,745 yards this course can accommodate a wide-range of skills and abilities. The final three holes on this course--starting with the Par 3 16th that can play anywhere from 167 yards to 89 yards down the mountain from an elevated tee and is a visually stunning hole; the Par 4 17th at 446 yards from the back tees and Par 5 18th at 504 yards are some of the best holes you will find.

Just down the road inside PGA West, the TPC Stadium Course and the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course are ranked among the finest tracks anywhere and have hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and Diners Club Matches, among other top events, and are currently in the rotation for the Career Builder Challenge that is played in January each year. The Norman Course, which also allows walking, is a very demanding test of golf at 7,200 yards. All five of these world-class courses are open to public play, but guests at the Resort are offered preferred tee times.

Even though the La Quinta Resort & Club still retains its early 20th century charm, the new additions and upgrades to this classic desert resort certainly help it appeal to today’s travelers.

For more information: www.laquintaresort.com

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La Quinta is at Center of PGA Tour Stop

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By Terry Ross

ne of the highlights of the winter season—for the La Quinta Resort & Club and the City of La Quinta—is the annual PGA Tour event that that is all staged within the city in January of each year.

two on the 17th hole, which is a 168yard Par-3 nicknamed Alcatraz because its island green is much harder to hit than the huge lake that surrounds it.

Once known as the Bob Hope Classic, what is now referred to as the Career Builder Challenge is normally the first PGA Tour event every calendar year to be played on the mainland US and three courses in the city—the host TPC Stadium Course, the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course and La Quinta Country Club— comprise the lineup.

The TPC Course and the Nicklaus are part of the PGA West complex that is accessible to La Quinta Resort & Club guests and are featured during the Golf Channel telecasts of the tournament.

Adam Hadwin - ‘59’ scorecard La Quinta CC

“The CareerBuilder Challenge gives La Quinta another opportunity to showcase our beautiful southern California city as the Gem of the Desert,” said John Peña, Former Mayor and current Councilmember in the host city.

“The tournament brings visitors from all over the world and we couldn’t be happier. La Quinta offers so much by way of shopping, dining and outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, tennis and golf. The CareerBuilder creates buzz around the City and does a great job partnering with the community. We are thrilled to have this tournament in La Quinta and look forward to many more years of what the CareerBuilder will bring to the world of golf and to La Quinta!”

Hudson Swafford-Career Builder winner

The resort itself takes center stage during the Challenge week—not only from the celebrity clientele that stay there—but the tournament parties and functions that have become a highlight of the season.

Throughout the city, block parties, mixers, youth golf clinics and even a golf industry roundtable are part of the many activities that keep both locals and visitors busy.

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The TPC Stadium Course at PGA West was built in 1986 and designed by Pete Dye, and at the time it was called one of the toughest courses in America at 7,300 yards, a stroke rating of 76.1 and a slope of 150.

It is one of only two public Tournament Players Courses in the state of California, and is always good for thrilling tournament finishes, like this year when Hudson Swafford birdied three of his last four holes on Sunday. He made the clinching

He beat Canadian Adam Hadwin by one stroke with that birdie. Hadwin had zoomed into the lead after Saturday’s round with a magical 59 at La Quinta Country Club to become only the eighth player in PGA Tour history to shoot a sub-60 round in a regulation PGA Tour event. He was also only the fourth player to shoot a 59 on a Par 72 course and the first Canadian to go that low. It is also the only PGA Tour event that has seen two 59’s—David Duval shot the same score at the Palmer Private course in 1999 to win the tournament on the last hole.

They don’t call PGA West and this area the Western Home of Golf® for nothing—and the La Quinta Resort and the Career Builder keep adding to the history of this Southern California oasis.

Unlimited Golf Package at the La Quinta Resort & Club The La Quinta Resort & Club is offering an Unlimited Golf Package to guests who book in advance for at least four nights.

Rated the number one golf resort in North America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, La Quinta Resort & PGA WEST is home to five public courses designed by legends Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Package Includes: • Overnight accommodations • Unlimited golf, based on availability, on five resort courses at La Quinta Resort & Club® and PGA WEST®**.

• $25 Resort Credit • Rates starting from $349 per night.

Call 760-564-4111 to book by phone www.golfvacationsmag.com

TPC Stadium Course Hole #17

Dunes Course Hole #16

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Jones Course at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center

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EAST SIDE STORIES

Discover Golf Options Galore In The Eastern Part Of The US

by JD LATORRE

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Golf Vacations •February 2017 21

Hole 18 at Magnolia Green

For better or worse, 2017 will be a year of change.

No matter your point of view on these upcoming transformations, every golfer can agree on one resolution: this year, a change is needed to play more golf.

One part of the country where there is no shortage of courses to help achieve this goal is out east. Besides its well-known golf destinations, there are several hidden gems plus those bringing their golf amenities to an elite level.

Imagine pegging it at a course redesigned by the 2016 Ryder Cup captain, traversing rolling hills on layouts conceived by the biggest names in golf, and enjoying post-round beverages and stories in a majestic clubhouse.

Ready to play? Here are some intriguing golf hotspots east of the Mississippi River that are sure to excite every golfer’s passion to play more.

Magnolia Green Golf Club – Be on the lookout for a new $5 million golf clubhouse in 2017 from Magnolia Green Golf Club, located just outside of Richmond, Va. The two-story, $5 million structure will boast 15,000 square feet and feature craftsman-style architecture. The completed project will feature front and rear porches, a full-service bar and an outdoor dining area with views overlooking the golf course. The multi-functional facility is capable of hosting up to 180 guests for private functions, such as corporate parties and weddings, and will feature a formal lawn

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area with arbor – an ideal place for guests to exchange vows. The Magnolia Green Golf Club is semi-private, therefore the clubhouse will be open to both members and the general public.

Draped over undulating terrain and measuring 7,150 yards from the back tees, the environmentally-friendly track was named one of 2015’s “Best New Courses” by Golf Digest. Lead architect Chris Cochran from Nicklaus Design expertly incorporated five sets of tees for players of all abilities.

Magnolia Green Golf Club is situated within the Magnolia Green community – the region’s best-selling neighborhood – which offers an array of resort-style community amenities and wide selection of townhomes, single-family and custom-built residences priced from just under $200,000 to over $1 million. www.magnoliagreen.com 804-818-6900 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort – The year 2017 will see major changes for this splendid golf resort in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Shepherd’s Rock, a Pete Dye-Tim Liddy design, will open in July and complement Nemacolin’s existing Dye design, Mystic Rock.

The 7,142-yard Shepherd’s Rock layout will sit high atop the Allegheny Mountains, and is expected to rival the highest-rated courses in the country. The rolling bucolic terrain is ideal to fully utilize Dye’s brilliant imagination in fashioning a routing sure to amaze anyone who tees it up here.

The tree-lined 3,306-yard front side at Shepherd’s Rock will be a shotmaker’s delight. Precision and accuracy will be key to successfully

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navigating its rippling fairways flanked by the ever-present Dyecreated mounds, natural wetlands and cleverly situated greens.

Its stout 3,836-yard back nine is brawny and wide open, with jawdropping vistas of the Laurel Highlands and ample landing areas off the tee. The dramatic par-5 18th, under the gaze of Nemacolin’s posh Falling Rock boutique hotel, features a green sitting atop the property’s high ground and a single, magnificent oak tree standing sentinel on the right. www.nemacolin.com 866.399.6957 Oglebay Resort and Conference Center – Looking to change things up when it comes to a buddies’ golf trip? Seeking somewhere quaint and inviting, yet boasting two championship golf courses designed by golf luminaries?

Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Wheeling, W.V., Oglebay Resort and Conference Center offers exceptional overnight accommodations, world-class amenities and 1,700 acres of year-round recreational opportunities. Among the activities: swimming, tennis, horse stables, miniature golf, fishing, miles of paved walking/jogging trails, shopping and sightseeing.

Golfwise, Oglebay presents four courses, including two championship layouts at the Speidel Golf Club. The par-71 Arnold Palmer design is a modern links layout that takes advantage of the rolling terrain with strategically-placed bunkers, contemporary mounding and amplesize greens. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the Jones Course is draped over the hills and dales of a former dairy farm, and hosted the West Virginia LPGA Classic for 11 years. The resort also features the 18-hole regulation Crispin Course – Oglebay’s original layout – and a nine-hole, par-3 course.

Accommodations include the inviting, 270-room Wilson Lodge, quaint cottages and spacious estate houses. Throughout the year Oglebay offers exceptional golf packages that match any group, and are chockfull of value-laden incentives. www.oglebay-resort.com 800.624.6988

The Sea Pines Resort – The Sea Pines Resort – Hilton Head’s most celebrated golf and leisure retreat – opened its new Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III course in October to rave reviews.

The work of Love Golf Design, Atlantic Dunes is a complete reconstruction and recreation of the resort’s historic Ocean Course, the first on Hilton Head. Love III, the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, lead architect Scot Sherman and Mark Love have fashioned entirely rebuilt holes to accommodate modern shot values and frame scenic corridors.

Atlantic Dunes now features a pronounced seaside ambience and Lowcountry feel accented by coquina shells and seaside grasses. The project’s goal to incorporate elements of the surrounding beachfront along with native pines and oaks lining the fairways has been fully realized with stunning results.

The course benefits both visually and strategically from restoration of natural sand dunes as well as the creation of new dunes blending seamlessly into the design. Tens of thousands of indigenous plants have been installed in these areas to complete the seaside feel. The playing surface of Atlantic Dunes is a blend of cutting-edge grasses matching the superior strains at the resort’s acclaimed Harbour Town Golf Links and Heron Point by Pete Dye. Not to be missed while at Sea Pines are visits to the spectacular new 44,000-square-foot Harbour Town Clubhouse, named the 2016 “Best New Public Clubhouse” by Golf Inc. Magazine. The resort’s 23,000-square-foot Plantation Golf Club hub was awarded the 2015 “New Clubhouse of the Year” by the same publication.

Guests may choose from an array of accommodations, including 300 villas, 100 rental homes and the luxurious 60-room Inn & Club at Harbour Town. The resort is offering its exceptional Villa Golf Package combining championship golf with a stay in a deluxe two-bedroom villa. The golf-only “Ultimate 54” offer is ideal to play all three courses with an average savings of up to 15 percent. www.seapines.com 866.561.8802

Back tee on Hole 2 at Mystic Rock

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Golf Vacations •February 2017 23

RESORTREPORT

TORREY PINES NORTH

24 Golf Vacations • February 2017

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LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

by David R. Holland

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A JOLLA, Calif. -- It’s an unmistakable scene. You arrive at Torrey Pines, a PGA Tour stop, where a beautiful, rugged, cliffside Pacific Ocean view is the star attraction. But something is different.

This is a public 36-hole facility where the South and North courses draw countless locals daily heading to their tee times pulling or pushing their golf clubs and all set to walk 18 holes of amazing scenery and normally awesome weather – January or June.

Ask a local who has played Torrey Pines North countless times about Tom Weiskopf’s recent $12.6 million redesign and he’ll talk about several aspects.

There’s green size, contours and tiers. There’s quick bent grass (a Tyee 007 blend) instead of poa annua. There’s missing trees and there’s bunkers that were either removed or moved up to be in play for the tour pros.

Following a comprehensive nine-month renovation, the North Course, originally designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1957, is as popular as ever expecting 80,000 plus rounds a year.

The renovated North Course was always a local favorite for amateurs – a stunning layout with less punishment delivered that the Rees Jones’ redesigned South Course that hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and is set to host again in 2021.

“It will take a learning curve,” said Joe Thomas of La Jolla. “The greens are brand new. The speed is quicker and the reads are different – especially when you reach greens with tiers and greater movement to putts.”

Weiskopf holds Torrey Pines with a special admiration. His first career win came at Torrey Pines at the 1968 Andy Williams-San Diego Open, which was forerunner to the current Farmers Insurance Open played every January at Torrey Pines.

“To work on a piece of property this amazing doesn’t happen very often.

The sheer beauty of the place always captivates me. Now people can look forward to playing 36 incredible holes at Torrey Pines by playing the North and the South,” he said.

Switching the nines just made sense for Weiskopf. “Today’s back nine was always the more iconic golf holes with the ravines overlooking the ocean down to the pier in La Jolla and it leaves you feeling a more memorable experience finishing the day with the scenery.”

The major changes came in bunkers and greens.

“When looking at the old North golf course we saw 60 bunkers that we brought down to 42. Those bunker shots were just hard shots for average golfers. We made bunkers more strategic relative to each hole – off the tee they are a lot further down the fairway than they used to be and really only affects the longest hitters.”

Green sizes were increased by 20 to 40 percent (they averaged 4,500 sq. ft.) to average now 6,000 sq. ft. which gives more pin placements. But overall he said the original routing was excellent. www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations •February 2017 25

Along with more spacious greens larger tee spaces was also crucial to improving Torrey Pines North.

“There we were only three tee spaces on every hole and now we have as little as five,” Weiskopf said. “Length is as little as 5,197 yards to 7,258 from the back. That gave even more length to the long par fours that will challenge the tour pros.

“The thing that I like about what we did and this includes the entire team involved is that we did it on budget and on time,” he said.

Brant Snedeker, who stung the North Course in 2007 with an 11-under-par 61, said he thinks the prettiest views are on the 26 Golf Vacations • February 2017

North Course. “You’ve got some great high points that give you some cool vantage points. It’s definitely a lot hillier than the South, and it also doesn’t hurt that it’s way more playable.

I definitely wouldn’t want to play the South every day if I lived in the area,” Snedeker said.

Those views definitely come at the downhill No. 15, a 202yard par three, and the snaking uphill 16th (393 yards) where you can look backwards to the La Jolla panorama with the surf breaking and hang gliders putting on a show for you.

Add New York’s 90-hole Bethpage State Park on Long Island and San Diego’s 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Courses and you have the most publicized municipal complexes in the USA. www.golfvacationsmag.com

The North Course is also affordable for travel golfers at $105 during the week (cart fee is an additional $40), but for locals it can be as little as $29. Little wonder this place is busy – you might show up as a single and get on, but probably not as a foursome.

Off the course, where to stay in La Jolla Don’t miss a high-end getaway, too, if you are coming as a snowbird golfer.

I spent two nights in the Pantai Inn in La Jolla. I had a Pacific Ocean front-row experience with balcony, huge living room, fancy bathroom, full kitchen, and gourmet breakfast. I didn’t want to leave.

Shell Beach Tide Pools and La Jolla Cove are within sight of Pantai Inn. Within walking distance I took on Duke’s La Jolla, the restaurant chain that originated on Oʻahu’s Waikiki.

Duke’s is named in honor of native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimming and water polo medalist and the father of modern surfing. The atmosphere was surfside and the friendliness and food outstanding. I had a filet mignon with corn just harvested from the cob and a mashed potatoes version with horseradish.

I also dined at Nine-Ten Restaurant in the historic Grande Colonial Hotel that dates back to 1913. The seared ahi tuna was first rate and service outstanding.

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Golf Vacations •February 2017 27

SWEETSTUFF

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sing the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Superbly Simple), single–length irons will work wonders. How marvelous is it to have the ability to swing each club exactly the same way? No weird swing thoughts for sure. More confidence, definitely! Employing the easy one-plane swing, expect your game to improve dramatically! The USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is that single-length irons are more consistent and easier to control. Wouldn’t you rather have just one swing and one ball position?

For many years, Cobra has been a cutting-edge iron manufacturer.

The King Cobra OS (oversized) iron appeared in the world marketplace in 1992, and became the biggest selling iron in golf for several years.

The single-length narrative includes some of the brightest designers in the golf industry. People such as Tom Wishon, David Edel and Tom Olsavsky. Ever since Tom Olsavsky took over from Tom Preese in 2013, as Cobra’s vice president of research and development, Cobra has attracted attention with a comprehensive mixture of multi-material and forged irons.

Cobra also has Bryson DeChambeau who made his mark by winning both the NCAA Division I title and U.S. Amateur crown in 2015. He used a single-length iron set hand-made by club maker David Edel, who operates out of Texas, and is known mostly for highly personalized wedges and putters. His grip size is larger than the standard grip, as these work for him. You should always get fit for grip size, as most adult males use grips that are too small. Cobra offers a wide range of custom grips, including those that Bryson plays in his King Forged One irons.

Understand that all off-the-rack golf clubs are built in 1/2-inch length increments with varying club-head lie angles throughout a set.

This means that besides the driver and putter, you are using 12 clubs, having 12 different lengths and 12 different lie angles. Therefore, to develop your full ball striking potential with conventional golf equipment, you must learn and master 12 different swings with 12 different swing postures, 12 different swing planes, and 12 different ball positions. Considering that even the pros, who average hitting 1,000 golf balls per day cannot master them all, what chance do you have?

What also steers golfers away from the game and from purchasing clubs is the complexity of being custom fitted. It is time consuming and expensive. At least with the irons segment, single-length alleviates this issue. Either steel or graphite shafts can be used in single-length iron sets, depending on the preference and feel of the individual golfer.

Obviously, all golfers need to know that irons and metal woods have distinct identities. Drivers, fairway woods and hybrids are not normally made with a uniform length. While consistency and repeatability are the hallmarks of single-length irons, metal woods are required to produce a wide variety of longer shots.

Below are the most frequently asked questions and the distinction between a regular set and a single-length set of irons.

Why One Length? In a regular set, distance is produced by the length of the shaft and the loft of the club head. The shorter the shaft, the less swing speed is required — and that usually means the shorter clubs are more accurate. Additionally, One Length offers less variables.

One swing, one swing plane, and one posture. This makes it easier to be more consistent and hit more centered shots. According to Cobra, anything that a golfer can do with a 7-iron, can be done with One Length irons. Our testing group totally agreed and just love both the concept and performance of the irons. They found that shot variety, knock downs, workability and half shots were simply of no concern or problematic using the One Length irons.

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When your irons are all one length (for Cobra’s 2017 lineup, that means 7-iron length), your 5-iron swing is the same as your pitching wedge swing. A more consistent setup should lead to more consistent results. That makes sense.

Who fits into the One Length category? Players of all skill levels seeking more consistency and accuracy.

What makes One Length irons work? The key is matching head weights. Since all clubs are built to a 7-iron length, the head weights on the longer irons are increased while the short irons decrease in weight.

To get them all to match, all heads in the F7 One and Forged One sets weigh 270 grams. All the irons, whether fitted with steel or graphite shafts, are 37.25” in length.

For same-length clubs, all the irons are the same length (custom fitted), weight, flex, and lie angle so you can eliminate all those extra unnecessary swings. Your swing speed is essentially the same with each club, so the difference in distance must come through the engineering of the club head (more heft for a five-iron; less weight for a nine-iron), and those with average swing speeds might not be able to take advantage of the differences.

What about lofts and distance/gapping? In testing Cobra’s One Length irons, we found that most players produce similar gaps with F7 One Length irons and variable length F7 irons. The lofts are the same between these two sets and the same as last year’s extremely popular Game Improvement F6 irons. Loft is the most important predictor of distance in irons. As we know, current variable length sets have proper gaps in their wedges, and almost all wedges in sets today are single length.

Cobra Golf has just released two sets of single-length irons. The King F7 and the King Forged One. Cobra is on-board with singlelength. “Based on consumer demand and our own testing, we think there’s something there. We’re investigating,” said Cobra Puma Golf president and chief executive officer Bob Philion, who has guided the company since Puma purchased Cobra Golf in April 2010.

Should I play One Length wedges? It depends. Cobra’s Tom Olsavsky believes that strong wedge players might be best served sticking with what they have. If you already have a great short game, why mess with it?

Golfers who need help, however, may want to consider adding Cobra ONE Length wedges (56° & 60° available through custom order) to their sets.

Once again, the argument is consistency.

What about the PWRSHELL technology incorporated into these irons? (Thinner and stronger face structures with welds placed farther from the face allow for a larger sweet zone with higher ball speeds on mis-hits).

This technology allows the heads to be equipped with a thinner, stronger 100% CNC milled groove face and a sole structure that offers more distance, is more forgiving, definitely more precise and a larger “Sweet Zone”, resulting in higher ball speeds and explosive distance. Count on an additional 10 yards throughout the set.

With Cobra’s Progressive Spin Technology, V-Grooves are used on the 4-6 irons to reduce spin and U-Grooves on the 7-PW to optimize spin. For the GW-SW, wedge-spaced grooves are used to produce extra spin for shots around the green.

Cobra’s TECFLO technology (Progressive Set Technology) is described in simple terms as technology that flows through the set.

TECFLO offers progressive cavity construction designed to optimize the performance of each iron in the set. Basically, the long, middle, and

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SWEETSTUFF

by Barry Lotz

short irons are designed differently and perform differently to create the ultimate progressive set of irons, so you can help personalize your game and optimize performance throughout the set.

A full hollow design with the PWRSHELL face insert is in the long irons (3-5) and it delivers low CG with an extremely responsive face for easier-to-hit, high-flying long irons. In the mid-irons (6-7), a half-hollow design combined with the PWRSHELL insert delivers optimal CG for more precise, easy-to-hit clubs, meaning more greens-in-regulation.

The scoring irons (8-PW) utilize a traditional cavity back design with wedge-spaced grooves for added spin and more control to attack the pins. Finishing out the KING F7 set is a specialty wedge design that provides added versatility and enhanced shot control greenside in the sand and gap wedges.

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Available in both right-hand and left-hand, the KING F7 ONE will be offered in steel stiff and regular flex, and graphite stiff, regular and lite flex, and will feature a 5-GW standard set make-up. Lamkin RELBlack grips are standard. Either a Fujikura Pro 63i (graphite – stiff, regular, lite), or True Temper King F7 (steel – stiff and regular) shaft option is available.

The King Forged One (4-PW), is only available in right hand with a $999.00 price. The steel shaft is the KBS Tour FLT. Graphite is available by custom order. Lamkin REL-Blue grips with red and white accents.

Both a Fujikura Pro 63i (graphite) or True Temper King F7 (steel) shaft option is available.

A combo set, with an adjustable 4-5 hybrid and 6-iron through GW, is also available. For more info: www.cobragolf.com

Golf Vacations •February 2017 29

SWEETSTUFF connects to an ADJUSTABLE lanyard to meet the fit of anyone. It is the best BODY CONNECTION training aid on the market and can be used flat, under either armpit, or inflated between the forearms.

The Tour Striker Smart Ball will help you understand HOW the arms and body work during an effective golf swing. Few people put in quality practice working on the sequence of arms and body. Be one of the few who own the rhythm and timing required to become a high-level ball striker. Take control

of your swing --so you can have Effortless Power, rather than Powerless Effort.

The Smart Ball’s USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is that while there are literally dozens of devices that you can do this drill with, many of them are too big, too small, or too heavy. If they’re too big or small, they ruin the structure of your arms and defeat the purpose of the drill. If they’re too heavy, they introduce an unwanted influence on the swing which compromises the drill.

For more info: www.tourstriker.com

S

eamus Golf’s hand crafted products are collector’s items. They exude quality, style and class, especially in today’s market of “cheap for the masses mentality”. Their line of products make you feel like wanting to own one of each item manufactured! Their web site is a hoot.

One of their truly useful products is the Multi-Use Rain Safe (M.U.R.S.) Bag for all a traveling golfer’s needs.

From Shag Bag to toiletries, to even a few sundries for the shuttle ride, this will keep everything secure in a striking, outdoorsman style.

Measuring 10” long with a 5.5” diameter, the bag is substantial, but compact enough to easily carry. Seamus Golf’s Private Reserve waxed tartan with tones of dark khaki and claret is met with rich tobacco leather on the bottom to create a finish as much at home on the links as it would be in a hunting cabin.

The interior is a lush black fleece that will safely nestle whatever you decide to throw inside. Personalization is available on all Seamus golf’s products.

For more info: www.seamusgolf.com

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he Tour Striker Smart Ball, developed

by Martin Chuck is one of the better training aids currently available. Tour stars such as Darren Clarke, Beatriz Recari and Belen Mozo are some of the proponents of this training aid. Martin Hall of the Golf Channel uses the Smart Ball for his show and students.

The Smart Ball is an ultra-light and portable way to sequence your arms and body as you develop your ball striking skills.

This inflatable, flocked “beach ball”

30 Golf Vacations • February 2017

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32 Golf Vacations • February 2017

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The Best Gift Of The New Year!

Enjoy a vicarious trip with Chuck Miller “The Traveling Guy” as he reflects on his incredible, fun and amazing 50-week, 50-state golf odyssey. Golfing The U.S. makes for a delightful and inexpensive birthday or holiday present.

available on Amazon.com at $14.95 and on Amazon Kindle at $8.95.! www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations •February 2017 33

“SCOTTSDALE IS transformative.

IT encourages YOU TO BE OUTDOORS AND play.”

200 Area Courses | 70+ Resorts & Hotels | 600+ Restaurants | 100+ Downtown Nightlife Options | EXPERIENCESCOTTSDALEGOLF.COM

34 Golf Vacations • February 2017

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