Golf Vacations Magazine - June 2019

OUR 18th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2019

RESORT REPORT

CELEBRATING THE U.S. OPEN AT PEBBLE BEACH

VERRADO GC RUGGED BEAUTY IN PHOENIX

Golf Vacations • June 2019 1 Plus: A LOT OF FUN - AND SOME GOLF - UNDER THE SUN

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GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2019

Verrado Golf Club, Buckeye, Arizona

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Chip Shots

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A Lot of Fun - And Some Golf - Under the Sun

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Rugged Beauty at Verrado Golf Club

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Resort Report: Pebble Beach

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Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

As the season winds down in the Southern California desert resort area during the late spring and the usual lineup of PGA Tour, LPGA and assorted other golf events have already been played in the area, a rather new golf tournament is already making a name for itself in this golf-crazy area.

by David R. Holland

Many times when you play in a wild Arizona setting – complete with rocks, boulders, saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, howling coyotes and a stunning view like the White Tank Mountains – you might envision a setting for native Americans and hardscrabble pioneers.

by David R. Holland

Bode Miller spent his competitive sports life diving down the steep slopes of alpine ski racing – he’s an Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion.

by Terry Ross

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Your gateway to 120 golf courses . . .

A boutique hotel for

your next desert trip

74-470 Abronia Trail, Palm Desert CA

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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Tim Cotroneo is a Mineapolis-based freelance writer specializing in Caribbean travel, business, and golf.

Tim is a long-time contributor to Tee Times Press and he’s also the Travel Writer for American Business Magazine.

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz

JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling the Pocono Mountains 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.

Associate Editor Terry Ross

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 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.

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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tony Creek Media

President Jeffrey Diaz

3 Lehigh Avenue, #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 (760) 774-2655 StonyCreekMedia.com

and

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 2019 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 Hanse to unveil Lido-inspired Ballyshear early next year

BANGKOK, Thailand — Architect Gil Hanse will unveil his first original design in Asia, an homage to Charles Blair MacDonald and Seth Raynor’s mythic Lido Club, when the Ballyshear Golf Links at Ban Rakat Club opens for play here in early 2020.

The members-only Ban Rakat Club (www.brc.co.th) is now taking shape some 35-40 minutes from center city Bangkok on the site of the former Kiarti Thanee Country Club, which partnered in 2017 with Yokohama International Golf Club Co., Ltd., the Japanbased golf development and club operations firm, to redevelop the property in its entirety.

“We approached the owner of Kiarti Thanee with the idea to create something entirely new in the Bangkok market and it’s our strong feeling that Ban Rakat Club and Ballyshear Links will do exactly that,” says Takeyasu Aiyama, chairman of Yokohama International. “Gil Hanse came with the highest of recommendations: Mr. Bill Coore, who led the redesign of our West Course at Yokohama Country Club, recommended Mr. Hanse for the Ballyshear project and introduced him to us.

“The Ban Rakat Club project will perfectly showcase Mr. Hanse’s skill and expertise, while introducing his work to an Asian audience for the first time. What’s more, vintage design projects such as Ballyshear have never before been undertaken in Thailand. In these and other ways, Ban Rakat Club will bring something completely unique to the market.”

Thailand already boasts the most sophisticated golf market/ culture in all of Southeast Asia, with some 200 courses in operation, Asia’s strongest incoming golf tourism sector, and more than a million native golfers. But climate and culture have also meant that vintage “Golden Age” design projects have never been attempted here.

The Golden Age of Golf Design, a period roughly bounded by the two World Wars, just happened to produce an outsized number of American masterpieces. Many came from the hand of architect Macdonald and his protégé Raynor, whose unique templating of classic, old world holes proved foundational to this Golden Age. At Ballyshear Golf Links, Hanse has deployed the very same templates, harnessing the same early 19th century sensibilities that have made Hanse Golf Design the most sought-after course architecture firm in world golf.

“For my firm, this project is very exciting and special,” says Hanse, whose original designs include the Olympic course in Rio de Janeiro and the much-feted Black Course at Streamsong Resort in Florida, USA — his renovation works includes prep work for two of the next three U.S. Opens, at Winged Foot GC (2020) and Los Angeles CC in 2023. “This is our first project in Thailand. It has also provided us the opportunity to design a golf course on a very unique piece of land — deploying a philosophy that relies heavily not just on the history of this game, but its strategic history.

“The design of Ballyshear is based on the principles and philosophies espoused by two giants of vintage course architecture, Macdonald and Raynor, who made their marks by replicating in America specific golf holes from classic Scottish links: The Redan at North Berwick, for example. The Alps hole at Prestwick... These holes represent our inspiration and aspiration at Ban Rakat — just as they inspired Macdonald and Raynor at hallowed grounds such as The National Golf Links of America,

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Architect Gil Hanse

Chicago Golf Club, and specifically Lido Golf Club.”

The Lido Club was a celebrated Macdonald/Raynor design that debuted in 1918, on Long Island, outside New York City.

The course was revered in its time but acquired some of its mythic qualities once it was abandoned during World War II. Prior to its construction, the American magazine Country Life held a design contest, whereby the winning entrant would have his hole actually built, by Macdonald, at the Lido Golf Club. The winner? None other than Alistair Mackenzie, then a complete unknown who had never designed a golf course. He would go on to design Royal Melbourne, Augusta National and Cypress Point.

Another entrant? Seth Raynor himself, whose runner-up entry (called Dog’s Leg) was also realized at The Lido Club — and reproduced at Ballyshear’s par-4 2nd hole. Indeed, the name of Raynor’s entry has become part of golfing vernacular the world over.

You want more homage? In 1913, after decades of searching for the perfect location, the wealthy Macdonald built his ancestral estate on Long Island (overlooking his iconic design at the National Golf Links of America and the club next door, Shinnecock Hills).

Macdonald would dub this new home Ballyshear.

Yokohama International Golf Club Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan where it currently manages both Izu Shimoda Country Club and 36-hole Yokohama Country Club, host of the 2018 Japan Open. Its 58 years of club operations expertise includes third-party management experience at clubs across Thailand, including Bangpra, Khaokheow, Greenwood.

For more information on Ban Rakat Club and Yokohama International Golf Club Co., Ltd., visit http://www.brc.co.th

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The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in SW Florida Offering “Summer Savings”e ‘Oscars’.

The Asian Golf Awards on-line poll will be activated on April 1, 2019 and will be “live” for three months.

THE BOLD DECISION has been taken and with the pace of golf course development hitting a frenetic pace in China, South Korea, Vietnam and India, there has never been a better time for the golf industry to come together and prepare for a road map to make Asia the new home of golf in the world!

The official web site of APGS 2019 will be going “live” on March 20, 2019 and you can check it out at http://www.golfconference. org/ India is all set to welcome you for a wonderful and colourful experience like no other!

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Argentario Golf Resort

Argentario Golf National Italy

Resort

Becomes

PGA

The PGA, England, March 2019; The luxurious and picturesque Argentario Golf Resort & Spa (www.argentarioresort.com) has joined The PGA’s growing list of exceptional branded resorts as the ‘PGA National Italy’.

The philosophy of the Argentario Resort revolves around the pursuit of wellness and the respect for the environment.

Located next to Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano and an easy drive from Rome Fiumicino International Airport, the Argentario Resort is surrounded by cork-oak woods and centuries-old olive trees in Tuscany’s Maremma region.

The 6,800-yard par 71 golf course has been awarded ‘BioAgriCert’ and is a GEO certified course participating in their “on course” programme to continuously improve their sustainability. Located in a protected natural area, nestled between the Orbetello Lagoon, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the hillside, the natural surroundings offer a beautiful panorama and create a microclimate that allows golf to be played at any time of the year.

For outdoor sports lovers, the resort offers a swimming pool, two tennis and two padel courts, a mini football pitch and jogging trails.

Other services include two highly regarded restaurants, two bars and a 2,700 m² spa and wellness centre which includes a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, bio-sauna with chromotherapy, Kneipp circuit and heated indoor saline swimming pool.

The five-star resort includes 73 rooms and five luxury villas, also with incredible views over the golf course, the lagoon and the sea.

Each design accommodation features a terrace and is the result of meticulous research on materials and fittings.

Emanuele Canonica, winner of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in 2015, heads up the Argentario Golf Academy, which features the TrackMan IIIe simulator, a last-generation platform for the analysis of the swing and the ball’s trajectory and impact.

Ottavio Coppola, Golf Manager of the Argentario Golf Club, said: “Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is delighted to be representing Italy in the world of golf through its association with The PGA. “We look forward to combining our values with those of The PGA in terms of respect for the environment, employing bio sustainability

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on the golf course and providing an excellent Golf Academy and practice facilities.”

Argentario lines up alongside an illustrious group of other PGA Nationals which includes Ryder Cup venues The Belfry and Gleneagles, as well as PGA National Cyprus at Aphrodite Hills and PGA National Turkey at Antalya Golf Resort.

All PGA Branded Properties benefit from direct brand association in addition to the specific media, marketing and operational assistance from The PGA to help raise awareness, profile and profitability.

PGA Chief Executive, Robert Maxfield, added: “We are delighted to welcome the spectacular Argentario Golf Resort & Spa to our exceptional list of PGA Branded Properties as PGA National Italy!

Golf Digest Selects Horseshoe Bay Resort Among “Best Resorts in the Southwest” HORSESHOE BAY, TX – The newly-renovated Horseshoe Bay Resort, a tropically-adorned lakefront oasis in the Central Texas Hill Country, was recently selected for the 2019 Editors’ Choice Award by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Golf Resorts in the Southwest.”

Nestled along the gleaming shores of the constant-level Lake LBJ and just outside of Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort is putting the final touches on a $90-million resort and multi-course renovation.

The AAA-Four Diamond- and Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awardwinning property increasingly continues to be named one of America’s premier golf destinations.

With four acclaimed championship golf courses and the innovative Whitewater Putting Course, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers an appealing array of unforgettable golfing experiences designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jack Nicklaus. Horseshoe Bay Resort was recognized with other acclaimed resorts in the Southwest, including The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and The Boulders Resort & Spa. RENOVATIONS REINVIGORATE DISTINCTIVE LAYOUTS In 2016, Horseshoe Bay embarked on an expansive $7.5-million project to upgrade all three of its Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designs, Slick Rock, Ram Rock, and Apple Rock. The improvements to the courses and overall golf product has the resort community in position to earn nationwide attention and a rise in out-of-state rounds.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Situated on picturesque constant-level Lake LBJ and meandering through a rugged 7,000-acre expanse of rolling Hill Country, the scenic Horseshoe Bay Resort is the only waterfront resort in Texas.

Tropically landscaped with palm trees, bold water features and the most colorful vegetation this side of Hawaii, this resort stands apart, both visually and in the guest experience. The golfing experience matches that uniqueness.

Before there was ever a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Horseshoe Bay Resort was home to three very distinct courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The Ram Rock course, constructed in 1981, has made its reputation as one of the toughest courses in Texas. Slick Rock, the first golf course built (in 1971) at Horseshoe Bay Resort, features a pleasing parkland setting and quintessential elements of Jones’ renowned architectural sensibility. Wall-to-wall renovations to both courses have enhanced playability and fun from the forward and middle tees while maintaining each layout’s legendary challenge for scratch players.

Each of the course renovations included installing the latest 007 bent grass greens to improve quality of turf, expanded green sizes by as much as 50 percent in some areas, renovating bunkers, re-shaping and leveling tee-boxes, new irrigation, as well as adding beautiful rock retaining walls along all of the water-hazards to improve over-all course aesthetics. This was most significant with the awe-inspiring “Million Dollar Hole” where golfers follow a winding path across a 35-yard rock-walled waterfall.

SUMMER 2019 TO SEE FINISHING TOUCHES The final course and renovation project, Apple Rock, will

see much of the same renovations completed as its sister courses and will re-open in June 2019. The course offers some of the most picturesque views in the region. Jones Sr. strategically routed holes to take advantage of the many higher elevation points that overlook Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ. Punctuating the re-opening of the Ram Rock and Apple Rock courses will be the unveiling of the luxe, new Cap Rock Clubhouse.

Members and guests of Horseshoe Bay Resort will enjoy the new Cap Rock setting with its expansive views of the courses and Texas Hill Country. It will feature a dining room and bar area along with a pro-shop, swimming pool, cabana, pavilion area for groups, and a practice/teaching facility.

In addition to the resort golf, Horseshoe Bay also offers a distinctive members-only experience with the Jack Nicklaus Signature design, Summit Rock (which opened in 2012). The course offers some of the most stunning scenery in Texas. Nicklaus routed holes along a high ridge, a setting that showcases spectacular views that stretch for more than 40 miles over the Texas Hill Country and Lake LBJ. ONE-OF-A-KIND PUTTING COURSE Complementing the championship golf is the highly-unique Whitewater Putting Course, a tropically-adorned 18-hole day/night real-grass putting course that sits adjacent to the hotel and is routed around the energetic Whitewater 360 Sports Club, a full-service destination for pub food, cocktails and live sports on 16 HDTVs surrounding the bar. It is the perfect attraction for golf buddy groups, couples and families.

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas

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

World Golf Village, Florida

World Golf Village Introduces Seasonal Stay & Play Packages

Casa de Campo Announces Summer PGA Junior Golf Camps

St. Augustine, FL – The World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida has launched its 2019 Summer Golf Packages. These new golf packages offer guests exceptional golf experiences at remarkable values and include: green fees, cart fees, and range balls for the awardwinning King+Bear Golf Course and The Slammer+Squire Golf Course - the only resort golf courses in the world designed as a collaboration between Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen.

Play All Day Golf Package The Play All Day Package offers guests unlimited golf on either the Slammer+Squire or King+Bear golf courses along with lunch, range balls, and 50 percent off admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Rates for this package start at $109 per person.

Florida Georgia Residents Package This new golf package offers Florida and Georgia residents 18 holes of golf with cart and complimentary range balls on either golf course.

Rates start at $69 per person. Guests must show a valid Florida or Georgia driver’s license or state-issued identification card upon check-in.

Family Golf Package World Golf Village’s Family Golf Package provides free golf after 3 PM at the Slammer+Squire and King+Bear for children (ages 17 and under) when accompanied by a paying adult.

7 Day Double Play Package This package enables guests to play both courses within seven days and save. This package includes one round of golf at the Slammer+Squire and King+Bear, and complimentary range balls at both courses for $149 plus taxes per person.

The Day Tripper Package This package offers a round of golf at either the King+Bear or the Slammer+Squire, complimentary range balls and lunch available before or after the round. Rates for this package start at $109 plus taxes per person.

Golf packages are available through September 30, 2019. Stay and play packages, which include onsite lodging, are also available. For more information, visit www.golfwgv.com or call 904-940-6088.

Troon’s Honours Golf division professionally manages the club operations at the World Golf Village Resort.

LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – announces it will host full- and half-day PGA Junior Golf Camps, July 22 – 26.

Led by Robert Birtel and Eric Lillibridge, Casa de Campo’s outstanding PGA Professional instructors, the camps are available for young golfers of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun, engaging environment. The week-long programs emphasize skill development by incorporating both on-course play and off-course games.

The full-day camp, designed for ages 9 – 16, is priced at $300 (USD) and runs from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Mon. – Fri). Suited for newer golfers ages 7 – 13, the half-day camp is conducted from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and is priced at $150 (USD). Both options include daily lunch.

More information may be found at PGAJuniorGolfCamps.com.

For overnight junior golfers and accompanying adults, Casa de Campo is also offering a “complete camp experience” starting at $1,299 (per adult, based on double occupancy) from July 21 – 27. The package includes nightly accommodations, week-long instruction program, daily meals and drinks, unlimited horseback riding and tennis, use of the fitness center, complimentary four-passenger golf cart, Wi-Fi and more. Kids 17-years-old and under stay free.

“There’s no better place than Casa de Campo for junior players of any and all abilities to learn the proper way to play the wonderful game of golf,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We invite families to take full advantage of our ‘complete camp experience’ offer to visit us here in paradise for an exceptional summer vacation at one of the world’s premier golf destinations.”

The PGA Junior Golf Camps will use the resort’s new state-of-theart Golf Learning Center. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility is highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology. It features two indoor hitting bays for year-round game improvements as well as practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching games as well as a pristine outdoor range for full shots.

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/, facebook.com/casadecamporesort, instagram.com/casadecampodr, twitter.com/casadecampo.

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

Women’s Golf Day Reaches Over 25 Million People!

Women’s Golf Day 2019 blew all expectations out of the water last week as it smashed previous records for venues, countries and overall reach. The global celebration of golf succeeded in its goal of uniting women around the world, with 845 locations across 46 countries hosting WGD events that combined socializing and golf.

Outside of the course the figures were equally astounding, with over 25 million people viewing WGD content for a total of over 47 million impressions across social media that included some of the biggest brands, influencers and celebrities around the game.

Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day was blown away by the support for this year’s event and is delighted to be a part of the momentum that is gathering in the women’s game. She said, “From year one we’ve combined easy, fun golfing activities at golf venues with a bigger conversation about the importance of the global female golf market. Every year we’ve grown but 2019 has been a tipping point for uniting industry leaders, teaching pros, programs, courses and events to celebrate women and golf for one day.”

The feeling of unity across the globe was reflected in comments from venues that hosted WGD events. Benedict Riches, CEO, Leadbetter Golf commented “We are incredibly proud to support Women’s Golf Day at The Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters at Champions Gate, Orlando and across our academies

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worldwide. This is a fantastic initiative and perfectly aligns with our mission of building a lifelong game for golfers of all ages and abilities.

We hope the 135 women who attended our event in Orlando not only improved their golf swing but made new friends as they joined the community of women golfers united across the world.”

Across digital and social media, WGD 2019 succeeded in driving the conversation about the women’s game with a huge variety of content being produced across WGD channels, international golf influencers, celebrities, brands, pros, and golf venues. Some of the best known names that joined in on the #WomensGolfDay conversation include: Tisha Alyn, Nikki B, Matt Ginella, Chris Harrison, Niall Horan, Blair O’Neal, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, Paige Spiranac and Michelle Wie. With Women’s Golf Day 2019 having been such a resounding success, Elisa Gaudet plans to build on the momentum and make sure that the conversation converts into action. She explains, “Women’s Golf Day is the start of the journey for so many women and that’s something of which I’m incredibly proud. There are so many great teaching pros and programs available already in existence, so if we can help women understand what a fantastic game golf is and the value of the communities that exist within the game then I know we can create the next generation of female golfers. The way that the industry has come together to show women’s golf at its best is so inspiring and I can’t wait to see how we can be at the heart of driving that conversation again in years to come.”

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A Lot of Fun - and Som

A

by Terry Ross

s the season winds down in the Southern California desert resort area during the late spring and the usual lineup of PGA Tour, LPGA and assorted other golf events have already been played in the area, a rather new golf tournament is already making a name for itself in this golf-crazy area.

The Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by Lexus recently held its third annual tournament at the exclusive Big Horn Golf Club in Palm Desert in late May and might have set records for laughs and fun among the many golf events held in this part of the world.

Anderson, the Emmy-nominated actor, comedian and game show host who currently stars in the ABC sitcom Black-ish, has put together a star-studded field of his friends in the sports and entertainment industry for this affair that benefits the many charities that are supported by the Anthony Anderson Family Foundation, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Boys & Girls Club of America, The Black Academy of Arts & Letters, Los Angeles Mission, Compton Jr. Posse Youth Equestrians, Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, Children Striving Together, Compton Initiative and the Compassion for Teen Life Inc. In addition to the many charities supported, the lineup of celebri-

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ties that were on hand for the event was one of the most impressive groups to play in this area that is famous for stars and golf—going back many decades.

From the funny banter with TV personality Roland Martin who kept things loose with his lively interviews to the Red Carpet entrance during the evening Pairings Party by the many notables such as George Lopez, James Worthy, Reggie Bush, Ozzie Smith, Jim Plunkett, Jerry Royster, Chris Paul, Smokey Robinson, Coach Doc Rivers, Michael Woodson, Dave Winfield, Norm Nixon, David Justice, Marcus Allen and many others, this tournament never stopped entertaining for the participants or those watching.

For the personable and ever-funny Anderson, who claimed he was horrible at golf during his interview with Martin, the teasing and the jokes—and making sure everyone has a good time--is more important than the scores.

“I love it here in the desert,” he said-- and who could blame him on a day with pristine weather, a perfect golf course in Big Horn and more laughs than you will find anywhere.

This is a winning combination for a golf outing that looks to have more fun-filled years in this desert golf oasis.

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e Golf - Under the Sun

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VERR

Rugged Beauty in t

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RADO GOLF CLUB

the Valley of the Sun

By David R. Holland www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations • June 2019 17

B

UCKEYE, AZ – Many times when you play in a wild Arizona setting – complete with rocks, boulders, saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, howling coyotes and a stunning view like the White Tank Mountains – you might envision a setting for native Americans and hardscrabble pioneers.

But at Verrado Golf Club, just a short drive west of Phoenix, there’s something different about the lay of the land for the Founder’s and Victory 18s. These courses are set on just over 8,800 acres once used as the Caterpillar proving grounds. DMB, Inc., gave PGA Tour star and Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman and John Fought a rugged canvas to develop a top Phoenix area golf experience. You just have to make the drive to this upscale daily-fee experience.

“It’s 30 minutes west from Sky Harbor Airport, but once you get off I-10 the roads go from wide to narrow and it is like driving in to a small town community,” said Jeff Sorkness, Director of Golf.

“When I first looked out at the courses and saw the White Tank Mountains, the 20,000 trees they planted, I realized why these courses are both ranked Top 20 in Arizona by Golfweek. And the greens are fast and amazing – I haven’t had once person say they were too fast.” Sorkness also loves the ruggedness and explains that the fairways are wide, but with the rocks your drive is likely lost if you flare shots right or left.

“I like the visibility, but there are some blind shots, so it takes a few rounds to learn the best strategy.

The greens are huge and the quarry holes are scenic. Tee times come at nine minute intervals.

“Another thing you don’t normally see at 36-hole complexes is two separate practice facilities.

They are a mile and a half apart and excellent,” Sorkness continued. “The Victory Course even has a short-game facility with five greens. The Canadian PGA has brought students down to take advantage of that.”

The Victory Golf Playground is a 12-acre practice facility with a great driving range and a unique short game practice area with five individual holes ranging in length from 50 yards to almost 100 yards. The individual holes at the Golf Playground are programmed by the professional staff at the Verrado Golf Club for private events for Victory residents, friends and golf club members to enjoy a fun format.

Full-time residents have a choice of three different pass holder options – Eagle Pass, Par Pass and Afternoon Pass.

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Victory at Verrado Opened in 2017, the Victory course measures 7,258 yards at par 72 and has an outstanding finish. The final four holes play away from the mountains and the 18th is especially scenic, 590 yards from the tips with a tee shot over water, downhill with quarry walls surrounding the green. The pro shop is above.

You will also like the drivable par-4, 14th hole. The hole is reachable from all tee boxes and must be strategic because of the large rock wall heading down the middle of the fairway. Poor tee shots will make it difficult making the long green. Go for it – you might be rewarded.

Founder’s Course The original layout for Verrado, opened in January of 2004, comes with large desert washes, rock outcroppings, box canyons and elevation changes. From the tips it is a long, 7,300 yards and features the mountains and Phoenix skyline in the distance.

Your favorite hole might be the downhill par-3, third. It is 222 yards, with the tee box well above the green, with a great view of the surrounding valley. A deep bowl on the right side leads to a difficult pitch back onto the green. Just go for the middle of the green and two-putt.

The Verrado Golf Club was hosting a college tournament during my visit and it has hosted numerous other charity fundraisers including the Banner Thunderbird tournament, the Buckeye Valley Chamber, The Aqua Fria Foundation, and Walmart.

If you are searching for an upscale 55-and-older community check it out at www.verrado.com.

Verrado Grille The Verrado Grille restaurant offers a great menu to traditional golf course dining. The restaurant combines flawless service, a lively atmosphere, and incredible views to provide an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the open patio, unique indoor and outdoor bar, and spacious seating allow for viewing of the Sonoran Desert sunsets.

The Verrado Grille restaurant resides in the rustic contemporary clubhouse of the Founder’s Club. An atmosphere conducive to an elegant night out is created by the intimate and comforting while intriguing interior structure and decor.

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RESORTREPORT

Pebble Beach Celebrates 100

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by DAVID R. HOLLAND

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA

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EBBLE BEACH, Cailf. — Bode Miller spent his competitive sports life diving down the steep slopes of alpine ski racing – he’s an Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion.

Years!

But when he teed it up in last month’s U.S. Open Media Day at Pebble Beach he faced something perhaps as daunting – gnarled rough and narrowed fairways.

“Yeah, but, rough and narrow fairways are not as scary as wind on this layout,” Miller said. “We played yesterday and the wind was the most difficult challenge for me. It changes my tactics and I start hitting some really weird shots.”

Miller likes the long-ball tour elites like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Tony Finau for the 119th U.S. Open Championship, set for June 10-16, 2019 at Pebble Beach. Tiger Woods and other experienced pros, Miller says, should also get loads of respect.

“I’ve gotten to play a lot of historic courses back east, but when you play at Pebble Beach history is something I love to delve in to,” Miller continued. “It’s cool to look at the old photos of historic courses and on days when your game is garbage you can at least look to areas of the course where you know historic shots have been made.”

On media day golfers were offered a one iron on the par-3 17th, with hopes to recreate Jack Nicklaus’ historic 1972 U.S. Open shot that bounced off the flag stick. No one came close to a flashback, but former San Francisco Giants outfielder Cody Ross did ace the famous 7th, the 100-yard shot that may be the most beautiful in golf.

Will Pebble Beach’s 100th anniversary make history?

The legendary course on the Monterey Peninsula, which celebrates its centennial in 2019, has hosted five previous U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs and two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships. Pebbl­e Beach will also host the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open Championship.

Weather plays a dramatic part of how tournaments are played at Pebble Beach. During the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am you can mostly count on lush conditions from prevalent winter rain.

But in June the purists hope for more summer baked hard and fast conditions. That might not happen this year with such a rain crazy first five months of the year.

The five U.S. Open champs at Pebble Beach are Jack Nicklaus in 1972, Tom Watson in 1982, Tom Kite in 1992, Woods in 2000 and Graeme McDowell in 2010. Notice a pattern? That’s three of the best golfers ever -- Nicklaus, Woods, Watson -- another Hall of Famer (Kite) and a tough competitor in McDowell.

McDowell was even par in the last one (2010) and only one player finished below par in the 2000 Open at Pebble – Tiger Woods.

Tiger was inhuman, winning by 15 strokes over Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez, in the most dominating performance and victory in any major championship.

Conditions this U.S. Open Count on lush rough and USGA officials have narrowed the fairways on several holes. Fairways now are about 30 yards wide in the landing area, compared with 45 yards for a normal AT&T.

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Golf Vacations • June 2019 23

RESORTREPORT

24 Golf Vacations • June 2019

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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA Featured narrowed fairways include the first and No. 11, where the fairway reduction moved to the left. This is the first hole going back uphill away from the Pacific and has a tiny green with two bunkers following one another on the right. But if you hit the fairway this time it gives you a better angle for the approach to a shallow green that slopes from back to front.

And remember, this will be the first U.S. Open at Pebble with the 14th green having been reworked, taming that formerly cantankerous steep slope on the right side. This green was the culmination of a flabbergasting, uphill, 572-yard par 5.

After Paul Goydos and three other players made quadruple bogey on No. 14 in the final round of the 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Goydos said, “You’re trying to stop a pitching wedge on a moving school bus.” It looked more like a NASCAR pileup.

Also, since the 2010 competition there are new back tees at the ninth and 13th holes. Greens have also been renovated at 9, 13, and 17. Nicklaus’ one iron shot location at 17 has a teeing ground restored to the same look that Jack had that day in 1972.

Shaved areas along the Pacific boundaries at 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 could cause angst, but officials say you have this wonderful hazard (the Pacific Ocean) and that must be incorporated. Amen. Rough “buffers” were removed to reinstate what the original golf course demanded.

119th U.S. Open most “connected” in history This U.S. Open will be the first that has a “blanket of connectivity” throughout the golf course. Amanda Weiner, the USGA’s senior director of digital media, talked about the “first-ever connected course” and that Cisco Systems provided a Wi-Fi network where fans can download the U.S. Open app on smart phones.

The app will have an on-site map with a feature that can tell fans where they can find their favorite golfer or the nearest food, souvenirs or rest rooms. It is called “Wayfinding” and will allow users to map out a plan for viewing anywhere on the course.

Apple TV and Roku have also provided apps so fans at home have the chance to watch free, live-streaming coverage of the U.S. Open.

It’s a new connected world, but it is always great to see changes, advancements and in some cases a return to what a 100-year old golf course was meant to be.

Finally, a trivia question – who holds the course record at Pebble Beach? Not Nicklaus, Palmer, Hogan, Nelson, or Tiger. Answer – Texas Tech’s Hurly Long, 11-under-par 61, in the 2017 Carmel Cup, a prestigious college golf tournament. Tom Kite and David Duval had previously shot 10-under 62s during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, although both of those rounds were played under winter rules.

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Golf Vacations • June 2019 25

SWEETSTUFF Acu-Strike

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fficient practice aides that can improve one’s game—and can be used indoors and outdoors—seem to have the best chance of gaining traction with the golfing public.

One such tool that is proving to help players with their swing and can be used just about anywhere is the Acu-Strike Golf Impact Training Mat that gives you (or your instructor) all of the feedback you could ask for when it comes to practicing and improving your swing path either on the range or in the confines of your own home.

FootJoy Pro/SL

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ootJoy recently infused its most popular golf shoe with some new styles, colors and features for the current season.

The stylish Pro/SL™ has been FootJoy’s most popular shoe in golf shops and on the professional tours worldwide, according to the company, and now sports a new look and some design refinements that make this shoe one you don’t want to ever take off!

The Pro/SL has a soft, comfortable waterproof leather upper coupled with a midsole/outsole system that features three distinct layers for comfort, perimeter stability and superb traction in all conditions. In fact, the molded sole has 223 individual points of ground contact that provide superior traction and support for a shoe without removable cleats.

This shoe has a light feel and fits like a glove but gives one a feel of staying connected to the ground on just about any type of terrain on the course. The sporty-modern look makes these shoes a stylish choice for any golf attire or even after activities, and they are designed for comfort to the point where you could walk 18 holes right after taking them out of the box.

According to Footjoy, the Pro/SL has been chosen by more of the top-ranked 100 players in the world than any other shoe model.

“Our players can choose from any shoe in our line, so the fact that so many continue to choose Pro/SL, on Tours all over the world and in all possible conditions, really validates the product’s performance and our extensive design and development process,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FootJoy. Another new feature of the Pro/SL is the advanced midsole/outsole design that

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provides improved comfort and performance.

Its multi-layer construction utilizes FineTuned Foam (FTF) which is 10% lighter than the conventional EVA foam used in most golf footwear, and each layer is engineered to deliver discrete performance benefits. The top FTF layer cradles the foot in a soft foam insert for tremendous underfoot cushioning, while the lower/outer layer is a firmer blend of FTF that provides perimeter stability and motion control.

As a spikeless shoe, it says something that so many professionals opt for this shoe since those playing for a living are looking for performance and feel above all else.

Included among the players wearing the Pro/SL who compete at the highest level are Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Ian Poulter, Kevin Na, Charley Hoffman, Peter Uihlein, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Smith and Andrew “Beef” Johnston, to name a few.

“Of all the shoes I’ve worn throughout my career, these are by far the most comfortable,” noted Poulter. “I get great grip in wet and dry conditions, plus with the BOA® system, I can dial in the fit and comfort to get exactly what I want.”

Among the new styles and colors available are: White/navy/red laced; White/silver laced; Black/silver BOA®; Grey/white laced; Black/ black laced; White/indigo BOA®.

For more information: www.FootJoy. com/prosl.html

This portable mat is made of a specialized fabric that shows your swing path and has guidelines so you can instantly see where your clubhead hits in relationship to the ball.

It is great for not only checking to make sure you are swinging on the correct path, but also not hitting behind or too far in front of the ball. You just swipe your club backwards to erase the swing path mark and hit again!

Mark Seiver invented this mat that won the PGA of America’s Best New Product Award at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando earlier this year, and he has developed an outdoor and an indoor version that can be used to practice swings with or without a ball. The outdoor mat can be secured to the ground with the four included tees while the indoor mat is thicker and has a backing that won’t slide on either concrete or close-looped carpet.

The indoor or the outdoor mat can be purchased separately or in combination so you can practice anywhere, and the outdoor mat conveniently rolls up and will easily fit in a golf bag.

The Acu-Strike Golf Impact Training Mat can be purchased through Amazon or on the company website at: www.acustrikegolf.com

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SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

Breakthrough Golf Putting Lab

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reakthrough Golf Technology, which introduced its revolutionary multimaterial putter shaft last year that has become the fastest-growing on the PGA Tour even though the company doesn’t pay anyone to play it, has now introduced its first Black Box™ Putting Lab that will offer golfers an in-depth putter fitting analysis.

Founder and CEO Barney Adams announced the opening of the facility near Dallas, Texas, where the company headquarters are located, and its engineering crew with 100 years of experience are building some of the most technologically advanced putter shafts available today.

The new lab will give players of all levels a comprehensive putting fitting with the Quintic Putting Ball Roll analysis for proper putter type, length, lie angle, loft, swing weight and grip style--and covers all necessary adjustments including re-shafting to the optimal loft, lie and length. Additionally, golfers will receive information on the ball after impact, including ball deceleration, ball rotation, launch angle, forward rotation, backspin and cut/hook spin.

The staff at BGT thoroughly review’s and explains all data so golfers better understand how to improve their stroke, aim and ball roll-out. They will evaluate a golfer’s putting stroke in 5-key categories, including face angle at impact, face rotation, shaft & attack

Barney Adams

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angles, ball and club speed consistency and impact ration.

“Our goal is for golfers to better understand how putters work and how a stroke reacts to different putter styles,” said Blair Philip the head of BGT Research and Development. “It can be an eye-opening experience for most golfers and it’s very gratifying to see their putting stats dramatically improve with the Stability shaft.”

According to Adams, this tour-level experience can help players of any ability learn more about their putting game and how they can improve.

“We have a many tools and technology at our disposal, so this is just a natural evolution of our business. It’s an interesting experience and a great tool for all golfer’s regardless of skill level. After all, who doesn’t want to putt better?” he noted.

In developing the lab and the BGT shaft, Adams evaluated PGA Tour Shotlink data going back to 2003 until the present and discovered that the “make” percentages of even the best players in the world is actually lower today—even with all of the advances in equipment and training. Although statistically what he found in terms of strokes lost might not be earth shattering, he did calculate that the average annual difference per-player in terms of dollars lost because of these missed putts was over $500,000!

Adams investigated and found that the modern greens are smoother and faster while the putting strokes have evolved to a smooth

pendulum style. Putter heads have become heavier and more forgiving, “One thing changed dramatically and the other stayed the same and therein lies the answer,” added Adams. “The steel putter shaft was introduced almost 90 years ago, and I’ve been putting with them for over 60 years. How many things in this world have gone virtually unchanged for 90 years?

Over the years, quality instruction on the stroke coupled with the modern technology of heavier heads increased the stress factor which interfered with the face returning square at impact.

“So, we postulate; can weak steel shafts cause face oscillation? Yes! They are in direct conflict with the heart of today’s smooth stroke; they don’t allow the putter face to consistently return square at impact.

Breakthrough Golf Technology has a golf lab with perfect greens, a putting robot and advanced software for analysis. You must have this kind of environment to isolate and measure the discrepancies. We traced history, lighter heads to heavier on steel shafts and watched the face deflection increase.

When we introduced the Stability Shaft into testing, the face angle problem disappeared regardless of head weight.”

He noted that for the average player this improved stability of the shaft can be even greater since more skilled golfers have more consistent putting strokes.

To learn more please visit www. breakthroughgolftech.com

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