Golf Vacations Magazine - June 2020

OUR 19th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2020

FATHER’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

PUERTO RICO

WELCOMES YOU BACK FOR GOLF! Golf Vacations • June 2020 1 Plus: RESORT REPORT: HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

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GOLF VACATIONS JUNE 2020

Coco Beach Golf Resort -International Course - at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

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Chip Shots

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Puerto Rico Welcomes You Back!

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by JD Latorre SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Many of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses have reopened, as recently announced by Gov. Wanda Vázquez. “It’s the right time . . . We have flattened the curve,” said Gov. Vázquez.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

by Shane Sharp Rounding into late spring and towards Father’s Day, dads are in a fairly happy place. Nearly 80 percent of courses throughout the U.S. are open and the National Golf Foundation projects more than 90 percent will be back and running before June.

Resort Report: Horseshoe Bay Resort

by Dakota Diaz HORSESHOE BAY, TX – As summer beckons and families seek normalcy and a respite from the challenges we’re collectively facing, Texas’ renowned Horseshoe Bay Resort is once again making its freshly-renovated open-air retreat available to travelers. The resort officially re-opened Friday, May 29 in accordance with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order on re-opening businesses across Texas and with new and modified procedures in place for cleanliness, safety and social distancing.

Sweet Stuff

by Terry Ross

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

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz

Shane Sharp is a freelance writer and the owner of Southbound 4, a content marketing and PR shop in Greenville, S.C. He’s a contributing editor with GOLF Magazine, Club & Resort Business, Golf Inc. and Club Management.

Associate Editors Terry Ross Dakota Diaz

Features Editor JD Latorre

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

Tim Cotroneo Larry Feldman David R. Holland Dave McKibben

For Editorial:

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

Regional Advertising

Los Angeles Terry Ross • (949) 279–7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • (770) 239–7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com Chicago Dakota Diaz •(312) 809–8808 dakota@GolfVacationsMag.com

Published by

STONY CREEK MEDIA

Bringing Communities Together

President Jeffrey Diaz

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

Cimarron Communications President/CEO James A. Diaz

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

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

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Rumbling Bald Announces Reopening of

Bald Mountain Golf Course and Vacation Rentals

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS 36-Hole Resort on North Carolina’s Scenic Lake Lure Readies for Safe, Enjoyable Summer Golf Season with 20% off Lodging

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AKE LURE, N.C. – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on stunning Lake Lure, announces the reopening of its diverse collection of spacious vacation rentals, along with public and resort guest access to Bald Mountain Golf Course.

The resort is offering a “Back to the Mountains Special” through June 26 with 20% off its studio, villa and vacation home lodging and no resort fee. Golf groups can pair accommodations with golf rounds on Bald Mountain and nearby Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club while Apple Valley is closed for the installation of new Champion Bermuda greens.

Rumbling Bald is closely following North Carolina’s phasing plan for reopening its lodging, restaurants, amenities and activities.

Guest health and safety remain a top priority, and the resort has implemented “Peace of Mind” policies covering cleaning, social distancing and cancellation policies.

“We want golfers to get here, unplug, play 18 or 36 holes and shed the stress of the past couple months,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Post round, they can relax with a cold beverage and a cigar on the deck of their vacation rental and enjoy our secluded location.”

Rumbling Bald’s expert golf vacation planners offer a concierge-level experience helping golf groups plan, organize and executive trips and events of all sizes. For groups of 12 or more, complimentary golf is available for the group leader.

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

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Quail Hollow Club to Host PGA Championship in 2025

ALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – The PGA of America announced today that Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the 2025 PGA Championship.

Founded in 1959, Quail Hollow is one of the finest courses in the southeastern United States. The course opened in 1961 and was originally designed by famed golf course architect George Cobb to capture the beauty and challenging terrain of the Piedmont region.

“The PGA of America is proud to return the PGA Championship to Quail Hollow and the wonderful host city of Charlotte,” said PGA of America President Suzy Whaley. “Quail Hollow’s course has a well-earned reputation as a stern test for the world’s finest players, but what sets the club apart is its membership and the welcoming atmosphere that they promote.

The state of North Carolina’s appreciation for the game and major championship golf is remarkable.”

This will be the second PGA Championship played at Quail Hollow, but the first played in the month of May. In August 2017, a 24-year-old Justin Thomas finished two shots clear of Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen and Patrick Reed to claim the initial major championship victory of his career.

Today at noon (EDT), ESPN2 will replay the final 9 holes of

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the 2017 PGA Championship, including a memorable birdie putt on No. 10 that delayed both gravity and gratification for Thomas.

“Quail Hollow is thrilled to welcome the PGA Championship back to Charlotte in the spring of 2025,” said Quail Hollow Club President Johnny Harris. “Great events such as the PGA Championship don’t occur without an exceptional venue and the strong public-private partnerships we are grateful to enjoy with the City of Charlotte. With the sport’s strongest field, this event continues our commitment to golf played at its highest level while positively impacting our community anWith the playing of the 2025 PGA Championship, Quail Hollow will become the first golf course in North Carolina to host multiple PGA Championships.

“To have Charlotte serve as the host for a second PGA Championship in eight years is an incredible honor and also reflects Charlotte’s reputation for world-class hospitality and our growth on the national stage,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “I want to thank Quail Hollow and the PGA of America for their partnership which will again allow us to host the world and celebrate golf on the grandest stage right here in the Queen City.”

Many of golf’s greatest champions, from Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, to Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka, have had their names inscribed on the famed Wanamaker Trophy.

Last May, Koepka won his second consecutive PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, in Farmingdale, New York.

The 2020 PGA Championship is scheduled to be played, August 3-9, at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, provided it is responsible to do so at that time.

For more i n f o r m a t i o n about the PGA Championship, visit P G AC h a m p i o n s h i p . com, follow @ PGAChampionship on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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Old Ranch Country Club MultimillionDollar Renovation Project Underway

SEAL BEACH, CA – Old Ranch Country Club, a member of the ClubCorp family of clubs, announces a multimillion dollar clubhouse renovation project taking ClubLife at Old Ranch to a new level.

“This reinvention signifies the beginning of an exciting new era for Old Ranch Country Club,” said Frank Herrera, General Manager. “We are pleased to offer even more new amenities and features that elevate the Member experience and provide more value to our membership.”

New Features and Lifestyle Amenities at Old Ranch CC The Old Ranch renovation will include an upscale bar area, elevated dining experience, grill with original Orange County fare, modern-ranch seating throughout, social tables where Members can connect and an updated design creating ideal spots to dine and socialize with family and friends.

Innovative new menus will feature fresh and seasonal offerings with locally sourced ingredients, signature club favorites, wine options with a focus on California favorites, local craft beers bottled and on tap, and hand-crafted cocktails.

In addition to the refreshed dining spaces, a kids-only space with toys, games, media consoles and more will be created to cater to families and offer a supervised space while Members use the amenities. All designed to enhance the club experience for every member of the family.

Members of Old Ranch Country Club also can enjoy ClubCorp’s unique Signature Gold Unlimited program, which provides value-oriented benefits Worldwide including complimentary green fees and complimentary dining when traveling throughout the ClubCorp Network, which now offers access to more than 450 private clubs and special offerings at more than 1,000 hotels, resorts and entertainment venues.

Among the Los Angeles-area clubs in the ClubCorp family are Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, City Club Los Angeles in the downtown area, and Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge.

Troon Selected To Manage The Club At Arrowcreek In Reno, Nevada SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon®, has been selected to manage The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno, Nevada. Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will oversee golf and club operations, food & beverage operations as well golf course agronomy and club/membership marketing.

The private club offers 36 holes of golf, including The Legend Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, and The Challenge Course, a Fuzzy Zoeller design. The 7,115-yard Legend course opened for play in 1999, while The Challenge Course opened in 2000 and measures 7,433 yards from the tips. Both golf courses were recently improved with irrigation system upgrades, new drainage systems, bunker renovations, and cart path repairs and additions.

The Club at ArrowCreek is in the midst of a $40 million renovation project that includes a new pool complex, a new “Back Yard” area, enhanced practice areas and additional food & beverage venues as part of phase one. The new pool complex features a 15,000 square-foot furnished deck, a 5,000 square-foot pool, an outdoor bar, flat screen televisions, an outdoor entertainment venue and more. In phase two of the renovation project, the Club’s full-service clubhouse will be enhanced to provide members with multiple new dining options; incredible city and mountain views; new meeting and event space; as well as a fitness center.

For more information on The Club at ArrowCreek, visit www. theclubatarrowcreek.com or call (775) 850-4471.

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New England Golf Launches June 1

Trail

BOSTON, MA – New England dot Golf (www.newengland.golf), a digital marketing platform that highlights the best of golf in New England and beyond, announced today a partnership formed with dozens of public and private golf courses, called the New England Golf Trail.

The New England Golf Trail (https:// newengland.golf/new-england-golf-trail/) was created to provide golfers with affordable and unforgettable golf experiences by leveraging New England dot Golf’s exceptional partnerships with dozens of top golf courses throughout New England.

The New England Golf Trail team will be led by 25-year golf industry veteran James McFadyen, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to planning golf travel trips to the six-state New England Region. McFadyen, founder of the Coastal Carolinas Golf Trail, recently moved back to the Boston area, having lived and worked at Pinehurst and Southern Pines, North Carolina for many years.

“We are thrilled to hire Jim McFadyen to develop the New England Golf Trail into one the country’s most respected and desired golf destinations starting June 1,” said Thomas Gorman, principal of New England dot Golf, the No. 1 rated golf website in the Northeast.

“Over the past three months, the golf industry has suffered some financial hardship, but

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now due to pent-up demand, golfers are seeing tremendous opportunities to travel by automobile, rather than fly, to their favorite destinations. The New England Golf Trail is ready, willing and able to accommodate with quality service, personal consultation and competitively priced golf tours.”

McFadyen’s connections in the golf industry are deep. His resume includes affiliation with First Tee in North Carolina, International Network of Golf and Golf Myrtle Beach. He’s worked at three of the top-100 Private Clubs in America, as well as sales and marketing background with Golf Trails in the Carolinas, Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire Golf and Golf Maine.

Inaugural Saintnine Shootout, Hosted By Charlie Rymer, To Be Played in Myrtle Beach in Sept. 5-6 MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The inaugural Saintnine Shootout, a 36-hole event hosted

by Charlie Rymer, will be played Sept. 5-6 at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, two of the Myrtle Beach area’s premier layouts.

Entry into the Saintnine Shootout, which is capped at 120 players, is just $175 and includes two rounds of golf, a dozen Saintnine U-Pro golf balls and shoulder wraps from Sparms Sun Protection. The twoday individual outing will offer players the

opportunity to participate in a variety of cash games.

Rymer, one of golf’s most popular media personalities, will host the festivities and interact with participants throughout the weekend.

The event will be played on the heels of the 37th annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, which will conclude on Sept. 4.

“The emphasis of the Saintnine Shootout will be on fun,” said Tournament Director Scott Tomasello. “Golfers will have the opportunity to play two great golf courses, enjoy spending time with Charlie Rymer, and of course, win a few skins. Saintnine is a perfect partner and this is an event we look forward to growing over time.”

“I can’t wait for the Saintnine Shootout because the emphasis is going to be on having a good time,” said Charlie Rymer, a former PGA Tour player. “Golfers will have the opportunity to play two of my favorite

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS courses in Pawleys Plantation and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, and they will be introduced to Saintnine golf balls, which are outstanding.”

Based in South Korea, Saintnine manufactures state-of-the-art golf balls that were introduced to the United States market in February of 2019, and Rymer is a brand ambassador for the company. Saintnine will also be a prize partner of the World Am, providing daily contest winners with a dozen golf balls.

Caledonia, the first solo design by legendary architect Mike Strantz, is a consensus top 100 public layout. Pawleys Plantation, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, is highlighted by a back nine that includes six holes that play along a saltwater marsh, making it one of the state’s prettiest courses.

For more information, visit SaintnineShootout.com.

Golf Industry Collaborates ‘Back2Golf’ Initiative

Further

on

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The golf industry continues its collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf, announcing an update and addendums to the Back2Golf Operations Playbook (version 3.0). The updated playbook and addendums provide recommendations that guide the industry as it reestablishes amateur competitive events and junior programming, which are part of Back2Golf’s Phase II. With input from leading industry organizations including USGA, PGA of America, American Junior Golf Association and First Tee, the

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addendum provides guidelines for Phase II, which include limiting gatherings to no more than 50 people, prohibiting physical contact of any kind, requirements of cloth facial coverings and other protocols related to registration areas, practice areas, food and beverage operations, equipment, restrooms, on-course play and departures.

Back2Golf Operations Playbook v3.0 was designed by the industry’s leading organizations as a general operational framework, while course owners, administrators, program and event providers and golfers are encouraged to observe state, county and local government health protocols first and foremost.

Announced in early May, Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Supporting organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

The industry-wide Back2Golf initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or recently reopened, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer.

For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Sea Pines Country Club - 18th Hole at Sunset

Sea Pines Country Club Offers Virtual Tour for Engaging, Informative and Safe Exploration of Clubhouse, Amenities and Activities HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – Sea Pines Country Club, Hilton Head Island’s premier private club, is offering members and prospective members a fully immersive virtual tour as an engaging and safe way to explore its clubhouse, core amenities and myriad lifestyle activities.

The virtual tour is easily accessible at the club’s website and is hosted by Director of Membership Development Nic Booth.

Viewers are treated to a complete walk-through of the renovated and reimagined clubhouse including the golf shop, Blue Heron Pub & Grille, fire pit, pool deck, indoor saline pool, multimillion-dollar fitness center and new Club Course Café.

Expansive drone footage showcases the club’s dramatic setting along one of Hilton Head Island’s most breathtaking tidal marshes.

Sea Pines Country Club’s world-class tennis center, new pickleball courts and bocce ball court are featured, along with its Arnold Palmer, Clyde Johnston-designed Club Course.

“The virtual tour gives our members a way to see their club like they’ve never seen it before,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Robbie Ames. “And for those wishing to learn more about our club – whether they’re on the island or out of state – it is a fun, informative and safe way to check us out.”

Ames and his team have begun to reopen the clubhouse and amenities in accordance with all South Carolina and Centers for

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Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Members are delighted to return to their club, and they appreciate how the Sea Pines Country Club team found innovative ways to communicate and engage them during the social distancing months of April and May with virtual events and videos.

Food and Beverage Manager Mike Lozan produced video vignettes on Vimeo to educate members on wine preparation, storage and other at-home tips. The club also hosted virtual wine tastings and dinners by partnering with global wine experts and local wine distributors.

Members purchased the bottles in advance of the event, then joined a Zoom video conference along with vineyard owners from Italy.

Director of Tennis Matt Muller “served up” tennis tips to keep members’ games sharp. Director of Fitness and Wellness Wendy Kelly helped members stay connected and fit by offering virtual live yoga classes and to links to third party workout routines for every level of fitness.

Ames and his brother, PGA TOUR Champions player Stephen Ames, even got in on the action by showcasing comedic moments from a match the two played on the Club Course.

“It has been amazing to see the way the club has come together during this challenging time,” says Booth. “And now we’re excited to welcome everyone back, even if we can’t hug them quite yet, and to host those who are interested in joining our family.”

To learn more about Sea Pines Country Club, visit www. seapinescountryclub.com. For membership information, contact Nic Booth at (843) 671-2335 or nbooth@seapinescountryclub.com.

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Boyne Golf – Midwest’s Largest Golf Resort Reopens

PETOSKEY, MI – BOYNE Golf announced that after an extended period of resort closures and limited course offerings due to COVID-19, the Midwest’s largest golf resort destination resumed operations on May 29 at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands Resort, the Inn at Bay Harbor and all ten BOYNE Golf courses.

BOYNE Golf will now be at full golf strength with its final five golf courses opening along with a variety of restaurants open for seated dining at all three resorts.

Golf courses include The Donald Ross Memorial and The Moor courses at Boyne Highlands, The Monument course at Boyne Mountain, as well as Links/Quarry and Preserve/Links at Bay Harbor Golf Club. Two people will also be allowed to ride in golf carts together.

During this down time, the Boyne team has reviewed all resort operations and have modified them to ensure that guests will still get the exceptional, friendly and personalized service, while minimizing exposure and maintaining safety. Social distancing will be implemented in all public areas; and there will continue to be heightened cleaning and

sanitizing across all areas.

Escape and Experience a BOYNE Golf Package Golfers looking for a great golfing road trip following weeks of sheltering at home should check out the “Play It Your Way” golf package. This includes two-nights lodging and four rounds of golf built your way.

Stay at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands Resort or Crooked Tree Cottages any night through June 26 as part of this limited time offer. Two nights and four rounds start at only $236 per person at Boyne Mountain, $286 per person at Boyne Highlands or $408 per person at Crooked Tree Cottages.

Deal ends Wednesday, June 24 at 6pm. Mention code: TIMETOGOLF when booking.

Pound Ridge Golf Club Opens for 2020 Golf Season POUND RIDGE, NY – Pound Ridge Golf Club – legendary Pete Dye’s modern marvel in Westchester County – is now open for play for the 2020 golf season.

Ranked No. 4 in GOLF Magazine’s “Best Courses You Can Play in New York,” Pound Ridge is Mr. Dye’s only design in the golf-rich

Empire State. Less than an hour drive from New York City and minutes from White Plains, Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk (Conn.), the World Golf Hall of Famer’s admired layout has become one of the celebrated “must-play” public courses in the region.

As for additional safety measures, there are no bunker rakes on the course and the holes have piping inside to prevent the ball from falling into the cup for easy removal.

Pound Ridge is also offering nine-hole play after 3:30 p.m. (day of play only) by calling the pro shop at 914.764.5771. Players are asked to arrive not more than 25 minutes before their tee time.

Pound Ridge sits regally on 172 acres of pastoral Westchester County with dramatic rock outcroppings, streams and wooded, rolling hills converging to create an enjoyable and challenging par-72 course.

Five sets of tees range from 5,151 to 7,165 yards providing challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Among its unforgettable holes is the dramatic par-5 13th which is home to “Pete’s Rock,” a giant boulder that rests in the middle of the fairway.

For more information, or to book a tee time, please call 914.764.5771 or visit www.poundridgegolf.com.

Boyne Golf

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Silverado Resort And Spa Invites Guests To Enjoy Summer In Napa Valley

NAPA, CA– Silverado Resort and Spa invites guests to stay at the beautiful resort and enjoy summer in Napa Valley. Troon Golf proudly manages the golf operations at the AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort located in Napa Valley. Guests can book their stay at the resort and feel confident in their next trip to Napa Valley as the resort has a new NAPAPURE™ stay experience: NAPAPURE: P- Purification of air with enhanced air filters; UUniform disinfection standards to meet strict CDC and guidelines from the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA); R- Room re-rental wait times of 24 hours or more ensuring deep cleaning and sanitization standards are met for our guest; E- Entrance ready inspection by a housekeeping leader with a verified seal for your protection.

“NAPAPURE is an entire resort program to manage and protect our guests stay experience,” said John Evans, general manager, Silverado Resort and Spa. “It has been created to ensure the safety and wellness of every, visitor, associate and member here at Silverado.”

In addition to the resort’s NAPAPURE program, associates are required to wear masks at all times, enhanced disinfecting protocols are in place for all areas of the resort with an emphasis on the hitouch areas with an increase in frequency of cleaning around the resort. The resort has also upgraded its air filtration system within lodging accommodations, meeting space, retail, restaurant, and common areas.

Silverado Resort and Spa offers luxurious guest room and villa style multi-bedroom suites stylishly equipped with kitchenettes, full kitchens and separate working, living, and sleeping areas each with individually controlled heat and air conditioning units. Rooms are located throughout the resorts nearly 1,200 acres and provide guests and visitors with plenty of room for social distancing.

Golf at Silverado is open for member and resort guest play, including buddy trips and couples golf getaways. Silverado is Napa Valley’s only 36-hole golf resort. The 7,166-yard, par 72 North Course annually hosts the PGA TOUR’s Safeway Open, while the 6,612-yard, par 72 South Course is a favorite among members and resort guests. Both courses were re-designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member and former lead NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller. In 2019, the North Course was named to Golfweek’s Best 2019: Top 200 Resort Courses ranking. The resort’s world-class tennis program with 10 tennis courts is also available for guests to enjoy while practicing social distancing.

Contact Silverado Resort and Spa at 844-477-3418 or visit www.SilveradoResort.com to getaway today.

Canary Islands Ready To Welcome Golf Visitors The Canary Islands continues towards the “new normal”. After the opening of the beaches, the islands are now ready to receive golf lovers again as the archipelago’s golf community puts courses in line with new safety measures.

Guidelines and recommendations have been prepared by the

Silverado Resort & Spa

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Secretary of State for Tourism in collaboration with the autonomous communities (including the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands).

The re-opening of golf courses means that there are fourteen golf courses available to tourists each with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Canary Islands’ volcanic landscape. Players will be pleased to know that because of the mild weather conditions on the archipelago all courses are open 365 days each year.

La Gomera was one of the earliest places in Spain to enter into de-escalation, so the Tecina Golf course on the island holds the distinction of being the first golf course in Spain to reopen.

The Canary Islands is one of the parts of the world which has best weathered the health crisis with a very low contagion rates (only 0.001% confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants).

Safety and responsibility have always come first on the islands and this is why the archipelago leads the way in reopening destinations for tourists.

DEstination Golf Launches Its Guide To Golf In Portugal For 2020 / 2021 Destination Golf Portugal guide was launched to provide a definitive guide to golf in Portugal, educating the thousands of golfers that travel to Portugal each year about where to play, where to stay and where to find the best deals. Since our launch in 2010, Destination Golf Portugal guide has established itself as the voice of Portuguese golf tourism in UK & Ireland, reaching over 1 million golfers.

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Over the following pages, we visit seven different golf destinations across the islands of Madeira and the Azores; and the popular mainland destinations of the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto e Norte.

There’s no doubt that Portugal has been a magnet for golf tourism over the past three decades. It now is one of the leading golf destinations in the World, with award winning golf courses and golf hotels dotted around the Country. Travelling golfers have over eighty golf courses to choose from, with Championship designs by renowned architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Robert Trent Jones, who used the natural Portuguese terrain and coastline to create their works of art.

Across the last ten years Destination Golf representatives have travelled to all four corners of Portugal with their clubs in tow. It is a fascinating country for tourism, and the travelling golfer is spoilt with a wealth of choice. In this guide we will provide a short review of every course, but it’s our “Editors Choice” recommendations that deserve your best attention.

Simply click on the web link of each golf course or hotel which will bring you directly from their advertisement direct to their website, where you will be able to get more information about them. Similarly with the email link, feel free to click on that should you wish to send a booking enquiry directly to our clients, they have some really great deals for clients of Destination Golf.

If you would like further information about Golf in Portugal, be sure to check out our blog at www.destinationgolf.travel which is regularly updated with travel news, resort features, destination features, competitions and more.

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AN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Many of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses have reopened, as recently announced by Gov. Wanda Vázquez.

“It’s the right time . . . We have flattened the curve,” said Gov. Vázquez.

Caution, patience, and discipline have been staples of the Island’s proactive edicts designed to protect Puerto Rico residents and visitors.

That will continue when many businesses gradually reopen across the Island. A 7 pm to 5 am curfew will remain in place until June 15, and all people will be required to wear a mask when outside or inside a business.

Puerto Rico, an American territory, will join the rest of the United States as pertains to the game; golf courses have reopened in all 50 states.

“This is encouraging news, and people wishing to visit the Island can soon embrace all that is waiting for them when the time is right to travel,” said Leah Chandler, CMO, Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization.

Some Island courses are open to everyone, including Royal Isabela, Club Deportivo del Oeste, and more. Other Island courses are open to members only currently – TPC Dorado Beach, Palmas Athletic Club, and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, for example – with the public expected to be welcomed back imminently. For instance, Rio Mar will allow public play beginning on June 2. For details pertaining to each golf venue, call them at the phone numbers listed at bottom.

Royal Isabela’s re-opening protocol is indicative of how Island golf courses are operating. The boutique resort perched atop 200-foot cliffs on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast, reopened its Links Golf Course for public play. It has installed an array of safeguards to enhance safe recreation, including staff using personal protective gear, sanitizing and cleaning golf carts and the Pro Shop common areas throughout the day, and more. Other Royal Isabela mandates include requiring that tee times be booked at least 48 hours in advance with all due information; no use of the driving range, practice greens, or club rentals; one player allowed per golf cart; no post round gathering or socializing; and more.

Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses are located throughout the Island – from the northwestern tip to the East Coast – with several in northeastern Puerto Rico near capital San Juan. Accentuating tropical splendor and remarkable ocean views, Island golf resorts are renowned for their first-class service and inspirational settings.

Puerto Rico is an enchanting destination where history, culture,

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gastronomy, nightlife, beaches, hotels and resorts abound. It requires no passport for American citizens, is bilingual, uses the U.S. dollar for currency, and is the air hub of the Caribbean. There are more than 4,000 restaurants, and the lodging venues range from top hospitality brands to being named a top 10 Airbnb world destination.

For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions along with Puerto Rico’s new health and safety guidelines visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

PUERTO R WELC

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Island’s Golf Venues Include: TPC Dorado Beach (36 holes) – 787-626-1020

Caguas Real (18) – 787-653-1573

Costa Caribe (27) – 787-812-2650

Royal Isabela (18) – 787-609-5888

Fort Buchanan (9) – 787-707-3980

Deportivo del Oeste (18) – 787-851-8880

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar (36) – 787-888-6000

Palmas Athletic Club (36) – 787-656-3000

Rio Bayamon (18) – 787-740-1419

Punta Borinquen (18) – 787-890-2987

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve/Coco Beach (36) – 787-657-2000

El Legado (18) – 787-866-8894

The St. Regis Bahia Beach (18) – 787-809-8000

El Conquistador (18) – 787-863-1000

RICO GOLF COURSES COME YOU BACK!

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

Mystical Golf

Unveils Stunning Course Enhancements in

Myrtle Beach

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Mystical Golf – offering “Myrtle Beach’s finest 54 holes of golf” on its Witch, Man-O-War and Wizard courses – announces the stunning results of its comprehensive $750,000 renovation of its trio of celebrated layouts.

The renovation is part of Mystical Golf’s substantial annual investments in always providing the best possible playing conditions and experiences for their legion of gratified returning guests. Most notably, the 142 bunkers on all three layouts have been completely rebuilt and now showcase vibrant, eye-catching white sand creating an incredible contrast with the emerald green fairways and greens.

In addition to the striking transformation of the bunkers, Mystical Golf also enhanced and modernized the irrigation systems on The Witch and Man-O-War layouts for superior course maintenance throughout the entire golfing year.

The extensive network of cart paths and bridges on the distinct properties were also upgraded. Playing through the incredible beauty of the Waccamaw Swamp, The Witch alone features over a mile of bridges.

Additionally revitalized were Mystical Golf’s three themed clubhouses – haunted house (The Witch), Scottish castle (The Wizard) and fishing camp (Man-O-War).

“Our customers know they are going to play on three of the finest courses in not only Myrtle Beach, but the Southeast U.S. as well,” says Claude Pardue, President and CEO. “While our maintenance and renovation investments are significant, our quest to hear golfers raving about how spectacular our courses are after their rounds is music to our ears.”

In preparation for its spring season, Mystical Golf also makes a sizable annual investment in overseeding its three layouts with Ryegrass in the fall emulating the agronomic practices of top echelon courses like Augusta National. Mystical Golf’s courses are consistently recognized by major golf media to be among Myrtle Beach’s “five best courses” and “best values.”

Its three layouts are highlighted by wonderfully fun elements including the only back-to-back island greens in the game (Man-O-War), a front nine of dramatic holes weaving through secluded swampland teeming with wildlife (The Witch), and a splendid layout reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland’s classic courses complete with authentic sod-faced bunkering and castle-style clubhouse (The Wizard).

Man-O-War’s 15th hole ranks among GOLF Magazine’s “Five Most Memorable Island Greens” alongside No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass, the “Alcatraz” hole at PGA West’s Stadium Course and Coeur d’Alene Resort’s movable, floating putting surface.

The Witch is praised by PGA.com for presenting one of America’s “great 9th holes” and The Wizard has earned 4-1/2 stars from Golf Digest.

For Mystical Golf information: www. mysticalgolf.com, 843.282.2977.

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Father’s Da Gift Guide

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ay

Give Dad the Gift of Walking Golf

R

ounding into late spring and towards Father’s Day, dads are in a fairly happy place. Nearly 80 percent of courses throughout the U.S. are open and the National Golf Foundation projects more than 90 percent will be back and running before June.

And if things go according to plan with the PGA Tour, dad will have golf to watch on TV with the Charles Schwab Challenge held at Colonial Country Club June 11-14 in Fort Worth, Tex. As will he the next weekend, on Father’s Day, with the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C. All of this is to say, fear not sons, daughters, spouses and significant others – golf gifts are back on the menu for dad in 2020. That stated, may we offer a slightly different approach this year: give dad the gift of walking golf.

Walking has not only emerged as the safest way to playing during the COVID-19 crisis, it is strongly recommended and even required at numerous courses and clubs. This could be the case for the foreseeable future as operators look to maintain social distancing guidelines and are short on golf carts due to single rider requirements.

It’s also the way the game was meant to be played. It’s what makes the game a sport, and even if dad doesn’t play the sport particularly well, he’ll burn between 700 and 1,000 calories hoofing 18 holes.

Here’s a cheat sheet of walking-friendly gear and apparel to keep dad looking good and performing up to his potential.

Walker Trolleys Cape Model

Pushcarts are going to start appearing at courses where you never thought you’d see pushcarts.

Not just because of cart restrictions, but due to the suspension of caddie programs at exclusive private clubs and high-end resorts.

Walker Trolleys, a walking golf lifestyle company based in Austin, made a huge splash at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show with the introduction of its Cape Model. The Cape draws inspiration from the roadsters and ultra-cool bicycles from the 20s and 30s. Yes, it will turn more than a few heads on the course. www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations • June 2020 23

An Integrated, customizable soft good-storage, premium materials and a clean, sleek-yet-classic design make the Cape stand out among a crowded field. The Cape is easily collapsible and fits in the trunk or cargo area of almost any car or SUV. It retails for $399 and is still available for pre-order at the Walker Trolley website.

For more information, visit www.walkertrolleys.com

Southern Tide Driver Brrr Performance Polo and T3 Gulf Shorts With apologies to south Florida and southern Arizona, it doesn’t get any hotter than playing golf in South Carolina in the summer. If you’ve ever teed it up in the state’s famed Lowcountry on a July afternoon, you know what we mean.

So leave it to Southern Tide, based in Greenville, S.C., to figure out the perfect hot weather walking shirts and shorts for sultry 18-hole summer loops. Its new T3 Gulf Shorts are made from quick-dry fabric that effortlessly transitions from a morning on the course to an afternoon on the water.

squatting to read greens. The T3s come in both nine and 10inch inseams. The former retails for $89.50 and the latter (featuring Brrr technology) retails for $99.50. Know your dad and know how short his shorts should be.

Southern Tide made the Skipjack polo famous, and its new Driver Brrr Polo ($99.50) keeps golfers up to three degrees cooler. Available in four classic striped patterns, it’s is also moisture-wicking and UPF 50-plus rated.

For more information visit www.southerntide.com

Peter Millar Featherweight

Raleigh, N.C.-based Peter Millar bills its Featherweight Polo as the “lightest shirt you’ll ever own.” You know the threadbare vintage t-shirt you’ve worn every day during the pandemic?

Yeah, it’s that light.

Weighing in at an incredible 2.5 ounces, Featherweight polos pack all the performance punch of your favorite golf polo in patterns and prints that look situation appropriate on and off the course.

The four-way stretch is ideal for striding down fairways and

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lightest bag we’ve ever tested. It’s a full-size golf bag that doesn’t look or fee like a full-size golf bag, and retails for $229.99.

With a nine-inch top and four, full-length club dividers, 2.5+ doesn’t skimp on conveniences, either, offering five pockets including a fulllength clothing pocket, velour-lined valuables pocket, two accessory pockets and a beverage pouch.

2.5+ also includes classic Sun Mountain details the details: a durable top with built-in handle, sturdy bottom with the patented Roller-Bottom leg mechanism for quick and strong leg action, proprietary X-Strap® Dual Strap shoulder strap system, lumbar hip pad with AirFlow System, umbrella attachment, towel holder and a top-mounted leg mechanism for added stability.

For more information visit www.sunmountain.com

These shirts are engineered from superlightweight performance fabric that stretches four ways for full range of motion, wicks away moisture from the body and resists odor.

They come in a classic fit, designed with a standard sleeve length and opening and are relaxed in the shoulder, chest and waist.

For more information, visit www.petermillar.com

Sun Mountain 2.5+ Golf Bag

Whether dad prefers a pushcart or to carry his own bag, the Sun Mountain 2.5+ golf bag has plenty of storage while weighing in at only 2.5 pounds – the

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True Linkswear OG Feel It’s impossible, or least remiss, to discuss walking golf without inserting True into the narrative. Founded in 2009 to help golfer #enjoythewalk, True Linkswear golf shoes are created by walkers for walking on the course, and then right off the course into whatever social setting and situation awaits.

Designed with the feel player in mind, The OG Feel is a natural width model built on a zerodrop, flexible rubber sole to really enhance ground feel. Available for pre-order for $139, they’re available in three color patters and 14 sizes.

For more information on 2020’s latest offerings, visit www.truelinkswear.com/roadmap Pinehurst Resort Donald Ross Package With golf getting at least a yellow and at best a greenlight in nearly every state, traveling to play golf (with all necessary precautions) is also firing back up as the golf season reboots.

There’s no better place to (responsibly) celebrate its return than at walker-friendly Pinehurst Resort.

All 10 (including the par-3 Cradle) courses have remained open and the resort’s hotels are reopening in late May. Starting at $1,208 per person, the Donald Ross golf package is perfect for two to four golfers. It includes resort accommodations for two nights, three rounds of golf, daily three-course dinner and breakfast.

Walking isn’t just allowed at Pinehurst, it is encouraged. Donald Ross’s famed No. 2 Course (restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw) and the reimagined No. 4 Course designed by Gil Hanse are both properly played on foot. Caddies are also available on No. 2, ideal for navigating the rigors of this storied U.S. Open venue.

The No. 1 and No. 3 courses – both designed by Ross, both under 6,100 yards – are two of the best walking tracks in the country. No. 3 was recently restored to its original Sandhills aesthetic by Kyle Franz and is chock-full of trademark Ross design characteristics.

Resort officials encourage future golfer guests to call (855) 235-8507 with any questions about accommodations, dining options and golf course maintenance.

For more information visit www.pinehurst.com www.golfvacationsmag.com

Golf Vacations • June 2020 27

RESORT REPORT

Horseshoe Bay Resort Reopens to Guests in Scenic Texas Hill Country Setting

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by DAKOTA DIAZ

HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS

$100 Million in Recent Golf, Hotel, Restaurant, Clubhouse Upgrades on Full Display

H

ORSESHOE BAY, TX – As summer beckons and families seek normalcy and a respite from the challenges we’re collectively facing, Texas’ renowned Horseshoe Bay Resort is once again making its freshly-renovated open-air retreat available to travelers. The resort officially re-opened Friday, May 29 in accordance with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order on re-opening businesses across Texas and with new and modified procedures in place for cleanliness, safety and social distancing.

The preferred drive-to destination for discerning Texas travelers for nearly half a century, Horseshoe Bay shines brighter than ever after a full-scale $100 million renovation that includes four re-energized golf courses, completely upgraded guest rooms, expanded conference space, a reimagined luxury spa, and brand-new restaurant concepts in the hotel tower, yacht club and Whitewater entertainment complex. Soon, the Central Texas resort’s expansive $100+ million renovation project will culminate with the opening of the spectacularly redesigned Cap Rock clubhouse in the coming months.

“We’re proud to have done our part to help ‘flatten the curve’ during Shelter-in-Place protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we’ve spent valuable time putting new procedures and health measures in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our present and future guests,” says managing director Bryan Woodward. “We look forward to guests experiencing the wonderful upgrades we’ve made all across this expansive resort property on the beautiful shores of Lake LBJ. From the volume of calls and e-mails we’ve been getting, it sounds like travelers are ready to be here, too. Our golf courses are in tremendous condition and our staff has gone to great lengths to ensure a fun, safe and enjoyable golfing experience for every member and guest.”

Guests and golfers who haven’t been to the AAA-Four Diamondand Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award-winning Horseshoe Bay Resort will notice a fresh decor and improved amenities and infrastructure at every turn, but the same wide-open spaces and incomparable Texas Hill Country setting. As the resort phases in occupancy levels, certain amenities will have selective or limited access and well-defined social distancing regulations in place.

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RESORT REPORT Golf at Horseshoe Bay Resort All three of Horseshoe Bay’s Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designs now showcase updates. A classic Central Texas Hill Country golf experience, the scenic Apple Rock course has fresh, artful touches that include new Bentgrass greens, larger greens, plenty of renovated and scaled-down bunkers, reshaped and leveled tee boxes, improved irrigation, and additional stone retaining walls along water hazards to improve aesthetics. Golf Digest’s “Best New Resort Course” in 1986 retains some of the most picturesque views in Texas.

Meanwhile, Slick Rock -- the first of the resort’s Jones layouts

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to open-- underwent similar renovations, and the acclaimed Ram Rock was restored to match Jones’ original vision with enlarged greens, re-contoured and smaller bunkers, and significantly more playability.

Summit Rock, Horseshoe Bay’s members-only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, now has improved bunkers that drain more efficiently and look more aesthetically pleasing. Fabric liners in all of the bunkers were replaced with capillary concrete liners -- a superior, state-of-the-art substructure that enhances the playing experience. A unique 50/50 blend of sand— half that arrives by train from California and half from

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HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS a local source in San Antonio— give Summit Rock an enhanced look plus improved playability.

“This capital infusion has really embraced all of the touchpoints that a guest or consumer will experience,” says Anthony Holder, the resort’s PGA Director of Golf. “We focused on the places guests and members spend (most of) their time out on the course to elevate the golfing experience and

highlight the property’s incredible natural features and views.”

These moves will surely bolster the reputation of all four courses. Just this past year, Horseshoe Bay Resort was named to GOLF Magazine’s 2019 Top 100 Resorts in North America list and given the Editors’ Choice Award by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Golf Resorts in the Southwest.”

Hotel Lobby and J’s Restaurant And Bar As part of a significant renovation to Horseshoe Bay Resort’s 249-room Tower Hotel first floor and lobby is the reimagining of its popular firstfloor restaurant as an authentic Texas barbeque smokehouse. Dubbed “The Baddest Barbeque in Hill Country,” J’s Restaurant and Bar offers guests refined Texas barbeque and authentic Hill Country cuisine, featuring slowcooked fare from the renowned Bad Donkey Barbeque. J’s Bar is an ideal spot to gather for happy hour or a postday drink, while J’s Patio offers al fresco dining overlooking the Tower Pool. For a period of time, J’s and the resort’s other restaurants will have well-defined and clearly-communicated measures in place for carry-out service, social distance and guest safety.

Another major lobby upgrade: The entire arrival experience has been improved.

The front desk area has been revamped to convey a more welcoming, open floor plan. “In this open-air concept, our associates checking guests in can have the opportunity to mingle with guests from an appropriate distance,” says Woodward.

In the coming months, Cap Rock, the shared clubhouse facility for both the Apple Rock and Ram Rock courses, will unveil a finely appointed indoor meeting pavilion and golf shop, along with a luxury swim park and Pool Pavilion with cabanas.

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“We’re thrilled for our members and guests, and for our ownership who had the vision to make Horseshoe Bay Resort one of the most unforgettable

golf destinations in the country,” says general manager Bryan Woodward.

“To be on this side of this major resort renovation means the world, when they’re ready, can see what a uniquelyrewarding and complete experience can be found here. Everything golf travelers are looking for is here in an inimitable tropically-inspired Texas Hill Country setting. There’s really nothing like it in the country.”

Call 877-611-0112 or visit https:// www.hsbresort.com/golf/golf-packages to book your adventure at one of the most thrilling resort destinations in the Southwest. Visit www.hsbresort.com for more information.

About Horseshoe Bay Resort Horseshoe Bay Resort is one of the largest golf resorts in the country and is the original Texas lakeside resort destination. It is located 45 minutes from Austin on over 7,000 picturesque acres of the Texas Hill Country and along the spectacular shores of constant-level Lake LBJ. The AAA Four Diamond resort is the only waterfront resort in Texas and is part of the Crescent Hotels & Resorts management company’s distinguished Latitudes lifestyle hotels and resorts division. It features four championship golf courses designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members Robert Trent Jones Sr, and Jack Nicklaus, as well as the exciting 18-hole natural grass Whitewater Putting Course.

Horseshoe Bay Resort has invested $100+ million in a property-wide renovation and new construction.

The work included new guest rooms, suites, and multi-room units, as well as renovation of the golf courses and facilities, dining experiences, meeting spaces, and more. The resort also features a world-class spa and health club, tennis facilities with 14 courts, bike rentals, hiking trails, lake activities with a full-service lake marina and boat valet service, nearby wineries and a private airport. For more information and reservations visit www.hsbresort. com or call 877-611-0112.

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SWEETSTUFF BGT Putting Lab Re-Opens

Bridgestone’s VFIT Ball Fitting

A

B

s golf facilities open-up around the nation in the wake of the loosening of restrictions due to the Covid-19 outbreak, instructional and club-fitting operations are also on track to join the ranks of affiliated businesses that are back serving golfers.

Breakthrough Golf Technology, the revolutionary putting shaft company founded by Barney Adams, has now re-opened its Dallasarea BGT Putting Lab that offers state- of-the-art analysis of putters and putting strokes using some of the latest technology—based on 100 years of experience in club building.

The BGT Putting Lab features private sessions that are not lessons but rather an evaluation of all aspects of one’s putter. The fitting will start with a complete putting analysis including measurement of over 45 different parameters. Your putter will be fine-tuned and customized for you on site just like on the PGA Tour. Also, each appointment includes a Stability Shaft of your choice (up to $250 value). After the experience, you will have a better putter fit and a solid understanding how to achieve more consistency and performance from your putting.

The BGT Putt Lab includes a full Quintic Ball Roll analysis, putter compatibility assessment, optimization of your putter specs, alignment evaluation, loft, length, lie and even grip size/shape recommendations.

Breakthrough Golf offers two fitting options-- Master & Pro. The Master Fit includes a revolutionary new device exclusive to the BGT Putt Lab. The Flatstick™ helps golfers understand their stroke timing by providing instant feedback using an array of magnetic field sensors that track the putter’s acceleration, stroke tempo and rhythm.

“It’s great to be back open. Fittings are something I truly enjoy; especially seeing how much clients improve over the course of the evaluation and beyond,” said Blair Philip, Master Fitter and head of R&D for Breakthrough Golf.

Adams, who has always had the unique ability to see what is truly missing in golf equipment and was the founder of Adams Golf and the Tight Lies club line, decided to focus on the putter shafts since there had been no significant innovation for decades. A team of award-winning engineers was assembled, an“I’ve played the game for some 70 years and studied it for 40 working in the industry. I strongly recommend that golfers take advantage of all technology available to them,” he said. “After all, golf is a hard game; that element is what brings us joy no matter how small our victories, which definitely includes becoming a better putter”.

The company recommends that all clients use their best judgement during these uncertain times. BGT will provide face masks hand sanitizer and each club is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after the fitting.

To learn more visit www.breakthroughgolftech.com/puttlab

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ridgestone Golf is enabling players to get fit to the proper golf ball for their swing speed, skill level and other factors with its virtual tool called the VFIT video ball fitting service that provides consumers with the ability to receive an expert person-to-person golf ball analysis anytime, anywhere--with a 98% accuracy rate.

Bridgestone began its ball fitting service in 2006 when it introduced expert recommendations to players based on personal performance data.

Their new VFIT service builds on that capability by giving more players access to Bridgestone’s ball fitting experts than ever before with the new virtual service that was introduced this year. It allows players to be fit for the golf ball best suited to their swings by using their smart phone.

By following simple set-up instructions provided by Bridgestone, any golfer can record, submit and get fit. Using a cellphone video camera to record a “swing video” in slow motion, the video can then be uploaded to Bridgestone’s ball fitting technicians for a detailed analysis of what ball is right for them. Within 24 hours, each golfer will receive a ball fitting report by email, detailing their launch conditions (swing speed, ball velocity, launch angle, spin rate, carry distance and total distance) and providing an analysis of what ball fits them best.

“Working with Tour Pros is a big source of information and inspiration for us in product development. That’s true too for VFIT. Tour Pros and elite amateurs are often on the road and away from their swing coaches,” said Adam Rehberg, Golf Ball Fitting Manager for Bridgestone Golf. “We noticed how often they use swing video to maintain personto-person contact with their coach and get needed advice. With VFIT we are doing the same thing – empowering all players to make personto-person connections with experienced ball fitting technicians that can help them improve their game. It’s simple and effective – we are excited to bring this complimentary service to players.”

VFIT is free, easy-to-use and ensures that nearly every one of the 24 million golfers in the United States has the opportunity to receive two pieces of information critical to improving their games--a detailed analysis of swing data and a golf ball that corresponds to those results.

More information is available at: www.bridgestonegolf.com/vfit

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SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

V1 Video App

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new mobile app by one of the oldest swing analysis companies offers some new ways to get instruction and get better with virtual lessons.

The V1 Golf Plus Mobile App enables golfers to take and upload videos of their golf swings and send them to an instructor who uses the V1 Pro platform. The instructor then takes the video, adds telestration lines to show key points in the swing that need improvement, and can voice over step-by-step lessons which can immediately be sent back to the student.

Golfers can also put their video side-by-side with a curated library of hundreds of Tour Player model swings, seek out monthly instructional content, and get premium support by using the app as well.

V1 Sports is one of the veteran companies specializing in video analysis software and mobile apps, revolutionizing the way coaches and athletes improve. Founded in 1995, V1 Sports offers tools to capture, review, and analyze athletic movement and is a pioneer in delivering seamless voice-over video lessons with integrated telestration. With more than 10,000 coaches and 3 million athletes, V1 Sports has become one of the largest video analysis solutions

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for some of the most respected coaches, instructors, athletes, and training facilities around the world.

With the V1 Golf Plus Mobile App, it is easy to find and receive an instant golf lesson from anywhere in the world with one of the 10,000+ teaching pros who use the V1 Pro teaching platform.

Available for IOS in the Apple Store or for Android in the Google Play store, this platform can be purchased on a monthly or annual basis.

With the V1 Game app, a mobile phone or Apple Watch becomes a golfer’s personal caddie and shot tracker. V1 Game’s powerful GPS data provides accurate yardages to greens, hazards and landing zones to help you navigate the course like a professional. After a round is completed, V1 Game’s intuitive performance analysis technology provides statistics that show the user’s strengths, weaknesses and paths to improvement. Subscriptions can be purchased in-app with both auto-renewing and non-renewing options.

For the “ultimate” home golf training center there is the Home Golf Studio and game-improvement center. Capture and analyze golf swings with high-frame-rate high-definition cameras and the world’s most powerful video analysis software for golfers. Whether it’s a basic installation in a garage or a custom-designed and built indoor golf studio, V1 has several options for those looking to go all in on their home golf experience.

For more information on the V1, visit www.v1sports.com

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