OUR 13th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2015
REYNOLDS PLANTATION LUXURIOUS LAKESIDE LIFESTYLE ATLANTIC CITY A WORLD OF HIGH STAKES GOLF
Plus: KICKING BACK AT OCEAN REEF GOLF CLUB www.golfvacationsmag.com
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GOLF VACATIONS APRIL 2015
Ocean Reef Golf Club, Key Largo, Florida
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Chip Shots
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Reynolds Plantation
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High Stakes World of Atlantic City Golf
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Key Largo’s Ocean Reef Golf Club
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by David R. Holland
GREENSBORO, GA. – Reynolds Plantation welcomes you with southern hospitality, 117 holes of piney woods golf, luxury of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a lakeside lifestyle and an assembly of outdoors activities. Situated on Lake Oconee halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Reynolds Plantation is a feast of secluded forest golf rarely seen.
by JD Latorre
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Featuring more than a dozen of New Jersey’s highest ranked golf courses — including categories like “Top Public Courses,” “Favorite Golf Professional” and “Top Customer Service” — Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are growing by leaps and bounds, and quickly becoming one of the East Coast’s premier golf destinations.
by Tim Cotroneo
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC — A recent trend on Hilton Head Island has been a precipitous uptick in long-term rentals during the winter season. And little wonder why: Hilton Head is the largest barrier island off the Atlantic coast between Long Island and the Bahamas — a Lowcountry legend just 40 miles north of Savannah, Ga., and 90 miles south of Charleston, S.C.
Sweet Stuff
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by Terry Ross
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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
David R. Holland is an award-winning former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, football magazine publisher, and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Holland, whose favorite golf moment was teeing it up with former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine, and Fairway to Green (UK). He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, United Press International and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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.
JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, 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 Larry Feldman
Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo
For Editorial:
call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com
Regional Advertising Los Angeles Terry Ross • 949-279-7801 terryr@GolfVacationsMag.com Atlanta Harold Chambliss • 770-239-7500 haroldc@GolfVacationsMag.com
Published by
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portsMedia publications
President Jeffrey Diaz
455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655
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Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2015 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS The Phoenician Golf Club
TROON CELEBRATES 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2015
Scottsdale, AZ – Troon,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development, and marketing, is pleased to recognize the company’s 25-year anniversary in 2015. Since its beginnings in 1990 with the management of the iconic Troon North Golf Club, the company has grown to become the industry leader with more than 250 managed courses in 36 states and 27 countries and with international offices in Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Dubai and Switzerland. Troon has successfully captured a dominant niche within golf and hospitality, creating partnerships with other industry leaders including its current capital and strategic partner, Kohlberg & Company. Major accomplishments in Troon’s history include its first international expansion into Australia in 1998, along with its involvement with Turnberry Resort in Scotland the same year. Troon’s international growth continued from that point expanding from 10 domestic facilities to more than 100 by 2007, reaching into parts of Europe, Middle East, and Asia. International expansion continued into Russia and Africa along with parts of North and South America to bring the company where it stands today as the world’s largest third-party golf management company with more than 10,000 employees. A special anniversary issue of Troon Golf &
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Travel magazine has also been published and distributed across Troon-managed facilities and select newsstands. Throughout the commemorative issue are exclusive stories that take a look back at the company’s early days through the eyes of Chairman and CEO Dana Garmany and the employees who have been with the company since the beginning. During its 25-year history, Troon has earned a reputation for having pristine golf course conditions, personalized member service, outstanding food & beverage experiences and world-class retail offerings at its facilities. This reputation has helped Troon win the loyalty of millions of golfers with 95% of all guests who play at Troon-managed facilities indicating that their experience exceeds their expectations and 97% saying they would not hesitate to recommend Troon courses to others. To celebrate the exciting milestone, Troon has launched a 25-Year Anniversary “Ultimate Golf Vacation Sweepstakes” offer during the month of April. Participants can visit www. Troon25.com to enter to win a three-night stay at The Phoenician Resort for two people, including two rounds for two players at Troon North Golf Club; a round for two players at The Phoenician Golf Club; complimentary Callaway Club Fitting Experience for two people at Troon North Golf Club with a $100 Callaway Gift Card; and dinner for two people at Relish Burger Bistro and Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician.
Billy Casper Golf Unveils Modern Logo and Website
VIENNA, VA – Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the largest domestic owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts – has unveiled a modern logo and website (www. billycaspergolf.com) that aligns with the company’s leadership role in the $69 billion golf industry. A variation of BCG’s longstanding buffalo silhouette logo, the stylish new icon blends elements of a graceful yet mighty buffalo. Its charging profile depicts golf’s most powerful operating platform and the energy the company’s 7,600 peak-season employees bring to more than 150 properties nationwide. The contemporary website is responsive across desktop, tablet and mobile, and is organized for visitors to easily locate their unique areas of interests, including: Solutions – BCG Spectrum, fullservice, turnkey management; BCG Private, specialized for country clubs; and BCG Select, where course owners tailor a suite of à la carte services and remain operationally hands-on. Ventures – Proprietary, innovative programs like the annual “World’s Largest Golf Outing” benefiting Wounded Warrior Project; Women on Course, the nation’s premier golflifestyle networking organization; Club 51, the soon-to-launch loyalty-reward program; and
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Casper Labs, the testing ground for FootGolf, GolfBoard, Billy Casper Digital Network and other original programming which drive engagement. Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group (formerly Buffalo Communications) – The in-house division of BCG creates brands people crave. It performs public relations, strategy development, integrated marketing, social media and design work for golf, sport and lifestyle brands, and destinations and communities (www.buffalobig.com). Careers – Golf is a people business and BCG’s acquisition and cultivation of top talent helped it win an “Inc. 500 Hire Award.” Its “ACE” training, Superintendent Institute and other learning programs make BCG the preferred company for which people want to work. Course Finder – A simple way for golfers to reserve tee times at BCG-managed courses which consistently produce first-class playing
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conditions, personable service and “wow” moments. Adding to the website’s informative nature, the Billy Casper Digital Network rotates news and stories about BCG courses and the world of golf. “Our digital tool brings Billy Casper Golf’s dynamic culture to life,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “This is why we are trusted by course owners and developers to elevate their brands and improve operations, efficiencies and profits.” Led by Hill, No. 6 on Golf Inc.’s list of “Most Powerful People in Golf,” BCG has become a model for best practices. One of its recent initiatives is advancing marketing technology, data analytics and pricing algorithms to unprecedented levels. Combined with exciting programming and overall creativity, BGC is attracting and retaining golfers and club members well above the industry average. “We built a platform that’s data-driven,
proactive, responsive and listens,” says Hill. “The ability to understand unique golfer segments and tailor compelling messages delivered across multiple devices helps to ensure sustainability and growth of the game we love.” About Billy Casper Golf Founded more than 20 years ago in cooperation with the late golf legend Billy Casper, the company is the largest owneroperator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in America with more than 150 properties in 29 states. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia with regional offices across America, BCG directs all aspects of club operations, golf and grounds maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food-and-beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management. More information: www.billycaspergolf. com, 703.761.1444.
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Arizona’s Rio Verde
Award
Winning
RIO VERDE, AZ - Rio Verde Country Club and Golf Community - the award-winning resort community northeast of Scottsdale - has been voted the No. 1 “Private Golf Course” and “Active Adult Community” by Ranking Arizona: the Best of Arizona Business. Each category in the state’s largest business opinion poll is selected by AZ Big Media and is based upon the preferred business and leisure activities of Arizona’s business professionals. The rankings, published annually by Arizona Business Magazine, include more than 250 categories and 2000-plus entries. “Private Golf Course and Active Adult Community are two of the most competitive categories in the Ranking Arizona poll, and we’re honored to be the people’s No. 1 choice,” says Ken Kelley, General Manager of Rio Verde Country Club. “Our golf courses, activities and amenities create a true resort lifestyle for our members, and our broad-spectrum of real estate ranges from low maintenance villas to custom estate homes.”
Residents and business leaders throughout Arizona vote via the official Ranking Arizona website. The top 10 in all categories are invited to the “Best of the Best Bash” on Thursday, April 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Venue Scottsdale. “New residents immediately feel comfortable and welcome at Rio Verde,” adds Kelley. “A Midwestern sensibility and hospitality permeates the community. Even our traditional golf courses are atypical for the region, with ample turf and limited forced carries across desert areas.” The Lehman Design Group renovated Rio Verde’s Quail Run and White Wing golf courses - a $6.5 million project modernizing both layouts while retaining their “soft desert” playability. Par72 Quail Run - playing to 6,602-yards - sports a traditional design reminiscent of America’s great Midwestern golf venues. The par-70, 6,535-yard White Wing features links-style elements such as fairway mounding, open green fronts and stacked-sod bunkering. For more information about Rio Verde, visit rioverdearizona.com, or call 877.746.8373.
Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream Coming to a Freezer Near You
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla.---- Fans and competitors of Jack Nicklaus knew he had very few weaknesses in his legendary, recordsetting golf career. There is, however, one weakness he confesses to off the course – ice cream – and now he’s giving into it and sharing it with the public. In a partnership between two great familyowned companies, rooted in the Midwest, comes Jack Nicklaus premium ice cream, manufactured by a division of The Schwan Food Company-the 60-year-old Minnesotabased manufacturer and marketer of fine frozen foods and nationally renowned for its home delivery service. The new Jack Nicklaus pint-sized ice cream will be available at Winn Dixie, Bi-Lo and Kroger stores in select markets with a suggested retail price of $1.99. The ice cream comes in seven rich and creamy varieties, loaded with real ingredients. Flavors include: Warm Spiced Butter Pecan, Chocolate
Rio Verde Country Club and Golf Community
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS Peanut Butter Swirl, Salted Caramel Toffee, Strawberry Lemonade, Triple Chocolate, Coffee and Donuts, and Homemade Vanilla. To launch the new business endeavor, Jack Nicklaus teamed up with Schwan’s Global Supply Chain, Inc. (“Schwan”). With a shared commitment to philanthropy, Schwan has become a supporter of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation (nchcf.org). The Foundation’s goal is to provide families access to world-class pediatric healthcare. Beyond the ice cream pilot program in 2015, the Nicklauses hope to tie in other children’s charities to sales of the product. “It’s no secret that I love ice cream,” Nicklaus confessed. “Needless to say, I have never had so much fun in the research and development of a product. The team at Schwan has a world-class product development center. Together, we have created a variety of flavorsall with real ingredients-for a quality, premium ice cream at a value price.” “Jack’s whole life is synonymous with excellence, family, and charity,” said Nicklaus
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Companies Co-Chairman Howard Milstein, “and our new collaboration with Schwan embodies all three values in a hand-picked selection of delicious ice cream flavors that also supports children’s healthcare. What could possibly taste better?”
ANNIKA Academy Golf Experience at Old Edwards Inn & Spa
ORLANDO, FL – The ANNIKA Academy – Hall-of-Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam’s boutique golf instruction and fitness school – announces it will host a Destination Golf Experience at Highlands, North Carolina’s Old Edwards Inn & Spa, May 25-28. Annika and her hand-picked instruction team will welcome guests to the Europeanstyle luxury resort, ranked Trip Advisor’s No. 5 U.S. hotel in 2015. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards is an ideal spot to soak up spectacular views while also learning Annika’s “Winning Approach.” Its Tom Jackson-designed golf course is an
architectural marvel that traverses the Eastern Continental Divide. To promote an environment best-suited to learning, the session will be limited to no more than 10 guests. Annika will be joined at Old Edwards by sister Charlotta Sorenstam, an LPGA winner and 1993 NCAA Champion; Henri Reis, Annika’s only swing coach since she was 10 years old; and Kai Fusser, Annika’s personal trainer for more than a decade. “We’re very excited to bring our successful Destination Golf Experience platform to Old Edwards,” says Annika, winner of 89 professional events worldwide. “My team and I really enjoy going ‘on the road’ to beautiful places to share our passion and proven techniques with guests.” Prices start at $4,125 per person. For more information: www.theannikaacademy. com, TheTeam@TheAnnikaAcademy.com, 321.230.8899 For more information about Old Edwards Inn & Spa: www.oldedwardsinn.com, 866-526-8008.
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Reynolds P
Great Waters No. 5
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Plantation By David R. Holland
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The Creek Club No. 12
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REENSBORO, GA. – Reynolds Plantation welcomes you with southern hospitality, 117 holes of piney woods golf, luxury of The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, a lakeside lifestyle and an assembly of outdoors activities. Situated on Lake Oconee halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Reynolds Plantation is a feast of secluded forest golf rarely seen. In fact, more golf in one location can only be found at Pinehurst Resort’s eight courses in North Carolina and Crystal Springs Golf Resort’s seven courses in New Jersey. “I see the friendliness of Reynolds Plantation every time I attend one of the new member dinners we have,” said Wes Forester, head pro at The Creek Club. “New residents say over and over how welcome they feel when they move here.” Reynolds Plantation golf: you don’t have to move here to experience it The rolling hills golf of Reynolds Plantation keynotes an outstanding place to retire, but you can experience the smiles and warm greetings by simply checking in to the awesome Ritz-Carlton Lodge. The first golf course built, The Landing, was designed by Bob Cupp and opened in 1986 as Port Armour Golf Club. Few know that when the first tee shot was struck only Augusta National ranked higher by many raters in Georgia. Reynolds Plantation acquired the course in 2005. Cupp also laid out The Plantation with consultation from Fuzzy Zoeller and Hubert Green in 1988 saying it used Cupp’s detail for deception and Zoeller’s penchant for making golf fun. The course uses
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swales, undulations, and false fronts to make things interesting. Jack Nicklaus added Great Waters in 1992 with a parkland-styled front nine then a back side that includes shots over coves of the lake with the final eight holes on 19,000-acre Lake Oconee. In 2014 Great Waters hosted the first-ever Big Break Invitational Reynolds Plantation, a 72-hole tournament featuring a select field of 40 past Big Break champions, televised live on The Golf Channel. The 27 holes of Tom Fazio’s The National debuted in 1997 and were completed in 2000 with the Ridge and Cove first and Bluff nine added last. These fairways are defined by elevation changes of as much as 60 feet as they roll through Georgia pines, hardwoods and flowering wild dogwoods. Several holes skirt the lake. Typical of Fazio designs the greens have lots of undulations making your read of every putt a must. An extensive renovation completed in 2014 included converting the greens to Champion Dwarf Bermudagrass, as well as Fazio overseeing the complete reshaping of new, smaller bunkers. Rees Jones created the 2002 Oconee Course with risk-reward adventure, doglegs and shots over inlets of Lake Oconee. “Oconee was built on a piece of ground with the same topography as the courses my father designed (Robert Trent Jones Sr.),” Jones said. The par 3s are absolute fun featuring elevated tee shots and numerous water hazards that are both penal and eye-catching. Lake Oconee comes into play on five holes, while four others offer inspiring lake views. Interior creeks and ponds, as well as massive bunkering, ensure a tough but fair challenge for every level of player.
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Oconee No. 18
The Creek Club: members only layout equals unparalleled fun The Creek Club remains off-limits to nonmembers but if you ever receive an invite don’t miss it.
National No. 2 & 3
Architect of the Year Engh was awarded the chance to design a course unlike the other traditional golf courses of Reynolds Plantation and he delivered with a receptive beauty that might just reward you with your best round ever. Richland Creek was a focal point of the design. “We did virtually nothing to alter the natural stream beds,” Engh said. “The creeks had their native banks and we just formed them to fit in with the rest of the course.” “I’ll never forget the day I played it with Mr. Engh,” said Forester, “on the 14th hole he told me to stop looking at the pin and start looking at the slopes – that you might find a better pathway to the pin.” The Creek Club is an amusement park of punchbowl greens -- muscular, squiggly bunkers and sometimes a minefield of pot bunkers. A couple of the par-3 greens create visions like nothing you have ever seen. There are roller-coaster angles shaped more like can-
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Ritz-Carlton at Reynolds Plantation
tankerous curves than a traditional old-style putting surface. “One day Rees Jones came here from Pinehurst and after looking at Engh’s punchbowl greens he said that they were just the opposite of Donald Ross’ signature turtleback greens – that Engh just turned them upside down to make the receptive greens we have here at The Creek Club,” Forester said. The par-3 No. 13, has produced 92 aces and the course has yielded more than 200
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holes-in-one. “This golf course doesn’t cater to the 0-10 handicap golfer,” Forester continued, “it caters to players who mis-hit golf shots. It is just another way of looking at golf.” The 18th, a par-5, 557-yarder, climbs a hill to the clubhouse and has three separate greens – one green is designated for play each day. This was my 10th Engh course played and I’ve never been disappointed or bored. When you finish you want more.
The Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation The Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation is a TaylorMade run club-fitting experience. They call it “Golf’s Ultimate Fitting Experience” utilizing the same revolutionary advancements in motion capture technology seen in movies. This is an encounter previously available only to PGA Tour professionals, and includes a club finishing trailer that was once on tour. In addition, Top-100 teacher Charlie King delivers cutting-edge instruction at the Reynolds Golf Academy.
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Stay and play at Reynolds Plantation The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, is an AAA Five Diamond resort known for thorough service enhanced by gracious southern hospitality. After my first day here it was amazing the number of employees who called me by my name. The Lodge has 30 acres of beautiful shoreline on Lake Oconee and 251 newly refurbished rooms with resort and lake views. Enjoy the 26,000-square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center; and more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space including Sandy
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Creek Barn, a restored 1820s classic wood beam barn. Dining is superb from breakfast at Georgia’s Bistro, updated classics at Linger Longer Steakhouse, and casual dining at Gaby’s by the Lake. Outdoor activities range from fishing, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and wakeboarding to horseback riding and hiking. Other accommodations on the property include fully-appointed Marina Cove, The Landing cottages or condominiums at the Village at Lake Club Pointe, each with a living room and kitchen.
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In The High-Stakes Wor
The Best Keep A TLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Featuring more than a dozen of New Jersey’s highest ranked golf courses — including categories like “Top Public Courses,” “Favorite Golf Professional” and “Top Customer Service” — Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are growing by leaps and bounds, and quickly becoming one of the East Coast’s premier golf destinations.
Not content with resting on their laurels, however, Atlantic City area courses have numerous improvements and upgrades planned for 2015. Below are a just a handful of the many things going on around the Boardwalk this spring:
The Ottinger Family of golf courses that include Atlantic City Country Club, Ballamor Golf Club and Scotland Run Golf Club are completing major construction and renovation projects. Atlantic City Country Club, the historic, 117 year old club and birthplace of the birdie, is renovating and restoring all greenside bunkers on Holes 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 and 17. A halfway house is being built and will open in time for the golf season. Equally significant clubhouse renovations include a complete makeover to the entryway and lobby, John J. McDermott Room, James “Sonny” Fraser Room, Leo Fraser Library, Grand Ballroom, two private dining rooms, restrooms and corridors. In addition, an all-new bridal suite overlooking the golf course with breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline will be completed and equipped with every imaginable amenity. An impressive new exterior façade will be designed providing the clubhouse with a much more stately entrance. Meanwhile, Scotland Run will also undergo bunker renovations. Both Atlantic City Country Club and Scotland Run Golf Club will remain open during these enhancements. At Blue Heron Pines, the popular Ron Jaworski Celebrity Golf Challenge is scheduled June 14-15. In preparation, more than 200 trees were taken down around the golf course to improve play and turf conditions around this Stephen Kay design. The news at Brigantine Golf Links is … well … the name “Brigantine Golf Links.” Formerly The Links at Brigantine Beach, along with a new name, the club is sporting a new fleet of YAMAHA golf cars, a new set of family golf tees and some new senior tees, as well as an enhanced Foot Golf course. Eagle Ridge Golf Club is the newest Atlantic City golf offering in 2015. Located only minutes off the Garden State Parkway near Toms River, Eagle Ridge features a stunning 27-hole championship golf course designed by Brian Ault. Opened in 1999, it is nestled within the lush natural pines of Northern Ocean County and feels more like playing in the Carolinas than Central Jersey. Renowned for its exceptional conditions, the course is just minutes from the Jersey Shore and centrally located an hour from New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
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Harbor Pines Golf Club remains one of the top conditioned courses in New Jersey and recently 15 bunker upgrades were completed in time for the 2015 golf season, including new drainage and premium white sand. Harbor Pines welcomed new Executive Chef Joe DiLuzio, who will appear in an upcoming episode of “Chopped” on the Food Network. In addition, the Golf Tournament Association of America has recently certified Debbie Stevenson in “Golf Tournament Planning.” She is the only certified tournament planner in South Jersey. Mays Landing Golf & Country Club will select a Sunday each month for a “Golf Appreciation Day” and charge only the twilight rate for tee times the entire day. Celebrating its 55th anniversary, Mays Landing hosts an “Ultimate Demo Day” to demo just about anything from golf clubs, balls and other golfrelated items to others like vehicles, RVs, tractors and cell phones.
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rld of Atlantic City Golf,
Getting Better By JD Latorre
five new TVs (totaling nine) so golfers can see any game from any area. In addition, Sea Oaks implemented the PGA Initiative “Tee It Forward” by adding a sixth teeing area – a green tee box between the gold tee and the most forward red tee box. Shore Gate Golf Club will continue its “Play 12 after 12” program this season. The popular 12-hole round is played in about three hours. Even David Fay, the former Executive Director of the United States Golf Association who played numerous 12 hole rounds at Shore Gate, commented “this is the type of innovative thinking we need to grow the game.” Over the winter months at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club the resort performed a tee box and cosmetic renovation on its Pines Course. The renovations included stripping of all sod on the current tee boxes, re-shaping of tee boxes to maximize playable areas, laser leveling of new boxes and laying of new sod. Seaview also performed a complete cosmetic renovation as well, which included all new tee markers, tee signs, history wall, new flags, flagpoles and bunker rakes. A Sam Snead plaque was placed on the 16th hole to commemorate his 1942 PGA Championship victory. The event had nine holes played on the Bay and nine on the Pines. The 16th hole — then the 8th hole on the Pines Course and 17th for the Championship — was where Snead chipped in to defeat Jim Turnesa 2 & 1 and capture his first major championship. The word is quickly getting out that golf groups can visit Atlantic City and expect top-rated golf courses, hotels and casinos options, along with the best nightlife and fantastic restaurants. Learn more about all 17 Atlantic City courses and book your golf getaway at www.PlayACGolf.com.
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links now offers online Golf Vacation Packages for the Atlantic City and South Jersey Region. Golfers can choose from hundreds of discounted combinations of accommodations and courses. McCullough’s recently completed an enclosed deck to accommodate up to 120 golfers — ideal for large outings and enjoying a post-round beverage overlooking the 18th hole. Onsite Library III, a decades-old landmark steakhouse, continues to serve up its well-known steak and king crab menu, salad bar, books, cooks and wait staff. Sea Oaks Country Club recently received a new fleet of 2015 golf carts that house on-cart coolers and a USB port for those golfers that just can’t be without their devices. Sea Oaks has also recently expanded its outdoor veranda patio area overlooking the 18th green. The Grill Room added
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PlayAC Golf in 2015 For all the glitz and glimmer of the high-rise gambling casinos that light up the night across this unique Atlantic Ocean-side city, there’s another side to the destination — a daylight version beyond the reimagined world-famous boardwalk and beaches. An easy drive from the major metropolitan areas along the East Coast, Atlantic City caters to golfers with a wide variety of accommodations from economy rooms to fullscale suites, casinos, more than 150 restaurants and bars, world-class spas, top name concerts and comedy shows, innovative nightlife, designer shopping, the beach, the boardwalk and pulsating casino games. These layouts range from links style to parkland style to classic gems to out-of-control modern marvels. Whatever your passion, every golf course within the Atlantic City arsenal has been ordered to deliver an experience that you will not soon forget. PlayACGolf social media access available at: · Facebook – www.facebook.com/playacgolf · Twitter – www.twitter.com/playacgolf · Instagram – www.instagram.com/playacgolf
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Ocean Reef Golf Club in Key Largo Two Courses, Great Tradition, and a Scent of Vanilla
F
or the golf purist, playing a course whose pro hails from Scotland has a certain mystical quality to it. Enter the office of Scott Kirkwood, the Director of Golf office at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL, and one’s golf history radar reads “jackpot” Kirkwood, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, has a family tree that drips with golfing lineage. Kirkwood’s pro shop office, located next to Ocean Reef’s Dolphin Course, is a virtual shrine to the sport’s long-time international popularity. In addition to photos revealing his Great Great Grandfather positioned in front of his home course in Gullane, Scotland, Kirkwood’s office wall also reveals a samurai sword trophy from Scott’s tenure as a pro in Saudi Arabia. Once Kirkwood learns that a visitor lives and breathes golf, he’ll even share stories from his college playing days in Tennessee. Kirkwood’s international resume has served him well while working with Ocean Reef’s far-flung membership. Whether he’s giving a lesson using the club’s state-of-the-art technology, coordinating a monthly tournament with attendees flying in from all over the globe, or leading a member outing back in his native Scotland, Kirkwood’s smiling presence serves as the face of an operation with golf amenities second to none and a five-star member feedback rating. Dolphin and Hammock Choosing the right name for a golf course is an art. The namesakes of the two layouts found within Ocean Reef Club’s 2,500 acres are as diverse as the challenges they present. The grinning image of the mammal representing the Dolphin Course matches nicely with a golfer’s expression once he or she realizes the course’s generous fairways can be kind to one’s scorecard. The already lush tee box, fairway, and green conditions of the Dolphin layout were enhanced in 2012 with new Celebration Bermuda grass planted throughout. Contrary to its title, the Hammock Golf Course is not the kind of track you’ll approach lying down. The name recognizes the hardwood hammock trees lining many of the golf holes. Short and very tight, the Hammock is as secluded as the Dolphin is spacious. During the playing of 18 peaceful holes, one feels wrapped in the solitude of Hammock’s tranquil environment.
By TimCotroneo
Cart Paradise The signature form of transportation throughout the Ocean Reef Club’s sprawling acreage is the golf cart. Many of the members choose to customize this friendly form of getting to and from the 175-slip marina, the club’s private landing strip, or dining at one of the nine restaurants found on the property. The Ocean Reef golf clubhouse is mission control for gaining access to one of the 5,000 golf carts cruising throughout this South Florida property surrounded on three sides by water. Inside Ocean Reef’s golf pro shop is the latest in Garia golf cart technology. With a base model starting at $25,000, Garia’s can be converted to resemble a Porsche, Rolls Royce, or Aston Martin automobile. The marketing-conscious Kirkwood’s idea to house a luxurious Garia in the pro shop is just another example of why each new day brings something fresh for Ocean Reef members and guests. Merchandising Fun at Ocean Reef Club Kirkwood was recently named 2013 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year. Whether he’s placed a reclining mannequin on a hammock in the pro shop, positioned golf shirts so Ocean Reef’s iconic logo is visible, or he’s added a hint of anxiety-reducing vanilla scent to his clubhouse environment, Kirkwood has a rather simple answer for why his club sings as smoothly as a Scottish tenor. “One of the reasons golfers love playing the Dolphin Course is because of its driver-friendly fairways. The therapeutic vanilla aroma we plug in the pro shop is to help our golfers relax. Our team is always striving to make members and guests feel cared for. Ultimately, what’s really important is that our golfers have fun,” Kirkwood said. From Scotland to Key Largo Whether you’re playing golf in Edinburgh, Saudi Arabia, or the Florida Keys, what keeps you coming back is the joy for the game. Scott Kirkwood’s Great Great Grandfather would be proud to see that the sport he helped create hundreds of years ago is alive and well at the Ocean Club Resort in Key Largo. Visit www.oceanreef.com
Electricity in the Air On most days, the practice area just outside the Ocean Reef Clubhouse is alive with electricity. Kirkwood’s team is continuously orchestrating events that not only create excitement on the Ocean Reef property but beyond to the U.S. and Canadian members eagerly anticipating their next Florida holiday. Over the years, Ocean Reef’s pristine golf grounds have played host to revered names like Nicklaus, Snead, Sarazen, and Toski. The tournaments of today feature thought-provoking themes like The Bag Open, The Grand Masters, The Canadian Invitational, and The Triple Golf Classic.
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t has been almost 20 years since Tin Cup hit the big screen and set the modern-day standard for a golf/action/romance/comedy movie that appeals to both golfers and non-golfers alike. Now, for the first time in two decades, a new feature length motion picture with an intriguing golf-related theme promises to become an iconic part of golf culture in the tradition of Tin Cup. The Squeeze, which hits theaters April 17 as well as on many of your favorite electronic devices, has many of the same fun elements of golf as Tin Cup, but is much different in many ways since it is a caper movie more than a comedy and the ending is much more unpredictable. And the fact that it is based on a true story and actual events makes it that much better. The Squeeze is an escapade about a notorious gambler who discovers a modest young man in a small rural town with uncommon golf skills. Seeing his potential, the gambler convinces him to abandon his dreams of winning the US Open and start playing in high-stakes matches. They don’t lose. The stakes grow higher and higher until the game becomes “life or death.” Based on a true story, The Squeeze is written and directed by a true golf aficionado--Terry Jastrow--who has seven-Emmy awards to his credit as a television sports director and has directed on 6 Olympic Games, Super Bowl XIX, 22 US Open Championships, 20 British Open Championships and is making his feature film directorial debut. Jastrow is also producing with his wife, actress Anne Archer, (“Fatal Attraction,” “Patriot Games,” “Clear and Present Danger”); Michael Doven (“Mission Impossible II,” “The Last Samurai,” “Minority Report”); Brian McCormack (“The Lucky Ones”) and George Parra (“Sideways,” “The Descendants,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “American Hustle”). The film stars Chris McDonald (“Happy Gilmore,” “Requiem for a Dream”) and Jeremy Sumpter (“Peter Pan,” “Friday Night Lights”). Also starring are Michael Nouri (“Flashdance,” “The Proposal,” “Damages”), Katherine LaNasa (“The Campaign,” “Alfie”) and Jillian Murray (“Never Back Down,” “Cougar Hunting”). Also featured is Jason Dohring (Veronica Mars). Sumpter, who plays “Augie”—the unknown but seriously skilled golfer who is recruited by the gambler “Riverboat” to make himself a small fortune and is played by McDonald—was cast from thousands of submissions with an interesting requirement by Jastrow. The actor for this role had to be a five handicap or less so that the golf scenes would be authentic, something this movie does with aces. Sumpter, who actually plays to a plus one handicap, was one of seven or eight actors that Jastrow auditioned at Bel Air Country Club to test his golfing chops under pressure. Even though the movie is Hollywood entertainment, the producers say that 80 percent of the story is based on the true story of Keith Flatt, an aspiring professional in the 70s and early 80s who played in underground golfing matches with high stakes gamblers betting on them. It really is an unwritten, unspoken, untouched aspect of golf in the days where more money could be made hustling than on the professional tours. “I knew Keith was from a small town in Texas,” said Jastrow, “and surely knew he was a great golfer... so we asked him about his life and he told us this story. He was a guy with a modest, humble beginning who entered his city’s amateur championship and won it by 15 shots, setting the course record. There was a big-time gambler making his way across the United States from Mississippi to Las Vegas and he got hooked up with him. Young Keith didn’t look anything like a champion golfer,” Jastrow continued, “but he never lost. They got run out of town, went to Las
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Vegas, and got involved in a game with a notorious Las Vegas gambler... and Keith got caught in a squeeze.” The movie has already caught the eye of many who make their living playing the game of golf. “I watched The Squeeze and really enjoyed it,” said Jack Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 major golf championships. “It’s a fun movie that tells an interesting story, and the golf elements are so real you actually believe it could happen.” “The Squeeze is a wonderful golf movie because it’s so authentic,” said five time major winner Phil Mickelson. “It hooks you in the beginning and stays interesting and entertaining right to the end. I’m looking forward to seeing it again.” In addition to being released by distributor ARC Entertainment in a limited number of theaters across the country, The Squeeze will also be available in about 95 percent of the On-Demand outlets in the US as well as on Groupon—the very first time that it is offering a digital download movie. The offer is available in two separate packages. Customers can either order the movie plus Tom Watson’s “Lessons of a Lifetime” DVD set, the most popular golf instructional video ever, for $19.99 (a $47.95 value), or the movie plus a tee time in their area via EZ Link, America’s largest tee time company, for $13.99 (a $28 value). To view the movie trailer, visit http://thesqueezemovie.com
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SWEETSTUFF T by TerryRoss
our Edge has long been known for producing some of the longest fairway woods on the market, but now has introduced a fairway metal that might also be one of the most versatile as well. The new Tour Edge Exotics E8 Tour Fairway Wood is a 3-wood in name, but can actually be adjusted to be several different clubs in one with lofts of 12 to 15.5 degrees—essentially giving a player the ability to make this into a traditional 3-wood, a strong 3-wood or a high-lofted, small driving wood for increased accuracy and control off the tee. Even though Tour Edge has three models of the E8 Fairway woods available—the E8 Fairway, the E8 Beta and the E8 Tour—only the smaller 150CC Tour model has all of the adjustable features that better players look for in a fairway wood that has no trouble doubling as a driver. And even though this club is designed for players with faster swing speeds, it is surprisingly easy to hit and has an explosiveness at impact that is impressive with only average club head swing speed. One of the most impressive features is the number of loft settings available with this adjustable shaft, which is easily altered with the included torque wrench. This club can adjusted from a 15.5 degree (upright) setting down to 15, 14.5 (upright), 14, 13.5 (upright), 13 and 12 degrees. The upright settings are great for fine-tuning the lie angle for a custom fit. In addition, the E8 Tour features an adjustable sole weight to further customize each individual’s swing weight preference. The club comes standard with a 9-gram sole weight, but can be changed with the purchase of an optional weight kit that includes a 6-gram, 11-gram and 14gram weights. Additional individual weights are also available. The compact and powerful 150cc club head encompasses Exotics’ new technology. The E8 Tour features a 475 Carpenter U.S. steel cup face that is micro-bonded to the body via a 360-degree robotic laser beam bonding process. This new process utilizing a robotic laser beam ensures the most accurate and miniscule bonding points. Procured under lower temperatures, the edges are more round and the extreme perfection of the laser beam provides zero tolerance. It is the first club marketed in the United States to utilize this bonding process. The smaller club head shape also allows the center of gravity to move higher and closer to the face for better trajectory control and low spin ideal for players with higher swing speeds. The Power Grid cell design is similar to the E8 Beta fairway woods, reaching higher into the toe and thinner, allowing engineers to move the center of gravity closer to the face. This upgraded design gives players a more powerful launch off the face with less spin, while providing the desired penetrating ball flight. The next-generation Diamana™ +Plus Series shafts come standard in the new E8 Tour fairway woods and offers a nice soft, easy feel with great responsiveness. The Diamana +Plus Series builds on the success of its 2011 predecessor. This is one of the latest products in the long-standing Diamana™ brand that’s captured more than 100 professional wins globally since the company established its U.S. office in 2004. The new series has multiple bend profiles, features an adaptive balance point system, M.D.I. Technology and the ToughQure™ resin system. The E8 Tour fairway wood comes standard in the M+ or S+ series, while the D+ series is available as a custom option. The E8 Tour fairway wood features Tour Edge’s lifetime warranty in addition to a 30-day play guarantee. For more Information: www.touredge.com
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he Antigua Group, Inc.--one of the nation’s leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the Antigua brand--has introduced its Spring 2015 Women’s Golf Collection that is inspired by the concept of mixing comfort and trend utilizing new fashion-forward styles. “We’re very excited about our Spring 2015 Women’s Golf Collection,” said Ron McPherson, President and CEO of Antigua. “Response to the bright colors, fantastic new styling and the advanced moisture-wicking technology has been outstanding. This promises to be our best-selling women’s collection to date.” And it’s all made using Antigua’s Desert Dry and Desert Dry XtraLite technologies that keep golfers dry and comfortable. “There’s so much lifestyle apparel out in the marketplace right now,” noted Danielle Dellios, Antigua Women’s Head Designer. “Many customers are looking for something to wear on the course but also to social events, out running errands, etc. With that in mind, I combined a professional-yet-relaxed look for this line. Women want new necklines, collar treatments and styles--which led me to play with the idea of a non-conventional polo silhouette.” The 2015 line combines trim details and flirty necklines with soft and stretchy fabrics, in multiple textures and contents that give a fresh feel to the product. This includes non-traditional polo styles, such as Envy with its soccer-style collar and neckline and sporty color-blocked silhouette; and Zoom, a sleeveless mini-stripe polo that blends polyester/cotton/spandex jersey plus a cut-out at the placket that reveals some skin without being inappropriate. “Geometric shapes and details are trending, and by adding small details like a triangle cut-out on the placket, the oncemundane silhouette now offers something fun and unique,” added Dellios. Neon colors continue running strong with women, and there’s a wider acceptance of this somewhat retro-color palette. Dellios believes consumers are drawn to brights after so many years of wearing washed-out pastels and neutrals. “By mixing black and white in with fun colors such as calypso, electric and papaya, I’m providing older customers with a neutral base and a pop of color to make them feel trendy while still maintaining a wide demographic,” said Dellios, who for this line used brights with their corresponding deeper tones, to give a more tonal effect and playful feel to stripe patterns and colorblocking. Thus, the new Clever style uses a threecolor braided trim that
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SWEETSTUFF by TerryRoss
mixes bright shades into the garment without being overpowering, while Excite blends a white ground stripe with multiple pop colors, allowing customers to choose multiple bottom colors while mixing and matching. Technology is also featured in the collection. For example, Antigua’s exclusive Desert Dry™ technology absorbs and wicks moisture quickly and evenly, achieving the most-efficient evaporation possible to keep golfers comfortable and dry. The Desert Dry™ family now includes poly/ cotton blends. Consumers have been requesting a more casual fabric, without compromising the wicking capabilities of the poly fabrics. Thus, it’s included in Antigua’s two new blends--one in the Clever, which is a super soft poly/cotton solid jersey, and the other in the Zoom, which is a
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poly/cotton/spandex mini yarn dye stripe. Meanwhile, Desert Dry™ XTRA-LITE (D2XL) combines the Desert Dry™ moisture-wicking feature with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort. New additions to this category are 100 percent poly fabrics that feel and look like cotton. For instance, the Jubilee style uses a slub yarn that gives the hand-feel and drape of cotton, but the wicking capabilities of poly. And the Thrill style uses a popular multi-colored nap yarn. The garment feels like cozy cotton, but handles perspiration like poly. For more information on Antigua’s spring women’s collection for 2015: www.antigua.com and shop.antigua.com
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