Golf Vacations Magazine May 2017

OUR 16th YEAR!

THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots

GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2017

PUERTO PENASCO PARADISE MARVEL IN MEXICO REAL DEL MAR GOLF RESORT

www.golfvacationsmag.com Golf Vacations • May 2017 1 Plus: COSTA RICS’S RESERVA CONCHAL BEACH RESORT

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GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2017

Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Golf and Spa, Costa Rica

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Chip Shots

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Marvel in Mexico: Real Del Mar Golf Resort

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A Paradise in Puerto Penasco

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Resort Report: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort

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Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross

by Dave McKibben Located just 45 minutes south of downtown San Diego, the Real Del Mar Golf Resort is sometimes overlooked

by Americans who trek across the U.S. border into Mexico to escape exorbitant green fees, five-hour rounds and hovering marshals. This narrow, 6,400-yard canyon course is tucked between the mountains and is barely visible from the coastal toll road. There is a “Real Del Mar” sign posted along the highway for drivers headed south toward Ensenada, but road signs are easy to miss when stunning views of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction.

by Dave McKibben Fresh off its top 20 ranking in Golfweek Magazine as one of the top resort courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Nicklaus Course at Vidanta Puerto Peñasco has unveiled an incredible stay-and-play golf package through the remainder of the year. The getaway deal provides a perfect excuse for golfers to experience breathtaking beauty and tranquility on a championship course where the Sonoran Desert meets the Sea of Cortez.

by JD Latorre Mental golf gurus have a saying during rough or tense situations – “Go to your happy place.” This golf season, why not head to a happy place in what many refer to as the happiest country on Earth.

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

Executive Editor Jeffrey Diaz

Hal Quinn has played, and written about, the game’s finest courses and resorts across four continents, with some interesting small islands in between. You can read more about those travels at www.passporttogolf.com

Associate Editor Terry Ross

Features Editor Larry Feldman

Dave McKibben has been battle-tested in raucous newsrooms and dimly-lighted press boxes for nearly 20 years as an award-winning Los Angeles Times journalist. He’s covered the PGA Tour, Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NCAA sports and even local high schools sports. In his career he’s interviewed such greats as Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Cal Ripken, John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, Tony Gwynn and Michael Jordan.

Senior Writers JD Latorre Andy Reistetter Fred Robledo

For Editorial:

call (760) 774-2655 e-mail: Info@GolfVacationsMag.com JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. He has a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including Bangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Tenerife, St. Kitts, Cancun and Marseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald, Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.

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

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

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2017 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

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20th edition of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will take place in Cannes

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eed Travel Exhibitions and David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, are pleased to announce the 20th edition of the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will be held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes from December 11 to 14, 2017.

Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, IGTM is the world’s leading, global B2B event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media, with more than 1,300 visitors, 600 exhibitors, 400 tour operators and 100 specialised golf media expected to attend the milestone event.

The landmark edition of IGTM is set to be a prelude to golf’s most prestigious team event, The 2018 Ryder Cup, which takes place at Le Golf National, on the outskirts of Versailles near Paris.

David Lisnard commented: “In view of the next Ryder Cup in Paris, the gathering of international golf tourism professionals in Cannes will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase France as a destination in an attractive and privileged golfing region.

The golf tourism industry is a constantly growing sector, which we must embrace if we are to further develop our range of tourism services. In hosting the 20th edition of IGTM, the leading event in the sector, we

will play a major role in boosting tourism in the Riviera from the world’s sporting community, and more specifically British, American and Asian visitors.”

Charlie Cracknell, Senior Exhibition Director at Reed Travel Exhibitions, added: “Cannes is one of the most glamorous destinations in Europe and, as the established home of the world’s largest festival of cinema, it is the perfect destination to host the landmark edition of IGTM. “The quality of golf courses and resorts in Cannes is outstanding and, combined with an excellent conference facility at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, we have all the necessary elements to stage a truly fantastic event.”

Showcasing one of Europe’s most stylish golfing destinations, Cannes and the wider Côte d’Azur, IGTM 2017 will not only help put the spotlight on over 30 of the region’s golf courses, many of which are internationally renowned, it will also highlight the 600+ courses throughout France.

David Lisnard added: “IGTM will help contribute to expanding the international reputation of Cannes, the capital of outdoor sports, and the Côte d’Azur, as an unbeatable tourist and golfing destination thanks to the diversity of our countryside, sunny climate,

history, culture and the quality of our infrastructure.

“The event will also highlight the region’s hospitality expertise, excellent infrastructure and first-class professionalism – all of which will help drive economic wealth to the region.”

Before and during IGTM 2017, FAM trips will also be organised on the Côte d’Azur for tour operators and specialised press in the golf travel sector.

“In a context of heightened competition with European and international destinations, all the links in the tourism chain have been mobilised to provide attractive conditions to IGTM’s organisers thanks to the combined efforts of Cannes Town Council, SEMEC, Atout France, the CRT Côte d’Azur, golfing hotels, agencies and all professionals involved in promoting the Côte d’Azur destination,” commented David Lisnard who praised the partners for their commitment.

The 20th edition of IGTM follows a record-breaking event in Mallorca that counted more than 14,000 pre-approved appointments, the highest number of preregistered buyers and 515 exhibitors, together with a range of local and international media, attending the four-day event that took place at Son Termes, in Palma.

Cannes, France

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Magnolia Grove - Mobile

Celebrations Planned As Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Turns 25 BIRMINGHAM, AL – A former assistant dean at Alabama’s law school revolutionized access to great public golf 25 years ago and the rest is history.

While many scoffed at the concept, Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, brought golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. out of retirement in the late 1980’s and the concept of America’s Original Golf Trail was born.

Opened in 1992, golfers have played nearly 12 million rounds of golf on the RTJ Golf Trail. This top golf destination features 26 courses on 11 sites across Alabama. The Trail recently renovated its original courses and encourages golfers to come play the new RTJ Golf Trail.

While maintaining the key course designs created by Robert Trent Jones, renovations of the original golf sites were recently completed. Owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the RTJ courses remain consistent for quality and value while offering new experiences.

“I want to be able to play the U.S. Open on any one of these courses we build,” said Dr. David G. Bronner. “Make every one of them a championship course. I want people to be challenged enough that they will want to come back and try again. “ Professionals Compete on RTJ While the courses have not hosted the U.S. Open yet, professional golf tournaments

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have been played on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for the past 25 years. “This will be the 20th year in a row that women’s professional golf has been played on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the 21st consecutive year for hosting professional golf tournaments,” said Bronner. ““When the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in 1992, we wanted to make Alabama a golf destination.

Not only have we had millions of golf rounds, legendary golfers have won on the RTJ Trail including Lorena Ochoa, Se Ri Pak, Karrie Webb, Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson, Ariya Jutanugarn and several others. Both Lexi Thompson and Ariya Jutanugarn won their first LPGA tournaments while playing on the RTJ Golf Trail, skyrocketing their golf careers,” he said.

“The first two years of the PGA TOUR’s Barbasol Championship have been tremendous successes with Scott Piercey and Aaron Baddeley bringing home the trophies,” said Bronner. “We look forward to welcoming the Barbasol Championship back to RTJ Grand National in July and seeing the next LPGA greats compete in the Symetra Tour’s Guardian Championship in September at RTJ Capitol Hill. These events showcase our courses around the world with international media coverage and help position Alabama as a great travel and golf destination.”

Courses in Mobile and Prattville have hosted LPGA tournaments for the past 20 years. The PGA TOUR has competed in Opelika in 2015 and 2016. The PGA TOUR

Champions’ tournaments were played at RTJ Ross Bridge from 2006 to 2010. $25 Golf Days Across RTJ To help celebrate the silver anniversary of America’s original golf trail, golfers are invited to enjoy a round of golf for $25 plus tax including cart at the following sites on these designated days: • Silver Lakes - Anniston/Gadsden Thursday, May 25 • Magnolia Grove - Mobile - Thursday, June 15 • Hampton Cove - Huntsville - Thursday, June 29 • Highland Oaks - Dothan - Thursday, July 13 • The Shoals - Muscle Shoals - Thursday, July 20 • Cambrian Ridge - Greenville - Friday, August 4 • Capitol Hill - Prattville - Monday, August 7 • Ross Bridge - Hoover - Monday, August 14 • Grand National - Auburn/Opelika Thursday, August 24 • Oxmoor Valley - Birmingham Thursday, August 31 Media events with elected officials and other local leaders will be held on these days to celebrate the Trail’s impact on these communities. For the general public, golf reservations with advance purchase can be made by calling RTJ Reservations at 800.949.4444. Tee times can be booked at the specific RTJ sites within seven days of play.

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Pebble Beach Resorts To Open Fairway One At The Lodge

PEBBLE BEACH, CA – Bedner Associates (HBA) with the interior design of Fairway One, as well as The Lodge and The Inn guest room renovations.

Located on the left side of the first fairway, the Fairway One complex will offer a new and enhanced guest room experience with oversized accommodations, a greater sense of privacy and unparalleled personalized service, all featuring spectacular ocean, garden and golf course views. It will offer 30 guest rooms in three two-story hotel buildings, two unique four-bedroom golf cottages, and the meeting facility.

The two Fairway One Cottages, which front the first fairway, each will feature a 1,000-square-foot living room, two king bedrooms, two queen/queen bedrooms, and an outdoor terrace with fire pit. Each living room will be characterized by a 17-foot-high wood-beam ceiling, rich wood millwork, and an authentic wood-burning floor-toceiling stacked stone fireplace. They will also each feature two 55-inch HDTVs, a wet bar, a dining area and oversized furniture in groupings that encourage a communal experience. The 30 Fairway One guest rooms

will be located behind the cottages.

Prominently situated on the arrival court of Fairway One, the Fairway One Meeting Facility will feature several meeting and event space options that can be booked individually or as a complete group buyout. The meeting facility will be ideal for everything from business events to weddings and social gatherings.

Its centerpiece will be the 2,500-square-foot Fairway One Meeting Room with a capacity of 225, featuring floor-to-ceiling views of the first fairway and looking out towards the first green. Other spaces will include the 700-square-foot Fairway One Board Room (26 capacity), 1,000-square-foot Fairway One Living Room (80 capacity) and 2,250-squarefoot Fairway One Terrace Patio (250 capacity).

In addition to the Fairway One complex, all existing guest accommodations in The Lodge, The Inn and Casa Palmero are being renovated inside and out, for a fresh take on the traditional look and feel that is Pebble Beach. At The Lodge, enhancements will maintain the hotel’s timeless elegance and include a 30-percent expansion of window walls in all ocean-front rooms to maximize views of Pebble Beach Golf Links, Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Ocean-front patios and decks are also being doubled in size to

serve as an outdoor living space.

Guest rooms at The Inn embody a more contemporary, coastal California look, and will feature greatly enhanced and reconfigured window walls that allow guests to take advantage of expansive ocean views and The Links at Spanish Bay. Casa Palmero guest rooms will receive an interior makeover and technology upgrades, preserving the distinct style of the boutique, 24-room Mediterranean-style property.

For more information on Pebble Beach Resorts, please visit pebblebeach.com or call (888) 251-9790.

May Is "Player Development Month" At Troon Facilities SCOTTSDALE, AZ – In an effort to grow the game of golf, Troon has launched “Player Development Month” as Troon dailyfee facilities, private clubs and Troon Golf Academies around the world will join together to conduct more than 500 introductory golf clinics and “Get Into Golf” clinics throughout the month of May. 2017 marks the sixth year that Troon has promoted May as Player Development Month. Over the last six years thousands of golfers have been introduced to golf through fun, affordable and educational

Pebble Beach’s Fairway One at the Lodge

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clinics at Troon facilities.

Additionally, a number of Troon-affiliated facilities are kicking off Player Development Month by participating in “Let’s Play Golf Week” during the first week of May. Golf Channel’s Morning Drive will serve as Let’s Play Golf Week’s on-air hub with special guests and in-show content featured on each of the themed days. Themed days include World’s Largest Golf Outing, Bring a Beginner Day, Family Golf Days and more.

“Troon facilities, associates and teaching professionals work tirelessly to grow the game and introduce new golfers to their respective clubs throughout the year,” said Mike Ryan, executive vice president and co-chief operating officer, Troon. “In May our facilities ramp up the frequency of these introductory events in an effort to bring even more golfers to the game. This year we are excited to incorporate Let’s Play Golf Week activities to further enhance opportunities to get into the game and get connected with Troon-affiliated facilities.”

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As part of Player Development Month, Troon facilities will be hosting numerous “Get Into Golf” clinics and activities. The Get Into Golf program, developed by Troon and introduced in 2016, provides all the tools necessary to give golf a test run, including golf clubs and golf balls, practice range time, a weekly ‘intro to golf’ clinic and ending with a three-hole test run – so participants can get a taste of what it’s like to be on a golf course in a friendly, fun and non-competitive atmosphere. Get Into Golf starts at just $39 at participating Troon facilities across the globe. For scheduling information, a full list of participating Troon courses, and to learn more about the Get Into Golf program, visit TroonGolf.com/GetIntoGolf.

For more information on Troon Player Development Month and a full list of clinics, visit www.TroonGolf.com/playerdevelopment.html. To learn more about all of Troon’s “grow the game initiatives,” visit www.PlayTroon.com.

A Golfer’s Paradise: Memorial Day Weekend In honor of May’s International Golf Month, Royal Isabela, a luxury resort in the Northwest Coast of Puerto Rico, just unveiled a brand new Summer Golf package. With savings of up to 30% off, this package is the ideal summer getaway, especially for those who are still in need of Memorial Day weekend plans!

Package includes: Three nights in a luxury Casita* Welcome rum cocktails, utilizing the organic farm’s indigenous ingredients Daily farm to table breakfast for two One round of golf on The Links per stay $150 Restaurant Credit Rates starting at $649/ night and based on double occupancy. Book by May 31, 2017 and travel through August 30, 2017. Listed rates are subject to availability and dates of stay, and do not include room tax, service charge or resort fee. Link to package here: http://royalisabela.com/stay

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Golf Vacations • May 2017 11

Real Del Mar

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r Golf Resort

n Mexico www.golfvacationsmag.com

By Dave McKibben

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L

ocated just 45 minutes south of downtown San Diego, the Real Del Mar Golf Resort is sometimes overlooked

by Americans who trek across the U.S. border into Mexico to escape exorbitant green fees, five-hour rounds and hovering marshals. This narrow, 6,400-yard canyon course is tucked between the mountains and is barely visible from the coastal toll road.

There is a “Real Del Mar” sign posted along the highway for drivers headed south toward Ensenada, but road signs are easy to miss when stunning views of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction.

So on a recent Sunday morning in March, Jin Woo Choi didn’t mind dealing with a little early morning fog as he took his warm up swings.

“What’s not to like about this place?” said Choi, a resident of Tijuana and part of a group of Korean golfers who frequent. “It’s a seaside course. It’s challenging, it’s not too expensive and it’s wide open.”

Miguel Valls, another course regular who lives in Tijuana, is convinced Real Del Mar is the best golfing bargain in all of Baja.

“The green fees [$55 on Saturday, $40 on Sunday] are half the price of every other course around here,’’ said Valls, originally from Valencia, Spain. “Sure, it’s a little more difficult than some other courses because it’s so narrow. But that’s part of the challenge, right?”

And Real Del Mar is certainly a challenge,

especially for players who spray their tee shots or tug their approach shots. Sean Thomas, who belongs to a private club in Oceanside, is a long hitter who loves to unleash his driver whenever he can.

But Thomas had been warned about the tight fairways of Real Del Mar, so he put a 22-degree hybrid in his bag for the road trip and wound up hitting it off nearly every tee.

“The challenge is obviously the narrowness and I don’t think there’s any divine routing here,” he said. “This one of those courses that if you’re a short hitter, you’re going to be in play more than a long hitter because of the contour of the holes.”

But even if you lose a few balls in the thick vegetation surrounding the fairways, you’ll likely keep your bag stocked by finding lost balls from other wayward hitters. And since you don’t have other players breathing down your neck every hole, there’s plenty of time to search for your drive in thick brush or just enjoy the wildlife.

The course is less than 10 miles from downtown Tijuana, but it has the feel of a natural wildlife preserve. Eagles, hawks, owls, herons soar overhead and marshals are replaced by coyotes and lynx.

“I really loved the naturalness and remoteness of Real Del Mar,” Thomas said.

“It’s also pretty appealing to play a round in less than four hours. If you play on a weekend in San Diego, you’re looking at six hours for a round, which I don’t find fun.”

Opened in 1993 and designed by Pedro Guereca Gurrola, Real Del Mar also features seven lakes and more danger than just also features seven lakes, 47 bunkers and 600 palm trees. Because of its affordable green fees, the course has become popular with ex-pats who live in along the coast between Tijuana and Rosarito Beach.

The four par 5s are all difficult to score on because the slender fairways don’t allow players much margin for error on a lay-up shot. But the toughest of the par 5s is the 526-yard 17th hole, which dog legs to the right and is appropriately named “Alcatraz.”

Off the tee, there is trouble on the left side with several tall trees and plants that site on top of a hill. On the right side, a small river follows the edge of the fairway, making the second shot terribly demanding. If you’re still in play for your third shot, you’re faced with an island green.

The prettiest hole is No. 6, a downhill par 3 that measures 200 yards from the blue tees and features a stunning view of the

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Pacific Ocean and the Coronado Islands in the distance. No. 18 is another downhill par 3 with a lake in front and sand traps surrounding the green.

Carlos Calderon, Real Del Mar’s director of golf, said there are plans to renovate the course, which was pounded by a series of winter storms.

“Plans are underway to renovate the bunkers, restore the lakes that have been invaded with wild plants,” Calderon said. “We’re also going to cut the high grass around the fairways and greens, so it will be easier to find your unplayable balls.”

Upgrades are also planned for the 75-suite hotel, snack bar and clubhouse.

Real Del Mar Golf Resort: For more information on Real Del Mar, visit http:// www.realdelmargolfresort.com/ or call 800803-6038 from the United States or 01 800 788 1023 from Mexico. Resort rates on suites begin at $119 a night and studios at $89 per night. Green fees on Tuesdays and Thursdays are just $25.

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Puerto Penasco

By Dave McKibben

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UERTO PENASCO, MEXICO—Fresh off its top 20 ranking in Golfweek Magazine as one of the top resort courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Nicklaus Course at Vidanta Puerto Peñasco has unveiled an incredible stay-and-play golf package through the remainder of the year. The getaway deal provides a perfect excuse for golfers to experience breathtaking beauty and tranquility on a championship course where the Sonoran Desert meets the Sea of Cortez.

For $159 (per person, per night, double occupancy, two-night minimum), golfers can play one day of unlimited golf, get free practice balls before each round and stay in a Master Room at the luxurious Mayan Palace. Guests who reserve their package within 60 days can obtain a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite at the Mayan Palace (use code SQNPP10). Golfers in the United States and Canada may call 877-278-2142 to reserve a package.

Even though the 18-hole course is always in pristine condition and features stunning panoramic ocean views on 12 holes, it’s still largely a mystery to many golfers because of its remoteness. The world-class Grand Mayan Puerto Peñasco resort is 3 ½ hours from Phoenix and Tucson by car and nearly 6 from San Diego. Currently, there are no commercial flights into the international airport.

“Not too many people know about this golf course,” said Ivan Cueva, Vidanta Puerto Peñasco’s director of golf. “But once you play it,

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you’re really blown away how impressive it is. What makes this place so unique is that you have a combination of everything—the Sea of Cortez, the mountains, the desert and there are no homes around the course.”

The 7,200-yard layout was a bit more challenging when it opened in 2001. But it plays more like a resort course now as several bunkers were removed to make conditions easier for the average player.

“There are some challenging holes, some blind shots, but I think it’s fair,” Cueva said. “The fairways are wide open and the greens are big.”

The 388-yard, par-4 third is the signature hole and the No. 1 handicap, thanks to an uphill, blind tee shot and a stadium-sized green that sits on water. “Once you get to the middle of the fairway, the first thing you see is the ocean,” Cueva said. “And the green looks like an infinity pool.”

Presented by SQN Escapes. The best golf, travel and entertainment experience SQN Escapes is an innovative sales and marketing firm with over 40 years of experience in the travel, entertainment, and resort industry.

SQN is proud to present unparalleled vacations at the luxury destinations of Grupo Vidanta, the leading resort developer in Mexico.

For more on Vidanta Puerto Penasco, visit https://www.sqnescapes. com/index.html.

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Golf Vacations • May 2017 17

RESORTREPORT

Crown Jewel of Cost

Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Go

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COSTA RICA

by JD LATORRE

ta Rica

olf and Spa

M

ental golf gurus have a saying during rough or tense situations – “Go to your happy place.” This golf season, why not head to a happy place in what many refer to as the happiest country on Earth.

That would be the Reserva Conchal Beach Resort Golf and Spa, a luxury resort situated on Costa Rica’s sparkling northwestern Pacific coast. Situated between white sand beaches and a “dry” tropical forest, Reserva Conchal is a prominent golf development in the country’s Guanacaste region.

Set within the resort’s vast 2,300 acres is a five-star all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort & Spa, featuring 60,000-square-foot Reserva Conchal Beach Club.

Its highlights include an extensive swimming pavilion, modern workout facilities, fine dining and an exquisite spa. Future plans call for luxury residences and a W Costa Rica – Reserva hotel to be built. But the crown jewel of Reserva Conchal is its championship golf course.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the layout is wonderfully carved between the azure Pacific Ocean waters and lush greens of the neighboring tropical forest. The par-71 course can stretch beyond 7,000 yards, and boasts breathtaking ocean vistas and unforgettable holes meandering through lakes, rugged ravines and rolling hills.

Historically, no other golf course in Costa Rica rivals Reserva Conchal. In 2008, it hosted the region’s first international professional event, the Costa Rica TLA Masters. Notable professional golfers Jesper Parnevik, David Leadbetter and Hale Irwin have notched rounds here, and that list will grow substantially in May. Next month, Reserva Conchal will host the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Essential Costa Rica Classic. The inaugural tournament – sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute – is the first-ever PGA TOUR event in Costa Rica, and will boast 144 professional golfers from more than 25 countries.

Consistently ranked among the top-30 best in the Caribbean and Mexico, Reserva Conchal was the first course in Costa Rica bestowed certification

by Audubon International. Other calling cards are a world-class practice facility and learning center with four green complexes, bunkers, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee. Single- and multiday golf clinics are offered, including the PGA TOUR Academy featuring certified instructors from famed TPC Sawgrass.

Right after the pros leave might be the best time to make Reserva Conchal your happy place. Starting at $379 per person, per night (four-night minimum), the Golf Escape package includes luxurious accommodations at the Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, and a round of golf on either Reserva Conchal, Hacienda Pinilla or the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. Golf cart, driving range access and bottled water is included. Transportation to golf courses and golf clubs are not included, and other restrictions may apply.

The offer expires November 30, and guests must mention PGAPROM promotion code when booking online at www.westinplayaconchal.com or by calling 855-851-5000.

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For more information about Reserva Conchal, visit www.reservaconchal.com.

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SWEETSTUFF

T

our Edge Golf has broken new territory with its new Exotics EX10 hybrid line, which is packed with new technology developed by the company along with some of the lightest shafts you can find in a hybrid, which adds to the performance of these versatile clubs.

The EX10 model features a new cup face, deeper CG, a larger SlipStream™ sole, all in a very elongated, classic hybrid shape that launches the ball extremely high but can be easily flighted for lower shots and offers easy shot-shaping.

Tour Edge officials say that this new offering brings it in line with the abilities of its fairway woods with what they call “Material Advantage,” and features a new Japanese high density, steel cup face--HT 980 hightensile strength steel. This new steel can be engineered extremely thin-producing higher CT levels all over the face--ensuring that mishits fly longer and straighter. Tour Edge continues its successful use of use of its combo brazing technology despite the increased expense because the process ensures the tightest tolerances. The EX10 hybrid features a 450 SS hyper-steel body that is combo brazed.

The engineers at Tour Edge made substantial changes to the SlipStream™ sole, lengthening the rails and designing the channels between the rails shallower and more compact overall to ensure minimal turf interaction. A heavy rear sole pad weighing 19 grams, located behind the rails, produces a deeper CG, and helps to easily get the ball in the air from any lie. To further enhance the aerodynamics of the club head, speed channels run both vertical and horizontal. The increased heel weight and the aerodynamic design all adds up to faster speed, higher MOI, less spin and more distance.

This club has a very comfortable and appealing look at address, and with the weight that has been removed compared to other hybrids, additional distance is gained—especially when compared with some of the top 3-irons out there today. The EX10 also features Variable Face Thickness technology.

The thin and thick compartments on the face are strategically positioned for optimal forgiveness in preparation for off-center hits.

Much of the decreased weight of this club is due to the lighter premium shafts offered by Tour Edge on this line, and helps give it its unique performance characteristics.

The EX10 comes standard with UST Mamiya Recoil and Graphite Design Tour AD50 shafts. Specifically, the Recoil 450 and 460 shafts are for players seeking a super lightweight option to increase club head speed for high ball flight and greater distance in a very stable platform. The Recoil 670 and 680 shafts focus on players seeking a lightweight option to increase club head speed for mid-high ball flight and greater distance in a very stable platform. The Tour AD50 utilizes premium, aerospace quality 50t carbon-fiber materials. The softer mid-section bend profile of the Tour AD allows the player to load the shaft properly, yet it maintains a firm enough tip section through impact promoting a high launch and low spin ball flight condition. In the Graphite Design shafts, a 54 and 52-gram version of the TourAD 50 is available in a regular flex, and the stiff flex is still only 56 grams with a mid to high launch. This is extremely light for a hybrid shaft.

The EX10 hybrid is available in 2 (17°), 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°), and 6 (28°) models, so you can take some of those longer irons out of the bag for something more versatile and easier to hit.

All Tour Edge clubs come with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee.

For more information on the Tour Edge EX10 lineup please visit: www. touredge.com

20 Golf Vacations • May 2017

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SWEETSTUFF

by Terry Ross

H

ealth and fitness continue to be an increasing emphasis in golf, and players on all levels are increasingly aware that the better you feel is reflected in how you play the game.

Compression attire has been around for years—especially in the team sports like football and basketball—but in golf players have only taken advantage of the benefits in the last few years.

Tommie Copper, a wearable wellness brand that originated copper-infused compression sleeves and other apparel—has produced a wide-range of high-quality products for men, women and children that can take some of the aches and pains away from golf.

Tommie Copper products feature the company’s patented Copper Znergy® technology. 100% of the proprietary fabric is copper and zinc encapsulated. The proprietary 4D Lycra stretch fabric wicks away moisture to regulate body temperature and offers natural and permanent anti-odor technology inside and out by eliminating the growth of odor causing microbes.

The UPF 50+ provides protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays for advanced skin health benefits.

One of their newer innovations are the Copper Cotton® products. That combines the natural performance of cotton with their patent-pending Copper Znergy® technology. The result is ultra- soft undergarments that provide comfortable, non-restrictive, compression that won’t ride up.

Tommie Copper’s compression products can be worn to provide

relief from injuries caused by over swinging, overuse and over practice, poor swing mechanics, rotational stresses placed on the spine, incorrect grip and setup, etc. The apparel provides additional support to help with back and knee pain, wrist injuries, hand and finger injuries, foot and ankle injuries, arthritis and more. These compression products are great for for support on the course, but also aide in muscle recovery and circulation afterwards.

Tommie Copper compression products run the gamut from compression sleeves, long and short sleeve shirts, shorts, underwear and sleeves. The quality is impressive, as are the selection of products.

For those that want to go further, there is a Tommie Copper back support and one of the most versatile and useful undergarments we have seen for a while—the Compression Core Band. This unique piece is what it says—a large band that you pull up over your feet and up to your lumbar area. It is low profile and targets to mid and lower back areas and is constructed with 4D stretch and patent pending Copper Znergy® fabric that feels both cool and will keep you dry. It can easily be worn under a golf shirt but gives loads of extra support in the core muscle areas for those that need it.

For more information visit: www.tommiecopper.com

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undog eyewear has built a reputation as one of most technologically advanced and fashion forward makers of sunglasses in the golf market, and its new lineup for this spring combines all the elements along with the flair of one of the top players on the LPGA Tour.

All eyes should be on Paula Creamer’s dramatic new 2017 TrueBlue® Collection. Since 2007, on and off the course, the 10-time winner on the LPGA Tour has been wearing her signature Sundogs sunglasses with the game-changing Mela-Lens technology. Now Creamer has a new collection with the revolutionary TrueBlue® lens.

“It’s incredible, but this is the 10th anniversary of my first Paula

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SWEETSTUFF

sunscreen, the company has a product that both offers protection and is a full body absorbent crème moisturizer that is also offered in a handy sports spray that is surprisingly not oily and offers lasting protection.

“When I’m on the golf course, a sunburn is not top of mind, my game is, and Sun Therapè Pro Sport is a high-quality made-inthe-USA sunscreen that gives me the protection I need,” said Steve Jones, PGA Tour pro and former U.S. Open Champion. “The unique attributes of this sunscreen are why I not only use Sun Therapè Pro Sport, but work with the brand to educate other athletes.”

Maintaining skin hydration and preventing damage are some the reasons that Victoria Elizabeth uses the product while playing on the LPGA Tour.

Creamer Collection,” said the 2010 US Women’s Open champion.

“I have been intimately involved in the design of my sunglasses from day one, but I am so proud and so excited about the 2017 Collection because of the fabulous new frame designs and the TrueBlue® lenses that are the absolute ultimate in eye protection.”

With TrueBlue® MOLP Lens Technology (Melanin plus Ocular Lens Pigment) Sundog has taken eye protection and sunglass lens performance to the next level.

The body produces melanin to protect the skin and eyes from sun damage. The body also produces ocular lens pigment [OLP] to help protect the eye from high energy visible light (blue light) that is harmful to the front of the eye (lens) and the back of eye (retina and macula). The only combination of the two natural substances that protect the eye from invisible and visible light is found in TrueBlue® lens technology. (Visit www.truebluevision.com to learn of the effects of blue light and how TrueBlue® lenses can protect eyes both indoors and outdoors.)

The 2017 Paula Creamer TrueBlue® Collection has it all in seven new frames, each with personal styling options. Her very popular FAIRWAY model is back, and is joined by fashion forward all-new designs reflecting the distinctive Creamer style with DREAM, GLAM, MARILYN, SIBELLA, VOICE and WHISLEY. Sundog has a TrueBlue® for every taste and wardrobe, on and off the course, with these new offerings.

The new Paula Creamer TrueBlue® Collection is available this spring online at paulacreamercollection.com and in select golf retailers and fine pro shops.

W

ith summer just around the corner, golfers and anyone planning to spend some time outdoors need to be thinking about protection from the sun.

Sun Therapè Pro Sport, produced by Pharmagel™, is promoting healthy skin and the benefits of using sunscreen with its unique moisturizer and sunscreen combo formulated specifically for outdoor athletes. Initially, the brand established a hold in golf, as golfers found Pro Sport absorbed quickly after application so they could quickly re-focus on the game. Additionally, Sun Therapè Pro Sport dries with a smooth versus sticky finish.

With its Face & Body Total Skin Care, which is an SPF 35

22 Golf Vacations • May 2017

“Active people don’t want to feel there is a greasy residue on their bodies while they perform,” said Elizabeth. “Sun Therapè Pro Sport keeps my grip intact while preserving my skin’s integrity. The skin you’re in should be protected by a full spectrum SPF with the beauty bonus of age-defying antioxidants.”

Each Sun Therapè Pro Sport formula has dual skin protection benefits. First it helps to screen out the sun’s UVA’s burning rays and second it filters out UVA rays that age skin by penetrating through the surface to the deep layers. These advanced anti-aging, daily protective moisturizers are healthy daily treatments.

For more information about Sun Therapè Pro Sport, visit: www. suntherapeprosport.com.

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24 Golf Vacations • May 2017

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26 Golf Vacations • May 2017

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