OUR 17th YEAR!
THIS MONTH: My Turn • SweetStuff • ChipShots
GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2018
NOSTALGIA LIVES HERE TEMECULA TEE UP
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESORT
PECHANGA
RESORT & CASINO
www.golfvacationsmag.com Golf Vacations may 2018 1 Plus: CUBA’S VARADERO GOLF CLUB • HONUA KAI •RESORT
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GOLF VACATIONS MAY 2018
(above and cover) - The Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California
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Chip Shots
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The Pechanga Resort and Casino by Terry Ross
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Mountain Shadows Resort - Nostalgia Lives Here
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The Pechanga Resort and Casino, which has been a staple of the Inland Empire region of SoCal in Temecula since it was built in 2002 – and added the acclaimed Journey at Pechanga Golf Course in 2008 – has now doubled in size with a recentlycompleted $300 million expansion to 1,090 rooms and suites, added a 4.5-acre pool complex, two additional restaurants, a twolevel luxury spa with a fitness and yoga studio and additional meeting/convention space that brings the total to 100,000 square foot indoor and another 174,500 outdoor.
by David R. Holland
I’m looking down the first fairway of the newly renovated Mountain Shadows’ “The Short Course” and the view is historic. Camelback Mountain is magnified – along with Mummy Mountain. In early morning and late afternoon the shadows are a photographer’s dream.
Cuba: Varadero Golf Club
by Kevin Pilley
There cannot be many golf courses which celebrate Mayan cosmogenesis. But in the left common Bermuda grass rough, 150 yards or so off the papsaculum tee of the eighteenth at Varadero in Matanza, two hours from Havana, stands a rock boulder statue (“The Watchman” or “Guardian”) which is laden with layered meaning.
Sweet Stuff
by Terry Ross
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CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Kevin Pilley is a British writer and lives in Wales. A former professional cricketer, he became disenchanted with a sport which finishes 0-0 after 150 hours and with no one watching.
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. “Multiple careers” best describes this world traveler (visited 35 countries), who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve. Holland splits home time in Colorado and Texas. He has written for GolfWeek’s Superintendent News, Colorado AvidGolfer, Midwest Golfing Magazine, South Central Golf Magazine and Fairway to Green. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys Weekly, UPI and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Follow Dave on Twitter @David_R_Holland.
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.
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
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
Published by
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portsMedia publications
President Jeffrey Diaz
455 NE 5th Avenue, Suite D-151 Delray Beach, Florida 33483 (760) 774-2655
and
Destiny Media, LLC President/CEO James A. Diaz
Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2018 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 Kaanapali Kai-16th
Honua Kai Resort & Spa Golf Package at Ka’anapali Beach By Dave McKibben MAUI, HI—Interested in a little seaside golf, followed up by some delectable Hawaiian fusion fare? The Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Beach’s newest resort, has just the package. The “Island Golf & Gourmet” deal offers resort guests who enjoy a five-night stay, two rounds of golf at the stunning Ka’anapali Kai course and a $50 dining credit at the world-famous Roy’s Ka’anapali restaurant. The deal, which saves guests $259 and will last throughout the year, also includes a full-size rental car from Enterprise and a welcome amenity. The beauty of the package is it gives golfers an opportunity to play the recently renovated Kai course twice for free. With some of the finest greens Maui has to offer and narrow fairways that test your course management skills, the Kai course is a 6,388-yard, par-70 masterpiece designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and renovated by one of Hawaii’s most prolific golf course architects, Robin Nelson. The renovated course made
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headlines in 2008 when it was chosen to host the Ladies Only Big Break Ka’anapali. With four sets of tees starting at 4,522 yards, the course is well-suited for all levels of play. Several holes are nestled into the West Maui Mountains and feature panoramic views of the Pacific and neighboring islands, Lanai and Molokai. Natural canals, trenches and lava rocks wind their way through the course, strikingly landscaped with native flowers bordering most fairways. Roy’s Ka’anapali offers lunch and dinner at the clubhouse restaurant, which overlooks the 18th green on Royal Ka’anapali course. Roy’s Pacific Rim cuisine is the creation of award-winning Chef Roy Yamagushi. The 628-unit Honua Kai, which opened in 2009, is one of six luxury resort hotels nestled along internationally-renowned Ka’anapali Beach. Honua Kai offers all suite accommodations and boasts breathtaking views from its oceanfront location. For reservations or more information on the Island Golf & Gourmet package, call 808-661-3691 or visit www.honuakai.com.
The Sea Pines Resort Offers Golf’s “Ultimate Buddy Trip” Package HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - With the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing just finished, golfing buddies are invited to take their own shots at Harbour Town Golf Links. The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island has unveiled its “Ultimate Buddy Trip” package, which combines the best golf on the island, the best hotel, the best dining, and the best all-around golf vacation experience, which includes the chance to play where the pros play. Packages start at $383 per buddy, per night and full details may be found at seapines.com/golf/golf-buddy-trips. aspx. Call (843) 842-1864 to reserve and/ or customize packages through The Sea Pines Resort concierge. Some black-out dates apply. On an island where golf is king, Harbour Town Golf Links is true royalty, and along with the highly acclaimed Heron Point and the all-new Atlantic
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Dunes- ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on Hilton Head Island by Golfweek magazine-the three courses place The Sea Pines Resort among the most desirable golf destinations in the world. Harbour Town Golf Links remains the hands-down No. 1 golf attraction on Hilton Head Island. Designed by legendary golf architect Pete Dye, with Jack Nicklaus as consultant, the long-time venue for South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event is largely responsible for the region’s stellar reputation for great golf. Pete Dye also redesigned Heron Point, turning it into an essential component of any Sea Pines Resort golf vacation. Heron Point is a combination of charm and challenge, with strategic risk-reward shot selections, rolling fairways, and shifting elevations that come together to create a fun experience. Atlantic Dunes is a complete reconstruction of the Ocean Course, which was the first course built on Hilton Head Island. Davis Love III kept the original routing while emphasizing the beachfront ambience and unmistakable Lowcountry
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feel. Each hole was entirely rebuilt to accommodate modern shot values. All three courses have achieved designation as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
Casa de Campo Offers Outstanding Summer and Fall Golf Getaway LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – announces an outstanding summer and fall offer for its “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” package. Through Oct. 31, the value-laden stayand-play starts at $399 for two people, per night. Most notably, the package is highlighted by the opportunity for unlimited rounds on the Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog, widely recognized as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean. Guests can also tee it up from dawn to dusk on the resort’s two additional Pete Dye gems: Dye Fore (27
holes) and The Links (18). The offer additionally includes deluxe accommodations in a Pete Dye Golf Lodge or Elite guest room, full daily breakfast buffet at Lago Restaurant, use of a four-passenger golf cart to travel throughout the resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s fitness center. All golf rounds are based on availability and include arrival and departure days. “Summer and fall are both ideal for a Casa de Campo visit to savor our world-class accommodations and amenities while playing unlimited golf on our trio of classic Pete Dye layouts,” says Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, President. “We pride ourselves on our renowned customer care, so guests can relax and enjoy time spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life here in paradise.” The stunning resort also offers an array of splendid villa options ranging from three to 11 bedrooms. Starting at $439 (per person, per night), the villas feature stylish living areas, a private pool and myriad creature comforts. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full-access to a wide range of on-site activities are included.
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World Golf Village
World Golf Introduces New Buddy Package
Village Spring
St. Augustine, FL – The World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida recently introduced a new Spring Buddy Package. The Spring Buddy Package is targeted for groups of 12 to 20 players and includes three rounds of golf on the World Golf Village’s award-winning golf courses, plus merchandise discounts and practice facility use. “Our new Spring Buddy Package is a perfect for small groups looking to getaway and enjoy some sun and fun,” said Nick Dennis, group sales manager, World Golf Village. “The package includes rounds on King & Bear and the Slammer & Squire the only resort golf courses in the world designed as a collaboration between Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen.” The World Golf Village Buddy Package includes: • 1 Round of golf on the King & Bear Golf Course • 2 Rounds of golf on the Slammer & Squire Golf Course • Complimentary use of practice facilities including range balls prior to each round and cart
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10% off merchandise in both golf shops The World Golf Village Spring Buddy Package is priced at $328 plus tax per person, which is a $100 per person savings. The Buddy Package is valid for groups of 12 to 20 players only. For more information, or to book the Spring Buddy Package, visit http:// www.golfwgv.com/WGV-Buddy-Package. html or contact Group Sales Manager Nick Dennis at 904-940-6151. Honours Golf, a division of Troon, professionally manages the golf and club operations at the World Golf Village.
The Links Golf Cup Ayrshire is a Must-play Experience for Links Lovers Ayrshire, Scotland – The Links Golf Cup in Ayrshire, known as ‘The Birthplace of The Open Championship’, has proved to be a must-play experience for links lovers since its inception in 2015 with this year proving to be no exception with just a final few spots available in the 2018 field. The event, which this year takes place from September 3 to 7, regularly attracts amateur golfers travelling from all over the world to this mecca of golf, drawn by the lure of exhilarating links golf on this wild and windy coastline.
Little wonder given the 72-hole individual Stableford tournament offers golf over four of the finest championship links courses in Scotland, namely Western Gailes, Gailes Links, Kilmarnock Barassie and Dundonald Links whilst the option of playing the nearby Open Championship venues of Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick on the event rest day make this event an irresistible opportunity to play five days of pure Scottish links. Testament to the quality of the competition courses, all four have staged some of the most prestigious events in golf at some point. Dundonald Links, for example, hosted the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open as recently as 2017 when it was won by Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello. In addition to providing the opportunity of playing such revered courses, The Links Golf Cup Ayrshire gives amateurs the chance to test their mettle against like-minded, international golfers, making it both a challenging and interesting experience. At just over £300 per person for four rounds of golf, attendance at the presentation dinner and a goodie bag, The Links Golf Cup Ayrshire also offers unprecedented value when compared to the individual green fees rates alone at this time of the year. Experienced golf event organisers, Hybrid
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Golf, launched The Links Golf Cup Ayrshire following the success of The Links Golf Cup East Lothian on Scotland’s east coast that it has now been running for seven years. “We have been overwhelmed at how popular The Links Golf Cup Ayrshire has proved to be in just a few years. This is not only down to the event being played over some of the best links in Scotland, but undoubtedly because the competitors also enjoy the social side of meeting and forging new friendships with like-minded golfers from across the UK and beyond,” comments Andy Bowen of Hybrid Golf. “It’s this, and the great value the event offers, that keeps bringing people back year after year.” Tudor Park Golf Club member, Mark Higgins, who has played in both Links Golf Cups, relishes playing in some of the country’s top golf courses. “Having played a wide variety of Open competitions, I can say that both the Links Golf Cup Ayrshire and Kingsmill Resort
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East Lothian are brilliantly enjoyable as well as offering a great opportunity to play world class courses. I can’t wait for the next one!” The final few spots in this 72-hole Stableford Links Cup Ayrshire which is open to amateur golfers over the age of 18 and with a handicap of 24 or less, will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information & reservations, email andy@hybridgolf.co.uk or visit www. linksgolfcup.co.uk/links-golf-cup-ayrshire
The Most Historic 177 Yards of Golf in America WILLIAMSBURG, VA – On the colorful scorecard, hole 17 at Kingsmill Resort’s River Golf Course reads like thousands of other golf holes around the world: 177 Yard Par 3. And that’s a shame. It should read: “You are about to play the most historic 177 yards of golf in America. Take it all in. Don’t rush. Look around and imagine how this very land played a role in American history starting in 1607.”
Thanks to its strategic and inviting position overlooking the James River, the tee box features clearly visible remnants of the earthen works (a hastily made fort or defensive structure) from the American Revolution, which was then repurposed (location, location, location) in the War Between the States. Today a Civil War cannon and flag guard this sacred ground. We’re sure some golfers would like to use the cannon to launch their ball to the tee (not allowed). But well before aggression – or the early settlers who arrived at this very shoreline in search of a new home –Native Americas lived here and enjoyed the oysters still plentiful and being served up at the 19th hole here at Kingsmill. Today, when golfers walk between the tee box and the green at the River Course’s 17th hole, they are stepping on the same land where the Jamestown settlers stepped off their boat in 1607. Those settlers would later sail upriver and start what is now the United States of America at Jamestown. The old pilings in the river are the location of their original port and start of the road from the James River to Williamsburg, the amazing Colonial town that’s still thriving 400 years later. To the left of the hole are the foundations of what was basically a pub, early warehouse, hotel and some say a brothel all dating way back before 1776. That’s 177 yards of history from the Native Americans to the Jamestown Settlers, Williamsburg, the American Revolution and Civil War to where LPGA players now tee off in an annual professional golf tournament. Kingsmill Resort is also the place where President Clinton, Bush (43) and Obama have come to meet, relax, work and rehearse for debates. Today golfers, families, couples and friends come to Kingsmill Resort’s hallowed ground to make their own history. And while you may not eagle this hole (which would be a hole in one, too), it’s quite common to see the American Bald Eagle flying overhead. They nest on the grounds of Kingsmill Resort. Perfectly fitting for the most 177 historic holes of golf, in America. Winston Churchill said, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” In golf, amateurs call this a mulligan, and if there is any golf hole in America to pause, stop, take it all in – and repeat – this is it. Kingsmill Resort is the only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort in historic Williamsburg, Va. The resort’s one- to threebedroom condominiums, with kitchens and spacious living areas, are ideal for golfers. For more information, visit www. kingsmill.com for specific details or call (800) 832-5665.
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Course Openings, New Tournaments And Events Headline What’s New In Michigan Golf
LANSING, Mich. - Michigan is one of the top golf destinations in the country with more than 650 courses and bountiful stay-and-play package options attracting travelers from across the nation. For the 2018 golf season, Michigan is building on that reputation with new courses, tournaments and special events. Two More Golf Courses Open Michigan has jumped back into new course construction, further solidifying its place as a top golf destination. This year two new courses - The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs and Sage Run at Island Resort & Casino - will open for play. The South Course at Arcadia Bluffs, designed by Dana Fry, pays homage to the classic architecture of Seth Raynor and C.B. MacDonald. Located a few miles down the road from Arcadia Bluffs, the new South
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Course is routed over 300 acres of rolling, open land featuring large geometric green complexes, wide fairways lined with fescue grasses and steeped grass-faced bunkers. With a focus on strategy, and a thought provoking use of angles, the goal for the South Course is to capture the simplistic nature of the courses from the early days of golf in America. Sage Run at Island Resort & Casino, like its sister course, Sweetgrass, pays homage to Potawatomi tribal tradition. Designed by Michigan-based architect Paul Albanese, Sage Run is a fun layout featuring open vistas and hardwoods with holes that run up and around a drumlin, which is a geographical formation shaped like an elongated oval hill. The design conjures some comparison to Royal County Down, the Northern Ireland golf club that is rated among the finest in the world. Michigan Adds New Professional Tournaments Six professional tour events will be played
across the state of Michigan highlighted by two LPGA visits, a new PGA Tour Champions event and the PGA of America once again attracting the finest senior golfers in the world. The LPGA visits first with the Volvik Championship in Ann Arbor at Travis Point Country Club from May 21-27, and then returns to Michigan later in the summer with the Meijer Classic in Grand Rapids running June 11-17 at Blythefield Country Club. The PGA of America and KitchenAid will bring the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship to Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor for the fourth time from May 22-27. This PGA senior major championship continues to make significant economic and charitable impact in Southwest Michigan. Later in the summer, many of the same top senior golfers will make a return visit to Michigan, and to a familiar place. The PGA Tour Champions stops at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc for The Ally Challenge from Sept. 10-16. Former PGA
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CHIPSHOTS (L-R) Othma Almulla, Amy Boulden, Ernie Els and Maha Haddioui before the Grand Opening Exhibition Match
Tour players like Tom Watson, Fred Couples, John Daly, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Mark O’Meara and more are expected to return to the former site of the Buick Open. One-of-a-Kind Golf Event on The Loop Golfers can take advantage of a unique opportunity to play The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club in both directions on the same day. The award-winning reversible design of Tom Doak is being showcased on special event days, which are being called The Dual. The Loop’s normal rotation of alternating routings is Red Course on even dates and Black Course on odd dates in 2018. However, May 31, July 31 and Aug. 31 create an opportunity for Forest Dunes to create a special event on the 31st day of each of those months. The Dual days will feature a two-person, best-ball team event where golfers play one direction (course) in the morning, then play the other direction (course) in the afternoon for a 36-hole oneday experience. Northern Michigan Resorts recognized by Golf Digest as Best Resorts in the Americas The Inn at Bay Harbor, the flagship property for Boyne Resorts, and Forest Dunes in Roscommon, home to Tom Doak’s innovative reversible Loop golf course, received Best Golf Resorts in the Americas Editor’s Choice Awards by Golf Digest. The publication’s annual review of “The Best Things in Golf” appears in the May 2018 issue and online at Golfdigest. com. The listing recognizes top resorts throughout the United States, Mexico,
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Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. For more information on Michigan golf visit: michigan.org/golf
World Golfing Stars Lead Celebrations as Royal Greens Golf and Country Club Enjoys Grand Opening World golf’s newest championship venue, Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, celebrated its official Grand Opening over an actionpacked weekend, as golfing stars, celebrities and senior members of the Saudi Government congregated to mark the historic occasion. Four-time Major winner and President’s Cup Captain, Ernie Els, was joined by European Tour winner, Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, to witness the first tee shot over the spectacular European Golf Design, par72 layout, struck by His Excellency Yasir Bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, President of the Saudi Golf Federation. He was closely followed by European Tour Chief Executive, Keith Pelley, Els and Johnston themselves, and Ladies European Tour players Amy Boulden, Camilla Lennarth and Maha Haddioui in taking to the first tee for the very first time. During an action-packed weekend, the professionals were joined by Othman Almulla, a prominent member of the Saudi National Team and Claude Harmon III, one of the world’s leading coaches. Together, the group delivered clinics for beginner golfers and were treated to a taste of both traditional and modern Saudi culture at a grand gala dinner, where they were greeted by Saudi
ardha dancers. After the Grand Opening Exhibition Match, in which Ernie Els and Haddioui were narrowly defeated by Almulla and Boulden in a fun three-hole scramble, the South African Hall-of-Famer, said: “The opening of Royal Greens Golf and Country Club is a landmark moment for golf in Saudi Arabia. This golf course is spectacular and, with its setting upon a stretch of pristine Red Sea coastline, I’m sure it will quickly become one of the most recognisable and most popular destinations on any worldwide tour.” Royal Greens has been chosen by the Saudi Golf Federation to host Saudi Arabia’s first ever European Tour event, which will welcome the great and good of the game in January 2019. The Federation announced the event at the Grand Opening and confirmed the participation of top players, including: World No.1, Dustin Johnson; Masters Champion, Patrick Reed; Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjorn; and World No.13, Paul Casey. Home to a state-of-the-art Golf Academy and extensive long and short-game practice areas, Royal Greens also cemented its status as a pillar of the sport’s development in the country with the signing of an MOU with the Saudi Arabian Golf Federation. This agreement will see Royal Greens and master developer Emaar the Economic City work with the Federation to attract more novice players to the game, support the elite National Team via access to its outstanding facilities as Saudi’s flagship golfing destination and consult on the development of new golfing facilities in The Kingdom.
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The Pec Resort &
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changa & Casino
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By Terr y Ross
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I
t is certainly no secret that Southern California is home to many outstanding golf courses and resorts – and it could be argued that one could fill an entire season visiting top destinations in this region of the country – and there would still be more to see. But one of the lesser-known gems in this area won’t stay that way for long as it has taken itself to an entirely new level. The Pechanga Resort and Casino, which has been a staple of the Inland Empire region of SoCal in Temecula since it was built in 2002 – and added the acclaimed Journey at Pechanga Golf Course in 2008 – has now doubled in size with a recently-completed $300 million expansion to 1,090 rooms and suites, added a 4.5-acre pool complex, two additional restaurants, a two-level luxury spa with a fitness and yoga studio and additional meeting/convention space that brings the total to 100,000 square foot indoor and another 174,500 outdoor. Owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, this resort is now the largest resort/casino on the West Coast, and larger than some of the well-known Las Vegas properties like the MGM Grand. The Temecula area – long known for its many awardwinning wineries, temperate weather and abundant golf opportunities – is less than a two-hour drive from the Los Angeles basin and about an hour from the major airports in San Diego and Ontario. The Pechanga Resort Casino, on an expansive 550 acres of tribal land, has just about every possible amenity you can think for a multiday or even a week-long stay. You never run out of things to enjoy – and we haven’ even gotten to the golf yet! There are a full 20 restaurants and bars in the complex, highlighted by the Lobby Bar & Grill for casual, easy Arcadia Bluffs Thenew Lodge dining and some of the best cuisine available under the direction of Jose Mendoza, the head chef who uses locallysourced foods for the bistro-style eatery that is easily accessible near the hotel entrance. The resort’s newest full-service restaurant – the Coveside Grill – is a perfect complement to a day or afternoon at the new Cove pool that rivals anything you can find at a casino resort. The new Cove is almost the size of four football fields with three main pools and five spas. The main pool is 8,500 square feet and includes 18 in-pool bar stools, swim-up bar, zero edge pool, private cabanas, family beach pool with two waterslides and a private VIP pool and cabana area. A Spa Day is always something to consider, and one at the new 25,000 square feet Spa Pechanga is an experience. With a multitude of massage and facial treatments, body wraps, hair and nail salon, exfoliation, couples massage and more, the Spa also offers some time to take a steam sauna, hydrotherapy pool or order something for lunch at the lounge overlooking the golf course and local mountains. Then there is Journey, the Award-winning golf course at Pechanga that is an outstanding track that can challenge
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the best players at 7,219 yards, but most will find an adequate test from the White tees at 6,276 yards. This links-style course designed by Arthur Hill and Steve Forrest has many elevation changes that make a round of golf here a scenic delight, but players are advised to bring their A-game since this can be a demanding course that warrants your full attention. Journey is built into the native canyons and ravines of the south end of the Temecula Valley and features abundant lakes, waterfalls, streams and even the occasional wildlife Two of the more intriguing holes can be the two par-5’s on the front nine – especially the 527-yard (from the White tees) ninth hole that demands precise ball placement on all three shots to have a chance at par. The signature Par 4 sixth hole has players teeing off to a fairway below that is a 175-foot drop down the mountain. The 366-yard Par 4 18th-hole has a spectacular 250-foot drop from the teeing area to the fairway and is a hole you will want to bring your camera out for. Journey, with its breath-taking scenery, is never boring and a fun course that you will enjoying playing more as you get to know its many nuisances. The course is noted for its fine conditioning – and of more than 60 golf courses throughout the Inland Southern California region, Journey at Pechanga took the award for “Best Playing Conditions” for the year ending 2017 by greenskeeper.org. Journey also sits among the top 30 Best Courses You Can Play in California according to GolfWeek magazine. The course’s director of instruction, Randy Chang is rated one of the top 30 instructors in the country by Golf Tips magazine. Featuring an excellent staff under the direction of Scott Mallory, the director of golf, you feel like you are at one of the finest private clubs around. Journey’s End, the 62,000-square foot clubhouse, has excellent fare with great views and an atmosphere to relax after a round – inside or out on the patio. It has consistently been voted “Best Brunch” in the region by Inland Empire magazine. The men’s and ladies’ locker rooms are also available for players and are first rate.
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Later in the afternoon or evening, the Casino at Pechanga has a lot of choices for added entertainment. In the more than 200,000 square foot Casino floor there are 130 table games including Pai Gow, Blackjack and many more; a 43-table state-of-the art 24-hour poker room with a 90-seat OTB lounge. The 700-seat seat ultra-modern Pechanga Bingo room is also a fun way to spend some time as well. Probably the premier dining experience at the resort is the Great Oak Steakhouse that is famous for its AAA Four Diamond Award and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The prime-grade Angus steaks here are famous and the atmosphere and service are top-notch and will be remembered for a long time. The Pechanga Resort also has a full lineup of entertainment options for its visitors, including the Pechanga Theater that hosts A-list performers every week in its 1,200-seat venue. The Pechanga Summit features concerts and live-action sports, while the Comedy Club offers stand-up comedians on the weekend. The Eagle’s Next has dancing on Friday and Saturday nights while the Casino Cabaret has live music and dancing. The accommodations at the Pechanga Resort have all been remodeled – and those in the newly-constructed towers feature spacious spa studio rooms and one and two-bedroom suites with floor to ceiling windows that have breathtaking views of the mountains and golf course. The high definition 55” and 65” flat screen TV’s, coupled with the many other luxury room appointments, are the perfect touch for the resort. But perhaps the overriding feature at the Pechanga Resort is the constant attention to service from everyone you encounter – from the valet’s, the concierge, in the restaurants and bars and at the golf course. The resort has made customer service the highest priority and it shows in the ways guests are treated throughout the entire facility – and making a visit here a memorable one in so many ways. To learn more about the Pechanga Resort or to look at vacation options, visit: www.pechanga.com
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12th Annual Kore Pro-am Golf Tournament For the sixth year in a row the ladies of the LPGA – fresh from their first major of the year in nearby Rancho Mirage – spent two days at the Pechanga Resort Casino this spring for a two day ProAm at Journey for the 12th Annual Kore Pro-am Golf Tournament. Pechanga has been the host sponsor for the last six years, where 29 talented LPGA golfers were invited to participate in this highly anticipated tournament along with the Pro-Am’s tee sponsors. Joining the LPGA players for the second year were 22 golfers from the Great Oak High School (GOHS) Girls Golf team in Temecula, Calif. The students got an opportunity to meet and greet pro players, receive advice on their game and future endeavors as well as experience the overall tournament.
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Golf Vacations • may 2018 19
Mountain Sha Nostalgia Lives Here
20 Golf Vacations • May 2018
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adows Resort
by David R. Holland
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Golf Vacations • may 2018 21
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’m looking down the first fairway of the newly renovated Mountain Shadows’ “The Short Course” and the view is historic. Camelback Mountain is magnified – along with Mummy Mountain. In early morning and late afternoon the shadows are a photographer’s dream. It was here on January 16, 1959, Mountain Shadows opened its doors and the executive golf course and hotel, complete with “high diving board” at the old-time lagoon swimming pool, was a hit. Hollywood celebrities loved it along with international globe trotters and locals.
Scottsdale’s Westroc Hospitality announced in June of 2015 that it had formed a partnership with Dallas’s Woodbine Development Corporation to jointly redevelop the iconic hotel and its old golf course. Forrest Richardson, a protégé of Snyder, and a successful local architect was awarded the job to make Mountain Shadows a par-3, 18-hole golf course.
There was even a middle section surrounded by golf holes where 1960s era California ranch-style houses were built with access to hotel room service, the pool and golf. Those homes are still here.
“His work is a hit,” said Tom McCahan, Director of Golf and Club Operations. “Everyone tells me how much fun the golf is, but it’s not easy. There are plenty tough green complexes with swales, slopes and bumps but the conditioning is great. Every Tuesday we have a Skins Game and it is a big hit.”
The original golf course built by designer Arthur Jack Snyder had a tee sheet that once included Bob Hope, Burt Reynolds, John Wayne, Sammy Davis, Jr., and James Coburn.
If you miss a green and find the heavy rough, good luck, it’s easier to hit off the hardpan or decomposed crushed granite that is used extensively in desert golf.
Lucille Ball once landed in a “helicopter cab” from Sky Harbor Airport to attend a function and receive an award. Even Liz Taylor dropped by to have her hair “done” and The Monkees even filmed a TV episode here.
“The objective was to build a challenging yet enjoyable golf course on a piece of property half the size of a traditional golf course,” Richardson said. “Snyder responded by creating one of Golf Digest’s top 10 executive golf courses in the world. The total acreage was less than 40, making the course a truly unique development that was well ahead of its time. “Today we take for granted the goals of reducing water and providing a venue where golfers can spend less time depending on their schedules. At Mountain Shadows these elements were in place some 50 years before they became popular, making the resort truly ahead of its time,” Richardson said.
Today’s celebrities are most likely local sports pros like Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer and Zack Greinke. Mountain Shadows Reborn Famous developer Del Webb sold the property to Marriott in 1981, but by 2004 it was evident the end of the line was near. Mountain Shadows just couldn’t compete with new resorts like Westin Kierland. After almost 10 years in moth balls the decision was made to bulldoze the hotel and golf course and start over.
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The Short Course really gets steamy at No. 4, the longest hole at 193 yards, named Biarritz for the huge swale in the middle of the green. Just try getting it close when the pin is at the very back. Richardson said
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he didn’t want the bunkers to be the sole defense of the course. Then the 14th is a “Dell” hole with mounds, trees and a pond to protect par. The layout extends to 2,310 yards with the shortest hole at 90 yards. Talk about a great place to bring the kids and beginners and playing time is greatly reduced from a 7,000-yard golf course. Other design features include the Double Plateau, Redan, Bottle, Punchbowl and Alps. The design strived for 18 different experiences, yet all linked by a common thread. “A bonus hole, called the “Praying Monk”, serves as “Hole 17.5” between the 17th and 18th holes says Richardson. “This feature is a par2 extra hole that players use to settle bets and put in motion the final 18th hole format. The Praying Monk is actually a 200-foot long green with undulations that set up exciting putts or bumps-and-run shots from either of two tee areas. The concept for the Praying Monk is to link the routing between the 17th and 18th and also create a unique extra experience for players.” Mountain Shadows Resort The new hotel and condos display the Camelback Mountain scenery with plenty of ground to ceiling glass. Mid-century modernism and contemporary design combined to create spaces that feel open and luxurious. Comfy plush bedding, custom furnishings, awesome showers with abundant natural light make your stay just right. Upgrade to a premium guestroom for balconies, perfect for enjoying the stunning desert scenery.
craft cocktails, local brews and an extensive wine selection in the open restaurant with a exhibition kitchen. Take in the views of the twilight desert scenery through glass walls inside or on the patio overlooking the pool. The pool complex is amazing. Palms are abundant next to two 75-foot pools connected by a modern waterfall feature. Chaise lounges, eight cabanas for rent, cocktails and light bites set the tone for a leisurely afternoon. The pools are heated during the cooler months, or enjoy a soak in the hot tub. Just outside the golf clubhouse is Rusty’s where you can have breakfast before your round or dine after for lunch with the backdrop of Camelback Mountain. Mountain Shadows hits the mark on all counts. “Short Courses” have emerged recently – there’s one at Wickenburg Ranch (Arizona) named Li’l Wick and another on the Rancho Palos Verde Peninsula of Los Angeles called Terranea Resort with a view of Santa Catalina Island. If this appeals to you don’t miss all three.
Dining On May 24, 1961, Paradise Valley officially became an incorporated town. Residents prided themselves on the quality of life and desert scenery. So Hearth ’61 was chosen as the name of the outstanding restaurant to honor the town’s origins by encouraging the community to gather around special food and good times. Here the cuisine was driven to pair cooking styles rich in tradition. Enjoy
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CUBA
Xanadu and the Guardi
24 Golf Vacations • May 2018
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By KEVIN PILLEY
The last is called “The Guardian” and the perfect line is between Xanadu and the Death God. Or God of Life. There cannot be many golf courses which celebrate Mayan cosmogenesis. But in the left common Bermuda grass rough, 150 yards or so off the papsaculum tee of the eighteenth at Varadero in Matanza, two hours from Havana, stands a rock boulder statue (“The Watchman” or “Guardian”) which is laden with layered meaning. It could allude to a Mayan civilization which failed to adapt to climate change. Which may perhaps also be a subtle meaningful reference to ever-changing modern Cuba. It might also possess golfing symbolism and significance. That a nasty tug or snap hook will land you in the “land of death” or “land of fear” from which there is no return. But at the end of your round you are more likely to read your scorecard than the Mayan cultural narrative, “Popol Vuh” and the story of the twins who angered the gods by playing a ball game rather than venerating them. You end up totting up your Net, having a post-round “Cuba Libre” on the mirador “Casa Blanca” bar in “Xanadu”. Rather than “Xibalba”, the underworld of K’che’ mythology. The place of fright. And terrifying flatulence. Castro considered golf “a hobby of the idle rich”. He saw it as a symbol of social exclusion and capitalist decadence and greed. He banned it because it was bourgeois and elitist. He also lost to his Comandante, Che, in a famous propaganda golf match held at the now no more Colinas (Hills) de Villareal Golf Club six months before the Bay of Pigs in 1961. When it was reported in “Hoy” ( the voice of Cuban communism which was to become “Granma”) that Castro had shot a 157, the reporter was instantly sacked and fled the country.
ian Statue www.golfvacationsmag.com
Che could play a bit, having caddied for his father in Argentina. As a child, he suffered from asthma and carrying the bag for eighteen holes was the cure. Ernesto, like Fidel, wasn’t one for collared shirts, tailored culottes or spikes. They both preferred the “Combat Look”. Their caddies wore holstered pistols. Golf Vacations • may 2018 25
Post-revolution, ploughing up golf courses represented a utopian dream of social masses. Castro turned the courses, built in the 1920 by the likes of Dornoch and Pinehurst’s Donald Ross, into barracks and social housing projects. The original 1911 “Havana Country Club” (Rovers Athletic Club) was bulldozed to become an arts school offering terracotta painting studios and music rehearsal space to the masses. The capital’s golf club moved to the airport road, surviving state land seizures. Until it was nationalized in 1980 and purged of “anti-social elements”, with Castro becoming its President and Secretary, and holding meetings on its putting green, it was a diplo-course with a British committee. It hosted the “Havana Invitational” and attracted famous golfers like Snead, Saracen, Casper and Palmer. Today, it has forty members. Mostly embassy staff. Its facilities include a swimming pool, bowling alley, snack bar, Basque sports court and electronic games consoles. The fairways of the up-and-down course are prone to anthills and the cups to mosquito nests. Yardages are daubed on trees and the flags are bamboo poles with tatty red rags. There is a small pro’s shop or room. Pro Johan Vega, a greenkeeper’s son, gives 30 minute lessons at 20 CUC ($20 US) a time. 26 Golf Vacations • May 2018
But nobody wants them. “You will have the course to yourself always,” he says. The largest Caribbean island has just two golf courses. Three including the “Lateral Hazard” at Guantanamo Bay. Off-limits to anyone but military personnel and DoD (Department of Defence) civilians. But more courses, resorts and “golf associated with real estate” developments are planned. Golf is at the forefront of the tourism drive. Cuba hopes to be a major golfing destination within thirty years. One course has even been mooted on the Isle of Youth where Fidel and brother Raul were imprisoned. One of Fidel’s son, Antonio, loves golf and won the Montecristo Tournament at Varadero in 2013. No handicap certificate is required at Cuba’s only 18 holer. The scenic par 72, 1998 Varadero (meaning in Spanish, “dry dock”) course - 6865 yards off the “Oro” (gold) backs with shoreline holes and sea water lagoons - was designed by Canadian Les Furber, protégé of Robert Trent Jones Sr.. A green fee with buggy and club rental costs what a Cuban earns in three months. The 1927 four-story, eight-bedroom beach front “Xanadu Mansion” on the San Bernardino bluff overlooking the Gulf www.golfvacationsmag.com
of Mexico was built by French-American chemical magnate, Irenee Dupont de Nemours. It is both “19th Hoya” and hotel. The five-star, five restaurant all-inclusive “Melia Las Americas” is next door.
Canadian/Uruguayan Chateaubriand. Chef Lima’s signature desserts are chocolate fondant and apple pie.
Delaware’s Dupont retired to Cuba, buying himself some of the Hicacos Peninsula. This included 8 kilometers of beach. He installed Italia marble baths and the largest privatelyowned organ in all of Latin America. It called his guests to dinner. Al Capone was a guest.
You have to smoke it outside on one of the two putting greens.
“Xanadu” cost over a million dollars to build. The gardens were planted with coconut, banana, avocado and papaya trees. Parrots and cockatoos were imported to make the prime location “more tropically enchanting”. The Cuban national monument is currently undergoing a million dollar facelift, courtesy of Cuban Tourism. At $275 a night, meals included, you can stay in the six second floor rooms – “Califa” , “Oasis” , “Irenee” , “Samarkanda”, “Marco Polo” and “Kubla Khan”. And enjoy the view of the sea and scaffolding. It has been said that Cuba’s three main problems are breakfast, lunch and dinner. But Xanadu’s restaurant menu offers Lobster Dupont-style (Warm Caribbean lobster salad with soja) and
Naturally , “Xanadu” has its own extensive cigar menu.
Haute cuisine and golf all began at “Xanadu”. In 1933, a hurricane swept away five holes of Dupont’s original pitch ‘n’ putt. Over $10,000 worth of soil was needed to reopen the course in 1936. A green fee was a buck. Half went to the caddy and the rest to a local school. In 1963, on the day Dupont died at the age of eighty-five, Xanadu’s “Las Americas Restaurant” was officially opened by Russian astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova. Only in Cuba. Home of “El Vigia”, “The Guardian”. Xanadu Mansion www.varaderogolfclub.com iinfo@varaderogolfclub.com The Holiday Place offers a seven night holiday to Cuba, staying at Xanadu Mansion. Visit holidayplace.co.uk.
Simol Golf
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SWEETSTUFF
course evaluation. Player feedback was then gathered through Team Titleist and shared with Titleist R&D. This included a three-ball blind prototype test in January 2017 that led to some key insights toward the Tour Soft development. Tour Soft is available in both white and high-optic yellow and is now in golf shops worldwide. For more information: www.titleist.com
Hook+Gaff Watch
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or anyone looking to improve their short game and get more feel on and around the greens, the new Tour Soft golf balls by Titleist that were recently introduced are a must-try. Definitely the softest ball we have ever tried, this is something that can improve your touch around the greens quickly both with the putter and with the all-important pitch and chip shots that can makeor-break scoring. Titleist has been able to achieve this incredible soft feel without sacrificing distance by combining the largest core for high ball speed that the company has ever engineered into a golf ball with an ultrathin cover to achieve a feel that rivals anything from the old days of balata wound balls. “We knew based on breakthroughs being made in R&D that there was an opportunity to deliver a brand new high-performance golf ball that would lead the category in terms of soft compression feel,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “Ultimately, because of our exhaustive and iterative prototyping process, we were able to deliver everything we wanted in Tour Soft – and more. It’s not only the softest ball in the category. It’s better and longer than Chrome Soft, TP5 and Tour B RXS.” In developing Tour Soft’s core, the Titleist Golf Ball R&D and Operations teams were challenged to surpass previously accepted core size limitations to produce a golf ball that feels better and is as long or longer than the longest balls on the market. A new ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover made with a new TCU Process helps achieve advanced short game control. Innovations in the manufacturing process at Titleist Ball Plant 2 in Massachusetts allowed engineers to mold the extremely thin, very soft cover formulation-made from a proprietary blend of four different materials--uniformly across the surface. A new spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design, optimized for the new Tour Soft construction, delivers a penetrating trajectory and consistent flight on full shots. This new ball was tested by more than 19,000 golfers who participated in a white box testing and validation process for the new Titleist Tour Soft, with golfers receiving prototype golf balls for on-
28 Golf Vacations • May 2018
hen one thinks of a golf watch these days, visions of GPS enabled devices, yardages to front-middle-back and to the hazards comes to mind first and foremost. With that thought plainly obvious, Michael Sims, president and founder of Hook + Gaff watch company in Lexington, South Carolina, decided that he would follow one of his life-long passions—the sport of golf—and develop a line of fine, classic watches dedicated to those players who like the finer things when they play--or for the 19th hole. Sims went decidedly old-school with the Golf watch line that he has introduced this year—no electronics—just an uncluttered, stylish timepiece that sports a precision Swiss movement inside a 41mm high-grade titanium case made to withstand the rigors of the outdoors—with all the refinements to show off well indoor at a formal dinner table.
“Hook + Gaff Golf watches are creating a new category of golf watches,” said Sims. “We have meticulously selected features that will make the functionality and style of the watch timeless. A Hook + Gaff Golf watch is not the Rolex that you are fearful to wear on the course and is not the watch that you will need to replace in a couple of years because the features are outdated. It is the watch that doesn’t get in the way of your swing, the watch you can wear without worrying about damaging it and is the watch you can confidently wear with its refined style.” These watches are designed with all the little features that add up to a fine timepiece. With durable materials such as scratch resistant sapphire crystal, interchangeable strap designs in woven, Italian rubber and hand-stitched leather and with a screw-down crown. Intended for long hot days on the course, the titanium case doesn’t
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SWEETSTUFF by Terry Ross
conduct heat like stainless steel watches and its anti-reflective crystal won’t shine bright in your eyes. Water resistant up to 200 meters, the watch also has a uniquely placed left-side crown to avoid wrist irritation and not to get in the way of your swing. This performance-driven timepiece is just as fashionable as it is functional. Sims points out that the watches are built like a tank--but don’t look bulky. This is a watch that you will want to wear because of its timeless, elegant style that can take you from day to night, the course to the office, and even a night out on the town. The watch itself comes in blue or white dials with white circular hour markers and a striking red second hand that utilize Swiss SuperLuminovaTM. Sims and his partner Gash Clayton originally came up with the designs for a watch that could be used in his other passion—fishing— and would hold up under all kinds of rugged conditions and could be easily cleaned. This year, they have introduced the golf watch lineup and continue to produce hand-made watches from their factory in South Carolina with a “rugged-luxury” feel and look that is already finding a place as a custom-logoed timepiece at some of the nation’s top golf resorts—and even at PGA Tour events as pro-am gifts. As a company that has built a reputation with its attention to detail and customer service, every watch comes packaged in a complimentary custom tumbler with a personal note from Sims. Hook + Gaff’s new line of golf watches are available online at www.hookandgaff.com and at retailers nationwide.
myCharge
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et’s face it, whether it be playing golf or going on vacation, electronics plays a big part in those endeavors because of our smart phones, tablets and other devices. These days, keeping them powered-up becomes a bigger chore than ever—especially with so many apps that run-down batteries. Bringing extra power is almost a must—thus the new market for portable chargers. The new Adventure series from myCharge, which produces several portable charging options for everything from phones to televisions, has hit the market with the new pocket-size AdventureMax that is perfect for sliding in a brief case, golf bag or using on the course next to your phone in a golf cart. It is splash resistant, drop resistant and dirt proof, and even comes with a builtin carabiner clip that is perfect to attach to your golf bag or luggage. The Adventure series battery chargers are encased inside an insulated and ruggedized exterior case that measures 4.4” x 2.9” x
1.0” with a flip lid that latches closed to seal off ports. The unique design of the Adventure chargers protects them from drops up to three meters. The insulation built into the case of the Adventure series chargers protects the batteries inside from extreme heat and cold guarding against degradation and a loss of power. The grey AdventureMax (10050 mAh), which weighs only about half a pound, features two USB ports plus one mini, can charge multiple devices at the same time—such as a smart phone and a tablet. Besides being rugged and small, the AdventureMax also does a yeoman job in charging devices quickly—even two at once—it is like having a portable wall outlet that you can put in your pocket with its 2.4A output. You can even pass-through charge the AdventureMax and a device simultaneously. This power pack charges up via a wall outlet or from a computer USB very quickly. They are available at Best Buy or at www.mycharge.com
Lamkin Grips
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aunching three new models of premium golf club grips at one time is something that most companies don’t do, but Lamkin, the 93-year old maker of golf club grips, feels so excited about the new technology that it is giving customers the opportunity to find that right feel for their golf clubs. Grips on golf clubs is all about feel and personal preference, and with the introduction of the TS1, SONAR and Comfort PLUS grips this spring, Lamkin is both showing some of its technology advancement and giving players the options that they like.
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Golf Vacations • may 2018 29
SWEETSTUFF “We are always committed to delivering the highest quality, best feeling and most functional grips, but appreciate that every golfer will have a different take on those qualities,” noted Bob Lamkin, CEO and President of Lamkin Grips. “We’ve spent the last year developing new materials, surface patterns and sizing to ensure every type of golfer has the best feeling and highest performing grip for their specific game.” Each of the new grip lines uses specific proprietary hybrid compounds designed to provide top-line performance, grip comfort and long-lasting durability. Lamkin has also developed innovative new Micro-Texture surface patterns for a more comfortable and confident grip connection. All the grip lines are offered in Lamkin’s new PLUS shape featuring a straighter profile that is slightly larger in the lower hand. The reducedtaper profile, inspired by Tour players, helps to eliminate excess grip tension for greater shot control. All three lines come in a Standard+ and a larger Midsize+, while the Comfort PLUS also comes in an Undersize+. The TS1 is a distinctive high-performance grip that delivers exceptional feel and performance. Made with new hybrid materials that are slightly softer than traditional rubbers, the TS1 retains exceptional durability and all-weather performance. The grip’s functional Micro-Texture Technology optimizes torsional stability and provides outstanding grip control. TS1 is an excellent choice for golfers who prefer a responsive, Tour-inspired and high-performance grip. For those looking for a firmer feel, this is an excellent choice. The other two models feature a little softer feel but still offer plenty of stability. SONAR is an exceptionally appealing grip that offers both
30 Golf Vacations • May 2018
a comfortable, tacky feel with a high-performance material and a functional network of unique micro textures. The reducedtaper profile encourages the ideal light-pressure grip tension for greater shot consistency and control. A tacky and responsive feel make SONAR ideally suited for a wide range of players. Comfort PLUS is the perfect grip for golfers that prefer a soft and shock-absorbing feel and want the proven durability of a traditional rubber grip. Made with the soft and durable DSX material, Comfort PLUS features a shallow Micro-Texture pattern and unique un-buffed finish to deliver a smoother surface and exceptionally comfortable feel. The reduced-taper, straighter shape reduces excess grip tension for a smoother, more controlled swing. Finally, this is an ultra-soft grip with the allweather performance and durability that only rubber can offer. All three lines are available at select golf retailers and on-line at: www.LamkinGrips.com
Bushnell Phantom GPS
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ushnell, which has been a leader in the golf distancemeasuring field for some time, has introduced an innovative, handy new GPS Rangefinder that is both versatile and simple to use. The Bushnell Phantom is a new GPS device that can be used on your belt with a handy clip, clipped to your bag or mounted on the bar of a golf cart or other metal surface with the highpowered magnet that is part of the unit. Measuring only 2-1/2” X 2-1/2” square and 5/8” thick, the Phantom is small but powerful--with large easy to read numbers— even on the golf course. It comes with more than 36,000 golf courses in 30 countries already pre-loaded, and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back of each green—along with four hazard/layup distances per- hole. Added features include auto course and hole recognition/ advance, shot distance calculator and a durable battery that can last through two complete rounds before recharging. The Bluetooth feature allows for wireless course updates, and the push-button interface is very easy to use. The Bushnell mobile App is also included with the Phantom GPS Rangefinder, and anyone with an iPhone or Android device can download hole layouts and 3D flyovers—and even use it to book tee times. For more information on the Bushnell Phantom Rangefinder, visit: https://bushnellgolf.com/products/handheld-gps/phantom
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“SCOTTSDALE IS transformative. IT encourages YOU TO BE OUTDOORS AND play.”
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32 Golf Vacations • May 2018
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34 Golf Vacations • May 2018
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