Summer 2015: Get out and GOLF!

A PERFECT MANHATTAN • GEAR AND GARB TO GO • PRO TIPS • WIN A GOLF BAG

SUMMER 2015

TOP10 GOLF RESORTS

FOR

WOMEN

Meghan Stasi tees off at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Pacific Dunes course in the USGA's first Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 1

GET OUT AND GOLF!

GOTTAGOGOLF SUMMER 2015

Photo courtesy of The Boulders

Photo courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Top 10 Garb to go Gear to go Tips to go ALSO! GUIDANCE: Make your 6 smart items Advice on how resorts & Interview: for the road..... 56 Cotton vs. to take your game own course.......................................... 43 wild cards polyester.......37 GLOSSARY: A 'thin' lie..................... 52 ANYWHERE....... 46

The winners...... 8 The experts..... 26 Ahhs & args..... 28 Cartoon............ 30 His side............. 31

5 versatile pieces to pack............... 39 Summer style............. 4–5

POLL: Where you want to go........ 36 19th HOLE: A perfect Manhattan........................................... 53 LAST SHOT: News & notes............ 65 Cover photo Copyright USGA/Steve Gibbons

Women's Golf Alliance Special Section Inside GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 2

#1 FOR A R E A SON !

Susan Fornoff Founder and Editor-in-Chief Patricia Rose Duignan Business Development Director Andi Bivens Designer Bill Burnett Copy Chief Cheryl Stotler 19th Hole Editor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Bairley, Nancy Berkley, Cori Brett, Keith DuBay, Katharine Dyson, Janina Jacobs, Dove Jones, Gail Rogers, Alice Scott, Debbie Waitkus

ILLUSTRATION Cathy Bowman PHOTOGRAPHY USGA, Dreamstime, Shutterstock, Getty Images, iStock Photo

15%

off with code

GGG15 SHOP NOW!

For information about ad rates and sponsorships, call or email: feedback@GottaGoGolf.com 510.507.3249 All material ŠGottaGoGolf 2015 unless otherwise noted

SUBSCRIBE AND WIN Activate your FREE subscription, win a Birdie Babe golf bag!

Sign up here!

Winner selected July 15, 2015 from July newslet ter openings.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 3

SEASONAL STYLE ADVERTORIAL:

Clothes to Wear Right Now

Pack Once, Wear Twice Comfortable, lightweight and easy to pack, Iconic Sport's UPF 50+ golfwear effortlessly makes the turn from golf to daywear and travel.

SHOP NOW!

10% off with code GGGSummer10 through 8-31-15 1.

Kate mock turtle in Azure, and in many colors and prints. XS–XL, MSRP $70–85. Shown with Simple skort, MSRP $110.

2. Pasatiempo 3/4 sleeve pique polo in Blush Pink (and in other colors and prints, MSRP $85–100), paired with lightweight skinny tech pant (MSRP $125). Both in sizes 2–16. Neck gaiter, XS–XXL, MSRP $27.

3. Iconic's elbow sleeve portrait tee (and in other colors and prints, XS–XL, MSRP $55–65), plus black club skort (XS–XL, MSRP $110) pair to make a great LBD! Switch out our sun sleeves (XXS–3XL, in solids $27 and prints $29) for some statement jewelry and you're set for the evening!

4. Kate mock turtle in tonal panther print (and in other prints. XS-XL, MSRP $85) is a great travel staple—pair with our white Simple skort (XS-XL MSRP $110) or white skinny jeans for a great cocktail look.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 4

SEASONAL STYLE ADVERTORIAL:

Clothes to Wear Right Now from

Summer Trends for the Course Tail As summer approaches, women golfers are shedding the layers of early spring and embracing the light and bright styles of warmer weather play. Tail Marketing Manager Lauren Maddox says, “Summer is the perfect time for women to experiment with their fashion on the golf course. They may want to don brighter colors they wouldn’t normally wear or try out something new, like a bold pattern or white bottom.”

TRENDING NOW

SHOP NOW

Bold Patterns Tail has been known for its unique and sophisticated prints for more than 40 years, and the Salma Top may be the bestselling item in the company’s history. The unique Lotus Layers Print is stunning when paired with both bright and bold colors, like the red shade Tourmaline.

White Golf Bottoms Once a faux pas, wearing white bottoms before Memorial Day and after Labor Day is increasingly more acceptable both on the golf course and off. Choosing a quality pair of bottoms in white that will last many seasons will be a quality investment in your golf wardrobe.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 5

EDITOR'S NOTE When I got down to the business of recruiting an expert panel of traveling women golfers to choose GottaGoGolf’s Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women, their nominations were all over the U.S. map.

HOW, THEY WANTED TO KNOW, WOULD WE POSSIBLY CHOOSE 10?

I established one mandate: Eliminate the resort that sets its forward tees at longer than 5,200 yards. There’s a trend to set forward tees much farther forward—see PGA National, La Costa and Innisbrook for example. Resort golf is vacation golf, fun golf, and it’s darned fun to hit greens in regulation for those of us not used to it.

Maybe next year we will set the bar at 5,000 yards.

This year, the criteria also included: tee options and golf amenities for women (including female staff/instructors); other activities available at and around the property; accommodations; value; accessibility; setting; climate.

And when we had our list down to 20, we invited the Women’s Golf Alliance member associations to help us.

GottaGoGolf’s Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women was going to be an alphabetical list, but the resort that led the voting was also the only one to make every ballot from our expert panel.

AND SO WE HAVE NAMED THE BOULDERS, IN THE DESERT JUST NORTH OF SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ., THE TOP U.S. GOLF RESORT FOR WOMEN. You’ll see that resorts with several golf courses bumped off every single-course resort, and good weather trumped bad.

Properties owned by women, with women on the staff, or with a history of events for women—Pine Needles, Innisbrook, the Broadmoor—won acclaim.

There was still room for the traditional male buddy pick Pinehurst

A visit to Arrowhead Golf Club in Littleton, Colo.: How about that scenery?

(host of last year’s U.S. Women’s Open), and for the en vogue male buddy pick Bandon Dunes (host of the inaugural U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship last month).

IT’S NOT A BARGAIN-BASEMENT LIST. But it has something for the couple celebrating a special occasion with a golf getaway, the gal pals planning a long weekend outing of golf bonding, the young parents hoping to get some golf in during a vacation with the kids.

We’ve also supplemented the Top 10 with some wild cards that intrigued the panel for a variety of reasons, or just barely missed the Top 10, most likely because they lacked predictable golf weather much of the year.

There’s not a resort in this issue I’d veto for my next adventure. Be sure to tell us in the poll—where do you want to go?

—Susan Fornoff,

Founder and Editor-in-Chief GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 6

CLICK TO WIN GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 7

Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women

Photo courtesy of The Boulders

GottaGoGolf’s Favorite: The Boulders

Our list of the Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women was going to be alphabetical, but then we noticed that one resort appeared on every panelist’s ballot. And so we start our list with The Boulders, a romantic Sonoran Desert hideaway north of the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale, Arizona. Its location, Carefree, describes the ambience for guests, who park their cars on arrival and then walk or shuttle from place to place with prompt and cheerful service (and without ever having to reach into their purses for tips).

Pictures don’t do justice to The Boulders, and it has a long reputation for courting women golfers.

Just look at the options of tees on each meticulously maintained course—and both golf facility and staff win raves from our panel. “One of my all-time favorite places to stay and play,” says one.

The resort was sold this year to Columbia Sussex and will be transitioning from a Waldorf Astoria to Hilton’s elite Worldwide Curio Collection. Could it get even better for women? We’ll see. A high bar has been set.

As for the rest of the list, it’s alphabetical, with a few wild cards at the end.

THE BOULDERS Carefree, Arizona (40 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport) TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: North Course—

AMENITIES: Four pools, including one at the 33,000-square-foot spa reserved for adults. Fitness center with classes. Six restaurants, including healthy option of Cafe at spa. Eight courts at the terraced “Tennis Garden.” Bountiful golf shop, and plenty of boutiques on site and at the nearby El Pedregal. Proximity to the dining and nightlife of Scottsdale, and to spring training baseball. Many desert adventures, tours and hikes.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November through April

White 6,293/75.8/137; Copper 5,879/73.5/135; Gold *2-2-2 COST : $1,300 5,197/70.7/126; Gold-Red Combo 5,021/69/117; Red 4,900/68.1/116. South Course—White 6,246/75.3/138; *price for two nights and two rounds of golf for two Copper 5,642/73.1/130; Gold 5,141/70.1/122; Goldguests May 1–2 MORE Red Combo 4,856/68.4/117; Red 4,716/67.7/116.



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 8

TOP 10— BANDON DUNES GOLF RESORT

Bandon, Oregon (35 minutes from North Bend Airport, 4 hours from Portland)

Where it’s all about golf

Amid the breathtaking scenery of the Oregon Coast is this Disneyland for golfers, which was built with the male buddy trip in mind. Bandon Dunes has four 18-hole courses, a 13-hole par-3 course, an 18-hole putting course and, alongside a gigantic practice complex, the nine-hole par-3 course, Shorty’s.

The rooms and dining are so male-centric that one panelist prefers to stay nearby at A Bandon Inn—but, with exquisite courses that set up well for women, gal pals who cannot get enough golf long to pay a visit.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Bandon Dunes—Gold 5,716/74.7/133; Orange 5,072/72.4/128; Royal Blue 3,945/64.9/109. Bandon Trails—Green 6,247/77.6/138; Gold 5,751/74.6/132; Orange 5,100/70.8/122; Royal Blue 3,827/63.8/105. Old MacDonald—Green 6,320/77.7/136; Gold 5,658/73.9/129; Orange 4,985/70.4/118; Royal Blue 4,258/66.4/108. Pacific Dunes—Green 6,142/76.3/143; Gold 5,775/74.2/138; Orange 5,088; 69.8/128.

AMENITIES: Massage center, sauna, whirlpool and small fitness center. Four restaurants, a lounge, and a cigar bar. Great caddie program. Nice hiking, for those who have energy to burn after walking 18. Fun 18-hole Punchbowl putting course is free for resort guests. Players must walk and many play 36, so it’s too bad there’s no spa.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through October, although weather can be dastardly or glorious any time of year. *2-2-2 COST: $1,800 —Susan Fornoff Robynn Ree on the third hole of Pacific Dunes in the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship.

(Copyright USGA/Steve Gibbons)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 9

TOP 10— THE BROADMOOR

Colorado Springs, Colorado (75 miles from Denver International Airport)

Mountainside elegance

This grand resort in a lovely mountain setting has such a strong history of supporting women’s golf and pampering women golfers, the panel voted it into the Top 10 even though it has its share of snow days. The famed East Course, where Annika Sorenstam won her first U.S. Women’s Open, is much too long even at altitude for the average woman golfer, but two others weigh in under 5,200 yards. (Just be sure to read the greens carefully, and then again. Putts are supposed to break away from the Will Rogers Shrine.) Opened in 1918 with three buildings and 350 rooms, today the Broadmoor has more than 700 rooms. It’s a treat merely to walk the property and take in the private lake, gardens and art.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: East Course—White 6,651/76.7/153; Gold 5,840/73.2/146; Red 5,738/72.3/144. West Course— White 6,175/75.5/143; Gold 5,253/70.5/131; Red 5,162/69.7/128.

Mountain Course—White 6,325/76.3/141; Gold 5,361/70.8/127; Red 4,928/69.5/123.

AMENITIES: Great collection of shops and boutiques. Its 19 restaurant and lounge choices range from the elegant Ristorante del Lago to organic and wholesome Cafe Julia to the rowdy Golden Bee. Bowling lanes and game center. Cloud Camp. Five-star spa, fitness center, salon. Six tennis courts, three swimming pools, three whirlpools. Fly-fishing school and fishing camp. Bee Bunch children’s program.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any time except the heart of winter *2-2-2 COST: Starts at about $1,900, with $60 breakfast credit —Susan Fornoff The grand Broadmoor covers more than 3,000 acres in a lovely Colorado Springs setting.

(Courtesy of The Broadmoor)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 10

TOP 10— INNISBROOK RESORT AND GOLF CLUB

Palm Harbor, Florida (About 25 miles from Tampa International Airport)

Gal pal vacay

Gather up some friends and then put on your flip-flops or golf sandals and forget about the world. Minutes from Tampa, Innisbrook is a perfect girls’ golf getaway. Certified by the National Women’s Golf Alliance, it has four championship golf courses, including the renowned Copperhead (tough but still well worth playing, said the panel). There are also a nine-hole walking course and Golf Institute run by PGA Pro Dawn Mercer. Owned by Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Resorts/Hotels, Innisbrook won applause from our panel for making women feel “well taken care of.” They especially loved the resort shuttles. Suites come with fully equipped kitchenettes/ kitchens, and you can order groceries and amenities online. You can even fish for your dinner. Kids will enjoy Camp Nessie and Loch Ness Monster pool.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Copperhead—Red 5,530/73.4/138; Gold 5,767/74.8/140; White 6,243/77.7/149. Island Course—Red 5,460/72.3/134; Gold 5,695/73.6/136; White 6,139/76.1/141.

North Course—Red 4,817/68.6/125; White 5,304/71.4/132. South Course—Red 4,925/68.2/120; White 5,562/71.9/128.

AMENITIES: Five restaurants, poolside dining, onsite market.

Golf Institute. USTA-staffed tennis center with 11 clay courts and three racquet ball/Wallyball courts. Indaba spa and fitness center. Six pools/three hot tubs. Fishing. Free shuttles to Caladesi Island State Park. Small pets permitted ($250 fee).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to May *2-2-2 COST: $1,200 includes breakfast, other perks daily and a third round of golf.

—Susan Bairley Water surrounds the green on the par-4 fifth hole of Innisbrook's North Course. (Courtesy of Salamander Resorts)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 11

TOP 10—KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

Kiawah Island, South Carolina (33 miles from Charleston)

It’s the wild...

This barrier island setting captivates all who visit Kiawah Island, which offers any kind of vacation a woman golfer could possibly want. There’s the ultra-luxurious oceanfront Sanctuary Hotel with its acclaimed and serene spa (one panelist’s favorite anywhere), but there are also villas and private homes for rent to groups and families. A Ryder Cup and PGA Championship were played on Pete Dye’s famed Ocean Course, and The Legend of Bagger Vance was filmed there. Though it didn’t make our cut at 5,327 yards, panelists credited Alice Dye for making it playable for women. There are four other courses, each with at least two tees rated for women.

Charleston is nearby, but, who would want to leave?

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Cougar Point—Kiawah 5,604/72.4/130; Carolina 4,776/69.1/115;.Oak Point—Kiawah 5,515/72.7/128; Carolina 4,954/69.8/120. Ocean Course—Kiawah 6,202/76.7/132; Carolina 5,327/72.7/124. Osprey Point—Kiawah 5,394/70.2/125; Carolina 4,746/67.2/113. Turtle Point—Nicklaus 6,210/76.6/139; Kiawah 5,789/73.4/132; Carolina 5,210/71.5/126.

AMENITIES: A dozen restaurants. A great grocery store just outside the gates. Ryder Cup Bar overlooks the Ocean Course, site of 2021 PGA Championship. Caddies on the Ocean Course.

Great bird watching and beach strolling. Two tennis clubs offering lessons, clinics and camps. Four pools, including one reserved for adults. Disc golf. Crafts. Water sports.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Fall. But most times except the oppressive heat and humidity of July and August can be golf-friendly. *2-2-2 COST: $1,200 in a one-bedroom golf villa; $1,600+ at the Sanctuary —Susan Fornoff The Ryder Cup Bar overlooks the putting green and 18th hole of the Ocean Course. (Courtesy of Kiawah Island Golf Resort)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 12

SHOP NOW

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 13

TOP 10— (OMNI) LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA

Carlsbad, California (30 miles from San Diego International Airport)

All in the family

The Omni La Costa sets a high bar for family golf resorts, with two championship courses totaling SIX sets of tees rated for women, as many as a dozen fitness classes in a day, and a head-spinning slate of “kidtopia” activities. If you have grandkids, this is the place to get time with the entire family. If you’re a busy mom longing for an unselfish vacation getaway, here’s your chance. Of course, if you want to get away from all that, the cerebral Chopra Center, a serene spa and adult pool offer respite from “Marco Polo.”

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Legends Course—Members 6,135/76.7/143; Forward 5,519/73.9/138; Express 4,938/70/128.

Champions Course—Resort 5,881/75.5/140; Forward 5,396/72.3/135; Express 4,356/65.7/122.

AMENITIES: Plaza shops. Destination spa. Fitness center with classes. Swimming pools (including one with waterslide that is kiddie nirvana and a nearby “adults only” option near the bar).

Hot tubs. Three restaurant choices plus poolside dining. Pro shop full of the latest women’s golf clothes and shoes. Driving range and putting greens. Golf Performance Institute with specialty clinics. Very comfortable beds and rooms with large bathrooms.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any. There is no time when extreme weather conditions are to be expected. *2-2-2 COST: $1,100 —Susan Fornoff

The finishing holes on both of La Costa's courses approach the resort's central building. (Evan Schiller/Courtesy of Omni La Costa)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 14

TOP 10— THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL

Newport Coast, California (15 minutes from John Wayne Airport)

Golf honeymoon?

Indulge in luxurious opulence, over-the-top service and a romantic hillside setting overlooking the Pacific here at our panel’s most upscale pick. Italian architecture and European ambiance puts you on the Italian Riviera or Lake Como, and two Tom Fazio golf courses never let the ocean out of sight.

Check in at the main building and stroll to lodging along quiet lanes with vine-covered stone walls.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Ocean South—White 5,929/75.5/137; Red 5,393/72.7/131; Yellow 4,723/68.2/119.

Ocean North—Blue 6,563/78.5/145; White 6,270/76.7/142; Red 5,810/74.5/137; Yellow 4,951/69.4/124.

AMENITIES: The 136-foot circular Coliseum Pool sparkles with 1 million+ tiny blue glass tiles cut and laid by hand. Private cabanas available. Destination spa. Restaurants offer alfresco dining, including exquisite Andrea, and Pelican Grill at the golf clubhouse. Pro shop has the latest top-of-the line products. Locker rooms luxuriously equipped. Driving range and putting greens.

Golf Academy led by Golf Magazine “Top 100 Teacher,” Glenn Deck, also includes a Ladies Golf Academy. Basic guestroom is an 850-square-foot private bungalow with fireplace and private terrace. At private enclave “The Villas,” residences go up to 3,580 square feet and include 24-hour butler service.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any. Southern California coast weather is mild, but can be foggy. *2-2-2 COST: $2,500 —Cori Brett The 136-foot circular Coliseum Pool overlooks the ocean, golf course and lush Mediterranean landscape.

(Courtesy of Pelican Hill)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 15

TOP 10— PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (15 min from West Palm Beach airport, 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport)

World of its own

The PGA National Resort and Spa earned high marks. Five superbly conditioned golf courses with three and even four sets of tees rated and sloped for women impressed panelists, as well as the resort’s selection of Jane Broderick—with both LPGA and PGA credentials—as Director of Golf. Her talented staff includes female teaching professionals and caddies are available at most times.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Champion Course—White 5,984/76.7/153; Green 5,581/73.5/138; Red 5,145/71.7/136.

Palmer Course—White 6,115/75.9/135; Green 5,530/72.8/127; Green/Red Combo 5,220/70.2/124; Red 4,810/68.2/116. Fazio Course—White 6,200/76.5/141; Green 5,560/72.4/131; Green/ Red Combo 5,340/71.3/125; Red 5,100/70.1/122. Squire Course— White 6,015/75.7/143; Green 5,438/71.8/132; Red 4,911/69.6/122.

Estates Course—White 6,102/76.1/141; Green 5,457/72.6/128; Red 4,975/69.5/117.

AMENITIES: Newly renovated guest rooms, suites and cottages. Restaurants including the casually elegant Palm Terrace, Ironwood Grill, popular IBar, and the traveling gourmet ITruck. Mediterranean-style pool. Waters of the World European Spa. Tennis and workout facilities and two golf academies, with ample practice areas. Well-stocked and women-friendly pro shop, shopping and attractions nearby, with stylish Worth Avenue and Atlantic Ocean beaches 10–15 minutes away.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any time, try to avoid Champion course maintenance closures the weeks before & after the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic February 22–28 in 2016. *2-2-2 COST: $860, with lower summer packages available —Janina Jacobs Jack Nicklaus redesigned Tom and George Fazio's Champion Course in 2014. (Copyright Nicklaus Design)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 16

TOP 10— PINEHURST RESORT

Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina (70 miles from Raleigh Durham Airport)

Southern charm and golf

Last year’s dual men’s and women’s U.S. Opens showed how a magnificent Coore-Crenshaw renovation on Pinehurst No. 2 only improved what has long been a fantastic golf experience for both genders. But there are eight other championship courses, each with at least three sets of tees rated for women, making America’s first golf resort still the golf resort of choice for many more than 100 years later. This is a classic buddy trip for men, but our panel of women love the charm of the Village and the Carolina Hotel, and listening to the bagpiper at sunset.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: No. 1—Yellow 4,197/63.2/103; Red 5,167/69.3/113; Green 5,466/70.8/120; White 5,806/73.0/126. No. 2— Red 5,257/ 70.0/126; Green 5,801/73.5/130; White 6,307/76.6/137.

No. 3—Yellow 4,103/63.5/104; Red 5,117/69.7/117; Green 5,433/71.7/121; White 5,722/73.3/124. No. 4—Red 5,217/69.6/119; Green 5,677/72.4/126; White 6,214/75.5/136. No. 5—Red 5,248/70.3/121; Green 5,709/73.2/130; White 6,211/76.1/137. No. 6—Red 4,992/69.7/120; Green 5,645/73.5/128; White 6,180/76.4/139.

No. 7—Yellow 3,833/63.3/103; Red 5,183/66.9/115; Green 5,738/74.1/136; White 6,324/70.5/126. No. 8—Red 5,177/69.7/121; Green 5,805/72.9/130; White 6,302/76.0/139. No. 9—Red 4,935/70.1/115; Green 5,378/72.2/128; White 6,128/75.9/137.

AMENITIES: Spa, tennis courts, pools, croquet lawn, lawn bowling, Kidsclub, fitness center, on-site shopping. Trails and bike rentals. Free shuttle. Lake Pinehurst water sport rentals. Neighboring equestrian and harness racing center.

Accommodations from the classic Carolina Hotel and Holly Inn to Fairway Condos.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any time but winter snow season. *2-2-2 COST: $1,200 —Dove Jones Listen for the bagpiper at dusk at the Carolina Hotel. (Courtesy of Pinehurst Resort)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 17

TOP 10— PINE NEEDLES & MID PINES

GOLF RESORT

Southern Pines, North Carolina (70 miles from Raleigh Durham Airport)

Where it’s all about us

Unlike most of the resorts on our list, this one has no spa and is more like, as one panelist put it, “an old comfortable shoe.” Some panelists said renovations are in order. However, the old shoe is designed to fit the woman who enjoys playing and working on her game. Owned by golf great Peggy Kirk Bell and her family, the resort has FIVE women instructors on the staff (their Golfaris are legendary) and two Donald Rossdesigned golf courses with a great history of USGA women’s championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open. Seven sets of tees are rated for women.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Pine Needles—Ross 6,435/77.2/137; Regular 5,985/74.6/132; Executive 5,513/71.3/124; Forward 4,936/68.5/118. Mid Pines—White 6,163/75.6/135; Green 5,669/71.2/127; Red 4,913/68.4/120.

AMENITIES: Learning Center. Four-hole practice loop. Caddies may be booked in advance. Village of Pinehurst 4 miles away. Pool.

Grass tennis courts. Fitness center. Accommodations are chaletstyle lodges at Pine Needles, and a stately 1921 Georgian-style inn across the street at Mid Pines. Three restaurants, including the elegant Terrace and Dining Room at Mid Pines. And be sure to enjoy the mixology at the In-the-Rough Lounge or Pop’s.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any time except in extreme weather. *2-2-2 COST: $1,600, includes breakfast and dinner, and the Southern cooking brings many guests back year after year.

—Susan Fornoff More than any resort on our list, Pine Needles caters to women with golf programs. (Courtesy of Pine Needles and Mid Pines Golf Resort)

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 18

WILD CARDS: NOT TOP 10 BUT STILL WORTHY

The resorts that did not make GottaGoGolf’s Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women might have been eliminated from consideration because they did not have a set of forward tees at under 5,200 yards. But once a resort made it through vetting, the panel seemed to award the biggest points for great weather, postcard scenery, fun golf and woman-friendly service.

Also among the 20 finalists were: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the Grand Del Mar, Indian Wells, La Quinta Resort & Club, Four Seasons Manele Bay, Reynolds Plantation, Sea Island, Silverado, Treetops and Wolfdancer.

Two of them made our wild card list, along with three other resorts with unique appeal and a final destination that qualifies as the ultimate road trip.



MORE

Photo by Shoppinehurst.com

Did we leave out your favorite golf resort?

Tell us off on Facebook.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 19

WILD CARDS— PEAK DESTINATION

Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club plans to be open to Vail Valley resort guests through October 4 this season. (Courtesy of Vail Resorts)

BEAVER CREEK GOLF CLUB/RED SKY RANCH AND GOLF CLUB Vail Valley, Colorado (short ride from the Eagle-Vail Airport or 2 hours from Denver International) Primarily known for its ski slopes in winter, Vail Valley increasingly draws summer visitors to its top-rated golf courses, luxury resorts and a host of family activities. It’s a short golf season that didn’t begin this year until June 1, but the mountain altitude and many downhill holes on each course make this a very women-friendly destination. Beaver Creek is a 1982 Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design with many holes that include views of Beaver Creek Mountain, often still snow-capped in summer. Red Sky, a private club that allows access to nonmembers, features two unique, beautiful and memorable courses, one by Tom Fazio and one by Greg Norman. Both courses consistently make “mustplay” lists; if the distances don’t quite fit your game, be sure to ask about the Sage-Red combo tees.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Beaver Creek—White 5,615/70.9/145; Green 5,305/69.2/143; Red 5,053/68.6/128. Red Sky (Fazio)—Gold 6,405/74.6/145; Sage 5,994/72.2/140; Sage-Red 70.6/130; Red 5,265/69.1/127. Red Sky (Norman)—Gold 6,572/76.4/151; Sage 6,080/73.6/146; Sage-Red 72.0/134; Red 5,269/70.6/131.

AMENITIES: Many 5-star full-service resorts, plus condo and home rentals. Gerald Ford Amphitheater summer music series. Vail Dance Festival. Kid-friendly activities including day camps and a new zipline. Many outdoor activities. Great shopping and dining all around.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Depends on the weather, but usually May– September. *2-2-2 COST (AS OF JUNE 1, 2015): $1,270 at the Park Hyatt Resort, $900 at the Lodge at Vail in the center of Vail —Nancy Berkley GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 20

WILD CARDS—A REAL DEAL

Fall is a beautiful time for golf at the Grand Traverse, which has year-round women's clinics. (Courtesy of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa)

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA Acme, Mich. (About 8.5 miles from Traverse Cherry Capital Airport; 260 miles from Detroit Metro) Any way you want it—that’s Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Whether with family, girlfriends, or just “you two,” you’ll be able to find your perfect space among three great golf courses (by Bill Newcomb, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus) and accommodations that include luxury tower rooms and beachside or golf course condos.

This 900-acre property has its own golf academy with year-round women’s clinics, spacious spa and salon, shops and restaurants, kids programs, including in-room babysitting, private beach club, health club, four pools, tennis courts and dog resort. You never have to leave the property, but you’re minutes away from the beaches of Lake Michigan, Michigan’s wine country, Turtle Creek Casino and downtown Traverse City.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: The Wolverine—White 5,888/73.5/137; Red 4,941/68.8/125. Spruce Run—White 5,696/73.7137; Red 4,726/67.4/121. The Bear—Red 5,281/73.4/139.

AMENITIES: Five restaurants/lounges. Two outdoor/two indoor pools, water playground, plus seven hot tubs. Luxury spa and health club with fitness classes and yoga studio. Five indoor/four outdoor tennis courts. Golf academy. Licensed day care center. Free 24-hour casino and local airport shuttles. On-property Dog Dreams Inn. Private beach with watercraft rental.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through mid-October *2-2-2 COST: $664 including breakfast and taxes —Susan Bairley

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 21

WILD CARDS— A STEP BACK IN TIME

The touch of famed designer Dorothy Draper gives The Greenbrier its unique look. (Courtesy of The Greenbrier)

THE GREENBRIER White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (15 minutes from Greenbrier Valley Airport, 3½ hours from Dulles International, and next door to an Amtrak station) Set on 6,500 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, this classic grand dame has been welcoming generations of guests who have come to play its three championship courses and a centuries-old track. There are so many country pursuits at your fingertips it’s hard to choose just what to do first—sporting clays anyone? Brilliantly burnished with the patterns, colors and huge rose motifs evoking the original designer’s décor (Dorothy Draper), this flowery, exuberant colorful world with more than 700 guest rooms comes straight out of Alice and Wonderland. The elaborate dress code fills an entire page. Stay in the imposing white hotel or historic Legacy cottages.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: Old White TPC—White 5,860/74.2/131; Red 5,019/69.4/128. Greenbrier—White 6,008/75.3/136; Red

5,062/70.3/120. Meadows—White 5,709/73.1/127; Red 4,929/68.0/114.

Oakhurst Links (1884) asks that you use hickory-shafted clubs and hit gutta-percha balls off tees fashioned from sand. Equipment included, period attire encouraged. Bring on the bloomers, frocks and hats.

AMENITIES: Casino, spa, cozy tavern, elegant main dining room, horseback riding, the Greenbrier Faldo Center, laser tag, bunker tours of former top secret Cold War U.S. government relocation, indoor and outdoor pools, shopping, carriage rides, falconry, offroad adventures, whitewater rafting, fishing, archery, horseshoes, croquet, canopy tour, tennis, hunting, hiking and biking.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and fall *2-2-2 COST: $1,336, including the Unlimited Golf Experience —Katharine Dyson GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 22

WILD CARDS— WHEN NINE IS FINE

The Little River Inn owner interviewed architects, then decided to design the golf course himself. (Courtesy of Little River Inn)

LITTLE RIVER INN Outside of Mendocino, California (about 3 hours north of Oakland International Airport) The Little River Inn does not have even one 18-hole golf course, it’s remote, and there’s never any guarantee of warm sunshine on the wild Northern California coast. But we’re tossing in this wild card because we don’t know another nine-hole golf resort with its combination of scenery, history and luxury—all at such relatively great value and with such lack of pretension. Credit the family-owned culture for the homey feeling and high standards. You probably will never tire of sitting on a deck and gazing at the sea or eating the delicious dishes at the Whale Watch Bar and main dining room, but, just in case, the happening town of Mendocino lies just two miles north. As for the golf, this is the only sheriff in town, and the greens are all the buzz.

TEES RATED FOR WOMEN: (18 holes)—Blue/White 5,485/71.6/126; Red/Red 5,049/68.8/124; Gold 3,938/62.7/100.

AMENITIES: Breathtaking views. Small spa. Small pro shop with a congenial 19th hole setting. No pool, but some of the rooms have hot tubs. Accommodations range from smaller and less expensive “Traditional Ocean View” rooms to “Seaside Luxury” suites. Fine dining and bar food.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Any time, especially as long as the California drought continues *2-2-2 COST: $524 —Susan Fornoff

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 23

WILD CARDS— WE’LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT

Manele Bay made our Top 10, but it is closed this year for renovations. (Copyright 2007 John De Mello)

MANELE BAY (THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI) Lanai, Hawaii (a short ferry ride from Maui or flight from Oahu) Our panel voted Manele Bay to the Top 10, but then we found that it would be closing June 1 for extensive renovations. We just want you to know why that’s worth waiting for.

The resort opened in the early 1990s on the sleepy Hawaiian island of Lanai, known as “the Pineapple Island.” It encompasses two properties: Manele Bay, a stunning beach resort, and the Lodge at Koele, an elegantly comfortable lodge eight minutes away in the cool upcountry. Manele has a Jack Nicklaus-designed oceanfront course.

Greg Norman designed the Koele Course.

Everything changed in 2012, when billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison purchased the island and began long-term improvements under the Four Seasons brand. Nicklaus and his design team updated the Manele Course without any routing changes. It remains the

same gorgeous layout that so charmed Bill Gates, he chose it for his wedding (specifically, the teebox of cliffside hole number 12, which sits 150 feet above the Pacific). Manele is open for daily play while the rest of the resort is closed.

The Golden Bear is making significant changes to the Koele Course, replacing Norman’s design with the Nicklaus style. Word is the popular 18-hole putting course will stay.

The Manele Hotel is undergoing major renovation, including expanding the pool area with several new swimming pools. It seems Ellison is determined to take the luxury concept to an even higher plane.

The resort is scheduled to reopen in time for the 2015 holiday season. Stay tuned and prepare to be dazzled.

—Cori Brett

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 24

WILD CARDS—AND FINALLY...IT'S A ROAD TRIP! ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL 370 longitudinal miles in Alabama (access from Huntsville International Airport in the north, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport in central Alabama, Mobile Regional or Pensacola, Fla., in the south) Brainchild of Alabama Retirement Systems CEO Dr. David G. Bronner, the Trail was envisioned as a way to invest retirement income of thousands of state employees, reverse negative perceptions, and create a climate for attracting new business.

Why is Robert Trent Jones the only architect on the Trail? When Dr. Bronner requested proposals from many major golf architects for this massive undertaking, Jones was the only one who responded, albeit with “What the hell are you talking about??” Now, 23 years later, we know.

Offering 26 courses spanning 11 spectacular sites designed by its namesake, the trail is not a single resort but has a plethora of resorts, hotels and spas fit for a queen but priced for the masses. With particular attention paid to women golfers and families, is there a better place to establish a GirlsGottaGoGolf buddies trip?

The RTJ Golf Trail is recognized as one of the greatest public golf course construction projects in the world, yet the quality of the properties is undeniably country-club prime. Courses are designed to challenge

low-handicappers while offering pastoral and playable layouts to newer golfers and beginners. Many offer multiple sets of tees under 5,000 yards sloped and rated for women. Seven of 26 are par-3 short courses, testy but fun.

Driving and playing your way through ‘Bama might sound daunting, but sites are less than a two-hour jaunt from one another and close to an interstate.

REGULATION TEES RATED FOR WOMEN (FROM NORTH TO SOUTH): The Shoals at Muscle Shoals: Fighting Joe—Teal 4,978/69.0/122. Schoolmaster— Teal 5,249/70.3/121. Hampton Cove at Huntsville: Highlands Course—Teal 4,951 (unrated). River Course—Teal 5,278/70.4/119. Silver Lakes at Anniston/ Gadsen (3 nines): Mindbreaker Course— White 3,010/38.3/149; Teal 2,376/33.9/117.

Heartbreaker Course—White 3,011/37.5/142; Teal 2,474/34.5/120. Backbreaker—White 2,992/38.0/148; Teal 2,369/34.9/126. Oxmoor Valley at Birmingham: Ridge Course— Teal 4,974/70.2/130. Valley Course—Teal 4,924/68.3/120. Ross Bridge at Hoover— Teal 5,312/70.2/123. Grand National at Auburn/Opelika (site of PGA Tour Barbasol Championship): Lake Course— White 5,948/74.4/133; Teal 4,910/68.0/119.

Links Course—White 6,015/75.5/139; Teal

4,843/70.4/120. Capitol Hill at Prattville (site of Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic): Legislator Course —White 5,901/74.3/133; Teal 5,253/70.4/121. Senator Course— White 5,831/73.6/123; Teal 5,137/69. 6/116.

Judge Course—White 5,910/74.4/137; Teal–4,951/68.4/123. Cambrian Ridge at Greenville (3 nines): Sherling Course— Teal 2,435/34.3/57. Canyon Course—Teal 2,422/33.9/59. Loblolly Course—Teal 2,350/33.5/54. Highland Oaks at Dothan (3 nines): Highlands Course—Teal 2,554/35.0/64.

Marshwood Course—Teal 2,531/34.5/62.

Magnolia Course—2,471/34.0/59. Magnolia Grove at Mobile: Crossings Course— Teal 5,261/69.4/115. Falls Course—Teal 5,049/70.4/124. Lakewood Golf Club at Point Clear: Azalea Course—Red 4,725/67.8/111. Dogwood Course—Red 4,522/66.5/112.

AMENITIES: Eight hotels in eight cities comprise the RTJ Trail Resort Collection.

Infinite combinations of activities.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Enjoy four seasons of golf by choosing your temperatures; summers are cooler in the north, with warm winters toward the Gulf. *2-2-2 COST: Two nights won’t be enough for anyone. Green fees range from $65 to $130; hotel rooms added to packages average $104 a night.—Janina Jacobs GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 25

COVER TRAVEL

Introducing GottaGoGolf’s golf travel panel SUSAN BAIRLEY is contributing editor to Michigan Golfer and The A Position. She began her golf writing career in the late 1980s. She chaired the first statewide women's golf summit in the U.S. in 1993, ran her own golf and real estate PR firm, and also serves as a part-time communications manager/senior advisor in the auto industry.

CORI BRETT is an Arizona-based golf and travel writer specializing in resorts and private clubs. Over the course of a 22-year career, she has landed in more than 20 countries. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Links, Fortune, and Private Clubs, and she authored two books on golf destinations.

Follow her at www.coribrett.com.

NANCY BERKLEY, President of Berkley Golf Consulting, is an expert on women's and junior-girls golf. Her book, Women Welcome Here! A Guide to Growing Women's Golf, is an industry reference on marketing golf to women and spotting trends within the industry. She describes herself as a good bogey golfer with permanent potential. Follow her at cybergolf.com/ womensgolf.

KATHARINE DYSON is an awardwinning travel & golf writer for New England Golf & Leisure, New England Golf Monthly and various newspapers. She is contributing editor to several Golf Channel web sites and her radio spot, Travel Savvy with Kathie airs weekly on Tee Time with the Pronoun. She travels the world playing and writing about golf and still can’t putt.

MORE

 GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 26

PANEL

JANINA JACOBS is contributing editor for The A Position. She is an entrepreneur with several businesses in food service, real estate development, the music arena and the golf industry, and her current focus is on creating a more welcoming golfing environment for women at the industry level. A single-digit handicapper, she is the panel’s best golfer.

DOVE JONES serves on numerous golf course ranking panels and has played golf on six continents and in over 40 countries in her 25 years in the golf and travel industry. A member of Royal Liverpool, she specializes in writing, marketing, promotion, communications and event planning for international travel entities.

Follow her on Twitter @dovetvlforegolf.

ALICE SCOTT, founder of Butthead Covers, Inc. (the humorous upside-down animal head covers), writes about golf, fashion, lifestyles and travel with her husband, Danny. They are globe-trotting the world and rediscovering America as Couple of Travelers and America’s Golfing Couple. Follow her at www.americasgolfingcouple.com.

ALSO ON THE PANEL: regular GottaGoGolf contributors Gail Rogers, Debbie Waitkus and Editor-in-Chief Susan Fornoff

PLUS: executive directors of member associations of the Women’s Golf Alliance

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 27

TRAVEL

Golf on the road: The agony & the ecstasy Here's a little memo for golf resorts who’d like to make our Top 10 next year

AHHHH: We love...

The no-tipping policy. That'll get you a smile every time.

Unlimited golf, for BOTH of us!

Breakfast at the range: more time to sleep in.

Half-bottles of wine. Leave the airlines their miniatures.

• Club storage. We love seeing our stuff magically appear on the cart each day.

• Co-ed spa lounges. Why shouldn’t we be able to share the experience with him?

• A bench in the clubhouse ladies room. So we don't fall over changing shoes.

• Oh, and in the on-course ladies room (you do have one, don’t you?): sunscreen, hand lotion, mouthwash, hairspray. Now we’re set for all 19 holes.

• 2 p.m. checkout: Load the car AFTER golf.

• The extra round in golf packages. We love to be able to play on arrival or departure day.

• Southwest Airlines and JetBlue. Golf clubs fly free.



MORE

PHOTO BY HERCAMPUS.COM

• • • •

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 28

TRAVEL

ARRRG: We could do without...

• The mandatory "resort fee." If it's mandatory, why isn't it just included in the room cost?

• Shampoo+conditioner in one packet. They aren't one.

• The shower-only bathroom. At least give us a bench in case we want to shave our legs.

• Parking fees. We drove, now give us a parking place.

• Being nickled and dimed. Asking for more cash is uncomfortable for staff and guests.

• Slatted (or no) doors on bathrooms. Soundproof, please!

• No elevator. We've got golf clubs!

• The driving "net." It's no substitute for a range.

• Houses surrounding greens. If the real estate paid for the golf, then why are we paying too?

• Spa lounges with uncomfortable chairs and chaises.

Remember the pampering thing?

PHOTO BY FEMSIDE.COM

• Unlimited golf, but the tee sheet is booked.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 29

COVER TRAVEL—HIS

By Keith DuBay

Golf resort travel from a man’s point of view, for when it matters

While there may be some men among the herd who have finer tastes and worry about stuff like thread counts or hotel room décor, we are a simple lot to plan for when it comes to golf travel. The order of man priority goes a lot like our guy trips: Golf, food, booze, sleep.

Rinse, repeat and it’s OK to skip the last one.

So if you are a woman traveling to a golf resort with a male spouse or friend—and of course you make the decisions on where to go because women make all the decisions—and you have some pity for the weaker sex and want to choose a place he will like as well, just keep the above stated formula in mind. If he is a true golfer, it will always be about the golf with him.

You could feed him fast-food burgers and 3.2 beer in the parking lot and make him sleep on an air mattress on the floor, but you can’t expect him to play a lousy golf course, particularly if he is a singledigit handicapper or fancies himself a serious golfer. That always starts with a great layout and excellent conditions, and by conditions GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 31 that means fairways and greens.

MORE



PHOTO COURTESY OF OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA

TRAVEL —HIS He’ll be happy with a boring layout and great fairways and greens, so a little research on conditions goes a long way. Sometimes a savvy traveler can go to a website such as TripAdvisor or Golf Advisor to catch a recent review.

Don’t waste time calling the pro shop; they’ll just say everything’s great. You could also ask your friends on social media if anyone has played a course.

If you pick a ritzier resort, you have the right to expect better conditions. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting both La Costa in Carlsbad and Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, Calif. From the classic Dick Wilson track on the Championship course of La Costa to the gentle rolling hillside course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. at Monarch Bay, the layouts are terrific and inventive. There isn’t a bad hole on either. Fairway conditions on Bermuda grass were fantastic, as were Monarch Beach’s greens.

La Costa’s greens were average, having endured the ongoing California drought. Both resorts have stunning, spacious rooms and nice employees.

A word about men and resort employees. While women like to be pampered and sweet-talked by bellhops and room service attendants, a man may see these people as the enemy looking for a handout. There may be a rich guy here and there who likes someone to, well, brown-nose him, but most of us would rather handle our own luggage and don’t see why anyone needs to “clean” our golf clubs for a few bucks. Most of all we are wary of anyone who gives us attitude.

Sprawling La Costa counts on the staff to cart people around to other pools or buildings. I had a bad foot when Right: The view from the St. Regis Monarch Beach.



MORE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS

Get what you paid for

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 32

“Fairway conditions on Bermuda grass were fantastic, as were Monarch Beach’s greens.”

TRAVEL —HIS

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS

SHOP NOW

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 33

TRAVEL —HIS we visited, so we were dependent on these harried folks, many of whom are long-timers. I was impressed that at such a busy high-ticket resort, the employees were nice, down-to-earth and helpful. I never felt like I couldn’t ask one of them for some advice on how to navigate the property or where to go.

Particularly at La Costa on the golf course this was true. One young man happily fetched a bag of ice for my aching foot; the starter was sunny and warm and didn’t boss us; and at one point when we ran the cart quite near the green and the course marshall drove up to us, I thought I was going to get busted for being slightly inside the cart ropes. But no, it was hot that day and he had brought us two cold bottles of water so that we wouldn’t dehydrate. Wow. I’d like to think that he noticed me limping around and didn’t lecture us on breaking the course rules, another pet peeve of many men.

Women should understand the purpose of your visit, and who is with you. If you and your spouse or significant other are there for romance and quietness, don’t visit family-friendly La Costa during the summer or spring break. We witnessed a diaper dropping off a toddler along one of the resort’s flower-lined paths; our savvy cart driver nonchalantly radioed a diaper alert to headquarters. But if the kids are along, by all means go for it. They’ll enjoy the giant projected movies in the pool area, the bright plastic decorated casual restaurant and the large number of kid-friendly pools.

Monarch Beach is opulent and wonderful in every way, from the Beach Club dinner, elegant pool with luxurious Right: Kids seem to love La Costa.



MORE

PHOTO COURTESY OF OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA

Romantic time or family time?

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 34

TRAVEL —HIS Serenity awaits at the Little River Inn.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE RIVER INN

pool towels, to Manhattans at the stately hotel bar.

Pricey? You bet, but it is St. Regis, after all, and they do it right every time. My only question with these properties is a small one: I get that near-open toilet areas with latticed doors is en vogue, but isn’t there a time when discretion is the better part of valor?

Now if it’s intimacy and romance you are after, head a bit farther up the California coast and try the Little River Inn. Set above Medocino’s coastline with the accompanying terrific Pacific views, this historic set of buildings offers a quiet respite from the madding crowd.

The rooms are huge and most come with gas fireplaces.

The decks look out to the ocean. Our room had monster king bed and a bathroom so large—replete with giant jetted tub and large tiled walk-in shower—you could stuff a Solheim Cup team into it. The feel is laid back.

Nobody tells you where to go or what to do and you park your car outside your room and bring your own stuff up.

Hopefully that includes a choice bottle of champagne that you can store in your very own fridge.

The restaurant at Little River isn’t opulent but I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner of a Caesar salad and Beef Bourguignon by Chef Marc Dym that fulfilled all the inner comfort food man in me. There are plenty of other local dining choices as well.

The 9-hole golf course at the resort is the only one within miles. At $40 for 18 holes walking, it’s an inventive little 5,400 yards that keeps you guessing. Shoot your handicap up and down the hills and through the fir trees and you’ll be accomplishing something. The course had only one forced carry over water, a feature appreciated by my partner playing from the up tees. I’m just hoping I’m lucky enough to return to this little spot.

And, yes, I’ve already let the decision-maker know.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 35

Gotta Ask: The Poll In our Spring edition we asked readers to match up their personalities with corresponding golf styles. And we found out: Most of you are Traditionalists, who have worn the same great hairstyle for years and lean toward preppy in style.

Your Fashion Style

Other 23%

Traditionalist 20%

Traditionalist Multitasker Jock Girl

Life of the Party 12% Fit Challenged 13%

Multitasker 18%

Fit Challenged Life of the Party Other

Jock Girl 14%

The Multitasker counts on her golf

our SpringIfedition we asked readers toclothes matchtoup their take her personalities through an with you didn’t active day. orresponding golf styles. And we found out: Most of you are Traditionalists, vote, visitgreat hairstyle for years and lean toward preppy in ho have worn the same Jock Girl buys golf clothes for the the poll now. The yle. way they walk and swing with her.

Who knows— he Multitasker counts on her golf clothes her through active day.

ThetoFittake Challenged wouldanlike to look

stylish has and trouble finding he Jock Girlthe buys apparel golf clothes for the way theybut walk swing withgreat her.

clothes in her style. companies he Fit Challenged would like to look stylish but has trouble finding great And the Life of the Party likes her might othes in her style. be outfits to be noticed and remembered. listening. nd the Life of the Party likes her outfits to be noticed and remembered.

Where do you want to go next?

After reading about GottaGoGolf’s Top 10 U.S. Golf Resorts for Women, which one would you most like to visit on your next golf vacation?

The Boulders...

Bandon Dunes...

The Broadmoor...

Innisbrook...

Kiawah Island...

La Costa...

Pelican Hill...

PGA National...

Pinehurst...

Pine Needles...

Give us your answer in the one-question poll here

As for the Others of you, you include s for the Others of you, you include thethe Fashion SunSavvy, Savvy, FashionDiva, Diva,Girly Girly Girl, Girl, Sun Juggler and Eco Girl. uggler and Eco Girl.

you didn’t vote, visit the poll now. Who knows – the apparel companies might be listening.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOULDERS

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 36

GARB INTERVIEW

Packing cotton for a golf trip? Wait!

S

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTIGUA

o-called “technical fabrics,” designed for movement, wicking and even quietness on the golf cours, are the talk of the golf clothing industry. But cotton has its staunch devotees, who profess an almost cultlike “nothing else but” loyalty to 100 percent purity.

Of course, that cult has to iron, and most women golfers would rather be golfing than ironing, especially on vacation.

What are the other pros and cons of cotton and tech fabrics (lumped in the category of “polyester”)? We caught up with Danielle Dellios, women’s designer for Antigua, to find out.

Danielle Dellios, women's designer for Antigua.

ON THE COTTON CULT: “I wear a lot of cotton, too. But when it comes to exercising, sweating, being out in the sun, there are so many benefits of polyester and synthetic fabrics that cotton just doesn’t have.”

ON THE NEW DESERT DRY PERFORMANCE COTTON: “We found a wicking treatment that performs half as well as regular polyester. We were shocked at that. We treat the fabric, or sometimes the yarns as well.

You wouldn’t be able to tell. It’s not a coating you can feel or smell or anything like that. It lasts about 25 washes.”

MORE



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 37

GARB INTERVIEW

ON WHAT ANTIGUA OFFERS IN 100 PERCENT COTTON: “A T-shirt, that’s about it.”

ON COTTON VS. POLY, COLORWISE: “Cotton has a tougher time getting that saturation and depth of color polys can have. As far as bleeding over washing, polyester would also be superior.”

ON COTTON VS. POLY, WRINKLES: “Oh, definitely polyester! But our blends, you can’t pull them out of the dryer without them being a little wrinkled. I usually dry them a bit and then hang them. Then you can pack them in your suitcase and they come out ready to wear.”

ON COTTON VS. POLY, COOLING: “The cotton people think it’s the coolest. But, cotton will stay wet, and if you’re warm that is not going to make you feel very good. Technically, poly wicks faster and keeps you drier, but it does tend to make you feel warm.”

ON WHAT’S TRENDING WITH ANTIGUA LPGA PLAYERS STACY LEWIS, LIZETTE SALAS AND GERINA PILLER: “One is the polyester-spandex texture fabric. I think it’s airy and it wicks, and we have it in some lightweight bottoms that they’ll wear instead of Lululemon skirts at the range—we have a skort (Hope) and a short (Gain). They like lighter stuff for practicing, heavier and more professional-looking things for competing.”

ON WHAT SHE PACKS FOR A TRIP TO JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA: “A pair of jeans, a pair of nice shorts, possibly a skort, then maybe one or two tops, maybe a T-shirt and a polo. And then I’d probably buy something while I was there!”

PHOTO BY BING.COM

What the LPGA pros like to wear for practice sessions at the range: at left, the Gain short; at right, the Hope skort.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 38

GARB MAKE MORE ROOM IN YOUR SUITCASE by packing these pieces 5

By Susan Fornoff

Your daily round of golf might provide the highlight of your long weekend at a resort, but if you’re like most women, you’re doing so much more.

You’ll spend travel time on a plane or in the car to get there. You’ll stop in at the spa or fitness center for a massage, a facial, or maybe even a spin on a bike.

You’ll stroll the grounds or nearby beach.

And you’ll look forward to dinner and drinks before you put your head on the pillow.

The golf clothing companies have yet to come up with a design that doubles as both golf attire and nightgown. But the packable pieces on the next page will have you covered for golf and beyond. MORE



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 39

GARB The Antigua Complex Vest is 2-in-1, literally, because it’s reversible with two different textures in two different colors. Can’t decide between black and white? You can choose both! The face is water resistant jersey, the reverse a jacquard fleece knit. S–XXL, $70.

Wear the sleek but comfy Swirl Dress from Kevan Hall Sport to dinner Friday night, don’t spill any wine, then wear it again for golf Sunday morning, with or without the vest or the jacket. Kevan Hall’s dresses fit beautifully on women who wear sizes 2–14 (XS–L), $140.

This flirty little Diana Skort from Smashing Golf & Tennis sold so well, you may have trouble finding it. Don’t write it off as “too young for me”—the soft, cool fabric (in 61 percent nylon, 30 percent polyester and 9 percent Lycra) comes with a slimming inner compression layer, and you can wear it over your swimsuit to the pool or with a tank or shell to dinner. XS–XL, $89.



MORE

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1

I didn’t think I’d get much use out of the jacket and pants that Sunice sent along to sample from the Typhoon collection. After all, there’s a drought in California. Then a storm hit. And then I went on the road for spring, to Salt Lake City and Colorado and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Now I will never go anywhere without this jacket. The Zephal fabric is waterproof (completely—trust me), breathable, stretchy and quiet, and the Elan feminine styling just beautiful. I especially love the sparkle in the fabric.

So much for basic black. XS–XL, $200.

2

SUNICE Editor's Choice

3 ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BRANDS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 40

GARB TO GO

From Bette and Court, we loved the Jackable jacket for its lightweight yet heavy-duty UPF 30 sun protection— but also for the versatility that comes with full zipper rather than pullover.

And then we saw how it folds into its own back pocket to make a perfect little neck pillow for the flight. Sold!

XS–XXL, $98.

LPGA players have made white pants de riguer on golf courses, and they’ll go anywhere at a resort. We love JoFit’s pull-on Jo Slimmer Golf Pant because it’s full-length with a neat vented hem and has four-way stretch with built-in tummy control. You could wear it for yoga. Tip: No matter how impeccably groomed the fairways look, if you plan to wear this twice on the weekend, don’t make the golf course the first wear. XS–XL, $98

4 5

Now you’re garbed to go!

TIP—Stick to

a black and white palette and then add color with a few collared shirts, tanks and tees, add some jewelry, and don’t forget golf shoes and sandals.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 41

SHOP NOW GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 42

COVER GUIDANCE

By Gail Rogers

How to design a course that fits your game

Gail Rogers recently retired as a USGA rules official. She now serves on the Northern California Golf Association Board of Directors.

Using both “sets of tees, we can design our own combo course.

”

When playing our familiar home course we rarely think about which tees we might play, or the rating and slope for the round we post. It is all just automatic.

Traveling and playing a new course gives us an opportunity to think of all these elements. Planning ahead can give us the most excitement and enjoyment for our round. Frequently we will notice that the standard scorecard provides one yardage rated for women that seems too long to be fun, but the next yardage seems to take all of the challenge out of the game for our skill set.

The question is, can we create a middle ground?

Using both course sets of tees, we can design our own combination (combo) course.



MORE

Right: At Innisbrook, you might not need combo tees.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORTS

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 43

GUIDANCE

If you arrive at the course and realize there is not a good yardage for your game, speak with the pro shop staff and ask if they have a combo course. Or if you can, go online before arriving at the course and look at the hole-by-hole yardage book. Consider starting with the par-3 holes, which on paper might seem to be the same yardage requiring the same club.

A quick look might show one is uphill and another requires a significant carry over water or native grasses. If other holes seem to require the same shot, consider using another teeing ground for at least one of these holes so that you have the opportunity to use all the clubs in your bag before the round is completed.

On par-4 and par-5 holes, consider how you would play the hole looking from the green back to the tee. Where is the trouble? Where do you have a long carry? Is it from the tee or the second or third shot? What yardage plays best to your skill?

Mix and match the two front set of tees to get the proper mix for an interesting, challenging round.

When you create your combo course, there is a procedure in the USGA Handicap Manual for determining your rating and slope for posting. The USGA Handicap Manual Section 5–2g, Posting a Score from an Unrated Set of Tees on a Rated Course shows us how to do this.

The first step is to determine the total yardage you played.

Then look at the yardages on the scorecard and select the PHOTO BY DREAMSTIME.COM



MORE

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 44

GUIDANCE course with the yardage closest in yardage you played that is rated for women. Determine the yardage difference between these two courses.

Using the table from the USGA that we have included at right, find the yardage range that includes the yardage difference for the course you created. The first column to the right is the rating difference and the second is the slope difference. If your perfect course is shorter than that for the rated tees you subtract those numbers from the rating and slope. If you played a longer course you add those numbers.

Let’s do the math.

Looking at the scorecard for the course I am visiting, one yardage is 4,476 and the next one is 5,656. After looking at all 18 holes I played 7 holes from the shorter tees. This will make my combination course play 5,216 yards, which is closer in yardage (440) to the longer course. When looking at the chart from the USGA, my adjustment for 440 yards is 2.4 to the rating and 5 to the slope. Since I am using the rating and slope from the longer course I subtract the adjustment numbers.

74.0–2.4 and 135–5 gives me a rating and slope of 71.6/130 for my perfect course. It is still a challenging course but one I can handle.

Now when I go to the course computer or bring the course to post online, I adjust the rating and slope to the combo course I have created and I have an accurate posting for my round.

It is easy and fun to be the architect of your round.

Just print the chart, take it along with you on your outings and enjoy!

Yards

0 to 8 9 to 26 27 to 44 45 to 62 63 to 80 81 to 98 99 to 116 117 to 134 135 to 152 153 to 170 171 to 188 189 to 206 207 to 224 225 to 242 243 to 260 261 to 278 279 to 296 297 to 314 315 to 332 333 to 350 351 to 368 369 to 386 387 to 404 405 to 422 423 to 440 441 to 458 459 to 476 477 to 494 495 to 512 513 to 530 531 to 548 549 to 566 567 to 584 585 to 602 603 to 620

Change in USGA Course Rating

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

Change in Slope Rating

0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7

Yards

621 to 638 639 to 656 657 to 674 675 to 692 693 to 710 711 to 728 729 to 746 747 to 764 765 to 782 783 to 800 801 to 818 819 to 836 837 to 854 855 to 872 873 to 890 891 to 908 909 to 926 927 to 944 945 to 962 963 to 980 981 to 998 999 to 1016 1017 to 1034 1035 to 1052 1053 to 1070 1071 to 1088 1089 to 1106 1107 to 1124 1125 to 1142 1143 to 1160 1161 to 1178 1179 to 1196 1197 to 1214 1215 to 1232 1233 to 1250

Change in USGA Course Rating

3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9

Change in Slope Rating

7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 15

Courtesy of USGA: Find the range that includes the difference in yardage between rated tees and unrated tees. The first column to the right is the change in USGA Course Rating, and the second column to the right is the change in Slope Rating. If the unrated tees are longer than the rated tees, their ratings are higher; if the unrated tees are shorter, their ratings are lower.

TRAVEL TIPS TO GO

By The GottaGoGolf Game Experts

Dear Dr. Kay,

Dear Sleepless,

I

W

alk in like you OWN the place. But first, do your homework. Find out if the course is private and if there is a dress code. If private, find out if there are time restrictions for women guests to play. Your colleague who invited you may or may not be aware of those restrictions or may have forgotten to ask.

You might call the club or ask your colleague about that information. Getting to the course and being told you are not dressed properly or that you cannot play can be quite disconcerting. Whether right or wrong in today’s age, and whether public or private, dress code is always a consideration.

Just to let you know that you are not alone: Once, that actually happened to me.

Another female golf professional and I drove two hours to play this very prestigious club on a very cold and windy day.

love playing golf and I am an OK golfer—not great, but not a beginner. I will be playing a golf course that I have never been to and I am a bit nervous about going there for the first time. I have had some frustrating and embarrassing moments at a couple of other courses. I have been invited by another colleague and will be playing with two other people I don’t know.

Might you have any advice for this Nervous Nellie?

Sincerely, Sleepless Susie



MORE

PHOTO BY 123RF.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 46

TIPS TO GO We were dressed in very smart golf attire...warm wool slacks, argyle cashmere sweaters, jackets...only to be told we had to have skirts on to be able to play. They did lend us thin wrap-around skirts for the day. We not only froze, but we were quite embarrassed.

Gather as much information as you can before you arrive, which should ensure few surprises. Where’s the bag drop? Where do you park? How do you find the golf shop? Is there a driving range? Knowing the answers to these questions will keep your blood pressure down.

Most course websites have a description of the layout—how much water, out-of-bounds, wooded areas.

This information will suggest how many golf balls you should bring. Also, be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.

Know beforehand if you are to pay or if your colleague is inviting you as her guest. If you like to walk, find out in advance if walking is allowed (or, in rare cases, required), and, if yes, if you may or must have a caddy.

Now you are ready to walk in like you OWN the place.

Introduce yourself to the staff person and identify your tee time and with whom you are playing. Allow ample time so you can stay relaxed. Rushing will do you no good at all.

One thing to keep in mind is that everyone is a little nervous, especially on the first tee. Just don’t appear that way and you will be just fine.

As I always say...Keep Your Head UP! It’s all in the attitude.

Dr. Kay Kay McMahon, LPGA, eduKaytionGolf.com

FOR MORE EXPERT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT GOLF GETAWAY, COME ALONG WITH US ...

MORE



PHOTO BY DREAMSTIME.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 47

TIPS TO GO

WHERE ARE YOU???

How does the grass grow?

Are you putting on bentgrass or Bermuda?

If you’re in Arizona, Hawaii, Florida or other warm-weather states, that’s probably Bermuda, which means you have to pay attention to the grain—the direction the grass grows—to figure out how hard to hit your putt.

Where does the sun set? The grass will grow toward the west. Is the green shiny or dull? Shiny is with the grain; dull is against it. Which side of the cup has the greenest, healthiest grass? Greener is with the grain, browner against.

NOW: Stroke the ball 20 percent harder into the grain and 20 percent softer downgrain. Make an aggressive stroke to hold the intended line. Pick your line and commit to it.

—Elena King, LPGA Class A, Aurora, Colo. www.experiencegolf.biz and www.commongroundgc.com

Feel your feet

Unfamiliar greens?

Realize this… Behind the ball is where you will get the most accurate view of the putt.

Once you are over the ball, the read may not look the same or even correct. This is because your eyes are now aside the ball and your head is tilted, a position that distorts your vision. Remember to set up to the view from behind the ball and trust that. Once over the ball do not make adjustments, even if it does not look correct.

—Rebecca Dengler, LPGA Master/PGA Professional, Ed Oliver Golf Club, Wilmington, Del. www.rebeccadengler.com

The saying goes all putts break to the water. On the Hawaiian Islands there is water 360 degrees around, so learn to use your feet to read green surfaces.

As you step off the distance for your putt feel the slope by the imbalance in your feet.

Right foot high/left foot low is a right-toleft breaker. Left foot high/right foot low is a left-to-right breaker. The weight in toes is downhill and heels is uphill.

Your feet know all so listen to your walk.

—Cathy Schmidt, LPGA Class A, Palmetto, Fla. www.thegolfbootcamp.com



MORE

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

Pete Dye used Paspalum grass on the greens and fairways of Kiawah Island's Ocean course .

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 48

TIPS TO GO

HOW'S THE WEATHER? Do what Judy does

Beat the wind

When you play links style courses like St. Andrews, prairie courses in the Midwest or oceanside courses around the world, you’ll want to know this shot. If pulled off correctly the ball will fly in low, bounce once or twice and then quickly put on the brakes.

The amount of spin you will get depends on your technique (how clean you hit the ball and the amount of speed you can create), the equipment you use (high-spinning ball and lofted club with good grooves) and the course situations (a clean lie and a green that slopes back towards you will add more spin).

—Maria Palozola, LPGA, St. Louis, Mo. www.stlouisgolflessons.com and online at www.mygolfinstructor.com

Grin and bear it When it is either cold or windy, you tend to swing too hard, maybe because likely you are wearing more clothes. Concentrate on making good contact with the ball, be sure to not swing too hard, just get through the day.

—John Abendroth, PGA, www.hookedongolf.com



MORE

WATCH NOW

PHOTO BYNBCSPORTS.COM—FEB. 23, 2014

Best rain tip: Get a short-sleeve rain jacket.

Helps so much to not feel encumbered!

Downwind: Trying to hit little shots downwind is difficult. In this case take the shorter club if you cannot decide. Hit it full.

Into wind: Few people take enough club into the wind. It is hard to knock it over a green with wind hurting. If there are 8 to 10 yards between your clubs, into a significant wind that shrinks to 5 to 7 yards. Or less.

—Judy Rankin, NBC/Golf Channel broadcaster and 26-time LPGA Tour champion

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 49

TIPS TO GO

When you're on vacation or playing a golf course for the first time, that intimidating scorecard can get in the way of your fun and even your game. Here are a couple of ways to make use of your own personal par, wherever you are...

Score: If you want to break a score of 60 for nine holes, then you should plan to score a six on each hole. Two of your strokes are going to be on the putting green, which means you have four strokes to hit the ball from tee to green. Example: Playing a 400-yard hole, you would have to hit the ball 100 yards four times to get it on the green.

Course Management: If you are not at the level to keep score, then consider a goal focusing on hitting six out of nine fairways off the tee or two-putting six out of nine greens.

You can track your fairways by putting an F on each successful hole. —Jamie Taylor, LPGA, Seneca Golf Course (Cleveland, Ohio), www.jamiegolf.com

WHAT'S YOUR HEAD GAME?



MORE

PHOTO BY ENTER NAME

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 50

TIPS TO GO

GET YOUR BALANCE Too many ups and downs?

When right isn’t right

Uphill, match your shoulders to the angle of the slope. Weight will be more on the back leg for balance.

Play the ball forward of center and stay in that pre-set posture until the finish.

Downhill, match your shoulders to the angle of the slope. Weight will be more on front leg for balance.

Play the ball back in stance and stay in the pre-set posture until the finish.

Know that the shoulder angle will feel quite severe for any golfer that is not used to pre-setting the posture.

Hold a club across your chest to confirm that the angle matches the ground.

—Sandi Hamm, LPGA Lifetime Professional, Hawaii Prince Golf Club/ Brian Mogg Academy, www.moggacademy.com

When we’re playing an unfamiliar course, we’ve suddenly lost our usual targets and our eyes can play tricks on us. Remember, how you line up a golf shot pretty much determines where it will go.

If you feel as if you are really left of your target, you will be aligned correctly. Do not align your body to the target…align your body left of the target.

Then, with confidence, trust your aim and alignment and make your best effort to create the shot. Even if you do not hit it perfectly, it will likely be on line, heading toward the intended target—a great miss!

Remember…left is in fact right!

Take time to work on a quality preshot routine because if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.

—Deb Vangellow, LPGA Master Professional, Riverbend Country Club (Houston, Texas) www.debvangellowgolf.com PHOTO BY 123RF.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 51

It’s not always good to be

‘thin’

SHOP NOW

We should all eat healthy and exercise, but ‘thin’ requires an entirely different plan on the golf course.

Here we’re talking about the thin lie.

You’ll find different ground conditions all over the world. It’s important to be able to recognize these conditions first, then have a plan how to hit them. A thin lie looks like the ball is lying on the ground, with no grass cushion in between.

Golf professionals love thin lies because they have a plan how to hit them.

Here’s yours: First, expect the ball to not fly as far or as high but to roll farther. Set up with the ball a few inches back from your front heel, and drop your rear shoulder slightly lower than your front shoulder. Feel like you are tilting with a bit more weight on the back foot. Keep your

chin up and maintain your height as you swing back and through to the target.

If your head goes down or up, you’ll find yourself hitting too much ground behind the ball, more fat than thin.

We want to take a very thin divot. You’ll feel like your feet are more grounded through the ball.

The idea is that we’re creating a slight descending blow that will propel the ball into the air.

I like to feel like I am taking a threequarter swing. You’ll find the result is usually a crisp flying shot that you can control.

Practice, and you might even start to like being thin on the golf course.

—Mary Hafeman,

PGA & LPGA, Mary Hafeman Golf Experience, Jacksonville, Fla., and Mequon, Wis. www.maryhafemangolf.com

PHOTO BYDREAMSTIME.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 52

COVER 19 HOLE

By Cheryl Stotler TH

Results of the Great (Fuzzy) Manhattan Study T

he Manhattan is widely regarded as one of the greatest cocktails ever created, and so I wasn’t surprised to hear from my great friend Susan that she and her new man had made it their 19th hole ritual.

But in their travels from golf resort to golf resort (nice life, huh?), they were finding great variance in ingredients and techniques. It’s nice to have a barroom adventure sometimes, especially at the famous Tap Room at Pebble Beach, where they loved the rye Manhattan the bartender proudly concocted. However, when Susan finally won a match and their never-tobe-named 19th hole of choice used a fancy vermouth that turned out to be DRY (yuck!), she put me to work.

“What whiskey is best? What are bitters and what is the point? Are there different sorts of cherries and cherry juices that make a difference? Do you have a recipe to recommend, particularly what proportion of vermouth is best? And what about up vs. on the rocks?”

Yikes! And so began my Great (Fuzzy) Manhattan Assignment, at least, as best as I can remember.



MORE

PHOTO BY THENEWPOTATO.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 53

19TH HOLE

Cheryl’s Favorite Manhattan Recipe (with variations)

F

irst, a little background. Who conjured up the Manhattan? The only facts that can be agreed upon is that the drink existed as early as the 1880s and it was one of the first cocktails that called for vermouth, predating the likes of the martini, the Rob Roy and the Bobby Burns. Many versions of the story claim the drink was invented at the Manhattan Club, which would certainly explain the name.

The classic Manhattan called for mixing American whiskey—straight rye was probably the spirit of choice in the 19th century, though bourbon is quite acceptable today—with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters.

After sampling several top-shelf Manhattans, served on rocks in an old fashioned glass or up in a martini glass, many things were fuzzy but one thing remained clear: The cocktail is truly best stirred not shaken. In fact, I was told by the bartender at SolBar (Solage Calistoga) that 50 stirs (stirring as quickly as possible) keeping the mixing spoon against the glass brings the drink up to the perfect serving temperature.

Got that? Not 49, not 51...50!

My preference, by far, is a Manhattan served up. If you’re a rocks gal, ask for the biggest cubes in the house, to slow dilution.

INGREDIENTS: • Ice • 2 parts whiskey • 1 part sweet vermouth • 1 to 2 dashes bitters • cherry/orange peel garnish DIRECTIONS: Place ice in a cocktail mixing glass. Add the whiskey, vermouth and bitters. Quickly stir 50 times keeping the mixing spoon in contact with the glass. Strain the drink into a martini glass. Add 1 to 2 (or 3) Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and orange peel. Enjoy!

an exceptional mixing rye, especially when you play with its cinnamon notes, but the price tag is a little high. (Vanilla bitters bring out the cinnamon and stone fruits flavors.)

Michters Rye Whiskey—Hints of light spice, black pepper, marmalade and plum, and light caramel.

By law, BOURBON must be: • Produced in the USA • Made of a grain mix of at least 51 percent corn • Distilled at less than 160 proof (80 percent ABV) • No additives allowed (except water to reduce proof where necessary) RECOMMENDED INGREDIENTS • Aged in new, charred white oak barrels WHISKEY • Aged for a minimum of two years to be Everything old is new again, and rye is called "Straight" bourbon. again as hip as a Kim Kardashian booty.

Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey—Fresh yet dry and smooth, honey, vanilla and oaky.

By law, RYE has to be: Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey— Firm • Made from a grain mixture that’s at least 51 oak, almond, toffee, honey, smokey. percent rye Basil Hayden Bourbon Whiskey— • Aged in new charred-oak barrels Remarkable bourbon that utilizes twice as • Distilled to no more than 160 proof, or 80 much rye than most others. Clean, peppery, percent alcohol by volume (ABV) spicy, light bodied and easy drinking with • Put in said barrels at not more than 125 lots of flavor! proof (62.5 percent ABV) (in a pinch) Maker's Mark—The solid go-to, • If it’s aged for at least two years, it can also be further designated as “straight rye especially for parties when you don’t want to share your pricey collection. Wheaty, nutty, whiskey.”

R1 Rye Whiskey—Bold and spicy, this rye is maple syrup, nice oak balance.



MORE

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 54

19TH HOLE

VERMOUTH Vermouth is a liquor made from either white or red wine, with a number of different herbs added for flavor. It is known as an aromatized liquor, and some people refer to it as a fortified wine. Strictly speaking, however, a fortified wine usually has alcohol added to it to increase its potency, while vermouth uses it for the flavor it imparts.

Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth— The perfect red aromatized wine partner for whiskey; sweet bitterness, rich and complex, cocoa, dark fruit, mulling spice.

Contratto Americano Rosso Vermouth—The herbal combination is based on the original Contratto recipe from 1910. Mint, ginger, hibiscus flower, lemon peel, licorice, sweet and bitter orange peel are just a few of the 30 herbs used to create the superb flavor for this white wine based vermouth. (in a pinch) Cinzano Rosso Sweet Vermouth—Sweet, dry, delicate herbal flavor with a pleasingly bittersweet finish.

bitters began as medicinal tonics and soon found a home in cocktails as concentrated flavor stimulants that add a nice kick to the mix even though they are only used by the dash.

Angostura Bitters—The world leader brand of aromatic bitters, the blend is still a wellkept, but much appreciated secret since 1824. Although not bitter when added to food and drink, it has the ability to marry, enhance and bring out the best flavors rather than masking them.

Bitter Truth Orange—Some of the best on the market today, Bitter Truth’s are formulated specifically for classic cocktails and the twists in their recipes also work well in modern drinks. Orange bitters are nothing new; in fact they were once used more than aromatic bitters in the original martini recipe.

The deep, dark, burnt Bitter Truth Orange takes you to the next level of complexity.

GARNISH Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries (or don’t bother) BITTERS Orange peel—Optional but I love at least a With the comeback and growing interest in classic cocktails, bitters are now a common hint of orange. Try just a rub around the rim and essential bar ingredient. Many brands of of the glass as an alternative.

PHOTO BY KITCHENRIFFS.COM 2011

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 55

COVER GEAR TO GO

By Susan Fornoff

6 Things We Like For The Road Picking a golf resort? Whew, that’s tough. Traveling? That can be rough, especially with golf clubs and gear in tow. Here, we round up a few items worthy of space, whether you’re traveling 20 miles or 2,000.

PLAYER’S BAG

from FrancisKiki This elegant and cleverly designed bag gives the commuter or traveler a bottom compartment to carry her workout clothes or laptop. And, she can detach the compartment and use the purse alone. Of course we golfers love the idea of stashing our shoes in the bottom.

$220

BUBI BOTTLE

This nifty traveler will quickly pay for itself in the bottles of water you’ll no longer buy at airports. It’s a flexible, rollable and made of BPA-free plastic that releases no toxic garbage, even in the freezer or microwave.

Beyond the obvious use, it can also serve as a hot or cold compress for the golfing muscles.

$14.99–$19.99

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 56

GEAR TO GO

DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASER PLUS

Downy redesigned what it calls “The WonderBottle” to deliver a finer mist that removes creases and wrinkles from golf clothes and also makes the hotel iron more effective. You can also use it to alleviate any odors along the way. The 3-ounce bottle is made for carry-ons.

$1.99 SOXXY

Many lady pros wear compression socks to increase circulation and decrease swelling in golf-tired legs. They’re also good for long flights. Soxxy makes them in a wide selection of colors and patterns. We also like their regular socks, which stay up because of rubber X’s and O’s around the edge!

$12–$35

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 57

GEAR TO GO

BELLA

by Cool-It Caddy If you’re driving the RTJ Trail, checking out of one hotel in the morning, playing golf, then checking in to another hotel, you’re not going to like what’s happened to your makeup and potions by dinnertime. So keep them with your chocolate in the Bella (here in pink to complement our Garb pieces).

$19.95–$29.95 CLUBGLIDER MERIDIAN

by Sun Mountain

Of the many travel bags on the market, we like this one because the extendable wheels and legs eliminate the bending and lifting required of most golf bags every time the line moves. The Journey model is a halfpound lighter, but the Meridian’s ballisticstyle nylon makes it worth its weight.

$289

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 58

President’s Message:

Mark your calendar for May in Arizona

by Mary Pomroy

INSIDE 2 A favorite golf resort of California women's golf associations 4 The 411 on the Women’s Golf Alliance’s 20 member associations 6 A favorite golf resort of South Carolina's women's golf association 6 Who is the Women’s Golf Alliance and what is it up to?

Courtesy of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

WGA–1

In Arizona, winter is the real season for golf. Our population swells, and the part-time residents that come here for the beautiful winter weather and the fabulous golf bring with them a festive attitude that energizes those of us who live here year-round.

For those of us who also remain here for the brutal summer months, May is the best time to “Get Out and Golf” in Arizona. We play golf all summer; we call ourselves the summer warriors because sometimes battling the heat gets the best of us. But ask a full-time Arizona resident what the very best month is for golf, and we'll tell you it's May. The weather is still pretty great (especially this year) and the golf courses are typically still pristine. This is the time of year when we summer warriors really take advantage of our opportunities to play the very best resort courses our state has to offer, and there are many.

The AWGA has a program called the GEM (Golf Endorsed by Members) program, through which our members name the courses (public, private, and resort) that do the best job of serving their female clientele. This year's selection included five resort courses: Los Caballeros, which is connected to Rancho de Los Caballeros, a dude ranch in Wickenburg; Gold Canyon Golf Resort, in Gold Canyon; Omni Tucson Golf Resort; Ventana Canyon, where you can stay at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon; and We-Ko-Pa, with its full-scale casino. Visit www.awga.org/detail.asp?id=219&pid=4 to check them all out, along with the other 24 2015 GEM courses.

So wherever you are, get out and golf! Summer is a great time for golf, whether your best weather is just starting or just ending. Don't waste a moment of it!.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 59

A favorite resort of golfing women in California: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa T

he California Women’s Championship (CWC), now in its 20th year, will be played July 13-15 at a resort so woman-friendly that it has become the permanent home of the event that traditionally draws some of the finest women golfers in the state.

The CWC committee selected the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai as its venue in 2013, and received such positive feedback that it hasn’t moved since–and doesn’t plan to. The golf staff are wonderful to work with, making tournament administration an easier task for the committee. The players enjoyed the challenges that the course presented and the beautiful surroundings. And the location—just inland from Santa Barbara on the California Coast–has appeal for players from the state’s two biggest population centers, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a five-diamond resort and exemplifies casual elegance at its finest. Surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and majestic Topa Topa Mountains, Ojai’s unique microclimate offers the ideal setting for many outdoor activities, including tennis, hiking, biking, swimming and, happily for the CWC, golf on its historic George Thomas-designed championship course.

All four sets of tees have been rated for women at this 18-hole course, which plays 6,292 yards from the blues, 5,901 from the whites, 5,649 from the Thomas tees and 5,211 from the reds. Cutting-edge programs and expansive instruction combine for an elevated playing experience on this historic and treasured course.

Since the original design and construction of the course in 1923, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa’s fairways have been a golfer’s paradise. Players marvel at its historic grandeur and architecture, and its reach has extended far beyond the greens, hitting a demographic that includes both men and women golfers.

Commemorated with honorable mentions from Golf Digest and Golf Illustrated, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has also landed a place of recognition in Golf for Women, highlighting its top 100 women-friendly golf courses.

WGA–2

Lights on an oak tree illuminate the putting green in the evening at Ojai. (Keith Mitchum/ Courtesy of Ojai Valley Inn and Spa)

With the whimsicality of sweeping valley views, added elements of resort luxury and a destination course, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a dream destination for golf enthusiasts around the world.

MORE



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 60

Mustard greens dot the golf course landscape at Ojai. (Photo courtesy of Ojai Valley Inn and Spa)

About the CWC

Angeles Country Club won the first; the defending champion is Sara The idea for the California Women's State Championship was born Banke of Poplar Creek in San Mateo. in January of 1994 at the USGA Annual Meeting. It was felt that a state The format has remained consistent since that first tournament, 54 championship would provide a "true women's champion" from the state holes of individual stroke play. The competition is scheduled in July each of California. In 1995, five of the women's golf associations in California year so players of high school and college age can participate. Eligibility joined forces to pursue the dream. The Pacific Women's Golf Association, requirements are that a player be a female of any age, a California San Diego County Women's Golf Association, Women's Golf Association resident for at least 6 months of the year and have a USGA handicap of Northern California, Women's Public Links Golf Association and the index of no greater than 10.4.

Women's Southern California Golf Association began orchestrating the The results of the California Women's State Championship also championship. Money to sponsor the tournament was and continues to determine which players will represent the state at the USGA Women's be provided by three of these associations (PWGA, WGANC and WSCGA) State Team Championship, an event held every two years. For more with two representatives from each forming the CWC Committee. information regarding the selection of players, please visit http://www.

The dream became a reality in July of l996, when the first championship cwcgolf.org/2015.html. commenced at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. Diane Irvin of Los —Caroline O’Brien, Executive Director of the Pacific Women’s Golf Association

WGA–3

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 61

The Arizona WGA (AWGA) is the voice of women’s golf in Arizona. We offer programs for members and the golf community that encourage and provide opportunities for women to learn, play, compete and administer the game for themselves and their clubs. Programs include information and outreach, player programs, USGA programs, and volunteer development.

MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN’S GOLF ALLIANCE

The Colorado Women’s Golf Association (CWGA) is a nonprofit amateur golf organization established in 1916. We promote women's golf in the state and preserve the integrity of the game.

We represent 17,000 individuals and 250 clubs and we serve as a regional operating partner of the United States Golf Association.

The Kansas Women’s Golf Association promotes the game among women and girls by maintaining strong relationships with member clubs and individual members; conducting annual championships and other events; and offering a range of programs that develop and enhance the golfing experience for all.

The Missouri Women's Golf Association promotes women's golf by holding annual competitions for female juniors, amateurs, mid -amateurs and seniors.

Scholarships are awarded each year to graduating high school golfers through the MWGA.

Founded in 1952, the Delaware Women’s Golf Association shares a mission to promote interest in golf for women and junior girls in the State of Delaware and surrounding areas. The DWGA reaches golfers of all abilities through tournaments, travel, social events and education.

The Maryland State Golf Association-Women’s Division was formed in 1995 to promote amateur golf for women of all ages and abilities. The MSGAWD is dedicated to providing a full range of services for more than 9,000 members including competitions, handicapping, course rating and rules seminars.

The Montana State Women’s Golf Association is devoted to promoting educational, social and recreational advantages for women and girls in golf.

They do this by encouraging sportsmanship, amateurism, skill and respect embodied by the honorable traditions in the game of golf.

The Desert WGA was formed in 2000 as a regional association for Southern California desert clubs and their approximately 700 members. It issues course and slope ratings as well as handicap indexes to its members. DWGA also sponsors golf tournaments, team play competition and other events for members.

The Michigan Women’s Golf Association was established in 1986 to help promote the game and provide competitive play and education for female amateur players of all ages and skill levels. An on-going MWGA goal is to give back to the community through our successful LPGA-USGA supported junior program.

The Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association is an organization of golf clubs and individuals governed by amateur women golfers and formed in 1973 for the purpose of promoting and conserving the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf for all women in Nebraska.

The Women's Golf Alliance encompasses 20 state and regional associations across the U.S., from California on the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast and South Carolina, home of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort shown here.

PHOTO BY KIAWAH—COUGAR POINT

WGA–4



MORE

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 62

Founded in 1916, the Women’s Texas Golf Association encourages and promotes women's golf in Texas.

We also raise funds for college scholarships and educate others about USGA rules.

WGA–5

The New Hampshire Women’s Golf Association (NHWGA), founded in 1923, is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer 15-member board. We offer our 750 members more than 40 golf events: weekly tournaments, mixed events, specialties, juniors and championships. We conduct rules clinics and annually award college scholarships.

The WGA of Northern California promotes and serves the interest of women's amateur golf in Northern California. We provide services for more than 100 member clubs' women's organizations from Tulare County north to the Oregon border, with a membership of more than 11,000.

The TRANS Amateur Championship began in 1927 and in 1992, the TRANS Senior FourBall Championship for women was added.

Among past TRANS Amateur champions and/or competitors are Brittany Lang, Paige MacKenzie, Nancy Lopez, Lorena Ochoa, Grace Park, Judy Bell, Carol Semple Thompson, Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Patty Berg.

Pacific WGA was founded in 1947 to promote the best interest of amateur golf for women.

PWGA supports women golfers playing at public and semi-private courses in Northern California. In addition to funding several benevolent projects, we provide educational, competitive and social opportunities for our members.

Founded in 1899, the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association is the second oldest women’s golf association in the U.S. and has a membership of 201 clubs and more than 2,300 individuals In Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The WMGA annually conducts spring team matches and more than 30 competitions, including a USGA Championship qualifier.

The Women’s South Carolina Golf Association was founded in 1949. The WSCGA membership consists of women’s golf associations throughout the state: 140 member associations with more than 12,000 women golfers receiving USGA handicaps.

The WSCGA is licensed by the USGA to provide handicapping and course rating services.

Founded in 1934, San Diego County WGA is a nonprofit organization, chartered to promote, supervise and conduct competitive golf for SDCWGA members in accordance with the Rules of Golf of the USGA as modified by Local Rules determined by the Board of Directors.

The Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association began in 1915 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club with the goal of crowning a Women’s Oklahoma State Amateur. Its mission is to support, promote and grow the game of golf for women and junior girls in Oklahoma.

The Women's Southern California Golf Association, established in 1922, is the largest regional women’s golf association in the U.S. Its goal is to promote and foster interest in women's amateur golf through friendly organized competition.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 63

In case you were wondering...

What is the Women’s Golf Alliance?

Why just visit when you can join?

Seabrook Island, S.C. Seabrook Island, South Carolina, is such an ideal spot for golf enthusiasts, women who play here on vacation just may want to join. And that would be fine with the Seabrook Island Ladies Golf Association (SILGA), which welcomes new members.

The SILGA has a mission of promoting women’s golf by providing players with opportunities to meet other women golfers and to play in a variety of golfing events.

The community itself is a private, welcoming, oceanfront paradise with every amenity and activity you could imagine, including two championship golf courses.

Seabrook Island Club is a private club in a gated sea island community, but renting a property from a club member gives guests access to golf, tennis, equestrian and fitness facilities, as well as restaurants and renowned Beach Club complex with two oceanfront pools, arcade, gift shop and beachfront restaurant.

The dining and shopping is fabulous. Seabrook Island is conveniently located just five minutes from Kiawah Island and close to charming, historic downtown Charleston. Visit www.discoverseabrook.com to learn more and search for rental properties.

—Jennifer O’Brien, Executive Director of the South Carolina Women’s Golf Association

WGA–6

Formed in 2009, the Women’s Golf Alliance represents 20 state and regional women’s golf associations comprised of 120,000 women golfers. Its goals are: to increase the voice and visibility of women golfers; to enhance the benefits and services provided by member associations; and to offer marketing, management and governance resources and tools for member associations, staff and boards.

Who can join the Alliance?

The Alliance has various levels of membership. Please contact your local women’s golf association if you are interested in joining the Alliance.

How can I get more information about the Alliance?

Go to www.womensgolfalliance.org

Why am I receiving this magazine?

Because you are a member of a state or regional women’s golf association that belongs to the Alliance, you are entitled to receive a free subscription to GottaGoGolf Magazine.

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 64

NEWS LAST SHOTS

By Susan Fornoff

News for and about women who just love to play golf W

hen world No. 2 player Inbee Park looked at the upcoming schedule for the LPGA, she noticed a major uptick.

Literally.

“It’s all bunched up,” Park said at the Shoprite LPGA Classic.

Indeed: With only one major so far this season (the ANA Inspiration, won by Brittany Lincicome), it seems that three majors come up rather quickly from June 11 through August 2. The men have a similar stretch starting with their U.S. Open June 18 through the PGA August 16.

Thank the techno heavens for DVRs, or we amateurs would never find time to play.



It’s summer and here’s to the majors  June 11–14: LPGA KPMG at Westchester CC (New York)  June 18-21: U.S. Open at Chambers Bay (Washington)  July 9–12: U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster CC (Pennsylvania)  July 16–19: British Open at St. Andrews (Scotland)  July 30–Aug. 2: Ricoh Women’s British Open at Turnberry (Scotland)  Aug. 13–16: PGA Championship at Whistling Straits (Wisconsin)

MORE

PHOTO BY 123RF.COM

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 65

NEWS—LAST SHOT Surely the women’s Open highlights the schedule for members of the Women’s Golf Alliance’s 20 state and regional associations.

The USGA accepted a a record 1,873 entries this year. They include 11 former champions, and all eyes will be on Michelle Wie as she defends her first major.

At press time, she was finally beginning to feel up to the task, having battled illness and injury all season before being diagnosed last month with bursitis, an inflammation in her hip.

A cortisone shot helped, and Wie thinks her new diet including anti-inflammatory foods such as sweet potato and turmeric accelerated the healing. “I was lucky that it wasn’t any structural damage, so I’ll bounce back very quickly,” Wie said.

U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball champions Mika Liu, 16, and Rinka Mitsunago, 18, pose with the new trophy.

She’d better come prepared to putt, (Copyright USGA/Steve Gibbons) says Park,who played a couple of rounds at Lancaster last month and reported “slopes, big slopes, bigger slopes than having little ridges.”

It’s teen time everywhere “Obviously they’re all going to be good Florida teenagers Athena Yang, 17, and What’s in her bag? when you hit it well,” said the world No. 3.

Stacy Lewis has revealed that she’s “But when you don’t hit it well, you still want Kendall Griffin, 16, won the stroke play medals at the USGA’s first U.S. Women’s already played five drivers on the LPGA it to go a pretty good distance. That’s what Amateur Four-Ball Championship at the Tour this year. The fallen: TaylorMade’s R15, I’m looking for.” two different Mizuno models, and one Her latest love, as of the end of May, was a Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s beautiful Pacific Dunes course.

TaylorMade AeroBurner model. less lofted AeroBurner. But stay tuned.

MORE



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 66

daunting 3-up lead. An eagle by Mitsunaga on the 12th hole, when she holed out from 88 yards, increased the lead to 4 up, and the match ended three holes later.

College recruiters can cool their jets—Ree and O’Sullivan are headed to USC, Liu to Stanford and Mitsunaga to Georgia.

The squeeze is on There’s a little film making the golf circuit that might be considered the alterego of Caddyshack.

It’s family-friendly and features likeable characters the audience can’t help but root for, and on June 9 the DVD will be released.

Said Tom Watson of The Squeeze: “Director Terry Jastrow injects reality into the scenes that golfers will find both familiar Hannah O'Sullivan blasts out of the bunker on the 11th hole at scenic but tough Pacific Dunes. andbelievable, which has been sadly lacking (Copyright USGA/Steve Gibbons) in all previous golf movies.”

Jastrow’s wife, co-producer Anne Archer, also plays golf, so maybe it’s not surprising Ree and O’Sullivan had been so And, yes, that was a bad omen for that unlike most movies of any kind, dominating—losing only six of the 54 holes everyone of drinking age.

The Squeeze features strong women The match-play finals pitted an 18-year-old they completed during match play—that characters. You can read about them on they seemed unbeatable. And in the final, and a 17-year-old (Robynn Ree and Hannah the blog: Great roles for women in new golf they did well early on, finishing the first eight movie The Squeeze.

O’Sullivan) against an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old (Rinka Mitsunago and Mika Liu, of holes at 3-under.

The problem? Liu and Mitsunaga were the IMG Academy in Florida).

MORE 6-under during the same stretch, building a



GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 67

NEWS—LAST SHOT Fitting a bump and run Anna Sabiston didn’t want to quit playing golf just because she was pregnant with daughter Scarlett three years ago. Now she’s launched the first line of maternity golf apparel, calling it Bump & Run Maternity.

Sabiston’s initial line features a versatile golf skort and short sleeve golf shirt. She said she plans to include more pieces in future collections. The apparel is designed to accommodate a growing belly while also adhering to strict course dress codes.

The name, of course, is a play on a commonly used chip shot, of which Sabiston says, “While the technique is not fancy, it is generally a smart play and gets the job done.”

Learn about her Kickstarter campaign at her pitch page.

BUMP & RUN MATERNITY

Let her drive, they said What’s happened at The Wisley in London dwarfs recent gestures by the Royal and Ancient and of Augusta National to finally admit women.

The club has had complete equality since it opened in 1991, including having only club (not gender-based) competitions, and now has a female club captain in Susie Lee.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KICKSTARTER

They said it After Stanford’s dramatic last-match victory over Baylor to win the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship on TV last month, Florida men’s coach Buddy Alexander commented, “I just hope the boys can keep up with the girls in terms of theater.”…Rachel Rohanna cashed her first big pro check April 26, $16,500 for winning the Symetra Tour’s Guardian Retirement Championship, and declared, “I’ve got my eye on a new heifer so I might be getting a new cow soon.”…

Michelle Wie, with $5 million in career earnings on the LPGA Tour and more millions from Nike, started prepping her own meals for the week at the Shoprite but said, “I forgot to bring Tupperware, but I actually got it here pretty cheap, so it was pretty nice.”

GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 68

Follow us all month on the blog Sign up for our newsletter to be eligible to win a Birdie Babe golf bag!

Support our advertisers.

Advertise with us, in our pages or online.

Visit our Facebook page to like us and share feedback.

RULES I FASHION I TRAVEL I COURSES I EQUIPMENT I ENTERTAINING GottaGoGolf I SUMMER 2015 I 69