Golf Resort and Destination Magazine by Tri-State Golf

2023 GOLF RESORT & DESTINATION

by tri-state golfer

Golf All Year Long ON

Situated in Pennsylvania’s majestic Laurel Highlands, you will discover a golfer’s paradise at the always-adventurous Nemacolin.

Nemacolin presents two breathtaking courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye: Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, delivering thrilling shot values, sweeping mountain views, and esteemed recognition.

Golf Digest 2022 Best Golf Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic

Golfweek 2022 #1 & #5 Best Courses You Can Play in Pennsylvania

Golf Digest 2022 Editors’ Choice: Best Golf Schools & Academies

Sharpen your skills at The Nemacolin Golf Academy, where expert instruction, state-of-the-art technology, custom fittings, and multi-day bootcamps improve your game.

Book an ultimate getaway to this incomparable destination for golf, spa, world-class cuisine, art, wine, and all-season adventure. Your trip of a lifetime awaits!

Play Before the Pros

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to play the legendary Copperhead Course, home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship, in prime pre-tournament condition before the pros arrive in March. Stay and play with the Platinum Golf Package.

To book, please call 866.231.6924

InnisbrookResort.com

THE GOLF, EPIC. THE TRIP, EASY.

GOLF RESORT & DESTINATION MAGAZINE

by tri-state golfer

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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DAVE DAUBERT

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MARK HOGAN

MIKE MAY

WAYNE MILLS

TOM MCNICHOL

AL RYDING

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Any opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of Tri-State Golfer. The information in this issue was accurate at the time of publication. All should be confirmed with the golf facility before making tee times and reservations.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • JANUARY 2023

Golf All Year Long

ON THE ALABAMA GULF COAST

Imagine feeling the coastal breeze as you swing or taking a bite into freshly caught seafood after a day on the greens. Hitting the links on Alabama’s beaches means all of this and more. Our area boasts 15 amazing courses, incredible post-game dining, and unique off-thecourse activities. Get ready to relax, explore and play on the stunning white-sand beaches of Alabama.

The comfortable weather of the Gulf Coast means golfers can enjoy playing year-round with fairways for those of all skill levels. Beautifully manicured courses and sunny, blue skies provide the ideal backdrop for a round or two. You’ll soon discover that our courses are as magnificent as our beautiful beaches.

Many of the area’s courses were designed by some of the greatest names in golf, and several are ranked top in the

state. Designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes in Fort Morgan is a golfer’s paradise. With a natural setting full of local vegetation, it offers one-of-akind signature holes, sand traps, and a breathtaking coastal landscape.

Another highly loved course is the everpopular Craft Farms Golf Resort, home to Arnold Palmer’s signature course, Cypress Bend. The scenic course provides players with 18 challenging but rewarding holes. Mesmerizing lakes are scattered throughout the greens, and an on-site golf academy offers golf lessons from a PGA professional.

Enjoy your time off the courses by relaxing on our magnificent beaches and exploring our pristine, turquoise waters. You can unwind under the sun or play a few rounds of beach volleyball. If digging your toes in the sand and hearing the waves crash against the shore after a game of

golf is what you’re looking for, Alabama’s beaches are the destination for you.

After a fabulous day of golf, visit one of the extraordinary restaurants in the area and indulge in delicious coastal cuisine. You’ll discover the irresistible meals, delectable desserts, and novelty drinks that make up the unique taste of the Alabama Gulf Coast at any of the area’s more than 200 restaurants. Fresh seafood, mouthwatering

burgers and finger-licking barbeque are just a few of the delicious eats you’ll find. You’ll also find unique coastal cocktails and local craft beer to complement your meal. Not only is the food incredible, but so is the dining atmosphere. With waterfront dining, live music, and amazing views of the Gulf, dining out in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is unparalleled.

If you’re still up for more fun, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to plenty of exciting attractions and activities. Cast a line on a fishing charter, soar above the shores on a helicopter tour or travel back in time at Historic Fort Morgan. The fun doesn’t stop there as the area offers watersports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking and even more water activities like boating, sailing, and cruises.

Reconnect with the natural beauty that surrounds you in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast is ready for you to explore it, and so many opportunities to discover the area await you.

Gulf State Park is the ultimate destination for those wanting to immerse

themselves in the great outdoors. Inside the park, you’ll find over 28 miles of trails perfect for biking, hiking and running. Guided Segway tours are also available and provide a unique way to explore the park and learn about its environment. If you’re looking for an even more exciting way to experience the destination, embark on a dolphin cruise or go on a parasailing excursion for a one-of-a-kind look at the area.

Staying on Alabama’s beaches is just as much fun as playing on the greens. You’ll find various lodging options, from hotels and condos to beach houses and campgrounds. Several courses offer onsite lodging, so you can wake up and immediately hit the links for a full day of golf. No matter the size of your party or the length of your stay, there’s a place for you and your crew.

Whether you’re looking for a golfcentered vacation or just want to hit a few balls while traveling, Alabama’s beaches are the ultimate destination for you. Immerse yourself into the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast while playing a round and then

enjoy an exquisite cocktail by the water. Discover the unbeatable courses, delectable food and stunning beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and plan your next golf getaway. GRD

To learn more, visit GULFSHORES.COM/GOLF

By Dave Daubert, Contributing Writer

Though not a golfer, Walt Disney was the world’s leading family entertainment destination creator. He was a true visionary, and it didn’t take him long to realize that the sky was the limit for golf in Central Florida.

While developing the overall concept for what would become the Walt Disney World Resort, and shortly after acquiring the Florida property, Disney sketched a preliminary outlook for the future of the site — including his vision for EPCOT, an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. On the drawing — just to the west of the property’s then-proposed central hub and below spaces devoted to the eventual Magic Kingdom Park, resort hotels, convention facilities, and man-made lakes – Disney identified and labeled a large area designated for “golf.”

In 1971, Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened its gates. Ever since then, golf has played an integral role in creating the diverse atmosphere comprising the Walt Disney World Resort guest experience.

A half-century later, four unique

courses, now operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management (APGM), provide a golfer’s paradise. The layouts are challenging enough for the PGA TOUR’s greatest players but also friendly enough to accommodate all skill levels at what has come to be known as “The Happiest Place on TURF!”

As Walt Disney World Golf ushers in the next 50 years, there’s tremendous excitement in store with the grand reopening of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in 2023, while next December will mark the 50th anniversary of the Jack Nicklaus legacy here – his third consecutive victory in what was then known as the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.

Walt Disney World Resort, meanwhile, will conclude its ongoing 50th-anniversary festivities in March of 2023 when “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” draws to a close while, at the same time, the Walt Disney Company will begin to commemorate its centennial, so there is an abundance of reasons to celebrate Disney’s past, present, and future over the next 12 months and beyond!

While each of the championship-caliber courses receives accolades for design and playability, the year-round access to all of the world-class amenities, service, and convenience helps differentiate the Walt Disney World Resort from any other golfing destination.

THE FAMILY EXPERIENCE

After more than four decades of hosting annual tournaments televised by ABC, ESPN, NBC, and the Golf Channel, Walt Disney World Golf’s focus has shifted to expanding golf’s reach and is now offering a superlative experience in stunningly beautiful surroundings for family vacations, industry gatherings, and business seminars.

Given the diversity of the golf challenges and exceptional Walt Disney World Resort dining and entertainment options, it’s no wonder Golf Digest has ranked Walt Disney World Golf among its top five destinations for a family golf trip.

As part of Disney’s overarching mission to create the most magical experience possible, Walt Disney World Golf has

As Walt Disney World Resort Looks at the Next 50 Years of Entertaining Guests, Walt Disney World Golf is Proud to be a Part of its Long History!

Disney’s Palm Golf Course

overseen an extensive redesign of Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, which will be fully re-opened to the public during the first quarter of 2023. These changes involve a significant reimagination of all 18 greens and much of Magnolia’s closing stretch – holes 14 through 17.

While work continues on Disney’s Magnolia, visitors at the Walt Disney World Resort have multiple world-class options to consider if they wish to play golf. Disney’s Palm and Lake Buena Vista golf courses remain open for play, along with Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, a nine-hole walking layout. Additionally, driving ranges are open to the public, and there is the added attraction of FootGolf, a hybrid sport between soccer and golf, which has grown in popularity in recent years.

Disney goes out of its way to make vacations as convenient as possible with complimentary transportation to courses from select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and free parking for golfers on their way to courses. The resort experience is literally tailor-made for travelers. Golfers on the go can rent TaylorMade golf equipment (available for men and women in left- and right-handed sets) and Adidas golf shoes.

The four Walt Disney World Resort golf courses operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management are:

the Classic tees during tournaments, 7,141 yards from green tees and 6,684 from the white tees for daily play. The course, which features magnolia trees along the fairways and elevated tees, is undergoing its most extensive redesign ever prior to reopening to the public in 2023. Holes 14 through 17 are being reconfigured, and all 18 greens are being substantially enhanced.

around a canal and pond. The par-36 layout can be played from junior tees (1,713 yards) or close to 3,000 yards (including a 517-yard par-5) from the white tees.

The Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management, which launched a 20-year strategic alliance nearly a decade ago, are not resting on their laurels. Golf Inc. Magazine recognized the redesign of Disney’s Palm Golf Course in its 2015 “Renovation of the Year” awards, and millions of dollars in course upgrades have already been made by APGM – with more to come – and these extend well beyond the fairways and greens.

Disney’s Palm Golf Course

Picturesque natural beauty featuring shimmering lakes, majestic palm trees, and tropical sands makes Disney’s Palm Golf Course a pleasure to play and a challenge to conquer. Tee options vary between 5,213 yards (red tees) and 6,870 yards (blue tees). The par-4 18th hole – which features a wellprotected, elevated green – was always one of the most difficult on the PGA TOUR.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

Designed as a classic Tour style layout by Joe Lee, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is the longest of the Walt Disney World Resort courses, playing at 7,560 yards from

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Designed in 1972 by Joe Lee, this course near Disney Springs winds through several of the resort properties, including Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The course, which plays between 5,177 and 6,745 yards, includes a par-3 seventh hole with an island green and a Mickey Mouse-inspired bunker that was added to the rear of the ninth green in 2018.

A new fleet of premium Yamaha golf carts was recently introduced at Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista layouts. Each cart is equipped with a cuttingedge touchscreen Yamatrack GPS system to provide overviews of every hole and yardage from the cart to the flagstick. These carts boast plush, cushioned seats and a suspension system to provide a comfortable ride, USB ports to power mobile devices, and Bluetooth speakers for the musically inclined to enjoy. Families can play and ride together as they interact with Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Pluto in Disney characterthemed four-seater golf carts.

More state-of-the-art technology is available in the form of Robo-Caddies – a small, robotic golf cart that employs GPS and Bluetooth technology to safely transport your clubs and all of your additional gear around Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. Golfers clip the cart’s small transmitter to their belt, load their golf bag, and focus on their next shot as the autonomous cart follows a few paces behind at a walking speed.

Walt Disney World Golf also features a fleet of SoloRider individual adaptive carts to help facilitate the pace of play and keep mobilityimpaired golfers in the game. GRD

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

A nine-hole walking course, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is well-suited for families and casual golfers. This course, originally only six holes and known as “The Wee Course,” was expanded in the 1990s by Ron Garl, who designed the fifth, sixth and seventh holes to feature water hazards

For more information:

GOLFWDW.COM

Disney’s Palm Golf Course

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Award-winning dining, a booming craft beer scene, luxurious resorts, and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail await you in Alabama. Plus, with Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountain lakes to the Gulf Coast you can take it all in.

DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM Philadelphia to Birmingham & Pensacola/Gulf Shores

www.GolfAlabama.org

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Birmingham

Northwest Ireland

Golf In Its Purist Form Awaits

By M. James Ward, Contributing Writer

On the bucket list for many dedicated American golfers is a visit to Ireland. The Emerald Isle is home to a number of engaging courses regularly cited among the finest one can play.

Many making the trek will often times pick out two destinations. The first being the southwest corner and the connection through Shannon Airport. The other comes when visiting the immediate Dublin area and the international airport there.

Both locations have a slew of nearby golf options of note but there’s another area that takes you off the beaten path and exposes the riveting beauty of the country. The northwest corner of Ireland is more rural, harder to access, yet provides a payoff providing memories lasting a lifetime.

First stop—Belmullet in County Mayo and the famed Carne Golf Links. One doesn’t get to Belmullet in anything remotely close to swift time. And that is what makes the northwest corner of Ireland intoxicating. The anticipation for what lies ahead and the wherewithal to relish such moments when they do.

just under 3,300 yards. Ground broke in 2004 but only opened nine years later as funds to complete the project were an ongoing issue. American Jim Engh did the original routing, later completed by Dublin-based architect Ally McIntosh.

The combination of nines was changed in recent years and it’s best to schedule the layout called Wild Atlantic Dunes. Playing at Carne is a magical experience -- rolling terrain accentuating a rollicking adventure with fun golf front and center at all times. Those fortunate to play at Carne when the sun is shining brightly and a light wind encountered will believe they are experiencing heaven on earth.

‘THE POINT’

Just 40 miles north of Enniscrone is the majestic County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point. When you pull into the club entrance you won’t see much of the 7,259-yard par-71 championship course.

The revelations happen gradually.

The first two holes are a mere appetizer for what awaits. When standing on the championship tee at the par-5 3rd you fully appreciate the totality of how the land and Sligo Bay magically intersect at Rosses Point.

ENNISCRONE GOLF CLUB

Fifty miles from Carne is Enniscrone. Great golf design often involves an evolutionary process and Enniscrone has gone through much since its inception in 1918. In 1999 architect Donald Steel added six new holes within the native dunes area encompassing the main layout along with three new holes in the adjoining flatlands when creating the Scurmore 9-hole course.

The main 18-hole course was crafted in 1927 and is chiefly the handiwork of architects Harry S. Colt, Alister Mackenzie, and Charles Hugh Alison, with various improvements made over the years. A 9-hole Bomore Course was added in 1999 and is a pleasant counterpoint to the championship links.

CARNE GOLF LINKS

Carne opened nine holes in 1992 with an 18-hole layout completed in 1993. The product of Eddie Hackett, Carne was the final links course designed by the famed Irish architect.

Hackett smartly created holes working within the flow of the dunes land.

An additional nine called the Kilmore Course opened in July 2013 -- a par-35 layout

The Championship Dunes Course provides a refreshing and striking design, starting off with a compelling start and concluding with five holes stretching alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Two marvelous short par4’s come in succession with the uphill 12th and the downhill 13th respectively. The former plays uphill to a delightfully placed green and the other plunges downhill with the green tucked blindly behind dunes land.

The Dunes 18 stretches to 7,029 yards and plays to a par of 73. Enniscrone starts in dunes lands before featuring a series of holes on flattish land before working its way back into the dunes.

Golf at “The Point” is a changeable product because of varying weather conditions. Docile at one moment -- hellish to the extreme at other times. The Point provides a scintillating array of holes -- combining a routing mandating the best of plays at all times.

Carne Golf Links

Enniscrone Golf Club

The Point

ROSAPENNA HOTEL & GOLF RESORT

Rosapenna in Downings, County Donegal, is off the beaten track and takes a bit of time to get there. However, the stunning coastal scenery pays you back in grand fashion.

The most exciting news came on July 21, 2021 with the opening of the 18-hole St. Patrick’s.

Rosapenna had a glowing reputation prior to the unveiling of St. Patrick’s but the Tom Doak design is a magical journey working in and through some of the finest natural dunes one can imagine throughout all of Ireland.

The course is situated on 300+ acres and while there had been past plans to create golf on this terrain -- it was spirited by the Casey family which owns Rosapenna. The early reviews have St. Patrick’s among the top of the golfing charts for all of Ireland.

Rosapenna is blessed with three 18-hole layouts and the legendary figure of Old Tom Morris can be seen with a bronze statue showcasing the famed golfer with club in hand and the role he played when the club was just beginning..

If you’re up for the challenge take on the second 18—the Sandy Hill Links. Opened for play in June 2003, Sandy Hills is situated on land between the two nines of Old Tom Morris Links and provides incredible views of nearby Sheephaven Bay.

The high dunes that bracket the holes are grand spectacles. Cloaked in marram grass that can quickly strangle your efforts in navigating the verdant passageways. Total attention and flawless execution are a must. Sandy Hills is golf without the clutter -- no distractions taking you away from the golf experience. At 7,255 yards from the back tees, Sandy Hills does not suffer fools gladly—pay heed or pay the steep price.

IRELAND GOLF TRAVEL

IF YOU GO...

• Fly into Dublin International Airport. The best flexibility for travel schedules and provides a range of big city options either prior to departing or returning from your time in the northwest.

• Pack high-quality rain gear. Irish weather is renowned for being fickle. Be sure to include two pairs of golf shoes so one can dry out as you use the other.

• Leave sufficient time for driving between locations. Irish roads are routinely curvy and quite narrow in spots. Driving 30 miles can take an hour or more in Ireland. Plan your time smartly.

• Avoid night driving. Roads are partially marked and can be difficult to see when weather is less than optimal.

• Book caddies with your golf reservation. Power carts are not as readily available as in the States. Be sure to bring a lightweight bag so you can either carry yourself or take a pull cart whenever needed.

DONEGAL/MURVAGH

The Murvagh Links, located on the Murvagh peninsula in County Donegal, was designed to test the strongest of players. The course is devoid of the mounding found at Carne and Enniscrone and doesn’t have the hole variety provided at County Sligo. However, the course is well-bunkered and varying wind velocities only add to the inherent demands.

The Murvagh is a muscle course - playing 7,456 yards. Getting consistent results off the tee for both distance and accuracy is a must requirement. The par-73 layout is not as beguiling as the other courses, but it’s certainly one that will not suffer foolish plays with faulty executions. In sum - be ready to play the moment you step on the 1st tee. GRD

• With a large group—four or more— consider reserving ground transportation with a driver handling all your logistical needs. Costs more than a basic car rental but you need not worry about all the minor details and hassles associated with road detours and the like.

For more information or to plan a vacation in Ireland, go to: IRELAND.COM

THE AUTHOR

M. James Ward resides in Clifton, New Jersey, and has played over 2,000 golf courses globally. A member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) and Met Golf Writers Association (MGWA). Served 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest and has reported on golf in a variety of forums since 1980.

The Murvagh Links in County Donegal

Rosapenna

The Murvagh Links in County Donegal

Winged Foot Golf Club Selected to Host 2028 U.S. Open

The USGA today announced that Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course), in Mamaroneck, N.Y., has been selected as the host site for the 2028 U.S. Open Championship.

“Winged Foot has provided the backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in the history of our sport, with many of golf’s legendary champions being crowned on the club’s iconic West Course,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “We strive to provide players with the greatest stages on which to compete for a national championship, and there are few stages as grand as Winged Foot.”

Located in Westchester County, N.Y., Winged Foot features two 18-hole golf courses – the West and the East – both of which were designed by A.W. Tillinghast and debuted in 1923. The championship will be contested on the West, which was renovated and restored by Gil Hanse in 2018.

“Today is an incredible moment for all of

us here at Winged Foot,” said Rob Williams, president of Winged Foot Golf Club. “Our club has a long history of hosting this nation’s greatest men’s and women’s championships and we look forward to helping write another chapter in the story of our great sport in 2028.”

The 128th U.S. Open will mark the seventh time the championship has been held at Winged Foot. It will also be the 14th USGA championship to be hosted by the club. During its 100-year history, the club has been the site of six U.S. Opens, two U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Women’s Opens, one U.S. Senior Open, one U.S. Amateur Four-Ball and one Walker Cup Match. In addition, Winged Foot hosted the 1997 PGA Championship.

In the first U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 1929, amateur Bob Jones won his third U.S. Open title by defeating Al Espinosa in a 36hole playoff by a resounding 23 strokes. Thirty years later, Billy Casper claimed the first of his two U.S. Open titles in the first edition of the

competition contested over four days. In 1974, Hale Irwin captured the first of his three U.S. Open victories with a 72-hole score of 7-overpar 287.

In 1984, Fuzzy Zoeller won his lone U.S. Open title by defeating Greg Norman in an 18-hole playoff. Geoff Ogilvy posted a dramatic one-stroke victory over Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Colin Montgomerie in 2006. In the most recent U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 2020, Bryson DeChambeau was the only player under par as he registered a sixstroke victory in the first U.S. Open contested in September in 107 years.

In 2028, Winged Foot will match Baltusrol Golf Club, in Springfield, N.J., as the secondmost visited U.S. Open host site. Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club has hosted the championship nine times, with its 10th scheduled for 2025. The 128th edition of the U.S. Open will be the 22nd contested in New York, the most of any state.

New Golf Course at ‘The Cradle of American Golf’ Slated to Open in 2024

Pinehurst Resort will break ground on its first new golf course in nearly three decades this month, and it will be designed by Tom Doak, one of the most respected and decorated golf course architects of the modern era.

Located four miles south of the main resort clubhouse, Doak’s 18-hole routing is expected to open late spring of 2024, coinciding with the return of the U.S. Open to Pinehurst No. 2. The new course – the resort’s 10th – will incorporate rugged dunes mined at the turn of the 20th century accented by native sand and wiregrass. With natural ridgelines, intriguing landforms, towering longleaf pines, streams and ponds, Doak envisions a course that complements the resort’s other courses through its contrasts.

“The site is topographically distinct and drastically different from anywhere in Pinehurst,” Doak says. “It’s bigger, bolder and more dramatic. There’s about 75 feet of elevation change, and we’ll work our way up to it around the mid-point of the layout. You’ll have expansive views from this apex over the rest of the course. It will be an unforgettable experience for golfers.”

Doak recalls first visiting Pinehurst more than 40 years ago and playing and touring No. 2. He rated the storied Donald Ross design a perfect “10” in his famed book “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses,” and was one of the most vocal supporters of its restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2010 prior to the 2014 U.S. Open.

“Tom Doak builds incredible golf courses on sand, and we’re excited to see what he’ll create in the North Carolina Sandhills,” says Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley. “We’ve worked with some amazing golf architects who’ve embraced our natural aesthetic and believe Tom will do something fantastic on this site.”

Landscape architect Angela Moser will serve as Doak’s lead design associate for this project. Moser’s impressive credentials include work at the Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course, Streamsong Black in Bowling Green, Fla., St. Patrick’s Links in County Donegal, Ireland, Te Arai Links in Tomarata, New Zealand and Ohoopee Match Club in Cobbtown, Ga.

“The number one thing that excited us about the project is working with the beautiful sand that’s native to this region,” Doak says. “The sand, the wiregrass, the bluestem grass, and other native grasses that grow around the Sandhills create a fabulous texture for golf. It’s something most places just don’t have.”

In addition to Doak’s routing, Pinehurst envisions the potential for more growth in the area, which encompasses 900 total acres in Aberdeen. A variety of development opportunities will be evaluated with town officials, including additional golf, short course, clubhouse, guest cottages and other lodging.

“This exceptional property is a place where many of our dreams of the future can be contemplated,” says Pinehurst Resort CEO Bob Dedman Jr. “How those dreams play out will be determined over time, the same way the path forward revealed itself through recent additions like The Cradle, Thistle Dhu and the redesign of Pinehurst No. 4. Adding a Tom Doak design to our collection is another historic chapter in the story of Pinehurst. We can’t wait to read it.”

Golf Course Architect Tom Doak

Sea Trail A Stay-&-Play Gem Along North Carolina’s Brunswick Isles

By Mike May, Contributing Writer

If you are seeking a fun, memorable, and affordable East Coast golf getaway with your buddies or your family, then set your sights on the Sea Trail Resort, located in the Brunswick Isles area of North Carolina, just south of Wilmington. Sea Trail is actually in Sunset Beach, where the nearby beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are as pristine and inviting as any sandy spot from Maine to Miami….. where the locally caught fresh seafood is as tasty and delicious as anywhere in the world……where the ice cream at Calabash Creamery is second-to-none..…..where the accommodations are on par with quality of the many championship golf courses in the area (which truly deserve the championship label)….and where the weather allows golf to be played 52 weeks a year.

When you visit Sea Trail (www.seatrail. com), visitors have access to a wide variety of on-site recreational amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, an outdoor kiddie pool, an indoor jetted hot tub, a game room, pool table, table tennis, cornhole, shuffleboard, and an outdoor volleyball court. The quality of the beach experience and accommodations are best described with one word: luxurious. It’s like putting a red bow on a wrapped gift. Truth be told, it’s fair to say that the overall experience at Sea Trail is on par with any stay-and-play destination in the southeastern United States. The toughest part of your trip to Sea Trail is having to say goodbye to this slice of oceanside paradise.

Sea Trail’s three golf courses – Willard Byrd Course, Rees Jones Course, and the Dan Maples Course – are well-designed, fair, fun, and player friendly. Very few golf destinations are like Sea Trail, which has three top-notch 18-hole courses in one location. Locals simply refer to the three courses as the Byrd, Jones, and the Maples.

At the Byrd, there are sand traps on every hole and around every green. The large number of bunkers is somewhat penal, but it is not too harsh. There’s plenty of room to play the Byrd and avoid the sand. The

home hole at the Byrd is a par five which only measures 469 yards from the tips, but there are at least 12 bunkers and three water hazards from tee to green. FYI: The 7th and 8th greens are surrounded by five bunkers.

At the Jones, water hazards exist on 11 of the 18 holes. Many fairways feature large mounds which will impact your stance and club selection as you hit your approach shots to the greens. FYI: The Jones course was used as a 2006 U.S. Open qualifying course.

At the Maples, there are short par fours, long par fives, and gettable par threes. The one exception is probably the most difficult hole at the Maples -- the right-to-left parfour 9th which is more than 400 yards long from three of the four tee boxes. At the Maples, five of the holes are perched along the scenic Calabash Creek. North Carolina Magazine has rated the Maples as the “Top Best Conditioned Course on the Coast.” And, Golf Digest has given the course four stars. FYI: This course may be Dan Maples’ finest creations.

Golf Digest has ranked both the Byrd and Jones courses as “Top 100 Courses in North Carolina.”

Other golf courses in the greater Brunswick Isles area which are definitely worth playing include The Pearl Golf Links (ThePearlGolf.com), Carolina National (CarolinaNationalGolfClub.com), and Rivers Edge (PlayRiversEdgeGolf.com).

The Pearl is a 27-hole venue designed by Maples, who successfully used the forests and the marshes along the Calabash River to craft The Pearl East, The Pearl West, and The Pearl North. This is a memorable place to play and enjoy golf.

Carolina National, a Fred Couples Signature Golf Facility, is another 27-hole venue – featured the Egret, Heron and Ibis nine. These three courses provide you with a wide array of shots while you get to enjoy the natural beauty along the banks

of the Lockwood Folly River. This is truly a spectacular place to play and enjoy golf.

Rivers Edge is a par-72 layout designed by Arnold Palmer. This golf course actually overlooks the nearby tidal basin of the Shallotte River, which impacts play on seven holes, while marshland, ponds, streams, and lakes influence play on another nine holes. When playing the seven holes along the Shallotte River, please admire the beauty of what Mother Nature has created. Here, the par-five 9th is the only hole with a name: Arnie’s Revenge. The experience of playing this hole is worth the price of admission.

So, make plans to travel to the Sea Trail Resort (800-546-5748 or 910-287-1156). It’s a true stay-and-play gem which is fun, memorable and affordable, just like the golf, 52 weeks a year. GRD

Rees Jones

Carolina National

SPECIALIZING IN TOTAL BODY FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY

Tired of waking up stiff and/or suffering with daily aches and pains? Restore Movement sessions are meant to find the root cause of your muscle pain or joint stiffness, and help you move better and pain free. Sessions begin with Hypervolt massage, followed by assisted stretching and a functional exercise program. R|M is a health and wellness clinic for individuals looking to increase flexibility, rid the body of aches and pains, and prevent injuries, while simultaneously creating a healthy lifestyle.

Navy Vet ‘Restoring Movement’ In Wayne

Looking to improve your drive off the tee? Back and legs tight after a day on the course? Restore Movement in Wayne, PA is here to help. Our researched and proven program can help improve rotation through assisted stretching and a mobility program, along with relieving sore achy muscles to keep you playing more frequently.

We are not a gym, but a specialized health and wellness clinic for athletes and active adults. Our unique combination of massage tools, assisted stretch, followed by a functional exercise program is unlike anything in the area, and has previously been reserved for professional athletes. Using the latest technology, Restore Movement is a proud partner of Hyperice, so you will be treated with tools such as; Hypervolt massage gun, Venom heat + vibration, and Normatec compression, just to name a few.

Founder and Owner, Jennifer Noll is a Navy veteran with a Master’s degree in Exercise and Rehab Sciences and has 10 years of experience working with clients of all walks of life. Restore Movement bridges the gap between physical therapy, chiropractic, and independent exercise. Making our clinic a compliment to those afore mentioned specialties, working together to ensure the body remains as good as new. At Restore Movement the motto is Movement as Medicine.

Common ailments people come to the clinic are: plantar fasciitis, runner/jumper knee, sciatica, IT band syndrome, rotator cuff, tight/stiff back, or tight hips. Tips to remain at the top of your game: visit Restore Movement 1-2x per week, cross train, strength train 2-3x per week, designate a day for rest, stay hydrated, and find activities you enjoy doing.

For more information, visit RESTOREMVMT.COM or call 484 372 3633

Jennifer Noll, Owner, Practitioner

You’ve worked hard for these carefree days and now it’s time to enjoy them. A day at our continuing care retirement community in Newtown Square might include a session in the floral design studio, a book discussion group, a simulcast opera in our auditorium and a seasonal dinner—not to mention outdoor yoga with new-found friends. Plus, with Philadelphia only miles away, all of the city’s cultural resources are close at hand. There’s always something interesting to do at Dunwoody Village. Contact us today to find out more.

Golf Digest Ranks 11 Myrtle Beach Courses

Among South Carolina’s Best Public Layouts

As part of a relaunch of its “Best Places to Play” initiative, Golf Digest has unveiled its list of South Carolina’s best public courses, and Myrtle Beach dominated the venerable magazine’s ranking of the Palmetto State’s best.

The list, which included South Carolina’s top 20 public courses was compiled based on the evaluation of Golf Digest’s nationwide panel of course raters.

Eleven Myrtle Beach layouts were ranked among the golf-rich Palmetto State’s best, a group that includes The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Barefoot Resort’s Dye, Fazio and Love Courses, True Blue Golf Club, TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Course, Pawleys Plantation, Tidewater and Heritage Club.

The Dunes Club is the area’s most storied course and a former host of the U.S. Women’s Open and six Senior PGA Tour championships. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design first attracted national attention to Myrtle Beach and “Waterloo,” the famed par-5 13th hole, is one of America’s original “signature” holes.

Caledonia, a consensus top 100 public course, was architect Mike Strantz’ first solo design. Set on a beautiful piece of Lowcountry property, Caledonia is equal parts art and architecture, wowing players with its creativity and challenge. The course’s iconic 18th hole, which requires a carry over water to a green resting in the shadow of the clubhouse, is a perfect finish.

The longtime host of the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort features the visual deception, railroad ties and rugged challenge hall of fame architect Pete Dye was known for.

True Blue, Caledonia’s sister course and another Strantz design, features some of the area’s largest fairways, greens and waste bunkers. The expansive layout is full of unforgettable visuals and quality shot making is at a premium.

TPC Myrtle Beach is one of the area’s premier big-event venues. The Tom FazioLanny Wadkins course has hosted a Senior

Tour Championship and a NCAA Division I regional championship, among other high-profile events.

Grande Dunes Resort Course, which is slated to reopen September 15 after a summer greens and bunker renovation project, offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The par-3 14th hole, which plays from an elevated tee box overlooking the waterway, is one of Myrtle Beach’s most recognizable holes.

A Jack Nicklaus design, the back nine at Pawleys Plantation features six holes that play along a tidal marsh, a stretch highlighted by the 13th hole, a short par 3 that plays to a peninsula green surrounded by marsh. Pawleys Plantation, one of the area’s sternest tests, is an unforgettable course.

Home to nine holes that play along either the Intracoastal Waterway or Cherry Grove Inlet, Tidewater is on the short list of the Palmetto State’s most scenic layouts. Recently named South Carolina’s Golf

Course of the Year, Tidewater is one of the area’s most sought after tee times.

A par 71 layout, Barefoot’s Fazio Course makes generous use of natural waste areas, native grasses and Fazio’s fertile imagination. The course, which has been ranked among America’s top 100 public layouts, has water on 15 holes and natural elevation change that is unusual for the area.

The Love Course at Barefoot is renowned for a three-hole stretch - Nos. 4 through 6 - that plays around the faux ruins of an old plantation home. The fourth hole, a drivable, short par 4 back-stopped by the ruins, is a delight to play and it’s representative of the experience on the ever-enjoyable Love Course.

Heritage Club, a Dan Maples design, plays through a memorable piece of Lowcountry property, spotlighting the area’s native beauty.

For more information on Myrtle Beach golf, visit PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com. GRD

White Clay Creek is a semi-private golf club located in Wilmington. Our 18-hole, par 72 public golf course, designed by Arthur Hills, ASGCA/Steve Forest & Associates, features 7,007 yards of manicured greens and breathtaking views.

BEST BET FOR A SOUTHERN GETAWAY

From The Coast To The Capital, Mississippi Golf Is A Winner

By Danny Freels, Contributing Writer

Considering that it’s located on the Gulf of Mexico and one of the largest ports in the state, it’s not hard to figure out how the city of Gulfport got its name. After a trip to Coastal Mississippi, however, I’m ready to call it Golfport not Gulfport. Windance Country Club, for example – owned by the Island View Casino Resort in downtown Gulfport – was designed by former PGA Tour player Mark McCumber and opened in 1986. Winding its way through a forest of tall Pines, this very pretty layout features a number of elevation changes, large putting surfaces and plenty of water to the sides of holes and in front of greens. Four tees are available at Windance, measuring between 5,093 and 6,667 yards. Due to many of the holes playing uphill, this fun layout can play longer than its total length. The Island View Casino Resort, by the way, is golf central to the several courses on the western side of Coastal Mississippi. It offers two separate hotel towers – one on the beach! – 974 rooms and suites (smoking and non-smoking), two casinos, 2,600 slots, 49 table games and numerous dining opportunities.

Another fine choice for golf is The Club at Diamondhead, roughly 25 miles west of Gulfport. This 36-hole facility is as playable as it is pretty. The two courses here – The Pines and The Cardinal – were both designed by Earl Stone and both opened in the 1970s. While neither of the fun courses at Diamondhead are considered long, both feature rolling terrain, lots of tall trees, well sloped putting surfaces and enough water and sand to get and keep your attention. The Pine course offers a choice of five tees and a measurement between 4,120 and 6.784 yards. The Cardinal course also offers five tees but is slightly shorter, measuring between 4,084 yards and 6,729 yards.

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of Mississippi-style golf, head north from Gulfport for roughly 30 minutes to the city of Saucier. There you’ll find Grand Bear Golf Club, a gorgeous Jack Nicklausdesigned layout that’s only a “bear” if you play it from the wrong tees. Even though I’m a long-time admirer of the playing career of Mr. Nicklaus, I can’t say the same for some of the courses he’s designed. Grand Bear, however, is both an exception to my

ambivalence and exceptional. Located deep within the magnificent De Soto National Forest, at the end of a long, winding road a few miles from the nearest highway, Grand Bear is nothing less than a golfer’s dream. It’s big, it’s beautiful and – best of all – it’s playable, even for a semi-hack like myself. It’s also secluded, with nary a house, condo or swimming pool anywhere in sight or sound. The clubhouse is pretty spectacular, too. Opened in 1999, Grand Bear offers five sets of tees that measure between 4,802 and 7,204 yards.

If you’ve played your cards correctly and played Grand Bear, I say keep your luck intact and keep going north for about three hours to the Pearl River Resort. Located in the town of Choctaw northwest of the capital city of Jackson, Pearl River is a sprawling facility built on the ancestral lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In addition to delicious dining to suit almost every taste, Pearl River features the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino (600 rooms), the Silver Star Hotel and Casino (500 rooms) and a 23-acre water theme park. For even more of a good time, head

Sunset from Missy Sippy rooftop bar at Sheraton Flowood Golf Resort

on over to Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. The 36 holes here – The Azaleas and The Oaks – are two of the best and most challenging courses you’ll find anywhere. The Azaleas, designed by Tom Fazio, offers five sets of tees and a measurement between 4,909 and 7,158 yards. Be advised, however, that it also features some serious elevation changes. Equally beautiful but not quite as hilly is The Oaks, designed by Jerry Pate. Slightly shorter but just as challenging, The Oaks has five tees to choose from and a measurement between 5,097 and 7,076 yards.

Just east of Jackson, in the very pretty town of Pearl, is Patrick Farms Golf Club. The work of Randy Watkins, this course was not built to bite your head off or eat your lunch. It’s a fairly wide-open layout that’s also pretty flat. All-in-all, Patrick Farms is about fun not pain. The fairways are wide, the greens aren’t too demanding and there isn’t a whole lot of water and sand. The course measures between 5,032 and 6,907 yards, and there are four sets of tees to choose from.

If you’re in need of one more stay and play opportunity, head over to the nearby city of Flowood. There you can check into the brand-new Sheraton Flowood Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently located

just five minutes from Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. This very fun facility features 200 modern and comfortable guest rooms, over 25,000 square feet of meeting space, and several places to eat, drink and be merry. The Sheraton Flowood’s very cool lobby bar, “Twins”, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus lots of room for lounging. For a bit more quiet but equally great food, take a stroll down to “Rebecca”s, the Sheraton’s all-American on-

site restaurant. Breakfast is served seven days a week, dinner is available six nights a week. But after you check in be sure to check out the The Refuge Golf Course right on the property. Designed by Englishman Roy Case, The Refuge is lined by tall trees that give it a bit of a “northern Michigan” appearance. Over the past couple of years, however, this very attractive layout has undergone a renovation by course architect Nathan Grace that has made it more popular than ever before.

The View Casino Resorts, Gulfport

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear

Even though the course is somewhat on the flat side, The Refuge is quite a challenge. The greens are well undulated, there are numerous bunkers, and there’s plenty of water in play that’s not always visible. I’m sure it’s a good test for even better players. Five sets of tees are available at The Refuge, measuring between 4,439 and 7,013 yards. Trust me: before you check out of the Sheraton Flowood, be sure to spend some time in “Missy Sippy”, the hotel’s rooftop bar. From the balcony – your favorite drink in hand – you’ll have a spectacular view of downtown Jackson that you won’t forget, especially at sunset. Like “Missy Sippy”, the great golf, fine food and fun times available on a trip to central and coastal Mississippi is a can’t miss.

For more information, please go to visitmississippi.org/golf. TSG

MISSISSIPPI

More Information

Visit Mississippi – www.visitmississippi.org/golf

Coastal Mississippi – www.coastalmississippi.com

Visit Jackson – www.visitjackson.com

Where To Stay

The View Casino Resorts, Gulfport – www.islandviewcasino.com

Pearl River Resort, Choctaw – www.pearlriverresort.com

Sheraton The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center, Flowood/Jackson – www.marriott.com/JANSI

Where To Play

Windance Country Club – www.windancecc.com

Diamondhead Country Club – www.theclubatdiamondhead.com

Grand Bear Golf Club – www.grandbeargolf.com

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club – www.dancingrabbitgolf.com

Patrick Farms Golf Club – www.randywatkinsgolf.com

The Refuge Golf Course – www.refugegolfms.com

Where To Eat

Carter Green Steakhouse at Island View Casino, Gulfport – www.islandviewcasino.com

Patio 44, Gulfport – www.patiofortyfour.com/gulfport-ms

Phillip M’s Steakhouse at Pearl River Resort, Choctaw – www.pearlriverresort.com

Rebecca’s at Sheraton Flowood – www.marriott.com/JANSI

Highball Lanes, Jackson – www.highballlanes.com

Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at Pearl River Resort

No Buckle, No Bump…The Belt You Can’t See!

By Jim Brinckman, Contributing Writer

After 26 years of working in the men’s shoe business, Joan Bruce, founder of SkinniBelt, wondered what was next for her career. But SkinniBelt wasn’t just born out of a need to fill a gap in her resume, rather a gap in her pants and the need to have a comfortable, affordable, supportive and slimming belt. It was a simple solution to a somewhat simple problem Joan had each morning as she picked out her outfit for the day. She enlisted the help of her husband, Scott, an engineer, to develop a piece of functional clothing that, much to her surprise, would be selling by the thousands just a few years later. How did that happen, you ask? They took everything they learned over the years about product development, manufacturing processes, supply chain, and both B2B and direct-to-consumer business and built SkinniBelt, a product and brand so many would come to love and rely on.

So, what is SkinniBelt? After a year of development, Joan and her husband created a handmade belt made of elastic polyester webbing and a color matched powder coated zinc alloy hook and adjustable slide. “Since we started in 2014, every belt is made by hand to ensure quality control,” she said. “We have never had a defect in the eight years we’ve been producing these belts.” Initially, the belts came in only black and white. Colors now include black, denim blue, gray, white, khaki, tan and olive green, and more are on the horizon. They sell thousands of SkinniBelts a year to boutique shops across the country, all shipped right

from their home in New Jersey. SkinniBelt sells for about $20 each.

As for why golfers – or anyone for that matter – should purchase a SkinniBelt, Joan says it’s all about comfort, design & quality. “It’s the quality of the webbing,” she said. “You can’t just buy this material; it is made specifically for us.” The belts are guaranteed not to stretch out or rip and they’re fashionable for men and women. “It’s not the old chunky belt buckle routine that digs into your skin and puts holes in your tops,” she laughed. “In fact, you won’t even know you’re wearing it! They’re minimalistic and extremely comfortable.” The width of the belt is also strategically designed to nestle into your belt loops so there’s no sliding up and down within the loops. That means SkinniBelt will keep your pants snug to your body, thus avoiding “PCS” or “Plumber’s Crack Syndrome”. They’re also TSA friendly so, when traveling, you won’t have to remove your belt to get through security checkpoints.

What’s also fun for Joan and her husband is SkinniBelt has become a family thing. “We have our kids involved,” Joan said. “While they have their own careers, we’re all working together to take SkinniBelt to the next level. Our daughter, Andie, is our model and advises on the latest color trends in fashion. And our twin boys, Daniel and Corey, are focused on marketing and bringing the golfer’s perspective to light.” While Joan is pleased with the growth of the company, she notes her children would like to continue to expand the business. GRD

It’s time for Ireland

Press the Green Button

Because Ireland is more than just a destination, it’s a feeling… Spend time in charming towns and villages, explore wild rugged coastlines, or stroll amongst historic sites, and you’ll feel a warmth, a welcome, a feeling of coming home.

The island of Ireland is famous for its friendly people and rich culture, where stories are woven into the landscape and music comes alive in traditional pubs. Enjoy the thrill of a cliff-top walk, the awe of wandering through medieval monastic settlements, and the buzz of local food markets.

So press the Green Button and discover something new.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare