Chip Shots

This is the newest trend in golf balls – alignment ready golf balls. Alignment ready but not balanced is the distinction.

Zen Golf, Maxfli, Taylormade’s TP5/TP5X Pix, Callaway’s Chrome Soft Triple Track ball and ERC Soft Golf ball and Pelz’s O-Balls are the balls that all feature an alignment aid. Of the aforementioned manufacturers, just Zen Golf and Maxfli offer both an alignment and balanced golf ball.

While alignment markings are a definite advantage, whether pre stamped or marked by a black marker, this does not mean that they will roll end over end and hold their line.

More than 99.5% of golf balls are marked with some sort of an alignment line—be it chevrons between the model name, or a line. But these markings do not represent a balance point on the ball. It is simply a visual guide to line up putts.

A balanced ball delivers longer drives, reduced side spin and precision putting. Equally important, knowing that you have the “perfect rolling ball” helps encourage a positive mental attitude.

Caveat: It must be emphasized, that however you attain the balance point, the imperfections of your STROKE, the relative humidity of the AIR and direction of the BREEZE, the SLOPE and SPEED and SMOOTHNESS of the green surface all have more of an impact on how well the ball will roll when putting or fly off of the tee.

A golf ball is unbalanced when its center of gravity is not perfectly in the middle. If this is the case, then the ball will have a light side and a heavy side. The best example of balancing is that of a tire, especially when being rotated. If the tire is not balanced perfectly so one side of the tire does not wear out, the tire installer uses lead weights to get the tire balanced.

With the golf ball, finding the center of gravity, aka the balance point, makes the golf ball run on a perfect angle. Master innovator and designer of Evnroll putters, Guerin Rife, uses ball balancing to minimize ball inconsistency for his robot testing.

In order to do this, the golf ball MUST be balanced. This is cost prohibitive for ball manufacturers.

1. It is illogical to expect a ball that has slammed into trees, bounced off cart paths, and suffered other traumas to its cover is going to stay perfectly in balance. 2. Ball manufacturers such as Callaway, Titleist, Bridgestone, Callaway and Snell, while preferring not to discuss the balance point of a golf ball, all agree that their balls have a variance factor of 0.017 to 0.2 degrees. This is probably why none of the aforementioned companies advertises the perfectly balanced golf ball.

As of the date of writing, only Maxfli claims to have a Center of Gravity Balanced Technology being used in their Tour X balls. Zen Golf’s balls are balanced, aligned and marked to their center of gravity in the development process.

However, having said this, handicappers need all the help they can get, especially on fast greens (10+ stimp meter).

There are several ways to test your golf balls for balance. Bryson DeChambeu and Cody Gribble still use the slow, somewhat messy way of spinning the ball in a warm solution of Epsom salts and dishwasher fluid (wear gloves or you sacrifice the moisture in your hands).

The high-tech fast way to a balanced ball is to buy a golf product such as the Stroke Saver sweet spot finder.

To date, through the PGTAA (www. pgtaa.com), I personally have worked with Patrick Reed, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, David Frost, Cody Gribble, Bryson DeChambeau and Spencer Levin. They all see the difference in the roll and they all mark the ball’s sweet spot differently.

Caveat: They play on fast and smooth greens.

Balance-oriented balls perform noticeably better than randomly aligned balls. The consistent use of balanceoriented balls can shave a stroke or two off the handicap of any player who possesses reasonably solid fundamentals. Every golfer above the level of Hacker will benefit from spin-balancing their golf balls.

If you have a modicum of selfdiscipline, get a Stroke Saver or similar machine immediately. You must take the time to make certain that all the balls you play are balance oriented. With spinning and marking, you will see the benefits, especially on your scorecard.

Follow the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America at www.facebook. com/PGTAA and https://www.instagram. com/pgtaaace/

Alignment Golf Balls and Balanced Golf Balls The Latest Trend in Golf Balls

By Barry Lotz

True Spec Golf Opens Custom Fitting Studio at Pelican Golf Club in Tampa Bay

Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa’s position at the forefront of Spanish and European golf has been further enhanced after being named as the ‘Best Golf Club in Spain’ at Leadingcourses. com’s 2020 Golfers’ Choice Awards.

Fresh from being voted recently as Europe’s number one resort by users of the respected website, the exclusive venue in Andalusia completed a memorable double after being rated as Spain’s top club for the first time in its history.

Launched seven years ago, the Golfers’ Choice Awards are the only user-generated golf-course rankings in the world, with players rating each venue out of 10 for the quality of its golf and non-golf facilities.

Finca Cortesin scored an impressive rating of 9.0 to move to the top of the golf-club standings, while the luxury resort also finished first in the ‘Best Facilities’ and ‘Most Hospitable Golf Club’ categories.

René Zimmer, general manager at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa, said: “Spain has so many great golf clubs so to be rated as the country’s number one by the people that count the most, the players, is a tremendous achievement.

Located across a vast 532-acre estate in the rolling hills of southern Spain between Marbella and Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin has a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts.

Host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, the resort’s 18-hole championship course was designed by Cabell Robinson and is the first venue in Spain to feature a new, eco-friendly variety of Bermuda grass on all its greens.

Complementing the par-72 layout are outstanding practice facilities including Finca Cortesin’s recently-upgraded Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, while the resort’s other luxury amenities include an elegant 67-suite hotel; a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an award-winning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants.

www.golfvacationsmag.com WGA Awards Record Number Of Student Caddie Full College Scholarships

GLENVIEW, IL – In 2020, a record 285 students from across the country have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies.

Each caddie has a unique story, which reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character. Winners are listed in the accompanying document.

Recipients were interviewed at one of more than 20 selection meetings held at golf and country clubs across the country, from this past November through March. They’ll begin college as Evans Scholars this fall, attending one of 18 leading universities nationwide with an Evans Scholars chapter.

The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

Currently, a record 1,010 students are enrolled in 18 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,050 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.

Longbow Golf Club To Host New Lpga Symetra Tour Tournament August 27-29

MESA, AZ – Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz. will host a new tournament August 27-29, 2020 as part of the LPGA’s recently announced revised 2020 LPGA Symetra Tour schedule. The Symetra Tour will announce the official name and sponsor of the new event in the coming weeks.

Longbow Golf Club previously hosted the Symetra Tour Gateway Classic from 2013-2015 and in 2017. The 2015 event was particularly noteworthy as Hannah O’Sullivan became the youngest winner in Symetra Tour history (16 years, 9 months, 11 days) and retains the distinction as the youngest ever and most recent amateur to capture a Symetra Tour title.

“This is an exciting development for Longbow Golf Club and for the surrounding community,” said Bob McNichols, developer of Longbow Business Park and Golf Club. “We’re thrilled to once again host the Symetra Tour at Longbow Golf Club, while bringing LPGA and Symetra Tour players, tournament officials and visitors to Mesa, nearby hotels and restaurants in late August. Because of the cancellation of the Volvik LPGA Founders Cup in March, the Symetra Tour event in August will be the only opportunity for LPGA competitive women’s golf to be played in Arizona in the year 2020. We look forward to working with the LPGA Founders Cup, Symetra Tour staff and supporters in filling a void by bringing this new event to Arizona.”

The 2020 Symetra Tour season is scheduled to restart July 8-10 in Maineville, Ohio at the Prasco Charity Championship, postponed two weeks from its initial dates. A total of 16 tournaments will be played on the revamped “Road to the LPGA” slate, compared to 20 on the original calendar. The season-ending Symetra Tour Championship will now be played November 3-6 in Davidson, North Carolina at River Run Country Club.

Longbow Golf Club is no stranger to hosting competitive events and tournaments. The Ken Kavanaugh-designed golf course has hosted the AJGA Ping Heather Farr Classic for 10-plus years, has been the host site of the LPGA Symetra Tour Gateway Classic, as well as tournaments for the AGA, USGA, NCAA, NJCAA, AJGA, JGAA as well as high school practice and competition and is the instruction home of the Fisher Bryan Golf Academy and a major instruction programming site for The First Tee of Phoenix.

Longbow Golf Club recently hosted The Cactus Tour “Battle at Longbow” April 27-29. Gilbert, Ariz. resident and LPGA professional Mina Harigae continued her dominating play at Longbow Golf Club in all three rounds of competition. Harigae shot 9, 8 and 7-under-par rounds, established a new scoring record for The Cactus Tour and for competition at Longbow Golf Club, posting a three-day total score of 192, 24-under par for the 54-hole tournament. Harigae’s 24-under was nine shots better that Sophia Popov, who came into the tournament fresh off two straight wins.

For more information on the Symetra Tour, visit www.symetratour.com. For more information on Longbow Golf Club, visit www.longbowgolf.com or call 480-807-5400.

www.golfvacationsmag.com Golf Industry Collaborates to Develop Responsible ‘Back2Golf’ Guidelines and Operations Playbook

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – As part of an industry-wide collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations have established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus facilities that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices.

After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations have adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and The White House “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations will progress at various

paces depending on geographic location.

“The Back2Golf Playbook and Guidelines that the PGA of America and golf’s allied organizations have put together are both comprehensive in nature and, most importantly, lay out a responsible way to get back on the golf course,” said Dr. Bradley Connor, clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending physician at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell campus. “The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by The White House and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits.

“While we all must remain vigilant and continue to take precautions, this plan allows golf to be played in keeping with social distancing best practices,” Dr. Connor continued. “I applaud the golf industry for helping to be part of the solution to get us back outdoors in a healthy and responsible manner.”

This industry-wide initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or will reopen soon, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer. Updates will be made as interim guidance on COVID-19 is issued by the CDC.

“The importance of social distancing and responsible behavior during this pandemic has become a part of everyone’s daily life,” says Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, whose team took a leadership role in developing Back2Golf. “Reopening golf responsibly under strict social distancing practices is something we can all unify behind. While we recognize there is no perfect solution and various areas of the country will progress in these phases at a different pace, it is imperative that we reopen golf in a way that prioritizes the health and well being of the entire golf community.”

Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

“Golf inherently provides many health and fitness benefits, including the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, which is needed now more than ever,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation. “It is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing and the ‘Back2Golf’ guidelines. We greatly appreciate the collaboration between all the allied golf organizations. It represents another example of our industry coming together for the greater good as our game has done so many times before.” For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.

Golf in the Dominican Republic: 2020 Lakes Golf Tournament Discount Offer

12 Golf Vacations • May 2020

As Europe’s premier modern golf and lifestyle destination, Quinta do Lago is a long-term supporter of golf’s drive to preserve the environment, and the Portuguese resort has underlined its commitment further by unveiling a new eco-strategy to boost its sustainability credentials.

Working closely with the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) and following its ‘On Course’ environmental stewardship programme, the top sports and family venue in the Algarve has launched a multitiered plan with three key aims: to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.

As well as improving sustainability on its three 18-hole championship courses, Quinta do Lago will adopt an enhanced approach to conservation across other business sectors of the resort including at its world-class sports hub The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel, its 12 bars and restaurants and general resort services.

“Our aim is for Quinta do Lago to become an inspirational, community-engaged and high-profile champion of sustainability,” said Sean Moriarty, CEO at Quinta do Lago.

“The great thing about the golf legacy is that it works so well together with the other different business units of the resort. Golf can be a leader in so many ways; from eco-system services, conservation of wildlife and health and well-being for all ages to creating jobs and adding value to the economy through local supply chains.

“As a resort, we are united in our approach to supporting nature and our communities - conserving resources at the same time – and we’re looking forward to unveiling our new strategy to residents and guests in the coming months.”

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is famous for offering residents and guests a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community in an unparalleled location.

The resort created its own farm last year to provide its restaurants with homegrown organic produce and has now announced a series of further measures to help foster nature, including placing information boards on the golf courses and nearby nature trails advising people of the wildlife living nearby.

Improved irrigation and introducing native plants in and around the golf courses to control and remove invasive exotic species; building ‘bug hotels’ for insects – helping to control garden pests so reducing the use of insecticides – increasing the number of bird-nesting boxes and constructing bee houses; removing singleuse plastics at its restaurants; and using a new fleet of electric golf buggies across the resort are among the initiatives being introduced to help conserve resources.

And, as one of the biggest employers in the Almancil area with more than 500 staff employed throughout the year, Quinta do Lago also appreciates the importance of supporting the local community in its new eco-strategy.

As well as offering affordable golf to juniors taking up the game and support in playing regional and national tournaments, a series of other events and activities will be available including guided nature walks through the golf courses, educational trips to the resort farm and working closely with the animals living in and around the resort.

Mark Tupling, who was recently appointed as golf course superintendent at Quinta do Lago and will oversee the implementation of the strategy on the golf courses, said: “Quinta do Lago is stunning and I believe the programme that we’ve announced will help to enhance the natural surroundings of the resort and the location even further.

“As a trained agronomist, I am an advocate for environmentallyresponsible approaches to life and this is something I also aspire to uphold in the way I manage golf courses. Quinta do Lago is blessed to border the Ria Formosa – one of the world’s largest nature reserves – and working with environmental organisations is a key focus of mine in promoting the benefits that golf courses offer in nature.”

Quinta do Lago boasts a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities including three 18-hole championship golf courses and The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to keep fit.

Complementing the sports and leisure amenities is a choice of 12 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and recentlyopened Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant, and accommodation at the recently-acquired boutique The Magnolia Hotel.

www.golfvacationsmag.com Honma Golf Charity Fundraiser Aids PGA Workforce Impacted by Coronavirus

CARLSBAD, CA – Leading golf equipment brand Honma Golf has launched two fundraising efforts in support of the PGA of America’s newly-established Golf Emergency Relief Fund, which provides short-term financial assistance to members of the golf industry workforce who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using #PickUpYourPro as a rallying cry, Honma hopes to raise at least $25,000 in support of the industry-spanning relief campaign.

Honma, which has operating headquarters in both Carlsbad, Calif. and Sakata, Japan, has established a charity fundraiser at honmagolf. rallyup.com, giving golfers the opportunity to win premium currentmodel Honma equipment as well as rare and collectible clubs and accessories.

Honma’s charitable #PickUpYourPro initiative, which features nearly $50,000 in Honma retail product, invites donors to support the Golf Emergency Relief Fund by contributing $10, $25, $50 or $100 fixed-entry amounts between April 22 and May 15, 2020. In turn, donors have a chance to win attractive product packages. Winners will be selected randomly on May 20.

Through the #PickUpYourPro charity promotion, Honma is creating unprecedented access to several of its most coveted product offerings. Among the new and vintage items that golfers have a chance to win include a full premium TR20 package including the TR20 driver, irons, wedges, and choice of bag ($2,375 value), seven premium BERES 07 Three Star irons plus a hybrid, and a choice of bag ($4,900 value), or a Priceless Classic Package of persimmon woods and iron relics from the Honma museum housed in a handsome leather carry bag ($4,675 value). Also, up for grabs are premium XP-1 packages, custom “Wedge Wizard” fittings (by wedge artisan Jacob Sanborn), high-end club fitting experiences at Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL., as well as Honma accessories and swag, including golf bags, hats, beanies, T-shirts, and hoodies.

“As a part of this close-knit family we know the golf industry to be, the Honma team is acting on a responsibility to do what we can to help lift those affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” says John Kawaja, president of Honma Golf. “The Golf Emergency Relief Fund will provide crucial support for many of the men and women who are the very lifeblood of this business. In this time of crisis, it’s inspiring to see golf people unite for this cause to Pick Up Your Pro.”

Honma is also contributing 10 percent of the proceeds from all online sales at honmagolf.com from April 15, 2020 through May 30, 2020 to the PGA’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund. This includes sales of all“Even simple gestures can have a significant impact during this crisis, so we appreciate every bit of support golfers can lend to the folks who make this industry special,” Kawaja says.

The Golf Emergency Relief Fund was initiated by the PGA of America through a lead pledge of $5 million and a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million. The PGA contribution included every member of the executive leadership team voluntarily reducing their compensation as well as pledges of personal donations from members of the PGA’s Board of Directors. The effort is also being supported in various ways by a number of industry organizations, including the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, United States Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association and Association of Golf Merchandisers.

“The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” said PGA of America president Suzy Whaley. “We have to ensure that the heart and soul of our game - our people - are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road. Eventually, golf will return, but first we need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.”

For more information, visit www.honmagolf.com and www.pga. com and take part in Honma’s #PickUpYourPro charitable initiative at honmagolf.rallyup.com.

Mystic Creek Golf Club Breaks Ground On $6 Million Clubhouse

EL DORADO, AR. – Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas recently broke ground on a $6 million clubhouse construction project. The project, which is expected to be completed by December 31, 2020, will provide a gathering place for golf enthusiasts, a place to recharge after playing the award-winning Mystic Creek Golf Club, and a full-service bar with a dining experience.

“We are going to finally be bringing this dream we have had since 2013 to life with the addition of the clubhouse,” said Stuart Pierce, general manager, Mystic Creek Golf Club. “We are excited to have one of the best golf courses in the state of Arkansas and will soon have a clubhouse to match it.”

Recognized as the No. 1 “Golf Course You Can Play in Arkansas” by Golfweek in 2019, Mystic Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, Kenneth Dye, Jr-designed course managed by Troon’s Honours Golf division. Open since May 2013, Mystic Creek Golf Club features cathedral pines similar to Augusta, high-flashing bunkers similar to those designed by A.W Tillinghast and domed greens with runoffs similar to Pinehurst No. 2. Just after opening in 2013, the semi-private course was named one of the “Best New Courses” by Golf Digest. With impeccable course conditions and outstanding service, Mystic Creek Golf Club continues to be recognized as the regions premier course. A new clubhouse will open at Mystic Creek in 2020 adding high-quality food, beverage and function options for a multitude of events to the already remarkable property. The facility proudly hosts the Symetra Tour’s Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout as well as the Men’s Sunbelt Collegiate Championship.

For more information on Mystic Creek Golf Club visit www. mysticcreekgolfclub.com or call (870) 312-0723.

14 Golf Vacations • May 2020 The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida Offering Special “Summer Savings Deal”

NAPLES, FL – The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida is ready to welcome guests back, for stays beginning this Friday, May 15, 2020. Committed to the health and safety of its employees and guests, and in compliance with CDC and state/ federal guidelines, the AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort will offer many, but not all, of its amenities and services when it reopens.

In addition to its beautiful soft white-sand beach, guests will be able to enjoy the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, beachfront pool complex (with two pools), tennis center (with 6 Har-Tru courts), signature beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf (for dinner), Poolside snack bar, The Seminole Store (serving pastries, pizza, sandwiches and desserts), golf pro shop, beach chairs/umbrella rentals, and Beach Store. And, of course, its gorgeous sunsets…

The resort will reopen additional amenities, and expand capacities, when it is safe to do so. This includes the spa, fitness center, The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, Broadwell’s Restaurant, room service, and the Beach Kids Club child activity program.

Note that the resort is also following the City of Naples’ regulations regarding the days and times when the beach is open, and beach restrictions. For the current status of the resort and beach, and restrictions, go to https://naplesbeachhotel.com/covid-19-update .

www.golfvacationsmag.com

To ensure the safety and well-being of its guests and staff, the resort closed on March 26, 2020, and has undertaken a full range of COVID-19 initiatives throughout the resort. This includes, but is not limited to: installation of over 50 touchless hand sanitizing stations; installation of clear protective barriers in several areas; property-wide signage encouraging social distancing, frequent hand washing, and other vital CDC recommendations; and enhanced cleaning procedures in the guestrooms, public spaces, kitchens and restaurants. The resort also developed a COVID-19 policy for employees and is prepared to adapt to any changes that may occur during the pandemic.

Those interested in staying at the resort can take advantage of the “Summer Savings” deal that is available for stays from June 1-September 30, 2020. The promotion provides a 20% discount off accommodations for stays of one or two nights, or a 30% discount off accommodations for stays of three or more nights. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, or visit NaplesBeachHotel.com , specifically the “Book Now” > “Specials and Packages” section on the website. Note that the offer is based on availability, may not be combined with any other offer, and blackout dates may apply. The offer is not available on holiday weekends or for special events, and is not applicable to groups.

Known for its picturesque setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the 125-acre resort is Southwest Florida’s only resort directly on the

beach with an on-site championship golf course, world-class spa, and award-winning tennis center. Also, guests at the lush resort always benefit from no resort fees, complimentary valet parking and self-parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Complemented by seven miles of pristine soft white-sand beach, the lush resort features a par-71 championship golf course that was dramatically redesigned in 2016 by golf icon and acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus in collaboration with renowned course architect John Sanford. Featuring five tees, ranging from 4,800 yards to over 6,900 yards, the course was designed to challenge the best players but also be enjoyable for all golfers. Guest rooms and suites feature cool tropical colors; flat-panel televisions; and a patio or balcony (with a view of the Gulf, golf course or the lush resort interior). Situated just blocks from Naples’ renowned shopping districts of fashionable 5th Avenue South and historic 3rd Street South, the resort is also within minutes of Venetian Village, Waterside Shops, Bayfront and Tin City. Other area offerings include tours of the Everglades, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Corkscrew Swamp, The Botanical Gardens, the Conservancy Nature Center, boat and fishing trips, and Naples’ outstanding museums and art galleries.

“We are excited to welcome guests back to The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club,” said the resort’s General Manager Jason Parsons. “The resort is perfect for a relaxing getaway, as it is absolutely beautiful here. Plus, you have many recreational options at the resort, including golf, tennis, relaxing on the beach or by one of the pools, or watching a stunning sunset. We look forward to hosting guests again soon.”

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples, Florida. For information, visit NaplesBeachHotel.com

Virtual Women’s Golf Day to Take Place on June 2

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is inviting golf destinations to participate in a VIRTUAL Women’s Golf Day, a ‘digital celebration’ on 2 June, 2020. The new live WGD events date has been moved to 1 September.

There are a number of ways for golf courses, resorts, tourism boards and federations to get involved.

The Location can register for the 2 June online celebration and the 1 September events. Due to Covid-19 we waived the registration fee. Enter code WGDUNITES at https://womensgolfday.com/register. Every registered location has a profile page.

WGD will be highlighting 12-24 videos for 24 hours on 2 June. If you have video of golf locations in your country, or content geared towards women, please submit by 18 May. Video content ideally evergreen and editorial in nature geared towards new and existing golfers.

WGD is holding a charity auction and is requesting items. The charity to benefit is Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. If you have any auction items you can offer, especially experiences or virtual items, Elisa Gaudet on elisa@execgolfintl.com.

Conctact: Elisa Gaudet at elisa@execgolfintl.com or marketing@ womensgolfday.com

Message from the National Golf Foundation

Golf has now been given a “yellow light” to reopen golf courses in all 50 states, which is reflected in our latest forecast of 95% of courses being open for at least some level of play by next week. There are still some local government orders keeping golf closed in metro areas like New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago. Golf retail, both on- and off-course, is also coming back, trailing course openings but headed in the same direction. And golf consumer anxiety – emotional and financial – is easing. For the latest research and best insights, you know where to go: https://thengfq.com/covid-19.

While it’s encouraging to see the golf business making a comeback, this isn’t business as usual, not from the standpoint of golf course operations, or from golfers’ compliance and responsibility. Golf course operators have specific safety protocols to follow, as do golfers.

Golf has been given the go-ahead because it’s considered a relatively safe activity when social distancing is maintained and other precautions are followed. But make no mistake, what has been given can be taken away. It’s now up to both golf course operators and golfers to keep golf open. Bad behavior will get noticed, and possibly recorded on a smart phone. One course in Florida was recently shut down by the local sheriff’s department for flagrant safety violations.

This isn’t just the beer cooler crowd we’re talking about. Many private club boards are struggling with disciplinary decisions concerning members who refuse to follow the rules.

This is why NGF is sending a message this week to golf courses around the country, encouraging operators to follow the excellent guidance that’s been provided by leading golf associations, and reminding golfers that it’s up to them whether golf courses continue to remain open for play.

For golfers who’ve wondered about the pros and cons of celebrity status, they’ve got a taste of it now, with potential paparazzi ready to record the slightest misstep.Check out our latest update where we’ve added lots of new and updated information. Visit at www.ngf.org

Joseph F Beditz, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer National Golf Foundation

Special Issue of Troon Magazine Shares Moments to Inspire, Lead And Help

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Troon and its publishing partner, Flagship Custom Publishing have produced a special May issue of TROON Magazine titled “Stronger Together – Inspire. Lead. Help.” The 39- page digital issue features powerful, memorable and meaningful moments gathered from Troon and Troon-affiliated facilities around the world during the pandemic. The special issue also expands on Troon’s “Moments Matter” initiative that debuted in early April. The guest and member-facing resource helps Troon-affiliated clubs and their communities stay connected through programs and content designed to inspire, lead and help through these challenging times. “This special issue shares many moving and heartwarming stories from throughout the world of Troon,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “I have never been prouder of our company than I have been these past difficult months. The compassion, volunteerism, and commitment to helping others in need displayed by the Troon family has been both humbling and inspirational.” The May issue of TROON Magazine features numerous videos, articles and profiles, including: • Links to inspirational video messages from Team Troon members Justin Thomas, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Alex Noren and Cheyenne Woods • Dozens of examples of random acts of kindness from Troonaffiliated facilities and partners • A healthy at home guide to virtual workouts, meditation and more • Links to video golf lessons, fitness classes, tennis tips and cooking advice • Destination Troon feature profiling drivable and dream-worthy courses and locations The May issue of TROON Magazine can be viewed in “The Clubhouse” section on www.Troon.com