Golf Vacations Magazine April 2011

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MASTER GOLF TOURJack Nicklaus - Robert Trent Jones Sr. - Arnold Palmer - Tom Weiskopf - Ken Kavanaugh

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the ridgeDESIGNED BY KEN KAVANAUGH

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IN COOPERATION WITH THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS GOLF COUNCIL

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contents I april 2011

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28

9 ChipShotsUpdates From The World Of Golf & Travel

12 Wine Tour with the Golf TourPro Golfers Tee Up Their Pro Wines

34 Sweet Stuff by Larry Feldman

Around The World in 80 Days, TaylorMade Penta TP

36 Club Closeup by JD Latorre

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club in Orlando

d e p a r t m e n t s

on the cover: The Lodge Of Four Seasons - Hole #4 On The Cove

6 GOL F VA C AT IO N S • AP R I L 2011

The Lodge of Four Seasonsby JD Latorre

Over the past several decades, the Lodge of Four Seasons hasplayed a significant role in establishing the Lake of the Ozarksas a major golf destination.

Top 18 Holes You Can Playby Larry Feldman

Over the years, luminaries ranging from Lee Trevino and ArnoldPalmer to Phil Mickelson and David Duval have tested their mettleat La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST.

Resort Report: Starr Pass Tucson by David R. Holland

Few golfers who walk the sixth hole on the Coyote nine at Starr PassTucson Golf Club know it, but they're following a legendary trail onthis 351-yard par 4.

Royal St. George Highlights Area Tracksby Tom LaMarre

The hosting of The Open Championship at Royal St George’s on theKent coast in July will highlight the abundance of premier linkscourses that can be found elsewhere in the south of England.

c o v e r s t o r i e s

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Executive EditorJeffrey Diaz

Associate EditorTerry Ross

Features EditorLarry Feldman

Senior WritersTom LaMarreFred Robledo

For Editorial:

call: (760) 774-2655 e-mail: [email protected]

Regional Advertising

Los Angeles • 949-279-7801Terry Ross - [email protected]

Atlanta • 770-971-1616John Reock - [email protected]

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South Florida • 772-323-4794Jack Montondo - [email protected]

Published by

President Jeffrey Diaz

777 E. Atlantic Avenue, Suite C2-151Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5360

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President/CEOJames A. Diaz

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

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2011 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and

may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

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www.golfvacationsmag.com8 GOL F VA C AT IO N S • AP R I L 2011

Larry Feldman is a nationally published freelance golf journalist of more than17 years. Based in Park City, Utah, his writing has appeared in such high-pro-file publications as Southern California Golf News, Palm Springs Life, Golf Tips,Sports Profiles and Men’s Look.

David R. Holland is a former sportswriter for The Dallas Morning News, a football maga-zine publisher and author of The Colorado Golf Bible. Multiple careers best describes thisworld traveler, who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserve, servingduring the Vietnam and Desert Storm eras. A former sportswriter for The Dallas MorningNews, you can follow Dave’s travels on www.twitter.com/David_R_Holland.

Tom LaMarre has been a sportswriter for some 40 years, including long stints with theOakland Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. He was the Tribune’s beat writer with theOakland Raider for seven seasons in the 1970’s and has written two books, “WinningOffensive Football” with quarterback Kenny Stabler and “Stadium Stories: TheOakland Raiders.” Tom makes his home in Orlando

JD Latorre is a freelance travel writer currently calling South Florida his home base. Hehas a knack for finding himself in some of the world’s most exotic locations, includingBangkok, Montego Bay, Bogata, Havana, Cabo San Lucas, St. Kitts, Cancun andMarseilles. His past lives included working for the Miami Herald, Chicago Daily Herald,Boston Globe, Daily News of Los Angeles and Southern California Golf Newspaper.

GOL F VA C AT IO N S • AP R I L 2011 9www.golfvacationsmag.com

Upda te s f rom t he Wor ld o f Go l f & Trave l >> chip shotsGRAND VIEW LODGE CHOSEN“BEST RESORT FOR ALL SEASONS”

BRAINERD, MN. - Grand ViewLodge has been chosen as the “Best Resortfor All Seasons” in the Editor’s Picks ofMinnesota Meetings + Events maga-zine’s Best of the Industry Awards. Citedfor having the best activities, atmosphereand amenities all year round, the resortproudly accepted the award at the W HotelMinneapolis on Thursday, March 24.

“Winning the Best Resort for AllSeasons is a remarkable achievement,” saidMark Ronnei, general manager of GrandView Lodge. “Our guests are looking for aresort that they can love both in the sum-mertime and in the cold months of winter;with our spa, culinary experiences andplethora of outdoor activities, we canaccommodate them with a range ofoptions no matter the season.”

Grand View Lodge’s year-round offer-ings include the luxurious Glacial WatersSpa, first-class wine tastings and culinaryevents located in the resort’s exclusivewine cellar, extensive kids programs andcozy cabins. In the winter there’s dog sled-ding, snow shoeing, cross-country skiingand snowmobiling.

In the summer, the resort fills withguests taking advantage of the property’sthree championship golf courses, wateractivities and the views of beautiful Gulland Roy Lakes. Furthermore, GrandView Lodge is equipped with the impres-sive Gull Lake Center with meetingrooms for all sizes as well as a GrandBallroom, serving as the perfect backdropfor weddings and special events.

The honor and the rest of MinnesotaMeetings + Events Best of the IndustryAwards winners will be highlighted in thepublication’s spring issue. For additionalresort information and to find out aboutvacation, visit www.grandviewlodge.comor call 1-866-801-2951.

TEE IT UP AT THE GEORGE H.W.BUSH CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNEY

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME. - As thepremiere golf event in Maine, the 9thAnnual George H.W. Bush CelebrityGolf Tournament will take place June 14,2011 at Cape Arundel Golf Club inKennebunkport with Former Patriots andRed Sox players in attendance.

The tournament is a best-ball scramblewith a maximum of 27 teams, each with

one Maine golf pro-fessional.Registration is nowopen for the tourna-ment, with May 20,2011 as a deadline toenter. Teams maypurchase a spot inthe tournamentonline at www.mer-

cyhospital.org/content/ghgolfinfob.htmThis event will also feature the Point of

Light Award, given to an individual orgroup that has made a significant contribu-tion to the growth of Gary’s House.Previous winners include PresidentGeorge H.W. Bush, American Airlines,and the Maine PGA Professionals.

Scheduled celebrity appearancesinclude: Former New England Patriots -Troy Brown, Steve Grogan and formerBoston Red Sox players - Luis Tiant &Rico Petrocelli.

There is a maximum of 27 teams in thetournament, each with a golf pro.

All golfers receive gift bags, breakfast andlunch on the course, and dinner and wine atthe Colony Hotel. They will also have theirnames printed in the program book.

The Point of Light Award will bepresented at the Golf Classic Dinner andAuction, taking place after the tournament

at the Colony Hotel.The tournament has historically

brought in more than $150,000 for Gary’sHouse, and it is usually a sold out eventfor golfers The tournament is a topfundraiser for Gary’s House and essentialto supporting its ongoing operations.

GULF SHORES ENJOYINGROBUST SPRING GOLF SEASON

GULFSHORES, AL. – Gulf Shores isexperiencing a flourishing spring golf trav-el season and is trending to exceed 2010bookings this year, due to its competitivemarketing approach this year.

Golf Gulf Shores, the CVB-ledregional golf tourism association, reportsthat golf rounds and bookings into the des-tination so far are ahead of last year’s fig-ures. Website inquiries are on the rise ongolfgulfshores.com, and travelers are offer-ing positive feedback on the quality of theirrecent experiences, with a 100% “intent toreturn” factor from all reporting visitors in2011. Golfers have also responded to thevariety of price-point options, offering playat nine quality courses and over 20,000accommodations units with booking ease.

The destination was also lauded for itsvisitor-friendly website booking tool thatproduces quick and thorough quotes basedon a guest’s own preferences, putting thepower in the hands of travelers to cus-tomize their stay at very attractive rates.

“Gulf Shores prides itself on its people,and it’s edifying to see that our friendlinessand efficiency push us ahead of other des-tinations,” said Golf Gulf ShoresExecutive Director Duncan Millar.“Our golfers clearly love it here.”

Most spring golf packages that includeaccommodations and golf start under $100per person per night through May, basedon multiple night stays.

Upda te s f rom t he Wor ld o f Go l f & Trave l >> chip shotsSADDLE CREEK OFFERS GREATSPRING VALUE IN APRIL, MAY

COPPEROPOLIS, CA. – SaddleCreek Resort – rated one of the top golfcourses in-state by Golf Magazine andGolfweek – is offering the “Great SpringValue” beginning April 1 and featuringgolf on its championship-level layout start-ing at $75 per person.

With the course in prime condition,the Great Spring Value includes golf, cartfees, a sleeve of Saddle Creek logoed golfballs, and a lunch consisting of an all beefhot dog and chips. Mid-week prices are$75 per person and $105 on the weekend.

“As the new season approaches, localand regional golfers can experience SaddleCreek’s award-winning layout at anunbeatable price,” says Bob Higgins,General Manager. “The course is inprime condition due to the mild winter,yet there’s still enough time to enjoy stun-ning vistas of the snow-capped SierraNevada in the distance.”

For those looking for overnight accom-modations, Saddle Creek Resort offers lux-urious, course-side bungalows. Optionsinclude a full two-bedroom, two-bath bun-galow, or a one-bedroom suite with fullkitchen and dining area, and a living roomwith cozy fireplace. Guests will alsoreceive access to the resort’s Sports Club,which houses a junior Olympic-size lappool, workout equipment, tennis andbocce ball courts and a horse shoe pit.

Saddle Creek’s challenging-yet-fairdesign and excellent conditioning hasmade the resort a perennial favorite forgolfers of all abilities. Not to be missedwhile at Saddle Creek Lodge is the award-winning Copper Grille — a culinary des-tination of Calaveras County featuringmore than 500 wines including the highly-praised local Petit Syrah. Saddle CreekResort’s miles of hiking and biking trails

are easily accessible from the bungalows.For more information, call Saddle

Creek Resort at 209.785.7415 or visitwww.saddlecreek.com

BEST’S GOLF GUIDE NAMESOCHOA PERSON OF THE YEAR

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QuintanaRoo, Mexico - Golf Publishing

International has announced thePerson of the Year for 2010,Mexican Super Star, Lorena Ochoapresented by Avis Car Rental.

The four-time LPGA Player ofthe Year, now retired at the ripeyoung age of 29, has set her focuson giving back to her community, toher country and to the youngHispanic population, especially girls.

She has established the LorenaOchoa Foundation in both Mexico andthe United States to create a system tointroduce the game of golf that she hasloved all her life and excelled at it. She wona record of 5 times World AmateurChampionship as a pre-teenager whilegrowing up in Guadalajara, Mexico.

She also won the Charlie Bartlett awardthis year from the Golf Writer's Associationof America for her humanitarian efforts.

Lorena is truly unique. She is a tirelessgiver and is passionate about all the thingsshe does. When she is at an event like therecent Mayakoba Classic in the RivieraMaya, full with top PGA players, she is theone the fans look for and she is the onethat naturally reaches out and shakes ahand or smile for a photo.

"It is always a pleasure to be around herand share in the positive energy that radiatesfrom the core of her being" said ChuckKinder, Founder of Golf PublishingInternational and a long time friend of Mexico.

For more information on her LorenaOchoa Foundation go to: www.funda-cionlorenaochoa.org/index_i.html

TEE OFF AT THE WOODSTOCKINN & RESORT THIS MAY

WOODSTOCK, VT – The WoodstockInn & Resort 2011 golf season swingsinto full gear this May with two golfpackages that encourage guests to reachthe top of their game while enjoyingWoodstock’s top-rated 18-hole golfcourse designed by legendary coursearchitect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Set in the unspoiled Kedron Valley,The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers aspectacular 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr.golf course with picturesque views fromnearly every green. The 6,000-yard, par-70 course is a challenging sequence of fair-ways, sandtraps and water hazards guaran-teed to test the most seasoned golfer.

Available May 1 through October 31,2011, Woodstock’s golf packages include:

Heritage Unlimited Golf Package Unlimited golf at The Resort's Golf

Club, One night's luxurious accommoda-tions, Breakfast, Golf cart, Complimentaryuse of the practice facility, Complimentaryyardage booklet

Rates start at $298 per room.Woodstock – Quechee Golf PackageThis year The Woodstock Inn & Resort

offers a chance to play two top-ratedcourses including the exclusively private,The Quechee Club, and Woodstock’sown Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed golfcourse. The package includes:

Two night’s luxurious accommodationat The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Tworounds of golf with cart (one at TheQuechee Club and one at the WoodstockGolf Club), Breakfast daily at TheWoodstock Inn & Resort, Complimentaryuse of the practice facility

Rates start at $458 per room.For more information, visit www.wood-

stockinn.com or call (888) 481-8802.

10 GOL F VA C AT IO N S • AP R I L 2011 www.golfvacationsmag.com

TorreTHE CUISINE OF ITALY“Combining Old-World Italian comfort food with personalized service,a congenial atmosphere and an extensive wine list, La Torretta excelsas one of Arizona’s most impressive restaurants” — Dining Out

With a menu that utilizes the freshest and most authentic ingredientsand pasta made fresh in-house daily, the restaurant’s culinary fare isconsistently delicious and refreshing.Their Osso Buco,Taglio del VitelloFarcito con Quattro Farmagio and Veal Piccata have become locallegends and inspired positive reviews from the Scottsdale Republic,the New Times, Guest Informant, TravelHost, and Scottsdale Magazine.

The combination of La Torretta’s sophisticated interior and authenticfood make it a prime candidate for intimate dinners to groupcelebrations of special occasions.

LIVE WELL • LOVE MUCH • LAUGH OFTEN

LA TORRETTARistorante & Italian Steakhouse

16640 N. Scottsdale Rd • SW corner Frank Lloyd Wright/Scottsdale RdScottsdale • 480.991.2000 • www.latorrettaaz.com

Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm • Dinner Daily 4:30-9:30pm

Upda te s f rom t he Wor ld o f Go l f & Trave l >> chip shotsSPRING SEASON SPECIALS ATPOCONO MOUNTAIN TRACKS

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA. - ThePocono Mountains are celebrating thebeginning of spring and the 2011 playingseason (www.poconosgolf.com) by takingadvantage of specials from over 35 golfcourses in the region.

Located within easy drive of New YorkCity, Philadelphia and New Jersey, mostgolf courses are offering early stay-and-playrates around or below $100, including:

Buck Hill Golf Club: This classicDonald Ross design is opening its springseason with a “Pay One Greens Fee, Get aSecond One Free” promotion from April9-June 15. Call 570-595-7730 for details orvisit www.buckhillgolfclub.com.

Free Golf April at Shawnee Inn: Aspart of its 2011 Centennial celebration,The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is offer-ing free golf to guests from April 3 to April28. For mid-week rates as low as $106,guests receive one-night accommodation,breakfast and a round of golf, including a

cart at therenowned coursethat opened in1911 and is A.W.Tillinghast’s firstAmerican design.Call 1-800-SHAWNEE orvisit www.shawneeinn.com

Spring Weekend Golf Tournamentat Pocono Palace Resort: Couples willenjoy a romantic golf getaway at thePocono Palace Resort, April 28-May 1. Setin a beautiful mountain setting, this nine-hole regulation course is perfect for allskill levels. Enjoy closest-to-pin andstraightest and longest drive contests aswell cocktail parties, a wine and cheesemeet-and-greet, a complimentary sunsetItalian feast, dinner at Fat Paulie’s and liveentertainment. For more details visitwww.covepoconoresorts.com.

Fernwood Hotel and Resort SpringGolf Package: Experience a round of golfon the rolling fairways of this 18-hole gem

and get one night accommodation for ratesthat start at just $69 per person. For evenmore value, book two nights’ accommoda-tion and two rounds of golf for just $138per person. Offer is valid from April 1 toJune 2. Visit www.fernwoodhotel.com.

Mount Airy Golf Club: Designedafter Sports Illustrated’s “18 Best Holes ofGolf,” Mount Airy will open its season April1 with rates between $20-$25 for nine holesor $37-$45 for 18 holes during the monthof April. See www.mountairycasino.com.

Mountain Manor: Offering $35rounds on weekdays and $45 rates onweekends for unlimited play duringApril. Call 570-223-1290 or visitwww.mountainmanor.com

For some time now, golf superstars have been cultivating the craft of makingwine in addition to practicing the perfect swing. In this process, golfers like AnnikaSorenstam (ANNIKA Vineyards), Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Wines), GregNorman (Greg Norman Estates), and Ernie Els (Ernie Els Winery) have found thatthe attributes that make an unforgettable bottle of wine also make a championshipgolf course. Listed below are wines made by the famous golfers, which have alsobeen paired with the world’s most revered golf courses.

ANNIKA SORENSTAM, who is one of the world’s most celebrated golfers with89 international championship wins, has produced a classic California styleChardonnay under her new wine label ANNIKA Vineyards. Her 2008Chardonnay is smooth, but full-bodied, and pairs excellently with the AugustaNational Golf Course. With the Augusta’s famous holes named for the trees andshrubs that can be spotted on the course. Like the Flowering Peach, Magnolia, andAzalea, the course is smooth and sweet. The course is also an undisputed chal-lenge with a rich finish just like Annika’s Chardonnay.

ARNOLD PALMER has produced a 2007 Arnold Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon.This elegant and complex Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with The Old Courseat St. Andrews in Scotland. The Old Course is one of the most elegant, intricate,and difficult courses in the world. Its greatness, like the Cabernet Sauvignon, comesfrom its purity, and complexity.

GREG NORMAN has produced a 2007 Greg Norman Estates LimestoneCoast Shiraz. This balanced, soft, and even textured wine is the perfect match tothe Royal County Down course in Northern Ireland. The course, like the Shiraz, iseven, balanced, and well textured, with immaculately polished greens, and is con-sidered to be the best maintained course in the world.

ERNIE ELS has created a 2006 Guardian Peak Cabernet SauvignonStellenbosch. This wine has a wonderful length without being overly powerful,much like the Pine Valley Golf Club. Pine Valley is praised for the consistent levelof challenge and conditioning on each hole. It is, like the wine, a full and demand-ing course, but not overly so. Just enough to be pleasurable.

ANNIKA • CHARDONNAY 2008 • LIVERMORE VALLEYThis Chardonnay exhibits classic aromas of apple and pear along with honeyand graham. Malolactic fermentation and battonage, the stirring of the lees,introduces a yeasty, leafy characteristic to the wine. Intense citrus flavors fillyour mouth, followed by a subtle toasty vanilla and ground spice flavor fromthe barrel aging. The wine finishes with a long, rich and lush finish.

VINEYARD The Chardonnay was harvested from the Ranch 4 block on theLivermore Valley estate. These particular vineyards are known for their out-standing fruit and production consistency, making them the optimal selection forthe Annika Chardonnay.FERMENTATION After being handpicked, these Chardonnay grapes were handsorted at the winery, then gently pressed and barrel-fermented in French,American, Eastern European and neutral oak. A long, cool fermentation allowsfor the retention of the fruit flavors and beautiful integration of the flavors fromthe oak.AGING The Chardonnay was aged in a combination of French, American,Eastern European and neutral oak for 17 months.PRODUCTION 221 cases

WINE GOLF TOUR TOURwith the



DESTINATIONS WHERE TO STAYWHERE TO PLAY

http://www.oakquarry.com

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First Family of Hospitality

Determining the long-term influence of twofamilies – the Koplars and the Browns – onthe state of Missouri will be something busi-ness professors will discuss with studentsmany years from now.

Harold Koplar was lured to centralMissouri’s Lake of the Ozarks region. Hebelieved the Lake of the Ozarks region hadpotential beyond what anyone at the timedreamed in the early 1960’s. Today’s FourSeasons Group of Companies – whichencompasses thousands of acres and sever-al businesses – began as his vision.

MISSOURI MASTERPIECESHOWING OFF THE SHOW ME STATEMISSOURI MASTERPIECESHOWING OFF THE SHOW ME STATE

Founder Howard Koplar

by JDLATORRE

STERPIECESHOW ME STATESTERPIECE

SHOW ME STATE

Hole #15 at Porto Cima

Koplar had a vision to create an unequaled experience in a remoteland that would bring enjoyment to people of all ages. The 3,500 acrecommunity of Four Seasons USA in the Midwest's Lake of the Ozarksemerged in 1965. Koplar brought a family tradition of entrepreneurship,hospitality, and entertainment to the Lake.

Part of Koplar's dream was to create an experience for all guests. Inthe early 1980s, his creative spirit even brought a live Brahma Bull tomingle with the crowd as part of a country and western act.

While the rhinestone days of bulls and country singing have passed,some aspects of the Lodge have remained intact. The beautiful Japanesegardens still provide a quiet backdrop for the resort. Koplar broughtJapanese landscape artist Buffy Murai to the Lake to design the Lodgescenery. Murai once added his watercolor talents to film backdrops for"Sayonara" and "Around the World in 80 days".

Inside, during the early days, the Lodge continued its air of unique-ness with hand-carved furniture from Madrid. Today, guests find com-fortable Lodge rooms with furniture custom-made in Guadalajara,Mexico. Young artists are sought after to create custom pieces for theLodge, continuing its tradition of exclusive, irreproducible decor.

Shortly before Harold Koplar’s death in the late 1980s, his daugh-ter, Susan Koplar Brown, became president of the operations. “Mypassion comes from my father,” says Susan Koplar Brown. “He gaveus that drive. He was my father, my friend, my business associate andmy inspiration.”

Susan and Peter Brown became key figures in the hospitality, realestate and development industries. With Susan at the helm of the resortand hospitality aspects of the business and Peter running all the real estateand development enterprises, the Four Seasons Group of Companiesbecame one of the most respected family businesses in the country.

Throughout the years of growth, the company has stayed in thefamily. In addition to Susan and Peter Brown Sr., Harold Koplar’sgrandsons Peter Jr., David and Mark all maintain an integral role in thefamily business.

Some of those businesses include The Lodge of Four Seasons, PortoCima, Four Seasons Realty, Four Seasons Homes and Spa Shiki, which islocated at The Lodge.

Golf at The Lodge of Four SeasonsOver the past several decades, the Lodge of Four Seasons has

played a significant role in establishing the Lake of the Ozarks as amajor golf destination.

The CoveThe Cove, The Lodge's signature course, was designed by the leg-

endary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This 18-hole, par-71 championshipcourse challenges guests with its rolling greens, 65 bunkers, and oursignature hole #4. Panoramic views of the scenic hills complement thisgolfing experience. Golfers will also enjoy a large new pro shop, aclubhouse and grill.

The RidgeKen Kavanaugh's design, The Ridge, is one of the finest champi-

onship courses in the Ozarks and has been ranked by Golf Digest as a 4-The Brown Family

Harold Koplar, founder of The Lodge of Four Seasons and Robert Trent Jones Sr.,architect who designed The Cove Signature golf course, discuss details of the layout.



Hole #3 on The Cove Golf Course

Green #5 on The Ridge Golf Course

The Lodge of Four Seasons located on more than 3,500 acres.

“What we are offering from anamenities standpoint is far beyondwhat anyone else offers.”

Alan R. D’Zurilla Director of Sales and Marketing

star course for "Places to Play." Manygolfers refer to the18-hole course's alti-tude drops and generous landing areas as"player-friendly."

Golfers on this par-72 course enjoyrolling hills, native wildflowers, and beau-tiful views of the Lake. The Ridgeincludes a 4,000 square-foot clubhouse,featuring a large pro shop and grill.

Porto CimaWhile the Club at Porto Cima is a

private Jack Nicklaus SignatureCourse, tee times are available exclu-sively to The Lodge guests. The courseis located immediately across the Lakeof the Ozarks Community Bridge onthe Shawnee Bend peninsula of theLake of the Ozarks.

It is the only 18-hole, waterfront JackNicklaus Signature Course in Missouri,

and Golf Digest has recognized The Clubas the # 4 ‘best new private golf course’in America. Individual, family or corpo-rate memberships to this private courseare available. Visit www.PortoCima.com

Premium rental equipment and com-plete food and beverage service are avail-able at all of the courses. Golf reserva-tions can be made by calling centralreservations at 888-265-5500 or visitingonline at www.4seasonsresort.com

Perfect Getaway For Any Time of Year Being on the water is one thing the

whole family can agree on, and TheLodge of Four Seasons has the lake’slargest full-service marina. After you’vehad your fill of life on the lake, visit anyone of the four swimming pools, includ-ing an indoor/outdoor pool.

Accommodations at The Lodge of

Four Seasons are world-class. There are350 rooms to choose from, including theupgraded executive floor, where you’llreceive VIP service.

The lodge is perfect for business tripsas well. It has 21 meeting rooms, 65,000square feet of meeting space, a theater thatcan hold 240 people, and a banquet capaci-ty that can accommodate 1,300 guests.

The Residences At The LodgeIn an area dense with hospitality

options, like the Lake of the Ozarks, it isimportant to stand out from the pack.The Residences at The Lodge - Aviladoes just that by offering a lavish resortaccommodations experience with high-end amenities.

“What we are offering from anamenities standpoint is far beyond whatanyone else offers,” says Alan R.


The Residences at The Lodge

A full furnished kitchen at The Residences

Luxury Living at The Residences

Luxurious furnishing with a balcony and view


Recognized by Spa Magazine asone of the top 10 resort spas inthe Midwest, The Lodge of

Four Seasons’ Japanese-themed SpaShiki draws upon Far Eastern philoso-phies of health and wellness.

With more than 15,000 square feetand 15 treatment rooms, plus men’sand women’s locker rooms with steamrooms and infrared saunas, a co-ed saltpurified whirlpool, salon and fitnesscenter, Spa Shiki provides a completeescape to round out a golf getaway atthe Lake of the Ozarks. Outdoors, theresort’s Japanese garden and Koi pondoverlook the expansive lake, comple-menting the spa.

Beyond the world-class facility, SpaShiki prides itself on providing excep-tional treatments by some of the mosthighly trained therapists in the indus-try. Bringing in nationally and world-renown educators, Spa Shiki providesadvanced post-graduate level trainingfor its therapists, estheticians and tech-nicians. Training through such leadersas the American Spa Therapy andEducation Certification Council(ASTECC) ensures that Spa Shiki stayson both the leading edge of spa thera-py and incorporates established spamethodologies that have been proventhrough centuries of healing.

Signature treatments at Spa Shikiinclude Spa Shiki’s Signature Swedish

Massage that follows a specific routineutilizing the five strokes of Swedishmassage and the Japanese CleansingRitual, which provides a multi-faceteddeep relaxation experience.

The Golfer’s Delight Massage isdesigned specifically for a golfer’s con-cerns, concentrating on the neck, backand shoulders to relieve discomfort andworking on the low back and hamstringsto improve balance and flexibility.

Travel + Leisure Golf recognizedSpa Shiki one of the top two spas inthe Midwest, and the spa has also beenseen on NBC’s Today Show, in SpaMagazine, Midwest Living and more.Visit www.spashiki.com

Say Aaaaah! At Spa Shiki


D’Zurilla, Director of Sales andMarketing. “With three golf courses,including the onsite Robert Trent Jones,Sr. Signature championship Covecourse, the Ken Kavanaugh designedRidge course, and The Club at PortoCima, the Jack Nicklaus designed 18-hole course, there are plenty of placesto play at The Lodge.

Also featured is an on site cinema,the award-winning Spa Shiki, three out-door pools and an indoor/outdoor pool.A variety of dining options, including theresort’s signature restaurant HK’s, casualdining at Breezes, Soleils, Parrot Bar &Grill and two golf course grills, com-bined with the nightlife at the MistLounge and the Lobby Bar.

Kids can be entertained at theAdventure Club, a supervised child-carefacility on the premises. And, there is afull service marina, with boat rental slipsfor owners and guests,”added D’Zurilla.

Guests can relax and enjoy Avilaaccommodations from a two-bedroomsand two baths on a one-bedroom onebath, all come fully furnished.Accommodations can include a fullkitchen with dark wood cabinetry, gran-ite countertops and black appliances.Bathrooms include granite vanities andlarge walk-in showers. A flat screen TVprovides entertainment in every room.

With its myriad entertainmentoptions and award-winning restaurantsand lounges, its no wonder The Lodge ofFour Seasons is one of the top destina-tions at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Lodge of Four Seasons can bereached at 888-265-5500 or on the webat www.4seasonsresort.com

Spa Director, Ann Brown

Relax in the whirlpool at Spa Shiki


Want to Advertise? Join Our eMail List?Call (800) 940-7816 or visit us at www.golfvacationsmag.com

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“The Best of the West”Announced in Tandemwith 25th Anniversary

LA QUINTA, Calif. – It’s a golf lover’s dream come true: mas-tering the 18 most memorable holes – all designed by golf greatsGreg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye – at one of the country’spremier golf resorts.

Over the years, luminaries ranging from Lee Trevino andArnold Palmer to Phil Mickelson and David Duval have testedtheir mettle at La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST – oneof the top golf destinations in the West. To commemorate the25th anniversary of PGA WEST – a spectacular master-plannedcountry club community on 2,200 acres – La Quinta Resort &Club and PGA WEST have culled the “Top 18 Holes” from fiveiconic resort courses: the Pete Dye-designed Mountain andDunes courses at La Quinta Resort & Club and the GregNorman, Jack Nicklaus Tournament and Pete Dye TPC Stadiumcourses at PGA WEST.

La Quinta Resort and PGA WEST invite golfers to put their tal-ents to the test on all five courses, and then tackle what has beendubbed “the sixth resort course,” which is a combination of the best18 holes determined by PGA WEST pros. Some of the holes werechosen for their beauty, others for playability and fun, and some fortheir difficult challenges.

The “Top 18” has a flow that allows players to test all of theirgolfing skills, and it’s a course to be enjoyed by all who love thegame – from high handicappers to professionals. Further celebrat-ing PGA WEST’s 25 years of excellence, the player with the topscore earns a well-deserved prize for achieving what is truly agolfer’s tour de force.

Below, Mike Kelly, executive director of PGA WEST, describesthe course highlights, as well as the “Top 18” selected from thedesigns of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman at La QuintaResort & Club and PGA WEST:

FRONT NINE: Par 36Black Tees: 3,456 yardsWhite Tees: 3,212 yards

Red (Gold) Tees: 2,802 yards

Dunes Course at La Quinta Resort designed by Pete Dye. Utilizing a bump-and-run style that bringsan international bent to La Quinta, this par-72 course offers a tradi-tional rolling-links-style golf course with Scottish and Irish flair,characterized by contrasting manicured fairways and thick penaliz-ing rough. Top holes:

HOLE 1 - Dunes 14 (par 4) 377 / 354 / 278 (HCP) – 5Positioning off the tee to a yardage that will not allow too much spinon the next shot to the green is key here. Too much backspin, andthe ball is in the front bunker 20 feet below the green.

HOLE 2 - Dunes 17 (par 4) 420 / 414 / 369 HCP – 1Once voted the most difficult in California by PGA Professionals,this crescent-shaped hole has Pete Dye’s name written all over it.Aggressive players may do well, or lay back and take a bogey five asa good score.

HOLE 3 - Dunes 6 (par 3) 191 / 173 / 106 HCP – 13An island green surrounded by bunkers requires a middle of thegreen approach when deciding on the club of choice.

PGA WEST and La Quinta Resor“Top 18 Holes Y

Dunes Course


and La Quinta Resort & Club8 Holes You Can Play” by LarryFeldman

Mountain Course at La Quinta Resortdesigned by Pete Dye. Famed for its unique Pete Dye design,playability and stunning visuals, this ultra-challenging course fea-tures pot bunkers and rock formations, as well as incredible eleva-tions of tee boxes and well-bunkered greens. Top holes:

HOLE 4 - Mountain 9 (par 4) 433 / 361 / 352 HCP – 3Getting to the green is the easy part. This green challenges all play-ers as they make the turn to one of the finest back nines on the plan-et.

HOLE 5 - Mountain 14 (par 4) 389 / 377 / 310 HCP – 7Strike a tee shot toward the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains to laythe groundwork for an approach shot over the desertscape onto araised green.

HOLE 6 - Mountain 15 (par 5) 517 / 502 / 464 HCP – 11Playing along the base of the mountains, stay tight to the base andgo for this par 5 in two. The green stays snug up against the baseand will not be in full view.

HOLE 7 - Mountain 16 (par 3) 161 / 157 / 89 HCP – 17As the cart climbs the mountain to the tees, take in the ruggedbeauty of the desert as well as a glimpse of the Salton Sea. Strike atee shot that will appear to be suspended above the desert. The ballwill eventually land – hopefully on the green at the base.

Greg Norman Course at PGA WEST®Known for its spectacular desert terrain and limited turf, this target-style course spans 68 acres of turf and features native desert plantsand grasses, colorful pockets of wildflowers and nine lakes. Thenewest course at PGA WEST and the only Greg Norman-designedgolf course in the Coachella Valley, the course is situated 40 feetbelow sea level and features 102 white crushed marble bunkers,offering a truly "Outback" experience.

HOLE 8 - Norman 15 (par 4) 431 / 383 / 358 HCP – 9Bunkers will challenge players at every step of this hole. Place theball in a fairway bunker and getting to the green in regulation willnot be an option. Straight beats long on this hole every day.

HOLE 9 - Norman 16 (par 5) 537 / 491 / 476 HCP – 15A beautiful desert hole with the mountains as a backdropallows players to enjoy an outback experience on this chal-lenging par five.

BACK NINE: Par 36Black Tees: 3,557 yardsWhite Tees: 2,952 yards

Red (Gold) Tees: 2,731 yards

HOLE 10 - Norman 11 (par 4) 337 / 272 / 262 HCP – 14A hole doesn’t have to be long to be challenging. This drivable par4 tempts players to go for it, as the scattered bunkers short of thegreen make it just as difficult to lay up.

Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA WEST®This par-72 course combines dramatic backdrops with a chal-lenging Jack Nicklaus design that features a premium on drivingaccuracy and ability to work the ball left and right for small butreceptive greens.

Mountain Course Hole #15

Nicklaus Tournament Course


HOLE 11 - Tournament 5 (par 4) 364 / 299 / 288 HCP – 10Play to the right fairway for a wide but shallow green to hit to. Playto the left fairway for a long but narrow green to approach. Whichis optimal? Jack says play to the right side.

HOLE 12 - Tournament 8 (par 3) 172 / 132 / 125 HCP – 18This peninsula of a green allows players to over club to avoid thewater. Take advantage of Jack’s kindness on this one.

HOLE 13 - Tournament 15 (par 5) 572 / 472 / 462 HCP – 12Staying left off the tee will allow the second shot to play away fromthe lake. The third shot to the island green needs to be a pin seek-er – as this is an exceptionally difficult green, especially with anoverly long putt.

HOLE 14 - Tournament 18 (par 4) 453 / 403 / 388 HCP – 4This is a tester. A Nicklaus fade will be needed to get one close asthe green climbs up from left to right.

TPC® Stadium Course at PGA WEST® This par-72 Pete Dye-designed jewel is a "must play" for those seek-ing the ultimate golf challenge. Its mystique is derived from uniqueundulations, cavernous bunkers and peninsula and island par 3s.Tournament highlights include Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf,Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the Skins Game.

HOLE 15 - Stadium 9 (par 4) 452 / 382 /313 HCP – 6 Bomb it off the tee as this green is well-protected and difficult tohold with a long iron or hybrid. A four here will feel like a birdie.

Greg Norman Hole #11

TPC Stadium Hole #17


HOLE 16 - Stadium 16 (par 5) 600 / 474 / 463 HCP – 8Time to accept Pete Dye’s version of risk vs. reward. Get greedy andgo for this green in two and earn a chance at eagle. If you place yourball left or long of the green, you’re into the side bunker known as“San Andreas Fault” and where you must utilize an incrediblyskilled bunker shot to get out.

HOLE 17 - Stadium 17 (par 3) 168 / 131 / 112 HCP – 16Welcome to “Alcatraz.” Home to Lee Trevino’s “Hole in One” – oneof the most famous shots in golf history – which gave him the “SkinsGame” victory over Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Raymond Floyd.He left with a “one” on his scorecard, but any player should behappy with three.

HOLE 18 - Stadium 18 (par 4) 439 / 387 / 318 HCP – 2Careers are made or lost on this hole. As a site for the PGA TourQualifying final stage, this is as demanding as it gets when hopes anddreams hinge on a single golf hole. The tee shot will determine suc-cess with a well-protected fairway on both sides. Many of the tours’greats conquered this beast, using it as their springboard onto the tour.

Black Tee Total: 7,013 yardsWhite Tee Total: 6,164 yards

Red (Gold) Tee Total: 5,533 yards

La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST® is a world-renowned desert destination featuring 796 elegantlyappointed casitas, suites and villas; the 23,000-square-foot Spa LaQuinta® with 41 pools and 53 hot spas; 23 tennis courts; and excep-tional cuisine at Morgan’s in the desert, TWENTY6 and AdobeGrill. Known as The Western Home of Golf in America® andnamed ”North America’s Golf Resort of the Year,” it is home to fiveaward-winning golf courses and four private courses – designed bylegends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman andTom Weiskopf. Golf instruction is offered at the Jim McLean GolfSchool. The resort is a member of Hilton Worldwide’s WaldorfAstoria Hotels & Resorts. For more information, call 760-564-411,or visit www.laquintaresort.com

La Quinta Resort & Club


RESORTREPORT


Starr Pass TucsonElite Desert/Mountain Experience Designed for the Pr


TUCSON, Ariz. – Few golfers who walk the sixth hole on the Coyote nine

at Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club know it, but they're following a legendary

trail on this 351-yard par 4.

Most first-time players are pleasantly surprised that Starr Pass Tucson is so

much in the mountains, Director of Golf Todd Howard said.

Richard Starr crafted a stagecoach line through the rugged wilderness of

the Tucson Mountains more than 120 years ago. He faced gigantic saguaros,

dry washes, rocky expanses, nasty rattlesnakes and stifling summer heat as he

carved a trail to the Old Pueblo - a settlement now called Tucson.

Today, that striking path traces the signature hole at Starr Pass Tucson Golf

Club, a 27-hole, championship layout. No. 6 presents a tight-squeeze tee

shot, blinded by a large rock pile, through the middle of two weathered,

desert mountains.

If you remain in play, an approach shot awaits over a deep bunker in front

of the green, sloped from back to front and left to right.

Needless to say, when the Northern Telecom Open, also known as the Tucson

Open and by many other names, was staged here in the 1980s and '90s, the

sixth hole on the Coyote nine served as a favorite viewing spot for the patrons.

Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club: A History of Challenging Golf

Former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman, inspired by the natural

beauty and rugged terrain, selected Starr Pass as a tour site when he saw the

land for the first time. Bob Cupp and Craig Stadler designed the golf course

as a Tournament Players Club (TPC) facility in 1986.

The tour players struggled here on the Coyote and Rattler nines. But a

youngster from Arizona State named Phil Mickelson won the tournament as an

amateur in 1991 and provided the secret to taming Starr Pass: Hit a lot of fair-

ways, a lot of greens and make a lot of putts.

Mickelson did; many others did not.

So the Tucson Open moved on without Starr Pass. In 2004, the course was

mitigated, returning as an Arnold Palmer Signature golf facility.

By David R. HOLLAND TUCSON, ARIZONA


Golf Club offers an erience Designed for the Pros

GOL F VA C AT IO N S • AP R I L 2011 29

RESORTREPORT (continued)


STARR PASS TUCSON GOLF CLUB


"The greens were a lot smaller and undulating, and the

bunkers were very deep," said Todd Howard, director of

golf at Starr Pass. "So those features were softened with

larger, less contoured greens and more shallow bunkers.

There wasn't a lot done tee to greens, except making the

elevation changes a little less dramatic."

Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club: Today's Course

"Most first-time players are pleasantly surprised that the

course is so much in the mountains," Howard said. "They

think it is going to be desert flat, but it is far from that."

In addition to the Coyote (3,512 yards, par 36) and

Rattler (3,490 yards, par 36) nine, Starr Pass includes the

Roadrunner (3,217 yards, par 35).

When the pro tournament visited annually from 1987

to 1996, Rattler's third and fifth holes rated as two of the

most difficult on the PGA Tour, with the average score for

18 holes also among the highest on tour.

Rattler's No. 3, a 485-yard par 5, sounds short. But it's

a risk-reward hole, according to Howard.

"It you bomb your tee shot, you can go for the green in two,"

he said, "but that will mean a second shot over a wash. The

green is somewhat elevated, and the flag is protected by large

bunker in front and the wash. But it is a flatter green that most."

Howard's favorite, the 510-yard, par-5 No. 5 on

Rattler, requires a good, long tee shot to reach the

green in two. Or you can lay up to an elevated

plateau of fairway and throw an approach to a green

sloped back to front.

Above the hole, Howard said, expect a very quick putt.

Coyote's aforementioned sixth is the signature hole.

"It is a risk-reward hole, because of the blind tee shot,"

Howard said. "Some players try to drive it over the huge

rocks, and others play conservatively. The green slopes

left to right and seems narrow, so it is kind of an optical

illusion and hard to get the exact yardage.

"Putting toward Tucson doesn't look that downhill,

but it will fool you."

Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club: The Verdict

Realize from the first tee, with its sweeping view of

downtown Tucson, that this golf course was built as a TPC

- meaning it was laid out to challenge the best players in

the world.

But if you can purge your mind of its difficulty and

focus on the beauty of the rock-strewn mountains, you'll

enjoy a fun day at Starr Pass.

Starr Pass also offers teaching facilities and practice

areas with putting and chipping greens and a double-

loaded driving range.

Where to Stay: The JW Marriott Starr Pass

The views of the craggy mountains are vast from each

of the resort's 575 guestrooms and 35 suites that feature

a private patio or balcony.

Swimming? One can drift along the Starr Canyon

River, shoot down the Monsoon Falls Water Slide, lounge

by the reflection pools and play in the dancing springs.

To dine, I headed north of the University of Arizona on

Campbell Street for two distinctive restaurants: Acacia at

St. Phillips for eclectic, new Latin and Pacific Rim food and

Pastiche Modern Eatery for American-based cuisine with

influences worldwide and creative pastries and desserts.


The hosting of The Open Championship at Royal St George’s onthe Kent coast in July will highlight the abundance of premierlinks courses that can be found elsewhere in the south of England

over the next six months.With The Open Championship so often staged in Scotland – it

returns to St Andrews every five years for example – and North WestEngland, some of southern England’s oldest and most beguiling linksrarely fall under the golfing spotlight during the only major champi-onship staged in this country.

England’s Atlantic Links in the south west of England is howeverhoping to benefit from Open attention and attract more visitors thissummer as golf fans extend their trip to Royal St George’s with somelinks golf of their own.

Visitors will not be disappointed if they make their way toEngland’s Atlantic Links which comprises the five premier links golfcourses in the region; Burnham & Berrow in Somerset, Royal NorthDevon and Saunton in Devon, and St Enodoc and Trevose inCornwall.

This tantalizing trail of ancient links golf, set amid the wild andunadulterated landscape of north Atlantic coastline, offers some of themost challenging and exciting links golf in the country.

Nick Faldo, arguably England’s greatest golfer, once said of theSaunton links, "I've no doubt that if the East Course were located on

the coast of Lancashire or Kent it would have hosted an OpenChampionship by now". Praise indeed from Faldo who has been afan of Saunton since playing there as a boy. No wonder then thatSaunton’s East Course was awarded 21st spot in Golf World’s “Top100 Golf Courses in the UK” in 2010.

The other four clubs also have great pedigree and three have alsohosted a number of top amateur championships over the years.

The 2009 Tillman Trophy was staged at Burnham & Berrow whilstlater this year will host the R&A Boys Championship and TheBrabazon Trophy - for the fifth time – and in doing so enter golfinghistory in 2011 by becoming the first course to hold both champi-onships in the same year.

Trevose staged the 2008 Brabazon Trophy, the English Men’sOpen Amateur Stroke Play Championship, whilst St Enodoc’s ChurchCourse hosted the 2002 English Ladies Amateur Championship 2002and the 2005 English Counties Championship.

Royal North Devon meanwhile is England’s oldest links courseand a must for anyone interested in the history of golf. The course, stillon its original site, is like taking a step back in time to see how golfwas played a hundred years ago whilst the memorabilia and historyfound in the clubhouse is rivalled only by that found in the Royal &Ancient clubhouse in St Andrews.

Together these legendary, award-winning championship courses

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AROYAL ST. GEORGE WILL HIGHLIGHT

SOUTHERN ENGLAND’S PREMIER LINKS COURSES

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AROYAL ST. GEORGE WILL HIGHLIGHT

SOUTHERN ENGLAND’S PREMIER LINKS COURSESby Tom


MPIONSHIP AT GE WILL HIGHLIGHT PREMIER LINKS COURSES

have firmly established themselves as one of the most prestigious linksdestinations in the UK.

“The staging of The Open Championship in southern England forthe first time since 2003 is a great opportunity for England’s AtlanticLinks to grab a share of the attention of the golf world in 2011,” com-ments Mark Evans, Secretary of Royal North Devon.

“Like Royal St George’s, our courses offer golfers the chance to expe-rience traditional, championship links golf at its best. What’s more, ourgreen fees average out at around £70 per round which is excellent valuein light of the quality of the courses.”

In addition, England’s Atlantic Links’ courses boast the combinedappeal of history, tradition and variety which is complemented bynumerous off-course activities along the Atlantic coastline.

England’s South West is simply bursting with attractions includingpretty coastal towns like Ilfracombe in North Devon, bustling markettowns such as Wadebridge and Barnstaple and charming fishing vil-lages like Port Isaac, Rock and Padstow along the north Cornish coastwhilst historic towns like Weston-super-Mare and Bath, near Burnham& Berrow in Somerset, are ideal destinations to round off a golfingadventure.

The region’s rich culture features the inimitable Barbara HepworthMuseum and Tate St Ives, displaying the very best in modern andlocal art, the renown Eden Project and fascinating Lost Gardens of

Heligan whilst outdoor activities such as surfing around Newquayand walking and horse riding in Exmoor National Park are as goodas anywhere in the British Isles.

The gastronomic delights of the South West are not to be missedeither, from the exceptional Padstow seafood restaurants of famouslocal chef Rick Stein and a variety of other Michelin-starred restau-rants, to real English ale and authentic pub grub in an abundance oftraditional country pubs.

The temperate micro climate allows year-round golf with the gen-tler winter conditions enabling the greenkeepers to maintain theircourses in immaculate condition throughout the changing seasons.

Meanwhile the overall standard of accommodation in the SouthWest has risen dramatically in recent years and there are now a hostof comfortable, character hotels like Woodlands Country HouseHotel, beautifully restored stately homes such as the Bath Spa Hotel,modern seaside hotels such as Saunton Sands and the St Moritz Hotel& Spa and delightful, friendly bed-and-breakfasts.

In terms of travel, the nearby M5 motorway and A39 “AtlanticHighway”, and international airports at Birmingham, Bristol, Exeterand Newquay, ensure easy accessibility for all visitors.

For further information on England’s Atlantic Links, visitwww.atlantic-links.co.uk

MPIONSHIP AT GE WILL HIGHLIGHT PREMIER LINKS COURSES

18th Hole at Saunton’s East Course in DevonomLaMarre

VIENNA, VA – “Around the World in 80 Rounds” -- thehumorous travelogue chronicling David Wood’s year-longodyssey from the world’s southernmost to northernmost golf

courses (Ushuaia, Argentina to Tromso, Norway) – has just beenreleased in paperback through Amazon.com’s publishing company.

Originally released in hardback by St. Martin’s Press in 2008, thebook covers Wood’s hilarious journey as trains, planes, ferries,camels and elephants haul him and hisbeloved golf clubs to courses in 26 coun-tries and more than 60,000 miles.

The work has been called “laugh outloud funny” by CBS golf analyst BobbyClampett and “highly entertaining” byPublisher’s Weekly. “Wood’s debutscores a solid eagle,” says KirkusReviews. The audio version (narrated byWood) was produced by BrillianceAudio.

“Along the way, I suffered ghastlyfood poisoning in India and Egypt;weathered severe altitude sickness whencrossing the Andes; encountered bloodycivil wars in Bolivia and Nepal; accident-ly met Argentina’s notorious dictatorCarlos Menem; and was arrested byarmed guards and deported in Ukraine,”

says Wood. “It wasn’t exactly a golf weekend in Myrtle Beach.”A former comedian with several appearances on “Late Night

with David Letterman,” Wood now holds a public relations positionwith Buffalo Communications – the global golf-lifestyle PR, brand-

ing and marketing-communications firm. Hemainly works with international resort clients,including Mission Hills China, Celtic Manor

(Wales) and Pristine Bay (Roatan,Honduras).

“David Wood’s worldly experiencesand media contacts help BuffaloCommunications effectively relate toour international clients,” says RichKatz, Managing Director of BuffaloCommunications. “This allows ouragency to consistently position clients ‘inthe news’ to benefit their brand equityand sales.”

For interview requests and photo-graphs contact Jamie Brooks at703.891.3510 or [email protected].

“Around the World in 80 Rounds” isavailable in hardback, paperback andaudio on Amazon.com.

SWEETSTUFF


SWEETSTUFF


To develop the concept for their newest golf ball, TaylorMadeGolf spent a lot of time on tour asking questions. What doplayers like about the ball the play? What do they dislike?

The answers to all of the questions inspired them to create theirnewest ball, Penta TP. This golf ball took three years to develop astheir R&D team carefully experimented with different mantlematerials, compositions and thicknesses until the ideal combinationwas defined.

Extensive computer modeling, prototype creation, robot testingand player testing went into creating what they believe is the finestall-around performing golf ball of its kind, a ball that delivers out-standing performance on every key type of shot a golfer has to hitwhile also delivering tremendously soft and responsive feel offeverything from driver to putter.

Obviously the biggest newsabout the TaylorMade Penta TPgolf ball is that it is the first tourball constructed of five solid lay-ers. The five layers of Penta TPinclude the core, inner mantle,middle mantle, outer mantle andcover.

Layer 1 - CoverThe soft Urethane Cover pro-

motes a higher than average spin-rate on the all-important partialwedge shots required in the scor-ing zone, within 100 yards of theflag. These are the types of shotswhere many current tour balls failto deliver the goods because theylaunch too high and don’t spinenough. Instead, most tour pros want a ball that launches lowerand spins enough to stop fast after one or two bounces, whichgives them maximum control over these types of shots. Penta TP’ssoft, durable Urethane Cover has the necessary characteristics todeliver that coveted combination of lower launch angle and high-er spin-rate, while also providing soft tour feel.

Layer 2 - Outer MantleThe firm and fast Outer Mantle promotes optimum spin off the

short-irons to stop the ball quick without sucking it off the front ofthe green or drawing it back too far from the hole. The OuterMantle is the fastest mantle in the ball; because it’s positioned justbeneath the cover it’s easily compressed by slower swingers (ballspeeds 120 mph and below), helping them to generate higher ballspeed for increased distance.

Layer 3 - Middle MantleThe semi-firm and fast Middle Mantle, which surrounds the

Inner Mantle promotes mid-launch and mid-spin off the middleirons. Mid-launch promotes control; mid-spin keeps the ball fromup-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target. The Middle

mantle consists of a fast material, allowing medium-slow swingers(who average from 120 to 140 mph in ball speed) to generate moreball speed and distance, as they will compress only the two outer-most mantles underneath the cover.

Layer 4 - Inner MantleThe soft, fast Inner Mantle, which surrounds the core, pro-

motes soft feel, high launch and low spin off the long-irons forexceptional distance and high, soft-landing flight that helps the ballsit quickly on the green. Because the Inner Mantle consists of a fastmaterial, it helps players who average from 140 to 160 mph in ballspeed to generate more ball speed and distance, because althoughthey don’t swing fast enough to activate the core, they are able toactivate the three layers between the core and cover including theinner mantle, which is the deepest of the three.

Layer 5 - CoreThe extremely soft, low-compression core is the most critical

layer to promoting high launch and low spin off the driver, whichare well known to be the launch conditions that promote maximumcarry and distance. Despite being soft and low-compression, PentaTP’s Core is still very fast, which allows players who generate fastball speed — in the 140 to 180 mph range — to generate more ballspeed, which means that long-hitters who play a tour ball will like-ly be longer with Penta TP.

OverallThe total ball. TaylorMade has taken the best attributes of the

previous series of golf balls and wrapped them all into the Penta TP.Tour validation has already been apparent as many of the top play-ers on Tour have put these in their bags. In the end, the Penta TPwas able to answer our questions and we give the highest ofmarks…every bit as good as Titleist, if not better.

For more information on all the products that TaylorMade Golfhas out, check out their website at www.tmag.com

by Larry Feldman

CLUBCLOSEUP

WALDORF ASTORIA GOLF CLUBStanding sentinel on New York City’s Park Avenue for

over a century, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is the epit-ome of elegance and grace. The renowned art deco

building possesses an Old World charm. Once you enterthe grand lobby and leave the hustle and bustle ofManhattan behind, you know you’re somewhere special . .. somewhere that has stood the test of time. That’s exactlythe feeling found while playing golf at the venerable hotel’snamesake in Orlando – the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club.

Most golf courses of a recent vintage have that “newcar smell” – the fairways look like they just grew in, thegreens are hard as rock and about as receptive as a brickwall. Not so with the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. TheRees Jones design seems to have been hiding in the wet-lands for eternity and all Mr. Jones had to do was fashionthe routing. The Scots have a saying that a course needsto be walked on 10,000 times before it ages properly.Although, this new eighteen in the heart of Disneyopened in 2010, it already seems as aged as fine wine.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised as Rees Jones isa master of the art of golf course architecture. "Thecourse is different than any in Orlando, because it hasan old, classic look," says Jones. The bunkers, in fact,were formed tobe reminiscent ofhazards designedat courses a cen-tury ago. Theyframe the coursemagnificently.

Jones earnedthe title "U.S.Open Doctor" forhis reconstructionof such classic ven-ues as TorreyPines South,Bethpage Blackand CongressionalCountry Club.

And whileWaldorf AstoriaGolf Club doesn't

have the history yet to host a major event, it’s strictly amatter of time.

That’s how good the course is.

Perhaps, what’s best about the course is the welldeserved moniker of being a “shot-makers” layout. Withsmallish, elevated putting surfaces reminiscent ofScotland’s Highland masterpiece Dornoch, a soundshort-game is crucial. Hole after hole requires chips andlobs and run-ups needing the finesse of a cat burglar.

As one would expect with a course built on wetlands,watery graves abound. Eight holes feature water in playoff the tee with another eight having the drink makingprecision approaches paramount. Luckily, most of thewater on the shot in is behind the sloped putting surfaces.Another intriguing aspect here is the holes bear thenames of iconic features of New York’s Waldorf Astoria,central Florida attributes or a Rees Jones connection.

Standout holes include the stout 624-yard 12thnamed “Conrad” after Conrad Hilton. In 1932, 17 yearsbefore the famous hotelier would buy the WaldorfAstoria, the prescient Hilton wrote on a picture of the


landmark building as “the greatest of them all.” “Conrad” seems toplay about 700 yards as you’re hitting directly into the prevailingbreeze. Jones has protected par quite handsomely on this brute,which seems a par 6 in par 5 clothing, at least for amateurs.Nonetheless, it’s a fun hole.

As a counterbalance after all that length, the 13th is a devilishdelight as the back tees are but 322 yards from the well-protect-ed green. With water down the entire left flank, hitting driverisn’t for the meek. More comfort may be found with the coward’sroute. Named “Sir Harry” after the famous lobby bar found atboth the Waldorf Astoria New York and here in Orlando, a pow-erful liberation might be just the ticket to provide the mettleneeded to pull out driver off the tee.

Probably the hardest hole is the monster 482-yard 17th coined“The Presidential” in honor of the first “Presidential Suite” everat the original Waldorf Astoria. This august, penultimate par 4requires two on the screws for any opportunity of sniffing the greenin regulation. The finisher is a reachable par 5, but water lurkseverywhere so be forewarned. Pleasantly named “Starlight” afterthe noted rooftop lounge in New York, the 18th green also serves asthe launching pad for ceremonial fireworks marking special occa-sions. The layout here at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is superlative.

Well done, Mr. Jones.

Though the course is smack dab inthe middle of Disney, you’d never knowfrom the serene ambience. The coursehas hospitality down to a tee as onewould anticipate with its pedigree. Withvalet parking and a clubhouse featuringall the creature comforts golfers expectthese days, the golf experience to behad comes highly recommended. Withstay-and-play packages available withthe nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando –you and your family can have the timeof your life. The Waldorf Astoria GolfClub lives up to its name.

The “Unlimited Golf Package”starts at $349 per night and includesunlimited golf each night of stay, spa-cious guestroom featuring views ofBonnet Creek or Disney, choice of oneking or double queen beds and $20Resort Credit (per person).

The “Performance Golf Package” features “test driving”the newest technology with rentals from Taylor Made andAdidas, 18 holes of golf and choice of one king or doublequeen beds with views of Bonnet Creek or Disney. Pricesbegin at $389 per night.

Now Playing -- The Waldorf Astoria Golf Academy at theWaldorf Astoria Golf Club, led by prominent golf figure BrianMogg as director of instruction, recently opened its doors. The newOrlando golf academy will assist local, national and internationalgolfers of all skill levels and ages in improving their game, using thepopular Waldorf Astoria Golf Club as a “classroom.”

The academy will offer private individual instruction for juniorand adult players, with a comprehensive half-day, single-day andtwo-day golf school program. It will also offer corporate outings andclinics for groups attending conferences in Orlando, including theadjacent convention center at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Half,Full and Two-Day schools are available.

For more information on golf packages and tee times visitwww.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/golf or call 407-597-3783.

by JDLATORRE

Old World Elegance And Charm


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Golf Vacations Magazine April 2011