Tag: resort

Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

I have to be honest – My expectations were not very high for my visit to Rumbling Bald late last year. It’s not because the resort doesn’t measure up to some lofty personal standard, but because my visit came the week before Thanksgiving when the entire area is in holiday mode and most of the tourists are gone. This time of year the town of Lake Lure is as quiet and uncrowded as it is all year. The water level of this man-made lake was down about 5 feet from normal so they could perform annual maintenance of the almost 100 year old hydroelectric dam and everyone was getting ready for Thanksgiving, but that didn’t take away from my experience at all. In fact, I benefitted from the lack of crowds and the feeling that I had the whole place to myself!

The town of Lake Lure has a full time population of only 1100 people, but in the summer season, that number swells to over 12,000. I found the timing of my visit in mid-November to be fortuitous, because the weather was pretty good and there were no crowds at the resort’s golf courses or traffic on the twisty mountain roads that surround the area. This was important to me because I drove up to the Blue Ridge Mountains in my sports car with every intention of tossing it around on the legendary driving roads of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

When it comes to the northern shores of Lake Lure however, all roads lead to Rumbling Bald. Sitting on over 3000 acres of land on the northern edges of the lake, the resort has a little something for everyone, but family vacations are where this place shines. The 720 acres of Lake Lure are available to resort guests for all kinds of activities including boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming at the resort’s beach. If the weather turns bad, the wellness center’s indoor pool will keep the kids busy while mom and dad enjoy a spa treatment or take a fitness class.

When the weather breaks, head outside again and take a stroll on one of the hiking trails that surround the area. There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Rumbling Bald also offers lighted hard surface courts to play tennis, pickleball, basketball and more. There’s a .9 mile fitness trail that starts just outside the wellness center, and of course the 36 holes are golf are just steps away or a short drive down the road.

Speaking of golf – That’s where Rumbling Bald really shines. Of course I would say that, because I’m a golfer, but I believe most golfers will agree with me that this place delivers. The Bald Mountain Golf Course, located across the parking lot from the guest check-in and restaurant, is a unique layout with five par-5s and five par-3s. Designed by W.B. Lewis, the course measures only about 6300 yards from the back tees, but this is mountain golf, so throw out the yardage book. You’ll have to play shots here to score. Interesting Fact: The 16th hole was a shooting location for the movie “Dirty Dancing.”

The second course at Rumbling Bald is the Dan Maples designed Apple Valley Golf Course. Stretching to almost 6800 yards, this course has a great mix of holes that weave up and down the valley, with one of its defining features being that about three-quarters of all the shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, which is pretty hard to do when designing a course in the mountains. Most of the elevation changes on this course takes place on the back nine, where you descend into a valley and cross a pond that is fed by mountain streams, both of which will come into play a few times on your way back up to the clubhouse. Apple Valley is infinitely playable and a lot of fun, especially on a beautiful sunny, crisp November afternoon like I had. I was fortunate enough to be playing with the club champion, so I had someone showing me how you are SUPPOSED to play it as opposed to the way I was navigating the course. The playing conditions at Apple Valley, like the Bald Mountain course, were impeccable, even in this “shoulder” season as they call it.

There is a lot to do in the mountains of North Carolina. There is a seemingly endless list of resorts, attractions, destinations, parks and quaint little towns to visit, and planning out your trip can be a bit overwhelming. In my opinion, Lake Lure and Rumbling Bald make a perfect home base to explore this amazing area. It’s close to major city centers like Asheville, Spartanburg, Greenville, Charlotte and Atlanta and serviced by several major interstate highways I-40 and I-26. Lake Lure is a great place to disconnect because it’s remote enough to feel like you left civilization behind, but still within reach of all the big box stores and services you need. My first visit to Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure was a relaxing off-season getaway, but I suspect it won’t be my last.

For more information about Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure visit https://rumblingbald.com/ and https://www.townoflakelure.com/

March 16, 2022
Swing into Spring at These Southeastern Golf Destinations
While the blooming dogwoods and azaleas of the Southeastern U.S. and the 2021 Masters are behind us, the golf season is just getting started. And oh, what a season it is shaping up to be.

Golf participation surged in 2020 as avid golfers played even more golf, new players were introduced to (and stuck with) the game, and an influx of juniors has the future of the game looking brighter than ever. And if 2020 was the year for playing golf around town, 2021 is looking like the year to grab the clubs and hit the road.

Fortunately, this golf-rich region serves up some of the best golf destinations the country has to offer. Here’s a sampling of top shelf resorts from the land of BBQ, bourbon and college football.

Florida

Innisbrook Golf Resort –Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is a favorite among PGA TOUR pros, and it’s also one of the most difficult on the circuit. This highly amenitized resort west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico houses four courses along with a variety of rooms, suites and vacation rentals.

PGA National Resort and Spa – Palm Beach County is a hotbed of golf, and it doesn’t get any hotter than PGA National Resort and Spa, home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic. Five courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed Champ, await golfers willing to test their mettle against this tournament tested venue.

PGA Golf Club – The flagship public property of the PGA of America, PGA Golf Club is a 54-hole golf panacea with a world-class practice range, short game area and short course. Catch a bite to eat in the Taplow Pub and stay a few nights in the adjacent Perfect Drive Villas or neighboring Hilton Garden Inn.

Streamsong Resort – One of Florida’s newest golf resorts got even newer with the opening of its Gil Hanse-designed Black Course in 2018. The resort’s Red and Blue courses have also quickly moved atop the national rankings, and the Streamsong Lodge is the perfect place to kick back and relax, post round.
- Streamsong Red
Georgia

Callaway Resort and Gardens – Golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind at this famous water-skiing stronghold, but the 18-hole Lake View and Mountain View Courses are a couple underrated gems. Golfers can chose from the AAA Four Diamond Lodge, cottages or villa accommodations.

Reynolds Lake Oconee – Reynolds Lake Oconee is to Georgia as Pinehurst Resort is to North Carolina. That is to say, a seemingly endless supply of golf in the form of six highly-ranked layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Bob Cupp and Jim Engh. Lodging ranges from cozy cottages to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Lake Oconee.

Sea Island Resort – While Georgia is better known as the home of The Masters, the RSM Classic at Sea Island Resort is a PGA TOUR player favorite. So much so, several pros make their home at this golf haven on Atlantic. The Seaside Course is a Tom Fazio redesign perched hard on the Atlantic, the Plantation Course was recently renovated by natives Davis and Mark Love, who also recast the Retreat Course in 2001.
North Carolina

Grandover Resort – Golfers need only veer off I-85 in Greensboro to access this 36-hole collection designed by Gary Panks. A full-service onsite hotel offers all the accoutrements, from casual and fine dining to a spa and fitness center.

Pinehurst Resort – Nine 18-hole courses, including the famed No. 2, frequent U.S. Open host course, make Pinehurst Resort the largest golf resort in the U.S. Golfers also love The Cradle, a nine-hole short course designed by Gil Hanse, and Thistle Dhu, a 75,000 square-foot putting course. Golfers can choose from three hotels, including the recently renovated Manor Inn, just a short walk to the new Pinehurst Brewing Co.

Rumbling Bald – Spring in Western North Carolina means mountain golf and Rumbling Bald along scenic Lake Lure obliges with two 18-hole tracks, Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, designed by W.B. Lewis and Dan Maples. Spacious vacation rentals are available for stay-and-plays, and the lake offers endless off-course activities.
South Carolina

Cherokee Valley Course and Club – Upstate South Carolina’s premier golf destination, Cherokee Valley is home to a P.B. Dye mountain-style layout, on-site cottages and a brand-new casual dining restaurant, Core 450. Get game ready at one of South Carolina’s most expansive practice facilities.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – For golfers who want to play where the pros play this year, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course is hosting the 2021 PGA Championship in May. If Pete Dye’s diabolic oceanside layout it too tough to tackle, four other 18-hole courses adorn this majestic barrier island near Charleston. Catch a good night’s rest at the Sanctuary at Kiawah, a AAA Five Diamond hotel.

Myrtle Beach – While it’s not a resort, per se, the Grand Strand one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. Accommodation options are limitless, and lineup cards can be filled with vaunted venues like Tidewater Golf Club, Grande Dunes Resort Course, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head is known as “Golf Island,” and the three brawny layouts at Palmetto Dunes are a big reason for that moniker. The Robert Trent Jones features one of the island’s only oceanfront holes, and the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses round out the bill. Golf groups love the popular “Birdies and Beer Getaway” and the resort’s comfy vacation rentals.

Sea Pines Resort – Settled along Hilton Head Island’s south end, The Sea Pines Resort is home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament and famed Harbor Town Golf Links. Two other championship caliber tracks reside inside the gates, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. The Inn and Club at Harbor Town is just a pitching wedge from the clubhouse and the famed Yacht Basin is a short jaunt away.
- Sea Pines – Harbor Town Golf Links
May 5, 2021
Mountain Golf Escape: Rumbling Bald Resort on North Carolina’s Lake Lure

There’s always been a certain magical quality to mountain golf. In the Carolinas, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston and the Brunswick Islands have more than their fair share of outstanding layouts. And the central Piedmont of both states surprises with some real hidden gems.

But there’s something special about packing up the car full of golf gear and heading into the North Carolina’s stunning section of Blue Ridge Mountains. Maybe it’s the cooler weather in the late spring and summer. In the fall, it is all about the colorful foliage and playing golf in a sweater or fleece pullover.

For most golfers, though, the connection is more visceral than the weather. Mountain golf is a way to escape the pace and stress of today’s hurry-up, always-on lifestyle. Rumbling Bald Resort on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure is all about offering golfers a refuge from the daily grind.

“We want golfers to get here, unplug, play 18 or 36 holes and shed the stress of the hurry-up, always-on lifestyle we lead,” says Jeff Geisler, General Manager at Rumbling Bald Resort. “Post round, they can relax over a hearty meal and a cold beverage, then retreat to the deck of their vacation rental with cigar or night cap.”

The Golf Courses

Adam Bowles, Head of Golf Operations at Rumbling Bald, is quick to point out that the resort’s two mountain courses, Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, offer decidedly different, yet complementary, experiences.

Bowles says the key to playing Bald Mountain is understanding the effects of uphill and downhills slopes. Longtime Laurel of Asheville golf writer Chuck Werle once said Bald Mountain designer W.B. Lewis was “part man, part mountain goat.”

“Bald Mountain is what most golfers would refer to as a classic mountain course,” says Bowles. “The back nine especially offers a mix of uphill and downhill holes that require adjustments in club selection, trajectory and spin.”

One case in point being the par-4 11 hole. The uphill approach shot is the most extreme on the course and can easily call for an extra club or two, depending on the wind speed and direction. It’s the 383-yard par-4 10^th hole preceding 11 that is one of Bowles favorite on the layout, however.

An elevated tee shot offers harrowing glimpse of a creek on the left and a thick row of trees on the right that appears to extend all the way into the fairway. The approach shot is to an elevated green with the putting surface completely hidden from sight. Most golfers under-club, says Bowles, leaving a chip shot into a slanted green.

A manageable 6,300 yards from the back tees, Bald Mountain is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16^th green, the backdrop of a scene from the famed 1987 rom-con “Dirty Dancing” staring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.

Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. The course was designed by North Carolina-based architect Dan Maples, whose father Ellis was a prolific golf course designer and accomplished superintendent who apprenticed under Donald Ross.

Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard for a mountain course. Glistening mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

“You get the best of both worlds on Apple Valley and that’s what keeps golfers coming back and new golfers coming in for the first time,” says Golf Operations Manager Adam Bowles.

Bowles is particularly fond of Apple Valley’s finishing stretch, capped by the 564-yard par-5 18^th. A true three-shotter, a pond runs along the right side of the fairway starting about 300 yards out, extending past the green. The second shot needs to be long enough to setup a short approach to a green guarded by bunkers on both sides.

Bald Mountain GC

Bald Mountain #17

Apple Valley #7

The Lodging Lineup

The resort’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios feature both golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining on shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball and hiking trails. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or call (828) 694.3072.

Getting There

Rumbling Bald Resort is an hour east of Asheville and 1.5 hours north of the Greenville-Spartanburg metro area in Upstate South Carolina. Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and other metro areas in the southeast are under a half day’s drive. Long a popular summer destination for Floridians, Rumbling Bald is just a six-hour drive from Jacksonville and eight-hour ride from Orlando.

Golfers can expect high temps in the 70s and 80s in May, and the mid to high 80s June through August. Its Blue Ridge Mountain location means lower humidity and cooler nights than most the Southeastern U.S. in the summer.

May 5, 2020
Golf Groups, Buddy Trips Find a Home at Pinehurst Resort’s Reimagined Manor Inn

There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations at Pinehurst Resort. The famed Carolina Hotel with its sweeping verandas, regal white exterior and signature copper roof, exudes the very essence and spirit of Pinehurst.

The charming, intimate Holly Inn located in the heart of the Village is Pinehurst’s oldest hotel, having opened in 1895. It’s wildly popular with returning guests who relish a taste of vintage Pinehurst, as well as cocktail in the Tavern and four course dinner at the 1895 Grille.

And now, Pinehurst Resort’s Manor Inn has been reborn as a haven for golf groups and buddy trips. Fitting, considering the 43-room hotel on the corner of Magnolia and Community Roads was a favorite of a young Arnold Palmer when he visited the “Cradle of American Golf” during his salad days.

The King was always the life of the party during his days on the PGA Tour and would no doubt approve of the Manor Inn’s new look and esprit de corps positioning. One can almost envision him holding court in the Inn’s Library or embroiled in a poker game in the cozy Club Room.

First opened in 1923 and acquired in 1990 by the resort, golfers like Palmer and his father Deacon have gravitated toward Manor Inn’s relaxed vibe, cozy enclaves and off-the-beaten-path location a short walk from The Carolina Hotel and resort hub.

Now, that gravitational pull is even stronger, buoyed by a spacious, communal lobby, larger king and double queen rooms with hardwood floors and two finely appointed hospitality suites that accommodate groups up to 20 (available for the entire length of stay).

The centerpiece of lobby is the North & South Bar. Featuring a vast selection of fine whiskey and craft beers from Pinehurst Brewing Co. next door, the bar is adorned with vintage advertising and photos paying homage to the historic North & South Amateur Championship, played at Pinehurst since 1901.

The bar’s signature element is the dramatic ceiling, with an illustration of the original routing of Donald Ross’ first four courses at Pinehurst.

And it’s not just what’s inside the renovated Manor Inn that will astound guests. A new patio outside the North & South Bar features three firepits, seating for 20 and a soothing water feature (a full day of golf can be a strenuous endeavor).

Sipping a single malt Scotch or fresh IPA on the patio, the view is slightly downhill to Pinehurst Brewing Co., below. Opened in 2018, “PBC” quickly emerged as the Village of Pinehurst’s most popular gathering spot. Housed in the old steam plant building, it serves up award-winning brews, barbeque smoked onsite and handcrafted pizza.

The lone original component to the Manor following the renovation is its fabled exterior structure of the unique Kellastone, a special stucco-style building material that was new to the era and known for its permanence.

“Our intention was to improve upon and modernize the guest experience while still preserving the Manor’s unique charm,” said Bob Dedman, Jr., Pinehurst Resort’s chief executive offer. “I think we’ve accomplished that in fine fashion. Our mantra is simple: always Pinehurst, but always better.”

For Pinehurst Resort, “better” has included an astonishing run over the past decade, bookended by the restoration of its famed No. 2 course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2011, and renovation of No. 4 by Gil Hanse in 2018.

Pinehurst No 4 – 11th hole

Also, during this historic span, the resort opened the country’s most talked about short course, The Cradle, acquired nearby National Golf Club and rebranded it as No. 9 and expanded its 18-hole putting course (Thistle Dhu).

Golfers now have more dining options than ever before, with the aforementioned PBC (owned by the resort) and addition of The Deuce, a full-service bar and grill in the clubhouse overlooking the 18^th green of No. 2.

The resort’s Donald Ross Golf Package is an excellent option for experiencing the Manor Inn and a sampling of Pinehurst’s championship golf lineup. It includes a two-night stay, three rounds of golf, overflowing breakfast buffet and dinner, daily.

For more information or to check rates and availability, visit www.pinehurst.com.

March 10, 2020
Bandon Dunes Resort – Travel Tips
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has been a bucket list golf destination since the day it opened, and I found out for myself last summer what makes it a special place. After spending a week in Bandon in July 2018, I can’t say enough good things about the golf, accommodations, hospitality and the overall experience. Bandon Dunes truly is THE links golf mecca in the United States.

My only complaint was that it was so remote and hard to get to, but that’s just part of the experience. The most dramatic landscapes for golf often are in very remote areas. Developer Mike Keiser was warned about that, but he thought if the golf courses and overall experience were good enough that people wouldn’t care how remote the place is, and he was right.

It has been one year since I walked the fairways of Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Old Macdonald, Bandon Trails and Bandon Preserve with my good buddies John, Tony & Bill. I still think about that trip on a weekly basis and look forward to returning someday. Since many people have yet to discover Bandon Dunes, and because it is such a unique experience, here are some tips to help plan your trip and get the most out of your visit!

Bandon Dunes Travel Tips
- Read Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes, by Stephen Goodwin which describes the process by which developer Mike Keiser found the land and proceeded to transform it into the most dramatic seaside golf resort in America. It’s a great read that will only help build anticipation for your trip. Plus, once you are there it’s awesome to be able to finally see in person what you read about in the book!
- It pays to be prepared. Golf is walking only at Bandon Dunes, so if you are not in top physical shape you should prepare several months in advance by walking four or five miles a few times a week to get your feet and legs ready for the firm ground and rolling terrain.
- To expand on the last thought – Bring a comfortable pair of shoes, some good socks, and some blister ointment and pads! I walked over 45 miles in 5 days. Take care of your feet!
- The logistics of getting there can be a challenge. For our trip, we flew into Portland (PDX) and drove down in a rental car. It’s 256 miles and took about 4.5 hours. The more expensive but far more convenient option is to fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH) in North Bend which is serviced by United Airlines. From there it’s a much shorter 25-mile drive that takes about 35 minutes.
- If I could do it again, I would have planned to spend more than 5 days in Bandon. Our plan was to get in, play 36 holes a day for 5 days, and get out. In retrospect, I would have loved a few off days to rest my feet and explore the town of Bandon or just relax at the clubhouse and soak in the views.
- To the point above – Arrive early and spend your first afternoon playing the 13-Hole Par 3 Preserve Course, followed by some time after dinner on the massive Punch Bowl putting green. It’ll prepare you for the links experience and help you get used to the greens.
- Speaking of the Preserve, play the 13th hole with a putter only. It’s an unwritten tradition. The hole plays abut 100 yards, straight downhill. Check out our video of the hole here.
- Expanding on the “putter from 100 yards” concept – You need to embrace the ground game at Bandon. Don’t just reach for the 60-degree wedge around the greens. Many times using a putter or chipping with a 7-iron will be more successful. Use your imagination! Take these two shots for example…
- Get Mamma’s Meatloaf in McKee’s Tavern. It’s all about comfort food at Bandon, and if you are walking 36 a day you’ll need the carbs!
- Take advantage of the replay rates to play 36 holes a day for maximum value. Your second round of the day is half price!
- If you plan to play each course more than once, which is recommended, schedule your tee times to play each course both in the morning and in the afternoon. The conditions are often completely different! (wind)
July 15, 2019
Destination: Bandon Dunes – By The Numbers

A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of spending 5 days walking the fairways of the greatest golf resort in North America with some good friends and fellow golf media types. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is located in southwest Oregon along the Pacific Ocean, about 250 miles south of Portland and 500 miles north San Francisco. It’s quite remote, but that’s all part of the Bandon experience.

We’ll be talking about this American golf mecca much more in the coming weeks, but for now, let’s have some fun with some of the numbers from my recent trip:

Bandon Dunes – By The Numbers

Miles Flown: 10,308 (Orlando to Portland, Portland to Minneapolis, Minneapolis to Orlando)

Courses Played: 5 – Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, Bandon Preserve (Par 3 course), Pacific Dunes & Old Macdonald. Each course has its own unique character and feel, and they are all among the best layouts in the country.

Rounds Played: 6 – We were scheduled to play 36 a day, plus 18 on the first and last day of our trip, but my blister issues forced me to sit out a couple of rounds. In fact, we all decided to skip the Saturday morning round to sleep in a bit and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the main lodge.

Total Shots Hit: About 450 – To be honest, I didn’t keep score most of the time. I had a good idea of where I stood relative to par, but there’s something about walking some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see on a golf course that makes people stop caring about their score.

Golf Balls Lost: 7 – Not bad considering the myriad ways to lose golf balls at Bandon Dunes.

Miles Driven: Just over 550 – Our rental car was a sweet fully loaded Volvo XC90.

Footsteps Taken: Just under 108,000 – Thanks to the orthotic insoles I bought, my plantar fasciitis didn’t act up too much.

Miles Walked: 45.5 – I haven’t walked that much since my early twenties when I spent many a weekend backpacking in the mountains of New Hampshire.

Pictures Taken: 124 – As a group, the four of us took over 1400 photos. I was shooting on my iPhone so I didn’t take as many as the others and instead decided to focus on quality over quantity. I would like to purchase a good quality point-and-shoot camera that uses the RAW format and can shoot HD video for future trips.

Longest Drive: 391 yards – 7th hole, Pacific Dunes. Yes, it was downwind! I crushed it with the new Cobra F8+ driver, and with the help of a strong tailwind it rolled out to the end of the fairway on the 464-yard par 4. I was left with just a lob wedge to the green.

Shortest Drive: About 188 Yards – 7th Hole, Old Macdonald Course into a 40 mph wind. I smoked it too, but Mother Nature doesn’t play games.

Longest Putt: 103 Yards – Tee shot to 12 feet on the Par Three 13th hole of the Bandon Preserve Course. This downhill par-3 was designed to be playable on the ground, and it’s sort of an unwritten rule that you are supposed to play the hole with a putter. Mission accomplished.

Strongest Wind Speed: 40 mph – We played Old MacDonald in the biggest winds of the week. The starter said it had been the windiest day of the summer so far, as evidenced by that 188-yard drive on the 7th hole!

Average Wind Speed: 22-28 mph – The wind always blows at Bandon, especially in the afternoon. The ability to hit a knockdown shot or “stinger” is critical if you want to score well at Bandon Dunes. Playing early in the morning helps, but it’s only a matter of time before the wind starts blowing.

Number of Holes: 85 – There are actually 94 holes if you count Shorty’s, the par 3 course attached to the practice facility.

Number of Bunkers: Too many to count! Several bunkers are so severe that they even have stairs to enter and exit.

Grandma’s Meatloaf Eaten: 2 – Don’t look for health foods here. Bandon is a meat & potatoes kind of place where weary golfers load up on carbs and protein in order to summon the energy to walk 36 holes a day.

Number of Times I Said Wow: At least a dozen times – Every course offers unforgettable views and scenic vistas.

Number of Blisters Treated: 1 – I was lucky. It’s almost unavoidable when walking this much. Take care of your feet!

Driver Shafts Broken: 1 – The bad news is it was the fantastic TPT Golf 15 LKP-MT-SW shaft that’s in my gamer Ping G400 driver. The good news is, I brought a pretty darn good backup driver – The Cobra King F8+

Pairs of Shoes Worn: 2 – I started on the first day wearing my new Puma Ignite PWRADAPT leather shoes. They look really sharp and have a good blend of style, traction, and comfort. For the rest of the trip, I switched to my FootJoy Superlites XP because they seemed to fit a bit better with the bulky orthotic insoles I had to wear.

Memories Made: Countless. Bandon Dunes is a special place, and spending a week there is a privilege I’ll not soon forget. Returning to Florida after five days of spectacular links golf on the shores of southwest Oregon is a big letdown for sure, but I’ll have great memories of time spent with good buddies playing the game the way it was meant to be played. Maybe someday I’ll get to return and make some new memories, and maybe I’ll finally figure out how to hit that hybrid-chip shot from around the greens.

July 26, 2018
Destination: Morocco – Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
Just an hour from Casablanca and 20 minutes from the historic 16th century Portuguese port of El Jadida lies over 600 acres of paradise that remains largely undiscovered by golf tourists. The paradise I’m referring to is Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. This $370 million oasis opened in 2009 and sits on a seven kilometer stretch of white sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.

Accolades

Mazagan has won numerous awards for hospitality, including being voted Morocco’s leading spa resort, Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence, Golf Resort of the Year by the IAGTO and Africa’s leading casino resort by the World Travel Awards. French daily magazine “La Tribune” ranked Mazagan Beach as the 9th most beautiful beach in the world.

The Culinary Experience

Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Mazagan features plenty of dining options, with over a dozen restaurants serving up culinary delights from Morocco & Northern Africa, France, Italy, India & Asia along with seafood, sushi, pizza and much more. There’s something for everyone at Mazagan, from fine dining to casual buffet lines. Be sure not to miss dinner at Morjana, the resort’s traditional Moroccan restaurant and oriental lounge. It’s not only about the amazing food here, but the experience as a whole. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a succulent harira soup, tajine and couscous while being seduced by the intoxicating gyrations of a beautiful belly dancer.

Fitness & Spa Services

No proper resort would be complete without a place to unwind and relax, and the Spa at Mazagan is a great place to start. With 19 treatment rooms and a 1000 square foot authentic Moroccan hammam made from marble, the spa has enough space to accommodate everyone for massages, beauty treatments, intensive facials and more.

Attached to the Spa is the Mazagan fitness center which also has Pilates, Kinesis machines and free weights area. Personal trainers are available and can be booked for private sessions including Pilates, Cardio, Resistance training and yoga.

Casino & Nightlife

If nightlife is what you are after, you’ll want to check out the Alias Nightclub and Morocco’s largest casino. The Mazagan Casino features over 450 slot machines and 44 gaming tables and is open 23 hours. Guests can enjoy all the usual table games including roulette, blackjack, poker and punto banco – also known as Baccarat. The high-rollers in your group can also book a private room to enjoy blowing the mortgage and their kids’ college fund in a more private setting.

What About Golf?

Of course, the highlight of the resort for golfers is the Gary Player designed golf course that sits on three kilometers of rolling terrain along the Atlantic Ocean. The 18 hole par 72 layout measures 7530 yards from the tips (6885 meters) and is one of the longest in Morocco. The fairways are huge and undulating with dramatic elevation changes as you navigate over and between the oceanfront dunes. The environmentally friendly Platinum Paspalum grass that was used requires less irrigation and is more tolerant to the salty seaside environment than other grasses.

Mr. Player’s design encourages you to “grip it and rip it” off the tee, but you’ll have to be precise with your approach shots if you want to make birdie. Wayward shots will be punished severely and funneled towards deep greenside bunkers and swales. Hit it way offline and you may end up in the native Ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) that grows all over the place and is virtually impossible to hit from, assuming you even find your ball.

Explore the Region!

Just minutes away from Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is the port town of El Jadida. A UNESCO World Heritige site, the town was once called Mazagan, hence the origins of the resort’s name. It’s worth a trip to visit El Jadida’s medina – the ancient fortified town enclosed by walls that houses homes, historic buildings and the colorful souks, or markets that Morocco is famous for.

Morocco’s largest city and chief port is Casablanca. Considered the economic and business center of Morocco, it is about an hour away from Mazagan. Since you’ll most likely be coming and going through Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, you should plan some time to visit the city’s many sites, including the Hassan II Mosque – The largest in North Africa and 3rd largest in the world. The old medina is always a popular spot for tourists, as are the shopping places in Casablanca.

The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Berber, but most people also speak French, as it is used in governmental institutions, media, mid-to-large companies and taught in school. Spanish and English are also pretty common, especially in resort areas. Click here for more information.

Getting There

Morocco isn’t as far as you might think. In fact, direct flights from most cities in continental Europe take less than 4 hours and flights from New York City take less than 8. As mentioned before, Mohammed V International Airport serves as the major hub for international travel to and from Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. Flights arrive almost daily from New York, London, Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt and more. For American visitors, Royal Air Maroc offers direct flights from JFK on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and that means you can go from airport to laying by the pool in less than 9 hours. Free shuttle buses are available to transport guests to and from the resort throughout the day.

Another bonus to traveling to Morocco is the exchange rate with US dollars and the Euro. Both are traded with the Moroccan Diram about roughly 10 to 1, making a stay at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort more affordable than you think and a great value compared to many golf resorts in the US or Europe.

Parting Thoughts

Because tourism will play a large part in growing Morocco’s economy in the coming years, I can only see the experience getting better and better for foreign visitors. Nevertheless, travelers to any foreign country should always check with their consulate for any travel alerts and exercise common sense. Read up on the customs and laws before you leave. Morocco is a safe and pleasant place to visit, but visitors are always advised to travel in groups and only use reputable travel agencies and tour operators.

I spent a week in Morocco and visited Casablanca, Marrakesh, El Jadida and the capital of Rabat. At no point during the week did I ever feel uneasy or unsafe. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. The infrastructure is modern and reliable. The roads and highways are smooth and efficient, and the only time I lost a cell phone signal was in the most remote areas of the country. My purchase of a $2 Maroc Telecom SIM card for my iPhone even granted me unlimited access to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, without a data plan! Try that in the US or Europe.

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort: By The Numbers
- 370 – Million US dollars invested in the construction of the resort and amenities
- 250 – Hectares, or about 600 acres is the total land area of the resort
- 7 – Km of beach front access on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean
- 5 – Stars, as in how the resort is rated
- 500 – Rooms and suites available for guests
- 67 – Private villas available for purchase on the property. Hurry, they’re going fast!
- 2000 – Number of people employed at least part-time by the resort
- 463 – Slot machines on the casino floor to win a big jackpot
- 44 – Gaming tables in the casino, including roulette, poker, blackjack and more
- 23 – Hours casino is open per day. They have to clean it some time!
- 2000 – Square meters of meeting space for conferences and company meetings
- 9 – Mazagan has the 9th most beautiful beach in the world according to “La Tribune”
- 90 – Km (56 miles) from Casablanca, or about 1:15 from the airport
- 18 – Splendid holes of Gary Player championship golf
- 7530 – Yards, from the tips. Bring your “A” game!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkNRstsqBA
June 7, 2017
Hilton Head Island’s Golf Gems

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III Hole #15 – Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort / Rob Tipton

All eyes were on “Golf Island” in April as the PGA TOUR came to Hilton Head. The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing – a Lowcountry tradition and South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event – was played on the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort on April 13 – 16.

Both on and off-island layouts are experiencing some of the best course conditions in years. Coupled with temperatures in the 70s and more direct flights than ever into Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport, spring is the perfect time to visit Golf Island. Keep reading to learn about some of the golf gems in Hilton Head and the surrounding area.

On-Island Gems

Harbour Town Golf Links, designed by the legendary Pete Dye, is a favorite venue among TOUR players, and anchors a stable of championship-caliber tracks across Hilton Head Island. Here’s a sampling of some of the destination’s most challenging and player-friendly layouts appealing to a wide swath of players.

Hole #4 Heron Point – Photo courtesy of The Sea Pines Resort / Rob Tipton

Also designed by Dye, Heron Point was named South Carolina’s 2015 Golf Course of the Year. Dye supervised recent enhancements including softening green surrounds and contours, enlarging several putting surfaces and adding numerous ornamental landscape beds. Additionally, the putting surfaces were transitioned to Tif-Eagle Bermuda.

Opened in October 2016, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a complete reconstruction of the historic Ocean Course, Hilton Head Island’s first course. The new layout features entirely rebuilt holes with modern shot values and scenic corridors. The pronounced seaside ambience and Lowcountry feel is accented by coquina shells and seaside grass.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort also showcases a trio of tournament-tier golf courses, designed by three legendary architects: Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills. Switch things up by renting a Golf Bike instead of a cart for your round.

The Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes sports one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. It is widely renowned for its open, inviting layout and challenging yet fair play. It is the most open of the three and breezes roll off the Atlantic Ocean to constantly affect play. Ranked one of Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses” for 2017, the Jones Course appeals to novices and experienced players alike.

Hilton Head Island’s only public par-70 design, the George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes has just two par 5s, both offering a good opportunities to score. The layout balances open, tree-lined fairways on the front nine with tighter and more severe routing on the back nine. With new, state-of-the-art Diamond Zoysia greens, the Fazio Course delivers a peak golf experience.

Palmetto Dunes – Arthur Hills #16

Measuring 6,651 yards from the tips, the Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes places a premium on accuracy and precision rather than distance. With an extensive network of lagoons winding through 10 different holes, continuous lines of dunes and thick stands of palmettos, the Hills Course seamlessly integrates the area’s natural beauty into its challenging design.

Off-Island Gems

Just over the bridge from Hilton Head Island, Old South Golf Links showcases the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. At this local favorite, golfers play beneath towering live oaks and alongside the Intracoastal marshes of Mackays Creek. Three holes end at picturesque island-like greens. Water and wetland pose a threat on all but three holes. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Top 10 New Public Courses” of 1992, Old South remains one of the area’s finest layouts 25 years later.

The Pete Dye Signature Golf Course at Hampton Hall is a classic links style with wide fairways and landing areas, unobstructed green approaches and a safe route on every hole. Playing at 7,503 yards from the tips, length is an important factor. Nestled within a private golf community, the course does allow limited outside play. Golfers may call the pro shop up to one week in advance to schedule a tee time.

Day Tripper

Less than an hour north of Hilton Head Island, visitors can combine American military history with a round of golf. Situated within Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, The Legends Golf Course at Parris Island features beautiful marsh views and a challenging – and unique – golf experience. Originally designed by Fred Findley and George Cobb in the 1940s, the par-72 course was redesigned by Clyde Johnston in 2000. Last September it became the first military golf course in the world to earn the Golf Environment Organization’s certification. Parris Island has been training Marines since 1915. Before or after a round of golf, visitors can explore the depot’s many monuments, statues and memorials commemorating generations of Marines.

A designated Wildlife Sanctuary, Fripp Island’s 3000 acres of natural beauty are home to over 175 species of birds as well as raccoons, gators and an abundance of deer. Its two courses – Ocean Point and Ocean Creek – have at least one thing in common: spectacular scenery. A George Cobb design, Ocean Point boasts dramatic views of the ocean or inlet on 10 of its 18 holes. Both the front and back nine finish against a stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The other layout, Ocean Creek, was Davis Love III’s first signature course. Its magnificent panoramic views of the Great Salt marsh and freshwater lakes are ideal for viewing some of the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Sanctuary Golf Club at Cat Island is a player-friendly layout that rewards good shots. Although a selection of elevated greens appear daunting, overall the course is a fair test. Located on a 400+ acre barrier island, Sanctuary Golf Club is Lowcountry golf at its best with statuesque oak trees draped in Spanish moss and splendid views of Port Royal Sound throughout.

Grab your clubs and journey to Hilton Head Golf Island. Natural beauty, outstanding golf and a relaxing island vibe await your arrival.

April 26, 2017
Destination: Morocco

The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh – Photo by Dave Donelson

Here in the western hemisphere, Morocco is not a country that most people would have on their short list as a potential overseas vacation destination. You don’t have to have a degree political science to understand why many American tourists tend to avoid Islamic nations like Morocco. It’s unfortunate because there’s no reason for anyone to feel apprehensive about visiting.

The North African nation is a magical place with incredible history, friendly people, great weather, modern infrastructure, wonderful food and plenty of top notch golf for a price that will leave you wondering why you didn’t hear about it before.

Interesting Fact: Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize US sovereignty, in 1777.

Shopping for fresh olives in Djemaa-El-Fnaa (The Central Square) in Marrakesh

Morocco has long been a favorite destination for European vacationers. Flights from major airports like London, Paris and Frankfurt take less than four hours, and the euro trades at better than 10 to 1 with the Moroccan diram. Tourists from Canada and the United States are not as familiar with Morocco, but are starting to discover what it has to offer, especially when it comes to golf. While 60% of Morocco’s tourists visit for its culture and heritage, it is quickly establishing a reputation as a top golf destination also.

Several stops on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and the Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule take place in Morocco every year. The reformist King Mohammed VI has been very supportive of golf, and in 2010 the government launched a program called “Vision 2020” focused on the development of tourism, with the goal of doubling international visits to over 20 million annually by the year 2020.

Courtyard & pool at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in El Jadida

Morocco’s unique culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, African and European influences. Arabic and French are widely spoken, and many people speak at least basic English in the major cities. The capital is Rabat, and Casablanca is the largest city with a population of around 3.3 million people. The cultural center of Morocco may well be Marrakesh, which lies near the northern foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The city dates back to the year 1062, but Berber farmers have inhabited the area since Neolithic times which began around 10,000 BC. The old town area of Marrakesh was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and continues to thrive as a popular tourism hub.

Royal guard at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat – Photo by John Retzer

My visit was sponsored by the Moroccan National Tourist Office and our itinerary took us all around the country on a whirlwind five day tour of ancient cultural centers and modern five-star golf resorts. In fact, we played four of the country’s top five golf courses according to one list. We also stayed in large modern resorts and small boutique hotels and ate at upscale urban bistros and rustic roadside cafes to get a truly authentic experience.

In the coming days, I’ll be posting several follow-up articles chronicling our journey around the country in more detail. Stay tuned!

November 29, 2016
Streamsong Resort – Florida’s Hidden Gem

The History

Several years ago the Mosaic Company, the world’s largest combined producer of potash and phosphates, was about to reclaim 16,000 acres of land near Fort Meade, Florida that had been mined for nearly 100 years for phosphate. Instead, Mosaic CFO Richard Mack proposed building a golf resort. When Mr. Mack invited the design teams of Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (and later Tom Doak) to tour the area, they were stuck by the unique assortment of dunes, elevation changes, sand and native grasses that distinguish the property from your typical Florida landscape. It is estimated that the mining process stockpiled 15 million cubic yards of sand. The land sat untouched for over 50 years, and what nature gave back was a spectacular collection of dunes, lakes and sandy soil on which to build golf courses. Tom Doak famously said about the property: “”If you parachuted me into Streamsong, and you gave me 75 guesses as to where I’m at in the world, my 73rd guess might be somewhere in Florida.”

Streamsong Resort opened in January of 2013 to rave reviews. The Coore & Crenshaw designed Red course is ranked fourth in Florida (#18 in the US) and the Tom Doak designed Blue course is number six (#24 in the US) on Golf Digest’s Best in State Rankings. Both courses were built and opened at roughly the same time. In fact, Doak and Coore collaborated on the overall routing of both courses and even shared the design of some holes on each course, the details of which seem to be closely guarded. Because of the collaborative effort and clever routing of both courses, players can play some unique non-traditional six or twelve hole loops, including six holes on the Red and six on the Blue.

Streamsong Blue #13

The Courses

The Red course measures 7148 yards (74.2 / 130) from the longest tees and 5184 from the shortest, giving everyone a course that is challenging but fair. I found the Red course to be a little more forgiving, with shallow bunkers, fewer forced carries and greens that were flatter and featured prominent chipping and run-off areas. The Blue course stretches to 7176 yards (74.1 / 131) from the back tees and down to 5531 from the gold tees. The Blue course has larger, more undulating greens and deeper bunkers, but like the Red course, it generally offers plenty of space off the tee. The relative lack of trees and exposed elevations of both courses means that the wind is always a factor, especially when playing from, over or around any of the large dunes that dot the landscape. My first round on the Blue course in late January was negotiated in constant 30 mph winds with gusts into the 40s. The terrain tends to play hard and fast, giving golfers many options for approach shots along the ground. For example, on the 18th hole of the Blue course my playing partner Jay and I waged a “closest to the pin” contest for fun from 125 yards out in the fairway. With our putters. The contours of the hole and the shape of the green gives you the option to run the ball up along the ground, and we both managed to get the ball on the green. Many holes on both courses set up the same way.

Streamsong Red #17

These Boots Are Meant For Walking

During peak season from January 1 to April 15 Streamsong is walking only. They have an experienced roster of professional caddies available at all times. (At additional cost) During the summer months when temperatures usually hit the mid 90s, golf carts are available, but the use of a forecaddie is mandatory. This walking-only policy may turn away some visitors, but Streamsong believes walking is by far the best way to appreciate the subtleties of the golf courses while keeping the turf in excellent shape year-round. Of course those with physical disabilities are allowed to use a cart, and caddies are not required when walking but highly recommended. Most of them have lots of experience on both layouts and are of great assistance in plotting your way around the course.

Architecture

Almost as striking as the dramatic landscape is the architecture at Streamsong. The golf clubhouse is a modern looking structure designed by Alberto Alfonso. It sits between the dunes and next to a lake that golfers must carry the ball over on both courses at one time or another during the round. The building has everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Besides the pro shop and 4500 square feet of conference space, the steak and seafood restaurant Fifty-Nine and and outdoor terrace, the clubhouse also has twelve guest rooms that served as the only on-site accommodations when the resort first opened.

Streamsong Lodge

Since opening in January of 2014, the Lodge has become the center of off-course activities at Streamsong Resort. This 216 room luxury hotel sits on the shores of a pristine private lake teaming with wildlife and stocked with bass. The horseshoe shape of the building gives every room a great view of the lake, outdoor fire pits and beautiful infinity pool. AcquaPietra, the 7000 square foot subterranean grotto-style spa with seven bathing pools and and nine treatment rooms will help melt away stress and treat those aches and pains.

AcquaPietra Spa

Dining

With four top notch restaurants on site, you’ll never leave hungry. SottoTerra features traditional Italian cuisine, P2O5 serves traditional Floridian favorites like oysters, conch chowder and fried chicken, and is named after the chemical symbol for phosphate. Finally, take a short elevator trip to the rooftop grill of Fragmentary Blue to enjoy Sriracha glazed chicken skewers, buffalo pork rinds and other casual fare while having a drink and enjoy the views that go on for miles in all directions.

Off Course Activities

The virtually untouched lakes and streams surrounding Streamsong offer some of the best bass fishing in the state, and guided tours depart from the docks just a short walk away from the Lodge. For shooting sports enthusiasts there’s also a well designed Sporting Clays course led by certified instructors just a short drive away on property. For large groups, there is 18,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, but who expects to get any work done at a place like this?

What makes Streamsong Resort so unique is the location and topography. Situated just over an hour from Tampa and about 90 minutes from Orlando, it is close enough for a quick weekend trip, but the property itself is so remote and isolated that you don’t feel like you are that close to any civilization. Some people have compared Streamsong Resort to Bandon Dunes in Oregon or Cabot Links in Nova Scotia, and perhaps the comparisons are valid in terms of remoteness, but to me comparing repurposed phosphate mines in rural Florida to true seaside links land isn’t fair. Bandon and Cabot are on the coast, but Streamsong is over 40 miles from the Gulf or Mexico and the weather is much better!

The Future is Black

Where all these resorts do compare however is in the accolades they have received. In just a few years Streamsong has managed to get everyone’s attention and rank highly in many golf industry rankings. Both courses sit in the top 20 nationally in rankings from Golfweek, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and others. But if you thought Streamsong would rest on their laurels, you were wrong. 2016 Olympic course designer Gil Hanse was recently announced as the architect for a third golf course that will start construction this summer with an anticipated opening in 2017. The new Black course will have its own clubhouse and dedicated practice facility and be located a short distance away from the Red and Blue courses. The terrain for the Black course isn’t quite as dramatic as the original two, but there is no shortage of interesting land forms and vegetation to route a course through. There are also rumors about a fourth course in the future. With 16,000 acres to work with and given the stellar golf Streamsong has produced so far, perhaps the comparisons to Bandon Dunes will continue – Minus the ocean breezes and rain of course.

Fragmentary Blue Restaurant

At Streamsong Resort, the course designers proved that you don’t have to move tons of dirt and sand to make beautiful and playable golf courses. The leadership team also proved that when executed properly, a piece of seemingly useless land can be transformed into a place people really want to go. In many respects, Streamsong is a collection of contradictions. It’s remote enough that you could never find it by accident, but close enough to Tampa and Orlando for a day trip. The golf is played on foot with caddies, but valet service and complementary shuttles transport guests to and from the course. The post modern architecture of the clubhouse and lodge clash with the unkempt wilderness that surrounds them. The land that sat untouched by humans for decades now attracts people from all over the world.

Streamsong Resort is a must-visit for all golfers. The courses are among the best in the US, the accommodations and dining are excellent, the amenities are a perfect complement to the golf and the service is exceptional. Stay and play packages range from $139 to $199 per person depending on the time of year and size of your group. For more information visit http://www.streamsongresort.com/

April 28, 2015
Resort Reboot – PGA Village

There is a ton of competition out there for golf resorts in Florida. In order to separate yourself from the competition, you need to offer quality, value and a unique experience. While many resorts claim it, few can deliver. Many can offer the traveling golfer quality and a unique experience, but at a price. Many can offer great value, but the playing conditions are usually disappointing.

PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida is one of those few resorts that can deliver value without compromising on quality. Owned by the PGA of America, PGA Village is ranked as one of Golf Digest’s “75 Best Golf Resorts”. With 54 holes of golf designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye, superb playing conditions, a state of the art 35 acre practice facility and the PGA Museum of Golf, PGA Village fulfills the previously mentioned “unique experience” criteria.

I moved to Florida in 1997, just after Tom Fazio had completed the original North and South courses at PGA Village. A few years later, Pete Dye added the third course. In 2006 all three courses underwent a redesign, and the North and South courses were renamed Ryder and Wanamaker. The Ryder course is named after Samuel Ryder, who founded the Ryder Cup matches. Rodman Wanamaker organized the first group of golf professionals that led to the formation of the PGA in 1916.

Click to Zoom

Despite having lived in Florida for over 15 years, I had never been to PGA Village until this past October. I drove past it many times while heading south on I95, and this is a pattern that I came to learn was all too common for golfers. PGA Village was simply overlooked by many when searching for golf resorts in Florida. As a result, the facility suffered from declining morale and sub-standard playing conditions. Late in 2012 the PGA took a hard look at the property and decided to make some changes. A new management team was brought in, along with a new attitude, and they have turned the place around in a dramatic way.

My visit to PGA Village included rounds on the Ryder and Wanamaker courses, along with a practice session at the PGA Center for Learning and some time on the amazing SAM Putt Lab with PGA Golf Technology Specialist Mark Drenga. After breakfast with GM Jimmy Terry and Head Superintendant Dick Gray to get more familiar with the property, my buddy Dave and I went out on the Ryder course. Fazio designed this course to be generous off the tee, while still being challenging for all abilities. The greens are fast and smooth with just enough slope to keep you on your toes.

The Wanamaker course continues where the Ryder course leaves off by adding length, making the fairways a bit tighter and punishing stray shots in deeper and larger bunkers. This course is consistently ranked in the top 25 public courses in the state. It is a classic Florida layout with wetlands and vegetation coming into play more frequently than the Ryder course. Again, the playing conditions were ideal with fast, smooth rolling greens and dramatic white sand bunkers that test your courage on almost every shot.

Click to Zoom

I didn’t get to play the Pete Dye course, but I was able to ride around several holes and get a good feel for the layout. It is a classic Dye design with dramatic mounds, steep face bunkers and plenty of nasty surprises for errant shots. More of a link style course, the greens are in great shape and roll true like the other courses. As with most Pete Dye courses, don’t miss on the short side! While there is plenty of water and waste areas around the course, Dye always gives you a bail out area. If I was to recommend an order in which to play the three courses during your stay, I would go with the Ryder, Dye then Wanamaker.

In the afternoon we stopped by the 35 acre PGA Center for Learning. This amazing practice and teaching facility has a huge circular practice range with chipping and putting greens scattered all over the place, different types of practice bunkers, a three hole discovery course for new players and a staff of PGA Professionals. The learning center boasts one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the nation. They have a ForeGolf Sirgul 180 Simulator, TrackMan Launch Monitor, Sam Putt Lab, Dynamic Balance System, V1 Pro, LinxTracker and more to assist the pros. There is also a world class golf fitness and performance center and a fully stocked club fitting and repair center.

Click to Zoom

To round out the experience at PGA Village is the 8000 square foot PGA Professional Hall of Fame and PGA Museum of Golf that houses one of the most complete and diverse golf libraries in existence. Be sure to make some time on your trip to check it out. In fact, to get your trip started I would suggest everyone spend a half day at the museum and library, then head over to the practice facility and work off the rust or get a quick lesson and play the 6 hole PGA Short Course. The next two or three days can be spent playing the big courses. I believe this itinerary will give golfers more than just a resort golf experience, but some historical perspective as well and a way to easy into the trip in a more relaxing way.

Located two hours down the turnpike from Orlando and only 45 minutes from West Palm Beach, PGA Village is perfectly located for both north and south Florida golfers seeking a place to get away. There are plenty of amenities and restaurants in the area, and choices for accommodations are also diverse. Stay and play packages can be booked right on their website. With a central location, great playing conditions, wonderful facilities, courses from two legendary designers and unique attractions like the PGA Museum and Learning Center, PGA Village should be on everyone’s Florida golf resort short list.

October 30, 2013