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.
Legendary golf course designer Tom Fazio has signed his name to over 200 golf courses, and many of them are recognized on “best of” lists at state and national levels. Among his most acclaimed designs are several in the state of North Carolina, including BrightsCreek, Quail Hollow, Wade Hampton, and of course Pinehurst #8. But in the hills just outside of Hendersonville, NC and only minutes from his office is perhaps Fazio’s best design that you haven’t heard of.
Voted one of the best residential golf communities in the United States, Champion Hills Club has 730 acres nestled on the eastern edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains just eight minutes from downtown Hendersonville, 30 minutes from Asheville and about an hour from Greenville, SC. This ideal location affords members the ability to play golf year-round, while still experiencing seasonal changes in weather like frosty mornings in the fall while the colors change and warm, humid summer nights by the fire pit. The course was even rated the No. 1 year-round course in North Carolina.
His design company’s offices being less than six miles away, Tom Fazio was a natural choice to design a course on this amazing piece of property. Land that features such dramatic changes in elevation as this site does can make it very challenging to lay out a playable golf course, but making it friendly to play for all abilities, genders and age groups is even harder. After all, this is a member’s course. Fazio’s mastery of course routing resulted in a par 71 layout that doesn’t feel like mountain golf, while being in the mountains.
By using some clever routing and creating what Fazio calls “playing platforms” in the landing areas from tee to green, the course has only six holes that play uphill despite almost 350 feet of elevation change on the property. The majority of the holes play downhill, and a few of the drops are quite dramatic, such as the par three 9th hole that drops almost 125 feet from tee to green. This results in a very fair and playable course without missing out on those amazing mountain views. Fazio calls Champion Hills a “golf course in the mountains, not a mountain golf course.”
While the golf course may be the centerpiece of this community, it is far from the only thing going on at this active club. There are over 17 miles of maintained trails around the property, which helped Champion Hills get voted Best Hiking Community of the Year by Real Estate Scorecard in 2017. Champion Hills is also an active tennis club with lessons, clinics and leagues (Pickleball is coming soon), and they have a well-equipped, modern fitness center with two personal trainers and a professional staff to help you get in the best shape of your life, or just work off that big meal you ate last night.
Speaking of meals… The Mountain View Room is the highlight of the magnificent 25,000 square-foot clubhouse and Champion Hills’ main dining room, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a country club casual atmosphere. The culinary team brings creative ideas to classic recipes and are committed to approachability and service. Next door to the main dining room is the Fazio Pub, for lighter fare or to enjoy the game on TV and and a few beers after playing golf.
Champion Hills Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company. As such, full members at Champion Hills have access to Troon Privé Privileges, which gives them access to over 100 Troon private courses and amenities at Troon Privé member rates, as well as opportunities to experience 150+ resort and daily fee locations at preferred rates. Plus, all members of Troon Privé clubs receive special discounts with Avis Rental Cars, Ship Sticks, Entertainment, Marinas and more. tennis players also enjoy preferred access, rates and benefits at Cliff Drysdale Tennis clubs and resorts throughout the United States and Bermuda.
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina are among the most desirable places to raise a family or retire in the eastern United States. Among the many places to see, things to do and experiences to be had, Champion Hills Club stands out as one of the finest places to live and play in the region. Having spent a day there in the fall, I learned quickly how this residential community seems to be doing so many things right. From the immaculately conditioned golf course, to the gorgeous clubhouse and facilities, to the warm, welcoming staff and the active and diverse membership, Champion Hills Club has found a winning formula and deserves your attention.
To plan your visit and get more details about Real Estate, golf, memberships and more, visit www.championhills.com for more information.
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Greenville, South Carolina lies the Cherokee Valley Course and Club. If you want mountain views but still need to be close to town, this hidden gem of a community is ideally located to satisfy all your needs. Sitting just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville and less than an hour from Ashville, North Carolina, the Cherokee Valley Course and Club offers a relaxed environment with plenty to do.
This 450 acre development sits adjacent to North Greenville University and offers an outstanding array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fly fishing, white water rafting, boating and more. Cherokee Valley enjoys a mild four season climate which permits outdoor recreation all year long. It is this wealth of activities and climate that make the area such a popular destination for families and retirees alike.
The wonderful 6,728-yard, par 72 P.B. Dye designed golf course is the centerpiece amenity at Cherokee Valley and has everything you want in a mountain golf course – dramatic elevation changes, scenic vistas, great playing conditions, smooth fast greens and plenty of opportunities to score with a properly struck shot. Other amenities include a modern 4,000 square foot fitness center, tennis courts, outdoor pool, putting green, driving range w/ indoor golf academy and the innovative Core 450 restaurant on the top floor of the clubhouse, overlooking the 9th and 19th greens.
The golf course starts out with a forgiving downhill tee shot, but you quickly discover that this is a true test of mountain golf. The greens are smallish in size, and are often perched on ledges or plateaus with huge drops on one side or more. Things really get interesting on the 226-yard par three 6th hole, with amazing views and a more than 70 foot drop from tee to green. Another 70-plus foot drop awaits on the 387-yard par four 7th hole. My high, drawing tee shot hit the downslope and jumped forward, bouncing and rolling down the hill and ending up almost pin high. From there however, I was faced with a flop shot to a tight pin on the green that was at least 10 feet above me. Number 11 is another picturesque hole, and then you get into some devilish short holes with a blind tee shot on 13 followed by the tricky par four 14th that has a creek flowing on both sides of the fairway and in front of the green. Climbing back up the hill on the par five 16th hole leaves you with a risk-reward downhill approach shot over water to the green. You may have managed to successfully navigate your way around the first 16 holes, but don’t get too cocky, because you are left with two of the toughest holes on the course (both long par fours) to end your round.
Cherokee Valley isn’t just a great residential community and golf club, but it’s also a perfect golf getaway for a group. The club owns and maintains several spacious, well appointed Cottage homes right on the golf course. The cottages vary in size, but the one I stayed in sleeps 8+ in four large master suites, a huge great room, full kitchen and a fantastic wrap-around porch to relax on and watch the world go by. The Cottages are just a short walk from the clubhouse, restaurant and practice facilities. Honestly, I don’t think you can do much better as a destination for a 3 or 4 day stay & play package. The rates are amazingly affordable – For example, bring 8 people and everyone can stay in Cottage #1 for $600 per night + $45 per player for golf (Weekends). That’s only $120 per player, per day for golf and accommodations!
Whether you are looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, an active community to retire to or a place for your next buddy trip, Cherokee Valley Course and Club will not disappoint!
Key Mileage Figures
14 Miles to Furman University
18 Miles to Greenville, SC
20 Miles to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
The end of the golf season may be just a few months away in the Northern states & Canada, but in North & South Carolina the season is still going strong! The arrival of Autumn in the Carolinas means the hot, humid conditions typical of summer in the Southeast give way to cool nights, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to spend a week or two relaxing, playing golf and enjoying the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer before gearing up for the holiday season.
Two of the better choices for a fall golf trip in the Carolinas are Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, North Carolina and Cherokee Valley Course and Club in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. These two gems are worth a serious look any time of year, but the fall season is a particularly great time of year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s some details about the resorts, and the fall vacation packages they have to offer.
Rumbling Bald
Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all between one and five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.
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. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.
Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The property’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.
Fall Vacation Packages at Rumbling Bald
Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas. Lodging options abound, including the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee.
With a nod to the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.
The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’ lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon.
For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.
To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.
Cherokee Valley Course and Club
Cherokee Valley Course and Club is situated amid the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge region adjacent to North Greenville University. It features the region’s only P.B. Dye-designed golf course, a mountain-style gem winding through rolling hills and deep dales, sprinkled with ample stretches of gently rolling fairways and trademark Dye green complexes.
A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountain-style layout can be added for $35 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $45 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability. Golfers have a choice of playing on an exciting Finn Cycle electric scooter or the new E-Z-GO RXV golf carts equipped with high-resolution GPS screens and Bluetooth speakers. All For more information on cottage rates, configurations, availability or to book visit the course and club’s Accommodations Page.
Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes along the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites offering privacy and ample room. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed, $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room, and $1,000 for “Cottage Six,” a two-story home with four bedrooms upstairs and a king bed master suite, one bedroom with four queens, two bathrooms and a game / theater room downstairs.
Golfers enjoying a golf package at Cherokee Valley can now walk from their cottage to the course and club’s new full-service restaurant and gathering place, Core 450. Opened in May, Core 450 overlooks the ninth and 18th greens evoking memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine.
Cherokee Valley has also partnered with the historic Westin Poinsett in beautiful downtown Greenville to offer value-laden packages. Located in the heart of one of America’s most acclaimed cities, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is an easy 30-minute drive from the course. Packages include a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via our Partners Page.
2020 was a crazy year. While COVID-19 was a huge downer for the economy, it hit the tourism industry especially hard as people’s travel plans had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. But golf didn’t seem to take as much of a beating. In many places, golf was one of the more popular outdoor activities that you could safely participate in during the lockdown, thanks to the game’s built-in social distancing.
According to the National Golf Foundation, Golf rounds in June 2020 were up in every state in the continental U.S., including an increase of at least 20% in golf-rich states like Arizona (+29%), Florida (+25%), Georgia (+24%), Texas (+23%), Pennsylvania (+22%) and Ohio (+21%).
The results of this increase in golf led to a boom in golf club & accessory sales also. According to research firm Golf Datatech, sales of all categories of golf equipment set new records in July 2020. Golf equipment and accessory numbers were the highest for a single month since the company began tracking information in 1997. Sales at on and off-course retailers were $388.6 million, which easily surpassed the previous best two months (June 2007 at $368.1 million and June 2006 at $364.0 million).
Pinehurst Resort – Offseason Play in the Cradle of American Golf
I witnessed this mini boom in golf firsthand when I visited Pinehurst Resort in July 2020. Bookings at the resort were through the roof, with near 100% occupancy at the resort’s hotels and tee sheets that were booked solid at all 9 courses. With a packed house and people everywhere, I thought the resort did a really nice job with social distancing and found a good balance between safety, sanitation and hospitality. With ten courses (9 courses + The Cradle short course), three hotels, villas & condos and 10 restaurants, it’s pretty easy to spread people out, and nothing ever feels crowded except at peak meal times.
The Carolina Hotel
Pinehurst is a special place, and with some time off and nothing better to do, I decided to return and spend Thanksgiving week in the sandhills of North Carolina on a solo pilgrimage. Not only are the crowds light at this time of year, but the Village of Pinehurst and the surrounding area were in full holiday mode when I arrived, which adds to the overall experience. The resort is just a 7 hour drive from home, so I was able to avoid the rush of holiday travelers at the airport.
The weather was ideal for a holiday golf getaway, with daytime highs in the 70s and evening lows in the high 40s for perfect “sweater weather.” The area was noticeably less crowded than my first trip four months prior in July. It almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. In fact, one morning when I showed up for an early tee time on Pinehurst #4, I literally had the entire practice tee, chipping area and putting green to myself for a while. It was an a amazing sight, given how busy that same area was the first time I was there.
Pinehurst at Dawn
For several reasons I think a Thanksgiving visit to Pinehurst is very much worth considering for a family trip or solo getaway. Not only is the weather great and the crowds light, the cost is way cheaper too. For example, from November through February the rates for Pinehurst Resort’s popular Donald Ross Package drop more than 50%!
The weather cools off in the winter, but most golfers (and especially those living north of the Mason Dixon line) will not be dissuaded, with December and January highs usually in the 50s and February highs climbing into the 60s. Of course there can be big swings in highs and lows, so be sure to check the weather before packing.
Beyond Pinehurst Resort – North Carolina’s Sandhills
Pinehurst Resort may be the crown jewel and the center of attention for the region, but there are plenty of other options near by that add to the experience of golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina. My Thanksgiving trip included warm-up stops at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles, both fantastic Donald Ross designs that have tons of character and history. The best part? Tee times at both courses were only $85 – A steal if you ask me. Mid Pines is a classic Ross design that is meticulously maintained and virtually unchanged from the original 1921 design, making it an absolute blast to play. Pine Needles will soon be the first course in the nation to host four U.S. Women’s Opens and is the #4 rated course in NC by Golfweek.
Tobacco Road GC #1
Tobacco Road GC #8
Tobacco Road GC #9
Tobacco Road GC #13
Tobacco Road GC #14
Tobacco Road GC #18
30 minutes north of Pinehurst Village is a golf experience that is unlike anywhere in the world. In 1998, the late Mike Strantz crafted a masterpiece of golf design called Tobacco Road Golf Club. Challenging yet playable, this unique design can be visually overwhelming and playing it can feel a little like riding a roller coaster. It’s not long by modern standards at just over 6500 yards from the longest tees, but it’s very fair. Good shots will be rewarded, but bad shots will be severely punished. I think it must be played to really understand the mystique of the place. In my experience, you either love it or hate it, but most love it. Personally, I think Tobacco Road is in my top 5 golf courses I’ve played in the world. Rates during the winter months vary, but most are under $100 and get cheaper when booked as a package.
Conclusions
The sandhills of North Carolina are a mecca for golf in the Eastern United States, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the cradle of American golf year-round. The weather may not always be perfect, but with golf there’s never a guarantee of perfect weather, even at the peak times in spring and early summer. The biggest benefits of visiting Pinehurst in the late fall and winter are twofold – There are less people, and it’s as much as 50% cheaper. My solo trip for Thanksgiving 2020 was fantastic. I enjoyed good weather, uncrowded courses that were still in fantastic shape, equally uncrowded restaurants, and prices that made the entire experience feel like I was stealing.
Pro Tip: During your stay at Pinehurst, be sure to take advantage of the BMW Guest Drive Program that allows guests of the resort to choose any vehicle from a fleet of new BMWs for a free 3-hour test drive. I spent one very entertaining evening in the fantastic 550 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 powered BMW X5 M550i.
For our final day at Pinehurst Resort, we saved the best for last – A round on the iconic No. 2 course. The legendary 1909 Donald Ross design has hosted more big tournaments and national championships than I can even list here, including the 2014 Men’s and Women’s US Open and the 2019 US Amateur.
Our caddie for the day was a Pinehurst veteran named Marshall who has been there for close to 20 years and knows just about every inch of the course and every subtle undulation on the greens.
I think what makes the No 2. course at Pinehurst so revered is that it is playable and challenging for golfers of all abilities, provided you play from the correct set of tee markers. There is ample room off the tee for most, but many landing areas pinch in at 270-300 yards with bunkers and native areas coming into play and make hitting the fairway more challenging for the back-tee bombers. Big hitters will not be overpowering this golf course!
Finding fairways is only the first step to scoring on the No 2 course, however. Donald Ross and his famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) upside down bowl greens demand accurate approach shots. Wayward shots or mishits will catch the slopes and false edges and, in many cases be directed away from the hole and off the green into collection areas and bunkers.
Knowing where to hit your approaches is critical to good scoring in general, but especially on this course, and a good caddie is invaluable in that regard. It also helped to have a detailed green book to refer to, like the ones used by the pros on tour. In this case, I picked up one of the new green books from GolfLogix before my trip. As you can see below, the heat map for the green on the second hole is quite dramatic, with false edges on every side of the green and a plateau in the middle for hole locations. Effectively, the green is only the size of what you can see in white and green on the heat maps. The areas in yellow, orange and red are slopes that will not hold a golf ball. That convex shape is what makes the greens at Pinehurst No 2 such a challenge.
GolfLogix green maps – Pinehurst No2, second hole
On this day, the pin was located in the back right on the edge of white area, which means missing long or right was a huge no-no. As it turns out, I pulled my 9-iron approach way left into the mounds to the left of the green but (with a little luck) managed to chip in for birdie!
After our experience sitting on the patio at The Deuce watching other groups coming up 18 to finish their round on the No. 2 course, my concentration levels peaked as we reached the last hole. I didn’t want to be heckled for hitting a bad shot on the last hole! I hit a solid tee shot up the right that found its way into the native area, but I had a good lie on some firm sand and hit a nine iron that drifted left on the wind and ended up in a greenside bunker. Without much green to work with, I took my medicine and decided to play past the pin. A decent bunker shot left me with a 20 footer for par, which I missed. Fortunately, the masses on the patio didn’t roast me, as most of them probably suffered worse fates than shooting 76 from the tips on a course that has hosted six majors and a Ryder Cup. I hit the ball very well, but five 3-putt bogeys was my undoing on those treacherous greens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7kVFewwjVM
The village of Pinehurst is small and quaint, with almost everything within walking distance. The shuttle service is always ready to take you anywhere you need to go, or you can even take a bike to explore on your own. After a great day on the No. 2 course we took the shuttle back to the Carolina Hotel just up the road from the clubhouse to clean up and sit down for a steak dinner at the elegant Carolina Room downstairs and wrapped up the evening with a few drinks at the Ryder Cup Lounge.
Day 3 of our trip is in the books, and our final day will be spent off site playing the very unique and visually striking Tobacco Road Golf Club before hitting the road back south.
Our first full day at Pinehurst Resort for this trip was packed full, starting with a full, hearty breakfast an the Carolina Hotel in one of the great restaurants called the Carolina Room. The breakfast buffet includes all the usual items like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and they add some distinctly southern charm with fresh grits, griddle cakes and biscuits & gravy. The omelet bar is also fully stocked. You won’t leave the Carolina Room with an empty stomach, that’s for sure.
INSIDER TIP: Since we’re on the topic of food – I highly recommend adding the meal plan when you book your visit to Pinehurst get access to this great breakfast and a full dinner each day. Everything I ordered during my stay was fantastic, and with 6 restaurants to choose from, you really can’t go wrong.
To start the day we had a tee time lined up at The Cradle – A 9-hole short course that’s nestled in a valley behind the main clubhouse where the first holes of the #1 and #3 courses used to be. Designed by Gil Hanse who also recently redesigned the #4 course, The Cradle’s nine holes range from 56 yards up to 127 yards. Most players carry a few wedges and a putter to navigate this little gem. Even though we played it in the morning, the best time to go is after dinner.
Up at the top of the hill between the 3rd and 4th holes and along the walk between 8 and 9 sits a small teardrop trailer bar called The Acorn. It’s a very popular spot in the late afternoon when players come off one of the big courses and want to enjoy a few adult beverages while settling some bets on the short course. The atmosphere is similar to that of a low-key college block party, with music playing, drinks flowing and people navigating the fabulous par three course in various sized groups, attire and states of mind. It’s not uncommon for groups of 5 or 6 to play the course barefoot with a drink in hand. It’s all about unwinding at The Cradle.
We teed off on the No. 4 course just after lunch for a nice walk with our caddie and were fortunate to avoid any bad weather the rest of the afternoon. It had rained quite hard the previous evening, but the course drained very well. Being in the sandhills region of North Carolina has immense benefits for golf, and good irrigation and drainage is just one of them.
Unfortunately I had never played the No. 4 course prior to the renovation by Gil Hanse but from what I saw the accolades Mr. Hanse and Pinehurst Resort received for their work are well deserved. The layout of the No. 4 course caught me off guard, with dramatic elevation changes and water features I was not anticipating. The routing is quite brilliant at saving the player from having to walk up too many steep slopes, even though there are several holes that play very much down hill. The steepest slope is on the monstrous Par-4 5th hole that measures 489 yards from tha back tees. It takes a bomb off the tee to reach the top of the hill, but if you do you’re rewarded by a downslope that can add 20+ yards to your tee shot.
After a grueling test of golf from the back tees on the No. 4 course, I understand why this course (along with the No. 2) was selected as host venue for the 2019 US Amateur Championship.
Enjoying a drink at “The Deuce” behind the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2
After 9 at The Cradle and 18 on the No. 4 course, our evening started with a few drinks at The Deuce, which is the restaurant & bar located in the clubhouse right behind the 18th green of the No. 2 course. The patio is a fantastic place to sit in an old rocking chair and watch the late groups coming up the 18th hole. Later in the evening as the alcohol starts to flow more liberally, the folks on the patio are a little less reserved and have a habit of cheering or clapping for good shots, and jeering and booing the poor ones. It’s a great atmosphere, and I look forward to my own walk up the 18th hole, hoping to get cheers from the crowd.
Our final stop for the day was dinner at the famed Pinehurst Brewing Company. It’s not only the best microbrew in the sandhills, but it’s also the best smokehouse. They serve up pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and chicken smoked on site. I got the sampler to try everything, and it was fantastic. The great thing is, Pinehurst Brewing Company is also included in the meal plans as part of your package.
Day 2 was a full day, and wore us out. Time for a restful sleep to recharge, because tomorrow we take on the legendary No. 2 course!
My buddy and I left Daytona Beach, Florida this morning for the 485 mile drive to the village of Pinehurst, North Carolina for a weekend in the cradle of American golf and the amazing courses it has to offer. The drive took just over 7 hours (not including a stop for lunch) and we made it in less than a full tank of gas.
We arrived just before dinner and checked in to the Carolina Hotel, then headed straight to the main clubhouse to roll some putts around the “Thistle Dhu” Putting Course, which is simply a huge extremely sloping putting green with 18 holes to challenge you and your buddies. The tee markers are also cup holders, which comes in handy because it’s the perfect place to consume a few adult beverages, trash talk and settle some outstanding bets after a round.
After 18 holes on the putting course and a quick tour of the clubhouse and pro shop, we enjoyed dinner at the Pinehurst Brewing Company, which is a must when coming to town. The food is fantastic, the beer selection is diverse and the atmosphere is laid back. Insider Tip: Get the smoked chicken wings!
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 10th
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 16th 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 18th.
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 GCBald Mountain #17Apple 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.
While the PGA TOUR goes on a (hopefully) brief hiatus, we’re left with
enough collective time to plan our next golf trip. And if jumping on an
airplane doesn’t sound all that appealing right now, we’ve got good news: 80
percent of all South Carolina visitors arrive by car.
Even from Canada, believe it or not, travel bans notwithstanding.
That also pertains to the Palmetto State’s storied Lowcountry region,
including Hilton Head, also known as “Golf Island.” While the RBC Heritage was
cancelled along with all of April and most of May’s PGA TOUR events, Hilton
Head, Bluffton and Beaufort still await traveling golfers from points north and
south.
From exclusive private courses and high-end resorts to must-play mid-tier
daily fee layouts, the region is rife with golf options. It’s easy to unearth
the wildly popular tracks, like Harbour Town and the Robert Trent Jones Course
at Palmetto Dunes.
But dig a little deeper, call in a few favors or even pony up for a
membership to go private, and golfers will discover a hidden side of Hilton
Head golf to be fully explored and treasured.
May River Golf Club, Montage Palmetto Bluff
Located just off the island in idyllic Bluffton and originally opened in 2004, May River Golf Club has developed a reputation as of one of Jack Nicklaus’ finest designs. The Golden Bear returned in 2017 to restore the Signature layout to its first-class form.
Nicklaus’ deft delineation between formal and native
bunkers adds a unique design element architecture aficionados will appreciate. The
layout meanders around the May River and coastal wetlands of Palmetto Bluff,
and caddies educate golfers on optimal angles and club selection.
Golfers
can bed-down at the Montage Palmetto Bluff set
within 20,000 acres of Palmetto Bluff’s maritime forest and surrounded by 32
miles of riverfront. The boutique features three pools, eight restaurants, a
spa and a seemingly endless array of activities.
The Club
Course, Sea Pines Country Club
Sea Pines CountryClub’s Club Course is a pure example of Lowcountry golf course design, with its narrow, tree-lined fairways, doglegs, subtle green complexes and languid lagoons. There’s a since of intrigue on every tee box of this Arnold Palmer-designed layout as to what style of hole comes next.
A private,
invitation only club situated in Sea Pines Plantation, members are not required
to live inside the gates to join. The club sets up perfectly for those
relocating to Hilton Head or east Bluffton who want freedom of residential
choice. As the saying goes, every Hilton Head visitor is a future resident, and
every resident a future golfer.
The Club
Course, updated by Clyde Johnston in 2001, has even been referred to as “Little
Harbour Town” due to its similarities to the Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus
masterpiece just a sand wedge to the south. Apropos, given that original
architect Palmer won the inaugural RBC Heritage in 1969 and incorporated many
of Harbour Town’s design elements.
Old South Golf Links, Hole 18
Old South
Golf Links, Bluffton
Also designed by Johnston, Old South Golf Links is the only area public course playing along the Intracoastal Waterway. The front and back nine views, with McKay’s Creek and the Calibogue Sound in the distance, are among the best in the region, public and private venues considered.
The variety of Lowcountry terrain is also fascinating – oak forest, pastures and tidal marshes are all on display, and in play. The finishing stretch, holes 16 through 18, is vintage Lowcountry with target fairways and greens requiring carries over marshland. Golf packages are offered with other area courses.
One round
at Old South and golfers will appreciate Johnston’s brilliant routing and
subtle approach to Lowcountry golf course design.
Oyster
Reef
When Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island opened in 1982, it was recognized by many golf experts as one of the best new courses in the U.S., because of its fortunate location, a marquee designer in Rees Jones and a strategically compelling layout.
Playing to more than 7,000 yards with a 139-slope
rating from the tips, Oyster Reef continues to be a place where golfers go to
look for a challenge, as well as one of the most visually appealing courses in
the entire region.
Atlantic
Dunes, The Sea Pines Resort
Having opened in 2016, Atlantic Dunes is the newest course at The Sea Pines Resort, wrought from what was once the oldest course on Hilton Head Island. Originally the Ocean Course, Davis Love III, brother Mark and lead architect Scot Sherman completely overhauled the layout to present a pure coastal aesthetic.
Love
Golf Design removed hundreds of aging trees (all environmentally approved),
restored natural dune lines and added coquina shells and native seaside
grasses. The par-3 15th hole is one of just two holes on the island
with an unencumbered view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting There
Hilton Head is within a half-day’s drive of major Southeastern cities like Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh, and just over eight hours from Washington D.C. Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio — all popular golfer origins, are six to 12-hour drives. Golfers have two airport options, Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), or Hilton Head Airport (HHH) on the north end of the island. Service was once limited to HHH, but has been exponentially expanded with direct flights on Delta, American and United from nine major cities
Shane Sharp is a longtime member of the Golf Writers Association of America and contributing editor to GOLF Magazine. He’s based in Greenville, S.C. where he owns Southbound 4, a golf-focused content marketing and PR firm.
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 18th 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.
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)
I love traveling, especially for golf. I’ve been very fortunate over the last six years to have experienced some of the best golf resorts in the United States and have traveled all around the globe for golf, with stops in Turkey, Morocco, and Malaysia along the way. My friends and I hope to continue our world tour (#GolfBlogWorldTour) with trips to Canada and the UK in the next few years.
My golf travel bag has logged well over 50,000 miles between four continents in just three years. With layovers and connecting flights, that’s a lot of different people handling (or mishandling) my golf clubs. In 2014, U.S. airlines alone mishandled 24 million bags! While those numbers are going down, it’s still not a statistic any traveler wants to be associated with. Not only that but in 2016, U.S. airlines collected almost .2 billion in baggage fees. Because of their weight, golf clubs are more likely to be hit with excess baggage fees – up to $100 on some airlines.
There’s a better option for golfers than dragging their heavy golf club travel bag through airports and having to upgrade rental cars just to make them fit. The company is called Ship Sticks, and they offer a very simple service – Let somebody else take your golf clubs to your final destination and they’ll be waiting for you when you arrive!
I used Ship Sticks for the first time on my recent trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in southwest Oregon. One of the many reasons why Bandon Dunes is the number one golf destination in North America is because they do everything well. The remoteness of the property adds to the pure golf experience but makes logistics more challenging. The nearest major airport is Portland, about 250 miles away, so instead of incurring the added cost of flying into the small airport in North Bend or renting a huge SUV or van to fit 4 golf bags and luggage, my friends and I decided to enlist the services of Ship Sticks instead.
Ship Sticks has formed partnerships with and operates at more than 3,000 facilities worldwide, including over 80% of GolfWeek’s Top 400 Golf Courses, Country Clubs, and Resorts. Using services like UPS and FedEx ensures your clubs will be insured and tracked from origin to destination. The whole process is easy. Just create an account at shipsticks.com, create your shipment, print out barcode labels and attach to your travel bag, and drop off or schedule a pickup at your nearest UPS/FedEx location. You’ll automatically get emails with tracking updates along the way, and your clubs will be waiting for you when you arrive wherever you are going.
I packed my Sun Mountain carry bag in my bullet-proof, lockable SKB hard case and affixed the shipping label just as FedEx arrived at my door to pick it up. I got the email a few days later that my clubs had arrived at Bandon Dunes, and when we pulled in to the resort and drove up to the practice facility to warm up, our clubs were delivered by the resort staff. Brilliant!
The return trip was just as simple. Pack my clubs in the case, lock it and slap on the shipping label. My bag stood there among the dozen or so other golf bags packed in travel bags or Ship Sticks boxes, ready to go back to their owners. The only drawback to the process is if you might need your clubs on one of the days before or after your travels while they are still in transit, as my friend Tony did. In that case, you have four options: Have a backup set of clubs to use, plan your travels to allow for the shipping time, pay extra to have your clubs shipped 2nd-Day air or overnight, or travel the old-fashioned way.
The cost to ship your golf clubs varies greatly based on where you are going and where you are coming from, but in general, the cost is slightly more than you would pay in regular weight baggage fees ($25-$75) on most airlines. With four of us driving together from Portland on the trip to Bandon, we needed to rent an SUV to fit everybody and their luggage, but adding four golf bags to that would never have worked. We filled the back of our Volvo XC90 just with luggage and supplies alone! Upgrading rental cars to something that would fit all our golf bags, or flying into a small regional airport with shuttle service to Bandon would have been much more expensive than simply using Ship Sticks to handle our clubs for us.
In the end, using Ship Sticks was easy, stress-free and very convenient. I was able to travel with just a carry-on and skip having to check the bag and wait at the baggage carousel upon arrival at the airport, and I didn’t have to drag my clubs around with me everywhere I went. Having my clubs waiting for me at the resort was so nice, I don’t know why I never used Ship Sticks before. You can be sure I’ll think of Ship Sticks first when traveling for golf going forward. In fact, now you can also ship your luggage and even your skis in the winter time!
Golfers who retire overseas to sunny, good-value locales can indulge their favorite hobby year-round and pay much less than they would in the United States. In a new report, the editors at InternationalLiving.com explore five great retirement spots around the world where the golf is top-notch.
“A much-cited advantage—and joy—of retirement is being able to spend your days as you see fit, indulging in your favorite passions, such as golf,” says International Living’s Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens.“That can prove to be a prohibitively expensive pastime in North America, but in the right places overseas, you can play golf for a fraction of the price back home.
“If sun-washed fairways, perfectly groomed greens, and chilled cocktails at the nineteenth hole bar after a leisurely round feature in your retirement fantasy, then you need to look for the retirement spots worldwide that offer great, and affordable, golf.”
International Living’s report delves into fivelocales for a great golf retirement: Costa Rica, Portugal, Thailand, Mexico, and Ireland – Each offering a different appeal.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica draws tourists from around the world who come to enjoy its golden-sand beaches, rainforests teeming with exotic life, and intoxicating culture. And, as the winner of the Global Retirement Index 2018, it draws plenty of expats seeking a better retirement and the laidback Pura Vida lifestyle.
But if you’re a keen golfer, there’s another reason to enjoy this Central American paradise. Costa Rica is an ideal spot for both the novice and advanced golfer. Not only are the conditions of the courses exceptional, but – compared to prices in the US – golf here is a bargain. Most green fees are well under $100, and if you live here, the rates can be even cheaper.
The larger resort courses, located in the northern Guanacaste region, are geared for the experienced golfer, and they come with pricier green fees. Courses centered around the capital, San José, are better suited for novice golfers.
Hacienda Pinilla, situated in Guanacaste, and minutes from the Pacific-coast beach town of Tamarindo, is a top priority for any golf enthusiast in Costa Rica. One of a few hundred courses in the world that is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which encourages golf courses to be environmentally friendly, this 18-hole championship course hosts many national tournaments.
A couple can enjoy a rewarding retirement in Tamarindo on $2,500 USD a month.
Portugal
Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, is known for its craggy cliffs, Atlantic beaches, whitewashed fishing villages and countless golf resorts. Originally conceived in the 1980s as a world-class golfing venue, the resort town of Vilamoura offers elegant hotels, fine restaurants, and a large marina in addition to the pristine Praia da Falésia beach.
As one of Europe’s best golf destinations, Vilamoura offers a host of championship courses – the perfect spot for an enthusiastic golfer. There are six challenging courses in the Vilamoura Resort area, including the championship Victoria Golf Course, the Millennium Golf Course, the Pinhal Golf Course, and the Laguna Golf Course.
In the Algarve, a couple can live a fulfilling retirement on $2,400 USD or less per month.
Thailand
With more than 250 courses scattered throughout Thailand, it has fast become a golfer’s heaven. In fact, Thailand is riding high on the back of a golf-tourism explosion – a major boon for the country. Our friend and golf course architect Ron Garl designed Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai and it remains one of his favorites to this day.
The resort city of Hua Hin, set on the Gulf of Thailand, has been a summer refuge for Thai kings and aristocracy since the 1920s. It’s the country’s original beach getaway. But these days it’s a popular golfing area, too, with a huge selection of courses including the first-ever 18-hole course in Asia. Due to the competitive green fees, every golfer can enjoy the quality golf on offer.
Black Mountain Hua Hin is a championship course considered one of the most challenging in the country. It has won copious accolades and caters to players of all levels. The course is located just a few miles away from the center of Hua Hin. Off the course, you can enjoy white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and seaside restaurants specializing in seafood.
Here, a couple can live well on $2,000 USD per month.
Mexico
On Mexico’s Riviera Maya you’ll find a couple dozen golf courses, many created by top designers like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Robert Trent Jones. They are usually on the grounds of the large resorts in this region – standouts include El Camaleon Mayakoba, Vidanta, and Bahia Principe. You don’t have to be staying at the resort to play. There are also country clubs.
This region has a great climate year-round, similar to Florida and perfect for golf. It also has the added benefit of being close to the USA – a flight to Miami is just over an hour.
The major towns in this area, where the golf courses are located, include Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from the international airport in Cancún to Tulum, with all those other towns in between. So, wherever you happen to live you can easily reach any of the golf courses.
A monthly budget for a couple in Cancún runs at $2,000 USD per month.
Ireland
Lists of the top places to play golf consistently rank courses in Ireland among the world’s best. Home to 300 golf courses, it’s not surprising Ireland has many famous golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, and Paul McGinley.
Many courses here are laid out in classic style, “links,” which is marked by a seaside location and built on the naturally undulating land. Another factor is the beautiful green countryside.
One of the best places to base yourself for golf in Ireland is Lahinch, a small seaside village on County Clare’s northwest coast. It’s a vacation resort and a surfing center, too. But golfers love its finely crafted links course.
The cost of living in Ireland can be a lot more affordable than you might think. In rural areas, rent on a two-bedroom property typically starts at less than $600 a month and utilities usually run about $100 a month.
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.
Luggage and travel gear for golf isn’t exactly a sexy topic, and life on the PGA Tour isn’t always as glamorous as they make it sound on TV. Sure, the stars stay in 5-star resorts, fly around in private jets and drive fancy courtesy cars, but most professional golfers can’t afford $10,000 per hour to fly on a Gulfstream G650, so they fly commercial. Regardless of how you get there, traveling all over the world requires some good sturdy luggage that won’t let you down. That’s why over 90 percent of PGA Tour players use Club Glove travel bags and luggage.
I’ve talked about my Club Glove Last Bag for several years now, and it continues to do the job as I pile up the mileage with it. Last year I picked up some matching luggage to go with it – specifically the Club Glove Rolling Duffle III and the Carry-On III.
Club Glove Rolling Duffle III
This medium size bag ( 29″ x 15.5″ x 12″) is big enough to pack about a week’s worth of clothing and personal items. It starts at just over eight pounds and when fully packed it can tip the scales at over 40 lbs, but the durable in-line skate wheels and bearings allow this bag to roll effortlessly through airports. The Rolling Duffle III is made with very tough Invista Cordura 1000D water resistant nylon, which is several times stronger and lasts much longer than the standard polyester found in cheap luggage from Walmart. It also has durable YKK zippers, beefy buckles, a telescoping adjustable handle and a dog-bone shaped opening that makes packing and unloading a little easier. The two included packing modules help keep shirts and other stuff well organized.
For my trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last fall I loaded up my Rolling Duffle III with all kinds of clothing items. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t exactly pack light for most trips. I like to bring extra shirts, shorts and pants to have options. Many times I end up not wearing about a third of the clothes I bring, but that’s the price to pay I guess. Fortunately, the Rolling Duffle III had plenty of room for all my stuff, and even had space left over for the matching team outfits from Fenix that we received over there that I would be bringing back to the States.
Club Glove’s Rolling Duffle III is a pretty large bag, but the smooth rolling wheels and Club Glove’s awesome Train Reaction system makes it a breeze to transport around airports and hotels lobbies. The solid plastic bottom and base allow the bag to hop curbs with ease, and make packing valuables a little less anxiety-inducing, because nothing is going to get through the bottom of this bag. Perhaps my favorite feature of the Rolling Duffle III is the simplest one, but the rugged carry handles on the top, side and bottom make loading a snap. The Rolling Duffle III is available in 16 colors, carries a limited lifetime warranty, and is made in the USA.
Club Glove Carry-On III
While you’ll be dropping off the Rolling Duffle and Last Bag at the Airline’s luggage counter to be checked on your flight, the Carry-On III is probably coming with you on board. Also coming with two packing cubes to keep your clothing organized, this bag has enough space for a few days worth of clothes and personal items. It measures 22″ x 13.5″ x 9.5″ and weighs 8 pounds. While these bags aren’t the lightest on the market, keep in mind that they are designed to last a lifetime, and once you see how well they are built, you’ll believe it. Packed with many of the same features as the Rolling Duffle, the Cary-On III also includes a J-Hook device to attach additional luggage pieces at a low center of gravity. Available in 18 colors, the Carry-On III also has a lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
Club Glove’s Carry-On III is my go-to luggage piece for weekend trips and overnighters. It has enough space to pack everything I need, and integrates perfectly with the aforementioned Train Reaction system to link all your bags together for effortless transport. At this point I think it’s worth explaining this in more detail.
Train Reaction System
I could try to explain and demonstrate Club Glove’s Train Reaction interconnect system (TRS) in words, but it’s easier to let the company do it for me, so here’s their video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leeXAlN2pQU
Of course, Train Reaction works just as well with golf bags too. I snapped a picture of my “train” before leaving for my trip to Malaysia last year:
Real World Use: Observations
Marketing speak is one thing, but how does Club Glove’s luggage perform in the real world? As mentioned before, these pieces aren’t the lightest, but they find a near perfect balance between weight, toughness, durability and functionality, with a little bit of style thrown in. My bright “Sun Gold” colored luggage won’t win any beauty contests but I can spot it a mile away – or more importantly – on airport luggage carousels, and nobody is likely to walk away with my bags by accident. The bright color actually helped a great deal last year when my luggage failed to make the connecting flight on a short layover in Guangzhou, China. The lost luggage counter in Kuala Lumpur was able to find my bags in record time once I showed them the photo above, and they were delivered to my hotel room the next day, about 15 hours after I landed.
Thanks to a cool gadget called the LugLoc Luggage Locator I stashed in the side pocket of my Last Bag, I knew my golf clubs didn’t made the flight to KL as soon as I landed, and I was able to track their location as they arrived on the next flight from China in the morning.
In just over two years since I got my first piece of Club Glove luggage, I have logged over 50,000 miles with them. I’ve traveled to and from four continents and circumnavigated the world. So far my luggage has shown no signs of wear and tear except a little dirt and grime from being tossed around by airport luggage handlers.
Thanks to the Train Reaction system and the smooth rolling wheels, I didn’t hurt my back or endure sore muscles from hauling it around airports, hotels and parking garages despite having over a hundred pounds of gear with me in Malaysia. That trip really proved to me that Club Glove’s luggage is unmatched.
Pricing & Availability
Here’s my load-out for long golf trips. With these bags I can carry enough clothes & gear to last me over 2 weeks.
Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro (Fits my 10″ staff bag with ease) – $319.00
Club Glove Rolling Duffle III (Mid-size checked bag) – $299.00
Club Glove Carry-On III (Small, tough carry-on bag) – $379.00
All pieces are available online at www.clubglove.com, with free shipping on orders over $100. Obviously with prices on the higher end of the scale, it won’t take long to fill your shopping cart with over $100 of gear. When buying, I highly recommend getting a few extra clothing organizers. These little packing cubes are essential items to help you keep things in order and they make unpacking so much faster. They are available in three sizes that hold about three to ten shirts.
Final Thoughts
Not only do 90% of PGA Tour professionals travel with Club Glove, but a growing number of flight crews are trusting Club Glove and their 3-piece luggage ensembles designed specifically for them. The bottom line is, the luggage is built to last in the USA and they have so many options and colors it’s almost mind numbing. You can get custom embroidery, and the list of accessories to match your luggage is extensive. There isn’t a a company that I know of that offers so many ways to move your stuff around or makes better performing and better built luggage than Club Glove, and I’ll continue singing their praises for years to come.
There are less than two weeks left before Christmas, and for online shoppers this weekend is probably the cut-off point for shipping to make sure it arrives on time. In case you are out of ideas for the golfers in your life, here are a few suggestions!
Bushnell Pro X2 Rangefinder – With Slope-Switch technology, dual display modes, Pinseeker with JOLT, 6x magnification, a range of up to 1300 yards and a solid waterproof metal housing, the Bushnell Pro X2 is the flagship of Bushnell’s laser rangefinder line. It’s legal for tournament play when the slope-switch is turned off. It locks on to targets quickly and vibrates when locking on to the flag from distances up to 450 yards. Available on Amazon: $449.98
Club Glove Travel Gear – If you ever travel by air to play golf, you’ll need a reliable travel bag to protect your clubs. There’s a good reason that 90% of tour players use Club Glove – They are the best quality, most reliable travel bags available. Made in the USA and available in several sizes, your golf bag will be well protected and getting around the airport is a breeze. I’ve logged close to 50,000 miles of air travel with my Last Bag, and it’s not showing any signs of wear other than some dirt and dust from airliner cargo holds. Paired with their matching luggage and the Train Reaction system and you have a complete travel set that’ll last you decades. Club Glove Last Bag available on ClubGlove.com: $319.00
Photo Credit: MyGolfSpy.com
Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls – Played by Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, Bryson DeChambeau, Paula Creamer and more, the new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls are one of the top performing golf balls available. I’ve been using them since the 2015 season and I love the stable flight, penetrating trajectory and predictable spin and fell around the greens. Bridgestone Tour B XS: $44.89/dozen
Cobra Golf Soundchuck Mini Bluetooth Speaker – It seems that more and more people are playing music on the golf course these days. With mobile phones and unlimited data plans, streaming music from the internet is very popular. Play music from your phone or tablet in style with the Cobra Soundchuck Mini bluetooth speaker. Available in three colors, it clips to your golf bag, cart or person to keep the party going on the course. MSRP: $79.99 – Amazon Price: $64.99
Puma Golf P Cap – Rickie Fowler wears this cap on tour. It’s simple and stylish. Available in 6 colors. Why not get a few? You can never have too many snapbacks… Amazon Price: $27.85
Golf Pride MCC Plus4 Align Grips – The most neglected part of any golfer’s equipment is usually the grips. Your only connection to the club is obviously important, and you are probably giving up strokes if you are playing with worn out grips. The most used grips on tour for decades, Golf Pride makes grips in all styles and sizes, but perhaps the most popular grips in their line are the MCC Plus4 that feature a reduced taper design for greater feel. Golf Pride’s new ALIGN technology helps you feel the grip under your hands and achieve consistent hand placement. You’ll be sure to improve your scores with new grips, so why not get the best? You can get a set of 13 Grips with all the tools you’ll need for $149.99 on Amazon
Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Golf Bag – If you are anything like me, you play some rounds riding in a golf cart and some walking the course. The folks at Sun Mountain know this and designed a carry/stand bag that works for any situation. When walking the course the adjustable, heavily cushioned dual strap manages the load and the stand deploys easily and holds the bag stable. When riding, there’s a cart strap pass through that allows access to all the pockets and the flat bottom is shaped to fit in the cart’s bagwell. The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS really is the best of both worlds in one bag. Available in many colors on Amazon for $209.99
Tattoo Golf Apparel – The mad scientists over at Tattoo Golf have been making unique & stylish golf apparel for years, but they’ve really stepped up their game lately and have quickly become my current favorite golf apparel brand. Mixing their trademark skull & crossbones logo with daring patterns and bright colors, one could describe Tattoo’s style as golf clothing for bikers, but their look now transcends the biker crowd and appeals to anybody that wants more than just the boring old khakis and solid color shirts your dad wore on the golf course. Not only is their stuff exciting and fun to wear, but they are quality built and priced to blow the big brands away. Sign up for their mailing list for flash sales and big discounts (sometimes up to 30% off!) and check out their fashions online at https://www.tattoogolf.com/
WAGC USA Membership – Calling all American residents! Would you like a chance to play golf for Team USA in an exotic location, all expenses paid? It doesn’t matter what your ability, because the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) is an annual golf competition that is broken down into five flights with handicaps ranging from 0.0 to 25.0. The WAGC plays locally all over the USA, and players earn points in local events to earn exemptions towards the national championship, where the winners of each flight are named to Team USA and represent the US (all expenses paid) against 35 other countries at the 2018 WAGC World Finals, being held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia For more information visit the WAGC USA’s website here. Annual membership is only $189
Now that the final putt has been sunk at the 2017 World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and my long journey back to the east coast of Florida is complete, I have time to reflect on my experience in Asia. I was in Malaysia for 10 days, but it seems like it all went by in a flash as is often the case when your schedule is packed full of activities.
I arrived in Kuala Lumpur (KL) on a Wednesday evening, a few days ahead of everyone else to give myself time to decompress and explore the city alone before the more than 400 golfers and tournament staff arrived on Saturday. Since the hotel doesn’t have an airport shuttle service, I used Uber Black for the hour-long ride at a cost of $51.30 USD. I’m told the same fare in the USA would have been more than double the price. For my first few days in town, the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur hotel near the city center was filled with mostly Chinese business men attending meetings and conferences. Once the golfers started arriving on Friday night and Saturday, the atmosphere would change dramatically.
Day One
The plan for my first day in KL was to explore the city and see the most popular tourist attractions, but as poet Robert Burns once wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” While I arrived in Malaysia on time, my luggage did not. China Southern Airlines wasn’t able to transfer my bags to the connecting flight from Guangzhou, China to Kuala Lumpur in the 40 minutes that was allotted. Without any fresh clothes or toiletries, I decided to stay in my room and avail myself of room service for breakfast, then relaxed by the pool until my luggage arrived later that afternoon.
Day Two
Petronas Twin Towers
With clean clothes and golf bag now in my possession and a good nights rest behind me, I started exploring. My first stop was the KL Tower, a communications tower that stands 421 meters (1,381 feet) tall and is the 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The views from the outdoor observation deck are spectacular and those that wish to challenge their acrophobia can stand in the glass-bottomed room that juts out from the observation deck and take pictures of the city beneath your feet. I stopped at a local 7-Eleven store on the short 25-minute walk back to the hotel to pick up some beverages and snacks for the room, before heading out to roam around Kuala Lumpur City Center. Known to the locals as KLCC, it’s the unofficial hub of Kuala Lumpur and home to the very recognizable Petronas Twin Towers, which were once the tallest buildings in the world and are still the tallest twin structures in the world. They stand 451.9 meters (1,483 ft) tall and are connected together by the skybridge on the 42nd floor. At the base of the towers is KLCC Park and Suria KLCC, one of the largest malls in Malaysia. This 1.5 million square-foot, seven-level mall has over 400 stores & restaurants and many of the world’s most renowned high-end luxury brands are represented. I saw a beautiful Patek-Philippe watch that I wanted, but the 346,500 MYR ($85,000 USD) price tag soon brought me back to reality. I won’t be selling my home to buy a watch anytime soon.
Day Three
Arrival day. Most of the 35 nations scheduled to compete in the 2017 WAGC arrived at some point on Saturday, November 18. I noticed the hotel lobby filling up with golf bags throughout the day as the buses unloaded golfers from the airport. My Team USA teammates arrived in the afternoon, and after checking in we were meeting poolside for adult beverages and planning dinner.
Day Four
Reunited with my buddy Michal from Slovakia. We played together in Turkey, 2015
Sunday’s schedule included the first of two optional practice rounds followed by the official opening & flag raising ceremony. Several of us decided to play the first practice round on Sunday and skip the Monday practice round in favor of sightseeing & shopping. For some unknown reason, our practice round was scheduled to take place at some other course, but we ended up instead at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, a golf course with facilities so dated that it seemed lost in time. Not only that, but it had nothing to do with the WAGC. Even worst, we arrived for our 8:00am tee time with only 5 minutes to spare because the bus departed the hotel almost 45 minutes late. Naturally, the course staff rushed us to the tee. Not only was this course not part of the rotation for the tournament, but the playing conditions were disappointing. The tees, fairways and rough were in bad shape and infested with some kind of broadleaf grass or weed that made playing golf shots out of it difficult. While some of the greens rolled well, many were spotty. Right from the outset, I developed considerable apathy for playing this course. I didn’t fly almost 10,000 miles to play a half-ass muni track, and this “practice” round probably did more harm than good in preparing me for the tournament.
That evening, all the players were shuttled to a nearby convention center near KLCC and the Petronas Towers for the opening ceremonies. After some speeches from various sponsors and patrons, dinner was served and the flag ceremony started. Accompanied by music, each participating country was introduced and each country’s designated flag bearer paraded down the aisle with the nation’s flag to be placed on the main stage. The flag ceremony gives the event an Olympic feel and helps demonstrate that golf truly is a global game.
Day Five
Long-tailed Macaque
Several of us from Team USA planned to forgo the second practice round and go sightseeing instead. My negative experience with the first practice round only made the decision to skip golf easier for me. While non-golfers that made the trip can explore on their own or attend the scheduled activities each day, for golfers competing in the tournament, this is the only full day available on the schedule to explore. The WAGC tries to cram 6 rounds of golf and post-round activities into a week because they know that we all have regular lives to get back to, but this also robs golfers of the opportunity to discover the magnificent city of Kuala Lumpur. The event’s compressed schedule is the primary reason that drove my decision to arrive a few days early.
After a late breakfast, we walked to the monorail station on the corner and hopped on for the short trip to KL Sentral, the main ground transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur. From the monorail stop, we hopped on a train that took us to the edge of the city to visit the Batu Caves, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The limestone that forms the Batu Caves is said to be around 400 million years old. The statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity that stands at the base of the 272 steps leading to the caves, stands 140 feet high. The sight is also well known for its local inhabitants called macaques. These small monkeys love to steal food from unsuspecting victims and can get violent if you get too close as one Chinese tourist found out the hard way when the macaque swatted her sunglasses away when she approached for a selfie.
Batu Caves
Returning to KL Sentral, we decided to walk through the large mall attached to the station, and we found a Nando’s Restaurant. This made our South African team member very happy because Nando’s was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa and is famous for Portuguese inspired PERi-PERi chicken, the marinade for which is made with the African Bird’s Eye Chili. Having eaten there twice on my trip, it’s safe to say I’m a big fan. I even brought home a bottle of the PERi-PERi sauce. What makes the Nando’s experience even better are the Malaysian prices. Two complete meals with sides and drinks came in at only 17.80 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) which is equivalent to about $4.33 USD.
Day Six
#18 @ Kota Permai
My sixth day in Kuala Lumpur was also the first day of the World Amateur Golfers Championship, the very reason I was there in the first place. Perhaps it is because I had already spent almost a week in Malaysia, but I wasn’t as motivated for the start of the tournament as I should have been. Once again the organizers dropped the ball and our bus arrived at the fantastic Kota Permai Golf & Country Club with only 20 minutes to spare before our tee time at 8:00am, the first of the day. After checking in and finding our golf carts, I had about 10 minutes to hit a few chips and roll some putts before heading out to play a course I’d never seen before. After a three-putt on the par five first hole, things didn’t get much better. The result was a disappointing 76, with most of the damage coming in the first 6 holes.
Day Seven
Templer Park Country Club
I was excited to get up and play golf because I knew that while a 76 wasn’t a good score, it also didn’t put me out of the tournament with three rounds to go. I also knew that I would play better in round two, and that made me optimistic. My optimism would be tested early, as I struck my first shot of the day on the par five first hole at the spectacular and scenic Templer Park Country Club. My tee shot was pulled left into the rough, but we didn’t see it bounce. Well aware that we’re playing golf in the middle of Malaysia’s monsoon season, there was no doubt in my mind that the ball was plugged. After seven people spent five minutes searching in the soggy, wet rough just a few feet off the fairway, I was left no choice but to declare a lost ball and make the drive of shame back to the tee box to hit another ball. A few wayward shots at the wrong time and more struggles on the greens led to another 4-over 76.
Day Eight
Sungai Long Golf & Country Club
Round three of the tournament took place at Sungai Long Golf & Country Club, a beautiful Jack Nicklaus design with flawless putting greens. Despite my lackluster play over the first 36 holes, I was still in the top ten and a good round on “moving day” would give me a chance to make a run on the leaders. After blasting my opening tee shot 300+ down the middle, a 63-yard lob wedge shot set up a great birdie opportunity from just over four feet. Unfortunately, I struck my birdie putt a little too hard and it took a hard lip-out. I quickly forgot the missed putt on number one and made a great birdie on the second hole, only to give it back and then some on the 183-yard third with a blocked 7-iron that found the hazard. From then on, lip-out putts would become the theme of the day with 4 more birdie putts deflecting off the edge following my power-lip on the first hole. The mental game is a huge part of golf, and while I kept it together for the most part, ultimately it failed me on this day as I took a disastrous triple-bogey on the 17th hole, followed by yet another lip-out birdie putt on the 18th from 5 feet – the 6th lip-out of the day. The 6-over 78 left me well back in the pack after three rounds, my hopes of a top-three finish virtually gone.
Day Nine
My group at The Mines Golf & CC (from left to right): USA, Hungary, Italy & Denmark
The final round of the tournament for me would take place at The Mines Resort & Golf Club. The lake that borders several holes on the front nine was once the largest open cast tin mine in the world. In 1993, Robert Trent Jones used the natural topography to lay out this wonderful golf course that hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1999 won by Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara of the USA. I was paired once again with my new friend from Denmark that I had played with the first two days along with great guys from Italy and Hungary. While I was in great company, I just couldn’t get anything going on the course. My game was just not there this week, and while I played solid on the back nine, I finished my round with a three-putt lip-out on the final green that summed up the week for me. Team USA’s embedded cameraman was perfectly positioned to capture my misery and he even added a little music to top it off…
That evening the individual and team awards were handed out at the awards dinner & closing ceremony held in the grand ball room at the Renaissance Hotel. With golf behind us, it was time to reflect on the week and enjoy the company of such a diverse group of people from all over the world. Being my second trip to the WAGC world finals, it was great catching up with old friends from 2015 while making new friends. This week I was fortunate to play golf on five unique, fun and challenging golf courses with great people from Slovenia, South Africa, Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, Hungary, Netherlands & Italy. In all, 35 countries were represented this year in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo with Swedish opera singer Carry Persson wearing the tie Team USA gave him in Turkey, 2015
Once a little time has passed I’m sure that I’ll remember my time in Malaysia more for the friends I made from Team USA and other countries and the time we spent exploring the city of Kuala Lumpur than for the scores we shot on the golf course. This was certainly the case in 2015 when I went to Turkey. I still remember the golf courses, the resort and the fun times we had, but even though I managed a 3rd place finish, I don’t remember the scores I shot.
Winning a trophy is great, but in the end, it really is secondary to the experience as a whole. That’s what the World Amateur Golfers Championship is all about. Giving golfers of all abilities an Olympic style experience in exotic locales, and an opportunity to share that experience with people from other countries and cultures. These really are trips of a lifetime, and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it twice in three years.
Day Ten
Petaling Street, Chinatown – Kuala Lumpur
While the WAGC was officially over and most people were heading home, my Malaysia experience wasn’t done. Our flight was scheduled to depart Kuala Lumpur at 6:10pm local time on Saturday, so that left us the entire morning and early afternoon to make one final stop on the list of tourist attractions. That stop was Petaling Street in Chinatown. As it turns out, this outdoor market has plenty of options for name-brand shoppers that don’t want to pay name-brand prices. A sign warning against the sale of imitation goods provides a healthy dose of irony since the whole street is practically littered with fake branded items. Handbags, watches, sneakers, clothing – you name it, they’ve got it. There must be at least a dozen vendors selling Louis Vuitton bags and accessories, and nearly as many selling fake Rolex watches. You can even get the latest cinematic releases for less than 10 MYR each which is less than $3 US. For shoppers on a tight budget or those that don’t mind knockoffs, Petaling Street should be your first stop as it offers not just variety but also great value for money, as the prices can be drastically whittled down through patient bargaining.
Conclusions
After spending an amazing 10 days in Kuala Lumpur I’m stricken with a mini depression as I always am when returning to the reality of everyday life, work and paying bills. Every time I travel, my inner wanderlust grows stronger and I start looking for fresh opportunities to discover new places. In Early 2015, if you predicted that I would visit a different Muslim country to play golf in three consecutive years, I might have called the men in white coats to take you away. Some people reacted with textbook Islamophobia when I told them I was going to Turkey in 2015, and again when I went to Morocco in 2016. Malaysia didn’t get the same reaction from those people however, perhaps because they didn’t know it is a Muslim country? While the influence of Islam is prevalent in the history, architecture and laws, only about 40% of Malaysia’s inhabitants are Muslims. In a diverse, modern city like Kuala Lumpur people of all ethnicities and backgrounds blend together just like any other large city in the world.
In my daily adventures in and around the city of Kuala Lumpur, the one thing that stuck out the most for a westerner like me was the absence of pork on most menus. At breakfast in the hotel, substitutes for bacon included chicken sausage and thinly sliced strips of beef brisket. For me, the amazing diversity and scope of flavors in Malaysian cuisine more than made up for the lack of pork. Drawing influence from Indian, Chinese and Thai food, Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as one of the world’s most popular havens for foodies is well deserved.
My only regret on this trip is not having time to visit Jalan Alor, the famous night market where hawker stalls are a favorite on the city’s foodie scene. Fortunately, the WAGC announced that the 2018 World Amateur Golfers Championship will again be in Malaysia! This time the event will be hosted by the province of Johor, which is located at the southernmost tip of peninsular Malaysia, bordering the island nation of Singapore. One thing’s for sure – I’ll be doing everything I can in 2018 to qualify for Team USA for a third time and return to this wonderful corner of Asia.
The 34th Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship will tee off next week, on Monday August 28, 2017 with over 3000 golfers representing more than twenty countries. It’s the largest golf tournament of its kind in the world. The 72-hole net stroke play tournament will just about take over Myrtle Beach. One of the highlights of the event is the World’s Largest 19th Hole, which encompasses the entire Myrtle Beach Convention Center and serves up food and drinks, live entertainment, celebrity guests, a golf expo and more.
World’s Largest 19th Hole
Let’s take a quick look at the 34th Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship – By the numbers:
4 – Estimated Number of hole in ones made
9 – Different divisions
7 – Players that have never missed a World Am
10 – Percentage of countries in the World represented since 2012
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
Luggage and travel gear for golf isn’t exactly a sexy topic, and life on the PGA Tour isn’t always as glamorous as they make it sound on TV. Sure, the stars stay in 5-star resorts, fly around in private jets and drive fancy courtesy cars, but most professional golfers can’t afford $10,000 per hour to fly on a Gulfstream G650, so they fly commercial. Regardless of how you get there, traveling all over the world requires some good sturdy luggage that won’t let you down. That’s why over 90 percent of PGA Tour players use Club Glove travel bags and luggage.
After spending an amazing 10 days in Kuala Lumpur I’m stricken with a mini depression as I always am when returning to the reality of everyday life, work and paying bills. Every time I travel, my inner wanderlust grows stronger and I start looking for fresh opportunities to discover new places. In Early 2015, if you predicted that I would visit a different Muslim country to play golf in three consecutive years, I might have called the men in white coats to take you away. Some people reacted with textbook Islamophobia when I told them I was going to Turkey in 2015, and again when I went to Morocco in 2016. Malaysia didn’t get the same reaction from those people however, perhaps because they didn’t know it is a Muslim country? While the influence of Islam is prevalent in the history, architecture and laws, only about 40% of Malaysia’s inhabitants are Muslims. In a diverse, modern city like Kuala Lumpur people of all ethnicities and backgrounds blend together just like any other large city in the world.
