Chip Shots
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses
PAWLEY’S ISLAND, SC – Golf Digest unveiled its biennial list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses in the June issue of the magazine, and a familiar name retained its place among the nation’s elite layouts. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Myrtle Beach’s most popular course, was 86th on the prestigious list.
The late Mike Strantz’s first solo design, Caledonia has been on seven of the last eight iterations of the Golf Digest list and is a consensus top 100 public layout. The course is No. 29 on Golf Magazine’s list of the Top 100 You Can Play and Golf Channel travel guru Matt Ginella ranked it No. 14 on his list of the nation’s top 50 public courses.
“Our goal every day is to provide the best experience possible at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club,” said Bob Seganti, director of operations at Caledonia. “With that in mind, it’s extremely rewarding to be ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The honor is a testament to dedication of everyone at the course – from the bag drop to the pro shop and our superintendent and his tireless staff.”
Caledonia, which is equal parts art and architecture, plays through a stunning piece of lowcountry land that was once home to a thriving rice plantation. The live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the marshy waters of the Waccamaw Neck, and Strantz’s architectural brilliance combined to make Caledonia one of America’s premier public golf experiences.
A round at Caledonia concludes at the iconic 18th hole, which requires golfers to carry water on the approach to a green the rests in the shadow of an antebellum clubhouse. A crowd is typically gathered on the clubhouse deck, enjoying the drink of their choice, and providing a gallery at the conclusion of an unforgettable round.
Golf Channel’s travel guru Matt Ginella wrote of the course, “I could never imagine a trip to Myrtle and not heading down to Pawleys Island to play Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.”
In addition to providing a premier golf course, Caledonia continues to deliver tremendous value, particularly when packaged with its sister course, True Blue Golf Club.
The Sizzlin’ Summer Special, which can be booked at exclusive rates through Caledonia Golf Vacations, is a 2-night, 3-round deal that includes golf at both True Blue and Caledonia and it starts at $339. Given that True Blue is No 77 on the Golf Magazine list and Ginella ranks it 41st on his list, the Sizzlin’ Summer deal is as full of quality and value as any summer golf package in America.
For more information, go to www. CaledoniaGolfandFishClub.com.
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Offering 3rd Night Free
NAPLES, FL – If you have not yet taken a getaway this summer, you should consider heading to The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida to take advantage of the 3rd Night Free offer that is available at the Gulf-front resort through September 30, 2017.
Featuring a truly beautiful setting on the pristine soft white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the resort has spent more than $50 million in impressive renovations and enhancements over the last few years. This included the recent dramatic renovation -almost reinvention -- of its championship golf course. Completed in November 2016, the $9 million total redesign of the resort’s course was done by golf icon and acclaimed course designer Jack Nicklaus in collaboration with renowned course architect John Sanford.
Not a golfer? Certainly not a problem. Set on 125 lush acres, the picturesque beachfront resort also features an impressive array of other on-site recreational options. In fact, the resort is Southwest Florida’s only beachfront resort with a championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an awardwinning tennis center all on-site.
Taking advantage of this appealing offer is a great way to experience the resort’s beautifully redesigned par-71 golf course. Featuring five tees, ranging from 4,800 yards to over 6,900 yards, the course was redesigned to challenge the best players but also be enjoyable for all golfers. In addition, the resort added a 300-yard practice and teaching range, and has new golf carts with GPS tracking systems to aid golfers with yardages on each hole, thus helping pace of play.
If golf is not your game, there are many other appealing options on site. This includes the resort’s world-class spa, which offers an impressive array of relaxing massages, refreshing body treatments, restorative facials, manicures, pedicures, and salon services. Featuring nine individual spa treatment rooms, The Spa has separate women’s and men’s relaxation areas and locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpool baths, a fitness center, an aerobics studio, and a fullservice salon.
Complemented by seven miles of pristine white-sand beach, the resort also features a beachfront pool complex with two pools, whirlpools and locker facilities; the Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center with six Har-Tru courts; Beach Kids Club, a complimentary daily recreational program for children ages 5 to 12; beach rentals; and retail shops.
In addition, the resort also offers multiple restaurants and lounges. This includes: the signature beachfront restaurant HB’s on the Gulf, featuring indoor and outdoor dining; Broadwell’s restaurant, overlooking the golf course, open daily from 7 a.m.-sunset; and the Seminole Store, which offers a café atmosphere. The popular The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill has been recognized as the “Best Place To View A Southwest Florida Sunset,” and was named “Naples’ Best Beach Bar” by Travel Channel.
The resort’s 319 guest rooms and suites feature cool tropical color linens, fabrics and carpeting; flat-panel televisions; patio or balcony (with a view of the Gulf, golf course or the lush resort interior); coffee maker; and refrigerator.
For more information or for reservations, call (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222 and ask for the special “Summer in Paradise Promotion.” Or, visit NaplesBeachHotel.com, specifically the “Specials” section on the website.
The PGTAA Golf Teaching Certification
Playing golf and being good at it is quite hard. Teaching golf to other aspiring players or instructors is quite another. At the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America, the instruction staff fulfills your dream about understanding how to teach golf or being able to help others to get better at golf and understand cures and drills. Their goal is to help any aspiring teacher and golfer master the skills and knowledge they need to teach the game on a professional level.
Graduates have found positions as Head Golf Professionals, Assistant Golf Professionals, golf instructors at high schools and colleges, Directors of Instruction and Directors of Golf.
All course participants receive teaching manuals, DVD, completion certificate, membership card and major discounts on equipment. The curriculum is 100% teaching skills. Golf management subjects are not included. The Professional Golf Teachers Association of America school also helps with job placement in the golf industry as a professional instructor.
The PGTAA has served countless students over the past 20 years. The teaching professionals have years of experience in this field and have gained international and national recognition as golf instructors. Learning with the PGTAA is easy. Participants can choose between a Home Study Course and a 5 - Day Onsite Course which provides the best teaching instruction available.
Being associated with the PGTAA not only brings limitless teaching opportunities locally, but also internationally. The PGTAA accreditation and logoed merchandise is recognized in many countries. As a certified teaching professional under the PGTAA’s Golf Teaching Certification program, you will gain benefits and discounts from our industry partners. The organization’s relationships with major golf manufacturers can offer personal use discounts upon graduating.
Leaning with PGTAA also has no end. Every new technique and input is shared through its newsletter and refresher courses, bringing limitless possibilities. Anyone tired of being an unaccredited golf instructor/teacher that just repeats what they saw on TV or golf magazines can take part in their Class A PGTAA Master Golf Teaching Certification program and be refreshed and knowledgeable--and become a certified Class A PGTAA Master Teaching Professional. Call for more details (760)-777-1925.
Jack Nicklaus Putting Personal Touch On New Banyan Cay Course
WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – The vision of golf’s greatest champion and one of the world’s most acclaimed golf course designers is taking shape in the heart of West Palm Beach, Fla. Jack Nicklaus, the winner of a record 18 career major championships and whose legacy as a player can only be rivaled by his legacy as a global golf course designer, toured his Signature Golf Course at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, as he and his Nicklaus Design team continue to fine-tune the fairways, greens and bunkers. Nicklaus is leading the design of West Palm Beach’s most-anticipated new championship golf course.
The Banyan Cay Resort & Golf property includes a boutique luxury hotel, featuring 150 rooms and suites; a world-class spa and wellness center; expansive resort pools and cabana areas; and multiple dining options. The resort will be a fourstar facility operated by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading luxury boutique operators.
The centerpiece at Banyan Cay is the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course—the highest tier of offering from Nicklaus Design, the world’s leading design firm. Mr. Nicklaus, who has personally been involved with nearly 300 golf course designs worldwide, is overseeing the design and development of the course.
With field book in hand, Nicklaus surveyed all 18 holes, adjusting fairways and bunker shapes. Walking the greens, he inspected lines of sight, water hazards, and all other elements of the course, parts of which are now being grassed. The Banyan Cay Course will offer elevations and movement perfect for a seasoned golfer to enjoy. The course is projected to open in the fall of 2017, with the resort amenity projected to open in late 2018.
Visitors to Banyan Cay Resort & Golf will be playing in the shadow of greatness. Every swing and putt will put players in the footsteps of the game’s most celebrated champion. Each hole is the result of the personal vision of the Golden Bear.
Meanwhile, Banyan Cay Resort & Golf also released a new and exciting video Friday showing a bird’s eye view of the course.
Hack and Hook Wilderness Retreat for Groups
Planning a group getaway or corporate retreat? The Broadmoor’s new Hack and Hook package (only available for groups) allows for a choice of overnight stays at the property’s Cloud Camp at the summit of Cheyenne Mountain, 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor, or at the main Broadmoor resort campus, followed by a stay at Fly Fishing Camp, The Broadmoor’s private fishing retreat.
“If you live in a big city or come from the flatlands of the Midwest, you are in for a surprise. We provide true luxury wilderness experiences and are a perfect excuse to escape from the world for a couple of days. And, yes, cabins have high-speed Internet,” says Russ Miller, director of golf operations at The Broadmoor.
After a hearty breakfast, the itinerary includes a mix of golf on The Broadmoor’s distinctive courses followed by a fly-fishing experience on five miles of private river.
Set in the Cheyenne Mountain foothills of Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor Golf Club is ranked among the best in the world and is home to the 2018 U.S. Senior Open Championship. The property’s three iconic courses were designed by some of golf’s greatest names and have played host to numerous national tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and PGA Cup Matches. Presidents, politicians, celebrities, and many of the game’s greatest athletes have all played at The Broadmoor.
As part of this special offering, guests will then experience the best fly fishing in Colorado at The Broadmoor’s Fly Fishing Camp, an old-time rustic fishing lodge on 76 acres next to one of state’s top-rated trout streams, with five miles of private river frontage. Guests will have the opportunity to catch four different species of trout (rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat). Since each fish requires a different challenge, a river guide is provided for every two guests, ensuring proper instruction. Fly Fishing Camp also gives guests the unique opportunity to “catch and cook” their fish if they so choose.
“Individual techniques are required depending on the time of day and type of fish. Similar to how you don’t want to play a golf course wherein every hole is a par 4, the challenge to hook different trout under variable conditions is invigorating,” said Miller.
To book this group package, please call 855.634.7711
New Golf & Entertainment Complex Coming To The Kansas City Northland
KANSAS CITY, MO. – An exciting, new 52,000 square-foot golf and entertainment complex is coming to Kansas City’s Northland as part of the Metro North Crossing Redevelopment – a retail entertainment center that will also house a cinema-restaurant-entertainment themed theatre, hotel, multi-family residential, theme branded stores and experiential high-tech shopping. The golf and entertainment complex is expected to open in the summer of 2018. Troon®, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing has been selected to manage the soon-to-be-named golf and entertainment venue.
The golf and entertainment complex will feature 64 climatecontrolled, technology-enhanced hitting bays and suites on three levels. Designed for all ages and skill levels, the new venue will differ from other golf entertainment complexes in a variety of ways, including:
Guests can “play” several of the most famous golf courses from their hitting bay as their golf shots will be projected to high-definition televisions in their bay.
Guests will also have the option of playing unique golf games and competitive target golf games from the comfort of their hitting bay.
Experienced golfers will enjoy advanced golf ball tracking technology (the same golf professionals use) and get real-time data on every swing, including club-head speed, spin-rate and distance.
Before and after playing golf, guests can experience a state-ofthe-art 8,000 square-foot sports bar with interactive TVs, a member’s grill or the roof top view lounge.
Through the Troon Rewards Program, guests can earn invitations to exclusive events and other promotions.
In addition to golf-themed entertainment and a huge sports bar, the new complex will also feature outdoor entertainment venues, a robust bar with premium wine, craft beers, small plates and dedicated event spaces.
“The new golf and entertainment complex is a great addition to Metro North Crossing Redevelopment and will be one of the outstanding entertainment venues to come to the Kansas City Northland in recent years,” said David Horn, the project manager for Metro North Crossing Redevelopment. “This will provide an entertaining atmosphere to compliment the redevelopment’s retail, other entertainment and luxury apartments. With live entertainment, incredible food and beverage, and outstanding service, it will attract more than just golfers.”
The Metro North Crossing Redevelopment is located on the northeast corner of U.S. 169 and NW Barry Road on the site of the recently demolished Metro North Mall.
For additional information on the Metro North Crossing Redevelopment, contact David Horn at (816) 454-1200.
Johnny Miller Golf Academy Launches At Silverado Resort
NAPA, CA – Silverado Resort and Spa is now offering The Johnny Miller Golf Academy ( JMAG) for golfers interested in improving their game. Johnny Miller, coowner of Silverado Resort and Spa, is known for being one of the greatest ball strikers to ever play the game of golf. Specifically he is known for his ability to hit his irons close and shoot very low scores. At the JMAG participants are taught Johnny’s approach to not just be golfers but to become PLAYERS. The creativity, thinking, and techniques that Johnny used to become one of the best players in the world will be shared with each student of JMGA.
Run by an instructional staff trained by Johnny Miller himself, Tara Fox, Director of Instruction at Silverado Resort and Spa is overseeing the Johnny Miller Golf Academy along with Andy Miller, one of Johnny Miller’s sons and previous PGA Tour cardholder. Tara is an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional originally from the Napa Valley. The Johnny Miller Golf Academy is unlike any other Academy in that it is “play based.” The Academy incorporates personalized oncourse playing lessons to test new skills on the golf course.
State of the art video equipment and flight scope are used to assess each player’s game. Also, functional fitness (to prevent injury) will be discussed, and a training manual will be provided for every student.
The JMAG will offer two-day schools and the itineraries include full swing analysis, ball striking drills, short game and putting drills, warm up exercises, game goal setting and a personal playing schedule for maximum improvement results.
In addition to two 18-hole championship golf courses, Silverado features 370 guests rooms, a full service Spa, 10 tennis courts and 10 swimming pools as well as close proximity to Napa Valley’s over 400 wineries.
For more info or to book a Johnny Miller Golf Academy reservation please call 844420-3749 or visit www.silveradoresort.com.
Jam For Juniors Concert Benefitting First Tee of the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has always made growth of the game a priority, and the organization is doubling down on that commitment with the launch of the first Jam for Juniors concert on July 24 at House of Blues.
The event, which will benefit the First Tee of the Grand Strand, will feature acoustic performances from Javier Colon, Josh Kelley and Ken Block and Drew Copeland from Sister Hazel. The concert will run from 7 – 10 p.m., and tickets are just $35 and can be purchased online or through House of Blues.
The concert will be held in conjunction with the Future Generations Golf Tournament, which will be played earlier in the day at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.
Josh Kelley, a singer-song writer, most known for his hit songs “Amazing” and “Georgia Clay,” is one the industry’s most talented performers. Kelley, whose brother Charles is a member of the mega-group Lady Antebellum, plays nearly every instrument on his latest album, “New Lane Road.” Kelley, who starred in the Golf Channel Show “Road Trip: Myrtle Beach,” played collegiate golf at Ole Miss.
Block and Copeland are vocalists for alternative rock band Sister Hazel, a group most known for its No. 1 song “All For You.” The band, which continues to tour, has released nine albums, eight of which cracked a top 100 albums list in the United States, and had seven songs that were ranked among the top 50 on the various music charts.
Javier Colon, whose music has been described as acoustic soul, won the first season of NBC’s hit show “The Voice.” Three of Colon’s four album releases ranked among the top 50 on the U.S. R&B charts and his voice prompted Adam Levine, the lead singer for Maroon 5 and a judge on “The Voice” to say, “You are the real deal … you have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard, ever!”
Jam for Juniors is expected to become an annual event with a goal of helping spur interest in the game of golf while teaching kids life lessons and leadership skills along the way.