Chip Shots
Sixty years in the life of a professional golf tournament is a long time, but the annual PGA Tour stop in the Southern California desert celebrated its 60th playing this past January as the Desert Classic, presented by Workday, played at three of the finest courses in this winter vacation spot famous for sunshine, mild temps and lots of fun thrown in.
This tournament, which began in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic, and for most of its history was known as the PGA event that Bob Hope championed, celebrated its rich history by unveiling a Hall of Fame and inducting its first three members—Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer and event founder Ernie Dunlevie.
Hope, who hosted the tournament from 1965 to 2002 and pretty much put his stamp on it for decades as he enlisted an A-list group of celebrities—not to mention an occasional U.S. President— to participate. Palmer is the World Golf Hall of Famer who won the event a record five times and Dunlevie was the founder of the tournament and a Coachella Valley golf course developer who was largely responsible for pioneering the “country club” lifestyle in this resort community.
But this venerable tour stop, which is annually the first of the year in the continental United States, hasn’t been shy about changing with the times and has made strides in becoming a fan experience as much as a sporting event to watch.
The enhanced fan experience with expansive public hospitality venues and the Desert Classic Concert Series on the weekend evenings following play created a festival-like atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Coachella Music Festival that is world-famous during the spring in this area.
Sammy Hagar and the Circle got the crowd roaring on the first night of entertainment, while Bad Company, with legendary singer/songwriter Paul Rodgers, rocked the Saturday evening gallery.
The golf competition also lived up to its reputation as World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, crowd-favorite Adam Hadwin and Tour rookie Adam Long went to the 72nd hole all tied at 25 under—with the rookie Long holing a birdie putt for his first Tour victory.
Not a bad way to finish off six decades of professional golf in this vacation stop that is synonymous with the sport and good times.
Horseshoe Bay Finalizes $70 Million Resort Renovation Project in 2019
Serious golfers are always on the lookout for new golf destination experiences. Horseshoe Bay Resort, nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin, is putting the final touches on a $70-million resort and multi-course renovation that has the AAA-Four Diamond- and Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award-winning property poised to become one of America’s premier golf destinations.
With four acclaimed championship golf courses and the innovative Whitewater Putting Course, Horseshoe Bay offers an appealing array of unforgettable golfing experiences designed by World Golf Hall of Fame members Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jack Nicklaus.
In 2016, Horseshoe Bay embarked on an expansive $7.5-million project to upgrade all three of its Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designs, Slick Rock, Ram Rock, and Apple Rock. The improvements to the courses and overall golf product has the resort community in position to earn nationwide attention and a rise in outof-state rounds.
Situated on the gleaming shores of the constant-level Lake LBJ and meandering through a rugged 7,000-acre expanse of rolling Hill Country, the scenic Horseshoe Bay Resort is the only waterfront resort in Texas. Tropically adorned with palm trees, bold water features and the most colorful vegetation this side of Hawaii, this resort stands apart, both visually and in the guest experience. The golfing experience matches that uniqueness.
Before there was ever a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Horseshoe Bay was home to three very distinct courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The Ram Rock course, constructed in 1981, has made its reputation as one of the toughest courses in Texas. Slick Rock, the first golf course built (in 1971) at Horseshoe Bay, features a classic parkland setting and classic elements of Jones’ renowned architectural sensibility. Wall-to-wall renovations to both courses have enhanced playability and fun from the forward and middle tees while maintaining each layout’s legendary challenge for scratch players.
Each of the course renovations included installing the latest 007 bent grass greens to improve quality of turf, expanded green sizes by as much as 50 percent in some areas, renovating bunkers, re-shaping and leveling tee-boxes, new irrigation, as well as adding beautiful rock retaining walls along all of the water-hazards to improve over-all course aesthetics. This was most significant with the awe-inspiring “Million Dollar Hole” where golfers follow a winding path across a 35-yard rock-walled waterfall.
The final course and renovation project, Apple Rock, will see much of the same renovations completed as its sister courses and will re-open in May 2019. The course offers some of the most picturesque views in the region. Jones Sr. strategically routed holes to take advantage of the many higher elevation points that overlook Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ.
Punctuating the re-opening of the Ram Rock and Apple Rock courses will be the unveiling of the luxe, new Cap Rock Clubhouse. Members and guests of Horseshoe Bay will enjoy the new Cap Rock setting with its expansive views of the courses and Texas Hill Country. It will feature a dining room and bar area along with a pro-shop, swimming pool, cabana, pavilion area for groups, and a practice/teaching facility.
For more information and reservations visit www.hsbresort.com or call 877-611-0112.
Pro Golf Coming to Gulf Shores March 6-8
The Emerald Coast Golf Tour is coming to Gulf Shores March 6-8. The tour will start its 2019 season in Gulf Shores at the beautiful Kiva Dunes Golf Club. The event will be a 54 hole event starting on Wednesday March 6 for the professionals. Then on Thursday March 8 there will be a one day Pro Am on for all amateurs to play with the PGA stars of the future. It will be a 4 team Pro Am consisting of one professional and three amateurs.
There will be a kickoff party on Wednesday night for all the participants and sponsors and guests in the event at the Kiva Dunes Clubhouse?. This will be an opportunity to meet you professional for the tournament. The tournament will also host a free junior clinic for the kids in Gulf Shores on Tuesday March 5 at the Kiva Dunes Driving range from 4:15-5:15 for all kids interested in learning more about the game. The clinic will be conducted by Rea Schuessler and the Emerald Coast Tour professionals.
The Emerald Coast Tour is a developmental tour for guys trying to earn their PGA tour card. Local guys Nick Rousey of Pensacola is expected to play as well as Wilson McDonald and Robby Shelton of Mobile. The tour has had over 25 PGA tour winners play on the tour. The Inaugural Kiva Dunes Pro Classic was won by Hunter Stewart and Michael Hebert as they were declared Co Champions. Hunter Stewart was the winner again last year. Michael Arnaud who played last year went on to win on the Web. com tour last year.
To play in the Pro Am contact the Kiva Dunes pro shop at 251540-7000 or Geno Celano with the Emerald Coast Golf Tour at 850-217-3412.
Reynolds Lake Oconee Launches Dream Golf Getaway Sweepstakes
Reynolds Lake Oconee, the award-winning golf and lakefront destination between Atlanta and Augusta, Ga., today announced the launch of a sweepstakes with the grand prize winner earning a dream four-day, three-night golf getaway with three guests of their choice. The extensive grand prize package — which includes lodging, transportation, meals, apparel, three rounds of golf, and much more — boasts a retail value of more than $16,500.
The “Reynolds 360: You + Three” Sweepstakes is underway and continues through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 22. The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries and will be announced shortly after the Sweepstakes’ closing.
The grand prize package, which must be used between June 17-20, 2019 includes:
Luxury lodging accommodations at Reynolds’ National Club Cottages; Three rounds of golf with caddies at Reynolds Lake Oconee courses; Domestic round-trip coach airfare arriving at and departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), plus rental car; Meals at selected Reynolds’ restaurants, plus a spirit/wine tasting experience; Apparel provided by Sunice and Fairway & Greene for all guests; Reynolds Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade club fitting experience; and Shooting experience at the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, and guided fishing charter on beautiful Lake Oconee.
The sweepstakes is open to all current subscribers of the Reynolds Insider e-newsletter as well as to new subscribers who sign up for the newsletter prior to the close of the contest. Newsletter sign-up and entry forms are available at www. reynoldslakeoconee.com/reynolds-insider. There is a limit of one entry per person; no purchase is necessary to enter or win. Entrants must be residents of the United States and at least 21 years of age.
For additional information about the “Reynolds 360: You + Three” Sweepstakes, as well as Reynolds Lake Oconee, access www.reynoldslakeoconee.com.
Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship Returns To Turtle Hill Golf Club in bermuda
Fairmont Southampton is proud to announce the return of the 2019 GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship to Turtle Hill Golf Club for the 10th consecutive year, taking place March 7-10.
As in previous years, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and PGA Canada will continue as partners for this signature golf event in Bermuda. Golf personality Charlie Rymer and four-time PGA TOUR winner Chip Beck will also be back as the hosts of the 2019 GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship, along with five-time European Tour winner Barry Lane and 19-time Ladies European Tour winner Trish Johnson.
As the world’s premier par 3 championship with a total purse of $50,000, the event is expected to attract 150 participants from more than 10 countries, including a number of noted professionals and celebrities. The field will be rounded out by an impressive list of amateur golfers—from Bermuda, the United States, Canada and Europe—vying for titles in the men’s, women’s and senior amateur divisions.
As part of the 10th anniversary festivities, the Fairmont Southampton is offering a special, discounted GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship package. The limited-edition experience package includes: GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship entry Three nights luxury accommodations at Fairmont Southampton Daily full breakfast and lunch on tournament days
Exclusive activation event at the iconic Bacardi Limited headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda
Exclusive opening night event at Boundary Sports Bar & Grille at the Fairmont Southampton Prizing Giving Reception after play on final round at tenth tee Premium GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship tee gifts Opportunity to take part in the $1-million (USD) hole-in-one contest This once-in-lifetime GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship package comes in at an astounding $897* (plus taxes, gratuities and resort levy)
For information on the GREY GOOSE® World Par 3 Championship, please contact the PGA of Canada’s Adam LeBrun at adam@ pgaofcanada.com or visit Fairmont.com/bermuda/golf and www. facebook.com/GreyGooseWorldPar3
PGA National Resort & Spa Offers Exceptional Honda Classic VIP Experience
PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, meetings and spa destination – announces its exceptional “Honda Classic VIP Experience Room Package” for the upcoming PGA TOUR event to be played on the celebrated Champion Course (Feb. 25 – March 3).
PGA TOUR players and fans will discover significant changes to The Champion Course following a comprehensive renovation by Nicklaus Design. Most notable are the removal of Palmetto palms on the right side of No. 1 and left side of No. 9. Additionally, one-third of an acre (14,400 sq. ft.) was recaptured on the putting surfaces, returning them to the native design Jack Nicklaus and his team implemented 16 years ago. The layout reopened last November to rave reviews.
Starting at $814 (per night, single occupancy) and $1,199 per night for double occupancy, the Honda Classic VIP Experience Room Package allows unrivaled access to the legendary resort’s myriad of amenities. Highlights include nightly deluxe room accommodations, daily VIP access to the 18th Hole Chalet, access to the “Bear Trap Party” on No. 17, and daily rounds of golf on The Palmer, Fazio or Squire courses with unlimited range balls and use of the driving range.
With the return of local legend Tiger Woods and drama of the world’s best players taking on The Champion Course’s famous Bear Trap (Nos. 15 – 17), the 2018 Honda Classic shattered its attendance record by attracting 224,642 spectators during a week of perfect South Florida weather. Additionally, CBS posted the highest viewership and ratings for the tournament in five years as Justin Thomas won the event in a dramatic playoff.
For more information, please visit www. pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.
Three Reasons Daytona Beach is Golf’s Fastest Destination
Speed is the topic of conversation in Daytona Beach from late January through February as the sports world turns its attention to the Great American Race. Golfers, of course, are always in search of their own version of speed: courses with great pace of play.
With that in mind, Daytona Beach might be the game’s fastest destination.
As surely as Daytona Beach is a mecca for auto racing enthusiasts, the area is equally appealing for golfers in search of a sub 4.5-hour round. How can we be so sure?
Because Daytona Beach is home to courses that were designed to provide a complete golf experience at a pace that would make Jimmie Johnson proud.
If you want to play in four hours or less, here are three Daytona Beach golf courses where the caution flag is never waved.
Crane Lakes, a par 66 that plays 5,186 yards from the tips, has eight par 3s and a pair of par 5s, but it isn’t a short course. Golfers will hit every club in the bag. A 435-yard par 4 and a 495-yard par 5 ensure the need for a good day with the driver, and the par 3s range in length from 156 to 200 yards (back tees). Crane Lakes, always among the area’s best conditioned courses, will test every part of your game and do so in a timely manner.
A par 69, Hidden Lakes is an ideal course to play on the first day of a trip, as it will give everyone in your group a chance to score. The layout is 5,454 yards from the tips and doesn’t have a par 4 that plays 400 yards, so players should almost always have a comfortable club in hand. A round at Hidden Lakes is fun and when combined with one of the area’s best practice facilities, there are a lot of reasons to play here.
Riviera Country Club is the longest courses on our list at 6,250 yards from the tips, but this is an old-school layout designed with pace of play in mind. There is ample room to hit the ball, greens and tee boxes are in close proximity, and the course is maintained in a way that guarantees golfers won’t spend all day looking for balls.
Daytona Beach is home to nearly 30 courses and all of them emphasize pace of play, but you will likely reach the checkered flag first Crane Lakes, Hidden Lakes and Riviera.
For more information, go to DaytonaBeach.com/things-to-do/golf.