Chip Shots
Returns to a “New Normal” with a Positive Outlook
Scottsdale, AZ – July is “Troon Family Golf Month” at Troonaffiliated facilities around the world. Throughout July, Troon courses will amplify their year-round family golf initiatives through family-oriented instructional programs, events and tournaments.
“We’re seeing a renewed interest in golf from juniors (and adults) around the globe,” said Bruce Glasco, chief operating officer, Troon. “In parts of Europe, for example, kids are not able to participate in soccer or cricket due to the pandemic, but they can play golf while properly physically distancing. During Family Golf Month, we hope parents and juniors will get out and play golf, enjoy the fresh air together and appreciate the camaraderie that golf provides.”
While the month of July serves as the kickoff for family golf activities, Troon Family Golf is available every day of the week, all year long, at participating Troon-managed facilities worldwide. Families can play golf together and enjoy the following:
• Juniors play golf for free after 3 p.m. when playing with a paying adult
• Juniors enjoy complimentary Callaway rental clubs all day (U.S. only)
• Juniors receive complimentary instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult
In addition, the Troon Junior Club is open to all junior golfers age 17 years and younger for an annual fee of just $35. Troon Junior Club members receive:
• Preferred junior rates and programs at participating Troon facilities
• Troon Junior Club Nike hat
• Troon Junior Club bag tag
• Welcome letter from Rory Mcilroy
• One time 25 percent off at Nike.com (exclusions apply) • One-year GOLFPASS video membership (retail value: $49 annually)
• Practice facility access at select facilities
• Special junior clinics
• Up to 20 percent discount on summer golf camps at participating facilities
• Exclusive access to Troon Junior Club social media (with parental approval)
• Plus all current Troon Family Golf benefits
Visit www.troonfamilygolf.com or contact the Troonmanaged club nearest you to learn more about specific Troon Family Golf programs. For more information on all of Troon’s “grow the game” initiatives, visit www.playtroon.com.
Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods release plans for reimagined short course facility at Pebble Beach
New facility will include a ninehole par-3 short course, a putting course, and an indoor/outdoor food and beverage venue overlooking one of the Resort’s most stunning views
PEBBLE BEACH, CA – Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods, through his TGR Design firm, released plans to transform the former site of Peter Hay Golf Course. Located directly between the Pebble Beach Pro Shop and Golf Academy, the new facility will include:
• A short course comprised of nine par3 holes ranging in length from 47 to 106 yards and measuring 670 yards in total;
• A 20,000-square-foot putting course that can be set up in a variety of different hole and routing combinations; and
• A 5,000-square-foot food and beverage venue featuring a full kitchen and bar, indoor seating, and the resort’s largest outdoor patio positioned for expansive views of the short course, putting course,
Carmel Bay, and Point Lobos
“We are thrilled to elevate the quality of our short course to a level consistent with our other world-class golf courses,” said Bill Perocchi, Chief Executive Officer of Pebble Beach Company. “You can see the genius of Tiger Woods and TGR Design come to life when you walk the site, the way it all fits together. I expect all aspects of this new facility will be very popular for junior golf events, Resort golfers, outings, resident hang-outs, and everything in between.”
Woods’ design philosophy for the short course is anchored on playability and creativity. His vision is that the course will draw new players to the game, bring families together, and provide a fun golf experience for players of all ages and abilities, while still offering a challenge for skilled players.
“Everyone who plays this golf course is going to enjoy the playability of it,” said Woods. “Golfers will have the choice to play nearly any club off most tees and around the greens, which will make them think and channel their creativity. It will also play differently from day to day depending on the tee and hole locations and wind direction. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to play it.”
In shaping the new course, Woods’ inspiration resulted in dramatic terrain movement and nine holes entirely distinct from the old course. He also reoriented the routing to better capture the views, with four holes now playing directly toward Carmel Bay.
In addition, Woods aligned each hole’s yardage to correspond with a significant year in Pebble Beach history, with accompanying plaques on each tee telling a story and creating the sense guests are walking amongst the Resort’s rich championship heritage as they play. The only exception is the course’s second hole, which will be an exact replica of the famous seventh hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
“Pebble Beach is such an iconic golf destination, we want guests to feel the entirety of that spirit when they play this course. We also know not everyone who comes to Pebble Beach will have a chance to play the U.S. Open course, so we wanted to create the opportunity for all visitors to experience one of its most famous holes,” Woods added.
The Grand Opening of the entire facility is currently scheduled for the Spring of 2021.
Abrighter 2020 beckons for the Costa Brava as it can now announce that the majority of the hotels which form part of the Costa Brava golf brand are now fully open once again. La Costa Golf & Beach Resort, Park Hotel San Jorge, Torremirona, Peralada and Girona’s city-centre Hotel Carlemany all opened in June, and have recently been joined by PGA Catalunya’s Camiral and Lavida (3rd July) and Hotel Eden Roc and Hotel Cap Roig (8th July).
Emporda Hotel Golf also reopens its doors this week after and extensive refurbishment including a new swimming pool and restaurant concept.
Other hotels now open in the Costa Brava which should remain of interest to golf tour operators include Hotel Alga, Hotel Peninsular, NM Suites, Aparthotel ciutat de Palol, Hotel Santa Marta, Hotel Alàbriga, Sallés Hotel Mas Tapiolas, Hotel Aromar, Hotel Clipper & Villas, S’agaró Hotel, Hotel Costa Brava and Hotel Casa Granados.
All golf courses reopened in May, and working with the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and various other industry associations, each course implemented various safety protocols now familiar at venues across many European countries.
The hotel re-openings will be welcome news to the industry as it gears up to welcome back tourists to the region. With plenty of flights to Barcelona, and the schedules now also re-starting for Girona in, there are many reasons to be optimistic for this very special golf destination.
Laia Cunill, marketing manager for golf at the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, said: “It is a huge relief to be able to announce that our golf courses, and now hotels, are open again. We hope to welcome back golfers from across Europe soon, to enjoy our amazing courses and to experience the wonderful environment our region has to offer.”
Giants Ridge Unveils Stay-and-play Packages
BIWABIK, MN – Giants Ridge – Minnesota’s leading golf resort, set in the rugged beauty of the Mesabi Iron Range – reveals stay-andplay packages highlighting the resort’s exceptional golf courses and accommodations.
A convenient three-hour drive along Interstate 35 from the Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area, Giants Ridge boasts two of the highest-ranked layouts in state, The Quarry and The Legend. The aptlynamed Quarry is built on the site of a former sand quarry and iron ore mine, and dramatically raised tees and hazards provide dramatic Iron Range vistas. Carved out of the Superior National Forest, The Legend is a true “northwoods” course featuring towering pines, giant fairways and majestic views of Wynne and Sabin Lakes.
Through October 15, the “Stay & Play at the Villas at Giants Ridge” package offers a round of golf per person / per day on either The Legend or The Quarry, golf cart, range balls, a yardage book and accommodations at The Villas at Giants Ridge for 10% off the regular price. Subject to availability, the package requires advanced reservations and tee times.
Starting at $281 per person / per night, the “Play & Stay at Greengate Guest Houses” package includes a three-night stay at the Greengate Guest Houses and two rounds of golf. A four-night, three rounds of golf package also is available, and starts at $397 per person / per night. Taxes are not included, and other restrictions may apply.
More information about these golf packages at Giants Ridge can be found on the resort’s special offers page.
“These packages are ideal for anyone coming to Giants Ridge – from golf getaways groups to families embracing the outdoors,” says John Kendall, director of golf. “With the golf season and pleasant weather upon us in the Midwest, we encourage early bookings to ensure you can play our highly rated courses.”
Youth On Course Expands Life-changing Opportunities For Young People In New York
Youth on Course – the non-profit organization providing young people with access to opportunities through subsidized golf, college scholarships, paid internships and a caddie program – announces its partnership with the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) to expand affordable rounds of golf and life-changing opportunities to juniors in the state.
Young people ages 6-18 in New York will be able to join the Youth on Course national network and access golf for $5 or less per round at 1,400 facilities across 36 states. The initial cohort of NYSGA courses offering $5 or less rounds include Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course, Cazenovia Country Club, Chautauqua Golf Club – Hill Course, Chautauqua Golf Club – Lake Course, College Golf Course at Delhi, Lyndon Golf Course, Rome Country Club and Sunset Ridge Golf Club, with additional facilities joining soon. https://youthoncourse.org
Popular Events Feature Play on Celebrated Teeth of the Dog
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – announces two popular upcoming tournaments, the 6th Annual Latin America Pro Am (Aug. 11 – 15) and 39th Annual Casa de Campo Open (Sept. 16 – 20).
Casa de Campo reopened on July 1 after being closed due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic since mid-march. During its closure, the resort’s management worked closely with HS Consulting Group in Mallorca, Spain to review all enhanced health and safety protocols and certify they are effective in the prevention of all infectious diseases. A full list of the new measures may be found here.
The Latin America Pro Am features four rounds overall played on Teeth of the Dog, Pete Dye’s masterpiece creation widely known as the best course in the Caribbean. Competing teams are comprised of four amateurs and one professional. For the event, the resort is offering a four-night “Amateur Package” starting at $2,134 (per player, based on double occupancy).
The package features four nights’ accommodations in elite rooms; four-passenger golf cart (per room); daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; welcome dinner and awards banquet; practice round on day of arrival; tournament entry fee; unlimited complimentary replay rounds after tournament play; and cart fees, range balls, club storage and care.
Also included are unlimited drinks in resort restaurants, bars and lounges as well as from the Oasis golf course cart (bottles, mini-bar, premium bottled water, specialty cognacs and premium brand liqueurs are not included); complimentary transfer from La Romana, Santo Domingo or Punta Cana airports; all resort taxes and service charges.
The 39th Annual Casa de Campo Open will be played on the five-star resort’s three Dye-designed layouts: Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links. The 54-hole individual stroke play event includes competition in senior, super senior, master senior and elite senior divisions for both men and women. The four-day tournament is all-inclusive with four nights of accommodation and starts at $1,579 (per person, double occupancy).
For more information on all Casa de Campo events, please call 809.523.8115 or email m.leonardo@ccampo.com.do.
“These two exceptional golf events are ideal to join us here in paradise to relax and savor our world-class resort amenities,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We’re excited to be back open for our guests to come visit the friendly Dominican Republic and discover firsthand why we’re in the highest echelon of luxury resort destinations.”
Casa de Campo also offers an array of fully appointed villas perfect for golf groups and families. The villa options range from three to 11 bedrooms with stylish living areas, a private pool as well as endless creature comforts. Daily breakfast, private maid
service and full access to a wide range of on-site activities are additional highlights of villa stays.
Teeth of the Dog features Pete Dye’s design hallmarks: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, handsculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. Oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”
Twenty-seven-hole Dye Fore joined Teeth of the Dog in 2002. Its three nines – Chavon, Marina and Lakes – are distinct. Chavon features seven holes running atop cliffs dropping 300 feet, Marina meanders down to a harbor ringed by restaurants and shops, and Lakes is artfully crafted across tumultuous terrain.
Located in the interior of the property is the resort’s third Dye layout, The Links. The moderately hilly track with tall Bahia grass framing bunkers and undulating greens presents spectacular Caribbean views. Slightly over 7,000 yards from the back tees and playing to a slope of 126, it is considered one of the most-forgiving courses Dye has designed.
Casa de Campo is offering free cancellation for all bookings. For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www. casadecampo.com.do/.
Chee Chan Golf Resort Opens Pga Academy
A new state-of-the-art PGA accredited golf academy has opened its doors at the Chee Chan Golf Resort, Thailand to add to its world class golf facilities.
Located just outside Pattaya, The Chee Chan Golf Resort opened in 2018 and is ranked as the best course in Thailand by Golf Digest.
The new PGA Academy is an exciting addition to the facility, offering the very best in golf instruction and teaching technology. British PGA Professional, Ewan Hogarth, has been recruited to head up the new academy.
Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA, commented: “The new PGA Academy at Chee Chan Golf Resort is a fantastic addition to the portfolio of PGA branded golf academies around the world, and the exceptional facilities available at the resort is a perfect match for the PGA brand.”
The Chee Chan Golf Resort becomes part of the PGA family of branded facilities, joining a number of prestigious international venues including The Belfry in England and Gleneagles in Scotland.
IMG provide golf management services to Chee Chan Golf Resort, and Paul Burley, Senior Vice President, IMG and a PGA Master Professional, added: “Chee Chan Golf Resort offers an exceptional golf experience, and with the addition of the PGA Academy, our guests will now have access to first-class tuition and practice facilities that are some of the best in the region.”
IMG Golf Course Services is a global leader in the design, development, marketing and management of world class golf courses. For more than 25 years, the group has set the standard for excellence in golf course design and golf club management. IMG’S golf course services team currently provides a diverse range of management and marketing services to more than 20 award winning clubs and resorts. For more information about IMG Prestige, please visit www.imgprestige.com
Fresh New Look For Race To Costa Del Sol
The Race to Costa del Sol is ready to enter the next phase with a new look as part of the Ladies European Tour’s brand refresh pushing towards the future.
The logo includes the LET mark, which represents the ambition of the new LPGA-LET joint venture partnership and a shared desire to elevate women’s professional golf.
The Costa del Sol Tourist Board became a partner of the LET this year by sponsoring the Order of Merit, which is now called the Race to Costa del Sol and rewards the achievements of the players, recognising the hard work, grit and determination that it takes to achieve long-term goals.
Francisco Salado, President of Costa del Sol Tourist Board, said: “The Costa del Sol Tourist Board is proud to be part of this new stage in the history of LET. Women’s professional golf will continue to grow in popularity, thanks to the dedication, and mastery, of LET’S incredible players and the message that Costa del Sol is a champion of women’s golf will be welcomed by golfers throughout the world.”
The Race began successfully in February with three first-time winners at the Australian Ladies Classic Bonville, the Women’s New South Wales Open and the Investec Women’s South African Open and the Rankings are currently led by the Women’s New South Wales Open champion, Julia Engström, from Sweden, followed by Belgium’s Manon De Roey in second position and England’s Alice Hewson, the Investec Women’s South African Open winner, in third.
LET Chief Executive Alexandra Armas said: “The Race to Costa del Sol is a huge part of the new LET and our mission to #Raiseourgame for the female golfers of today and those who will follow. The contribution of the Costa del Sol Tourist Board and their commitment to being a champion of women’s golf is hugely appreciated by our players, who cannot wait to return to the Costa del Sol for our popular season-ending event, the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, in November.”
Follow the Race to Costa del Sol and join the conversation on social using the official hashtag #Racetocostadelsol.
About the Ladies European Tour Partner: Costa Del Sol Tourist Board
In 2020 the Costa Del Sol Tourist Board became a partner of the Ladies European Tour by sponsoring the Order of Merit, which is now called the Race to Costa del Sol.
Costa del Sol Tourist Board is dedicated to the promotion of Costa del Golf and provides advice and support to its partners throughout the golf industry. The Costa del Sol has been recognised as a top European Golf Destination by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) and is the exclusive destination in continental Europe of PGA Germany.
The Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga in southern Spain, is the leading destination for golfers who seek a wide variety of quality golf courses and ideal golfing weather through 12 months of the year. With over seventy golf courses, many of which were conceived by masters of golf course design, the Costa del Sol enjoys worldwide prestige. Many top-level championships
have provided unforgettable days of competition on its courses: the Ryder Cup, the World Golf Championship, the Estrella Damm Andalucía Masters and the Ladies European Tour Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España.
Golfers of all levels visit this unique destination, year after year, to enjoy the golf, and explore all that this unique destination offers including top class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, great shopping and a wide range of hotels, apartments and villas with an astounding array of services, combined with the legendary sights of Andalusia.
Race to Costa Del Sol
In 2020 the Costa del Sol Tourist Board sponsors the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit, which is now called the ‘Race to Costa del Sol’ and offers an additional bonus pool.
The Race to Costa del Sol teed off in Australia in February with the Australian Ladies Classic Bonville and will culminate at the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino in November.
The Race to Costa del Sol will showcase the tourism excellence of both the Costa del Sol and Andalusia whilst providing a tremendous incentive for Ladies European Tour members. #Racetocostadelsol
The Reserve Club At Woodside Celebrates Grand Opening Of Its Newest Course
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Reserve Club at Woodside recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Hollow Creek Golf Course. The par 71, 6,943 yard golf course completes a full 36 holes at Woodside and is now available for play. From July 1st through 5th, members enjoyed a full calendar of celebratory events to accompany the opening of the golf course, including an appearance by Hollow Creek Golf Course architect Clyde Johnston.
Hollow Creek Golf Course gets its name from the 110-acre nature preserve that is adjacent to the course. Hollow Creek Nature Preserve, with its rolling hills, mature hardwoods and miles of trails, is part of South Carolina’s first designated bluebird habitat. The Reserve Club at Woodside now features the Hollow Creek Golf Course and the Reserve Course, a Nicklaus Design that opened for play in 2002.
“The completion of the Hollow Creek Golf Course is exciting for our entire membership,” said The Reserve Club General Manager Saul Schwartz. “I’m proud to be part of a team that honors its longstanding commitment to add value to its memberships. The addition of the Hollow Creek Golf Course is an example of how we deliver on that promise.”
Located in Aiken, South Carolina, a Southern Living Magazine “South’s Best Small Town” and approximately 20 miles from Augusta National, The Reserve Club at Woodside is home to 36 holes of golf, six har-tru tennis courts, three regulation-size pickleball courts, a resort-style pool and cabana, a croquet court and game lawn, two outdoor patios and a 27,500 square-foot clubhouse. The clubhouse offers members and guests a variety of amenities including more than 60 member-led clubs and social groups, a variety of dining venues, grand ballroom for live music and other popular events, library, locker rooms, golf shop, conference room and an art studio.
Thanks to its proximity to Augusta, Georgia, The Reserve Club welcomes guest/ visitor play during Masters Week. Playing packages are available for the November 2020 and the Spring 2021 Masters.
The Reserve Club at Woodside is proudly managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon. For more information on The Reserve Club, visit www.thereserveclubatwoodside.com or call 803-648-1601. For more information on the Woodside community, visit www. woodsidecommunities.com or call 800648-3052.