Chip Shots
Horseshoe Bay Resort Offers First-ever Stay, Play & Learn Package
HORSESHOE BAY, TX – The newest golf package at the all-new, AAA-FOUR Diamond- and Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award-winning Horseshoe Bay Resort is a first for this world-class destination. The Stay, Play & Learn Package is the only bundle ever offered at Horseshoe Bay that combines accommodations plus expert golf lessons. It includes a classic guest room for a minimum of two nights; one-hour lesson for two with Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner; 9-hole, on-course playing lesson for two with Steiner; and a 9-hole round of golf for two following the lesson.
Steiner is excited to help hotel guests get their golf games to the next level in a unique environment. he takes a handson approach that makes lessons fun and educational. “I like to talk to the golfers before they get here, so I get a good feel of where they are with their golf game, what their experience has been with lessons, and why they are coming,” says Steiner. “I want to know how I can help them become better and enjoy themselves more on the course. The actual instruction is different for each person in your group. And it doesn’t matter if your skill levels are the same or not, I tailor the instruction to each person, and teach all facets of the game.”
According to Steiner, this getaway package is ideal for couples-- regardless of if their skill sets are identical or differ by a large margin -- or for pairs of buddies or women who want to enjoy some time together and share an amazing experience. “And of course, you still get to play some golf while you’re here,” adds Steiner, who has more than 20 years of golf instruction experience at nationally renowned golf schools. “If you go on a trip and just play golf, it makes for a great vacation but you sort of leave it there. But if you incorporate golf lessons into your getaway, then the benefit of that vacation lingers on way after you get home. Horseshoe Bay Resort is such a wonderful place. It’s one of the most beautiful settings in a special part of the world. And I’m thrilled we’ve started the Stay, Play & Learn Package. It’s long overdue and I’m confident people are going to love it.”
Here’s Bobby Steiner delivering a golf video tip: https://youtu.be/yhqpgigh1jg
Call 877-611-0112 or visit https:// www.hsbresort.com/golf/golf-packages to book your instruction package at one of the most thrilling resort destinations in the Southwest. We also offer the Unlimited Golf, Tee It Up Golf, and Nine & Dine Golf packages. Visit www.hsbresort.com for more information.
Excitement Builds For The Future Of Public Golf In Washington, DC As National Links Trust Completes Long-term Lease Agreement On Three Historic Golf Courses
Scottsdale, AZ – With the National Links Trust (NLT) recently completing a long-term lease agreement with the National Park Service for the management, operation and improvement of East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek Park Golf Courses in Washington, DC, excitement is building for the future revitalization of these three historic public golf courses. The NLT has partnered with Troon to manage operations and to collaborate on the upcoming golf course renovations that will help rejuvenate the three iconic golf courses. The NLT’S lease agreement is for 50 years and officially commenced on October 5, 2020.
Troon’s Honours Golf operating division will provide initial golf operations, agronomy, retail, sales and marketing, and varying food and beverage services at the three properties, with all course employees becoming Troon associates. With much of the focus on the long-term renovation plans for the golf courses and the future of DC golf, Troon/honours Golf and the NLT will make a number of immediate enhancements to include (but not limited to) new golf cart fleets, new golf course maintenance equipment, golf course beautification projects at Langston Golf Course along Kingman Lake and Anacostia River (in collaboration with Anacostia Watershed Society) and the launch (this fall) of three new golf course websites, plus a new overarching website at Playdcgolf.com.
The NLT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting affordable and accessible golf, preserving and restoring historic golf course architecture, and engaging with local communities at municipal golf courses across the United States, has committed to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the three golf properties. Rock Creek Park Golf
Course will be renovated first by golf course architect Gil Hanse. Tom Doak will lead the East Potomac work and Beau Welling will oversee the Langston renovation. Investments at all three properties will be guided by the following tenets: maintain affordable golf fees; develop and support youth golf and educational programs; implement environmentally favorable practices; and provide architecturally engaging golf courses. In addition, the NLT will take steps to acknowledge the unique social and sporting histories of these parks, and honor their rich past, especially their role in the racial integration of public golf in Washington and the nation.
“The National Links Trust is thrilled to be working with Troon at these three historic and unique golf courses. Troon’s guidance and expertise have been instrumental to NLT’S efforts to this point, first in winning the lease and now in transitioning to operations. The Troon organization clearly understands the importance of affordable and accessible golf to the health of the game and we look forward to continuing our partnership over the coming years as we make these exciting investments in the DC golf courses,” said Michael Mccartin, co-founder of the NLT.
In addition to Hanse, Doak and Welling providing design services, golf developer Mike Keiser is serving as senior advisor to the NLT. The NLT is also partnering with civic, philanthropic and environmental organizations such as First Tee of Greater Washington, DC; Golf. My Future. My Game.; Anacostia Watershed; and many others.
“Troon is proud to support and be an integral part of the National Links Trust’s vision and commitment to bringing these historic courses back to their original prominence,” said Tim Schantz, president and chief executive officer, Troon. “Humbled to be working together with partners such as Mike Keiser, Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, Beau Welling, and future industry participants, Troon is committed-to and investedin the long term success of these three incredible properties.”
For more information on The National Links Trust, visit www. nationallinkstrust.com.
Hoiana Shores Golf Club named World’s Best New Course for 2020
HOI AN, Vietnam — Hoiana Shores Golf Club has been named the Best New Course to open worldwide for the year 2020. The Robert Trent Jones II design, opened earlier this year in the stunning dunescape of Central Vietnam, was singled out for this honor as part of the 7th annual World Golf Awards.
The World Golf Awards are the game’s only global decorations and the only course laurels voted on by the golfing public and industry professionals during a ballot period that, this year, extended from 23 February to 1 September.
Hoiana Shores GC — part of the US$4 billion Hoiana Integrated Resort, located on the beach southeast of Hoi An — earned World’s Best New Course honors for 2020 by besting an exceedingly strong field of nominees, among them Old Toccoa Farm and the Tiger Woodsdesigned Payne’s Valley GC at Big Cedar Lodge; the Dumbarnie Links in Scotland and PGA National in the Czech Republic; the Education City GC in Qatar and the Dubai Hills GC in the UAE.
Hoiana Shores is a modern links design, laid out on a treeless expanse of pure sand, with no fewer than 5 holes coming into direct contact with the East Sea. “The success of Hoiana Shores makes it a game-changer,” said its architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., “and from a pure golfing perspective, this is some of our very best work. We really opened up the sand dunes and allowed the greens to settle into them. I wanted greens nestled into the dunes early in the round. When players get closer to the water, we wanted to open up vistas to the sea.”
“It’s a great honor to be recognized with this World Golf Award,” added Ben Styles, General Manager of HSGC. “This is the only award that combines the votes of both golfers and industry professionals globally. We’ve not been open a full year, but we do feel we’ve created something very special here, something that will stand as a landmark course in Asia-pacific for decades to come. It’s gratifying to see that others agree.”
Hoiana Shores GC and the other winners were meant to be feted as part of an Oct. 29 red-carpet ceremony and gala reception that has customarily drawn market leaders from nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania. Sadly the event was cancelled on account of the worldwide pandemic.
“Despite the many challenges that golf tourism has faced in this most unprecedented of years, this year’s program has seen a record number of votes cast by both golf consumers and golf industry professionals from around the world,” according to Chris Frost, Managing Director of World Golf Awards. “The appetite for golf tourism has never been as keen, with golf fans urging World Golf Awards to continue acknowledging the leading brands in our industry. This bodes well for golf tourism’s future as the global recovery begins.”
Streamsong Resort Unveils A New Tradition “A Golfer’s Holiday Stay & Play 36” Package
STREAMSONG, FLORIDA – Streamsong Resort announced its latest golf package, just in time for the holiday season. “A Golfer’s Holiday Stay & Play 36” package offers a two-night stay at the lakeside Lodge, two rounds of golf on your choice of Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue or Streamsong Black and breakfast each day. But that’s not all. In this season of giving, Streamsong is adding a Golfer’s Holiday travel bag and exclusive items valued at over $800.00 while supplies last. The Florentine leather cabin bag is thoughtfully packed with luxury and lifestyle brands from Maui Jim®, Maker’s Mark®, Titleist® and more. They even slipped in a complimentary round of golf on the course of your choice for your next visit.
With the recent October reopening of Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue and Florida weather at its finest, there has never been a better time to stay-and-play at Streamsong. Both courses were temporarily closed for regrassing, and now sport the revolutionary new ultradwarf bermudagrass, Mach 1.
The package is available Nov. 23, 2020 – Jan. 16, 2021. Pricing starts at $1,299.00 per person based on double occupancy, or $1,499.00 per person based on single occupancy. Pricing includes tax, but does not include resort or caddie fees.
Streamsong is home to Florida’s highest rated golf courses, and the only destination in the world to experience three distinct golf courses designed by four legendary architects.
For more information on the Golfer’s Holiday package, or to book a reservation, visit www.streamsongresort.com.
Ballenisles Country Club Leaders Play 250 Holes Of Golf, Raise $15,000-Plus For First Tee Of The Palm Beaches
Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Ballenisles Country Club General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Walls and Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert played a combined 250 holes of golf on Monday, November 2nd to raise funds for the First Tee of the Palm Beaches. Walls and Fitzherbert were participating in the 5th Annual 100 Hole Challenge held at Jupiter Country Club and raised more than $15,000 for the First Tee through Ballenisles’ member donations and pledges.
The two played 125 holes each, over eight and a half hours, covering approximately 18 miles, while playing three balls on every hole but one. Walls, used seven Callaway golf balls (lost four), went through one Callaway glove and remarkably, made it around using only one tee.
“It was a fun, windy day.
I got to hang out with the best pro in town and play golf, literally all day,” said Walls. “But importantly, a huge thank you to our incredibly supportive members who helped us surpass our initial goal of donations. A big thank you to the leadership of Carl Mistretta, Executive Director of First Tee, who does so much to give back to our local golf community. He is such a contributor and I am so thrilled knowing good things will come to kids in our area because of Carl’s work. Also, to the staff and members of Jupiter Country Club who allowed us access to the golf course all day (and we didn’t have to rake the bunkers after ourselves). A lot of people in our community pulled together for an important cause.”
“Ryan and I had played, combined, maybe 50 holes of golf this year prior to this event,” said Fitzherbert. “We really enjoyed playing and supporting children and veterans of the First Tee of the Palm Beaches. It’s an important and meaningful program for many kids and families in our region. Thank you to all who have, and who will be donating to this worthwhile cause.”
While their 100 Hole Challenge is complete, Walls and Fitzherbert hope to continue to collect donations for the First Tee of the Palm Beaches through mid-november as the fundraising website is still accepting contributions.
“I’d also like to thank our sponsors – Tylenol, Callaway, Theragun Massager and Biofreeze,” Walls quipped.
For more information on the First Tee of the Palm Beaches and their 100 Hole Challenge, visit www.firstteefloridagoldcoast.org/ palm-beaches. For more information on Ballenisles Country Club, visit www.ballenisles.org.
Troon Golf Vacations Unveils Best Of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package
Scottsdale, AZ – With the state of Hawaii now allowing U.S. mainland travelers to travel to the Hawaiian Islands – provided pre-travel testing protocols are followed and passed – Troon Golf Vacations has unveiled a new Best of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package. The 10-day, 9-night package includes seven rounds of golf on some of Hawaii’s most spectacular oceanfront courses, luxury accommodations at three amazing resorts and stays on three beautiful Hawaiian Islands – Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai.
Start at The Ritz-carlton Kapalua on Maui and play both the Bay and Plantation Courses at Kapalua. Then head to the Big Island’s Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection and play the North and South Courses at Mauna Lani. Wrap up on Kauai with a stay at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and tee it up at Princeville Makai Golf Club. Travelers can select the order of the islands they visit and golf courses they play.
The Best of Hawaii Island Hopper Golf Package includes: Hawaii Island:
3 nights’ accommodations at Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts
Collection
1 round of golf at Mauna Lani – North Course
1 round of golf at Mauna Lani – South Course
1 round of golf at Wikiwiki 9-hole Short Course
3 days, Avis Rental Car
Maui:
3 nights’ accommodations at The Ritz-carlton, Kapalua 1 round of golf at Kapalua Plantation Course – home of the PGA TOUR’S Sentry Tournament of Champions 1 round of golf at Kapalua Bay Course
3 days, Avis Rental Car
Kauai:
3 nights’ accommodations at The Westin Princeville Ocean
Resort Villas
1 round of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club – the #1 ranked course on Kauai by Golf Advisor
2nd round of golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club
3 days, Avis Rental Car
Extra: Sunset Golf Car Tour (for two) – Details at: https://www. makaigolf.com/sunsetcarttour/
The Best of Hawaii Island Hopper package starts at $497 per person/night. Troon Rewards points are available for the golf portion of the vacation. To view additional Troon Golf Vacation packages or request a customized quote, visit www.troongolfvacations.com or call (877) 876-6648. For travel updates and the latest testing information, visit: https://hawaiicovid19.com.
Billy Casper Golf Re-brands to Indigo Golf Partners
RESTON, VA – Billy Casper Golf has changed its name to Indigo Golf Partners, representing a new, modern brand aligned with golf’s evolving landscape and the company’s leadership in golf course ownership and operations.
Significance of Indigo Golf Partners lies in blue sky thinking that inspires creative and practical ideas which know no limits. It is personified by a contemporary logo design with graduated blue hues.
The principles carried out by the company’s nearly 7,000 passionate employees serving guests and members at more than 160
golf courses, country clubs and resorts in 29 states follow a “golf for everyone” theme. It is anchored by inclusion – promoting a sense of belonging – for all involved in owning, operating and frequenting Indigo Golf Partners-managed properties.
Since its founding in 1989, Indigo Golf Partners’ unwavering vision is to be the best operator in the history of golf; mission is to create safe, fun and enjoyable experiences daily; and responsibility is to generate healthy business returns for owners of daily-fee and private golf clubs.
With utmost attention to member and guest satisfaction, Indigo Golf Partners’ growth is fueled by advancements in all facets of modernday golf and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, datadriven marketing, HOA integration, technology, special events and financial management.
“We believe golf is for everyone and our goal is to lead the industry with innovations for current and future generations,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of Indigo Golf Partners. “With a rapid pace of cultural, health and economic change all around us, now is the time for our entrepreneurial company to further evolve.
“We are stronger and more courageous than ever building tools and cultivating hard-working, well-trained, caring, collaborative and high-performing talent for our managed properties and the sport of golf at large to thrive.”
Indigo Golf Partners added 21 properties to its portfolio, and renewed 15 partnerships, the past 12 months, demonstrating the benefits of outsourcing management for substantially increased revenue generation and profitability that come with crisp execution and economies of scale. The company has also acquired and leased several courses.
“In today’s world of dynamic shifts in our personal and professional lives, golf is becoming increasingly regionalized and localized,” says Alex Elmore, President of Indigo Golf Partners. “Filling tee sheets at optimum rates doesn’t happen by accident, and course owners who professionalize their operations and marketing are positioned to capture greater market share.”
Within the $84.1 billion annual golf economy, Indigo Golf Partners is universally recognized for introducing tens of thousands of golfers to the game and inspire lapsed players to return each year. The result is record-high revenue for Indigo Golf Partners-managed courses and increased lifetime value of guests and members.
The company is also known for its pioneering ACE the Guest / Member Experience and Superintendent Business Institute bestpractices learning modules; “World’s Largest Golf Outing” that raised more than $3,500,000 for military charities; “Gofutures” laboratory for prototyping forward-thinking course management concepts; “4 MORE” people-, data- and technology-driven stimuli to grow repeat foursome rounds; and “Indigo Green” environmental sustainability in compliance with Audubon International certification requirements.
More information: www.indigogolf.com, 703.761.1444.
Discover Puerto Rico Golf For Tropical Island Getaways
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Golfers love warm weather that allows them to play in sun-kissed comfort during fall and winter. They also prefer destinations where many lodging, restaurant, and after-golf activities exist. Puerto Rico is tailor-made to provide traveling golfers with the things they seek. Here are two stay-and-play packages that are representative of the 18 diverse yet complementary courses and numerous resorts on the Island.
Costa Caribe Stay and Play Package includes:
• Unlimited golf at Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club, home to 27 holes adjacent to the ocean on one side, mountains on the other
• Standard room accommodation with garden or ocean view at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
• Breakfast buffet for two persons at La Terraza Restaurant
• Two Donq welcome drinks
• Starting from $189 per night, per room
For reservations and additional details, please call 787-259-7676 or email reservations@hilton.com Code: PGGSP1
Golf Experiences Package at The St. Regis Bahia Beach includes: Choice of two rounds of golf at the 18-hole, award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course, or two spa treatments at Iridium Spa per stay
• Daily Breakfast for two at Seagrapes
• Minimum three nights
• 20 percent off additional rounds of golf
• 20 percent off additional spa treatments
Call 1-800-228-9290 for additional details pertaining to the package. Enter ZJ4 in the Corporate/promotional code box when making your online reservation
Not only are the Island’s playing venues fun and scenic, several are rated among the best in the Caribbean and Mexico. They offer an array of options to suit each player’s tastes, with a range of price points, terrain features, and designs from some of the game’s greats. These include Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Fazio, Tom Kite, Rees Jones, and Gary Player.
Ocean, mountain, and rain forest views await from many of Puerto Rico’s courses. El Yunque is a spectacular rain forest that can be seen from several Puerto Rico golf courses, including at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve’s Championship Course, where the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open is played annually, and from the Ocean and River courses at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort. Unfathomably beautiful ocean views await at Royal Isabela and Punta Borinquen, both perched atop seaside cliffs on the Island’s Northwest Coast. Near San Juan, Ponce, and Humacao, the courses in Dorado Beach, Bahia Beach, Costa Caribe, and Palmas Athletic Club are adjacent to the ocean, with holes parallel to the sandy beaches and turquoise surf.
Each Puerto Rico visit starts with a warm welcome (“Bienvenidos”) and continues everywhere you explore. The Island is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music, and the people (“Boricua”) are genuinely gracious and hospitable. With 78 municipalities, many with unique customs and distinct “personality,” there’s always another interesting place to discover nearby after golf.
If you’re in Puerto Rico, you’re already pretty lucky, but if you’re feeling extra charmed, try visiting some of the many casinos throughout the Island. Whether you’re a fan of blackjack, poker, or the slots, there are plenty of places for you to play your cards right.
Your trip will be enhanced by Puerto Rico’s food. With more than 4,000 restaurants, the choices are tantalizing. Try dishes such as mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains and lechón, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin. Be ready to experience the distinctive spice that characterizes Afro-caribbean cuisine. If you don’t have time to sample the wide variety of local dishes, consider trying out a food tour to sample the Island’s flavors.
Puerto Rico is an American territory that does not require a passport for American citizens, is bilingual, uses the U.S. dollar for currency, and is the air hub of the Caribbean.
For Puerto Rico travel guidelines, visit https://www. discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines. For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions visit: Discoverpuertorico.com.
Tasmania Golf Cruise from Voyages.golf
Voyages.golf in association with Events Travel have chartered Coral Expeditions brand new CORAL GEOGRAPHER for a one-way cruise from Melbourne to Hobart departing February 8, 2022.
World ranked golf courses include Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes on King Island, Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm near Bridport, the Tasmania Golf Club and Royal Hobart in the capital. An optional 2-night pre-cruise experience playing the famed Royal Melbourne West Course staying at Sofitel on Collins is also available. The cruise ends with 3-nights in Hobart at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection hotel opening in April 2021, creating an 11-night trip or a 13-night trip with further extensions possible.
King Island is a remote location in Bass Strait with two of the best golf courses anywhere. Cape Wickham Links is rated #21 in the world by Golf Digest USA with Ocean Dunes ranked #4 best public course in Australia. On the North East Coast of Tasmania is Barnbougle Dunes, ranked #16 and Barnbougle Lost Farm at #47 in the world - truly a golfer’s dream come true. Sailing for 8 days we also visit the Tarkine Wilderness, The Tamar River, cruise down the East Coast via Wineglass Bay, Ile de Phoques, Schouten, and Maria Islands. Ultimately, you’ll enjoy Bruny Island’s rugged coastline whilst on board and experience what Bruny Island offers in the way of produce aided by superb Tasmanian wines.
Included with the 11-night Expedition is a 3-night stay at The Tasman, a brand-new Luxury Collection Hotel in Hobart opening in 2021, located in a 19th century heritage listed building. We also visit Mount Wellington, Battery Point and MONA for some artistic enlightenment completing the Expedition with a Brewery visit and a farewell dinner in Hobart. Guests depart Hobart on the 19thfebruary, or we can arrange extensions individually.
Prior to the Cruise an optional 2-night stay in Melbourne at the Sofitel on Collins is offered. Golfers will enjoy a round at the most famous Sandbelt course, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club ranked #1 in Australia and #5 in the world, with transport and lunch included. The memorabilia in the club house is enough to ensure a fabulous start to this golf cruise. Non golfers will experience a visit to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest shopping mall at Chadstone with ample free time to explore the designer stores, or they can relax and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
This is an all-inclusive cruise with complimentary Wi-fi, all transportation; airport to airport, 6 rounds of world-class golf, an interesting escorted itinerary for non- golfers, premium beers & a selection of quality wines with gourmet lunches & dinners throughout the itinerary all included. Expeditions to the Tarkine Wilderness or Stanley are included, with selected walks plus wine tastings and other culinary activities such as the visit to Pipers Brook Winery and an onboard culinary experience at Bruny Island.
All guests will receive a superb Golf Travel Kit from Voyages.golf including a cap, a Signature Experience Polo shirt, and a high-quality souvenir traveller’s Windbreaker. Golfers will also receive branded golf accessories including golf balls and tees.
With four decks to choose from, the Coral Geographer is an ideal vessel for the numbers of guests anticipated. This ship is the best of its kind in Australian waters for a high-quality, hands on golf-cruise experience.
Small ship luxury Expedition Cruising offers peace of mind with like-minded guests and staff. Coral Geographer sails with a team of 40 aided by 6 staff from Voyages.golf primarily focused on Golf Operations, pre & post Cruise Transport, Hotels, Luggage, Golf Clubs and Functions.
Importantly, the significance in catering to non-golfers is recognized. The ships Expedition Crew have an interesting and engaging program for these special guests, or they can simply rest and enjoy a good book – cruising is about relaxation and absorbing one’s surroundings whether at sea or ashore.
For more information visit: www.voyages.golf