Bermuda 3s World Team Championship Brings Top Professionals and Amateurs to Island’s Best Courses
“The World’s Most Entertaining Pro-Am”
That’s a brash tagline for an inaugural golf tournament just entering the consciousness of the affluent golfer. However, founders Joe Steranka and Ken Kennerly believe it is or at least will be when professionals and amateurs descend upon the world-class golf destination in late October.
When the former CEO of the PGA of America and current Executive Director of the Honda Classic came together on this joint venture, their vision was to create a highly competitive tournament bringing four regions of the world to Bermuda.
“We envisioned an international competition with pros and amateur golfers meeting people from around the world and playing for their country,” says Kennerly, 30 year golf industry executive, avid sailor, and frequent Bermuda Visitor.
While the competition will be stout, participants will also enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular islands during an ideal time of year.
Bermuda is a perfect meeting place for golfers from North America, Great Britain & Ireland and Europe. From U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Miami it is a sub-three-hour direct flight. Golfers will enjoy a relaxing refuge before the holiday craze kicks-in after the competition concludes.
“Our goal was to create an event celebrating the influential role PGA Professionals have in bringing members to exotic golf locations,” says Steranka. “This will also be the first time for many to represent something more than themselves on the golf course. These amateurs and professionals may have played on a high school or college team, but never for their country. Bermuda 3s will build a comradery unmatched in their golf careers.”
Bermuda, on its own, is a premier golf destination. The island has hosted an array of tournaments through the years including the PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the four major winners (Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship). Bermuda 3s, for its part, will showcase the island’s best three offerings.
Mid Ocean Club, arguably Bermuda 3s highest profile venue, was recently ranked #54 for “Greatest Golf Courses in the World” by Golf Digest. The only C.B. Macdonald design outside of North America, it is renowned for its classic architectural features and 433-yard par-4 5th hole, dubbed “Cape.” The famed twoshotter, with its “bite off as much as you can chew” tee shot is widely considered one of golf’s greatest holes.
Port Royal, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., underwent a $14 million makeover in 2009 by Roger Rulewhich before hosting the Grand Slam of Golf. It features stunning ocean views capped by the 235-yard par-3 16th and its kneeknocking tee shot over a gapping chasm in the Atlantic Ocean.
Turtle Hill Golf Club, site of the Bermuda 3s final two championship rounds, has been ranked a top 5 par-3 course in the world by Golf Magazine and dubbed a “Hidden Gem” by GOLF Magazine. No pushover, Johnny Miller once shot a three-over par 57 on this stunningly scenic short course.
When the PGA Grand Slam of Golf ended in 2014, Steranka and Kennerly saw an opportunity. That same year, they attended a golf strategy meeting with Bermuda Tourism
Authority. Increasing awareness of one of the world’s greatest “golf islands” while celebrating the game’s biggest advocacy group (the PGA of America) seemed like the perfect marriage.
“Having seen the experience from players, officials and fans, we knew the potential of team golf and Bermuda as a destination,” Steranka adds.
The focus then shifted from the number four to the number three. Makes sense considering the history of the Bermuda Triangle region, three island golf courses, three amateurs in each group and the championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club.
The Fairmont Southampton, the award winning, 100-acre resort perched on Bermuda’s stunning south shore, is the host hotel (and home of Turtle Hill). The premier property is the setting for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Bermuda 3s World Team Championship.
“Considering the location, purse, international flair and blend of PGA professionals and amateurs, Joe and I believe Bermuda 3s offers an experience golfers can relish for years to come,” says Kennerly. “We couldn’t ask for better partners than the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Fairmont Southampton and our three courses.”
For more information visit Bermuda3s.com.
The Renaissance Club Celebrates 10Th Anniversary With Exciting Year Ahead
East Lothian, Scotland – The Renaissance Club, one of the newest additions to the world-famous stretch known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, is delighted to celebrate its 10th Anniversary with the announcement that the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will return to East Lothian next year when it hosts Scotland’s National Open on the European Tour for the first time from July 8-14, 2019. This will be followed by the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, which will once again be played over the same course, from August 5-11, 2019.
Jerry Sarvadi, CEO of The Renaissance Club commented; “We are delighted to be hosting the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open for the first time and to continue Aberdeen Standard Investments’ and Visit Scotland’s innovative strategy of playing both the men’s and ladies tournaments on the same course within the same month. As part of our commitment to hosting Scotland’s two national opens, we have pledged to continue to support the golf tourism industry in Scotland by targeting additional visiting golfers from around the world. Additionally, we will work with both VisitScotland and Scottish Golf to support and fund women and junior golf development initiatives and make our practice facilities available to Scottish Golf’s amateur squads during preparation for major events.”
In time for this event, the Club is delighted to announce that they have started work on two new villa retreats, which will be completed by May 2019, overlooking the 14th tee, the Firth of Forth and neighbouring championship course, Muirfield. These villas will provide additional exceptional accommodation and business facilities, including conference rooms for up to 40 people.
Paul Sarvadi, Chairman & Co-Founder of The Renaissance Club and Insperity Inc. commented; “We are very proud of the Renaissance Club’s first 10 years. Our success has been the result of our family’s passion for golf and the collaboration of the entire Scottish golfing community.”
Over the past decade, the Renaissance Club has hosted the British Boys Amateur Championship in 2016, the Scottish Senior Open in 2017 and the World Amateur Tour 2018. The Renaissance Club continues to build upon its excellent relationship with the R&A following on from hosting top class players from around the world as a Final Qualifying venue for The Open Championship for the first time this Summer before becoming the ASI Scottish Opens venue in 2019.
For further information, please contact Billy Peterson on 01620 850 901 or email membership@trcaa.com www.trcaa.com
Golf Course Renovation Marks New Beginning At Boca Lago Cc
Boca Lago Country Club is nearing completion of a total golf course renovation, part of a comprehensive transformation of member amenities designed to position the private club among the most desirable in Boca Raton.
The 27-hole golf experience at Boca Lago has been reconfigured under the direction of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, Inc. and golf course superintendent George Redshaw, GCSAA. Scheduled to be unveiled in November, the redevelopment of the South, East and West nines includes redesigned greens, repositioned bunkering in the fairways and around the green complexes, as well as reshaped and rearranged teeing grounds.
“We have incorporated the best elements of the original golf course design with a revitalized approach to strategy and playability,” Bel Jan, ASGCA, said of the renovation. “We provided multiple choices of how to play each hole, with the lakes still playing a pivotal role in the character of all three nines.”
Established in 1975, the Boca Lago Country Club golf course was originally designed by golf architects Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge. The current renovation includes modernizing the golf course infrastructure: a new irrigation and pump system has been installed; fairway drainage has been enhanced; and cart paths have been refreshed or removed.
“The complete revitalization of the infrastructure will elevate the club experience for current and new members and guests,” Boca Lago General Manager Steve O’Neill said of the $9-million project. “The golf course has always been considered a thoroughly enjoyable layout and the renovation will place Boca Lago among the best private golf clubs in the region.”
Walking will be encouraged when the course re-opens, provided pace of play is not impacted.
Boca Lago Country Club offers a variety of competitively-priced equity, nonproprietary full and seasonal memberships in golf or tennis/social classifications.
Besides the golf course renovation, Boca Lago Country Club expects to complete several other projects late this year, including a complete interior restoration of the clubhouse, new outdoor dining areas, renovated banquet facilities, and refurbished tennis center.
Located in the heart of Palm Beach County, Boca Lago Country Club spans 250 acres of pristine grounds, including 50 acres of mirror quality lakes. Tropical landscaping and natural surroundings are heavily populated with some of the most beautiful bird wildlife in South Florida. One of the finest tennis clubs in South Florida, the Rick Macci Tennis Academy, makes its home at Boca Lago. The club also has two swimming pools, a fitness
facility, and three unique member dining options.
For additional information, visit www.bocalago.com or call clubhouse (561/482-5000), membership (561/8698840), or special events (561/869-8834).
Rio’s Olympic Golf Arena Open to Locals and Tourists
Imagine playing a soccer match at Maracanã? Or playing volleyball or basketball in the arena where Olympic champions disputed gold medals point by point. Sounds like a dream, right? But if golf is your sport of choice, playing a match with friends or even learning how to take your first shots in the same course as consecrated athletes is a reality within everyone’s reach. Open from Sunday to Sunday, Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Golf Course is with arms open to welcome Rio residents and tourists. All you have to do is call and book your tee time.
Designed by American architect Gil Hanse, the course is one the legacies left by the Rio Olympics. In 2016, Rio hosted the return of golf – after 112 years – to the Olympic games and was the stage for the feats of British player Justin Rose, who in addition to winning the gold was the first player to have a hole-in-one (when a ball hit from a tee finishes in the cup) in the Olympic Games. Since then, the course has had a calendar of tournaments for beginners and professions, including the Brazil Open.
The 1 million square meter course has 18 holes and carefully maintained greens, golf cart rental, driving range, golf classes, dressing rooms and the entire infrastructure needed for large events. “We are talking about a public space open to all golf athletes, whether they are beginners, amateurs or professionals, and built with what is most modern in the golf world, from grass to irrigation and high performance equipment for athletes”, says Carlos Favoreto, president of the Olympic Golf Course.
In addition to encouraging the practice and dissemination of the sport in Brazil, the course – that also has a program of courses and social projects for children – has been attracting tourists from all over the world. “We are now attracting tourists who before wouldn’t think of coming to our city. They come to golf, but they are never alone. Most times they bring the entire family. In addition to visitors from all corners of Brazil, we receive visitors from Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, England, Portugal, France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, China and USA”, says Favoreto.
Olympic Golf Couse (Avenida Moysés Castello Branco Filho 700, Barra da Tijuca. www.rioogc.com.br).
Use of Tagmarshal Intelligence Systems Increase by 275%
ATLANTA, GA – Tagmarshal – the golf course intelligence and pace-of-play system used by golf courses, country clubs and resorts globally – has increased the number of installs by 275% over the past 12 months.
After the first three months implementing Tagmarshal, courses reduced average round times by 14 minutes and realized a combined $7.5 million in incremental greens-fee revenue. Of the seven million rounds tracked in 2018, 73% were played within five minutes of target goal times and pace improved by as much as 30 minutes.
“A recent USGA survey shows 74% of players believe appropriate speed is critical to enjoying their rounds,” says Bodo Sieber, CEO of Tagmarshal. “Our real-time intelligence provides operators with invaluable data that increases golfer satisfaction and business profits.”
Tagmarshal is utilized by more than 150 golf courses in nine countries. Those trusting Tagmarshal include Carnoustie (site of the 2018 Open Championship), Pinehurst Resort & Country Club ( 2019 U.S Amateur Championship), The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (2021 PGA Championship), Whistling Straits (2020 Ryder Cup), Erin Hills (2017 U.S. Open), East Lake (2018 TOUR Championship) and Valhalla (2014 PGA Championship).
In addition to marquee golf courses, dozens with greens and cart fees less than $50 also benefit from Tagmarshal. By preempting golfer logjams and creating more efficient monitoring programs, more tees times are created. The net annual gain is as much as $40,000 per course, validating Tagmarshal’s affordability.
“We are continuously looking for ways to improve our on-course capabilities and create more memorable experiences for guests,” says Matt Barksdale, PGA, Resort Head Golf Professional at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. “The adoption of Tagmarshal has been seamless and the system has already produced positive insights for us to implement.”
Superintendents embracing Tagmarshal’s technological innovations have been positioning their courses as pace setters in the industry. Comparing player and hole performance data over time enables partners to proactively adjust operations, including better management of pin placements, wear patterns, hole set-ups and labor expenses.
More information: tagmarshal.com, 725.333.7354.
Autumn Stay & Plays At One Of England’s Finest Championship Links
St Enodoc Golf Club in the heart of Rock, north Cornwall, is offering a range of threeround, two-night golf getaways this autumn that combine golf over its mesmerizing championship links, the nearby courses at Perranporth and Bowood Park and overnight stays at either the Port Gaverne Hotel or Molesworth Arms.
Available through October, the packages are priced from just £258 per person representing amazing value for money given that St Enodoc’s Church Course is regarded as one of the top courses in England. Top 100 Golf Courses, for example, currently ranks St Enodoc at number 11 in the country.
The par 5, 16th hole at the St Enodoc Golf Club in Rock, England (David Cannon) The approach to the green on the par 4, 1st hole at the St Enodoc Golf Club (David Cannon)
The club’s location on the high sand dunes of the north Cornwall overlooking the Camel River and Atlantic coast means the Church Course is set against the backdrop of some of the greatest sea and estuary views of any 18 holes in the world.
Founded in 1890, St Enodoc Golf Club is home to one of revered architect James Braid’s finest designs that is characterised by numerous blind shots, testing fairway undulations, firm greens and its distinctive and fearsome Himalaya Bunker on the 6th hole, which is reputedly the highest in Europe.
Golfers can choose to play all three rounds at St Enodoc, although there is the option to play Perranporth and/or Bowood Park. Another of James Braid’s designs, Perranporth is a natural links course set on high ground giving stunning views over Perran Bay. Though challenging thanks to a plethora of blind shots and tricky greens, Perranporth regularly charms visiting golfers though when a severe sea breeze whips up, it becomes a truly severe test of golf.
In striking contrast, Bowood Park is set in rolling hills and woodland, designated an area of Special Landscape value. With welldrained greens and abundant water hazards, the signature hole is the 385-yard 12th, the Azalea hole, which is a challenging par 4 with an island green reached by a covered wooden footbridge reminiscent of New England.
Sample St Enodoc Stay & Play Packages*
Staying at The Molesworth Arms Hotel, Wadebridge & playing 36 holes at St Enodoc & 18 holes at Perranporth, priced from £295 per person
Staying at the Port Gaverne Hotel, Port Isaac, & playing 72 holes at St Enodoc, priced from £401 per person
For more information on St Enodoc Golf Club, please visit www.st-enodoc.co.uk and for information on St Enodoc golf breaks, click on www.st-enodoc.co.uk/visitors/ devon-and-cornwall-links
All packages are available from Countrywide Golf Holidays which can be contacted at Info@countrywide-golf.com