Burgeoning Branson Golf Destination Beckons Visitors for Spring Break and Beyond
BRANSON, MO – Planning golf trips now is particularly appealing as players anticipate the more golfer friendly weather of March and April, and Branson is an ideal choice for those who want to experience what many are calling the country’s most compelling golf destination.
The Missouri Ozarks oasis earns high praise through its 10 golf courses, all public access, all near one another, and including Tiger Woods’ first-ever public course design – Payne’s Valley, an 18hole extravaganza with a stunning bonus 19th hole called “The Big Rock.” When one sees the towering, 300-million-yearold limestone formations with waterfalls cascading down them that surround the green (as does water) – they’ll understand that this special extra hole came by its name honestly.
Add a variety of diverse yet complementary other playing options, wonderful restaurants and three lakes, and a plethora of other after-golf attractions, and it’s clear why Branson is a spring break destination for not only discerning golfers, but also everyone in the family.
“Explore Branson during spring break and you’ll leave having enjoyed what will surely be an unforgettable getaway,” said Lynn Berry, Branson CVB Communications Director. “Play great golf courses that are drawing global interest, then experience some of Branson’s many live shows, family attractions and other activities.”
When considering where to stay and play in Branson, start by learning all that Big Cedar Lodge offers. In addition to a spectrum of wonderful lodging styles and Payne’s Valley – Tiger’s new course, the 19th hole of which he collaborated on with Big Cedar Founder Johnny Morris – the renowned resort includes four other layouts:
Top of the Rock (9hole par-3 course, Jack Nicklaus design)
Mountain Top (13hole par-3 course, walking only, Gary Player design)
Ozarks National (18 holes, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw)
Buffalo Ridge Course (18 holes, Tom
Fazio and Johnny Morris design
Branson Hills Golf Club and the Hiltons at Branson (Branson Hilton Convention Center and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing) combine to form another firstclass stay and play option. Both hotels are located across the street from one another – Promenade on the waterfront at Branson Landing, Convention Center adjacent to historic downtown Branson. Branson Hills is a Chuck Smith-bobby Clampett 18-hole course design, and it was voted one of the top 50 courses in the country in the Golf Pass/golfers’ Choice awards this year.
Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp design), The Pointe, Ledgestone (Tom Clark design), and Holiday Hills complete Branson Golf’s roster of 10 courses, and each has earned appreciation for their playability and value. Thousand Hills has a variety of lodging options, from condos to upscale cabins, and Holiday Hills Golf Resort is a Holiday Inn Vacations Club property that is open to the public.
See below for the complete list of Branson Golf courses, or visit www. explorebranson.com or www.facebook. com/bransongolf
Branson Golf
Branson Hills Golf Club
Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course Mountain Top Course
Ledgestone Country Club at Stonebridge Village
Ozarks National
Payne’s Valley
The Pointe
Top of the Rock Golf Course
Thousand Hills Golf Resort
Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club
About Explore Branson
Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters; three pristine lakes; championship golf courses; an international award-winning theme park; family attractions and museums; a Historic Downtown district; shopping galore; a full range of dining options; and a host of hotels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, meeting, convention and sports facilities.
Call 1-877-BRANSON for help planning your next vacation, convention, tournament, event or reunion. www. Explorebranson.com
THE WIGWAM UNVEILS SIX NEW GOLF BUDDY TRIP PACKAGES
LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ – The Wigwam – Arizona’s only 54-hole golf resort – has unveiled six new Golf Buddy Trip options that meet all buddy trip requirements – fun, golf, off-course entertainment, memorable, affordable and convenient. Whether its guys, gals, spouses or old friends, one of the best things about golf is playing with buddies and the memories created. New for 2021, visitors can customize their Golf Buddy Trip package to pair rounds of golf with poker; wine, whisky or beer tastings; a helicopter tour; a private dining experience at Litchfield’s, The Wigwam’s signature farm-to-table restaurant; spa treatments; private group golf-like yoga sessions; and/or golf instruction.
Putts & Poker - Nothing pairs better with golf than great food and a night of poker with friends. The Putts and Poker package includes everything you and your buddies need to play, enjoy and win.
Swings & Swigs - After a day on the course, indulge in a perfectly paired Whiskey, Wine or Beer tasting with a specially curated menu, prepared by The Wigwam’s Executive Chef.
Elevate Your Game - Why play only one course in a day when you can play two? Play a course at The Wigwam then hop on a helicopter tour and tee it up on another award-winning Arizona golf course.
Par Pairings - Treat you and your buddies to the ultimate private dining experience. Litchfield’s, The Wigwam’s signature farm-to-table culinary destination, will host a dinner exclusively for you. The entire restaurant is all yours, including Litchfield’s famed menu, making innovative use of the freshest locally sourced ingredients, masterfully prepared on Litchfield’s expansive pecan wood-stoked grill. Available Sunday-tuesday.
Tee Off with Wellness - Prepare body, mind, and spirit to play your best on the course with a Sunrise or Sunset Yoga Class for your group, a 50 Minute Spa Treatment for each person, Putt’ in Greens Wellness Shots, and a Health-forward dinner.
Fine Tune Your Game – Does your group need help getting off the tee? Are your short games in need of repair? The Wigwam’s Warren Schutte Players Academy is here to help with private group golf lessons available.
The 440-acre oasis resort nestled in the West Valley of Phoenix, Ariz. features two golf courses designed by legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (Gold and Blue) and the Robert “Red” Lawrence-designed Red Course. Plus, unlike many desert golf courses found throughout the Phoenix/scottsdale area, The Wigwam’s Gold, Blue and Red courses are all true parkland courses with parallel fairways and greens, which makes finding your ball easier and your round more enjoyable.
“We are thrilled to add six new Golf Buddy Trip packages for 2021,” said Katy Powers Managing Director and General Manager, The Wigwam. “With 54 holes of award-winning golf, numerous guestroom, suite and cabana options and various entertainment venues either onsite or nearby, The Wigwam is the ultimate Golf Buddy Trip destination.”
With its roots descending deep into Arizona’s early cotton ranching era, The Wigwam opened as a guest ranch on Thanksgiving Day 1929. As one of the most beautiful and popular properties in the West Valley, the resort is a true oasis that caters to a new generation of business and leisure travelers with recently revitalized public areas, including refreshed
meeting spaces. Guests of all ages can enjoy three expansive swimming pools, bocce ball and tennis courts, an expansive 26,000-square-foot Lemonds Aveda Salon – Spa, as well as an enhanced golf club. The resort’s signature restaurant, Litchfield’s, offers a unique sense of place through a menu crafted from locally sourced produce.
All Golf Buddy Trips can be customized, and rates vary depending upon time of year, day of week and room selection. Some restrictions and black-out dates apply. Based on room, tee time, restaurant and spa availability. For more information, visit www.wigwamarizona.com/golfbuddy-groups. For more information on The Wigwam and its vacation packages, call (833) 721-5047 or visit www.wigwamarizona.com.
UNITED GOLFERS ASSOCIATION AND YOUTH ON COURSE PARTNER TO INCREASE GAME’S EXPOSURE TO BLACK YOUTH
WINDERMERE, FL — United Golfers Association (UGA) — the non-profit organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of Black youth and adults within the sport of golf has partnered with Youth on Course (YOC) to increase access and exposure to the sport of golf for Black youth.
While the golf industry is slowly working on creating councils and committees to solve a 100 year old problem to make the sport more inclusive, there are two organizations who are committed to take action and execute a plan today! This partnership between UGA and YOC provides all of UGA Juniors between the ages of 6 - 18 the opportunity to play rounds for $5 or less at more than 1,400 golf courses nationwide, have access to the Golfpass online learning center plus enjoy the perks of the Golfnow Access Portal. Junior Members will also benefit from career opportunities through the YOC caddie and internship program, as well as college scholarships.
“We’re working to increase the diversity throughout the sport with more Black junior golfers nationwide, and a key part of that strategy is fostering relationships with mission-driven organizations that have established platforms like Youth on Course. This is a game changer for our youth,” says Tarek “Ty” Delavallade, Executive Director of UGA. “Accessibility and affordability have always been an issue for our underserved youth in mostly urban communities. “Together with Youth on Course which has built a community of more than 100,000 junior golfers, we will get this done at a rate much faster than expected.”
We will diversify this sport today, so that we can inspire and usher in our new generation of golfers for tomorrow. This is how we change golf.”
“In 2020, golf saw the largest-ever recorded increase in beginners (23%) and youth golfers (25%) since 1997; more than 20% of all golfers in the U.S. are now non-caucasian,” says Michael Lowe, Vice President of Programs for Youth on Course. “The United Golfers Association is committed to growing the game among minority groups and our partnership will help open the doors to juniors who may not have had access to the game of golf otherwise.”
Juniors nationwide ages 6-18 who seek to benefit from the new partnership may sign up for a UGA Junior Plus Membership www. unitedgolfersassociation.org.
MYRTLE BEACH GOLF PACKAGES DELIVER UNMATCHED QUALITY, VALUE DURING SPRING SEASON
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- One of America’s most popular golf destination, Myrtle Beach, S.C., long renowned for the quality and quantity of its offerings, is again home to the game’s premier spring package deals.
The Grand Strand, which runs from Georgetown County, S.C., to just across the border in Brunswick County, N.C., is home to 90 golf courses, including some of the nation’s best public layouts.
For group leaders in search of a package that delivers outstanding golf and great value, here are five of the Grand Strand’s most popular spring offers:
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club are both ranked among America’s best public courses, and the “Top 100 Spring Break Golf Getaway” allows players to stay-and-play onsite. Golfers can play True Blue and Caledonia multiple times as part of the three-night, four-round package while staying at True Blue Resort. The offer, which runs from April 1 - May 9, starts at $699.
Founders Group International is Myrtle Beach’s largest ownership group and the Inclusive Package allows golfers to choose among 21 of the area’s best courses, including Grande Dunes, TPC Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation and King’s North at Myrtle Beach National. The golf-only deal starts at $55 per day and players have the option to add range balls, lunch and two drafts beers to each round for only $5.
A collection of 23 area courses, the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail offers a two-night, two round package that starts at just $160 per person (additional nights and rounds can be added). Among the courses golfers have to choose from are Rivers Edge, Thistle Golf Club, Carolina National and Glen Dornoch. The diverse array of offerings has helped the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail offer rise to the top of the list for many groups.
What the Myrtle Beach Elite package lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. The three-round deal features Tidewater Golf Club, Arrowhead Country Club, Prestwick Country Club and Arcadian Shore Golf Club, four of the area’s top 20 layouts. The offer also includes a free nine-hole, same-day replay at each course.
Barefoot Resort is one the premier multi-course facilities on the East Coast and golfers wanting to enjoy the quartet of courses designed by some of golf’s biggest names are flocking to the Barefoot Experience offer. Groups enjoy three nights of on-site lodging and a round of golf on the Norman, Love, Fazio and Dye courses.
For more information on golf packages and the Myrtle Beach golf community, please visit www.playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.
WEST BAY CLUB CELEBRATES OPENING OF GOLF CLUBHOUSE AND COMPLETION OF FIRST PHASE OF OVER $12 MILLION AMENITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
ESTERO, FL– The West Bay Club, an 868-acre luxury community in Estero, Fla., is celebrating the completion of the first phase of a planned $12 million-plus renovation project as the club recently unveiled its newly expanded and redesigned golf clubhouse. Improvements focused on enhancing the member and guest experience. Phase two of the multi-phase amenity improvement project is currently underway and includes updating and transforming the Golf Club’s Niblick bar and community’s Bay House activity center, poolside fitness building and expanded dining options. Phase three of the project will include the Beach Club ocean-side amenity.
The West Bay Club recently hosted “first looks” which gave members a guided tour of the $5 million golf clubhouse renovation. The new clubhouse features the expansion and redesign of the member’s private dining area, lounge, pro shop and locker rooms. The clubhouse includes exquisite finishes, improved acoustics, and an open concept dining space with folding glass doors for expanded outdoor dining options. In addition, an open-air dining venue on the new terrace features fire-pit tables, providing members with sunset views while overlooking the golf course.
The stunning new Signature Bar, considered the masterwork of
the project, features stunning high ceilings, a wine wall featuring 700 bottles, and seating for lunch and dinner. Memberdriven signature cocktails and the club’s very own West Bay Club craft beer highlight the Signature Bar menu.
As part of the clubhouse renovation, the ladies’ locker room was moved closer to golf operations and now includes its own exterior terrace and refined locker room amenities. The men’s locker area also received upgrades and alterations including a new media lounge and upgraded furnishings. The pro shop, located on the lower level of the clubhouse, was modified to allow an open facade into the retail space.
In early 2020, the $12 million amenity improvement project was overwhelmingly approved by Members. Meyers & Associates architects and Troon Design worked with West Bay Club management and a residentled Renovation Task Force collaborated for nearly a year on the West Bay Vision 2020 plan for the amenity improvements. Crews began working on the first phase of construction in April 2020. The entire multiphase project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The amenity improvement project comes on the heels of a $4 million renovation/enhancement of The West Bay Club’s Pete Dye championship golf course in 2018 by Fry/straka golf course architects.
The member-owned private golf club and community is located on 868 acres adjacent to Estero Bay and bordering 500 acres of nature preserve and wetlands. Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon, manages the award-winning club and community association.
For more information on West Bay Club, visit www.westbayclubs.com.
CASA DE CAMPO RESORT & VILLAS ANNOUNCES TRACKMAN GOLF SIMULATOR PARTNERSHIP
LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences – announces its celebrated Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore layouts are now featured on Trackman indoor golf simulators worldwide.
Using state-of-the-art drone footage, Trackman digitally rendered all 18 holes of Teeth of the Dog and 27 holes of Dye Fore with its innovative 3D technology. The spectacular ocean-hugging par-3 fifth hole on Teeth of the Dog, one of the most photographed in the game, will be displayed as the loading image on all Trackman simulator bays during the week of Feb. 15.
Teeth of the Dog has long been a “bucket list” layout for those seeking to play one of the world’s top 50 golf courses. Dye’s design hallmarks are all present: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces, and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. “The Heaven 7” 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. Golf course architecture aficionados call Dye Fore “the most underrated course in the Caribbean.”
In addition to the two courses at Casa de Campo, the Trackman technology allows virtual play on some of the world’s most famous golf destinations such as Royal Portrush, Innisbrook, Muirfield Village, PGA National as well as four layouts at legendary St. Andrews Links in Scotland including the iconic Old Course.
Casa de Campo also showcases two Trackman simulators at its worldclass Golf Learning Center. The facility features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases practice greens for honing putting, chipping, and pitching games as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.
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.
ESCALANTE GOLF ACQUIRES THE INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB NEAR BOSTON
(BOLTON, Mass.) – Escalante Golf, a boutique owner and operator of unique golf assets, has acquired The International in Bolton, Mass. – the only 36-hole private golf club in the Greater Boston area. Home to the nation’s longest course with designs from renowned architects Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones, The International is steeped in a rich 120-year history of challenging, championship golf. Staying true to its heritage, Escalante Golf plans to preserve this legacy and expand on its vision to reimagine the club in 2021 and beyond.
“From its history and championship layouts to its picturesque New England landscape and ideal proximity to Boston, we saw a unique opportunity in The International to build something truly special and different,” said David Mcdonald, President of Escalante Golf. “We aim to create a welcoming environment with a golf-first experience, fostering a culture rooted in a deep respect for the game that honors and connects the community, whether they are members, guests or staff.”
Membership will be comprised of stewards who will share in the responsibility of shepherding a new era of golf at The International. Escalante Golf has already begun conversations with prospective members as they plan for the Spring 2021 reopening of the club.
“We welcome all golfers who value the camaraderie and community the game cultivates, uphold its time-honored traditions and embrace its endlessly rewarding challenges,” said Mcdonald. “The International is building a membership of successful leaders from diverse backgrounds that will continue for generations to come.”
At 8,325 yards, the Pines Course at The International is the longest course in the U.S. and one of the most difficult due to its large, dramatic green complexes and penal bunkers. It was originally designed in 1953 by Geoffrey Cornish who was assisted by the legendary amateur, Francis Ouimet. The Pines Course was later renovated and lengthened by famed golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones.
The Oaks Course is one of two golf course designs by Fazio located in Massachusetts. It was recognized in 2020 as one of Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play.” Fazio also designed the club’s expansive practice facility that serves both courses, including a double-sided driving range with multiple short-game areas. Escalante’s plans for further course designs and enhancements will be announced soon and build upon the established foundation of championship golf.
Escalante Golf acquired The International out of bankruptcy. It was previously owned by Dan and Florence Weadock, who were widely respected after successfully elevating the prestige and reputation of the club.
Prospective members can visit theinternational.com or contact Ryan Mcdonald at rmcdonald@escalantegolf.com or 817-266-4680 to learn more about Escalante’s vision and membership opportunities.
TROON SELECTED TO MANAGE GADSDEN COUNTRY CLUB IN GADSDEN, ALABAMA
GADSDEN, AL – Honours Golf, the Birmingham, Alabama-based division of Troon®, the leader in club management, development, and marketing, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Gadsden Country Club, a private facility located in Gadsden, Ala.
Honours Golf will oversee all Gadsden Country Club operations, including golf, agronomy, sales and marketing, and food and beverage.
Founded in 1919 and nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Gadsden Country Club features an 18-hole golf course, a full tennis complex, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, as well as restaurant and banquet facilities.
“The Gadsden Country Club is looking forward to this partnership with Honours Golf/troon. We feel confident this relationship will take our club to the next level and most importantly increase our member value,” said Gadsden Country Club Board President Jason Weaver.
The golf experience at Gadsden Country Club includes a 6,657-yard, Bill Bergin designed golf course, two practice putting greens, a practice range and a practice chipping area. Other golf amenities include a trackman launch monitor and an indoor simulator. The Club has active ladies golf and junior golf programs and has numerous member golf tournaments.
“Gadsden Country Club is an exciting addition to the Honours Golf family,” said Matt Hurley, Division President. “We have already begun deploying many of our resources to further elevate the member and guest experience. The future is bright for this historic club.”
The Club’s 28,000 sq. ft. clubhouse is home to multiple dining facilities including two grills, a casual dining room, a main bar, and several private dining rooms that are used for banquet and private events. Gadsden Country Club’s swimming pool complex has a 25-meter pool with depths ranging from three to twelve feet, a separate infant pool and a splash pad. The accompanying Pool House includes a snack bar, men’s and women’s dressing rooms with shower facilities and restrooms. The 3,600 sq. ft. tennis clubhouse is the hub for the Club’s tennis activities, which includes 12 courts (eight Har-trusoft and four hard courts).
For more on Gadsden Country Club, visit www.thegadsdencountryclub.com or call (256) 546-0451.
VATTANAC GOLF RESORT CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF SPECTACULAR DRAGON LAKE NIGHT GOLF
The Troon-managed, Vattanac Golf Resort, celebrates the opening of the spectacular “The Dragon Turn” night golf. The night golf is an exciting addition to the recently opened “West Course” and offers golfers a unique opportunity to play in the breathtaking surrounds of Phnom Penh under the cover of darkness.
“The Dragon Turn” is aptly named by the lake’s shape that sits in the middle of three holes of this exciting 9-hole floodlit course.
Inspired by ownership’s vision to create a venue with significant character, this lake is yet another unique feature that this resort plays host to. Night golf will be available for play from sunset with the last tee time at 9PM, creating a very special addition to Vattanac Golf Resort.
The launch of “The Dragon Turn” night golf comes after a successful end to 2020 for the resort following the opening of the second Faldo Design course, the “West Course”, and the “East Course” being named ‘Cambodia’s Best Golf Course’ at the 2020 World Golf Awards.
With imposing character and striking identity, the “East course” has received high praise from golfers the world over. Set within captivating natural surroundings, the “East” is a strategic golf course that utilizes dramatic water features, creative bunkering, and various forms of native fauna to challenge golfers of all levels. Over and above the highly enjoyable golf experience, the “East” pays homage to the marvels of Khmer architecture and the country’s rich history, with magnificent scale replicas of the world-renowned Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Preah Vihear Temple.
The “West Course” will certainly contend with the “East Course” as not only one of the best in Cambodia, but also one of the best in Asia. The West Course has distinctive differences from the East Course, of which are defined by narrower and more undulating fairways, a variety of unique water features and testing Paspalum greens. Cultural sculptures and stunning landscaping attribute to the striking scenery of Cambodia’s newest golf course. The “West” is a rewarding test of skill for players of all levels, featuring 5 sets of tees, starting at 4,935 yards, right through to 7,249 yards.
Karl Whitehead, General Manager at Vattanac Golf Resort, commented: “It’s been an incredibly exciting end to 2020 and start to 2021 for us at Vattanac Golf Resort. The announcement of the 9-holes of night golf on the West Course showcases how we, not only want to compete to have the best championship courses in Asia, but we also, under Mr Vattanac’s vision, want to offer golfers a fresh and exciting approach to the game. The dramatic landscape of “The Dragon Turn” under the night sky will hopefully provide golfers this.”
Cambodia’s luxury golf resort continues through the next phase of the integrated resort development to soon include a world acclaimed Golf Academy.
For more information on Vattanac Golf Resort, visit www.vattanacgolfresort.com.
RUMBLING BALD READIES FOR SPRING WITH 2021 GOLF PACKAGES
LAKE LURE, NC – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Lure, announces its golf package lineup for 2021, customized for golf groups of any size, and ideal for weekend or weekday buddy trips.
Starting at $345 per person, the popular “Hole-in-one” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses, breakfast both days and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Lodging options abound, including the recently updated Apple Valley Studios and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas.
Paying homage to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald is offering a limited availability “Ryder Cup Package.” Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.
The Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities.
“With the new Champion Bermuda greens at Apple Valley and our off-season enhancements to Bald Mountain, we can’t wait to showcase the new-look Rumbling Bald to golfers,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “Off the course, our wide-variety of vacation rentals provide golfers with spacious accommodations for relaxing, unwinding and unplugging.”
For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.
To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.
GO GOLF KAUAI COURSES HONORED BY GOLFWEEK AND GOLFPASS
Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i (February 9, 2021) – Golfweek Magazine and Golfpass recently recognized two Go Golf Kauai courses in their 2021 rankings of top golf courses. Princeville Makai Golf Club and Poipu Bay Golf Club were ranked No. T55 and No. 99 respectively, in Golfweek’s “Best 200 Resort Courses in the U.S.” list in the newly published “Ultimate Guide of Best Courses” for 2021. Both courses were also honored by Golfpass in the website’s newly released “Golfers’ Choice 2021: Best Golf Courses in Hawaii” annual ranking with Poipu Bay No. 3 and Princeville Makai No. 14 in the Aloha State.
Every year, Golfweek’s elite team of course raters, which currently boasts more than 850 evaluators, surveys more than 3,600 courses – grading each nominated course on the basis of Golfweek’s 10 strict standards of evaluation. Collectively, these knowledgeable raters have turned in more than 75,000 votes to compile Golfweek’s Best Courses lists.
Golfpass rankings are created by user reviews from Golf Advisor, which merged into the Golfpass brand in December 2020. According to Golfpass, the best public golf experiences in the country are based
on more than 265,000 reviews from their golfer community. Course scores are based on a course’s overall rating and six subcategory ratings including value, conditions, layout, pace of play, staff friendliness and off-course amenities as voted on by Golfpass readers. Golfpass is the leading source of golf course ratings and reviews by golfers, for golfers. Golfpass’ community of golfers share their firsthand experience at thousands of courses worldwide to help other golfers decide where to play their next round.
Nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfkauai.com.
Kaua‘i has created eight Resort Bubbles to shorten the 10-day quarantine down to 72 hours with a pre-test and post-test. For the details on the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please go to: www.kauai.gov/covid-19. For a list of Resort Bubbles, please go to: https://kauaiforward.com/travel/.
About The Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses
The Ocean Course at Hokuala – The Ocean Course at Hokuala is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawaii. The picture-perfect course winds its way through papaya and guava groves to dramatic seaside cliffs. A 2016 renovation added sparkling white sand to all the bunkers, framing holes to be even more spectacular than before. Rated Hawaii’s Best Golf Course, 2018 and 2019 World Golf Awards, golfers can also surf the earth on Hokuala’s Golf Boards during their round.
Poipu Bay Golf Course – Poipu Bay Golf Course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr and is set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs. The course incorporates more than 30 acres of colorfully landscaped tropical plants and flowers, making it one of Hawaii’s most beautiful courses. Poipu Bay hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006.
Princeville Makai Golf Club – Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course was completely renovated in 2009, introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Princeville Makai features surreal vistas of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay, including the signature par-3, 7th hole that offers a 213-yard shot over scenic cliffs.
Puakea Golf Course – Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea is a spectacular layout built along massive ravines and lush tropical undulating terrain, with the backdrop being used for the Jurassic Park series. Named one of the top courses in Hawaii by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek, the dramatic 18hole golf course is also known for its high-quality, “Kauai-style” customer service. Puakea was rated “Best of Kauai” by Garden Island Newspaper from 2013 – 2019.
Wailua Golf Course – Wailua Golf Course offers classic, goldenera seaside golf holes just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean. First built as a 9-hole course in the 1930’s, and expanded to 18 holes in 1961, Wailua has hosted three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships. This wonderful municipal layout was designed by Toyo Shirai and features stunning mountain views along the Coconut Coast.