tourism

PINEHURST TO REDESIGN NO. 4, CREATE SHORT COURSE AS PART OF RESTORATION MASTER PLAN

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Pinehurst LogoPINEHURST TO REDESIGN NO. 4, CREATE SHORT COURSE AS PART OF RESTORATION MASTER PLAN

Hanse Golf Design to lead No. 4 and short course projects; Pinehurst plan also includes

No. 1 and No. 3 restoration, enhancements to Maniac Hill, Thistle Dhu

VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (Nov. 10, 2016) – Pinehurst Resort & Country Club today announced that Hanse Golf Design will redesign Pinehurst No. 4 and develop a short course as part of a master plan to further restore the original character and spirit to the Pinehurst golf experience.

 Beginning this winter and unfolding in several stages over the next few years, the plan also includes restoring Donald Ross’ original characteristics to Pinehurst No. 1 and No. 3 while also enhancing Maniac Hill and Thistle Dhu.

 “There’s a unique character at Pinehurst because of the landscape Donald Ross found when he arrived in 1900,” said Bob Dedman, Pinehurst Owner and CEO.  “Back then, he may have been a minimalist by necessity, but we’re making a choice to present our historic golf courses in a natural state similar to that era.”

 Pinehurst’s migration toward more natural settings began with the highly-acclaimed 2011 restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, which took the course back to Ross’ vision. The success of that project, shown in the enthusiasm of guests and members, was influential in the decision to revive more original characteristics, while creating new elements reflective of Pinehurst’s origins.

 “The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from the work on No. 2 encouraged us to explore options that are a continuation of that effort,” Dedman said. “We think this is a thoughtful approach to the evolution of golf at Pinehurst, and we think Gil Hanse, with his timeless and natural design philosophy, is the right person for the project.”

 The centerpiece of the plan will be Hanse’s complete redesign of No. 4. Hanse’s design and routing, which seeks to create a landscape similar to Pinehurst No. 2, will include exposed sand and native wire grass, wider fairways and natural topography. The project is scheduled to begin in fall 2017 with the course reopening in fall 2018.

 “We think this approach will create a more authentic, visually interesting golf course and one that feels in tune with its unique surrounds,” said Hanse, whose portfolio of original designs includes The Olympic Golf Course in Brazil, and whose restoration projects include The Country Club, LA Country Club, Myopia Hunt Club, Merion Golf Club and Oakland Hills Country Club, among others. “A playable, artfully shaped and conceived golf course that derives its character and appearance from the traditional golf flavor of this region is what we aspire for in our approach to Pinehurst No. 4.”

 Hanse also will design a short course on 10 acres of property currently occupied by the first holes on No. 3 and No. 5. A routing is currently being developed for the course that is expected to have 8-to-12 holes and feature many of the same slopes and contours that create multiple options and inspire creative play on No. 2. The project is scheduled to begin in summer 2017 and open in fall 2017.

 “Fun and skill development are the most important concepts behind the short course,” said Tom Pashley, Pinehurst President and COO. “Whether you’re an avid amateur, a beginning golfer, or on an outing with golf buddies or family, the short course will offer an experience that can be enjoyed by all.”

 In addition to the redesign of No. 4 and creation of a short course, No. 1 and No. 3 will eventually undergo restoration work designed to return elements of Ross’s original designs. The plan calls for changes to Maniac Hill, the country’s first driving range, that will infuse the natural elements associated with No. 2. It also includes moving and expanding Thistle Dhu, the putting course that has become a popular experience.

 “While Pinehurst is the country’s most historic golf resort, we’re constantly evolving,” Dedman said. “The opening of the short course next fall, along with this summer’s opening of the Deuce brings a new level of energy and excitement to the Pinehurst experience.” 

 About Pinehurst

Located in the sandhills of North Carolina, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, established in 1895, is a 2,000-acre property featuring an award-winning spa, nine golf courses, tennis, and activities for the family. Widely known as the cradle of American golf, Pinehurst has hosted more single golf championships than any other site in America, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, PGA TOUR Championship and many others. In 2024, it will again serve as the site for the U.S. Open. See pinehurst.com or call 855-235-8507 for a complete list of events and activities.

Hilton Head Golf Island Unveils Exceptional Stay-and-Play Offers

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Hilton Head Island Golf

Hilton Head Golf Island Unveils Exceptional Stay-and-Play Offers

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) – Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI) – voted the “No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S.” by Travel + Leisure magazine readers – is offering golfers an array of exceptional stay-and-play packages for getaways to long savor.

At Palmetto Dunes, the Players Golf Special starts at $410 per person.  It includes three nights’ stay in a two-bedroom villa, two rounds on the Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio or Arthur Hills courses (plus free replays), logoed-hat and golf balls as well as dining discounts. For reservations and more information, call 877.567.6513.

For 12 or more players, the Sea Pines Resort’s Group Package starts at $199 (per person, per night) and includes three rounds of golf on the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point by Pete Dye or Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III (the island’s newest layout), three nights’ deluxe villa accommodations, resort gift card, personal on-site coordinator, complimentary green fees for afternoon replays and the group organizer plays for free. For reservations and more information, call 843.842.1488.

Ideal for 12 or more golfers, Heritage Golf Group’s Lowcountry Group Special starts at $185 per night. It offers three nights’ accommodations, a Lowcountry boil at Lagerhead Tavern, and three rounds of golf with unlimited replays on any of the Heritage Golf Collection’s excellent courses including the recently Pete Dye-renovated Robber’s Row.

“Our packages are ideal for family and friends to have incredible experiences playing golf and staying here on Hilton Head,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association. “Few locales offer such a wide range of entertaining courses and accommodation options for all budgets.”

With numerous courses for players of all abilities, exceptional value, pleasant year-round weather and direct flights from more than 20 major cities, Hilton Head Island is one of the world’s premier golf destinations. In addition to being named the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ 2016 North American “Golf Destination of the Year”, Hilton Head Island has received recent accolades from Golfweek, Golf Channel’s Golf Advisor and the South Carolina Golf Course Rating Panel.

Getting to “Golf Island” is easier than ever from East Coast and Midwest population centers. JetBlue Airways operates non-stop flights from Boston (BOS) and New York City (LGA / JFK) to Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Allegiant Air also flies non-stop from Indianapolis (IND), Cincinnati (CVG), Baltimore (BWI) and Pittsburgh (PIT), among others cities.  Fourteen other locales offer non-stop service to SAV including Chicago, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

For additional information about rates, restrictions and other package inclusions, or to receive a quote: www.hiltonheadgolfisland.org, 800.523.3373.

 About Hilton Head Golf Island

 Hilton Head Golf Island features more than 30 member courses on Hilton Head and Fripp Islands, as well as Bluffton, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Hilton Head’s Southern hospitality and world-class public and private designs sculpted by vaunted architects Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones.

 Its territory encompasses many of the great golf courses and resorts of North America and is ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Buddies Trip Destination,” “Best Accommodations,” “Best Couples Trip,” “Best Courses,” “Best Food and Drink,” “Best Weather” and “Best Value.” Hilton Head Island also was named the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ Golf Destination of the Year for North America for 2016. Home to the world-renowned Sea Pines Resort, the PGA TOUR makes its only South Carolina stop each April at Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

The Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association, in conjunction with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Visitor and Conventions Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, launched Hilton Head Golf Island to support the island’s thriving golf market through promotion of golf rounds and packages.

 

BOYNE Golf Has Big 2016 Planned

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BOYNE Golf Has Big 2016 Planned

Appreciation for Tradition and Innovation Exhibited by Celebration of
Two Major Anniversaries Plus New ‘Power Clinic,’ More Golf Boards, State-of-the-Art Golf Carts

 

(PETOSKEY, Mich.) – BOYNE Golf – home to 10 premier courses spanning three resorts in the heart of “America’s Summer Golf Capital” – is planning a season to remember in 2016.

Opened in 1966, The Heather course at Boyne Highlands Resort will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., The Heather’s opening is widely credited as the spark that started the northern Michigan golf boom. Consistently ranked among the state’s Top 20 layouts, The Heather is one of four courses helping Boyne Highlands rank as the U.S.’s favorite “Golf Resort for Value” in Golf.com’s inaugural “Golfers’ Choice Awards.”

BOYNE Golf plans to roll out several anniversary-themed promotions in the coming months. The first is $50 rounds on The Heather on June Thursdays after 1 p.m. The offer must be booked on online:www.boyne.com/golf/Heather50 (Promo Code: Heather50th).

Not to be outdone, Bay Harbor Golf Club – which brought the first lakeside, five-star resort golf experience to the region – will commemorate its 20th year in operation. With three distinct nine-hole courses all designed by Arthur Hills (The Links, The Preserve and The Quarry), Bay Harbor Golf Club is regularly ranked among the country’s Top 100 courses by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.
“We’re excited to memorialize two of the most important events in the evolution of the BOYNE Golf brand,” says Bernie Friedrich, Boyne Resorts’ senior vice president of golf and resort sales. “The Heather put northern Michigan on the map as more than just a winter sports escape, while the opening of Bay Harbor Golf Club elevated the region to a national golf destination.”

BOYNE Golf Academy will once again offer a full menu of instruction programming, including its new Power Clinic, which will focus on techniques to hit the ball further off the tee. Scheduled for June 11, July 9, July 23 and August 6, the one-day sessions are capped at a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio and priced at $799 per person. They include a comprehensive evaluation using the Academy’s GEARS Golf system, swing analysis on a TrackMan launch monitor, Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) physical assessment, round of golf with on-course instruction, and more.

Further evidencing BOYNE’s reputation for embracing golf innovation are the return of GolfBoards to Boyne Highlands and introduction of 140 new state-of-the-art EZ-GO carts at Boyne Highlands (80) and Boyne Mountain (60).

GolfBoarding is an entirely new way to traverse the golf course. The four-wheel drive board allows users to turn by simply transferring their body weight in a carving motion akin to snowboarding or surfing. GolfBoards will once again be available to golfers playing the Donald Ross Memorial and The Moor courses.

The new EZ-GO RXV golf carts offer the latest advances in cart technology, including a USB port to recharge mobile phones, rangefinders, iPads, and other small electronics.

Adds Friedrich: “We strive to balance a deep appreciation for our heritage and the game’s traditions with the realities of 21st century life. The BOYNE Golf calling card is delivering a golf experience that’s enjoyable for players of all skill levels and sensibilities.”

BOYNE Golf is comprised of three properties:

Boyne Highlands Resort

  • Arthur Hills (18) – Tumbling terrain and wide fairways deliver enjoyment for all skill levels
  • Donald Ross Memorial (18) – Replicates classic, memorable holes created by namesake
  • The Heather (18) – Flawlessly-conditioned Robert Trent Jones design appeals to purists
  • The Moor (18) – Traditional layout highlighted by a variety of dogleg holes
The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort
  • Bay Harbor Golf Club
    • The Links (9) – Setting on windswept cliffs along coastline evokes game’s ancient roots 
    • The Preserve (9) – Tree-lined holes dominate before dramatic lakefront finish
    • The Quarry (9) – Distinctively nestled in abandoned shale quarry
  • Crooked Tree Golf Club (18) – Recently redesigned Nos. 16-18 enhance playability and charm
Boyne Mountain
  • The Alpine (18) – Fun and fair; annual host of Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions
  • The Monument (18) – Panoramic vistas combine with hole-by-hole tribute to golf history
Beyond golf, BOYNE’s unique on-property amenities include award-winning spas, waterfront dining, sandy beaches, Avalanche Bay – Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, and adventure sport venues. They are supported by historic, lakeside resort towns Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and Petoskey all a short drive from Mackinac Island. Following in Hemingway’s footsteps, taking in the famous northern Michigan sunsets, enjoying the casino and exploring acclaimed microbreweries like Petoskey Brewing mean golf isn’t the only game in town.

More information: www.BOYNEGolf.com, info@BOYNE.com, 844.634.5315

About BOYNE Golf

BOYNE Golf offers the largest collection of courses (10) in the Midwest shared among three resorts in northwest Michigan’s Petoskey area: Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, and The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort in Bay Harbor. Golfers play up to 72 holes daily thanks to the region’s long daylight hours and ideal temperatures. With courses suited to a wide range of playing abilities, accommodations for every taste and budget, world-class amenities and memorable off-resort attractions, BOYNE is a premier destination for vacationing golfers, families and meeting planners.

ABACO CLUB MEMBER DARREN CLARKE TO SERVE AS ITS WORLD AMBASSADOR

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Abaco Club
Abaco Club

January 25, 2016 – Abaco, The Bahamas — The Abaco Club on Winding Bay announced today that longtime member and resident, Darren Clarke, has agreed to serve as its World Ambassador, and to assist in promoting the Club both in its sales and marketing efforts and at special events.

Clarke has been a fixture at the Abaco Club since its opening in 2008 and was married to his wife, Alison, on the club’s extraordinary, 2.5-mile, white sand beach in 2012.  “I love the relaxed atmosphere of this place and the enhancements that have been made to the award-winning course at The Abaco Club,” Clarke said, from his cottage overlooking Winding Bay.  “It’s extraordinarily beautiful, and there’s no place I’d rather spend time, especially with my family. I’m also looking forward to the completion of the state-of-the-art practice facility at the Club,” he added. “I’ve always loved working on my game here prior to The Masters each year, and this new facility is going to be a Tour-quality practice area, the best in the islands.” In addition to enjoying his home at Abaco and being on the beach and golf course, Clarke also has a passion for the world-class bonefishing and sport-fishing opportunities in The Abacos. He recently competed in, and won, the Abaco Club’s bonefishing competition, which took place over the holidays.

The current European Ryder Cup Team Captain, Darren Clarke has had a long and successful professional career.  Originally from Northern Ireland, Clarke plays in PGA Tour, European Tour and other major golf events all around the world.  He has played on the European Ryder Cup team five times and has won 22 tournaments on major tours, including the PGA Tour, Sunshine Tour and Japan Tour.  He won the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St. George’s, along with two World Golf Championships, most notably the 2000 WGC-Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship when he defeated Tiger Woods.

“We are thrilled to have Darren’s support for our efforts to spread the word about The Abaco Club,” said Casey Counseller, General Manager. “As a professional golfer, he appreciates what an outstanding course it is, but Darren also enjoys and makes use of the Club’s other amenities and seems to revel in its congenial atmosphere.  The Abaco Club is a very special place, just as Darren is a very special golfer and person. We couldn’t be more pleased that he is going to help us tell the world more about Abaco.”

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is one of the world’s most extraordinary clubs. It is a true, international sporting club, with members and residents who appreciate the very best in life and enjoy the ease with which they can have a relaxing and rejuvenating island vacation at Abaco. Southworth Development of Newton, Mass. acquired the Club in December 2014, and since then, members, homeowners and visitors to the Club have seen great improvements in many aspects of the property and club in the months since, including enhancements to its dining outlets, welcome center, the golf course and new practice area, the golf shop, and the beach and its associated water sports offerings.

Since its debut, the Abaco Club has been recognized perennially as the #1 course in The Bahamas by Golfweek magazine, and is a favorite of both professional and amateur golfers. The Club regularly receives glowing reviews from its visiting guests, who seem to enjoy sharing their experiences on websites like TripAdvisor, where they list all the things that make the Club so special.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved since we took ownership of The Abaco Club.  We spent more than $10 million on facility upgrades in 2015, and are investing even more in 2016,” said David Southworth, Founder of Southworth Development. “And we’re very grateful that Darren Clarke has agreed to help us share his impressions of what it’s like to live here and enjoy the Club. It’s wonderful to be able to spend time with him here and to see him enjoying his time here with his family.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:  Cindy Lawrence, 617-630-4906 or clawrence@southworthdevelopment.com

ABOUT THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY
The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is a private, international sporting club and residential community located on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas.  Situated on more than 500 acres, The Abaco Club offers a world of relaxation with a 2.5 mile white sand beach, world-class Scottish styled links golf perennially rated #1 in the Bahamas, and a spectacular offering of other water, leisure and sporting activities.  To enjoy a stay at the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, or for more information on membership and real estate options, please visit www.theabacoclub.com, or email info@theabacoclub.com.

MACHRIHANISH DUNES OFFERS THE ULTIMATE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE

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machrihanishdunesArgyll, Scotland, January 22, 2016  —  The 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 14 – 17 is one of the not-to-be-missed golf events of the season, and Machrihanish Dunes has luxurious VIP packages that allow guests to stay just 20 minutes from the action yet miles away from the crowds.

Play our great seaside links, and enjoy a luxurious holiday far from the maddening crowds while enjoying our on-site amenities including spa, fitness and restaurants close at hand.  With the Machrihanish Dunes’ Ultimate Open Championship Experience, you can take a chartered helicopter from the GB&I Top-100 course and four-star luxury of the resort to The Open Championship at Troon.

Machrihanish Dunes is offering this package so that the true golf lover can enjoy The Open in style while enjoying a luxury golf retreat at the same time.

The Ultimate Open Championship Experience package is £4,920 per person and is limited in quantity.  It includes*:
•    Meet & greet at Glasgow airport and ground transportation to Machrihanish Dunes
•    Four nights in four-star accommodations
•    Transport to/from helipads
•    VIP Helicopter transport to/from Machrihanish Dunes to The Open (up to 4 people), on July 15 and July 17
•    Access to the Champions Club at The Open on Friday and Sunday (options for all four days are available)
•    Daily full Scottish breakfast
•    Golf at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club
•    24-hour concierge service during your trip
*Based on availability, and based on double occupancy and full foursome traveling in a Eurocopter Twin Squirrel.  Package as above is priced at £4,920.  Other options may increase or decrease the cost of the package.

The Campbeltown Airport is only 10 minutes from Machrihanish Dunes and is accustomed to private charters and planes.  Flybe also offers daily service from Glasgow to Campbeltown.

Mach Dunes offers other custom Open Championship packages that let guests combine stay and play packages at Mach Dunes with CalMac ferry service to the Open.  These can include:
•    Royal Hotel Suite or Room in Campbeltown, a suite or room at The Ugadale Hotel, or a two-bedroom
Ugadale Cottage
•    CalMac Ferry Service to/from Ardrossan
•    Transfers to/from Troon
•    Daily tickets to the Open – Standard Admission, Champions Club VIP Admission, or Top-level hospitality venue Club 1860
•    Springbank Distillery Tour

For more information on the Ultimate Open Championship Experience being offered by Machrihanish Dunes or to book reservations, please visit www.MachDunes.com or call Outside UK: +44 1586 810000 or within UK at 0800 151 3701 or email info@machdunes.com.
Media Contact:  Cindy Lawrence @ +1 617-630-4906 or clawrence@southworthdevelopment.com.

About The Village at Machrihanish Dunes
The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, voted “Scotland’s Best Resort Experience”, “Best Hotel” and Best Catering” by Golf Tourism Scotland, is a world-class seaside resort featuring a U.K. Top-100 links golf course, four-star accommodations, casual and fine dining options, a boutique spa, plus a host of other resort amenities, all located in one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions.  The Ugadale Hotel & Cottages in Machrihanish offer 22 rooms and suites plus 8 luxurious two-bedroom cottages. The Royal Hotel, with 23 rooms all overlooking Campbeltown Harbour, is located in downtown Campbeltown, a mere 5 miles away.  The resort is ideally suited for golfers; non-golf visitors; golf group visits; family reunions; corporate meetings, events, and retreats; weddings and other social functions; and more.  The course, the first 18-hole course in the U.K. to earn certification from the Golf Environmental Organization, is consistently ranked as one of the most ecologically-friendly courses in the world.  Designed by David McLay-Kidd, it opened in 2009 on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the first course ever to be built on such a site and also the first to be built on the west coast of Scotland in over 100 years.  For more information on The Village at Machrihanish Dunes or to book reservations, visit www.machrihanishdunes.com.
machrihanishdunes

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Launches 2016 Spring Packages

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Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Launches 2016 Spring Packages

 It won’t be long until the chill of winter gives way to the sunny feel of spring. And the perfect opportunity to welcome the season is with a few rounds on the incomparable Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Welcome to the sweet spot.

With 468 holes of championship golf on 11 sites across Alabama, you’ll have your swing working to perfection before you know it. Play the same courses where the LPGA plays in May and the PGA TOUR in July or venture across the Trail to discover new ones for yourself. From renovated courses along Mobile Bay to the 8,092 yard Fighting Joe course along the Tennessee River, the RTJ Golf Trail locations offer 26 challenging courses, friendly professionals and great values for Spring in 2016. 

Reserve your place in the warm Alabama sunshine online at www.rtjgolf.com or plan your trip with the RTJ golf reservations experts by calling 1.800.949.4444.

RTJ Spring Golf Specials for 2016

2 Days or More Special

Play one round of golf per day for two or more days with cart and unlimited range balls starting at $76 per day. Play a variety of the 26 golf courses along the RTJ Golf Trail or be bold and try them all. Ideal for golf groups looking for great courses and value in Spring.
Starting at $76 per person per day March 22, 2016 – May 24, 2016.

Spring Unlimited Special

Play unlimited golf with cart and unlimited range balls. How much golf can you handle in a one trip? Enjoy great weather and unlimited golf in Sweet Home Alabama.
Starting at $107 per person per day March 22, 2016 – May 24, 2016.
Valid at Ross Bridge starting at $199 per person per day March 22, 2016 – May 24, 2016.

 

Spring Swing for $134

Special includes one round of golf at Magnolia Grove, one round of golf at Lakewood Golf Club, cart fees and range balls. Magnolia Grove has hosted several LPGA tournaments in the past and is located in Mobile, Alabama, home of America’s original Mardi Gras and the cultural capitol along the Gulf Coast. The Lakewood Club’s two courses overlook Mobile Bay and are part of one of Marriott’s top resorts in North America. Lakewood’s new practice facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2016.
Valid March 22, 2016 – May 24, 2016.

 

Spring Magic for $199

Special includes one round of golf at Oxmoor Valley, one round of golf at Ross Bridge, cart fees and range balls. Ross Bridge is the fifth longest golf course in the world at 8,191 from the tips. Oxmoor Valley is one of the original Trail sites which opened in 1992 and is less than two miles from the Ross Bridge golf course and resort.
Valid March 22, 2016 – May 24, 2016.

 

Easter Special

Play unlimited golf with cart and unlimited range balls at every site, excluding Lakewood, for $107 per person per day.
Valid March 22, 2016 – March 29, 2016.

 

RTJ Locations – North to South

  • Shoals – Florence/Muscle Shoals – 36 holes of golf
  • Hampton Cove – Huntsville – 54 holes of golf
  • Silver Lakes – Anniston/Gadsden – 36 holes of golf
  • Oxmoor Valley – Birmingham – 54 holes of golf
  • Ross Bridge – Hoover – 18 holes of golf
  • Grand National – Auburn/Opelika – 54 holes – site of PGA TOUR’s Barbasol Championship
  • Capitol Hill – Prattville – 54 holes – site of Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic
  • Cambrian Ridge – Greenville – 36 holes of golf
  • Highland Oaks – Dothan – 36 holes of golf
  • Magnolia Grove – Mobile – 54 holes of golf
  • Lakewood Golf Club – Point Clear – 36 holes of golf.

A CHARLESTON AREA GUY’S GOLF GETAWAY

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The 18th At Wild Dunes
The 18th At Wild Dunes

A CHARLESTON AREA GUY’S GOLF GETAWAY

-The Ultimate Men’s Escape Awaits in the Lowcountry-

CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 16, 2015 – Home to over 19 championship courses designed by world-class architects and a plethora of downtown offerings from bar hopping to boating excursions, the Charleston area is the premier destination for a men’s golf getaway. Please see below for the ultimate three-day golf package and sampling of fun activities perfect for a fall weekend or mid-week vacation. From brews to birdies, a bounty of good times awaits bachelor parties, corporate gatherings and guys groups in the Lowcountry.

Brews & Birdies Golf Package

Guys looking to pair course play with a taste of Charleston’s flourishing beer scene can book the Brews & Birdies golf package, starting at $154 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and including:

  • Three nights at the Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview
  • Three rounds of golf at select courses including Coosaw Creek Country Club, Dunes West Golf Club, Legend Oaks Golf & Tennis Club, Pine Forest Country Club, Rivertowne Country Club, The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation, The Links at Stono Ferry and Wild Dunes Resort’s Harbor Course
  • Three and a half hour tour of local Charleston breweries including samplings one afternoon

Ideal for men’s groups, the Charleston area is home to a variety of unique adventure activities, excursions and dining options. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean with an abundance of lush tidal marshes, The Lowcountry offers some of the most premier fishing in the country. Led by a guide and expert staff, The Reel Deal Charters offers half-day and full-day excursions where guys can relax on the water and fish for red drum, speckled sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, sea bass, triggerfish, tuna, king mackerel and even sharks. Prices begin at $150 per person. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.thereeldealcharters.com or call 843.388.5093.

After a morning on the links, men can cruise the streets and explore the charm of historic downtown Charleston’s Battery, Rainbow Row and White Pointe Gardens via bicycle. Bike Rentals start at $25 per person, per day. For more information or to make reservations, please visitwww.affordabike.com or call 843.789.3281.

 Friends can kayak the scenic Lowcountry creeks teeming with wildlife including dolphins, egrets, turtles and various birds of prey. The ultimate Charleston adventure awaits at Nature Adventure Outfitters with half and full-day kayak rentals available, along with canoes and paddleboards.  Kayak rentals begin at $38 per person for a half day (4-hour) rental. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.kayakcharlestonsc.com or call 843.568.3222.

 Bustling with a lively bar scene day and night, Charleston is a haven for sports fanatics looking to catch the game and a buzz. No matter where their football loyalty lies, guys are sure to enjoy delicious food while cheering on their favorite teams at a number of Charleston’s top game-day restaurants such as Bay Street Biergarten, Kickin’ Chicken, The Alley and Southend Brewery & Smokehouse.

 To book the Brews & Birdies golf package or for more information on the Charleston area’s golf courses, please visit www.charlestongolfguide.com or call 800-774-4444.

 Charleston & Resort Islands Golf

More than 200 years ago, Charleston was the site of America’s first golf club. This heritage of golfing excellence is evident today. Guests have convenient access to more than 19 championship courses, created by legendary architects including Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Gary Player, Arthur Hills, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Sr.  The area also offers plenty of year-round activity off the course. They range from historic tours and attractions to inshore and offshore fishing and award-winning dining, as well as a year-round calendar of festivals and events. For reservations or more information on these packages and others available in the area, please visit www.charlestongolfguide.com or call 800-774-4444.

 The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets. For more information, visitexplorecharleston.com  

STREAMSONG RED AND BLUE CLIMB GOLF MAGAZINE’S “TOP 100 COURSES IN THE U.S.” LIST

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streamsong

STREAMSONG, FLORIDA – October 21, 2015 – Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue have been named to GOLF magazine’s list of Top 100 Courses in the U.S., adding to the resort’s growing list of accolades. In this year’s list, Streamsong Red ranked 47 and Streamsong Blue ranked 56, up from their rankings of 52 and 62 respectively in the list’s last edition.

The GOLF Magazine list, compiled biennially and based on input from a group of 100 international panelists, is published in the October  2015 issue. Panelists evaluate a ballot of 493 public and private courses in the U.S. The panelists recognized Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue for the following attributes:

“Tall, odd-shaped sand piles, significant climbs and drops, firm, fast-running Bermuda fairways and lakes submerged in the sand spice the play on the Coore-Crenshaw-designed Red course.”
“Streamsong Blue features a distinctive sand-based canvas that puts an emphasis on ground-game prowess. Tom Doak crafted fairways that cling to the terrain as if they’ve been here for thousands of years. Greens melt into their surrounds. Imaginative green contouring forces players to think before approaching.”
“We are incredibly proud of our team and are honored to see Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue ascend the rankings as two of the greatest golf courses in the nation,” said Rich Mack, CFO and executive vice president for The Mosaic Company, which owns the resort. “As we continue to evolve and meet our guests’ expectations, these rankings are a very positive indication we are headed in the right direction. In 2017, with the arrival of Streamsong Black, we will continue to work hard to make Streamsong an even greater golf experience for all of our guests.”

In less than three years since opening, Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue have received numerous accolades throughout the golf industry, including Golfweek’s “Best Modern Courses” and “Best Resort Courses,” as well as Golf Digest’s “Florida’s Best Public Courses.”

Tucked away on 16,000 natural acres in central Florida, Streamsong also offers guests a range of unique activities and amenities, including guided bass fishing excursions on the resort’s prolific lakes and streams, sporting clays, the grotto-style AquaPietra spa, tennis courts and a nature trail.

For availability and reservations, please call 863.428.1000 or visit www.streamsongresort.com.

About Streamsong Resort

Streamsong® Resort has been developed by The Mosaic Company and is founded on a commitment to its surrounding resources. From awe-inspiring golf courses and enchanting nature trails to sumptuous dining and ethereal spa experiences, Streamsong operates in concert with its environment. This appreciation for the land’s inherent beauty creates an unparalleled luxury resort. The resort is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts and the golf courses are managed by KemperSports. For more information, visit www.streamsongresort.com.

Hilton Head Golf Island Unveils 2015 Fall Golf Packages

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Hilton Head Island Golf

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) – Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI) – a collection of premier resorts and courses in one of the world’s greatest golf destinations – announces numerous golf group packages for the fall.

 Exclusive offers, exceptional values and awe-inspiring Lowcountry scenery are all available for groups through these golf packages. Two national publications recently recognized HHGI with prestigious honors. Golf Digest ranked HHGI in the top 10 in seven categories including “Best Courses” and “Best Weather,” and GOLF.com’s inaugural “Golfers’ Choice Awards” tabbed it a Top 10 Most Dreamed About U.S. Golf Destination.

 A sampling of packages offered at www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com:

  • The Heritage Golf Collection “Fore” Golf Package – Golfers stay four nights in villa accommodations and select four rounds from Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Shipyard, Palmetto Hall Plantation and Oyster Reef with complimentary range balls, all starting at $155 per person/per night (based on quad occupancy). The package also includes a welcome tee gift, breakfast at the golf clubs, a Heritage Golf Collection VIP discount card, and all taxes and fees. Available Sept. 8 – Nov. 7, the package is not valid on previous purchases, and availability and pricing are subject to change.

·         Palmetto Dunes “President’s Cup Group Golf Package” – Valid daily through Dec. 31 for groups of 12 or more, guests enjoy four days/three nights accommodations and three rounds of golf on the resort’s championship courses: Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Starting at $138 per golfer/per night, the promotion includes team shirts, an on-site group golf coordinator, breakfast prior to each round, two hours of tennis or Pickleball court time at the Tennis Center and other discounts and inclusions. Subject to availability, some restrictions may apply. The offer is not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer.

  • The Sea Pines Resort “Pete Dye Signature Group Golf Package” – Starting at $225 per golfer/per night, this getaway features deluxe villa accommodations for three nights and three rounds of Pete Dye golf, including at the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, site of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The offer also includes a complimentary gift card and the group organizer plays for free. Other restrictions may apply.

“Coming off our successful summer golf promotions, the fall packages offer great opportunities for golf groups to experience Hilton Head Golf Island at incredible rates,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and Vice President of Sports and Operations at Sea Pines Resort. “Pristine conditions, mild temperatures and exceptional incentives – the fall is an ideal time of year for golf in the Lowcountry.”

 For additional information about rates, restrictions and other package inclusions, or to receive a quote: www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com, 800.523.3373.

 About Hilton Head Golf Island

 Hilton Head Golf Island features more than 30 member courses on Hilton Head and Fripp Islands, as well as Bluffton, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Hilton Head’s Southern hospitality and world-class public and private designs sculpted by vaunted architects Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones.

 Its territory encompasses many of the great golf courses and resorts of North America and is ranked top 10 in seven categories by Golf Digest including “Best Buddies Trip Destination,” “Best Accommodations,” “Best Couples Trip,” “Best Courses,” “Best Food and Drink,” “Best Weather” and “Best Value.” Home to the world-renowned Sea Pines Resort, the PGA TOUR makes its only South Carolina stop each April at Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

 The Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association, in conjunction with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Visitor and Conventions Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, launched Hilton Head Golf Island to support the island’s thriving golf market through promotion of golf rounds and packages.

Premier Golf Announces New Fall Packages to PGA Village, Streamsong Resort

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(DULUTH, GA) – Premier Golf (www.premiergolf.com), experts at world travel and the exclusive distributor of Ryder Cup travel packages since 1991, proudly offers fall stay-and-play packages to just-renovated PGA Village and critically acclaimed Streamsong Resort.

Among the recent renovations to PGA Village, completed by Tom Hoch Designs, include the remodeling of the Taplow Pub, Wine Room and PGA members-only section. Additional improvements include adjustments to the courses’ signage, which will pay tribute and educate players about the PGA of America’s historical Ryder Cup and PGA Championship affiliations. These enhancements compliment the well-established quartet of championship golf courses – Ryder, Wanamaker, Dye and St Lucie Trail; the 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance facility and PGA Short Course, as well as the PGA Museum of Golf.

Streamsong Resort, arguably one of the most popular golf destinations on the eastern seaboard, comes replete with a masterfully designed Tom Doak course (Streamsong Blue) that features a beautifully rugged design far and apart from traditional southern-style layouts. The sister course, Streamsong Red, is designed by two-time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, which incorporates the surrounding natural landscape for one of the most visually appealing courses in all of North America. In addition, the resort offers hiking trails, fishing excursions and a grotto-style spa with luxury guest rooms that highlight stunning views.

“As many courses begin closing for the winter and temperatures become less predictable, golfers can enjoy sublime temperatures at these two incredible, world-class resorts,” said Premier Golf President Jim Ward. “This year, the PGA Village added outstanding enhancements that make the destination a true golfer’s paradise, while Streamsong, unquestionably, remains a bucket-list getaway known for its exceptional design and setting. We’re thrilled to offer packages to both places and we know every guest will have a tremendous experience.”

Premier Golf Fall Stay-And-Play Package details:

Through Oct. 31, Premier Golf’s PGA Village package starts at $372.75 per person and $478.75 per person Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 (based on four persons). Included are three nights in a luxurious two-bedroom villa, three rounds of golf at a choice of Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses, practice range balls and taxes. (Premier Golf is PGA Village’s exclusive package agency.)

Through Nov. 15, Premier Golf’s Streamsong packages start at $829.50 with discounted rates the remainder of the month for $694.50 per person, based on four-persons sharing. Included are three nights in a stunning sunrise-facing room and three rounds at choice of world-class Blue and Red Courses, practice range usage and all taxes.

Single room supplements available upon request for both options.

In addition to providing all-encompassing travel services internationally and throughout the U.S., Premier Golf is the exclusive provider of North American Ryder Cup travel and ticket packages since 1991 and has sent more than 25,000 fans to golf’s greatest event. Packages for the 2016 competition at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota are now available.

To book a fall escape, or to view all of Premier Golf’s travel packages, visit www.premiergolf.com or call 866.260.4409.

About Premier Golf
Premier Golf LLC is a division of Travel Incorporated headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. The company has been licensed by the PGA of America since 1988 and manages several of the PGA’s travel requirements. Since 1991, the company has been the only licensed source by the PGA for official Ryder Cup travel packages. Premier Golf is also one of America’s largest and most respected golf tour operators.  With offices in Ireland and Scotland, Premier Golf provides golf travel services to the classic destinations all over the world. For more information: www.premiergolf.com, +888-439-1831.