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Golf Trips
July 2020 Newsletter
Pam's Maryland Golf Getaway
Ocean City Golf Club - Newport Bay in Berlin, Maryland

 


Pam's Maryland Golf Getaway

Ocean City Golf Packaging

AUGUST FLASH SALE – ENDS 7/31/20

Travel Weekdays In August & Receive

* 3 Nights In A Deluxe 4 Bedroom River Run Golf Villa
* 3 Rounds Of Fantastic Golf
* FREE Return Golf Trip For Group Leader

Now ONLY $149 Per Night / Per Person*

Call 888.465.3309

*Price based on groups of 4 traveling weekdays in August. Price will vary based on dates, courses and accommodation selected. Other restrictions may apply. Certain dates and restrictions apply to free return trip.

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Indiana Feature: Sultan's Run Golf Course
Indiana Feature: Sultan's Run Golf Course

 


Indiana Feature: Sultan's Run Golf Course

One of Indiana's Best Golf Courses

Dubois County in Indiana is home to several large businesses: Best Home Furnishings in Ferdinand, Farbest Foods in Huntingburg, and Kimball Electronics and Jasper Engines in Jasper. It is also home to one of the state's top-ranked golf courses, Sultan's Run, a true golfing masterpiece.

Since the course opened in 1992, Sultan's Run has received its fair share of accolades including Indiana Golf Course of the year by INGCOA in 2015 and the #6 Course to Play in Indiana by Golfweek, Magazine in 2019. They have also hosted some prestigious golf events including the 2016 Indiana PGA Senior Open, Web.Com Tour Qualifiers, Golfweek Midwest Junior Classic. Golf Digest has awarded Sultan's Run 4 1/2 stars. My question to Golf Digest is "Why not 5?"

No sooner did the course open, then it underwent an extensive remodeling project in 1996. Under the guidance of world-renowned architect Pete Dye disciple Tim Liddy, all 18 holes were reworked in some way or another. Zoysia fairways were planted, bunkers were added or taken away from some holes and reimagined on others. Greens were reconstructed and some holes were given a total makeover. In the end, Sultan's Run emerged as the masterpiece you see today and is a world-class golf facility that will have golfers of all calibers talking about it long after they leave the course.

The length at Sultan's Run may not scare anyone away, however, the slope tells a much different story. The back (Black) Tees play 6,859 yards with a course rating of 73.5 and a slope of 143. The average slope in the US is around 120, (155 is the highest) so you get the idea it's not going to be a walk in the park. Move up to the Gold Tees and the yardage drops to 6,429 but the slope only drops to 138. Two other tee boxes play to yardages of 5,762 (Silver) and 4,911 (Green). The worst-case scenario is you move up a set of tees and still have a great time!

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Apple Valley Golf Course at Rumbling Bald on Schedule to Reopen with Champion Bermuda Greens
Appley Valley

 


Apple Valley Golf Course at Rumbling Bald on Schedule to Reopen with Champion Bermuda Greens

Western North Carolina's 36-Hole Golf Destination Readies for Exciting Fall Golf Season

Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf resort on stunning Lake Lure, reports its Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley Golf Course is on schedule to open later this summer featuring new Champion Bermuda greens on all 18 holes.

Apple Valley began its transition from bentgrass to the smooth-rolling Bermuda grass in June. After exhaustive research and testing, Champion was selected for its superior performance profile, heat tolerance and ease of maintenance. It has speeds up to two feet faster than other ultradwarf turf cultivars as measured by a stimpmeter.

Champion Bermuda is the marquee turf product of Bay City, Texas-based Champion Turf Farms. Founded by Morris Brown in 1966, other North Carolina courses with the grass include Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte (G-12), site of the 2017 PGA Championship, and famed Pinehurst No. 2, host of the 1999, 2005, 2014 and 2024 U.S. Opens.

"Golfers are going to love putting on these greens, and my staff is going to enjoy taking care of them," says Matt Lovell, Rumbling Bald Director of Golf Course Maintenance. "Bentgrass requires more maintenance throughout the summer, from additional water to fans. With Champion Bermuda, we'll be able to focus entirely on the golfer experience."

The golfer experience at one of Western North Carolina's only 36-hole golf destinations keeps getting better with numerous enhancements to both Apple Valley and sister course, Bald Mountain. From tree removal and new landscape to E-Z-GO golf carts with USB ports, complimentary coolers and rolled towels, Rumbling Bald continues to evolve and innovate.

"Our golf courses are an invaluable amenity here at Rumbling Bald, and we've committed to providing guests with an outstanding playing surface from tee to green," says General Manager Jeff Geisler. "The greens on Apple Valley are growing in nicely and we're excited to share them with the golfing world this summer and fall."

Rumbling Bald offers golf packages combing rounds at both courses with the resort's 150 sparkling clean vacation rental homes, condos and studios. Ideal for social distancing, they feature golf course and mountain views. Golfers can grab to-go meals from Legends on the Lake, the resort's casual dining restaurant on Lake Lure. And once Apple Valley reopens, so will Pinnacle Southern Kitchen, serving up comfort food favorites.

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.

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BMW Championship To Be Held Without Spectators
BMW Championship To Be Held Without Spectators

 


BMW Championship To Be Held Without Spectators

The PGA TOUR and tournament officials announced today that the 2020 BMW Championship will be played without spectators, with all four rounds of the event to be broadcast live, as scheduled, on NBC and the Golf Channel on August 27-30.

“As we have said from the start, our No. 1 priority remains the health and safety of everyone in the communities where we are invited guests each week,” said PGA TOUR Chief Tournaments and Competitions Officer Andy Pazder. “We appreciate the understanding of the Western Golf Association, BMW and – of course – the fans of Greater Chicago for recognizing why this decision needed to be made. We continue to be very excited about the opportunity to present the BMW Championship to a global audience as part of the three-week stretch of FedExCup Playoffs events.”

Tournament officials remain committed to delivering a world-class PGA TOUR event that will again benefit the event’s sole charity, the Evans Scholars Foundation, helping them send deserving caddies to college. The top 70 PGA TOUR players will compete on Olympia Fields Country Club’s historic North Course vying to earn one of 30 spots in the TOUR Championship and the chance to be crowned FedExCup champion.

“We greatly appreciate the support of BMW, Olympia Fields Country Club and the PGA TOUR in conducting the 2020 BMW Championship,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “We will continue to work with them and follow the recommendations and regulations of county, state and federal officials to ensure the safety of the players, volunteers and staff essential to conducting the BMW Championship.”

“Our BMW Championship team has been working tirelessly over the past several months to develop a comprehensive plan for a limited number of spectators, following guidance from the PGA TOUR and county and state officials,” Pellegrino added. “However, we understand the challenges and concerns that COVID-19 has created and recognize the decision to proceed without spectators is in the best interest of everyone involved.

“While our fans won’t be able to attend this year’s BMW Championship,” Pellegrino added, “we encourage them to stay engaged with this year’s tournament by following the competition on the BMW Championship and PGA TOUR social media channels and tuning into our broadcast partners.”

Fans who already have purchased BMW Championship tickets through Ticketmaster will automatically receive a full refund within the next 30 days.

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Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Named Top 10 Resort Hotel in Midwest
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Named Top 10 Resort Hotel in Midwest

 


Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Named Top 10 Resort Hotel in Midwest

Grand Geneva® Resort & Spa is pleased to announce it has been named to the Travel + Leisure 2020 World's Best Awards.

Owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts®, Grand Geneva was awarded Top 10 Best Resort Hotel in the Midwest.

Every year Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe - to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food and overall value.

Situated on 1,300 acres in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers a variety of adventures one can only experience at this AAA Four Diamond Wisconsin resort. With championship golf courses, family-friendly ski hills, an award-winning spa, enjoyable team-building activities, exceptional restaurants and culinary offerings, and home to the largest meeting space in the area, Grand Geneva Resort is one of the Midwest's most distinct destinations for group and leisure travelers.

"We are honored to be acknowledged by Travel + Leisure readers as a best resort in the Midwest," said Stephen M. Magnuson, managing director, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. "Grand Geneva Resort & Spa prides itself on offering the finest facilities, amenities and food offerings for our guests. We are excited to welcome guests back to experience all we have to offer."

For more information on Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, visit grandgeneva.com.

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Big Cedar Lodge to host back-to-back PGA TOUR Champions events in August
Buffalo Ridge

 


Big Cedar Lodge to host back-to-back PGA TOUR Champions events in August

PGA TOUR Champions announces tournaments at Ozarks National and Buffalo Ridge airing on The GOLF Channel

RIDGEDALE, Missouri - Some of the biggest and most legendary names in golf are returning to Big Cedar Lodge and the Ozarks next month.

PGA TOUR Champions and Big Cedar Lodge announced today two new events that will be contested as part of the Tour’s combined 2020-21 schedule. The Charles Schwab Series at Bass Pro Shops’ Big Cedar Lodge will feature back-to-back 54-hole tournaments played over a nine-day period in August, with each event carrying a $3 million purse and televised worldwide on The GOLF Channel.

The Charles Schwab Series at Buffalo Ridge will take place Aug. 19-21 at the Buffalo Ridge Course, with the Charles Schwab Series at Ozarks National to follow on Aug. 24-26. Practice rounds for each event will be held the two days prior to competition.

The complete Charles Schwab Series schedule is as follows:
Aug. 17-18 – Practice rounds at Buffalo Ridge Course
Aug. 19-21 – Three-day tournament at Buffalo Ridge Course
Aug. 22-23 – Practice rounds at Ozarks National
Aug. 24-26 – Three-day tournament at Ozarks National

The venues represent two of the five award-winning nature golf courses at Big Cedar Lodge, which has been considered “Home of the Legends” after previously hosting the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf from 2014 through 2019.

“This is our seventh year hosting the PGA TOUR Champions, and we are very happy to welcome these incredible players and friends back to Big Cedar Lodge,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge. “We continue to take great pride in this special place and our continued enhancements, including the grand opening of Ozarks National last year and the debut of the full Payne’s Valley course later this year. We know the unique beauty of our courses leave a lasting impression, and we look forward to providing a challenging, memorable experience to all of the players while showcasing the beauty and wonder of the Ozarks with the world.”

Due to COVID-19 concerns, no spectators will be allowed on site during the events. Fans can follow the action worldwide by tuning-in to The GOLF Channel, which will provide extensive coverage throughout the tournament. Set to air in more than 340 million homes in 170 countries, the broadcast will showcase the unmatched natural beauty of the area while spotlighting Johnny Morris’ vision for creating breathtaking golf courses that connect people to nature.

“We are excited to once again partner with Johnny Morris and the great team at Big Cedar Lodge to bring the excitement of PGA TOUR Champions golf back to the Ozarks,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady. “Our players have terrific memories tied to this amazing property, and I know Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National will be tremendous venues for our fans watching around the world on GOLF Channel.”

Golf Digest selected Ozarks National as the Best New Public Course in the world last November in the publication’s annual rankings list and Buffalo Ridge was ranked the #1 course you can play in Missouri in Golfweek’s “2019 Best” issue. Additionally, last September Golf Magazine named Big Cedar Lodge as the No. 1 Family Golf Resort in North America, as part of its Top 100 Resorts issue for 2019-2020. Recognitions like these continue encouraging notable people and players to visit Big Cedar Lodge, including the likes of World Golf Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw, who has visited and played the resort multiple times.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PGA TOUR Champions previously announced that its tournaments in 2020 and 2021 would combine to form one season, with the next Charles Schwab Cup champion to be crowned in November 2021 at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. The full lineup of players participating in the Big Cedar Lodge events will be announced in the coming weeks.

To provide a safe “bubble” for players, caddies and tournament staff, there will be temporary public closures throughout the tournament series. Buffalo Ridge will be closed from Aug. 16-21, the adjacent Mountain Top will be closed from Aug. 16-26, and Ozarks National and Payne’s Valley will be closed from Aug. 22-26.

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Puerto Rico Resorts & Golf Courses Officially Reopen July 15
Puerto Rico Resorts & Golf Courses Officially Reopen July 15

 


Puerto Rico Resorts & Golf Courses Officially Reopen July 15

Many of the Resorts and Golf Courses in Puerto Rico have reopened in advance of the official Island's reopening. Some Island golf courses only allowed member play when they reopened May 26. Since then, the majority of the properties are welcoming public play, including Royal Isabella, Costa Caribe & Country Club, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve(home of Coco Beach Golf Club), El Legado, Deportovio del Oeste and more. The St. Regis Bahia Beach is allowing public play on weekdays, reserving Friday thru Sunday and holidays for resort guests and members.

TPC Dorado Beach and Palmas Athletic Club are currently limiting play to guests and members only. El Conquistador is the only Island course still undergoing a renovation primarily due to the Hurricane destruction but anticipates a fall 2020 opening. Learn more about visiting Puerto Rico at DiscoverPuertoRico.com including Travel Advisory and a Question and Answer( consumer) English.

Puerto Rico golf courses are requiring safeguards to enhance safe recreation, including social distancing, staff wearing personal protective gear, sanitizing golf carts, common areas and Pro Shops.

The Island of Puerto Rico beckons with stunning golf resorts providing everything players love, superb courses designed by the world's finest architects, year-round tradewind weather, and a tropical paradise that does not require a passport. Puerto Rico's courses are located throughout the Island with several in the northeast near the capital-San Juan. The Island is an enchanting haven where history, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, beaches, and natural wonders abound. It is bilingual, uses the U.S. dollar for currency, and is the air hub of the Caribbean. Lodging venues range from 5-star hospitality brands to being named a top Airbnb world destination.

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