Golf Travel News 20 January 2024

Golf Travel News 20 January 2024

In golf travel news this week are items from Island Resort and Casino, Myrtle Beach, Nemacolin, Eagle Ridge and PGA National.

• Golf Travel News 16 January 2024
• Island Resort and Casino – 2024 Golf Packages Now Available
• Golfweek Ranks 7 Myrtle Beach Layouts Among America’s Top 200 Resort Courses
• The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin Reopens After Stunning Renovations
• EXPERIENCE WINTER MAGIC AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT: 2024 ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL ANNOUNCED
• PGA National Resort’s Gold Golf Experience: An Unrivaled 2024 Winter Getaway

Island Resort and Casino – 2024 Golf Packages Now Available

Northern Michigan destination preparing for another great year as pre-bookings are on pace to pass 2023

Harris, MI – Island Resort & Casino announces 2024 golf packages are now available. While golf season is still five months away, now is the perfect time for golfers to start locking in their summer golf vacations. Home to award-winning Sweetgrass and Sage Run golf courses along with other top courses like Greywalls and Timberstone, this is one of the premier undiscovered golf destinations in Michigan’s breathtaking Upper Peninsula.

The newly expanded Island Resort & Casino is coming off back-to-back record-breaking years in golf rounds. And with the sport’s continued rise in popularity, the resort is experiencing high demand for hotel rooms and golf, which has put golf package pre-sales on pace to surpass 2023’s sales.

The Island Resort & Casino golf packages have soared in popularity, in no small part due to the accolades bestowed on its two championship courses, both designed by architect Paul Albanese. Sweetgrass Golf Club was awarded 2021 Michigan Golf Course of the Year and 2022 National Golf Course of the Year, and Sage Run was named a 2019 Golf Digest Best New Course.

Island Resort & Casino golf packages combine the best golf in the region

Whether it’s a buddy trip or couple’s golf getaway, fully customizable golf packages can be booked featuring 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-night lodging options with up to four rounds of golf. Package prices range from $95 – $758, depending on the time of year and single or double occupancy.

The hugely popular Perfect 4-Some package is a great way for Golfers to expand on their golf options. The combination of Island Resort & Casino’s Sweetgrass and Sage Run courses, together with the acclaimed Greywalls course in Marquette and TimberStone course in Iron Mountain make the region a top golf destination. Perfect 4-Some packages include 3, 4, and 5-night lodging options at Island Resort with four rounds of golf.

For more information on booking 2024 Island Resort & Casino golf packages visit: http://www.islandresortgolf.com/

About Island Resort & Casino

Located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula 15 minutes west of Escanaba, Island Resort & Casino is one of the Midwest’s largest golf, casino and entertainment resort destinations. The resort now features 400-plus guest rooms, more than 1,200 of the latest slots, a poker room, various gaming tables, a sportsbook, bingo hall, two championship golf courses, the luxurious Drift Spa, an RV park, a headline entertainment showroom, a pool with waterpark features, an expansive convention space that can be customized, and enough dining choices to please every palate. The resort is easily accessible via regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette – connecting through Detroit, Saginaw, Lansing, or Grand Rapids.

Golfweek Ranks 7 Myrtle Beach Layouts Among America’s Top 200 Resort Courses

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Golfweek has released its always anticipated ranking of the “Top 200 resort courses in the U.S.,” and seven Myrtle Beach layouts, including two in the top 50, earned a spot on the prestigious list. 

Leading the charge for Myrtle Beach-area layouts were Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and The Dunes Golf & Beach Club. Mike Strantz’s first solo design, Caledonia was No. 46 on the list, wowing raters with its unforgettable combination of architecture, artistry and a beautiful piece of Lowcountry property. 

The Dunes Club, ranked No. 48, is preparing to host the Myrtle Beach Classic, the area’s first PGA TOUR event, May 9-12. The storied Robert Trent Jones Sr. design has long been regarded as among the nation’s premier layouts, and the experience is highlighted by the 13th hole, known as “Waterloo,” a memorable risk-reward par 5.

True Blue, Caledonia’s sister course and a fellow Strantz design, was No. 86 as Golfweek’s raters embraced the experience at one of the area’s boldest layouts. Featuring fairways that are up to 100 yards wide and green complexes that are endlessly creative, True Blue delivers an unforgettable experience. 

The Moorland Course at Legends Resort (No. 177), King’s North at Myrtle Beach National (No. 181), Grande Dunes Resort Course (No. 191) and Barefoot Resort’s Dye Course (No. 195) were also ranked among America’s best. 

A P.B. Dye design, Moorland offers a round highlighted by the 244-yard 16th hole, known as “Hell’s Half-Acre.” King’s North, an Arnold Palmer layout that has long been one of the Grand Strand’s most popular courses, is home to “The Gambler,” the par-5 sixth hole that features an alternate island fairway. 

Grande Dunes enjoyed a comprehensive greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation in 2022. The course features five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, including the stunning par 3 13th, one of the area’s most photographed holes. 

Pete Dye’s namesake design at Barefoot Resort is the annual host of the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, and it delights traveling golfers with the legendary architect’s trademark use of waste bunkers and visual deception. 

According to Golfweek, a “nationwide team of course raters continually evaluate courses and rate them based on 10 criteria. [The raters] also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings on each course are averaged to produce a final, cumulative rating.”

The Myrtle Beach area is home to nearly 90 courses and it attracts players from across the globe to enjoy the game’s greatest combination of golf and value. 

For more information or to book a tee time, visit PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com. 

The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin Reopens After Stunning Renovations

Pennsylvania’s top golf resort collects two new industry awards amid luxe upgrades

Farmington, PA – The lap of luxury just became significantly more sumptuous and sublime as The Grand Lodge at Nemacolin, Pennsylvania’s premier luxury golf resort destination, recently unveiled its expansive and lavish renovation. The completely redesigned and re-imagined spaces inside The Grand Lodge offer a new level of design and refinement with elegant suites of all sizes, exciting dining options for every occasion, and world-class butler service.

Looking ahead to the 2024 golf and travel season, The Grand Lodge’s updated, elevated reimagining brings a must-see sophisticated touch to the playful, artistic glamour that makes Nemacolin so iconic. Upon arrival, a larger-than-ever porte cochère and fully accessible entrance welcome guests who step into the grand lobby and are immersed in an upscale interior with a striking split staircase and a cozy fireplace surrounded by lavish furnishings and decor.

“The original Nemacolin lodge (built in 1968) was a wonderful accommodation and a great representation of the historic property my father and I fell in love with and began to build together. The Grand Lodge marks an evolution in Nemacolin’s history.” said Nemacolin Owner and CEO Maggie Hardy. “Following our 35th anniversary, we began ‘The Grand Reimagination,’ which is a multifaceted approach to bring the future vision of the resort to life beginning with The Grand Lodge. The inspiration behind this project is to continue providing exceptional service within a new experience for our guests and members while simultaneously acknowledging Nemacolin’s rich history.”

ACCOMODATIONS: A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY

A new standard of luxury awaits in the upgraded accommodations at The Grand Lodge. With 56 suites, there’s a layout for every party size — from a Junior Double Suite to an expansive, one-of-a-kind Penthouse Suite. Each room is complete with plenty of space, the finest finishes, and outstanding butler service. With all of that and so much more, guests will look forward to returning to their suite every night after exploring all of the exciting activities and dining experiences Nemacolin has to offer. The spacious suites are designed for ultimate comfort and inspiration and afford guests sensational views at every turn.

DINING: A TASTE FOR EVERY PALATE

The reopening of The Grand Lodge also marks the debut of several new dining options, each offering a uniquely exceptional experience.

The greatly anticipated Fawn & Fable is a farm-to-table steakhouse offering classic American fare cooked with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is cooked to perfection and plated with an artful finesse so the flavors are as exciting as the presentation. Plus, this restaurant is set in a magical space reminiscent of a fairytale.

A perfect spot to end the night, Circle Bar is a late-night hangout where master mixologists serve up lavish cocktails. Guests can enjoy theirs at the bar, take it to a table to enjoy it with the rest of their party, or head next door to The Study — a cozy spot for quiet and comfortable lounging.

A short walk away from The Grand Lodge in The Chateau, The Patisserie is a bright and airy spot inspired by Parisian pastry shops. Here, guests will find espresso drinks brewed to perfection, sweet treats crafted by a talented pastry team, and quick to-go bites sourced from artisanal partners.

For travelers wanting a luxury resort hotel with butler service, The Grand Lodge is the place to go. From the moment they reserve their stay, a dedicated team of butlers takes care of their every desire. On request, they’ll plan every meal, activity, and adventure to ensure the itinerary is filled with great fun and memorable meals.

ACCOLADES KEEP POURING IN

A testament to the continually superb guest experience at Nemacolin, the resort recently garnered two coveted industry honors. The 2023 World Golf Awards named Nemacolin “North America’s Best Golf Hotel 2023.” World Golf Awards™ serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. The worldwide voting runs from the start of each year with votes cast by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry as well as golf tourism consumers.

In Northstar Meetings Group’s 2023 Stella Awards, Nemacolin was named The Best Golf Resort in the Northeast. The Stella Awards are voted on and judged by meeting planners to recognize the world’s best hotels, airlines, convention and conference centers, cruise lines, destination marketing organizations and destination management companies.

“As Nemacolin continues to be reimagined and improved in so many exciting and captivating ways, it’s important that our guests feel the resort’s history and the timeless charms that have brought them so may priceless memories,” said Managing Director Trey Matheu. “Maggie Hardy’s vision and commitment to giving our guests new and never-before-seen experiences is what makes each day at Nemacolin a brand-new adventure. We couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead next.”

For more information on 2024 Golf Packages for The Grand Lodge and the entire traveler’s paradise at Nemacolin, visit nemacolin.com.

ABOUT NEMACOLIN

Nestled among more than 2,200 scenic acres within the Allegheny Mountains and picturesque Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, Nemacolin offers diverse and luxurious lodging options, including the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Falling Rock boutique hotel; an impressive assortment of dining outlets, including the Forbes Five-Star Aqueous; and an expansive art collection for resort guests to enjoy. Nemacolin is home to two of the Northeast’s most lauded and scenic golf courses: Mystic Rock (a Golf Digest “Editors’ Choice” selection and past host of the PGA TOUR’s 84 Lumber Classic) and Shepherd’s Rock, both designed by the legendary Pete Dye and showcasing thrilling shot values and unforgettable natural panoramic views of the region. The golf experience at Nemacolin perfectly complements an adventurous, rewarding vacation that can also include a range of activities such as canopy tours, a ropes course, off-road Jeep adventures, fly-fishing, swimming, sporting clays and instruction, a wildlife safari tour, gaming at The Casino at Nemacolin, and much more. The Zen-seeker may find serenity in the Woodlands Spa and Salon or balance at the Holistic Healing Center. Nemacolin also boasts a private airstrip and 35,000 square feet of space for meetings and special events, making this resort the ideal choice for everything from weddings to corporate retreats.

To learn more about Nemacolin, visit Nemacolin.com.

EXPERIENCE WINTER MAGIC AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT: 2024 ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL ANNOUNCED

WHAT:

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa’s annual Winter Carnival is confirmed for Fri., Feb. 16 through Mon., Feb. 19, 2024, over Presidents’ Day weekend. The annual winter celebration, open to the public and resort guests alike, features an exciting lineup of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages including:

• Sasquatch Shuffle, a 2K Snowshoe Run/Walk
• Fire & Ice Balloon Glow
• Tractor Wagon Rides, Hayrides, and Trail Rides at Shenandoah Riding Center
• Sledding Hill and Ice Skating Rink at The General Golf Course
• Bonfires and S’mores
• Fire & Ice Eating Contest
• Ice Carving Demonstrations, Hand Carved Ice Bar and Marshmallow Shots
• Ice Princess, Meet & Greet with Princesses and Royal Remembrance Breakfast
• Rockin Reptiles & Amphibians Presented by the National Mississippi Museum
• Birds of Prey Presented by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education (Falcon’s, Owls, and Hawks)
• Magician David Cases and Ron the Caricature Artist
• Indoor Playland, Pajama Party, Movies & Tubies
• Eagle Ridge’s Nordic Center will be accessible to all resort guests and locals featuring an indoor golf simulator by Trackman, as well as a wide range of products and services including winter wear for purchase, equipment rentals for a variety of outdoor activities including snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, and more.
• A complimentary shuttle to Chestnut Mountain will also be available to Eagle Ridge’s guests daily.
• Offers include a Winter Carnival Weekend Special featuring 50 percent off the third night.

WHEN: Friday, February 16 – Monday, February 19, 2024

WHERE: Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL 61036

RESERVATIONS: For questions about Eagle Ridge’s packages, vacation homes, villas, and rooms, guests can visit www.eagleridge.com, or call (800) 892-2269.

PGA National Resort’s Gold Golf Experience: An Unrivaled 2024 Winter Getaway

South Florida’s Premier Destination Ideal for Sunseekers, Buddy Trips, Family-Friendly Vacations

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, pickleball, vacation, culinary, family, weddings, corporate and group events, and spa destination now showcasing the stunning results of its recent $100 million transformation  – is inviting guests to indulge in the pinnacle of luxury and iconic golf with its wildly popular Gold Golf Experience ideal for 2024 getaways.

Tailored for those seeking the perfect blend of leisure and outdoor fun during the early 2024 season, the Gold Golf Experience offers an unparalleled Palm Beach experience. The package allows guests to revel in luxury accommodations, including newly renovated suites and cottages and is complemented by a diverse selection of 99 holes across six renowned golf courses. 

Perfect to savor the wonderful South Florida warm winter climate, the offer includes a daily round of golf on a choice of either The Fazio, The Match, The Estate, The Champion (with a surcharge), or The Palmer (with a surcharge) courses. The Golf Golf Experience also includes a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, golf storage with unlimited range balls. 

The all-encompassing golf experience is just the ticket for families, buddy trips and golf enthusiasts. Guests have access to luxurious amenities including the new world-class spa, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, pools and world-class dining. Tailor the daily itinerary to the group’s desires for a golf buddies getaway to recreate time and again. Packages start at $543 per person (per day, based on double occupancy).

The resort recently unveiled the stunning results of its transformation touching every aspect of the property including its world-class golf amenities. A nostalgic vibe was brought to the 339 resort guest rooms, 21 private 1,200-square-foot Serena & Lily-designed luxury cottages and common areas, and a focus on superb dining where guests are guided by their palate throughout the day. Among the six new culinary concepts are two signature restaurants: The Butcher’s Club spearheaded by “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford and Honeybelle with its seasonal American cuisine. 

As part of the exciting evolution, two new bold and innovative Andy Staples-designed layouts were added to PGA National Resort’s acclaimed roster – The Match Course (18 holes) and The Staple Course (nine holes). Both opened to rave reviews and joined the famed Champion Course (host venue of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic) as well as three additional “traditional” 18s (The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses). Few golf destinations offer an array of golf courses as celebrated.

The Spa at PGA National Resort – newly imagined and redesigned by V Starr, the award-winning South Florida design firm of tennis legend Venus Williams – offers 40,000 square feet of tranquility and wellness. The serene oasis provides the perfect escape to breathe, heal and rejuvenate with individualized holistic care. The Spa’s extensive menu now includes therapeutic recovery and restorative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure and cupping. Additionally, the Himalayan Salt Rooms and Waters of the World, the therapeutic outdoor mineral pools using salts imported from the healing waters of the world: the Dead Sea in Israel and France’s Salies-de-Béarn, provide a calm escape to recharge before and after services. All treatments are designed to evoke balance, relaxation and a deep sense of well-being. For gentlemen to look their best on and off the course, Groom Guy offers fresh haircuts, clean shaves, beard trimming and personalized styling from classically-trained barbers. 

Additional amenities include its superlative 33,000-square-foot health and racquet club with 18 Har Tru tennis courts (12 lit for night play); twelve new pickleball courts for members and guests to enjoy the game’s burgeoning popularity in South Florida and across the U.S.; 60,000 square feet of indoor / outdoor event space. 

One of the many highlights to the exemplary experiences offered on property is The Beekeeping Experience. For up to 6 guests, PGA National Resort presents a behind-the-scenes encounter with 250,000 honeybees and their queens to admire in the exquisite beauty of bees at work. Guests are suited in protective beekeeping uniforms on a guided tour of the four on-site hives with professional beekeeper Sierra Malnove where they will enjoy a tasting of the raw honey that is harvested for the culinary, cocktail and spa skin care programs across the resort.

For ease of travel, PGA National Resort has partnered with BLADE to become the exclusive luxury hotel and resort partner in the Palm Beaches. With Blade’s modern fleet of helicopters, seaplanes, aircraft and jets, guests and members can travel between the resort’s private helipad and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA). From New York, BLADEone, a by-the-seat commercial-sized jet, features a private jet interior, caviar service and Blade’s renowned SkyFX staff.   

For more information about PGA National Resort: visit http://www.pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.