Golf Travel News: 5 November 2023

Golf Travel News: 5 November 2023

In golf travel news this week are items from Boyne Golf, Myrtle Beach, Eagle Ridge, Mauritius and Spain.

• Bay Harbor Golf Club Offers Combined Membership with Bay Harbor Yacht Club
• Keiser University College of Golf Named Title Sponsor Of Premier High School Event
• Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa Annoucnes 2023 and 2024 Winter Fun and Holiday Programming
• Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius, Wins ‘Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course’ Award For A Record Ninth Time
• New measures at Camiral Golf and Wellness to cut water consumption by 35%

Bay Harbor Golf Club Offers Combined Membership with Bay Harbor Yacht Club

New Lifestyle Package Brings Together Two Top Memberships

Bay Harbor, MI – Bay Harbor Golf Club and Bay Harbor Yacht Club have announced the Bay Harbor Lifestyle Package – an opportunity to experience the world-class amenities, wellness and recreation, and the lifestyle enjoyed by Bay Harbor members.

This limited-time, collaborative package offers the opportunity to join both Bay Harbor Golf Club and Bay Harbor Yacht Club and receive all the exclusive membership privileges the exquisite clubs have to offer, with the added benefit of an initial 20 percent in savings. Applicants who apply to join both Bay Harbor clubs simultaneously by December 31, 2023 receive an initial discount of $13,300 at the time of application, plus waived dues and applicable minimums until 2024.

“This is an amazing first-time offer,” says Keriann Lonnee, Bay Harbor Golf Club Director of Membership. “This partnership provides access to two premier clubs that are like-minded in their approach to offerings at the highest level. We expect the Lifestyle Package to be very popular among those who appreciate the natural splendor of the region and want to make the most out of their leisure time.”

Bay Harbor Golf Club

Commonly referred to as the Pebble Beach of the Midwest, Bay Harbor Golf Club is special. Whether it’s to play a round of world-renowned golf on 27 amazing holes, enjoy a delicious meal with a Lake Michigan view, or celebrate a close friend’s special day, members of Bay Harbor Golf Club enjoy an utterly unforgettable experience. The Links, Quarry, and Preserve nines were designed to be three uniquely different golf courses that can combine into one seamless experience. The design and quality are consistent, but the play and “flavor” of each course is distinctive. Lake Michigan was also a major influence in the design of Bay Harbor Golf Club. Each course offers stunning views of Little Traverse Bay.

New members can play all 13 BOYNE Golf courses located within Michigan and beyond, with no greens fees, Club minimums, or assessments. Included with membership are member-only tournaments; weekly play days and social events; private, members-only course rotations; unlimited use of driving range and complimentary range balls; complimentary USGA Handicap services; generational benefits for immediate family members; and golf club storage; plus a complimentary GEARS iron fitting, GEARS driver fitting, or golf lesson.

Bay Harbor Yacht Club

The premier club on the Great Lakes for more than 27 years, Bay Harbor Yacht Club has boasted a rich history of bringing families and lifelong friends together. It’s not just a place for dining and cocktails, but a place to relax, meet, workout, and connect. It’s a smaller club with a close-knit community. And the scenery is spectacular. There’s also a true camaraderie and joining the club or buying a home within the Bay Harbor community opens the door to an elegant lifestyle with no pretention. Neighbors are friendly, club members are social, and the wide variety of amenities supports members in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle during northern Michigan’s four seasons. 

Member benefits include three dining venues offering unique ambiance and offerings; take-out and catered food services; theme nights, trivia challenges, and evening entertainment; use of the state-of-the-art Wellness Center, featuring cardio and resistance equipment for Technogym, Peloton spin studio, locker room facilities, personal training services, golf simulator room and fitness classes; access to The Spa at Bay Harbor Yacht Club and its full complement of soothing products and tailored services, including the Hydrafacial; Aquatics Center that boasts an unforgettable view from the infinity pool overlooking Bay Harbor, a member-only beach, and hot tub year-round; social events and gatherings, including Bay Harbor Yacht Club’s annual signature event, the July 3rd Patriotic Party. 

Visit https://issuu.com/bhyc/docs/bhyc-bhgc_brochure?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ for details about the exciting new Bay Harbor Lifestyle Package and how to join.

Keiser University College of Golf Named Title Sponsor Of Premier High School Event

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Golf Tourism Solutions Tournament Division has announced that Keiser University College of Golf has been named title sponsor of the Palmetto High School Golf Championship.

The renamed Keiser University College of Golf Palmetto Championship will be played March 28-30, 2024 at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, True Blue Golf Club and Tradition Club, allowing high school teams to compete on some of America’s premier public courses. 

A 54-hole, college-style tournament, the event attracts teams from across the nation as they gear up for possible state championship runs. Current PGA Tour players Rickie Fowler, the 2006 champion, and Harris English are among the Palmetto’s most distinguished alums. This year the tournament will again feature 48 teams from a variety of states and Canada.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Keiser University College of Golf to the Golf Tourism Solutions Tournament Division team,” said Scott Tomasello, GTS tournament director. “They are an ideal partner for an event that attracts young men and women from across America who have dreams of a career in the golf industry.”
 
When it comes to golf college and academy programs, Keiser University understands what is necessary to help aspiring professionals succeed, offering compelling reasons to pursue an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in golf management from Keiser University:

— The school includes 1,500+ square feet of indoor golf instructional space that houses state-of-the practice technology including video systems, launch monitors, a 3D swing analysis system, and more.
— With an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in golf management from Keiser University College of Golf, upon graduation you’ll have earned credits toward those required for PGA or LPGA membership.
— Classes can be taken online or in-person
— The College of Golf has a team of PGA Master Professional and Certified PGA Professional instructors who are certified in impact zone golf.
— Students have access to Palm Beach County Golf Courses 7 days a week.
— International students are accepted with an F-1 visa that is good for the length of the program.
— The College of Golf is a part of Keiser University, a trusted, reputable, and accredited institution awarding degrees from the associate to doctoral level since 1977.

The Keiser University College of Championship is one of 10 events Tomasello and the Golf Tourism Solutions tournament division team will operate in 2024. Collectively the events will attract more than 6,000 players, account for more than 25,000 rounds of golf, and deliver millions of dollars in economic impact to the Myrtle Beach community.

Most notably, GTS runs the PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, the world’s largest single-site amateur tournament. The event that annually attracts more than 3,200 players from all 50 states and 15+ different countries.

Other GTS events include the Brittain Resorts Classic, Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship, TRUE World Am Q School, GolfBuddy Veterans Classic, National Retired Military Golf Classic, Family Golf Week, Short Par 4 Girls Palmetto and Short Par 4 Fall Classic.

For more information on the Keiser University College of Golf Championship, visit palmettohsgolf.com. 

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa Annoucnes 2023 and 2024 Winter Fun and Holiday Programming

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa continues to help family and friends build traditions and memories with festive Midwest winter and holiday programming. Located in The Galena Territory, just two and half hours from Chicago, 30 minutes from Dubuque, and one hour from Milwaukee, the resort is excited to announce its 2023 and 2024 winter programming.

From Winter Sports to BYOT Stargazing

• If there’s snow on the ground, there’s fun at Eagle Ridge’s Nordic Center. Cross-country skiing, sledding, ice-skating, and sleigh rides at the nearby Shenandoah Riding Center promise fun for the whole family. The Nordic Center offers everything from winter wear for sale to sleds, snow shoe rentals and ice skate rentals.
  • Eagle Ridge offers complimentary transportation for resort guests to and from one of Illinois’ top downhill ski and snowboarding areas at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
• During winter months, golf lovers can practice their swing on the indoor Trackman golf simulator and get a golf-massage at the new Stonedrift Spa.
• Celestial Events and Stargazing Year-Round (BYOT): Bring your own telescope and Eagle Ridge will take care of the rest including providing one of the best stargazing locations in the nation, according to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Dark-Sky fans of all ages are invited to stay at the resort and create a new stargazing adventure. With weekday rates starting at $139, all guests need to do is walk outside and gaze upwards to see a major show almost any night of the year. Specific winter celestial events can be particularly spectacular in and around the resort including:
  • November: Jupiter and Uranus at Opposition, Taurids and Leonids Meteor Showers
  • December: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation, Geminids and Ursids Meteor Showers
  • January: Quadrantids Meteor Shower, Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
• The brand-new and award winning 12,000 sq.-ft. Stonedrift Spa offers a tranquil winter retreat from the outside world. The new spa encompasses 13 private treatment rooms, including couple’s suites, a Vichy shower room, breathe and detox rooms, hair salon, barbershop, saunas, and more.

Popular Galena 2023/2024 Winter Events

• Winter in Galena is full of Christmas in the County events that put people in the holiday spirit. Popular events include Galena Holidaze Festival and Holiday Fire in the Sky(December 2), Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows (December 9),  Snowflakes & Sweet Strolls (December 16).
  • Eagle Ridge offers complimentary transportation to and from downtown Galena for resort guests.
• Eagle’s Ridge’s Annual Winter Carnival during President’s Day weekend(February 16 through February 19) is always a popular winter event. Guests enjoy all types of indoor and outdoor winter activities, from hot air balloon glow shows and cozy bonfires to sledding and ice-skating.
  • Guests can also try ice turkey bowling or compete in the Sasquatch Shuffle, a 2K snowshoe race (February 17).

Holidays + Traditions

• Everyone is invited to partake in the resort’s annual Thanksgiving Feast(November 23) and indulge in a lavish buffet of more than 50 Thanksgiving specialties. Thanksgiving dinner is also available for pickup or delivery.
  • All Thanksgiving weekend resort guests are invited to “Meet & Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus” (November 24 & 25). Children will enjoy Santa’s workshop activities, crafts and a photo with Santa.
• The resort celebrates Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) with special restaurant menus.
• Locals and resort guests will ring in the New Year (December 31) with a prime rib dinner at Woodlands restaurant, open bar and live music. Families are also invited to the annual New Year’s Eve Family Party featuring a DJ, food, drinks, kid activities. and a midnight toast. The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Package can be booked here.
• Eagle Ridge honors Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend (January 12through January 15) with winter getaway packages and a family-filled weekend of events.

With weekday packages starting at $129 per night, the resort offers a wide range of experiences to suit a spa, golf, family, romance, workaction, and any other type of winter getaway. For more info on specials and packages, guests can visit www.eagleridge.com or call (800) 892-2269.

Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius, Wins ‘Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course’ Award For A Record Ninth Time

(Bel Ombre, Mauritius  – October 25, 2023) Le Château Golf Course at Heritage Golf Club, Mauritius, the World Top 100 luxury golf and beach resort, has become a nine-time winner of the ‘Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course’ accolade at the World Golf Awards 2023.

Heritage Golf Club is the only 45-hole golf destination in the Indian Ocean with two DP World Tour hosting courses and a Leadbetter Golf Academy.

It features the lush, elegant Le Château Golf Course, and the dramatic new La Réserve Golf Links  opening in December, the first and only contemporary links in the Indian Ocean, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Peter Matkovich, and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.

Carefully curated within the gentle foothills of Bel Ombre, with generous fairways lined by centenary trees, Le Château Golf Course is a golf experience of extraordinary natural beauty, where a round follows in the footsteps of DP World Tour champions.

Commenting on the latest award, Jonathan Menteath, General Manager of Heritage Golf Club, said: “We are thrilled Le Château Golf Course is once again the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course. This tropical parklands track has stood the test of time. Designed within the grounds of a 19th-century Château and with its pristine conditioning year after year, it is hard to beat.”

Heritage Golf Club’s newest gem, La Réserve Golf Links, offers an unparalleled experience of pure golfing drama. With panoramic ocean views from every hole, this exhilarating new course plays hand-in-hand with nature alongside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and will host the DP World Tour 2023 Mauritius Open.

With two five-star beach resorts and luxury villa accommodation on the doorstep of Heritage Golf Club, the natural meets the exceptional on Mauritius’ southern shores. 

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort’s refined escape combines elegant architecture with fine dining across a sumptuous choice of restaurants. It defines indulgence with its authentic spa treatments and long stretches of pristine beaches, where you can while away the hours at our exclusive beach club. Directly connected to Heritage Golf Club, walk or ride on a golf car between clubhouse and hotel.

Just along the beach, Heritage Awali Golf & Spa  is a luxurious family experience. The all-inclusive hotel is renowned for the wealth of activities on offer. Ideal for family groups, a regular transfer service connects the hotel and clubhouse. 

For more information about Heritage Golf Club, please visit https://heritagegolfclub.mu/, and https://heritageresorts.mu/ for Heritage Resorts. 

New measures at Camiral Golf and Wellness to cut water consumption by 35%

• Since 1999, the no.1 golf resort in Spain uses 100% recycled water to irrigate the 500-hectare estate 
• Course playing areas only to be irrigated
• Native, drought-resistant grass variety being introduced to reduce irrigation needs

(Girona, Spain – 2 November 2023) – Camiral Golf & Wellness (formerly PGA Catalunya), introduces new sustainability actions that will cut water consumption on its golf courses by 35% and elevate the customer experience at Spain’s No.1 golf resort.  

Following a recent €1 million sustainability-focused investment in its Stadium Course and to Hotel Camiral, the resort is implementing new water reduction measures, which include reducing irrigated areas, changing turf variety and conducting a study to update its irrigation system with the latest water-saving technology.

“As a European Tour Destination and a leading golf resort in Spain, we recognise the importance of sustainable water management. We are committed to taking proactive measures to minimise our environmental impact – already validated by our use of 100% recycled water across the resort since our opening in 1999,” said David Plana, CEO of Camiral Golf & Wellness.

“These new actions will be implemented over three years, reducing our water consumption by an estimated 35%, clearly demonstrating our commitment to responsible golf course management, especially at a time when it is critical to protect precious water resources in the region.”

“Last year we entered a new era in our history as Camiral Golf & Wellness and this continued investment further shows our commitment to elevating the customer experience at Spain’s number one golf resort.”

Earlier this year, Camiral Golf & Wellness was recognised in a new ‘Green 100’ listing for its approach, commitment and understanding of how golf is an integral part of the local nature and landscape. The new classification was compiled by Golf World in association with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf to highlight the most environmentally conscious and socially responsible golf courses in Europe.

In 2022, Camiral Golf & Wellness introduced tall fescue to all its Green complexes, and then in 2023, it began the implementation of Celebration Bermuda grass on its tees and surrounding areas. The Bermuda variety is native, naturally resistant to drought and heat, Making it ideal for the Mediterranean climate.

David Bataller, Director of Agronomy at Camiral Golf & Wellness, said: “The first phase of work was completed in July 2023 and included changing the turf variety on our tee boxes, its surrounds and carry to the fairways to the same species grown at the renowned Augusta National in the US. 

“The new grass types – which include Celebration Bermuda, Platinum Paspalum, Bent Grass and Tall Fescue – are producing the best turf surfaces in the world and they can all be watered with recycled water. 

“Being native to the region, they also have high resistance to diseases and pests. We will also be conducting a study to upgrade our irrigation system to the latest sprinklers and reducing our irrigated areas to playing areas only. 

He added: “As a world-class destination for international golfers, we are committed to maintaining our two championship courses in prime condition while also being responsible stewards of the environment by using sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies to minimise our ecological impact.”

Camiral Golf & Wellness is widely recognised for its efforts in sustainability, including employing a full-time biologist to advise on ecological and sustainable golf course management. Measures include following a maintenance methodology more in line with natural parks and sanctuaries, rather than those adhered to by common golf courses.

The GEO Certified resort has received recognition from the STRI Group, administrators of The Golf Environment Awards, for its commitment to developing and preserving its green infrastructure through restoration of its wetlands and recolonisation of near-extinct species, as well as achieving the IAGTO Sustainability Award for Nature Protection in 2020.