Golf Travel News Aug. 19, 2023

Golf Travel News Aug. 19, 2023

In golf travel news this week are items from Long Bay Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, Eagle Ridge, and Firestone Country Club and more.

• Long Bay Golf Club Reopens Following Greens Restoration Project
• EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA CELEBRATES LABOR DAY WEEKEND
• Firestone Country Club Announces Labor Day Stay and Play Packages
• Resorts World Catskills Announces Grand Reopening of Rees Jones-Designed Monster Golf Club

Long Bay Golf Club Reopens Following Greens Restoration Project

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Long Bay Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus design that is one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most popular layouts, reopened August 14 following a comprehensive greens restoration project. 

Founders Group International (FGI), Long Bay’s parent company, closed the course May 17 for an effort highlighted by the installation of TifEagle bermudagrass and the restoration of the layout’s greens to their original specifications. Prior to the project, Long Bay, which opened in 1988, had approximately 70,000-square-feet of putting surface, a number that now stands at nearly 110,000-square-feet. 

“We are so excited to welcome golfers back to Long Bay,” said Brandon Mensinger, Long Bay’s head pro. “Our new greens are in outstanding condition, and we have reclaimed more than 30,000-square-feet of putting surface, dramatically increasing the number of pinnable areas on each green. We are ready to go and golfers can look forward to a smooth, fast roll this fall.”

TifEagle, due to its resistance to mutation and ability to produce an outstanding putting surface, has emerged as the grass of choice for many of Myrtle Beach’s premier courses, including the Grande Dunes Resort Course and Pawleys Plantation, the area’s other Nicklaus design. 

In addition to the greens work, Long Bay also removed all the grass on the surrounding collars and resodded them with Tahoma 419, a hearty variety of bermudagrass that can withstand close mowing and is resistant to mutation. 

The expansion of Long Bay’s greens increased the number of pinnable areas, maximizing the creativity of the Nicklaus design, and it will enhance course conditions over time, allowing the staff to distribute traffic across the entirety of each green complex. 

Located along the North Strand, Long Bay has long been a favorite of traveling golfers. Nicklaus used fairway bunkers and mounding to frame a course that rewards both power and precision. At the heart of Long Bay’s appeal is a back nine that is among the area’s best. 

The short par 4 10th, featuring a fairway ringed by a waste bunker, the island green, par 3 13th, and No. 18, a dramatic dogleg right that plays around a lake, were all ranked among Myrtle Beach’s top 100 holes, underscoring Long Bay’s appeal. 
 
For more information on the course, visit www.LongBayGolfClub.com.
 
For more information on FGI, visit www.FoundersGolf.com.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA CELEBRATES LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa has big plans for one of the most popular end of summer weekends: Labor Day weekend. From Friday, September 1 through Monday, September 4 locals and travelers can enjoy activities including:

• Yard games (giant checkers, hula hoops, hopscotch and bean bag games)
• Kayak, paddle boat and pontoon rentals
• Bounce house
• S’mores galore
• Vacation creation & travel buddy workshop
• Movies & tubies, and more

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat with three live performances lined up during the weekend:

• Kampfire Kings at Highlands Restaurant on Saturday, 8-10 p.m.
• Ridge Rangers on Point Patio on Saturday, 7-10 p.m.
• Ken Killian Jazz Quartet on Point Patio on Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Additional attractions include:

• Petting zoo on Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
• Sunset champagne cruise on Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Drive-in movies on Sunday at 8 p.m.

In addition, the resort offers a special Labor Day Weekend Promotion. Stay Friday and Saturday night and receive 50% off Sunday night.

All Labor Day weekend activities and events are open to the public and to hotel guests, and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Times of events and activities may be subject to change. View full schedule and details here. 

Firestone Country Club Announces Labor Day Stay and Play Packages

Venerable Club Offering Multiple Packages for the Perfect Summer-Ending Golf Vacation

(AKRON, Ohio) – Firestone Country Club, renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf, announces a lineup of Labor Day stay-and-play golf packages perfect for a summer-ending golf getaway.

The club is offering all-inclusive one-night and three-night stay-and-play packages from Sept. 1 – 4 featuring on-site accommodations in the classic Club Rooms on the top floor of the historic clubhouse or in the premium Villas overlooking each of the three championship golf courses. The one-night package starts at $1,100 per person or $1,700 for couples, and the three-night package starts at $2,000 per person or $2,750 for couples.

• Package One: One Night, Two Rounds
  • One night in premium Club Rooms or premium Villas (single occupancy)
  • One round on the South Course (cart fee included)
  • One round on either the North Course or Fazio Course (cart fee included)
  • $100 Pro Shop credit (per package)                                                                                         
• Package Two: Three Nights, Three Rounds
  • Three nights in premium Club Rooms or premium Villas (single occupancy)
  • One round each on the South, North and Fazio Courses (cart fee included)
  • $100 Pro Shop credit (per package)

“Though the summer is winding down, there’s no better time to experience all that we have to offer,” says Firestone Country Club General Manager Jay Walkinshaw. “We take great pride in the entirety of our guest experience – from every bite at any of our fine restaurants to every yard on each of our championship-caliber golf courses – and we are excited to welcome guests from all over the country to finish the summer with us.”

In addition to world-class golf, Firestone Country Club boasts multiple delicious dining options on the property. Located on the main floor of the clubhouse, the La Vetta Italian Chophouse features exquisite cuts of meat paired with fine wines and spirits, perfect for a classy night out. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 1929 Grille offers a wide assortment of delectable culinary creations prepared daily by the renowned culinary team. Guests can enjoy a drink and a bite with a porch side view of the 18th green on the South Course, or take in a pleasant evening out on the covered patio near the nine-hole putting course. Last but not least, the 55th Hole Bar serves up cold refreshments and tasty bar fare from the top floor of the clubhouse for the perfect way to relax after a day on the course.

Since the 1950s, Firestone and its famed South Course have annually hosted the biggest names in professional golf. In addition to being the site of three PGA Championships, the club was the long-time venue for the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and its predecessor, the World Series of Golf. It currently hosts the Kaulig Companies Championship on the PGA TOUR Champions.

The North Course is a splendid Robert Trent Jones design that opened for member play in 1969. Marked by numerous lakes and streams, the North Course has played host to both the American Golf Classic and the World Series of Golf. Formerly known as the West Course, the Fazio Course continues to shine after a recent bunker renovation project that included the removal of 30 bunkers and the renovation of the remaining 41.

Along with the Kaulig Companies Championship, Firestone played host to a Senior British Open qualifier on July 10 on the Fazio Course. The 2023 event marked the second Senior British Open qualifier for the Fazio Course – it also hosted the qualifier in 2021.

Non-members of Firestone can reserve a limited number of stay-and-play packages this season and experience the club’s celebrated offerings. Opened last fall, the Firestone golf experience now includes BigShots Golf Firestone, a 22,500‐square‐foot innovative golf, dining and entertainment venue that is open year-round and includes a two-story tee-line with 44 interactive tee boxes. Situated alongside the Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 Golf Course, BigShots Golf Firestone is open to the public.

Firestone is conveniently located less than an hour from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and 15 minutes from Akron-Canton Airport. It is also within easy driving distance of other major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Nearby off-course attractions include the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

For more information,www.firestonecountryclub.com.

Resorts World Catskills Announces Grand Reopening of Rees Jones-Designed Monster Golf Club

$40 million enhancement project reinvigorated the course, clubhouse, and entire experience, making the Monster Golf Club New York’s most sought-after tee time

Monticello, NY – Resorts World Catskills (RWC) today announced the Monster Golf Club will reopen to the public on Tuesday, August 29 for a condensed, preview season. With a $40 million investment from Resorts World Catskills, the complete redesign by Rees Jones uses holes from both the current Monster Golf Course and the Old International Course. The Monster Golf Club, originally designed in 1963 by Joe Finger, was once rated by Golf Digest as one of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.

“The grand reopening of the Monster Golf Club is a milestone moment for Resorts World Catskills as it completes the vision we had for this amazing property,” said Robert DeSalvio, President, Genting Americas East. “We are proud to deliver on the commitment we made to the Catskills community to reimagine and reinvigorate this storied golf course in partnership with the legendary Rees Jones. We can’t wait to welcome golfers from around the world to face the Monster!”

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, the par-72 championship course will challenge every player with length, extensive bunkering, and a variety of water hazards. The Monster Golf Club is renowned for its large undulating greens, which can be both a challenge and an adventure for golfers. Six sets of tee boxes ensure the course is playable for anyone, from the most seasoned pro to the complete novice. Golfers will ride in style in the newest state-of-the-art lithium-ion E-Z-GO golf carts equipped with GPS technology. The course will be managed by Troon, the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company.

“The opening of any golf course is a special time but to do it in the picturesque Catskills and to be able to combine the elements of two celebrated courses makes this a truly remarkable occasion,” said Uri Jimenez, Club Manager/Director of Golf, Monster Golf Club. “The magic of Rees Jones is omnipresent throughout the course’s 18 holes and the hospitality excellence of Troon Golf and Resorts World Catskills offers golfers an unrivaled experience at the Monster Golf Club.”

How to Book a Tee Time:

• Beginning Tuesday, August 15, the public can begin reserving tee times at MonsterGolfClub.com.
• Tee times will be available seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Sullivan County residents, active military, veterans and hotel guests of Resorts World Catskills are eligible for discounted greens fees (subject to availability).

The Pro Shop & Food/Beverage:

• The Monster Golf Club Pro Shop, located inside The Alder, is a haven for golf enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of the latest product lineup from top golf brands, including TravisMathew, FootJoy, and johnnie-O,and is open daily from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Beginning, Sunday, August 27, the Pro Shop hours will be extended to 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Not only will the Monster Golf Club Pro Shop provide you with an extensive range of high-quality apparel options, it will also serve as the check-in location for the Monster Golf Club. This unique feature ensures a seamless experience for hotel guests and visitors alike, as they can conveniently access the club’s amenities and services directly from the retail space.
• Dos Gatos, The Alder’s cantina-style eatery offering classic Mexican fare, will be open seven days a week during the golf season.

Shuttle Service:

• Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to allow for easy transportation to and from the golf course.
• Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from dawn until dusk, making stops at Resorts World Catskills, The Alder, The Monster Golf Club and The Kartrite.