Golf Travel News August 13 2022

Golf Travel News August 13, 2022

As we head into the last weeks of August, it is time to start thinking about Fall golf destinations. This week, you’ll find stories from Island Resort, Myrtle Beach, Pebble Beach, Horseshoe Bay in Texas and The Caribbean.

Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run Returns September 4 – 5

Harris, Mich. – Island Resort & Casino announces the return of its annual Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run. The award-winning golf course in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will be hosting a collection of top collegiate players and teams from around Michigan and the U.S., September 4- 5.

The Island Resort Collegiate at Sage Run, a two-day, 54-hole stroke-play invitational, will tee off next month with over 10 college teams competing on Sage Run’s 7,309-yard Paul Albanese design.

South Dakota State hosts this tournament each year. This year, a new Head Coach, Parker Edens, will be at the helm. His squad will square off against Michigan’s own Northern Michigan University and University of Michigan teams, as well as Bowling Green State University, North Dakota State University, Miami University, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois, University of Kentucky, University of Toledo, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Valparaiso.

Selected by Golf Digest as one of the “Best New” courses in the country, Sage Run features a variety of rugged terrain including a massive drumlin/ridge that comes into play throughout the course. The course meanders through scenic hardwoods and open areas with a variety of shot values. Course designer Albanese was inspired by Royal County Down, a Northern Ireland golf club rated among the world’s finest.

Admission for the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information on the Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run, visit www.islandresortgolf.com. 

Grande Dunes Resort Course On Pace To Reopen Sept. 15 Following Renovation Project

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A comprehensive greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation project at the Grande Dunes Resort Course is progressing smoothly as one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular properties approaches its September 15 reopening date.

The 4-month project began on May 16 and architect John A. Harvey and his team have worked diligently to ensure Grande Dunes, which has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, is in pristine condition for the area’s peak fall season.  

As part of the effort, Harvey is overseeing the restoration of Grande Dunes’ greens to their original specifications, an effort that will reclaim nearly 40,000-square-feet of putting surface. Work on the bunkers, which includes coring out the floors and the installation of Capillary Concrete bunker liners is on schedule as well.

The enhancements to the course will be matched by the overhaul of the Grande Dunes clubhouse, which is being renovated to include a new restaurant, greatly expanded outdoor seating, and a larger pro shop.

Grande Dunes, which opened in 2001, has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses and has long been regarded as one Myrtle Beach’s premier layouts. The course features five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, including the unforgettable, par 3 14th.

Tidewater Golf Club Named South Carolina’s Golf Course Of The Year

CHERRY GROVE, S.C. – Tidewater Golf Club, one of Myrtle Beach’s most acclaimed designs, has been named Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.

The SCGCOA evaluated Golf Course of the Year nominees on four criteria: exceptional quality of the golf course, exceptional quality of the ownership and management, outstanding contribution to the community, and significant contribution to the game.

The Palmetto State is home to more than 350 courses and golf generates approximately $3 billion in economic impact, highlighting the game’s importance throughout the state. Tidewater became eligible to win state honors after being recently named the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year.

By virtue of winning South Carolina Golf Course of the Year honors, Tidewater advances to compete for the National Golf Course Owners Association’s National Course of the Year award. The National Course of the Year award winner will be announced at the annual Golf Business Conference, which will be held Jan. 23-25, 2023 in Orlando, Fla.

For more information or to book a tee time, visit the course’s new-look website at TidewaterGolf.com.

How To Play Pebble Beach Golf Links This Year

It’s no secret that securing a tee time on Pebble Beach Golf Links is next to impossible this fall. But, here’s a secret: golf lovers can play the famed course by booking the Mastercard Champion Series experience, Oct. 8-11 or Oct. 9-12, 2022. And while we’re telling secrets, Fall is Monterey County’s “secret season” (with warm temperatures, sunny skies, and beautiful foliage, too.)

24 card holders (12 per experience) can take advantage of this Priceless Experience, which includes three nights at Pebble Beach Resorts’ The Inn at Spanish Bay, a golf lesson with Mastercard Golf Ambassador Tom Watson, one round of golf at The Hay – the resort’s new nine-hole short course designed in partnership with Tiger Woods – with lunch afterwards at Hay’s Place, a round on Pebble Beach Golf Links, including boxed lunch, and a private dinner at Pebble Beach Resorts with Tom Watson.

The Mastercard Champion Series is $4,950 and can be booked by Aug. 22 at Priceless.com. 100% of proceeds will support the mission of the Priceless Planet Coalition.

The Waterfront Beach and Aquapark at Horseshoe Bay Resort Debuts for Summer Thrills on Lake LBJ

Located on scenic constant-level Lake LBJ, at the Waterfront Beach and Aquapark, members and overnight resort guests may enjoy 100 feet of inflatable fun on the water with wild obstacle course challenges and slippery slides throughout this fun-filled attraction. “The new Waterfront Beach and Aquapark at Horseshoe Bay Resort is the latest way our members and resort guests can enjoy a unique taste of fun and excitement on beautiful Lake LBJ,” says Managing Director Bryan Woodward. “It’s been a five-decade tradition to associate Horseshoe Bay Resort with aquatic fun on the lake and this new attraction brings a thrilling dimension of fun for the young and young at heart.”

The preferred drive-to destination for discerning Texas travelers for more than a half a century, Horseshoe Bay shines brighter than ever after a full-scale $100 million renovation that includes four re-energized golf courses, completely upgraded guest rooms, award-winning Cap Rock clubhouse, expanded conference space, a reimagined luxury spa, and brand-new restaurant concepts in the hotel tower, yacht club and Whitewater entertainment complex.

To reserve a package this summer at the award-winning Horseshoe Bay Resort, visit https://www.hsbresort.com/.

Top Caribbean Destinations for Golf Lovers

The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Located miles away from Tulum and integrated into Mexico’s Bahia Principe Complex, PGA Rivera Maya Golf Club was recently acknowledged by Golf Digest Magazine to be among the best resort in Mexico and the Americas. Play to the breathtaking backdrop of the Mayan Jungle, cenotes and limestone, as you traverse the course built into the natural environment, creating a unique challenge only found in Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II and an official partner of the PGA of America, the PGA Riviera Maya gives guests a rewarding challenge every time they step on the green. A course fit for international competition, welcomes guests to join the club, take a swing at the driving range, sign up for private or group courses to improve your game, and even rent TaylorMade and rental shoes for the duration of your stay.

La Romana, Dominican Republic

Located in Dominican Republic’s east coast with a picturesque Caribbean backdrop, PGA Ocean’s 4 (La Romana Golf Club) also boasts an executive golf course and exclusive amenities for its guests. Designed and built by world-renowned golf course design company, Maverick Design & Construction and Grupo Piñero (owners of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts) the golf course also boasts a Club House that features a restaurant and bar with international gourmet cuisine and a boutique with golf equipment and sports clothing.

Guests of Bahia Principe Grand La Romana and Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganvilleare invited to tee off at La Romana Golf Club to complement their memorable stay.