Golf Travel News March 20, 2021

Golf Travel News March 20, 2021

In Golf Travel news this week are items from Hilton Head Golf Island, Rumbling Bald, Firestone, Majestic Oaks, and Baltusrol

Hilton Head Golf Island Announces Spring Golf Packages

RBC Heritage Accommodations, Birdies and Beer, Spring Fore 2021 Kick-Off Golf Season

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) – Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI), comprising 26 courses across Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper counties, invites golfers to experience pure Lowcountry golf this spring with packages from The Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and the Heritage Golf Collection.

With March and April temperatures up to 10 degrees warmer than other areas of the Carolinas, HHGI offers golfers a head-start on the 2021 golf season. Between rounds, visitors to “Golf Island” enjoy award-winning restaurants, boating, fishing, biking, stand up paddle boarding and other island activities and amenities, all served with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.

“We can’t wait to welcome golfers back this year, and our golf courses, resorts, restaurants and merchants are all ready to help make it a trip of a lifetime,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association. “Whether flying in to stay and play for a few days or driving here to relax for a couple weeks, our golf and lodging partners are available to customize the perfect golf getaway.”

Featured golf packages and experiences for spring 2021:

The Sea Pines Resort

The Sea Pines Resort, home of Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus’ famed Harbour Town Golf Links, is offering accommodation specials for the PGA TOUR’s upcoming RBC Heritage April 15-18. With a limited number of spectators this year, RBC Heritage accommodations at Sea Pines guarantee a place among the gallery at one of the TOUR’s most popular stops.

Lodging options include the Inn and Club at Harbour Town, the island’s top rated luxury hotel next to Harbour Town’s first tee and just a short walk to the clubhouse, and an array of golf villas and homes just steps from the course. Guests can purchase two tournament tickets, daily, for each room or bedroom during each night of their stay. Inn and Club at Harbour Town rates start at $599 nightly for a king or two queen room. Search villa and home rates at Sea Pines Hilton Head Vacations using promo code HERITAGE.

The package offers several additional perks: a $50 resort credit, complimentary private transportation, use of two adult bikes and parking (self or valet); complimentary use of premium beach chairs, umbrellas and towels as the Sea Pines Beach Club; and preferred rates at Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Heron Point by Pete Dye. All guests also have access to the pool at the Inn and Club and Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center.

For more information on rates or to book RBC Heritage accommodations, visit www.seapines.com or call (866) 561-8802.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, home of three tournament-caliber layouts including the renowned Robert Trent Jones Course, is bringing back its wildly popular “Birdies and Beer Getaway” for 2021. Featuring three nights’ lodging in the resort’s vacation rentals and three rounds of golf on the Jones, George Fazio or Arthur Hills courses, the package is completely customizable with golf, accommodations and amenities.

New for 2021, Palmetto Dunes announces special savings for golf groups of 16 or more. Group leaders who bring a group of 16 or more, stay at least three nights and book a minimum of three rounds of golf will receive complimentary golf during their trip. All rounds must be pre-paid and are based on the applicable group rate. The offer is available for stay-and-plays booked before May 31.  

For more information or to book visit www.palmettodunes.com or call (877) 460-0027.

Heritage Golf Collection

Heritage Golf Collection’s “Spring Fore 2021” package starts at $575 per player and features four nights’ accommodations in a spacious vacation rental villa (quad occupancy), unlimited golf on Heritage’s 81 holes of golf spanning 18-hole Oyster Reef, 27-hole Shipyard and 36-hole Port Royal, as well as unlimited range balls, cart fees and a $100 resort gift card. Showcasing layouts designed by Rees Jones, George Cobb and Willard Byrd, the Heritage Golf Collection offers golfers a variety of options, whether they prefer playing 18, 27 or 36 holes, daily.

For more information or to book visit www.hiltonheadgolfnet or call (843) 681-1750.

Rumbling Bald Announces Availability of Mountain Home and Fairway Villa Vacation Rentals

Spacious, Fully-Appointed Lodging Ideal for Golf Groups of All Sizes

(LAKE LURE, N.C.) – Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole mountain golf retreat along the shores of scenic Lake Lure, announces the availability of spacious mountain home and Fairway Villa vacation rentals, ideal for golf groups of all sizes.

Mountain homes, just minutes from Apple Valley and Bald Mountain golf courses, range from three to six bedrooms with room for up to 12 guests. They feature full kitchens with modern appliances, washer-dryer, private bed and bathrooms, outdoor living space and grills and high-speed wireless Internet. Several luxury units include additional amenities, such as jacuzzi baths, fire pits, game rooms, projection TVs and more.

Located along Bald Mountain golf course, two-bedroom Fairway Villas accommodate between six and eight guests depending on the bed and sleeper sofa configuration. Villa units have full kitchens, stacked washer-dryer units, flat screen TVs and patios, many of which overlook both the golf course and Bald Mountain. Dining at Legends on the Lake, the Lake Lure recreation area and other amenities are a short walk away.

“Vacation rentals have emerged as the most popular form of lodging amid the ‘new normal’ and with more than 150 units, Rumbling Bald is well-positioned for this long-term trend,” says General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The mountain homes and Fairway Villas are on-property lodging options that offer the ultimate in convenience, amenities and relaxation off the golf course.”

Spring arrives early in this part of Western North Carolina and Rumbling Bald recently rolled out its golf packages for 2021. Starting at $345 per person, the “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay in a Fairway Villa or Apple Valley Studio, two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, breakfast both days and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Custom golf packages are available with mountain homes tailored to group size, course and tee time preferences.

Paying homage to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald is offering a limited availability “Ryder Cup Package.” Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities.

For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email [email protected]. To book packages directly, or to speak with golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

Firestone Country Club Announces Limited Spring Stay-and-Play Packages for 2021

Highlights Include Play on Famed Courses, Exceptional Accommodations
and Custom Services

(AKRON, Ohio) – Firestone Country Club, renowned as one of North America’s most historic venues for championship golf, announces special spring stay-and-play packages ideal for memorable buddy trips and golf getaways.

Through May 31, the exclusive stay-and-play packages include overnight accommodations in Firestone’s standard club rooms and rounds of golf. The 1 Day | 1 Night experience starts at $300 (per person, per night) and includes golf on the North Course. Starting at $500, the 2 Days | 1 Night offers a round of golf on the South and North Courses, while the 2 Days | 2 Nights package starts at $600 and includes golf on the South and North Courses.

Golf and lodging upgrades to the guest villas are available with each package at booking, and additional rounds of golf may be included at a fee. Course replays can be added based on availability, and season demands could reflect an increased rate. Other restrictions may apply, and rates do not include service charges, tax or tips.

Stays and experiences exceeding two nights will be customized by Firestone’s Club Concierge Team. Specializing in providing personalized experiences for any group, the Club Concierge Team handles services such as dinner reservations or curated dining experiences, private event services, tee time scheduling, off-property activity planning, personalized villa stocking and amenities, and individual private golf lessons or group golf clinics.

“The spring is a perfect time to enjoy our incredible courses and fantastic accommodations at great rates,” says Jay Walkinshaw, General Manager at Firestone. “We can host groups of any size, and our Club Concierge Team is dedicated to sharing the best of Firestone with everyone. We invite golfers to take advantage of these exclusive stay-and-play packages and discover firsthand why we’re a bucket-list golf destination.”

To book these limited golf packages or for more information, please visit clubcorp.com/Clubs/Firestone-Country-Club/Stay-Play or call 330.245.3280.

Majestic Oaks Golf Course Booking Overnight Packages, New Members, Group Outings, Charity Tournaments and Tee Times

DELAVAN, WI (Mar. 9, 2021) – With spring on the horizon in the Midwest, Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort on beautiful Delavan Lake, just minutes from Lake Geneva, WI, is open for the season.

In 2021, golf enthusiasts, families, couples and locals alike can anticipate a season full of socially distant fun, as well as special packages to enjoy, including:

• Overnight Golf Resort Packages:
  • The Stay & Play Package is popular with couples and families and includes a one-night stay, one round of golf per adult, and a 10% discount on services at Calladora Spa. 
  • Majestic Oaks Experience Package is for the ultimate golf enthusiast and includes a two-night stay at Lake Lawn Resort, three rounds of golf per adult, a $50 resort credit per adult, and a 10% discount on services at Calladora Spa. 

• The Majestic Oaks’ Family Golf Nights are the perfect opportunity for families to get active and have an affordable night of fun while staying safe. 
  • Every Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. 
  • Requires at least one junior player in the group (14 years old or younger) 
    • $13 per person includes golf, shared cart for the family, a snack item and fountain beverage for junior players

• Seasonal Rates: Majestic Oaks encourages golfers of all skill levels to swing into the golf season early, as weekday rates in April start as low as $30 for 18-holes of golf and weekend rates start as low as $40. Rates fluctuate throughout the season so golfers should be sure to check the 2021 rates page regularly and book tee-times early.  

• Majestic Oaks Memberships: 2021 membership enrollment is open and includes annual offerings to fit any budget. Experience Passes start at $225 for seniors and $250 for those under 60 years, and a variety of annual memberships are available starting at $475.

*Spring activities, rates, and packages may change and are subject to applicable taxes and fees. For more information or to book a tee-time, golfers can call 262-728-7950 or visit www.lakelawnresort.com/golf. 

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About Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort

Opened in 1929, Majestic Oaks is an 18-hole championship golf course and premier Midwest golf destination for players of all skill levels. As one of the most scenic courses in the region, Majestic Oaks boasts sweeping views of Delavan Lake and is built on 250 lush, tree-lined acres and two miles of shoreline. Though best known for its stately oak trees, deep sand bunkers and rolling terrain, the greens at Majestic Oaks are often the topic of conversation among golfers as they feature many tiers – creating an ideal challenge for all golfers. 

About Lake Lawn Resort 
Lake Lawn Resort occupies two miles of Delavan Lake’s shoreline and is the ultimate year-round destination for leisure travel, meetings, retreats, weddings, and events. Set on over 250 lakeside acres, this beauty is part of the Lake Geneva region and is just 90 minutes from Chicago and a short trip from Milwaukee, Madison and Rockford.  Property features include 271 spacious, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, 32,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in 22 meeting rooms and outdoor venues, the 18-hole championship Majestic Oaks Golf Course, the full-service Calladora Spa, three on-site restaurants, three swimming pools, a 195-slip marina, a 76’ tour boat, The Lake Lawn Queen, boat and water sports rentals, a retail outlet and fitness center. Visit www.lakelawnresort.com or call 262-728-7950 for more information. Delavan Lake Resort, situated across the lake, is also managed by Lake Lawn Resort and features 58 one and two-bedroom suites. 

Baltusrol’s Lower Course Reopens In May

Springfield, New Jersey (Mar. 11, 2021) — After a year-long restoration led by renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse, the Lower Course at Baltusrol Golf Club will reopen to members in May of 2021.

The Lower Course has already hosted 10 major championships—4 U.S. Opens, 3 U.S. Amateurs, 2 PGA Championships, and 1 U.S. Women’s Open—and after this restoration is ready to welcome its first KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2023 and its third PGA Championship in 2029.

Originally designed by A.W. Tillinghast, the Lower Course opened in 1922 as part of Baltusrol’s historic “Dual Courses” initiative, the first contiguous design and build of 36 holes in the U.S. In keeping with the “dual courses” theme, the Upper Course will undergo a Hanse-led restoration in 2024.

Having undergone numerous revisions, large and small, in their near-century-long existence, the club wanted to return the purity of the Tillinghast design to both courses. Hanse was retained in 2018 to help prepare a long-range master plan that included the most comprehensive restoration to the Lower, with particular attention to restoring Tillinghast’s design features and shot values.

Every hole on the Lower Course was affected, with special attention paid to widening and twisting fairways, removing trees, and returning greens to their original scale and size. On some holes, fairway bunkers that had been removed over the years were returned, while other bunkers were eliminated to bring back the ground game that Tillinghast favored.

But the biggest change to the course, according to Hanse, was an overall lowering of the course’s features, returning Tillinghast’s preference for making the green the high point—and focus—of a hole.

“Over the years, bunkers and green surrounds were raised for framing,” Hanse explained, “and it was our belief that the golf course would present itself more authentically if we removed these raised features. Now the course better fits the ground and our perception of how Tillinghast presented it.”

Lowering bunkers had another benefit: Making it easier for members to get in and out of them.

“We are extremely proud to have restored Tillinghast’s original vision for golf throughout the Lower Course,” said Matt Wirths, President of Baltusrol and Chair of the Master Plan Committee in charge of the project. The restoration also included substantial infrastructure improvements such as the installation of new drainage, an irrigation system, and a PrecisionAire sub-surface air system for the greens.

Work on the Upper Course will be done in 2024 with reopening scheduled for 2025. Said Hanse, “The Upper Course has always remained much closer than the Lower to what Tillinghast originally designed. There’s still significant work to do to get the style back, but architecturally it’s a lot closer.”