Golf Travel News May 24, 2023

Golf Travel News May 24, 2023

In golf travel news this week are items about Grand Traverse Resort, Jim Nantz, Myrtle Beach, Eagle Ridge, Island Resort and Casino and more.


Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Unveils New Hotel Rooms Following Multi Million Dollar Renovation

ACME, Mich., May 16, 2023 – With the near completion of a $10.5 million renovation of the original six-story Hotel, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is ready to give new visitors, returning guests, and business clients a fresh, grand experience.

“This is the Resort’s most expansive renovation project to date,” says Matthew Bryant, general manager. “We have increased our guest room number in the Hotel from 239 to 242, adding two new junior suites to the Hotel. These rooms provide comfort and style unlike anything else in the area. We cannot wait for people to enjoy them.”

Construction began in November 2022 and includes a total transformation of the Resort’s Hotel. The Resort added two new junior suites, updated four hospitality suites, all guest rooms, bathrooms, corridors, and elevators, plus four public restrooms. The interior boasts a modern, organic, and refined feel. Guest rooms provide visitors with exceptional comfort and quality, plus convenient amenities including refrigerators, tile showers, and expansive storage space. Interior finishes provide rich textures, nature-inspired neutral palettes, and inviting warmth. “We brought the beauty of northern Michigan into the rooms while also celebrating our owners, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, with artwork and décor,” says Bryant.

The Resort’s original Hotel opened in 1980. The renovation was done entirely by Michigan companies including Bouma Corporation, D&W Mechanical, Denoyer Brothers Moving, Northern Michigan Glass, Windemuller Inc., and TC Millworks. Other Michigan companies include Sunrise Electric from Gaylord and Welch Tile and Marble from Grand Rapids. Interior design work was done by Fuller Design from Grand Rapids.

Enjoy the new Hotel rooms along with amenities including championship golf, an award-winning spa, casual fine dining, and Beach Club when you book a trip to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Summer packages include accommodations and Resort credit.


Sweetgrass Hole 6, a 630 yard par 5

Island Resort and Casino – Sweetgrass Celebrates 15 years of Golf Excellence

Resort and casino evolve into one of the leading Midwest golf destinations.

Harris, MI – Slow and steady growth is a common mantra of business professionals and organizations. In the case of Island Resort & Casino in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, exceptional growth and demand for golf has been the norm since Sweetgrass Golf Club opened 15 years ago.

As one of the Midwest’s largest resort casino destinations, Island Resort & Casino recognized golf’s popularity and its growth across Michigan – now a top golf destination in the country. The demand is partially due to the golf boom in lower northern Michigan that has now extended north into Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula.

The resort, located just west of Escanaba, Michigan, is owned by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation. In 2008 the Hannahville Indian Community hired acclaimed Golf Course Architect Paul Albanese to build its first golf course. The course’s name, Sweetgrass, refers to an aromatic herb and sacred plant used in Native American peace and healing rituals that is planted throughout the course.

The prairie links-style course meanders to a wide-open vista where many greens and flags can be seen in the distance. The greens are also some of the most fun to putt, featuring Redan, Biarritz, Island, and Double-green.

Throughout the course, golfers encounter the rich history of the Hannahville Indian Community, with holes named after traditional Potawatomi clans, villages, allies, medicines, and symbols. This dedication to nature and the area’s heritage make for a unique golf experience.

Sweetgrass’ location adjacent to the hotel makes stepping up to the first tee convenient for golfers. In addition, the rooms in the upper floors of the hotel tower provide a panoramic view of the spectacular par-5 9th and 18th holes, which share a strategic pond.

Sweetgrass has hosted 11 EPSON Tour events, won numerous golf course design awards, and earned the 2022 National Golf Course of the Year from the National Golf Course Owners Association.


Founders Group International Partners With Nicklaus Design For Restoration of Pawleys Plantation Golf And Country Club

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus signature design renowned for its beauty and challenge, closed May 22 for a greens and bunkers restoration and a clubhouse redesign, Founders Group International announced. 

FGI contracted with Nicklaus Design and their Design Associate, Troy Vincent will be spearheading the four-month project. Pawleys, which features six back nine holes that play along a stunning tidal marsh, will reopen in late-September, allowing golfers to enjoy one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular courses during the heart of the fall season. 

The restoration will modernize Pawleys Plantation, reinvigorating a layout that has delighted players since its opening in 1988, while maintaining the integrity of Nicklaus’ original layout.


PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com To Host Second Annual Social Media Scramble

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com will be hosting its second annual Social Media Scramble September 22-25, bringing some of golf’s most prominent influencers to the game’s most popular destination.

The Social Scramble will attract influencers to Myrtle Beach to enjoy the good times the area offers on and off the course, in addition to the opportunity to win $10,000 in cash and prizes. Twenty content creators will be selected to play in an event (apply here) that is building off its wildly successful debut in 2022. 

The schedule of events for this year’s Social Scramble is as follows:

Friday, September 22: Arrive in Myrtle Beach, enjoy welcome party
Saturday, September 23: Play True Blue Golf Club
Sunday, September 24: Play Heritage Club
Monday, September 25: Depart Myrtle Beach

In addition to playing at True Blue and Heritage, two courses that have been ranked among the nation’s top 100 public layouts, participating influencers will stay at Inlet Sports Lodge, a boutique property overlooking beautiful Murrells Inlet. 

Content creators will also enjoy open beverage cart and free meals at the course, shuttle service, an onsite media team to capture photo and video content, a travel stipend and welcome gifts. 


The fourteenth at Caledonia is a 415 yard par 4.

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, True Blue Unveil Leading Fall Golf Package

Pawleys Island, S.C. – Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club, two of America’s top 100 resort courses, have unveiled their always anticipated Golftoberfest package, an offer that provides traveling players with maximum value during the Myrtle Beach area’s peak fall season. 

The package, which runs from October 1-31, is a three-night, four-round deal that allows golfers to play the pair of Mike Strantz designs in any combination they choose. Award-winning golf is complemented by villa accommodations that include 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units at True Blue Resort.

Groups that book early and travel Sunday through Wednesday, when ample tee times remain available, will relish the opportunity to play a pair of bucket list courses at a value price. 

Caledonia, which plays through majestic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, is ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest and it doesn’t take players long to discover why. The course is impeccably conditioned and the Lowcountry scenery is unforgettable, but most importantly, the layout is a treat to play. 

Located less than a mile away, True Blue offers a contrasting yet equally enjoyable experience. The fairways are among the area’s widest and often framed by sprawling waste bunkers that bring a native look to the layout. 

Caledonia and True Blue are two of America’s premier public courses and the Golftoberfest offer allows players to maximize the good times the Mike Strantz gems deliver. 

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


GolfBlogger's 2022 Father's Day Golf Gift Guide: Golf Travel Pictured: Eagle Ridge

MIDWEST RESORT DEDICATES FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND TO VETERANS

Charity Highlights include Golden Knights Army Parachute Team Demonstration, FireCracker 5K Run, and Golf Tournament, all Benefiting Honor Flight of Dubuque and the Tri-States

WHAT:Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa hosts a Fourth of July weekend jam packed with ways to honor veterans. The weekend features three charity activities: FireCracker 5k RunAn awe-inspiring Golden Knights Army Parachute Team demonstration Honor Flight Golf Tournament benefiting Honor Flight of Dubuque and the Tri-States
WHEN:Monday, July 3, 2023
  • 8a.m.: FireCracker 5k Run
  • 10:30a.m.: Golden Knights Army Parachute Team demonstration
  • 11:30a.m: Chinook Helicopter Tours on the driving range
  • 12p.m.: Shotgun and Honor Flight Golf Tournament 
    WHERE:
Eagle Ridge North Golf Course and Pro Shop, 400 Eagle Ridge Dr, Galena, IL 61036
REGISTRATION:The FireCracker 5k Run is $35 per person. To register, click here. The golf tournament is $100 per person, $400 per foursome for the public, $75 per person, $300 per foursome for the GTA property owners, and $50 per person, $200 per foursome for the Eagle Ridge golf members, if registered before June 25, 2023. To register and more information, email tournament director Kay Offenheiser at [email protected] or call 815-776-5228.

Jim Nantz named Design Consultant for Tepetonka Club’s short course

NEW LONDON, Minnesota (May 23, 2023): Tepetonka Club, a new, 228-acre, private golf destination located two hours west of the Twin Cities, today announced Jim Nantz will collaborate with Tepetonka’s design firm OCM Golf on the creation of The Prox, the club’s short course.

Tepetonka is Minnesota’s first entry into the highly popular private golf destination category, despite the state being renowned the world over for hosting events at historic venues. Led by the golf design team of OCM Golf’s three partners—Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking, Ashley Mead—and the architecture firm of Douglas Fredrikson Architects, the goal for each member or guest’s day is summed up in the phrase: “Can’t wait to get there—hate to leave!” The Prox is the club’s short course and practice facility, to which Nantz and OCM will bring their considerable combined golf experience.

For more information visit www.tepetonka.com.


CENTRAL OREGON: A GOLF DESTINATION THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Sun-drenched greens, natural surrounding beauty and scores of off-course activities make for an unforgettable summer golf destination

(SUNRIVER, Ore.) — The Central Oregon Golf Trail is much more than golf with a view. But with the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters seemingly watching over every shot under bright Central Oregon skies, those views certainly leave an impression.

Central Oregon’s 2023 golf season is upon us, promising sunny days that seem to last forever, and emerald-green fairways designed by some of the best-known golf architects in the world.

Central Oregon’s three Golf Digest Top 100 courses — Pronghorn Club’s Jack Nicklaus Course (No. 40) east of Bend, Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater Club (No. 61), and Tetherow Resort in Bend (No. 82) — are perfectly emblematic of that diversity. All within 20 minutes of each other, these three gems are carved from different landscapes to create their own experience. Yet together they create a golf adventure that is uniquely Central Oregon.

With nearly 30 golf courses, though, there is more to explore. The Central Oregon Golf Trail also features stunning resorts, including Sunriver Resort and its three championship golf courses, Black Butte Ranch and its two championship designs, Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve, the Scottish heathland-style Tetherow, as well as the player-friendly design of Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte. 

Round out your bucket list Trail adventure with hidden gems like Aspen Lakes Golf Course in Sisters — named by Golf Advisor as one of the country’s great hidden gems — and Juniper Golf Course in Redmond, considered the top municipal course in Oregon.

Golf isn’t all that makes Central Oregon such an enticing golf destination. Central Oregon has earned its reputation as a paradise for outdoor recreation. And home to nearly three dozen breweries, distilleries, and cideries, as well as a creative culinary scene that includes everything from fine dining to an eclectic food truck culture, finding fun off the course is never difficult. The region’s cultural and entertainment offerings continually grow. That includes a live music scene featuring some of the biggest names in music, whether catching a summer show at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend or taking in live entertainment at intimate venues throughout the region.

“Central Oregon’s combination of high-quality golf and off-course activities ensures that even the novice or non-golfers in the group will have a great time,” Theisen said. “Golf is a game that is best shared. And Central Oregon is a destination that brings people together, whether a group of friends or family.”

To begin planning your golf trip to Central Oregon, visitcentraloregon.com


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