The biggest change will move the tee box of No. 18 back and to the left to discourage long hitters from playing to the hospitality tents  left of the water hazard.

The change should bring both the water and fairway bunkers back into play from the tee and return drama to a finishing hole that is often anticlimactic after the excitement generated on Nos. 15 through 17.

Also on the drawing board for the Weiskopf/Moorish design:

Lengthening the short par 4 second hole by moving the green left and beyond the cart path behind the green. A new green would be cut into a mound just east of No. 9 green.

Eliminating the split fairway on No. 13. The left fairway would be returned to native desert. The massive rock that the gallery famously helped Tiger Woods move in 1999 will remain where it is.

The changes are part of $15 million in renovations to the course and clubhouse scheduled for between May and November 2014, when the course will be temporarily closed. The property is owned by the City of Scottsdale and managed by the PGA Tour.

Also planned: renovation of the players’ locker room and enclosing the outdoor patio dining area overlooking the 18th green.

The post Big Changes coming to TPC Scottsdale appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

The Landing has just received a complete renovation by original architect Bob Cupp.

Thomas Wolfe should have had the chance from 1990-2007 to live on Lake Oconee in central Georgia and play golf there. For, if he had, as I did, and if he could have returned after the Masters in 2013, as I did, his sequel would have to be titled, “I Can’t Wait To Go Home Again.”

The Good Ol’ Days Wane
The 1990’s was a decade of exuberance and enthusiasm on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. Located just off I-20, 90 minutes from Atlanta to the west and an hour from Augusta to the east, the lake, with its easy access, plentiful water activities, and exquisite golf courses, became both a prime retirement and a second-home weekend community. The residential and golf hot spots were Port Armor, Harbor Club, Reynolds Plantation, and Cuscowilla (opening in 1997).

I lived in Port Armor on Snug Harbor Drive, just off the 8th fairway, and I was a weekend Atlanta commuter. My wife and I would brave the wicked Friday afternoon rush-hour debacles to reach “The Port” in time to play a quick nine holes and then spend Happy Hour in the clubhouse with our many friends, planning our iniquitous weekend escapades. Life on the lake was very, very good—not only at Port Armor but everywhere one could steer a boat or swing a club.

Then the fortunes of Port Armor, the first course on the lake, went abruptly downhill, only to be rescued in a buyout by the movers and shakers at Reynolds Plantation. My wife and I stayed two more years at Port Armor, renamed The Landing at Reynolds, but did not like the direction where Reynolds seemed to be headed. We retired and moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida, where I began a second career as a golf journalist.

The Oconee’s 17 and 18 holes are two of the best finishing holes in Georgia.

Soon thereafter, unfortunately for our friends who stayed put and for the 3,000 other members of Reynolds Plantation, the real estate crash ensnared the over-extended Linger Longer Development, parent company of Reynolds, and created temporary disaster for everyone involved in the plantation.

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy to the Rescue
A White Knight arrived on Lake Oconee aboard the “Snoopy One” blimp, and MetLife, the largest life insurance company in the country, resurrected the Reynolds legacy and returned Reynolds Plantation to its premier position in the residential golf/resort world. Recently named “Best of the Best” Golf Community by the “Robb Report,” the Plantation has just undergone an initial multi-million dollar transformation that has members smiling in appreciation and guests enjoying the rarely equaled facilities.

I spent several days at The Landing with good friends who had remained steadfast throughout the crisis. I spent several hours with golf cronies that I had spent several years with. I played golf, I visited, and I listened. Everyone was delighted with the about-face that MetLife had produced. One friend, a Republican by registration, even crooned the first few lines of the 1932 Franklin Roosevelt election theme song, “Happy Days Are Here Again.”

And I, in turn, was happy to be home again.

The Play Is the Thing
So, what has MetLife done to deserve such kudos? First of all, MetLife made sure that all six award-winning championship courses—as playable and as challenging a contingent as you could hope to play anywhere—were spruced up and put in excellent condition: The Landing (1986) by Bob Cupp, The Plantation Course (1988) by Bob Cupp, Great Waters (1992) by Jack Nicklaus, The National (1997) by Tom Fazio, The Oconee (2002) by Rees Jones, The Creek Club (2007) by Jim Engh. Great Waters, one of Nicklaus’s best designs and a delight to play, also received a newly painted clubhouse and refurbishments to some waterfront holes, to the cart paths, and to the comfort stations.

The par-3 16th at Great Waters is equally beautiful and daunting.

Most importantly to me, The Landing, which had languished during the difficulties, received a much-needed overhaul. Bob Cupp revisited his original masterpiece, ranked #2 in Georgia at its debut behind Augusta National, and returned it to his exacting standards. With hole redesign, new bunkering, expanded tees, a new set of forward tees, and thicket and shrub clearing, The Landing plays better than ever, and I always thought it was the best layout on the lake to begin with.

Puttin’ on The Ritz and Putting in the Kingdom
The social focal point of Reynolds is the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Lodge that opened in 2002. It offers the service, the dining, the amenities, and the activities that befit the Ritz-Carlton brand. Included are four full-service marinas, The Lake Club Wellness Center, and the Tennis Center. The grounds, the exterior, the main dining room, and the 251 guest rooms, suites, and cottages all received extensive renovations. Ranked among the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” by “Golf Digest,” the Lodge has earned the 2013 AAA Five Diamond and the 2012 Forbes Four-Star awards.

Reynolds has also given new meaning to “golf in the kingdom” by upgrading its game-improvement system. By expanding both its exclusive partnership with TaylorMade-adidas Golf and its Reynolds Golf Academy, The Kingdom, as it is called, will now be accessible to both Reynolds’ members and resort guests for the most state-of-the-art club fittings available. TaylorMade has added to the Kingdom’s repertoire as well through the creation of the new high-performance putting studio.

The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Lodge is the social focal point of Reynolds Plantation.

The Future Is a Gimme
MetLife has made a 20-year commitment to the residents and guests of Reynolds Plantation, and if its first year at the helm is an indication of its future endeavors, the town of Greensboro and the Lake Oconee area will be reaping great rewards. This summer, for instance, additional course renovations are planned, the new National clubhouse will be under construction, and further enhancements with TaylorMade for the Kingdom and the Golf Academy are in the works.

Thomas, I can’t wait to go home again.

For more information, access the website at www.ReynoldsPlantation.com.

The post MetLife Ownership Returns Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, Georgia, to World-Class Golf Mecca for Both Residents and Guests appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Keith fashion, “How do you like me now?” Emerged from raw nature is a golf sanctuary. Dramatic cliffs over the ocean at Isabela called for brothers Stanley and Charles Passarel, with architect David Pfaff to place a tee box or a flagstick here and there, weaving a magical green carpet of linked fairways with sloping surprises at every turn through the pristine tropical landscape. After surveying and playing the great links courses of Scotland, Ireland and Pebble Beach, they have created a global golf stage in their words, “Where golf is meant to be played.”

The tips, labeled “Naturals”, play out to 7600 yards with 80.3/155 slope rating. Who in their right mind would call that natural? Bubba Watson or Dustin Johnson? Invoke the “play it forward” policy to enhance chances of a great score and fun round. Number one sets the stage with a water hazard left, out of bounds far right, a glimpse of ocean, and a narrow neck to the blind small green, cleverly called the “Peephole.” Every hole is aptly named, like “Yogi Berra” with “The Fork” to 2 greens.

The back nine begins with the number one handicap, “Hurricane.” Concentration is difficult as the Atlantic Ocean mesmerizes and forceful trade winds blow. Some bemoan 17-“Chicken Tree.” Tee off from one cliff to the tiny two tiered green on another cliff separated by a deep chasm, ocean waves crashing below. We find it befitting the untamed shoreline it guards. No question, the course is tough and it will probably knock you down along the way, but don’t take it personally. Enjoy the ocean views and a tremendous round of golf!!!

After the round, toast at the al fresco circular bar next to the croquet field, or at La Casa. Award winning chef David Pasternack and consultant John Sergi have concocted the best cuisine with locally grown produce, seafood and meat. The custom dining room rug defines the artistic detailing throughout Royal Isabela.  Stanley and his and delightful wife, Georgene selected umpteen colors and patterns to reflect the vivacious yet harmonious spirit of Royal Isabela. Retreat to your private casita, with mahogany floors, private plunge pool, gazebo or deck in the forest and open views of the ocean. The walk-in shower is extraordinary with his and her side nozzles, a ceiling rain shower in the middle, and an exterior windowed door displaying, yes, the ocean view. Wow! A canopy bed looks out over, you guessed it, the ocean, lulling all night long – truly dreamy.

For a treasured experience, white limestone steps submerge into the mango forest and vines. Each level reveals a new wonder of nature journeying to the secluded beach. The vista takes your breath away with vegetation climbing the mountain, jagged rocks below spewing fountains of ocean. The sea rages as far above the tiny flag waves on the 17th “Chicken Tree” green, a reminder of the magnificent golf setting. Beware the strong current in this powerful surf. Swimming is reserved down at the point.

Charles and Stanley have a passion for and commitment to sound ecological principles and applied them to Royal Isabela, where butterflies and birds are reappearing that were feared extinct. A nursery of indigenous plants are carefully tended and talked to by cousin Maria Elena whose husband Tito serves as the general manager of Royal Isabela. It is all in the family in Puerto Rico according to sales director Joy Madera whose husband bakes his artisan bread for most of the island.

Far from the hustle of San Juan, reddish-orange Maga trees, lead to the discreet gated entrance of Royal Isabela, along the shoreline cliffs of western Puerto Rico. Come with an attitude of gratitude. Surrender to the nature and serenity is yours. Just three nights will change you. Imagine more. Vacations may be reserved at www.royalisabela.com, but membership is by invitation only. If you receive the call, just say, “si”. We say, “Royal Isabela, you had us at HOLA!”

The post Royal Isabela – Had us at Hola appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Attention early adopters: Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is the world’s newest luxury golf destination, sporting an outstanding design by David McLay Kidd.

Surfers, eco-tourists and backpackers long have known about Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, but Kidd — who designed Bandon Dunes when he was just 27 — now returns to his conceptual roots, wrapping up four years of work on a naturalistic, minimalist design through the jungle along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast.

No. 18 spills out onto a broad sandy beach

Part of the Mukul Resort, the 18-hole Guacalito de la Isla, has multiple landing areas, superb salt-tolerant Platinum TE Papsallum greens, fairways, rough and tee boxes and plenty room to miss.

Here’s a quick take from a recent site visit:

6,676 yards from the tips through a tropical forest;

Howler monkeys in the trees, iguanas lounging off the tee boxes, eagles soaring overheard;

Consistent sand bunkers and virtually untouched arroyos that signals vast respect for what happens in the rainy season (Memorial Day through Thanksgiving);

Terrifically playable tees for women;

And plenty of room to maneuver over, through, under and around 300-year-old Guanacaste trees that Kidd absolutely was forbidden to cut down on orders of the resort’s developer, Carlos Pellas — who is shaping up to be a combination Bill Gates/Warren Buffett for his native Nicaragua.

“Great bones, great routing,” said Ed Gowan of the Arizona Golf Association, who marked the hazards on the course at the invitation of Scotsman Andrew Gilchrist, who ran the  Mayan Palace golf course in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, before being recruited to oversee Guacalito.

Want to see the Mukul Resort property in Google Earth? Load the following lat-long into the search box: 11°22’15.91″ N  86°00’36.13″ W

The Mukul Resort launched a soft opening in late January. There are different types of spa treatments — one for every day in the week — private bohios, or villas, with private plunge pools and more luxury than a helicopter or jet owner (at whom the resort and residential development ultimately is aimed) could ever ask for.

How to get there?

United, American, Copa, Delta and Taca all fly to Managua, the nation’s capital. Flights are surprisingly short: two to three hours from Houston, Miami and Atlanta.

A car and driver from the resort will pick you up for the drive south one the newly widened road south to Tola — although it’s a harrowing drive at night, so it’s best to arrive during the day, owing to the vagaries of  Nicaraguan drivers and traffic, animals, unlighted vehicles and such.

For the time being, label Nicaragua adventure golf travel. But it’s pretty special to see the birth of something new and excellent and luxurious. Check out airfares to Managua because the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua just got itself a great luxury golf destination.

The post Nicaragua Golf: Latin America’s Hot New Golf Destination appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Alto de Chavon is next, adjacent to the Dye Fore course restaurant. “Alto,” means high or tall and that is how this enchanting artists’ cove is perched cliff side way above the Chavon River. Built in the 70s by local craftsmen, it is a 16^th century replica of a European stone village where talented artisans craft wares worthy of purchase. Colorful displays of hand sewn cloth dolls, or live Dominican dolls in shell bikini tops offer photo ops.  The jewelry, ceramics, carvings and more are authentic, unique to the region, while the Alto de Chavon School of Design is affiliated with the prestigious Parsons in New York. Native entertainers dance and sing in kaleidoscopic costumes. A Romanesque amphitheater hosts the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sting. Fountains, sculptures and landscaping make for a surreal walk but just as beautiful is the natural scenery of the river below the stone magnificence; so striking with cows grazing that look like tiny Fisher Price barn toys. A red headed woodpecker dancing with a plate sized orange bloom gives a preview of the delights to be encountered when playing the Dye Fore Chavon nine. Oh yes, so aptly named, this course is a breath of fresh air to die for. Here you are in the Caribbean, anxious to play those ocean holes on Teeth of the Dog but absolutely astounded by the river scenery and challenge of the rigorous course. We really recommend the caddies for their strategic knowledge of the layout. Their English is just fine but if you speak a little Espanol, it’s all the more fun. This is an up, down, and all around fun nine. At the turn, the restaurant serves up good food and drink as well as the focal point – yep, the Chavon river view.  Wow, take in another nine at the Dye Fore Lagos, meaning lakes, all intricately laced with rocks, variegated succulents and ferns and devoid of housing.

Playa Minitas will definitely call you back after the quick overview tour and rounds of golf. At Playa Minitas’ creamy sand beach with gentle waves, a wall of sea rocks form a natural enclosure for all the aquatic activities – snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and more. The plan was to do it all but we started with the yet untried and grabbed our boards and paddles. All muscles were activated while providing comedic relief as the waves and wind challenged our maiden voyage. It looked so easy and surely is when you get the hang of it. Unfortunately the expert advice we received, after our attempts. The sea claimed a pair of sunglasses during one fall but only for a short spell as the water was so clear, they were easy to find along with tiny brilliant blue fish enabling us to check off the snorkeling without donning a mask. Exhausted, we left the rest of the water sports for another trip and relaxed instead to the sound of the gentle lapping waves and an echo of voices (all ages and genders) repeating, ”The water is perfect.” It really is.  Waiters are ever ready with the pina colada and snacks on the lounge chairs or casually dine at the Beach Club restaurant. There is no wanting for food or drinks at the eight restaurants within Casa de Campo, plus outside choices. Inclusive packages are available and recommended to fuel all rounds, the next perhaps being The Links, shorter on distance but long on personality. Definitely don’t miss playing the Dye Fore Marina nine with views, naturally of the marina, but also the largest luxury homesteads all uniquely architected, creatively and impeccably landscaped. Golf meets the show “Homes of the Rich and Famous” on this fabulous course. Speaking of famous, Marc Anthony, Shakira, the Kohlers and even Michael Jordan among others, arrive without fanfare or fear of banned paparazzi. After our round at Teeth of the Dog, “The Mechanic” Jimenez teed it up and then Yankees catcher Rick Cerone shared a drink at LaCana Bar & Lounge which features live music and Merengue in the evenings. Can’t dance? The young and lovely escorts of both genders are happy to teach and lead. Caramba! The “mamajuana” is a special concoction of Dominican moonshine rum, wine, legal herbs and God knows what else. Some must try it, just like a hurricane in New Orleans. Happily, we were forewarned by those suffering after affects and did not partake. The muddled mojito gets our high five, however. This place is too fun. If all this isn’t sporting enough, try the Shooting Center and learn the truth about gun fun. Excursions are available for zip lining and boating or check out the Equestrian Center. Both a dude ranch and Polo Club, you can play or watch the elegant traditional way on horseback or donkey back, like the donkey basketball games of yesteryear.

Fly into one of three airports and en route, pass dirt fields filled with young baseball players. Home to Sammy Sosa and many other famous players, Dominican Republic is all about baseball so it was exciting to visit during the World Baseball Classic when they claimed the title. Baseball “been berry, berry good” to DR and golf “been berry, berry good” to us.  Yes, we saved the best golf for last, but any description or even photos cannot do Teeth of the Dog justice. It must be experienced personally. The most famous and highly awarded course on property, it is very Pebblesque except that the golf holes are at sea level. It starts wide open with number one, then three has a glimpse of the ocean view, four a full frontal view at the green and then THE hole with the famous and tiny peninsula green. A shady tree stands by number five to record your visit by etching your name with a tee on its giant leaves. The ocean is so enticing that it is tempting to walk off the course and in for a dip. The distraction may yield some ugly golf shots but the camera shots are superb. Shake off any bad scores or the dog might still be nipping at your heels as the ocean holes continue to impress through nine. Numbers ten through fourteen are pretty but benign then the actual teeth are bared again. The greens are so close to the water that all attention is focused there, not realizing from the tee view there is plenty of room to the left. The ocean waves must have calmed Pete a bit because rather than dye-abolical like some of his creations, the layout is fair and playable by all levels of golfers. Alice Dye may have had a hand in the ladies boxes, which were generous in placement. We thought we “dyed” and went to heaven. The Dyes have a home on the course and we wonder how many golfers they watch getting bit.  Even at Teeth of the Dog, the bark really is worse than the bite for the beauty of the course is healing. Their casa is indeed your casa. So check out the flyover at http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/TOD_teethofthedoggolf/ or go to http://www.casadecampo.com.do  for deals and fly in to Casa de Campo to be bitten and smitten. 

The post Bitten and Smitten by Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

In 2012, New Mexico celebrated its centennial anniversary of the state’s entry into the United States. Albuquerque — the state’s largest city — with roughly half a million people, has all the ingredients of modern life — without the mass congestion and clutter found elsewhere.

The golf side provides a slew of top tier public courses — ranging from high desert terrain to forested mountains. You can access all the key courses through a consortium called Golf on the Santa Fe Trail. Eight courses make up the grouping — all within a 60-miles of Albuquerque — and are extremely affordable.

Folks in Albuquerque highlight the theme of — “It’s a trip” — reinforcing the totality of what’s provided. No pun intended but for golfers and non-golfers alike the phrase fits like a tee !

Courses of Note …

The Championship 18 at UNM

Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-4146

A five minute drive from the Albuquerque Sunport International Airport — the Championship 18 at UNM is the handiwork of famed designer Red Lawrence. The 1967 layout has hosted numerous key events — including three NCAA Division I Men’s Championships. A beautiful site and if you venture to the Lobo / Black tees — 75.4 rated with a 135 slope – be sure to bring the “A” game. Solid practive facility with views of the downtown area. Walking weekday – $49, weekend – $59. Cart included weekday – $65, weekend – $75. unmgolf.com

Photo Courtesy of University of NM – Championship Course

Isleta Eagle / 27 holes

Albuquerque, NM 87105
(877) 747-5382

Less than 15 minutes from the airport is Isleta Eagle. The course is a mix of both challenging and sporty holes. The two strongest nines are Mesa and Lakes. The Arroyo has its moments but is less rigorous. Isleta has a solid practice area for pre and post round usage. Recent efforts to improve overall turf quality is working well. $50 weekdays, $65 weekends & holidays with cart included. isleta.com

Photo Courtesy of Isleta Eagle

Paa-Ko Ridge / 27 holes

Sandia Park, NM 87047
(505) 281-6000

Located on the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains — Paa-Ko Ridge provides a completely different setting to courses west of the mountain range. I believe the original back nine (#10-18) combined with the newer 3rd nine (holes #19-27) provides the ultimate architectural diversity. Paa-Ko can also be a bit over-watered and a number of the par-4 and par-5 holes feature bottleneck points where the drive zone can be especially narrow and repetitious to a fault. Best recommendation — stand on the back tee of #17 for one of the best views around. Summer rates – $89 weekdays, $114 weekends & holidays with cart and range balls included. www.paakoridge.com

Photo Courtesy of Paa-Ko Ridge

Sandia / 18 holes

Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 798-3990

At over 7,700 yards from the tips — Sandia is the longest course in New Mexico. But, the layout isn’t about length alone. Sandia can be a bit puzzling the first time around. Several tees point in one direction with holes going another way. Fairway widths are very generous in most situations but be aware of whipping winds arising on any afternoon. Summer rates – $56 weekdays, $71 weekends and holidays with range balls included. Cart additional at $14. sandiagolf.com

Photo Courtesy of Sandia

Twin Warriors / 18 holes
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004
(505) 771-6155

Twin Warriors has hosted a slew of key events — including two National Club Pro Championships. This Gary Panks design is notable for its demand for consistent play from the tee. Twin Warriors will bite if you fail to execute consistently. Next to the golf course is the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. Few places provide the complete jettison away from one’s hectic life. $109 weekdays, $119 weekends & holidays – includes cart and practice facility. Rates drop to $59 after 2:00 PM. tamaya.hyatt.com

Photo Courtesy of Twin Warriors

Santa Ana / 27 holes
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM 87004

(505) 867-9464

Adjacent to Twin Warrior and also owned by the same folks operating Twin Warriors, Santa Ana is often bypassed by many out of area folks. A mistake you should not make. 27 holes are available — the two main nines being Tamaya and Cheena. While Santa Ana doesn’t appear as impressive as its big brother next door — the strategic elements are certainly present. Fees range from $37 walking weekday to $47 weekend. Walking weekend is $52 – $62 with cart included. santaanagolf.com

Photo Courtesy of Santa Ana

Black Mesa / 18 holes

Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 747-8946

Located roughly 20 miles northwest of Santa Fe, Black Mesa is a tour de force layout of uncompromising beauty and challenge. Kevin Costner’s phrase in “Field of Dreams” is entirely apt. Build it and they shall come. Rounds at Black Mesa can be quite demanding when the wind blows — and it does often. The course is blessed with two top tier short par-4′s in the 7th and 14th holes. Want to test your driving skill? Try the stunning 10th, 16th and 17th holes. Best of all, the top rate is $87 with various lower rates such as replays for just $35. Black Mesa has been selected by several publications as being among the best 100 public courses in the USA and rightly so. blackmesagolf.com

Photo Courtesy of Black Mesa

* Golf Packages *

Golf on the Santa Fe Trail provides a slew of price and course options. Try  the “traveler package.” For $599 you get 2 top 100 courses and two courses rated top 25 casino courses by Golfweek Magazine. All packages are per person, based on double occupancy staying Monday-Thursday. Some blackout dates may apply. golfonthesantafetrail.com

Top Five Things to do when in Albuquerque …

1). Attend Albuquerque’s famed Balloon Festival in the Fall or schedule your own balloon ride at either sunrise or sunset. A bit squeamish? Visit the Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, balloonmuseum.com / 505-768-6020 – just off I-25.

2). Visit Albuquerque’s Old Town. Start at the San Felipe Church on The Plaza. Engage the services of 2 Guys and a Trolley abqtrolley.com / 505-240-8000 — Jesse Herron and Mike Silva provide a fun and thorough take on what makes Albuquerque click.

3). Take the tram to the top of Sandia Mountain and feel the cool air as you ascend to over 10,000 feet. Spectacular views await. sandiapeak.com.

4). Drive the Turquiose Trail (Hwy 14) from Albuquerque to Santa Fe — a scenic alternative to Interstate 25.

5). Head to Tinkertown — Fascinating mix of old-time coin operated carnival machines, wacky Western memorabilia and true Americana awaits. tinkertown.com.

The post Golf on the Santa Fe Trail / Albuquerque, NM appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Framing the Caribbean coastline are the sixth green (lower right), seventh hole (middle), and eighth tee (top) from the Teeth of the Dog.

Teeth of the Dog.
Pete Dye.
Casa de Campo.

Enough said—almost.

The Best of the Best
With seven spectacular holes along the ocean-washed cliffs of the Caribbean Sea, Teeth of the Dog has been receiving rave reviews and international play since 1971. Today it is ranked #47 in the world by “Golf Magazine,” #3 in the Caribbean and Mexico by “Golfweek,” and #1 in the Caribbean by “Golf Digest.”

With hundreds of iconic golf designs in his 50-year career, World Golf Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye is still inexorably associated with Teeth of the Dog. Notwithstanding such courses as Crooked Stick, Harbour Town, Long Cove, Oak Tree, Ocean Course at Kiawah, PGA West (Stadium), The Honors Course, TPC Sawgrass, and Whistling Straits, Dye, in his book “Bury Me In a Pot Bunker,” wrote, “The opportunity to carve out Teeth of the Dog was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

With its world-class accommodations, facilities, restaurants, lounges, shopping, golf courses, sports, and amenities, the five-star Casa de Campo resort, within the private confines of a 7,000 acre campus, is a world unto itself. The prestigious World Travel Awards organization has awarded Casa de Campo its fifth consecutive honor as the World’s Leading Golf Resort, and Casa de Campo calls itself, without hyperbole, “The Caribbean’s Most Complete Resort.”

Welcome to Casa de Campo, the World’s Leading Golf Resort, according to the World Travel Awards.

What’s in the Name
However, there is no question that, when Dye’s masterpiece opened, Teeth of the Dog catapulted the Dominican Republic into the international golf hierarchy and still serves today as the crown jewel in the resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. What makes the layout unique is the extraordinary combination of Mother Nature, Dye’s ingenuity, and the lush climate. And five tee locations from 7471 to 4906 yards give golfers of all ability levels playable distance alternatives.

When Pete Dye, at the request of conglomerate Gulf+Western in 1967, chose this venue on the island for his layout, the original name was to be “Cajuiles,” for the populous, native cashew trees. However, when Dye both watched his Dominican workers wield sledgehammers, pickaxes, and chisels to crack the almost impervious coral rock and heard them complain loudly about the “diente del perro,” the now well-known moniker was born.

Coming Out with Seven-Eleven
The eleven holes that lead to and away from the seven shoreline holes are a first-class layout on their own. Dye utilizes his classic, strategic architecture with the innate tropical beauty of the island. Generous, immaculate Bermuda 419 landing areas are the fashion, but abundant fairway bunkers punish inaccurate drives, and large waste bunkers capture the more wayward ones. The flawless, salt-water resistant Paspalum greens are usually elevated, expansive, and contoured; they run a true and comfortable 9-10 on the Stimpmeter. False fronts, collection areas, and craftily placed bunkers protect the greens and penalize mis-hit iron shots.

The par-3 fifth is one of the most photographed, picturesque, and pleasurable holes in the Caribbean.

But those seven on the Caribbean are something else!

As my caddie warned me when we approached the par-3 fifth, “Now, Senor, the Teeth are about to bite you!” The most photographed hole on the course, the fifth begins a marvelous four-hole expanse along the Caribbean Sea. I was playing the Blue Tees at 6485 yards and had 137 yards with the following trade winds. The tee shot must cross the beach and a small cove to reach a level but very small green. The golfer has only two options: hit the green or court disaster.

The sixth at 400 yards is a dogleg left that requires a drive over the ocean and across the cliff. The second shot must travel uphill to a green that is nestled left, close to the cliff and imminent disaster. The par-3 seventh, which also requires a long carry over the Caribbean, is an extended version of the fifth at 188 yards, but with a mammoth, undulating green.

From the eighth tee, all the golfer can see on his left for 397 yards is the ocean and cliffs as they lead to the green, and all he can see on his right is a series of sand traps. A well-struck drive will bounce left with the gradient and leave a mid-iron second shot into a downhill, L-shaped green that slopes toward the Caribbean.

Holes fifteen through seventeen return to the ocean, this time with the Caribbean on the right and the prevailing trade winds in the face. The fifteenth is a short par-4 at 334 yards that doesn’t necessarily call for a driver, just a well-placed tee shot away from the rocky shoreline and string of bunkers. The slender but angular green sits aside the cliff and requires an accurate iron that must evade the wind, the bunkers, and the water.

The second shot to the fifteenth hole must fight the wind, the sand, and the Caribbean before it can land on the peninsula-like green.

At 181 yards of pure carry over the ocean and two traps, the sixteenth is the most dramatic, challenging hole on the back side. With no bailout right and only trees and trouble left, the hole does provide a huge green that must be hit or else. A gentle dogleg right with a very liberal landing area to the left, the 377-yard seventeenth needs a good drive to set up a mid-iron into a narrow, undulating green that, once again, is perched on the Caribbean.

So ends the magnificent seven!

A round of golf at Teeth of the Dog is like a day in paradise. And Pete Dye realizes how the natural wonder of the area enhanced his architecture. He likes to say, “I built eleven holes, and God built seven.”

Why the “Complete Resort”

After that round of golf, the golfer can turn into a real vacationer, for what else Casa de Campo offers is almost overwhelming in its scope and availability. Of special note, the entire service staff, from beginning to end of the guest’s sojourn, is also world-class and will make everyone’s stay that much more enjoyable.

The hotel has 185 recently refurbished patio and balcony Elite rooms with all the comforts of home. Also available are 50 three-to-five bedroom “villa homes,” with each one including a private pool, butler, maid, and chef. All housing comes with gasoline-powered golf carts to transport the guests around the resort’s vast expanses.

The vast expanses include five separate sections: the Main Area with the Elite rooms, Teeth of the Dog, and the only Jim McLean Golf

The Beach Club by Le Cirque features elegant ocean-front dining at the Minitas Beach locale.

School in the Caribbean; Altos de Chavon, a 16th Century recreation of a Mediterranean village with a 5000-seat amphitheater, situated on a plateau, high above the Chavon River; the Marina with the Yacht Club and the Caribbean’s largest shipyard; Minitas Beach for private oceanside pursuits plus access to three more secluded beaches; and the sporting fields north of the main campus.

The more than 20 restaurants in the resort, many with accompanying lounges, feature a wide range of international fare. Frequent shuttles provide rides to the more distant locations like Altos de Chavon and the Marina, but moving among all five centers is easily accomplished.

The Sporting Life

With the Caribbean and the Chavon River in play, kayaking is only one of many water adventures available.

Casa de Campo uses “The Sporting Life” as its theme, and the options are numerous. Go for a swim in the main pool, or get a workout on the latest Cybex equipment in the Fitness Center. To explore the grounds, pedal a bike, or jog on the 3.1 mile Running Trail. Take the gas-powered cart out for several spins: to go on a guided trail ride from the Equestrian Center, to watch a polo match, to play Donkey Polo on Dominican burros, or to visit the Shooting Center and try its clay circuit or skeet and trap range.

La Terraza Tennis Center, known as the “Wimbledon of the Caribbean, has 13 Har-Tru courts. And water sports abound: deep sea and Chavon River fishing, ocean and river sailing, kayaking on the Chavon, and snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Links and Lakes to Dye Fore
Pete Dye is responsible not only for Teeth of the Dog but also for all 90 holes within the resort, 63 for the guests and 27 for the residents and property owners. Sharing the same pro shop and driving range with Teeth is The Links, first played in 1976 and totally renovated in 2012. With the emphasis on fun, the 18 holes run through the interior of the resort and feature recurrent lagoons and numerous bunkers.

Dye added the Dye Fore in 2003, two nines named Chavon and Marina, both with magnificent views. The front nine begins on top of the 300-foot-high cliffs near the Altos de Chavon village and runs along the Chavon River; the back nine runs down toward the distant Marina and the Caribbean. The fairways are ultra-wide and rolling, the bunkers are voluminous, and the greens are expansive and well contoured. Basically, the only flat lies are on the tees! Dye Fore received a new nine in 2011, the Lagos (the Lakes) that has many water

The rolling Chavon nine of the Dye Fore follows the 300-foot cliffs of the Chavon River and allows very few level lies.

hazards, acres of sand, and flatter topography.

Getting There and Learning More
An important concern is how to get there. Casa de Campo is 10 minutes from La Romana International Airport (LRM), 45 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), and one hour from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ). Jet Blue, American, United, U.S. Airways, Frontier, and Delta service these airports. The resort will provide a shuttle from and to all three. A passport is required to enter the Dominican Republic.

For more information about the resort, visit www.casadecampo.com.do, or download the new smartphone app that allows users to make a virtual, aerial tour of the layout and access a photo gallery, among other options—http://www.bestapproachflyovers.com/TOD_teethofthedoggolf/.

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Fayetteville, NC doesn’t have the venue cache of its nearby acclaimed neighbor Pinehurst. In fact, when driving on I-95 the full impact of what Fayetteville provides can only be appreciated when leaving the highway.

Known primarily as home to Fort Bragg — Fayetteville takes justifiable pride in its military connections. More recently, Fayetteville reclaimed major portions of the core downtown and, what was once a desolate location, now hums with activities day and night for young and old alike. Fayetteville has been chosen 3 times – more than any other community in the USA – with the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.

Core golfers need to realize Fayetteville and its golf options are not comparable to Pinehurst #2. However, you won’t be getting sticker shock during peak times. Often ignored because of the proximity to the Pinehurst brand name, Fayetteville demonstrates value in a range of areas – for golfers and non-golfers alike.

COURSES OF NOTE …

*Anderson Creek Club - 7,215 yards / Par-72 - Spring Lake, NC 28390 - T (910) 814-2115

Anderson Creek

The best aspect in playing Anderson Creek is its isolation from everything else. Just over 10 miles from Fayetteville, the Davis Love III designed course is the first layout the PGA Tour star and this year’s Ryder Cup captain designed in his home state of North Carolina. Anderson Creek is blessed with superb terrain that rolls up and down but never abruptly. Love was smart enough to provide sufficient elasticity. For those who dare the back tees have more than enough muscle with a 75+ rating and 144 slope. The course is relatively young and the facility is a gated community which provides outside access play. Be sure to include it when in the area. andersoncreekgolf.com.

*Cypress Lakes - 6,943 Yards / Par-72 - Hope Mills, NC 28348 - T (910) 483-0359

Cypress Lakes

The most accessible to I-95, Cypress Lakes used to be owned and operated by the Floyd family — as in Raymond Floyd the PGA Tour Hall-of-Famer. The course starts slowly but things pick up considerably at the par-4 4th and 5th holes. Shaping shot at these holes is a must and it’s a skill you’ll need for a number of others as well. The real issue for Cypress Lakes is that the layout and facility need a bit of a makeover. The bones are present — it’s the body that needs a bit of a refresher. cypresslakesnc.com.

*Gates Four Golf & Country Club - 6,895 Yards / Par-72 - Fayetteville, NC 28306 - T (910) 425-2176

Gates Four Golf & Country Club

As part of a gated community and with a very active membership — Gates Four is a county club option for those wishing to have all the necessary creature comforts. The William Byrd designed course opened in 1967 and the holes work well as the routing takes you to all corners of the property. The concluding two holes on each side are nicely done as well but for those looking for real inspiration you’ll need to head elsewhere. gatesfour.com.

*Bayonet at Puppy Creek - 7,036 Yards / Par-72 - Raeford, NC 28376 - T (910) 904-1500

Bayonet at Puppy Creek

When you enter the grounds at Bayonet at Puppy Creek one has little idea on what lies ahead. The 1st hole is a vanilla starter but as the round progresses you head for the more hidden recesses of the property and the course comes to life quickly. Another Byrd design here and the overall pacing of the holes is well done. Bayonet at Puppy Creek proves what public golf can be — focus attention on the layout and provide turf conditions that add considerably to the design itself. Pound for pound – the Fayetteville’s best bang for your dollar. bayonetgolf.com

*Keith Hills CC - 27 Holes (Black, Orange & White) - Buies Creek NC 27506 - T (910) 893-5051

Keith Hills

Affiliated with Campbell University, Keith Hills offers 27-holes consisting of a Black, Orange and White nines. Nearly three years ago there were 36-holes and now the course uses the Black and Orange nines which previously were called the Creek Course. The White nine is the remaining portion of holes from what was once the River Course. The main issue of concern is the up and down cycle in terms of turf quality. Plenty of water to avoid on the original Black and Orange nines. keithhillscc.com

GOLF PACKAGES

Custom golf package information is available at www.GolfOnTheReady.com or by calling 1-800-577-3787.

FIVE THINGS TO DO BESIDES GOLF …

Photo Credit: Cape Fear Botanical Garden

1. Airborne & Special Operations Museum – only US Army museum not on an army base. Facilty tells the comprehensive history of the US Army Airborne test platoon to present day. Smithsonian quality – one of a kind and directly across parking lot is NC Veterans Park. Honors NC Veterans from all brances of service. See the oath wall which houses sculptures of one hand from four veterans in each of NC’s 100 counties. Both facilities are in downtown Fayetteville. asomf.org

2. Cape Fear Botanical Garden – 77 acres of specialty gardens. Something in bloom throughout the year. Scavenger hunt for kids with lots of family friendly activities. capefearbg.org

3. Cultural Heritage Trails packages the communities rich history into 15 distinct themes. Fayetteville dates to pre-Revolutionary War are. The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, still active today, was chartered by George Washington.

Gillis Hill

4. Zipquest – Mountain-sized thrills in the Sandhills of NC. The 2 1/2 hour canopy tour takes you over the largest waterfalls on the east coast of the Carolinas. Includes 8 zips, 3 bridges, spiral staircases and more. Your feet don’t touch the ground the entire time — kids 10+ can do this. zipquest.com

5. Gillis Hill Farm – 9th generation farm. Learn about farming, the history of the Fayetteville area and enjoy some home-made ice cream. gillishillfarm.com

The post Americana to the Core – Fayetteville, NC appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Cabo Real Golf Course

Mexico is a land of fascinating contradictions. On one side a punishing drug war taking over 50,000 plus lives over the last six years. That picture illustrates a country in upheaval – daily life anything but peaceful. On the flip side – Cabo San Lucas. Picturesque. Beguiling. Tranquil.

Located at the far southern tip of Baja Sur – Cabo has been calling visitors to its sun-drenched shores for many years. Hollywood types – from John Wayne to Bing Crosby – routinely flocked here. Close enough to home – yet far enough away from prying eyes and probing paparazzi – Cabo’s lure has always been its stunning landscape.

Bracketed by the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean within a coastal mountain desert climate, Cabo provides a mesmerizing contrast with nearly 350 days of sunshine.

The most iconic symbol is The Arch at Land’s End – where the Sea of Cortez collides with the Pacific Ocean.  A must see landmark when visiting. In the winter season whales migrate via the Pacific. World renowned fishing is here too for those wishing to land a prized marlin at the end of their fishing reel.

During the go-go period of golf course construction in the 1990’s – Cabo was among the world’s hot spots and it was then that international attention spawned. In 1992, Palmilla opened – the first Jack Nicklaus design in Latin America. The original 18-hole layout – Mountain & Arroyo –  expanded in 1997 with the Ocean nine.

Palmilla Golf Club

One year later – Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed Cabo Real – the layout smartly blends two distinct nines – the outward half uses the higher terrain of the desert and the inner side works toward and eventually away from the Sea of Cortez.

Cabo Real is part of Questro Golf and has several other golf properties in its portfolio. Club Campestre opened in 2007 as did Puerto Los Cabos. Club Campestre, just off the toll road from the airport, is another Nicklaus design and is quite playable with severe greens in spots.

Puerto Los Cabos, several miles removed from the main roadway, is located at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, and is the gateway between San Jose del Cabo and the refreshing atmosphere of Los Cabos’ rugged and unspoiled East Cape coast line.

So how safe is Mexico ?

Cabo and the surrounding vicinity is as safe as any major American destination. The hosting of the G20 economic summit meeting in June 2012 bolstered prestige.

The Nicklaus course that got the ball rolling in building international fanfare came in May of 1994 at Cabo del Sol. The Ocean Course here starts off with nary a clue on what awaits. Like a good book the qualities emerge slowly and build to a tour de force climax.

Cabo Del Sol Desert Course

At the long par-4 5^th you tee off high above the fairway – the Sea of Cortez a glistening backdrop. Two par-3’s come in succession. Each well-crafted and working well in the overall routing.

The inner half follows the same pattern as the outward nine. You play away from the Sea of Cortez and then head back for the stunning conclusion. The phrase “must play” is often bandied about mindlessly – it resonates accurately at The Ocean Course.

In December of 2001 – Tom Weiskopf added a second 18 called The Desert Course. There’s lesser terrain variety here but far from inferior shotmaking called upon.

Where to stay ?

Highway 1 is the main road to all the coastal locations and stretches for nearly 20 miles. Varied offerings are available depending upon one’s desires and wallet.

Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Resort www.fiestaamericanagrand.com

Top of the pecking order. Comprehensive amenities along with the only combination wine/spa in the area. Tee time availability with Cabo del Sol is provided.

Dreams Resort & Spa / www.dreamresorts.com

All-inclusive resort that provides range of activities accessible to guests. Various access options to several courses.

Casa Dorado / www.casadorado.com

Head to Cabo San Lucas and Casa Dorado for the 24/7 night life buzz. Located on Medano Beach – within easy walking distance of shops, dining and nightlife options.

El Encanto Inn / www.elencantoinn.com

Much of the original focus for golf in the greater Cabo area came on the Sea of Cortez side. That changed in 2009 with the captivating Diamante facility – located five miles northwest of Cabo San Lucas. Whereas golf along the Sea of Cortez is usually calm – whipping winds and major club differentials can be maddening along the Pacific coast.

Diamante Dunes is an 18-hole layout by Davis Love III, PGA Tour star and 2012 American Ryder Cup Captain. Work is in motion for a second course – El Cardonal – opening in the first quarter of 2014. Tiger Woods is handling that design with the course set for 7,301 yards / Par-71. A 3^rd course – patterned after the Shadow Creek Las Vegas model – is also planned.

While not as rugged as those on the classic links in Scotland and Ireland – the dunes at Diamante Dunes are massive. With environmental regulations stringent in the States – the courses here on the Pacific side may be the last true haven for such an epic co-mingling.

Paspalum is the grass surface at Diamante and while environmentally sound and cost effective – can be “sticky” at times. Getting the surface sufficiently firm and fast to provide a means to combat the howling winds is a must. In time the optimum result may happen.

Tucked away from Highway 1 is Querencia – which translates from Spanish as a “place where one feels at home.” The current ownership has pushed all the right buttons to make sure that happens.

In 2000, Tom Fazio designed his first course in Mexico. Cabo’s first private golf club – Querencia is located on 1,800 acres with 320 for the golf course. Working off 350 elevation of change – one never feels excess when playing.

What’s ahead for Cabo ?

The post The Call of Cabo appeared first on New England Golf Monthly.

Non-golf guests of the players were meanwhile busy with spa or sandy beach activities and excursions to the Mayan ruins of Tulum or the pyramids at Chichen Itza, which are mirrored in the IBEROSTAR architecture. Reunited in the afternoon for leisure and later for delicious dinners, everyone was abuzz with stories of the day. The party keeps going at IBEROSTAR. All food and beverage is included around the clock, which makes it easy to either soothe wounds or toast golf scores from the windswept fairways of Cancun Country Club. A full moon over Cancun’s white beach and the ocean waves through the window sang a nightly golf lullaby. Every room has an ocean view and every guest is a star at IBEROSTAR Cancun Golf and Spa Resort.

We all shuttled to the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso for day two of competition at the P.B. Dye course, Playa Paraiso Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour Monday Qualifier for the Mayakoba Open and this season’s Big Break Mexico with Lorena Ochoa appearing. Voted as the number One all-inclusive resort in the world, Grand Hotel Paraíso is the top of the resort options in the IBEROSTAR collection. Top means an opulent setting of marble and artwork, an adult only environment for peaceful retreats, top shelf beverages and lobster for lunch. The high winds of yesterday were exchanged for high humidity and low winds. The spectacular layout of this jungle course required a completely different strategy. High mounding and limestone formations were ever present with elevation changes from tee to green. Iguanas, entertaining coatis and even a few monkey sightings mixed with views of the Chichen Itza replica hotel to paint an exotic picture. Coatis are furry creatures that look like a combination of lemur, raccoon and anteater. They played in the grass as we approached the evening spread by the pool with the ocean beyond. All guests were completely overwhelmed by the luxurious beauty of the Grand Hotel Paraiso. A welcomed evening rain refreshed after the heat of the day as we made our way back to the host hotel.  Three additional hotels complete the IBEROSTAR offerings in the Playa Riviera where nightly shows are performed in their theaters. The scoring boards for the Team Championships drew attention of the players, conveniently situated near the elevators by the lobby bar.  Besides this social hot spot with free WIFI, there are four a la carte restaurants at each property with bars of their own along with the pool bar, beach bar and sports bar. You get the idea.

Final day of competition was blessed with light ocean breezes and a plethora of large crocs awaiting the poor soul crazy enough to go looking for his/her ball in the myriad of water hazards back at the Cancun Country Club. The tournament scores were close and competitive with fun prevailing as Miss Grand Island posed for team photos on one tee box and a fun loving Smurf cajoled players off another green. At the elegant award dinner, the Loreto Club of Baja California Mexico was presented the Pro-Am division trophies, leading by one stroke over the Alpine Club of Highland, Utah. New England Golf Monthly’s Couple of Travelers – Alice and Danny Scott won the Am-Am net division.  Yes, us.  Danny was the low gross amateur winner as well, so we carried home some nice hardware but much more importantly, new friendships and great memories of a place we highly recommend to any fellow travelers. Go to www.iberostargolfresorts.com to choose your trip package and if you love a little competition thrown in, plan on joining the second annual Team Championship Mexico, one of the best run tournaments in the golf industry. Every detail of transportation, event management, FUN and logistics are to the highest standard. Look for the next event at www.thegolf-connection.com. Cancun Golf is no crock!

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