4 There was a time when people traveled to certain Northeast destinations to celebrate love and romance. The thing was, you were already in love by the time you arrived. If you travel to the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania these days, you’ll certainly fall in love again. This time around, however, it won’t be your significant other whom you’ll romance; it will most certainly be golf. With 35 unique golf courses spread over the five counties of the Pocono region, you and your golfing companions will uncover what the area likes to call the “Great Destination Secret.” Golf in the Poconos is as diverse as the lands through which the region spreads. Lowland courses occupy terrain that sits near the Delaware River. Tracks like Shawnee, Terra Hills, and Water Gap are found in this district near the city of East Stroudsburg. Mid-range layouts sit in the foothills below the higher peaks, offering a blend of vertical movement and stasis. Indian Mountain, Mahoning Valley, and Buck Hill fit this description. Mountain designs provide the tiring climbs and thrilling descents that make for memorable treks. Split Rock, Mount Airy, and Hideaway Hills offer such up-and-down rounds. Having such diversity in a region reveals why the Poconos is the great undiscovered golf destination. Donald J. Ross is known for designs such as Pinehurst No. 2, Oak Hill, and Seminole. One of his contributions to the Poconos is found in the town of Buck Hill Falls, at Buck Hill Golf Club. The first nine golf holes were laid out at Buck Hill in 1907, then doubled in size over the next 10 years. When Ross arrived in 1918, he took on the task of rebuilding the original 18, adding nuances to the putting surfaces and opening up unused views of the countryside for new fairway routings. In addition, he oversaw the construction of the final nine holes, bringing the course up to its present-day 27 hole total. Buck Hill places a premium on accuracy of both width and depth. The long and wild hitter is in for a difficult day, as the golf course demands straight shots that do not come up too far short, nor continue too far on. Only half of the par-4 holes extend beyond 370 yards from the tips, while two of the five long holes measure less than 500 yards. Rarely does a par-3 hole demand more than a mid-iron from the tee. None of the Buck Hill nines will overwhelm you with distance, but the ghosts of golfers past will chuckle if you stray wide or long. The three nines at Buck Hill tend to ascend to a piece of higher ground, stay there a bit, then descend to the finish. The ascending holes are interesting and provide some challenge without over-extending the player at the start. The first on the White nine is a 345-yard par 4 whose gauntlet comes in the approach. Rarely more than a short iron or wedge, a miss short or left is not fatal. An errant shot beyond the green or to the right ensures a reload from the fairway. The second hole on the blue is another fine example. Only 286 yards in length, the hole is bisected by a valley that guarantees that all tee shots carrying less than 270 yards will end up at or near the bottom, leaving an uphill pitch of 60 yards to the green. Buck Hill does have its brawny moments, however. With three par 5s measuring more than 550 yards, you’ll need some strength to get home in regulation. The fourth hole on the Blue nine tops out at 558, but it’s the final 150 you need worry most about. After a blind right-to-left drive, the fairway opens up and reveals its descent-ascent finale. Ripples of earth trace the downward run, yet it’s a lunar pit that defines the green. When you need more than 15 stairs to escape a bunker, it’s deep! The putting surface on No. 4 is characterized by a false front and a notable rise from front to back. The best misses err to the left and short, to avoid the nasty sand trap short right. Putts from the back of the green have little chance of staying on the short grass. No. 4 sums up all that is required to play strategic golf. After your final change of shoes and departure from the small, cozy, and efficient clubhouse at Buck Hill Golf Club, you’ll return to our modern era. With luck, the shots hit and the grounds walked will stay with you for quite some time. Split Rock Resort & Golf Club is a year-round oasis near the shores of Lake Harmony. An indoor waterpark opened in 2008, joining the theater, indoor pool, and fitness institute already in use at Split Rock. In addition to the indoor amenities, guests have access to a number of outdoor entertainment facilities, including lake swimming and boating, miniature golf, tennis and basketball courts, and beaches. The resort’s 27 holes were designed by landscape architect Robert Sterrett, whose experience in weaving of aesthetic and functional elements is constantly on display. Sterrett was given a unique piece of land and pieced together an engaging series of holes. Easily one of the most densely-treed golfing properties in the region, the North Course at Split Rock presents a fair number of blind and semi-blind tee shots. Thanks to the native vegetation, although a stone’s throw from the I-80 interstate, golf is played in near isolation. Like many other area courses, this is no “grip it and rip it” layout. On many holes, driver off the tee is not the smart play and more often leads to trouble. Fine examples of these strategic demands are found on Nos. 10 and 11. The encroaching right tree line requires a left to right tee shot with enough power to carry to the flat, for a look at the well-sighted green. The next hole, a daunting, multi-terraced par 5, plays down then farther down to a second fairway, before ascending to the putting surface. Along the way, horizontally-challenged shots find bushes and deep undergrowth outside the bunker line. Oh yes, the bunkering. Sterrett was not shy about utilizing enormous sand pits to both define and protect his corridors. If you miss the fairways, there’s a good chance that the sand will get you if the vegetation doesn’t. To call the North Course anything less than a championship layout, a players course, would be a true injustice. In contrast to the North Course, the nine-hole South Course has more of a traditional resort course feel. Shorter with fewer bunkers and lesser elevation changes, the South forgives the stray shot. There are a few holes with North-style teeth, but the majority of the fairways are less bunkered, the greens are smaller and much less undulating, and the forced carries, if present, are brief. An additional nine holes are under construction and expected to open within the next two years. With 36 holes, Split Rock will rank among the top tier of courses in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Pocono Mountains region offers so many opportunities to enjoy good golf courses that postponing a visit seems a shame. From nine-hole short courses to championship layouts, the 35 courses in the area provide a level of enjoyment for every caliber of golfer. With true greens, firm fairways and wonderful 19th holes, the Poconos should be on every golfer’s list for 2009. true 19 2010-01-04T20:56:47+00:00 false 32 5 true 2 2010-01-04T20:56:47+00:00 Discover these golf destination secrets in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

There was a time when people traveled to certain Northeast destinations to celebrate love and romance. The thing was, you were already in love by the time you arrived. If you travel to the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania these days, you’ll certainly fall in love again. This time around, however, it won’t be your significant other whom you’ll romance; it will most certainly be golf. With 35 unique golf courses spread over the five counties of the Pocono region, you and your golfing companions will uncover what the area likes to call the “Great Destination Secret.” Golf in the Poconos is as diverse as the lands through which the region spreads. Lowland courses occupy terrain that sits near the Delaware River. Tracks like Shawnee, Terra Hills, and Water Gap are found in this district near the city of East Stroudsburg. Mid-range layouts sit in the foothills below the higher peaks, offering a blend of vertical movement and stasis. Indian Mountain, Mahoning Valley, and Buck Hill fit this description. Mountain designs provide the tiring climbs and thrilling descents that make for memorable treks. Split Rock, Mount Airy, and Hideaway Hills offer such up-and-down rounds. Having such diversity in a region reveals why the Poconos is the great undiscovered golf destination. Donald J. Ross is known for designs such as Pinehurst No. 2, Oak Hill, and Seminole. One of his contributions to the Poconos is found in the town of Buck Hill Falls, at Buck Hill Golf Club. The first nine golf holes were laid out at...

2010-01-08T04:32:48+00:00

4 Dec. 17, 2009: Golf travel company <a href="http://www.golfpactravel.com" class="external"><strong>Golfpac Travel</strong></a> recently announced its partnership with golf superstore <a href="http://www.golfsmith.com" class="external"><strong>Golfsmith</strong></a>, where for the next few months golfers who book trips through Golfpac Travel will receive a $10 Golfsmith cash card. "We're excited about this promotion," said Golfpac Travel’s Robert Vintilla jn a recent press release. "It is a win-win endeavor for all parties involved. Golfpac's travelers get a free cash card and in turn Golfsmith gets customers in its retail stores." Golfpac Travel, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Fla., today offers customized golf vacations and discount travel deals to more than 40 worldwide golf destinations. Through the Golfpac Travel Web site golfers can book tee times, get vacation quotes, take advantage of special offers, or choose to be put in touch with a travel agent directly. The cash card promotion is limited to the first 25,000 Golfpac Travel customers. Some restrictions apply. true 11 2009-12-17T14:01:15+00:00 false 28 true 14 2009-12-17T09:00:00+00:00 2009-12-17T09:00:00+00:00

Dec. 17, 2009: Golf travel company Golfpac Travel recently announced its partnership with golf superstore Golfsmith , where for the next few months golfers who book trips through Golfpac Travel will receive a $10 Golfsmith cash card. "We're excited about this promotion," said Golfpac Travel’s Robert Vintilla jn a recent press release. "It is a win-win endeavor for all parties involved. Golfpac's travelers get a free cash card and in turn Golfsmith gets customers in its retail stores." Golfpac Travel, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Fla., today offers customized golf vacations and discount travel deals to more than 40 worldwide golf destinations. Through the Golfpac Travel Web site golfers can book tee times, get vacation quotes, take advantage of special offers, or choose to be put in touch with a travel agent directly. The cash card promotion is limited to the first 25,000 Golfpac Travel customers. Some restrictions apply.

2009-12-17T14:04:52+00:00

4 Dec. 17, 2009: <cite>Golf Getaways: Destinations and Vacations</cite>, a new annual publication put out by Madavor Media LLC and <cite>Northeast Golf</cite> magazine, is out and is scheduled to hit newsstands Dec. 29, 2009. This issue covers the hottest golf vacation spots and destinations for 2010, from California’s golf and wine country to the birthplace of the buddy trip: Myrtle Beach, S.C. Also in this issue, travel to Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island, an often overlooked 85-mile-long island that is home to unspoiled white sand beaches, upscale family-friendly accommodations, and first-rate golf; check out The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales as it gears up to host the 2010 Ryder Cup; and if want to get the maximum number of holes in on your golf vacation, read up on the courses of Florida’s Orlando Golf Trail. What’s more, if you can’t find this issue on newsstands, pick up a free copy at any of these upcoming Northeast golf shows: • Jan. 30-31, <a href="http://www.upstatenygolfshow.com" class="external"><strong>Buffalo Niagara 2010 Golf Show</strong></a>, Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo, NY • Feb. 12-14, <a href="http://www.upstatenygolfshow.com" class="external"><strong>Rochester Golf Show</strong></a>, Dome Arena-Fair & Expo Center, Henrietta, NY • Feb. 13-14, <a href="http://www.snegolfexpo.com" class="external"><strong>Southern New England Golf Expo</strong></a>, Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI • Feb. 20-21, <a href="http://www.portlandgolfexpo.com" class="external"><strong>Portland Golf Expo</strong></a>, Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland, ME • Mar. 5-7, <a href="http://www.paragonexpo.com/184.html?flash=1" class="external"><strong>National Golf Expo</strong></a>, Seaport Worldtrade Center Boston, MA • Mar. 13-14, <strong>6th Annual Lower Hudson Golf Show</strong>, Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY, e-mail JAZMC@aol.com true 11 2009-12-17T14:15:07+00:00 false 29 true 14 2009-12-17T09:00:00+00:00 2009-12-17T09:00:00+00:00

Dec. 17, 2009: Golf Getaways: Destinations and Vacations , a new annual publication put out by Madavor Media LLC and Northeast Golf magazine, is out and is scheduled to hit newsstands Dec. 29, 2009. This issue covers the hottest golf vacation spots and destinations for 2010, from California’s golf and wine country to the birthplace of the buddy trip: Myrtle Beach, S.C. Also in this issue, travel to Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island, an often overlooked 85-mile-long island that is home to unspoiled white sand beaches, upscale family-friendly accommodations, and first-rate golf; check out The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales as it gears up to host the 2010 Ryder Cup; and if want to get the maximum number of holes in on your golf vacation, read up on the courses of Florida’s Orlando Golf Trail. What’s more, if you can’t find this issue on newsstands, pick up a free copy at any of these upcoming Northeast golf shows: • Jan. 30-31, Buffalo Niagara 2010 Golf Show , Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo, NY • Feb. 12-14, Rochester Golf Show , Dome Arena-Fair & Expo Center, Henrietta, NY • Feb. 13-14, Southern New England Golf Expo , Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI • Feb. 20-21, Portland Golf Expo , Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland, ME • Mar. 5-7, National Golf Expo , Seaport Worldtrade Center Boston, MA • Mar. 13-14, 6th Annual Lower Hudson Golf Show , Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY, e-mail JAZMC@aol.com

2009-12-17T14:31:37+00:00

4 Someone recently asked me, “Doesn’t it get boring to play the same course over and over again?” It’s a simple question and a reasonable one that likely deserved a simple and reasonable answer. Rather I answered with a sweeping list of reasons why one never tires of playing the same course and delivered each with a passion and fervor that was just shy of pounding a fist on the make-believe podium. Golf is a game of subtleties, I explained. The slightest adjustment in posture or swing can mean the difference between a birdie or bogey, and a simple misjudgment in club choice can change your partner’s response from “you’re dancing” to, one of my personal favorites, “there’s still some ham left on that hock.” A course plays differently depending on the weather, course conditions, or even the time of day. A putt that breaks one way in the morning could break the other in the afternoon. On a windy day, a shot into the wind could play two clubs higher. As any New Englander will tell you, frost on the ground in late May isn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, sometimes the only thing keeping us off the course is that we can’t get the tee in the frozen ground. But colder weather keeps the ball from traveling as far. A wet course, or even dampness from morning dew, plays slower. On dry or low-cut fairways, the ball will roll further. And hacking a ball out of the rough is always tough, but wet rough, that’s a different story. In this issue of <cite>New York Golf</cite> you’ll find many courses that never tire of repeated play, like those in our coverage of the state’s Donald Ross courses that stand out because of the subtleties in their design; or the park courses on Long Island’s tip that endure the changing winds and present constant challenges for golfers who return to them time and time again. And this year, one cannot mention park courses with paying homage to Bethpage Black. In June, the Open returns to Bethpage, and you can be certain the course won’t play the same as it did in 2002. Times have changed, conditions have changed, and the players will change as well. Like any sport, you play differently with different people. I think most will agree that when teeing up on a familiar hole, there’s no better feeling than recalling the time when you birdied this hole, and no better cause for laughter than reliving the time your buddy boasted his new and improved swing, spent more time than Sergio Garcia addressing the ball, then shanked it right 15 yards off the tee. So one may get frustrated with a course, irritated at the weather, or annoyed with the others in the foursome, but tired of playing the same course? A simple and reasonable answer to a simple and reasonable question: not ever. true 9 2009-12-16T00:00:12+00:00 false 27 1 true 1 2009-12-16T00:00:12+00:00 Why it never grows old.

Someone recently asked me, “Doesn’t it get boring to play the same course over and over again?” It’s a simple question and a reasonable one that likely deserved a simple and reasonable answer. Rather I answered with a sweeping list of reasons why one never tires of playing the same course and delivered each with a passion and fervor that was just shy of pounding a fist on the make-believe podium. Golf is a game of subtleties, I explained. The slightest adjustment in posture or swing can mean the difference between a birdie or bogey, and a simple misjudgment in club choice can change your partner’s response from “you’re dancing” to, one of my personal favorites, “there’s still some ham left on that hock.” A course plays differently depending on the weather, course conditions, or even the time of day. A putt that breaks one way in the morning could break the other in the afternoon. On a windy day, a shot into the wind could play two clubs higher. As any New Englander will tell you, frost on the ground in late May isn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, sometimes the only thing keeping us off the course is that we can’t get the tee in the frozen ground. But colder weather keeps the ball from traveling as far. A wet course, or even dampness from morning dew, plays slower. On dry or low-cut fairways, the ball will roll further. And hacking a ball out of the rough is always tough, but wet rough,...

2009-12-28T16:28:53+00:00

4 With the golf season imminent, most of us are feeling the pinch in our wallets as we contemplate greens fees or ponder the new set of irons we’ve eyed all winter long. But take a look around: There are some fantastic deals for the consumer right now. In fact, in a recent New York Times article, Joe Beditz, president and chief executive of the National Golf Foundation, said that for golfers, there couldn’t be a better time. Some private courses are now opening their doors to the public or, like Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, N.J., offering memberships with no initiation fees and no commitments beyond the first year. And so, for golf enthusiasts who remain unsettled about hitting the links this spring, this issue of <cite>Garden State Golf</cite> is chock-full of ways to get your golf fix without breaking the bank. We’ve talked to golf clubs statewide about their plans for the spring, and we’ve discovered some of the state’s best and affordable courses to add to your must-play list this season. Vacation locally this season at Crystal Springs Resort, the state’s ultimate resort retreat, or check out the courses along the South Jersey shore. Thanks in part to the growing strength of the dollar against the British pound and the Euro and greater availability due to decreased demand, now might also be the best time to play those overseas courses you’ve been dreaming about. If so, then our nuts-and-bolts coverage of the British Open courses might be just the thing for you. Over the centuries, golf has endured many ups and downs. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem summed it up best when he recently said of the economic challenges facing the tour this year: “It’s like worrying about the weather to some extent, but you’ve certainly got to have your raincoat on. You’ve got to work harder to deal with it. You’ve got to make sure that you’re doing what has made you successful before, because we’ve been through these before, and we’ve come through them quite well.” So for now, we may all have to make sacrifices to get through these tough times, but sacrifice golf? That I won’t do. true 9 2009-12-15T23:38:20+00:00 false 26 3 true 2 2009-12-15T23:38:20+00:00 A Silver Lining

With the golf season imminent, most of us are feeling the pinch in our wallets as we contemplate greens fees or ponder the new set of irons we’ve eyed all winter long. But take a look around: There are some fantastic deals for the consumer right now. In fact, in a recent New York Times article, Joe Beditz, president and chief executive of the National Golf Foundation, said that for golfers, there couldn’t be a better time. Some private courses are now opening their doors to the public or, like Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, N.J., offering memberships with no initiation fees and no commitments beyond the first year. And so, for golf enthusiasts who remain unsettled about hitting the links this spring, this issue of Garden State Golf is chock-full of ways to get your golf fix without breaking the bank. We’ve talked to golf clubs statewide about their plans for the spring, and we’ve discovered some of the state’s best and affordable courses to add to your must-play list this season. Vacation locally this season at Crystal Springs Resort, the state’s ultimate resort retreat, or check out the courses along the South Jersey shore. Thanks in part to the growing strength of the dollar against the British pound and the Euro and greater availability due to decreased demand, now might also be the best time to play those overseas courses you’ve been dreaming about. If so, then our nuts-and-bolts coverage of the British Open courses might be just the thing for you. Over...

2009-12-28T16:26:03+00:00

4 For me, casino gambling always called to mind images of dingy, smoke-filled rooms strewn with people who fall somewhere between “The Gambler’s” forlorn Axel Freed (played by the young James Caan) and “Casino’s” more impetuous Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci). But it turns out this stereotype is far from true. Today’s casinos offer the very finest in luxury accommodations, lavish spa services, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities on-site; award-winning restaurants; entertainment experiences for the whole family; and an array of gaming options. Nowadays an ultimate golf experience is included, too. In this issue we take a closer look at three of the best golf and gaming destinations in the Northeast: New York’s Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut’s southeastern region, and Atlantic City, N.J., an area that has long been associated with gaming but is today regarded as a first-rate golf destination as well. We tell you where to stay and where to play, and offer some package deals so you can save your money for the slots. And if you find the odds are not in your favor and you cut your losses early, we include five golf betting games to win back your money on the course. But if you prefer to keep your risk and reward stakes on the course, don’t miss our list of 45 golf courses in the Northeast that offer the finest golfing experiences for under $100, including cart fees. And this is just to help you get started. Take a gamble and give these courses a call beforehand to ask about their specials. If you can play 18 holes after noon on weekdays, for example, green fees with cart at Patriot Hills Golf Club in Stony Point, N.Y., drop from $90 to $70 per person. So if you’re flexible on your tee times or days, chances are there are loads of other great deals and ways to save at these courses. Golf and gaming having always gone hand in hand. Stories like those of Titanic Thompson, the poker-playing, golf-gambling, left-handed hustler, have woven themselves into legends. And the game itself begs the question: do you take the risk and challenge the hazard for the chance to gain a stroke? I’ve heard it argued that power and technology like GPS systems and range finders have replaced the strategy and risk of the game. But even if you take a risk on the 610-yard par-5 12th at New Jersey’s Trump National for instance, go for the green in two, and end up just short and in the pond, isn’t it still worth it? To me, the risk is as fun as the reward itself, even if it doesn’t always work out the way I had hoped. true 9 2009-12-15T23:36:07+00:00 false 25 2 true 2 2009-12-15T23:36:07+00:00 The risk is as fun as the reward itself.

For me, casino gambling always called to mind images of dingy, smoke-filled rooms strewn with people who fall somewhere between “The Gambler’s” forlorn Axel Freed (played by the young James Caan) and “Casino’s” more impetuous Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci). But it turns out this stereotype is far from true. Today’s casinos offer the very finest in luxury accommodations, lavish spa services, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities on-site; award-winning restaurants; entertainment experiences for the whole family; and an array of gaming options. Nowadays an ultimate golf experience is included, too. In this issue we take a closer look at three of the best golf and gaming destinations in the Northeast: New York’s Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut’s southeastern region, and Atlantic City, N.J., an area that has long been associated with gaming but is today regarded as a first-rate golf destination as well. We tell you where to stay and where to play, and offer some package deals so you can save your money for the slots. And if you find the odds are not in your favor and you cut your losses early, we include five golf betting games to win back your money on the course. But if you prefer to keep your risk and reward stakes on the course, don’t miss our list of 45 golf courses in the Northeast that offer the finest golfing experiences for under $100, including cart fees. And this is just to help you get started. Take a gamble and give these...

2009-12-28T16:27:04+00:00

4 “It’s all about clubhead speed,” I said recently to a friend and fellow golfer. It was the first warm day in spring, and we weren’t the only ones that left the office early to hit some balls at the range. I spent much of the winter reading up on how to get more distance on my drive and was pleased to find out my friend had similar intentions. “The more you extend your arms in your backswing,” I explained, feeling quite capable of offering my counsel, “and the wider your arc, the more time and room your clubhead has to build up speed.” I went on about keeping your left arm straight, I mentioned the dreaded flying right elbow, and I even brought up the towel trick my grandfather taught me: place a towel under each armpit for proper positioning in your backswing. Now it’s been said that scrutinizing the details of routine actions uses a part of the brain that monitors behavior and impedes decisions that are normally made without thinking—too much thought can lead to second-guessing skills that have been perfected through practice. In John Lefrer’s book, “How We Decide,” he makes this point by referencing the infamous 1999 British Open at Carnoustie when tournament leader Jean Van de Velde fell apart on the finishing hole. With a three-shot lead, one miss-hit drive was followed by six more. In the end, his swing was virtually unrecognizable from those of previous holes, and a triple-bogey seven on No. 18 cost him the tournament. At the driving range, my friend listened politely to my advice. Her next drive was hit perfectly straight, and she was thrilled to be hitting every drive that followed 25 yards further. I, too, felt some satisfaction to see my own advice so effective. I addressed the ball and thought to myself, “Keep your hands soft, it’s all about clubhead speed, wide arc, keep the left arm straight.” I duffed my first drive, skulled the next two, shanked a few right, then quit in frustration. Sometimes the best way to shake off the frustration of a few bad shots is to remind yourself that there’s more to golf than swing mechanics; take a step back to think about the unparalleled richness, beauty, and history of the game or of the course you’re playing. The Old Course at Saucon Valley graces the cover of <cite>Pennsylvania Golf</cite>. The land for the course was purchased in 1920 by a group of local business leaders, many of the Bethlehem Steel Corp., and was transformed into a golf course under the watchful eye of Eugene Gifford Grace, former president of Bethlehem Steel, and course architect Herbert Strong. Over the years the course has challenged golf greats like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer, and will continue to do so this summer as it hosts the U.S. Women’s Open championship. It is game that is simply played on acre after acre of rolling green grass fairways and in the company of friends. Also in this issue, Bill Noble directs us to some of the must-play courses in Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country, and we’ve paired this golfer’s trail with some suggested stops at local wineries for the ultimate golf getaway. Consider golfing in the Pocono Mountains region this season and choose from more than 30 unique golf courses. And with more than 75 courses in New York’s Adirondack State Park alone, there’s no shortage of golf options for those looking to vacation outside of the Keystone State this summer. In the end, I’d love to get more distance out of my drive, but I’ll try not to let frustration from overthinking take away from everything else this game has to offer. Writer John Updike once said, “The golf swing is like a suitcase into which we are trying to pack one too many things.” Next time I experience frustration about my swing, I’ll just have to remind myself to think about not thinking about keeping my hands soft, my clubhead speed, a wide arc, or keeping my left arm straight, and enjoy the game for everything else it has to offer. Easy, right? true 9 2009-12-15T23:20:29+00:00 false 24 5 true 2 2009-12-15T23:20:29+00:00 Overthinking It

“It’s all about clubhead speed,” I said recently to a friend and fellow golfer. It was the first warm day in spring, and we weren’t the only ones that left the office early to hit some balls at the range. I spent much of the winter reading up on how to get more distance on my drive and was pleased to find out my friend had similar intentions. “The more you extend your arms in your backswing,” I explained, feeling quite capable of offering my counsel, “and the wider your arc, the more time and room your clubhead has to build up speed.” I went on about keeping your left arm straight, I mentioned the dreaded flying right elbow, and I even brought up the towel trick my grandfather taught me: place a towel under each armpit for proper positioning in your backswing. Now it’s been said that scrutinizing the details of routine actions uses a part of the brain that monitors behavior and impedes decisions that are normally made without thinking—too much thought can lead to second-guessing skills that have been perfected through practice. In John Lefrer’s book, “How We Decide,” he makes this point by referencing the infamous 1999 British Open at Carnoustie when tournament leader Jean Van de Velde fell apart on the finishing hole. With a three-shot lead, one miss-hit drive was followed by six more. In the end, his swing was virtually unrecognizable from those of previous holes, and a triple-bogey seven on No. 18 cost him the tournament. At the...

2009-12-28T16:25:44+00:00

4 As any golfer will tell you, ours is a sport of impossible perfection. It is an unrelenting quest, and some insist it is gained through bettering one’s mental game, while others say it is mastering the fundamentals and mechanics that will lead to perfection. Furthermore, no club or course is exempt from a similar quest for perfection. As the great debate over mental strategy versus mechanics continues, so does the deliberation about what objective qualities make a golf course truly great. In these pages, we present some of what we feel are the ultimate golf courses and destinations in the Northeast—those closest to accomplishing perfection. Trust that these golf destinations lay claim to pristine course conditions, unsurpassed club or resort facilities, and first-class service. With golf legends like Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye at the helm of so many course designs, those included have been crafted with skill and ingenuity. The best courses are challenging, each hole testing different aspects of the game. Perhaps they make you pause for a moment and consider how to play the hole strategically, as you might when teeing off on No. 14 at Cyprian Keyes where a pond is well-placed 240 yards off the tee. Then, there are the memorable holes, like Brian Silva’s signature angled fairways and greens paired with those incredible Sahara-sized waste bunkers on back nine at Red Tail. They are unforgettable holes, each leaving an impression after the final putt. The best courses are aesthetically beautiful, transforming a round of golf into a breathtaking encounter of nature's treasures. Sunday River enjoys some of the most stunning views of the Mahoosuc Mountains in the Northeast, and the lush tree-lined fairways and naturally contoured greens at Cranwell have been carefully preserved since it was first built in 1926. And the best are unique. Southers Marsh plays over a century-old cranberry bog, and Granite Links’ panoramic views of the Boston skyline are unparalleled. And to keep the dust from gathering on your clubs this winter, we’ve included a list of some of the best warm-weather courses to play this winter, courses and resorts that also meet these qualities. In the end, the unremitting quest for perfection is not about just how the game is played but where it is played as well. true 9 2009-12-15T23:16:01+00:00 false 23 6 true 2 2009-12-15T23:16:01+00:00 The Quest for Perfection

As any golfer will tell you, ours is a sport of impossible perfection. It is an unrelenting quest, and some insist it is gained through bettering one’s mental game, while others say it is mastering the fundamentals and mechanics that will lead to perfection. Furthermore, no club or course is exempt from a similar quest for perfection. As the great debate over mental strategy versus mechanics continues, so does the deliberation about what objective qualities make a golf course truly great. In these pages, we present some of what we feel are the ultimate golf courses and destinations in the Northeast—those closest to accomplishing perfection. Trust that these golf destinations lay claim to pristine course conditions, unsurpassed club or resort facilities, and first-class service. With golf legends like Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye at the helm of so many course designs, those included have been crafted with skill and ingenuity. The best courses are challenging, each hole testing different aspects of the game. Perhaps they make you pause for a moment and consider how to play the hole strategically, as you might when teeing off on No. 14 at Cyprian Keyes where a pond is well-placed 240 yards off the tee. Then, there are the memorable holes, like Brian Silva’s signature angled fairways and greens paired with those incredible Sahara-sized waste bunkers on back nine at Red Tail. They are unforgettable holes, each leaving an impression after the final putt. The best courses are aesthetically beautiful, transforming a round of golf into a breathtaking encounter...

2009-12-28T16:25:05+00:00

4 The Bamboo Grille at New Jersey’s Basking Ridge Country Club’s offers up a comfortable dining experience with island flair. With its tropical-infused menu and scenic views of the 18-hole golf course and Somerset County, the restaurant, which is open to the public, is a different concept for country club dining. Entering its fifth season, the Bamboo Grille boasts spacious outdoor seating, complete with island-style umbrellas and a large bar in the center of all the action. Patrons can watch as golfers approach the 18th green. While basking in a relaxed atmosphere, customers can indulge themselves with delicious signature dishes like Calypso Calamari ($11) and Brazilian BBQ steak ($24) and be pampered with an amiable and sincere staff. Restaurant owner Jim Finnegan has helmed several successful restaurants in New Jersey, and the Bamboo Grille is no exception. “There is no restaurant like this in the area,” says Finnegan. To further enhance the creative concept created by Jim and his team, the grille now offers a selection of some of the finest South American wines on the market. Stop in between 11 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, to sample some of these wines, now served exclusively at the Bamboo Grille. <strong>Don Baltazar Chardonnay (50%)/Viognier (50%) Blend 2006, San Juan, Argentina</strong> More than 85 percent of wines from Argentina come from the Mendoza region. The San Juan valley lies 90 miles north of Mendoza. San Juan is blessed with 300 days of sunlight and less than three inches of rain per year. Viognier (pronounced vee-o-nay) is a small French grape, which imparts floral aromas and an infusion of fresh citrus fruit in wine. What makes the Don Baltazar blend so unique is that the Chardonnay is fermented and aged inside an American oak barrel, creating a creamier Chard with hints of vanilla and spice. The Viognier is fermented and rests in a stainless steel tank, preserving the fresh aromas of flowers and fruit. Once combined, the customer is treated to a new experience. Drinkers of oakier-styled Chardonnay’s will appreciate the crispness of the Viognier, while fans of stainless steel-based Chards will uncover the pleasure of sweet spice from American oak. > Don Baltazar Chardonnay/Viognier blend pairs well with the Calypso Calamari, Citrus Caesar Salad, and the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. <strong>Vina Casa Tamaya Syrah Reserve 2006, Limari, Chile</strong> The Limari Valley is located 250 miles north of the capitol city of Santiago. More than 90 percent of Chilean wines come from central valley regions like Maipo, Rapel, Curico, or Colchagua. John Dourney, general manager of the Bamboo Grille, differentiated his South American wine list by adding Tamaya’s Syrah Reserve. Syrah, Sirah, or Shiraz (thank you Yellow Tail) are all the same grape. Tamaya’s Syrah comes from a new world country (Chile) but is crafted in an old world style (French). The wine has an intense, deep purple color with a pleasant nose of black fruit, raspberries, and vanilla. On the palate, consumers will recognize the spice associated with the Syrah grape and will savor the fruit and hint of oak. An elegant texture, smooth tannins, and a long finish make this wine a new experience. The Syrah was awarded 88 points and a best buy distinction in July’s 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast. > Tamaya’s Syrah pairs perfectly with the Filet Mignon. The tender cut of meat is served with a wild mushroom demi glace, chive mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus. true 7 2009-12-14T19:26:50+00:00 false 20 2 true 4 2009-12-14T19:26:50+00:00 Discover the grape of Chile at Basking Ridge Country Club’s Bamboo Grille

The Bamboo Grille at New Jersey’s Basking Ridge Country Club’s offers up a comfortable dining experience with island flair. With its tropical-infused menu and scenic views of the 18-hole golf course and Somerset County, the restaurant, which is open to the public, is a different concept for country club dining. Entering its fifth season, the Bamboo Grille boasts spacious outdoor seating, complete with island-style umbrellas and a large bar in the center of all the action. Patrons can watch as golfers approach the 18th green. While basking in a relaxed atmosphere, customers can indulge themselves with delicious signature dishes like Calypso Calamari ($11) and Brazilian BBQ steak ($24) and be pampered with an amiable and sincere staff. Restaurant owner Jim Finnegan has helmed several successful restaurants in New Jersey, and the Bamboo Grille is no exception. “There is no restaurant like this in the area,” says Finnegan. To further enhance the creative concept created by Jim and his team, the grille now offers a selection of some of the finest South American wines on the market. Stop in between 11 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, to sample some of these wines, now served exclusively at the Bamboo Grille. Don Baltazar Chardonnay (50%)/Viognier (50%) Blend 2006, San Juan, Argentina More than 85 percent of wines from Argentina come from the Mendoza region. The San Juan valley lies 90 miles north of Mendoza. San Juan is blessed with 300 days of sunlight and less than three inches of rain per year. Viognier (pronounced vee-o-nay) is a...

2009-12-14T19:29:20+00:00

4 Twenty-five years ago when Robert Trent Jones came to Canandaigua in the western Finger Lakes region, he looked from the hilltop site down to the lake and said, “In all the world and of all the properties I’ve seen, this one has just been waiting for a golf course.” Today this lovely rolling course stands as one of the most scenic in the state. Lying in the midst of a wine region where the rows of grapes from about 100 vineyards march down the hillsides of the Finger Lakes is the rustic yet elegant <a href="/courses/3118.html"><strong>Bristol Harbour Resort</strong></a>, which also happens to be home to Jones’s 18-hole championship golf course. The course lets golfers fully appreciate the beauty of the region while enjoying that full-service resort experience. At Bristol Harbour, play a round of golf, then relax on the patio of the lodge sipping a glass of chardonnay or merlot while the white sails of boats glide gracefully across the water below. The front nine of the Bristol Harbour Course plays like a links track with large bunkers, nasty rough, native grasses, and fickle winds. The hilly back nine winding through woods is tighter and tougher with some dramatic elevation changes. Jack Nicklaus shot a 67 at this course in 1978, playing the back nine in 34—a course record that still stands today. The par 3s are far from ho-hum taking full advantage of natural hazards starting with No. 2. Although just 146 to 184 yards, strong winds sweeping across the landscape can force the use of two or three clubs longer. Back-to-back par 5s on the front nine are especially challenging. The par-5 465-yard No. 6 requires a carry over a large pond to reach the green—don’t overshoot and find the bunkers off the back. No. 7 is a 506-yard uphill climb with a steep elevation change of 60 to 70 feet to another well-bunkered green. One of the most memorable tests, however, is the par-4 No. 14, the 410-yard signature hole. A dogleg left, on the second shot there is a 100-foot drop to green into a gorge while the fairway rolls to the left, threatening to pull the ball into the dense stand of trees. Bristol Harbour offers first-class dining in a rustic tavern setting with views of Canandaigua Lake. Stay at the 31-room Adirondack-style inn with balconies and fireplaces about a chip shot from the first tee or choose from more than 200 condominiums. true 2 2009-12-14T18:00:55+00:00 false 18 1 true 3 2009-12-14T18:00:55+00:00 Nestled in the hillsides of the Finger Lakes region is a true golfer's hideaway.

Twenty-five years ago when Robert Trent Jones came to Canandaigua in the western Finger Lakes region, he looked from the hilltop site down to the lake and said, “In all the world and of all the properties I’ve seen, this one has just been waiting for a golf course.” Today this lovely rolling course stands as one of the most scenic in the state. Lying in the midst of a wine region where the rows of grapes from about 100 vineyards march down the hillsides of the Finger Lakes is the rustic yet elegant Bristol Harbour Resort , which also happens to be home to Jones’s 18-hole championship golf course. The course lets golfers fully appreciate the beauty of the region while enjoying that full-service resort experience. At Bristol Harbour, play a round of golf, then relax on the patio of the lodge sipping a glass of chardonnay or merlot while the white sails of boats glide gracefully across the water below. The front nine of the Bristol Harbour Course plays like a links track with large bunkers, nasty rough, native grasses, and fickle winds. The hilly back nine winding through woods is tighter and tougher with some dramatic elevation changes. Jack Nicklaus shot a 67 at this course in 1978, playing the back nine in 34—a course record that still stands today. The par 3s are far from ho-hum taking full advantage of natural hazards starting with No. 2. Although just 146 to 184 yards, strong winds sweeping across the landscape can force the use...

2009-12-14T18:32:33+00:00

4 When many think of Cooperstown, N.Y., the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum often comes to mind. But there’s more to Cooperstown than just baseball, and one of the major attractions rivals the old ballgame in both history and tradition. Along the shores of Lake Otsego sits the Otesaga Resort Hotel, four stories high with beckoning white columns. Named for the Iroquois term meaning “place of meeting,” the hotel sits on land associated with the glimmerglass of James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales.” It offers 135 rooms and suites, some with lakeside views and a lushness that only a wraparound veranda and imposing Georgian architecture can provide. According to Otesaga’s sales manager Colleen Donnelly, the resort celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009, and one look at photos and drawings from its founding year makes clear that while time may change some things, the face of the 2009 Otesaga Resort Hotel has changed very little since 1909—even the configuration of the hotel ballroom with its floor to ceiling windows. For golfers, Otesaga provides a cornucopia of pleasures, including the acclaimed <a href="/courses/3177.html"><strong>Leatherstocking Golf Course</strong></a>, a traditional parkland layout that first opened when the hotel opened. Twenty years later it was redesigned by Devereaux Emmett and is a solid par 72, playing at 6,401 yards from the tips. There’s also an 11-acre driving range and professional golf instruction available. Other amenities include tennis, croquet, and the Clark Sports Center, which offers fitness classes, squash and racquetball courts, weight-training facilities, a climbing wall, and an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. For those wishing to try adjacent Lake Otsego, there’s sailing, swimming, and canoeing within sight of the hotel. And what would a total resort experience be without a spa? Only a short walk into Cooperstown village is Essential Elements Day Spa, and the Otesaga guest is certainly welcome. “Our setting is very relaxing,” Donnelly points out. “Once you park your car, you’re set with everything you need.” And that includes a tradition of elegant dining that dates back to the opening of the hotel 100 years ago. The first meal offered caviar canapés and potatoes parisienne, setting off boiled halibut and lamb chops Monte Carlo. A century later a five-course meal, including a varied wine list, continues the sense of elegance. For those with more casual dining in mind, the Hawkeye Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner. And the Templeton Lounge offers live music and dancing in the evenings. Commemorating this centennial year, golfers and non-golfers will be treated to great room packages and other special activities. “We want to make the Otesaga experience memorable for everyone,” adds Donnelly. true 6 2009-12-14T17:40:52+00:00 false 17 1 true 3 2009-12-14T17:40:52+00:00 After 100 years, the Otesaga Resort still offers its guests a classic sense of elegance and relaxed stay.

When many think of Cooperstown, N.Y., the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum often comes to mind. But there’s more to Cooperstown than just baseball, and one of the major attractions rivals the old ballgame in both history and tradition. Along the shores of Lake Otsego sits the Otesaga Resort Hotel, four stories high with beckoning white columns. Named for the Iroquois term meaning “place of meeting,” the hotel sits on land associated with the glimmerglass of James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales.” It offers 135 rooms and suites, some with lakeside views and a lushness that only a wraparound veranda and imposing Georgian architecture can provide. According to Otesaga’s sales manager Colleen Donnelly, the resort celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009, and one look at photos and drawings from its founding year makes clear that while time may change some things, the face of the 2009 Otesaga Resort Hotel has changed very little since 1909—even the configuration of the hotel ballroom with its floor to ceiling windows. For golfers, Otesaga provides a cornucopia of pleasures, including the acclaimed Leatherstocking Golf Course , a traditional parkland layout that first opened when the hotel opened. Twenty years later it was redesigned by Devereaux Emmett and is a solid par 72, playing at 6,401 yards from the tips. There’s also an 11-acre driving range and professional golf instruction available. Other amenities include tennis, croquet, and the Clark Sports Center, which offers fitness classes, squash and racquetball courts, weight-training facilities, a climbing wall, and an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool....

2009-12-14T17:49:37+00:00

4 Dec. 12, 2009: Following the much-talked-about release of the LPGA’s 24 tour stops for 2010—the smallest LPGA tour schedule in years—the LPGA announced the launch of a new tournament, The Mojo 6, to be held April 15-16, 2010 at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Although not an official LPGA event, it is sanctioned by the LPGA. Sixteen top players, including Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, and Suzann Pettersen, will compete for a $1 million purse in a new tournament format called Raceway Golf™ (a series of six-hole matches played over two days where eight face elimination at the end of the first day). The event will be aired on CBS. true 11 2009-12-11T14:25:00+00:00 false 12 true 14 2009-12-12T00:00:00+00:00 2009-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Dec. 12, 2009: Following the much-talked-about release of the LPGA’s 24 tour stops for 2010—the smallest LPGA tour schedule in years—the LPGA announced the launch of a new tournament, The Mojo 6, to be held April 15-16, 2010 at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course at Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Although not an official LPGA event, it is sanctioned by the LPGA. Sixteen top players, including Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, and Suzann Pettersen, will compete for a $1 million purse in a new tournament format called Raceway Golf™ (a series of six-hole matches played over two days where eight face elimination at the end of the first day). The event will be aired on CBS.

2009-12-13T20:41:38+00:00

4 With pockets for shoes, gloves, and balls, a removable laundry bag, and a nylon carrying strap, <a href="http://www.bagboycompany.com" class="external"><strong>Bag Boy’s soft-shell T-1000 </strong></a> may be the only piece of luggage needed for travel. $169.95. <a href="http://www.sunmountain.com" class="external"><strong>Sun Mountain's ClibGlider Meridian</strong></a>: The legs of this bag retract for storage, and wheels on the legs and base ensure ease of travel. Dense foam padding and reinforced wear areas will help keep golf clubs safe. $299. <a href="http://www.izzo.com" class="external"><strong>Izzo Golf’s High Roller™ travel cover</strong></a>, a nylon hybrid bag, offers greater versatility and easily folds to 15 inches. Wheels on its base allow for easy transport, and the bag comes with a club protection guarantee that will have clubs re-shafted with the original shaft if broken during air travel. $179.99. <a href="http://www.clubglove.com" class="external"><strong>Club Glove’s Burst Proof 2 travel bag</strong></a> with wheels is made of durable Codura® fabric and features a plastic wheel base, two interior shoe pockets, foam padding, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. $199. true 11 2009-12-09T17:46:50+00:00 false 11 true 5 2009-12-09T17:46:50+00:00 Traveling by air? Then a golf club travel bag for your clubs is a must.

With pockets for shoes, gloves, and balls, a removable laundry bag, and a nylon carrying strap, Bag Boy’s soft-shell T-1000 may be the only piece of luggage needed for travel. $169.95. Sun Mountain's ClibGlider Meridian : The legs of this bag retract for storage, and wheels on the legs and base ensure ease of travel. Dense foam padding and reinforced wear areas will help keep golf clubs safe. $299. Izzo Golf’s High Roller™ travel cover , a nylon hybrid bag, offers greater versatility and easily folds to 15 inches. Wheels on its base allow for easy transport, and the bag comes with a club protection guarantee that will have clubs re-shafted with the original shaft if broken during air travel. $179.99. Club Glove’s Burst Proof 2 travel bag with wheels is made of durable Codura® fabric and features a plastic wheel base, two interior shoe pockets, foam padding, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. $199.

2009-12-11T20:22:38+00:00

4 Nine-hole golf courses are often someone’s afterthought, where land was developed into a golf course, but not enough land was available to offer a full 18 holes. A general consensus is that nine-hole courses are a good place to practice, won’t cost an arm and a leg, and offer somewhat of a mini-golf experience. Most of this, however, is inoperative when applied to the nine-hole facility at the Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club near Saugerties, N.Y. “I saw this wonderful piece of land and thought it had great potential,” says Tony Bacchi, who owns Lazy Swan with his wife, Joanne. “I wanted this to be a spectacular golf course, and I think we’ve done it.” Bacchi, who had no golf course experience but a great love for beauty and aesthetics, searched for a golf architect who shared his sentiments. “Someone suggested Barry Jordan,” says Bacchi, “so I looked on his Web site, and I could see immediately he had a fine eye.” Jordan grew up on a Donald Ross golf course and admits to being influenced by the great Scottish golf architect. “I try to work forms like cut bunkers into the landscape just like Ross,” Jordan says. “I like my lines to be as graceful and understated as possible—and no mounding.” Jordan applied Ross’s philosophy to Lazy Swan. “Ross generally set fairway bunkers that seemed easy to carry from the tee but definitely added to course visuals,” says Jordon, noting that Lazy Swan has 15 fairway bunkers spread across its nine holes. And like a Donald Ross design, “the throats of the greens are open.” But if anyone is looking for a signature hole, they won’t find it here. Neither Jordan nor Bacchi feel comfortable singling one out as so many courses do. “I don’t design that way,” Jordan makes clear. Bacchi adds, “It’s the greens that set this course apart.” Yet both mention the No. 6, a 173-yard par-3 uphill with a water carry, as a particular delight. “The prevailing wind is across,” Jordan says, “and in the background above the trees and the green is a beautiful white steeple that’s lit up at night.” While the course has some length, it doesn’t rely on distance to make its challenge. The longest hole is the 530-yard par-5 seventh where water spills out of a rock outcropping giving a waterfall effect, and the fairway skirts adjoining ponds from tee to green. “I try to use water more as a visual than a strategic element,” Jordan adds, but a pushed drive or fairway wood will still find the hazard here. Water does come into play on six holes, and from the clubhouse all greens are visible. “I wanted to create an intimate golf course,” Jordan says. And he did. true 6 2009-12-08T19:52:31+00:00 false 9 1 true 3 2009-12-08T19:52:31+00:00 This Hudson Valley course embodies careful planning, aesthetic development, and serious golf.

Nine-hole golf courses are often someone’s afterthought, where land was developed into a golf course, but not enough land was available to offer a full 18 holes. A general consensus is that nine-hole courses are a good place to practice, won’t cost an arm and a leg, and offer somewhat of a mini-golf experience. Most of this, however, is inoperative when applied to the nine-hole facility at the Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club near Saugerties, N.Y. “I saw this wonderful piece of land and thought it had great potential,” says Tony Bacchi, who owns Lazy Swan with his wife, Joanne. “I wanted this to be a spectacular golf course, and I think we’ve done it.” Bacchi, who had no golf course experience but a great love for beauty and aesthetics, searched for a golf architect who shared his sentiments. “Someone suggested Barry Jordan,” says Bacchi, “so I looked on his Web site, and I could see immediately he had a fine eye.” Jordan grew up on a Donald Ross golf course and admits to being influenced by the great Scottish golf architect. “I try to work forms like cut bunkers into the landscape just like Ross,” Jordan says. “I like my lines to be as graceful and understated as possible—and no mounding.” Jordan applied Ross’s philosophy to Lazy Swan. “Ross generally set fairway bunkers that seemed easy to carry from the tee but definitely added to course visuals,” says Jordon, noting that Lazy Swan has 15 fairway bunkers spread across its nine holes. And like...

2009-12-09T16:20:03+00:00

4 Check out our picks for the holiday's best golf towels, polos, gadgets, and more! <a href="http://www.shop.puma.com" class="external"><strong>PUMA Yarn-Dye golf polo</strong></a> ($65) for men wicks moisture away and also offers UV protection. <a href="http://www.xikar.com" class="external"><strong>XIKAR Xi3 Amboina Cigar Cutter</strong></a> ($99), shown here in redwood polish, features a unique, ergonomic teardrop shape and a double-guillotine action for seamless cutting. <a href="http://www.sunice.com" class="external"><strong>Sunice Ultimate V2 jacket</strong></a>, $500, is part of the Hurricane Collection and features a Gore-Tex® two-layer performance shell, X-Static® stretch lining, wrist rain channel, in-pocket ball cleaner, and full-stretch back panel. <a href="http://sumi-g.com" class="external"><strong>Sumi-G Headcovers</strong></a> ($28-$38) offer clubhead and shaft protection. Their sleek design and mechanical closure make them easy to take on and off clubs. <a href="http://www.finetunegolf.com" class="external"><strong>Fine Tune Golf’s RoboCup</strong></a> ($59.95) ball return robot fits into a real golf hole on the green and returns the ball back up to 14 ft. Combined with the Caddy Cord (included), and even missed putts come back, which means less time chasing balls and more time working on your putting. <a href="http://www.peakvisionsports.com" class="external"><strong>PeakVision Sports ZK Series sunglasses</strong></a> ($209; Rx $469) feature Dual-Zone/Zero-Distortion™ lens technology, combining two filters in one lens: an upper zone that reduces sun and glare, and a lower zone that enhances contrast to help read the green. Their smudge-free scratch protection quality is also a plus on the course. <a href="http://www.ruletwentyone.com" class="external"><strong>Ruletwentyone back-pocket golf towel</strong></a> ($10) by Rule Golf is lightweight in design and combines an ultra-absorbent and eco-friendly bamboo terry layer with a waterproof shell that’s always within reach. true 11 2009-12-08T16:29:53+00:00 false 8 true 5 2009-12-08T16:29:53+00:00 Surprise the golfer in your family with these last-minute holiday gift ideas.

Check out our picks for the holiday's best golf towels, polos, gadgets, and more! PUMA Yarn-Dye golf polo ($65) for men wicks moisture away and also offers UV protection. XIKAR Xi3 Amboina Cigar Cutter ($99), shown here in redwood polish, features a unique, ergonomic teardrop shape and a double-guillotine action for seamless cutting. Sunice Ultimate V2 jacket , $500, is part of the Hurricane Collection and features a Gore-Tex® two-layer performance shell, X-Static® stretch lining, wrist rain channel, in-pocket ball cleaner, and full-stretch back panel. Sumi-G Headcovers ($28-$38) offer clubhead and shaft protection. Their sleek design and mechanical closure make them easy to take on and off clubs. Fine Tune Golf’s RoboCup ($59.95) ball return robot fits into a real golf hole on the green and returns the ball back up to 14 ft. Combined with the Caddy Cord (included), and even missed putts come back, which means less time chasing balls and more time working on your putting. PeakVision Sports ZK Series sunglasses ($209; Rx $469) feature Dual-Zone/Zero-Distortion™ lens technology, combining two filters in one lens: an upper zone that reduces sun and glare, and a lower zone that enhances contrast to help read the green. Their smudge-free scratch protection quality is also a plus on the course. Ruletwentyone back-pocket golf towel ($10) by Rule Golf is lightweight in design and combines an ultra-absorbent and eco-friendly bamboo terry layer with a waterproof shell that’s always within reach.

574 2009-12-28T16:02:16+00:00

4 When Allentown native Jason Lenhart started his golf career at Sky Top in the Poconos, little did he know he’d be back in the area two decades later working at a layout located higher than some ski slopes. But as general manager at <a href="/courses/4187.html"><strong>Jack Frost National Golf Club</strong></a>, that’s the case. The course sits above the Jack Frost ski area—the 10th tee, at 2,024 feet, is the highest point—and architect Terry LaGree took full advantage of the unique piece of mountain property. “What sets us apart is the way the course flows,” says Lenhart. “It’s a newer, more modern design, and you’re not distracted by other holes from the one you are on. I really think the elevation movement and the green complexes are also very unique.” Those mostly downhill elevation changes begin on the first tee, which tumbles dramatically to the green and continues on a pair of photogenic par 3s: the third and the 11th, which drops 80 feet from tee to green. There are some notable uphill exceptions however, like the ninth, a long and strong par 5, as well as the 13th and 15th. During last year’s first full season, Jack Frost National hosted approximately 15,000 rounds. “Our superintendent, Bryan Nuss, did an exceptional job getting the course prepared,” adds Lenhart. “There were still some areas that needed to grow in, but we took the time to expedite those, and now it’s ready. The front nine was the first side built, so that was a bit ahead in terms of conditioning, but now we have the full 18 in very good shape.” The course is the latest addition to a roster of stellar area tracks, a number of which have joined together to promote the Poconos as a golf destination. “This year we’re fully loaded,” says Lenhart. “We have the playing conditions where we want them. We’ve removed all the, ‘I can’t wait until this will be great, but when?’ comments. We’ve answered that question now for the most part. It should be a good year.” true 12 2009-12-07T20:59:34+00:00 false 7 5 true 3 2009-12-07T20:59:34+00:00 Offering up some of the best views in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains.

When Allentown native Jason Lenhart started his golf career at Sky Top in the Poconos, little did he know he’d be back in the area two decades later working at a layout located higher than some ski slopes. But as general manager at Jack Frost National Golf Club , that’s the case. The course sits above the Jack Frost ski area—the 10th tee, at 2,024 feet, is the highest point—and architect Terry LaGree took full advantage of the unique piece of mountain property. “What sets us apart is the way the course flows,” says Lenhart. “It’s a newer, more modern design, and you’re not distracted by other holes from the one you are on. I really think the elevation movement and the green complexes are also very unique.” Those mostly downhill elevation changes begin on the first tee, which tumbles dramatically to the green and continues on a pair of photogenic par 3s: the third and the 11th, which drops 80 feet from tee to green. There are some notable uphill exceptions however, like the ninth, a long and strong par 5, as well as the 13th and 15th. During last year’s first full season, Jack Frost National hosted approximately 15,000 rounds. “Our superintendent, Bryan Nuss, did an exceptional job getting the course prepared,” adds Lenhart. “There were still some areas that needed to grow in, but we took the time to expedite those, and now it’s ready. The front nine was the first side built, so that was a bit ahead in terms of conditioning,...

2009-12-11T16:05:10+00:00