Pocono Mountains Golf Courses Prepped for 2009 Season

Four-county Northeastern Pennsylvania Golf Destination Features Classic and Modern Golf Courses, Fine Dining, Spas, Much More

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania) – With spring in the air, golf courses across the Pocono Mountains have begun welcoming golfers for the 2009 season. Many facilities have already opened their fairways, while others are applying the finishing touches to prepare for a busy year.

“Spring is a very exciting time here in the Pocono Mountains and avid golfers have been anxiously awaiting another action-packed golf season,” says Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “From classic courses to modern gems, we take great pride in knowing this destination offers something for every taste.”

Opening dates of the Pocono Mountains courses for the 2009 season are contingent on weather. Please call individual courses for specific information:
* Cherry Valley Golf Course: Open; 570-421-1350
* Country Club at Woodloch Springs: Open; 570-685-8102
* Hideaway Hills Golf Club: Open; 610-681-6000
* Jack Frost National: Open; 866-268-5503
* Mountain Laurel Golf Club: Open; 570-443-7424
* Red Maple: Open; 570-937-4543
* Skytop Lodge: Open (First 9 holes) 570-595-8910
* Water Gap Country Club: Open; 570-476-0300
* Evergreen Golf Club: Open; 570-421-7721
* Glen Brook Golf Club: Open; 570-421-3680
* Mountain Manor Golf Club: Open; 570-223-1290
* Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort: Open; 570-424-4000
* Buck Hill Golf Club: Early April; 570-595-7730
* Country Club of the Poconos: April 1; 570-223-8099
* Fernwood Hotel & Resort: April 3; 570-588-9500
* Lake Naomi Club: April 3; 570-646-9191
* Split Rock Resort & Golf Club: April 3; 570-722-9111
* Inn at Pocono Manor: First weekend in April; 570-839-7111
* Pocono Palace Golf Course: Mid-April; 570-588-6692
* Tamiment Golf Club: April 15; 570-588-6652
* Mount Airy Casino Resort Golf Club: Late April; 877-532-0345

Courses throughout the Pocono Mountains are offering value-laden packages and early-season rates as the golf season opens. A complete list of Pocono Mountains golf courses and links to individual Web sites can be found at www.poconosgolf.com.

The Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret, offers layouts from the Golden Age of golf course design to expansive tracks from well-respected contemporary architects. From A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross to the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, the best in the business have lent their genius to this mountain oasis. Championship courses that challenge the best golfer to alternatives that are both economical and less imposing for the beginner, await the traveling golfer.

Combined with the close proximity of New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey, the Pocono Mountains have increased in popularity over recent seasons. Due in large part to the economy, golfers are electing to remain closer to home rather than incur the rising travel costs and overcrowded fairways at other destinations. Instead of checking extra luggage, boarding planes and waiting in lines, smart golfers are making the short, scenic drive and teeing off on one of the conveniently located Pocono Mountains courses.

For more information on the area, visit www.800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Yes! Golf Offers Bio-degradable Grip, Club, Shoe, Bag Wipes

(DENVER) - Yes! Golf introduces eco-friendly, fully bio-degradable Rebrite Golf Grip and Club Cleaner and Shoe and Bag Cleaner.

The Grip and Club Cleaner goes deep into the pores of the grip and lifts out the grime and dirt returning the tackiness back into the grip and allowing it to feel and look like new. The shaft and club head gleams and maintains the performance of the club. The Grip and Club Cleaner is packaged in a one-round resealable pack of 10 wipes for suggested retail $3.99 or a 50 wipe tub for a suggested retail of $9.99.

The Shoe and Bag Cleaner has a different formula. Not only does it clean but it seals and protects (like a non-stick pan) leaving a wax coating. The second time you use it you will never go back to your old shoe cleaner again. The Shoe and Bag Cleaner works on all leather, leatherette, leather-coated and synthetics. It is packaged in tubs of 50 wipes for a suggested retail of $9.99. It's called a Shoe and Bag Cleaner but it works on everything related such as belts, purses, wallets and boots.

The Grip and Club Cleaner and Shoe and Bag Clearner make a great gift pack. They also give tournaments and charity organizations an opportunity to offer a very unique gift to their clients that is environmentally friendly and very reasonable priced.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Industry Veteran Returns to Team at Rocky Gap

Four-Diamond Western Maryland Resort is Home to State’s Only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

(CUMBERLAND, Md.) – Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort – home to the state’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course – today announces David Sanderson has returned to the AAA Four-Diamond resort to head the sales and marketing department. Sanderson previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing between 2002 and 2005.

“David Sanderson is a well-respected and experienced resort veteran and brings a great deal of knowledge and dedication to our team at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort,” says General Manager Tim Grambley. “Both our resort team and our guests will benefit from his vast experience in the industry. He has an extensive and successful track record in community involvement and leadership that will also be welcome additions.”

Prior to rejoining Rocky Gap, Sanderson served as an industry consultant. “We have used David extensively in consulting assignments for the past year from coast to coast. We are delighted he has agreed to return to Rocky Gap in a full time role,” says Vicki Denfeld, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Crestline Hotels and Resorts. He’s also had extensive experience as General Manager – overseeing day-to-day operations at Mission Point Resort (Mackinac Island, Mich.) and Crowne Plaza (Harrisburg, Pa.).

Rocky Gap’s award-winning golf course – given 4 Stars by Golf Digest – is a design masterpiece that features two unique playing experiences. The par-72 track features a front nine that weaves its way along the mountainside and boasts dramatic elevation changes, while the back nine features expansive, gently rolling fairways and scenic vistas with breathtaking views of the wooded splendor.

Conveniently located within two hours of Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington D.C., the all-inclusive resort sits at the gateway to Rocky Gap State Park and is nestled at the base of Evitts Mountain, on the pristine shores of Lake Habeeb. Rocky Gap offers value-laden packages ranging from golf and spa to family recreation.

For more information on those packages and the resort, visit www.rockygapresort.com or call 800-724-0828.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Longaberger Voted No. 1 in Ohio by Golfweek Magazine

Acclaimed Arthur Hills Central Ohio Design Offers Championship Golf, First-Class Amenities

(NASHPORT, Ohio) – Longaberger Golf Club is honored to announce that it has been named No. 1 in Golfweek Magazine’s “America’s Best Courses You Can Play 2009” in Ohio.

While many golf courses begin to show their age at the 10-year mark, Longaberger Golf Club continues to shine as the state’s top layout. Located near Columbus, the club places great emphasis on ensuring top-quality conditions and service, a reflection of its owner, The Longaberger Company, America’s premier maker of handcrafted baskets and provider of other home and lifestyle products.

Longaberger, a family-owned company led by CEO Tami Longaberger, has a long-standing reputation of providing exceptional value and the highest-quality products and services. Under Tami Longaberger’s leadership, the company has launched initiatives to expand its investment in American craftsmanship and deliver a tradition of excellence that is unmatched.

This overriding dictate is not lost on golf course critics. Longaberger Golf Club has racked up more awards in its nine previous seasons than most courses see in a lifetime. And in this, its 10th anniversary year, an unparalleled experience remains the standard.

“Being recognized as one of the finest golf courses in Ohio speaks volumes about the design and day-to-day commitment to superiority at Longaberger Golf Club,” says Joseph Livingood, Senior Vice President of Billy Casper Golf, which manages Longaberger Golf Club. “Ohio has an incredible wealth of stellar courses, so we’re very honored that Golfweek chose this course as the state’s very best.”

Longaberger Golf Club, which was designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills and opened in 1999, boasts panoramic natural beauty, rolling hills and immaculate playing conditions. A 25-acre natural grass driving range and practice facility, with target greens and a chipping, pitching and bunker area, ensures golfers of any skill level can hone their games in a secluded, finely-appointed setting.

The Golfweek rankings were based on routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management, overall impressionability and other criteria. Hundreds of raters spent months examining thousands of courses nationwide to determine its prestigious “Best-of” list.

Recently named the country’s No. 4 course overall in GolfWorld magazine’s inaugural “Readers’ Choice Rankings” in the category “Top 50 Public Courses,” Longaberger Golf Club also ranks No. 57 in the United States (out of roughly 13,500 public-access courses) in GOLF Magazine’s 2008 “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list.

It is also at the hub of a vibrant, greater-Columbus area golf destination that includes several other highly regarded daily-fee courses. People can stay at Longaberger’s hotel – The Place Off The Square – and have a choice of layouts to play in addition to Longaberger.

For more information about Longaberger Golf Club, or to reserve a tee time, visit www.longabergergolfclub.com or call 740.763.1100.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Oakes Hotel Announces Golf Packages

(NIAGARA FALLS) - The Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada has teamed up with the best golf courses in Niagara Falls to offer Niagara Falls golf hotel packages at very reasonable per person rates.

These packages include Niagara Falls hotel accommodations at The Oakes, which offers the best view of Niagara Falls in the city from Fallsview Niagara Falls hotel rooms. Each golf package is custom built by trained reservation specialists which ensures maximum value for the guest.

These Niagara Falls golf packages include one or two nights of Niagara Falls hotel accommodations at the Oakes, breakfast at the on-site Applebee's Grill & Bar, and dinner at Remington's of Niagara - Niagara Falls' Award winning Steak and seafood restaurant. Remington's offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and is home to an important collection of prized, bronze Remington sculptures purchased from the estate of Jack Daniel's in Florida.

Guests purchasing the Niagara Falls golf package also have the choice of golfing at two-of-four handpicked golf courses in Niagara Falls Canada. These courses include Grand Niagara, Legends on the Niagara, Whirlpool Golf Course, and John Daly's Thundering Waters.

All of these Niagara Falls golf courses offer world class golf at mixed levels of difficulty, so there are courses for every level of golfer.

Also, guests booking a Niagara Falls golf hotel package at The Oakes Hotel are guaranteed substantial savings over booking meals, golf, and a hotel room separately. Rates for these hotel packages start at only $149 (Canadian) per golfer.

The Oakes Hotel is located directly in front of Niagara Falls and is the closest hotel in Niagara Falls to the spectacular Niagara Falls Waterfall. Fallsview rooms at the Oakes offer guests a completely unobstructed view of the natural wonder of the world - Niagara Falls. Next door to The Oakes is the famous Fallsview Casino Resort.

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Canadian Rockies Golf Properties Unveil Enhancements, Brand-New Amenities for 2009

World-Class Alberta Hotels, Resorts and Golf Clubs Offer 135 Golf Holes in Unspoiled Mountain Setting

(ALBERTA, Canada) – The Canadian Rockies golf and resort-lifestyle consortium – a collection of six acclaimed properties with breathtaking mountain golf and an elevated lifestyle experience – announces new course features, unique facility upgrades and rates for the 2009 season, furthering the allure of this world-class destination.

The six properties – Canmore Golf & Curling Club, The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Kananaskis Country Golf Course, Silvertip Resort and Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club – have chosen the tag line “Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.” which reflects the area’s attributes, activities and resort lifestyle amenities.

On-course enhancements are highlighted by Canmore’s remodeling of the approach to two of its holes – the 1st and 10th – with a brand-new entrance at 18. Kananaskis has added an entire fleet of Club Car carts for improved access on both its Mt. Kidd and Mt. Lorette courses, while Stewart Creek created a Director of Instruction position responsible for coordinating lessons and clinics. This role comes a year after the facility constructed a new clubhouse, golf shop, practice green and concession area.

“Each of our six courses are unique – whether it be the abundant wildlife that roam free, hundreds of challenging bunkers, or playing atop the majestic mountain scenery – but the one unifying thread is to provide a memorable, life-changing golf experience,” says K. Gordon Schultz, spokesman for the Canadian Rockies consortium. “In addition to the spectacular golf, the Canadian Rockies feature a plethora of outdoor activities and summertime daylight hours as late as 11pm so guests truly get the most out of their visit.”

At Silvertip, golfers will find one of the area’s most environmentally sound courses, as it recently earned one of four prestigious GCSAA/Golf Digest awards given worldwide for ecological stewardship, (Stewart Creek previously won this esteemed award). The two Fairmont properties – Banff and Jasper – continue to uphold exceptional standards of excellence on classic courses designed by the great Stanley Thompson.

Off-the-course, visitors will find enhanced clubhouse facilities at Silvertip and Canmore. The former continues to grow its 600-acre Stone Creek Resorts Club by building additional world-class living and resort-rental accommodations while the latter has augmented its kitchen, washrooms and comfortable dining areas. Golfers will find a variety of delicious dining options from first-rate chefs at all of the Canadian Rockies golf consortium members.

“Canadian Rockies Golf” is defined by historic, top-rated courses designed by iconic architects such as Thompson and Robert Trent Jones. It also features stunning modern layouts by talented designers Les Furber and Gary Browning. Hence, a mix of alluring classical- and alpine-style routings complement one another and enhance golfers’ experiences.

What people are increasingly discovering, however, are the proximity of these properties to one another as well as the combined wealth of resort and lifestyle options accessible by Calgary and Edmonton airports – from international and commercial to regional and private. This allows visitors to conveniently come and go, and to mention obtain desired tee times and other activity reservations all while enjoying majestic mountain-view scenery spliced by glacier-fed tributaries.

To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit http://www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca/. Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages. Or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Territory Adds Talented Golf Professional to Staff

Stephen Thomas Brings Instructional Background, Myriad Member Services to Oklahoma’s Premier Golf and Residential Community

(Southwest Oklahoma) – The Territory Golf and Country Club – an award-winning residential development outside of the quaint, progressive town of Duncan – today announces the addition of Stephen Thomas to its golf staff. Thomas joins the club as an Assistant Golf Professional.

A native of nearby Marlow, Thomas attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Currently working on Level 2 of the three-level PGA Professional Golf Management program, Thomas began his golf career at Kickingbird Golf Course, where he conducted junior golf lessons and camps, before expanding his clientele and joining Oak Tree Country Club.

“We’re thrilled to add a young, enthusiastic golf professional to our team here at The Territory,” says General Manager Tim Johnson. “Stephen’s passion lies in teaching the game of golf and helping golfers reach their goals of breaking 100, 90, 80 or even just adding a few yards to their drives.”

A modified target-style layout designed by Randy Heckenkemper, The Territory features multiple tees to accommodate any skill level, and a state-of-the-art practice facility and three-hole short course where Thomas, Johnson and Head Golf Professional Donavan Grahn conduct instruction for those looking to improve their game.

Named a Top 50 Residential Course by Golfweek and one of Oklahoma’s best courses by Golf Digest, The Territory recently expanded its stay-and-play packages with a third on-site home to host visitors. The luxurious, graciously appointed accommodations feature two-to-four spacious bedrooms, living room, full kitchen and baths.

A growing residential development where organic architecture – wood, windows, stone, light and natural elements – themes prevail, The Territory is flush with amenities like the Prairie House – headed by Chef Keith Zinke – and myriad outdoor activities. The setting is golf-first, as opposed to many properties where homes encroach on the course, and the game remains the focus from the first tee shot to the final putt.

For more information on The Territory, call 580.475.0075 or visit www.territorygolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Golfweek Magazine Votes Circling Raven Golf Club No. 1 in Idaho

Award-Winning Amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel Garners Top Distinction for its Design, Natural Setting, Course Conditions and Other Attributes

(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club – the decorated amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel in the Idaho panhandle near Spokane – was voted as the very best golf course in increasingly golf-rich Idaho in the 2009 Golfweek ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-by-state rankings which were unveiled this week.

Hundreds of Golfweek raters reviewed courses throughout America to identify the best in each state. They examined overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria.

All five Idaho courses awarded with the best-in-state distinction are members of the Idaho Golf Trail (towns in parenthesis):
1. Circling Raven (Worley)
2. Coeur d'Alene Resort (Coeur d'Alene)
3. Whitetail GC (McCall)
4. Sun Valley GC (Sun Valley)
5. BanBury GC (Eagle)

Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and designed by Golf Course Architect Gene Bates, Circling Raven honors its people by its success, quality and paying homage to the tribe’s heritage and culture.

“Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel are honored by this distinction from Golfweek,” says CDA Casino Resort CEO David Lasarte-Meeks. “We built the course as an amenity to our resort, to honor the land and our people. That we’re recognized as a top course is very gratifying and is consistent with our mission to offer our guests an exceptional resort experience.”

This is the latest award garnered by Circling Raven, which has accumulated 39 since its first full season (2004). Recent honors bestowed upon Circling Raven include:
* Top 100 Courses You Can Play 2008-09 (out of nearly 13,500 U.S. public-access courses) – GOLF Magazine
* Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 4) – Golf Digest
* Top U.S. Resort Courses – Golfweek Magazine 2008
* America's Top Golf Courses - Zagat Survey 2007-08 rankings
* No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America - Native American Casino Magazine 2008
* Top 36 Resort Courses in the West – Fairways + Greens Magazine 2008
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – PGA of America Northwest Section 2008
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – Inland Empire Chapter of the PGA 2008
* Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor

For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel call 1-800-523-2464 or visit www.circlingraven.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pine Lakes CC Reopens after Major Renovation Project

(Myrtle Beach, SC) - Pine Lakes Country Club reopened this week after a 20-month, $15 million-project by Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. The renovation project honors the past by preserving much of the historic course's routing and design, while also incorporating forward-thinking golf industry technology by grassing the course with environmentally friendly SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum grass.

The Pine Lakes renovation began in November 2006 with the vision of restoring the golf course as closely as possible to architect Robert White's original 1927 specifications for the course, then known as the Ocean Forest Country Club. Over the years, routing changes made by various golf course architects deviated from the original design. Course owners Burroughs & Chapin brought in nationally-known golf restoration architect Craig Schreiner to bring the course back as closely as possible to its intended layout. Schreiner preserved 16 of Pine Lakes' original 18 corridors, utilizing a strategic golf architecture style similar to White's philosophy; the more risks taken by the golfer, the better the scoring opportunities. Schreiner and his staff made many improvements to enhance the playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.

Because of Burroughs & Chapin's desire to be in tune with today's environmentally friendly attitudes towards golf, the owner and architect planted SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum grass on all of the playing surfaces including greens, fairways, tees and roughs.

SeaDwarf turfgrass is considered to be environmentally friendly because it requires less water and less fertilizer than many traditional warm-season turfgrass varieties. And though potable water may be used for irrigation on the grass, it is not necessary. SeaDwarf may be irrigated with alternative water sources such as effluent or brackish water. In fact, SeaDwarf is so salt tolerant that salt may be used to kill weeds.

The SeaDwarf planted at Pine Lakes was grown and harvested by Modern Turf in Rembert, South Carolina, and delivered to the golf course site. Modern Turf is a licensed producer of SeaDwarf under the auspices of Environmental Turf, Inc, the Florida-based company that markets the grass and licenses sod producers to grow it around the world.

"Water issues are everywhere these days. The entire East Coast is experiencing more restrictions on water use, particularly of potable water," said Hank Kerfoot, president of Modern Turf. "There is little reason to believe that anybody's irrigation water quality will improve or even stay the same in the years to come. All the well water within fifty miles of the coast is being infiltrated by the ocean. The ability of this grass to use brackish and reclaimed effluent water will go a long way toward helping not only Pine Lakes but any other paspalum grower become more environmentally friendly. The ability for SeaDwarf to survive with limited amounts of nitrogen fertilizer will also be a big environmental plus."

While SeaDwarf has been used extensively on golf courses around the world, from Egypt to South Africa to Mexico, and domestically in warm-season climates such as Florida, Georgia, California and Texas, the installation of SeaDwarf® in Myrtle Beach at Pine Lakes marks the furthest north the grass has been planted in the continental United States.

"This hopefully marks the beginning of a new era for grasses for the Grand Strand," Modern Turf's Kerfoot said. "In an admittedly conservative industry where nobody wants to be "the guinea pig", Pine Lakes has made a bold statement of their commitment to the future of golf and turfgrass in the Myrtle Beach arena… it will be a lot easier for other courses to observe the success of this project and choose to make the leap themselves."

Kerfoot worked extensively with Randy Allen of Burroughs & Chapin, and with Alan Jarvis, superintendent at Pine Lakes, to help in the decision to choose SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum as the new grass for the golf course renovation.

"Randy Allen and Allan Jarvis did more research on paspalum than you could possibly imagine. I have no doubt that they made the right decision for this golf course," Kerfoot said. "They have learned through their research and the actual planting and establishment of SeaDwarf that this is not like any other grass. They are also fully aware that the "wow factor" is about to kick in.

"When the golfing public sees the paspalum thriving this summer, striped up in its lush green splendor, they will know they have seen something different - and better. That is sort-of the wonder of this grass. We get so caught up in explaining the environmental strengths of this grass we sometimes forget to stop and say 'oh yea, by the way this is the most beautiful grass you have ever seen.'"

Throughout the restoration project, Burroughs & Chapin also envisioned conveying the grandeur and regal stature of the once-great Ocean Forest Hotel to the new Pine Lakes Clubhouse. Featuring a Dorothy Draper "Great Gatsby-esque" design, the clubhouse is an ideal setting for golfers to relax with a beverage after play, as well as hosting lavish weddings, receptions, birthday celebrations, holiday galas, family reunions and business or social functions.

An antebellum clubhouse designed by Henry Bacon McKoy after he completed the Lincoln Memorial, the design and integrity of the Pine Lakes Clubhouse was saved including the Snug Pub, the meeting place of the Time Inc. editors in 1954 when they visited Pine Lakes to play golf and plan for a new weekly sports publication, Sports Illustrated. The two magnificent Pine Lakes ballrooms, the site of countless weddings and parties since 1927, were restored and will again host a variety of social events. The rich history and tradition of Pine Lakes is now on display in the new History Hall, which features memorabilia and artifacts from the club's first days.

A new 6,000 square foot wing was added to the perimeter of the clubhouse to house the pro shop and locker rooms, the Robert White Pub, the grill kitchen, an outside patio, the cart barn and swimming pool. Just off the clubhouse is the Garden at Pine Lakes, a private area that will also be used for weddings and events, with the golf course as a backdrop. Recently established is the new Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame that honors those that helped build Myrtle Beach into the "Golf Capital of the World."

"Restoring and preserving Pine Lakes to its former glory days and history as a premier golf destination on the East Coast was important to Burroughs & Chapin as not only an investment for the future, but also as a place for many generations to enjoy," said Jim Rosenberg, president and CEO of Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. "Pine Lakes not only holds a special place as a golf legend but also in sports history as the birthplace of Sports Illustrated and the Myrtle Beach community."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort Opens Nicklaus Signature Course for 2009

Acclaimed Western Maryland Golf Resort, a AAA Four Diamond Property, Enhances Course, Increases Golf Shop Offerings

(CUMBERLAND, MD) – Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort – home to the state’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course – has opened for play with enhanced conditions and additions to golf operations.

A AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort, Rocky Gap was recently designated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” due to the ongoing program to protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of golf. In attaining this prominent certification, Rocky Gap successfully maintains sound environmental management practices in six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and water quality management.

“Warm weather has already made its presence felt here in Maryland and the golf course is ready for play,” says General Manager Tim Grambley. “Our staff on and off the course have been working diligently during the off season and we’re excited to show off all the fruits of their labor.”

The 7,000-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course – awarded four Stars by Golf Digest – offers five sets of tees to match the skill level of any golfer and two unique playing experiences. The par-72 masterpiece impresses with a front nine that weaves its way along the mountainside and boasts dramatic elevation changes, while the back nine features expansive, gently rolling fairways and scenic vistas with breathtaking views of the wooded splendor.

Off the golf course, Rocky Gap has expanded its already impressive offerings in the pro shop to include Under Armor, Cutter & Buck, and Liz Golf apparel for women as well as the latest equipment from Ping.

Daily-fee rates also have been set for the 2009 golf season:
Resort Guest Daily Guest Juniors
Monday through Thursday $70 $80 $35
Friday though Sunday $95 $125 $35
Holidays $125 $125 $125

Early-season rates offer a substantial savings, as well. Through April, golfers can play Rocky Gap for $50 during the week and $70 on the weekend.

While golf is a substantial draw at Rocky Gap, it’s far from alone in the impressive list of resort amenities. From the luxurious Garden Spa and miles of marked trails for hiking and biking, to yoga and myriad water activities on Lake Habeeb, Rocky Gap has something for everyone.

Resting at the Gateway to Rocky Gap State Park, the resort also offers individualized Family Adventure Vacation packages. Rocky Gap will tailor a set of activities from more than 20 adventures at the resort, within the State Park and throughout the Mountainside of Maryland, which includes activities within a 75-minute drive of the resort.

For more information on golf, value-laden packages and other amenities at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, please visit www.rockygapresort.com or call 800-724-0828.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Debuts in Golfweek’s ‘America’s Best Courses You Can Play’ List

Brand New Amenity of the Island Resort & Casino Recognized for its Design, Playability

(HARRIS, MI) – In its first year of eligibility, Sweetgrass Golf Club – the newest amenity of the Island Resort & Casino – was named No. 20 on Golfweek’s 2009 ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-by-state rankings; besting nearly 700 Michigan facilities.

Unveiled this week, the rankings were based on routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management overall impressionability and other criteria. Hundreds of Golfweek raters spent months examining thousands of courses nationwide to determine its prestigious “Best-of” list.

“To be recognized as a top facility in the state with not even a full season under our belts is remarkable,” says General Manager Tom McChesney. “We’ve strived to incorporate the region’s heritage into a playable, yet challenging course and think golfers will be happily surprised when they visit Sweetgrass and the Upper Peninsula and quick to return.”

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, the resort unveiled the Paul Albanese-designed Sweetgrass in July of 2008. The course subtly pays homage to Native American lore throughout the championship layout, while historic bridges rescued from the region, intricate rockwork and a liberal sprinkling of its namesake sweetgrass add to the course’s unique look and feel.

The course stretches to 7,300 yards from the tips, promising to challenge the best golfers, while the beginner-friendly forward tees measure a modest 5,000 yards. In all, five sets of tees accommodate golfers of all levels.

The Island Resort & Casino is bringing back its popular “Perfect 4-Some” stay-and-play package in 2009. Golfers can enjoy two nights at the luxurious resort and play three rounds of golf on a trio of the Upper Peninsula’s finest courses – Sweetgrass Golf Club, TimberStone and Marquette Greywalls – for as little as $249, based on double occupancy. Greywalls also made Golfweek’s “Best in State” list.

Located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Island Resort & Casino and Sweetgrass Golf Club are easily accessible via a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.

For more information on the Island Showroom, the casino or Sweetgrass Golf Club, please visit http://www.islandresortandcasino.com/ or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2125.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Kaua‘i (Hawaii) Golf Courses Earn ‘Best-Of’ Acclaim from Golfweek Magazine

Hundreds of Panelists Rated Thousands of Courses in Order to Identify Excellence

(KAUA‘I, Hawaii) – The Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau today announces that four of the courses in its golf-and-resort lifestyle destination co-operative – Kaua‘i: Discover Golf’s Ultimate Island Green – have been voted onto the “2009 Golfweek America’s Best Courses You Can Play” by state list.

The honored courses are:
* Princeville (Prince Course, Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course architect)
* Poipu Bay (Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
* Kaua‘i Lagoons (Kiele Course, Jack Nicklaus)
* Puakea (Robin Nelson)

Fifteen Hawai‘ian courses were cited for best-of distinction; Prince Course ranked No. 2 in the state, Poipu Bay No. 4, Kiele Course No. 5, and Puakea No. 13.

Poipu Bay and Kiele Course each moved up one spot since last year while Prince Course maintained its same position. This is the second consecutive year that Puakea has been voted onto the “best-of” list in golf-rich Hawai‘i.

“Having four of our island’s courses honored by Golfweek is indicative of the high-quality golf found on Kaua‘i,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “Princeville’s Makai Course, our fifth golf club partner, is also a wonderful course which consistently delights players. It is currently undergoing renovation and scheduled to open later this year. We’re hopeful it will join this prestigious list next year.”

There are roughly 90 courses in Hawaii, which is widely regarded as home to many of the nation’s finest golf courses.

Golfweek raters travel the country examining courses for overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria.

For more information about golf on the Garden Isle visit www.discovery.com/activities/golfing/ or call 800-262-1400.

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Five Mississippi Courses Among ‘America’s Best Courses You Can Play’

High Quality Courses Showcase the Magnolia State’s Collection of World-Class Golf

(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism today announces that five acclaimed courses in the state have been voted onto Golfweek’s “America’s Best Course You Can Play” by state for 2009.

The courses – with their architects and locations – are:
* Fallen Oak, Saucier (Tom Fazio)
* The Preserve, Vancleave (Jerry Pate)
* Grand Bear, Saucier (Jack Nicklaus)
* Dancing Rabbit (Azaleas), Philadelphia (Fazio-Pate)
* Shell Landing, Gautier (Davis Love III)

To determine the nation’s most deserving layouts Golfweek dispatches hundreds of raters across America to examine courses for their overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria.

“Mississippi is honored to have these great courses saluted for their excellence,” says D. Craig Ray, the MDA’s Tourism Division Director. “We hope golf travelers worldwide visit Mississippi and discover we have some of the best golf and resorts anywhere.”

Four of the five Mississippi courses cited for distinction by Golfweek are amenities of casino resorts. Mississippi is the nation’s third largest gaming destination and the best golf-and-gaming destination in America.

And four of the five courses on the list were on last’s year’s best-in-state compilation by Golfweek; The Preserve makes its coveted debut this year.

Fallen Oak is an amenity of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, The Preserve is of the Palace Casino, Grand Bear of the Harrah’s Grand Casino Biloxi, and Dancing Rabbit of the Pearl River Resort.

Located 15 miles north of the Beau Rivage on a 510-acre tract, Fallen Oak unveils itself adjacent to the DeSoto National Forest. Fallen Oak is a "sister" course to Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, both MGM Mirage Resorts properties. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, Fallen Oak opened in November 2006 and it measures 7,480 yards from the tips. The course is characterized by lush, rolling landscape covered in oak and pine ridges, magnolias, pecan groves, large lakes, winding streams and wetlands. It features 10 bridges and concealed cart paths to protect the terrain’s natural features.

Designed by U.S. Open Champion, Jerry Pate, the Preserve Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 championship course surrounded by 1,800 acres of nature conservancy preserve. From the first hole to the eighteenth, the native species and surrounding preserve dictate the layout of the 245-acre course. Tall, slender long leaf pines line the fairways, wooden bridges cross the wetlands and majestic live oaks reach over the course. Wild, wiry grasses disperse texture and color against the smooth rolling greens. The Preserve Golf Club is proud member of the Audubon International, and was recently
recognized as a “Certified Silver Audubon International Signature Sanctuary.”

Jack Nicklaus’ Grand Bear is peppered with towering pines, natural cypress wetlands, secluded fairways, deep bunkers and impeccably manicured greens. Five different tee levels will test the skills of even the most avid golfer. The course itself measures 7,204 yards from the Grizzly Bear tees and 4,802 from the Teddy Bear’s. Don’t let the tee names distract you from choosing the appropriate yardage. As you will soon find out, this course feels a little like Augusta with all the excitement of a Pinehurst.

Dancing Rabbit’s Azaleas Course is one of two at the award-winning golf club (Oaks Course is the other). Both designed by Fazio and Jerry Pate, they roll out over a combined 14,000 breathtaking yards. Nestled quietly among ancient pines and hardwoods, each of these par 72 masterpieces embraces the gently rolling hills and valleys indigenous to this part of the world. Meanwhile, over two miles of spring-fed creeks and streams weave their way through the lush fairways and inspired greens complexes, lending both challenge and beauty to the picturesque environment.

Shell Landing Golf Club in Gautier was designed by PGA Tour star Davis Love III. The championship, 18-hole, par-72 layout features all of the Gulf Coast’s stunningly diverse natural resources. The natural beauty and immaculate course conditions combine to create a memorable golf experience. Named for the rare gopher turtles that thrive in the property’s extensive, protected habitat, Shell Landing mixes tall pines, marshes, bayous and wetlands with rolling emerald hills to frame an inspired, challenging layout that is both fun and memorable.

For more information about these courses or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, call toll-free to 866-801-8551 or go to www.visitmississippi.org and receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested play-and-stay itineraries.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Links at Bodega Harbour Completes $1.2 Million Golf Course Renovation

Famed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. oversaw extensive improvements

(BODEGA BAY, Calif.) - The Links at Bodega Harbour recently completed a $1.2 million golf course renovation project that includes widening the fairways, converting the greens from poa annua to bent grass, repositioning bunkers and improving the drainage system. Golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., returned to The Links at Bodega Harbour to make the design enhancements that included re-grading all 18 greens and re-shaping 94 bunkers.

All of the improvements were made to enhance the overall golf experience with consideration to increased playability and providing excellent playing conditions throughout the year.

"The Links at Bodega Harbour is one of my early works that has been updated and refreshed in keeping with modern golf values," said award-winning golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. "The course is very playable and like every living organism, golf is a living game and played on living turf by people who enjoy life."

"All of the improvements are intended to enhance the overall golf experience," said Bob Harchut, General Manager at The Links at Bodega Harbour. "If you have not played the golf course recently, this is the time to do so. You have to try out 'the new' Links at Bodega Harbour."

About The Links at Bodega Harbour The Links at Bodega Harbour is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design golf course located just one hour from San Francisco and two hours from Sacramento in the beautiful coastal community of Bodega Bay, Calif. Owned by its surrounding homeowners association, The Links at Bodega Harbour recently completed a renovation project and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling fairways, new undulating bent grass greens, and native coastal rough. The Links at Bodega Harbour also features Sonoma County cuisine at the Bluewater Bistro and the Bodega Harbour Yacht Club which is available for private events. For more information visit: www.bodegaharbourgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Haney Project on Golf Channel progresses with Charles Barkley

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - The Haney Project, golf's craziest experiment, continues Monday at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel when Charles Barkley's efforts to recapture a golf game on the loose gets some encouraging words from famous friends, while Hank Haney sees a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Although Barkley says the regimented practice sessions and swing thoughts Haney has been drilling into his head are starting to haunt him in the night - the words "flatter, flatter" ringing in his head - their reunion starts on a positive note when Haney sees improvement in Barkley's motion and knows he's been practicing on his own.

Out on the range at Haney's home course, Vaquero Golf Club in suburban Dallas, former NHL star Brett Hull, PGA Tour pro Tommy Armour III, CBS golf commentator David Feherty and actor/comedian George Lopez stop by to witness the carnage but are surprised at what they see. "Haney's a genius!" says Feherty.

When the duo takes it to the golf course, the confidence Barkley gained on the range translates to trash talk, which doesn't slip the notice of Haney. "I can go from basket case to cocky in zero to 60," says Barkley. But old habits die hard and Barkley's infamous swing hitch again rears its ugly head.

Later, Haney and Barkley visit The Oven, Nike's research and design facility to give Charles his first-ever club fitting. Then, it's back to the Hank Haney Golf Ranch for more drills, with a surprise visit by PGA Tour pro Colt Knost, who has some fun at Barkley's expense.

The Haney Project follows the world's best golf instructor, Hank Haney, in his attempt to fix the world's ugliest swing. The seven-part series air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, when Barkley allows cameras to chronicle a game gone south and follow Haney's efforts to improve a swing that has been laughed at by millions and ridiculed by his closest friends.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Daphne's Headcovers supports ASPCA

(Phoenix, Ariz.) - Daphne's Headcovers, the original animal headcover company, announced their support of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals through sales of their realistic Yellow Lab headcover, designed for PGA TOUR professional, Justin Leonard.

"I've had a life-long love for animals and we have a bit of a menagerie in our house even today," Jane Spicer, president of Daphne's Headcovers, explains. "The opportunity to support the ASPCA and Justin's love for animals through sales of his Yellow Lab headcover was a win-win-win."

"I am honored to be able to help the ASPCA through my association with Daphne's Headcovers," Leonard adds. "It is my hope that golfers worldwide will join me is supporting the ASPCA in their efforts to raise awareness and end animal cruelty."

The ASPCA, founded in 1866, was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Their mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Daphne's will donate 10% of gross profits on all headcovers ordered through Justin's Web site.

Leonard, a 12-time winner on the PGA Tour and one of the game's most popular players, is best known for his 1997 British Open victory, as well as his defining 45-foot putt in the 1999 Ryder Cup.

As with all products manufactured by Daphne's Headcovers, the Yellow Lab will carry the company's lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

"Our company reputation is based on twenty-five years of providing quality through custom designs and attention to the smallest details. All of our 200-plus headcover designs bear our factory phone number. We are so convinced of our quality that should anything ever go wrong with one of our products, we will fix or replace it at our expense."

For more information about the ASPCA, visit www.aspca.org. To learn more about Leonard's efforts, visit www.justinleonard.com.

For more information on Daphne's Headcovers, please call (602) 279-7457 or visit www.daphnesheadcovers.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Cypress Tree Golf Course at Maxwell AFB undergoes renovations

(MONTGOMERY, Ala.) - The recent renovation of all 18 greens on the West course and the practice green at Cypress Tree GC at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Ala., should disprove the myth that government cannot move quickly to remedy a problem. After more than a year in the planning and design phase, construction began in late March 2008 to renovate all of the green complexes - including greenside bunkers - and make irrigation upgrades. Less than four months later, all areas were completed and grassed by mid-July 2008 and the course re-opened in late autumn.

"The contractor completed the work in less than 16 weeks," explains the project's golf course architect Nathan Crace. "And we didn't cut corners to do it. We had a great project team from the Air Force to the contractors to the golf course staff and a lot of great weather during construction."

This is the second Air Force project for Crace in two years following his acclaimed renovation of Bay Breeze Golf Course at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss., in 2007. He says his firm (Watermark Golf/Nathan Crace Design) has built relationships with clients like the Air Force based on a foundation of providing professional results in a timely fashion while working within stringent budget restrictions. That is nothing new to Crace, however, who has a number of "public" clients on his resume the past 14 years ranging from municipalities and counties to universities and the U.S. government and sees tightening budgets as an advantage for his firm with a proven track record.

"Like any project, this one began with a detailed analysis of what the end goal was and how we were going to achieve that end," says Crace. "Before I was brought in, the thought was to only core out the greens and re-dress bunker faces. With my past experience in renovation projects, I knew we could make better use of the budget. After some detailed cost/benefit work, we determined that it was actually less expensive to renovate the entire green complex on each green, build the new greens to California green specifications, shape new bunkers, and fix the irrigation for less than the cost of doing it the other way."

The result, says Crace, is a far better finished product that meets current industry standards while managing to save the Government money on construction. Each of the 18 green complexes on the West course at Cypress Tree was demolished and re-shaped to Crace's design - including new bunkers.

San Antonio-based E2M, Inc. was the general contractor for the project and Nebraska-based Landscapes Unlimited handled the green and bunker shaping, construction, irrigation, and grassing. In addition to the 18 green complexes, Crace combined two existing practice putting greens into one large new practice green with multiple pin placements as well as some rollicking contours to keep things interesting.

"I cannot say enough about the involvement of each member of the project team," Crace explains. "From Glenn McWhirter [golf course superintendent] to Dana [Grode] and Jeff [Ricketts] of Landscapes Unlimited and Marshall Culp of E2M to the other base personnel and representatives from AFCEE who were so instrumental, this project shows what can be done with the proper planning and a good team."

The Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment administered the project on behalf of the government as it did the 2007 project at Keesler AFB in Biloxi and Crace says that he enjoys working with the AFCEE staff because of their professionalism and willingness to do a project the right way for the long-term benefit of the course, the end-user, and the government.

"Ultimately," says Crace. "If we do it right the first time, these courses will be revenue generators for the Air Force and self-supporting entities like a public golf course in your home town. But like any other project, if we don't do it right, then there's no cost savings in maintenance or reason for new golfers to play the course. If that happens, we've missed the mark and nobody wants that in their resume. There's no doubt we are now two-for-two in exceeding our goals with the Air Force thus far."

Asked if he has other Air Force projects planned for the future, Crace says that there's nothing on the drawing board for now, but he never knows what's around the corner. An ardent supporter of the military, he also says that he hopes to help other branches of the military with their golf properties and can now point to two successful back-to-back Air Force projects as a testament to his work.

For more information about the renovations at Cypress Tree (West) Golf Course at Maxwell AFB in or Watermark Golf/Nathan Crace Design, visit the Watermark Golf web site at www.watermarkgolf.com/maxwellafb.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Silvertip Resort Receives GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award

World-Class Resort Joined by Many Audubon Certified Courses in Canadian Rockies Destination

(ALBERTA, Canada) – Silvertip Resort – one of the six courses in the Canadian Rockies golf-and-resort lifestyle destination consortium– recently earned the prestigious GCSAA / Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award, which annually honors the best ecological efforts by superintendents worldwide.

The award specifically recognized Silvertip Resort and its Superintendent Robin Sadler for his ability to grow turf in a five-month golf season while facing severe weather conditions and upholding the club’s high expectations for aesthetics and playability. Silvertip – home course to PGA TOUR star Stephen Ames – sits at about 5,000 feet altitude and was one of four courses selected worldwide, the only non-American course.

“Silvertip’s terrain features 600 feet of elevation changes and precipitous drops,” says Sadler. “Factor in our harsh winters and this award is exceptionally meaningful. We are committed to environmental stewardship and look to improve ecological preservation and management in years to come.”

Silvertip joins Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (2004) as winners of the GCSAA/ Golf Digest award and both are Audubon Sanctuary program members, joining virtually all of its Canadian Rockies destination partners in holding that respected distinction. The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and Kananaskis Country Golf Course have also earned Audubon status.

Canmore Golf & Curling Club rounds out the six prestigious Canadian Rockies co-op members, all internationally celebrated for their wildlife and their breathtaking mountain setting, the core of which sits amid thousands upon thousands of acres in protected national parkland. Its collective brand tagline says it all: Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.

“The Canadian Rockies golf-and-resort lifestyle destination mirrors our national reverence of and care for our land,” says Gordon Schultz, spokesman for the consortium. “Hence this award brings us great pride and thankfulness. Being honored for environmental contributions is the zenith for we Canadians, who are dedicated collectively to caring for our abundant wildlife and natural splendor.”

Canadian Rockies golf is defined by historic, top-rated courses designed by iconic architects such as Stanley Thompson and Robert Trent Jones and features stunning modern layouts by talented designers Les Furber and Gary Browning. A mix of alluring classical- and alpine-style routings complement one another and enhance golfers’ experience.

Combine the spectacular scenery and summer daylight as late as 11 p.m. and golfers can play to their heart’s delight and still have time for family and the region’s many activities. These include award- winning spas, helicopter tours, hiking, fishing, rafting, gourmet restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding and many children’s programs.

What people are increasingly discovering, however, are the proximity of these properties to one another as well as the combined wealth of resort and lifestyle options accessible by Calgary and Edmonton airports – from international and commercial to regional and private.

To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca. Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com