- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Japan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
The top five most dangerous countries are:
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Pakistan
- Chad
- Mauritania
Friday, December 1, 2017
Safest and Most Dangerous Countries for Travel
Backgroundchecks.org, an organization devoted to public safety, online privacy, home security, and open government, has ranked the Safest and Most Dangerous Countries for Travel: http://backgroundchecks.org/safest-and-most-dangerous-countries-for-travel.html
The top five safest countries are:
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Japan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
The top five most dangerous countries are:
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Pakistan
- Chad
- Mauritania
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Japan
- Spain
- United Kingdom
The top five most dangerous countries are:
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Pakistan
- Chad
- Mauritania
McConnell Golf's Holston Hills Country Club Turns 90 Years Old in Style
Owner McConnell Golf wraps up $1.4 million in renovations around the clubhouse and golf course
(KNOXVILLE, TENN.) — Holston Hills Country Club in East Knoxville has celebrated its 90th anniversary this year with numerous renovations around the clubhouse and golf course.
Holston Hills features a 1927 Donald Ross-designed golf course that immediately became recognized as the finest course in the state when it opened and started hosting every important regional tournament including a PGA Tour event — and has remained nearly untouched through the years.
The co-founder of the Donald Ross Society, Michael J. Fay, has said that he would rather play Holston Hills on a consistent basis than any other golf course in the South. Acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak says Holston Hills is the closest golf course around to what Ross originally designed.
“I knew when I saw Holston Hills that it would be a great addition to our golf portfolio,” said McConnell Golf Founder and CEO John McConnell. “It’s a ‘must-play’ for our members.”
Perched on a hill affording breathtaking views, the recently renovated Holston Hills clubhouse overlooks the golf course and showcases bay windows, elegant arched doors, and a central ballroom with large cathedral ceilings and exposed wood trusses. An outdoor terrace on the south side of the ballroom offers members a space to relax and take in the view with its comfortable Tudor architecture.
McConnell said he knew Holston Hills was a special place from the moment he set foot on the property. “It immediately reminded me of Shinnecock Hills,” McConnell recalls, referencing the storied eastern Long Island golf club that was a founding member of the USGA and next year will host its fifth U.S. Open Championship.
Last year, McConnell Golf added a Fitness Center at Holston Hills including state-of-the-art, Torque series equipment — a variety of machines such as leg extension and curl, along with Intenza Entertainment Bikes, treadmills, Octane stride elliptical and Octane XT-One. Rounding out the equipment are exercise mats, medicine and stability balls, resistance cables and foam rollers, all of which promote and support flexibility and non-impact strength routines.
Holston Hills members have enjoyed the key FOB access to the fitness center seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., giving them flexible hours to customize and mix-up their workout routines.
“We have a contract with Performance Training, Inc. that allows for onsite personal training, group fitness classes, and golf fitness clinics and assessments,” said Katelyn Graham, the club’s Activity and Wellness Manager. “Whether you enjoy the stretch-and-strengthen of a yoga class or the heart-pumping energy of circuit training, the group class schedule at Holston Hills has something right up your alley. We make it convenient to stick to your routine, or maybe even try something new, with morning and evening classes throughout the week and a supportive atmosphere.”
Now, the rest of the Holston Hills renovation has been completed.
The former kitchen at Holston Hills was completely gutted and a brand-new kitchen built. McConnell Golf then constructed an entirely new restaurant at Holston Hills called the “Donald Ross Room.” The room includes a bar, high-top tables, booth seating and regular dining table seating.
In addition, a new veranda for outdoor seating overlooks the Smoky Mountains and the golf course. The veranda seats up to 36 people and has quickly become the most popular spot for dining at the club. The restaurant includes two 70-inch TVs and is perfect for watching a ballgame.
The club has also upgraded the Holston Room for private dining or business meetings. This room has maintained the beautiful wood beam arched ceilings from the original design and offers a jaw-dropping view of the golf course.
McConnell Golf has given the Holston Hills men’s locker room a nice facelift as well. One hundred wooden lockers were constructed along with a remodeling of the bathrooms and the card room, including bar service for the members.
The grand ballroom has maintained its original 1920s architecture with masculine wood beam ceilings, but has added new flooring and windows looking over the patio on the golf course side of the club with a great view of the Smoky Mountains. This room seats 250-270 for weddings and large parties.
McConnell Golf also added a new golf shop on the east side of the building along with a club room to house fitting carts and equipment. The golf shop is full service with the most current and top lines in men’s and ladies apparel and also provides offices for the Director of Golf, Assistant Professionals, and the Membership Director.
Members can now enjoy the new portico when arriving at the club. When dining, the portico provides a dry and safe entrance to the Donald Ross room. “It also makes the arrival for golf much more service friendly when using the new bag drop area,” said Holston Hills Director of Golf Chris Dibble.
Holston Hills is writing a new chapter to its storied history as a family club with full amenities and a beautiful clubhouse. The old golf shop has been converted to a dedicated Kid’s Club area where many enjoyable activities take place. It includes video games, a TV with a Wii, beanbags, board games, and other fun things for kids to do while their parents enjoy other areas of the club.
“Since the end of 2016, we have hosted monthly, staff-led programs with activities that range from outdoor games like ‘Messy Mania’ to arts and crafts which we like to call ‘Kids Night Out’ — each with a theme,” said Graham. “Kids are quick to make friends and let loose in this just-for-kids environment. It’s something they look forward to time and time again. We hope that this space will enhance future kids’ events at Holston.”
Holston Hills also added its first summer camps this year, allowing kids to take advantage of all the club’s facilities — from learning golf and tennis fundamentals, to cooling off at the pool — during the long, fun-filled summer days with friends.
Adjacent to the pool with a view of the golf course, the Holston Hills tennis facility has four Rubico clay courts and two hard courts. The courts are professionally maintained and each enjoyed during peak season from April through November, with hard courts remaining in play during the off-season as well.
Beyond open play, the club’s growing tennis program features seasonal clinics led by Tennis Professionals Bart Kennedy and Troy Cash. The multi-day clinics help players of all levels sharpen their skills and master the strategy of the doubles or singles format.
Junior Tennis clinics are also offered to help children learn fundamentals and advance their growing skill sets.
Said McConnell: “Holston Hills enjoys a proud past and we think that it has a great future as well.”
Re-Designed Shingle Creek Golf Club Featured in December Traveling Golfer
Recently voted the favorite golf course by Orlando Sentinel readers, the course is now even more popular thanks to a dramatic renovation by the Arnold Palmer Design Company.
A new look at the re-designed Shingle Creek Golf Club will be the focus of the December episode of the award-winning Traveling Golfer television show. Show host Tony Leodora takes the viewers to on a tour of the spectacular layout, as well as providing an insightful interview with Palmer Design's vice president and senior golf course architect Thad Layton. In addition, the Traveling Golfer takes viewers on a grand tour of the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek, the 1,501-room luxury hotel that is adjacent to the golf course. The tour includes looks at a number of the 15 dining venues on the property, the four heated swimming pools, the spa, fitness center and the more than half-million square feet of meeting and event space.
"It was an exciting project to work on a course with such a solid reputation as Shingle Creek," said Layton, who has received national acclaim for his work with Palmer Design. "The catalyst for the project was the expansion of the hotel. They decided to cast a fresh set of eyes on the property and they brought us in and we talked about how we could make this golf course different in the Orlando market. It was a bit tricky - like putting together a jigsaw puzzle."
A number of old holes were closed. A number of new holes were created. And the rest of the golf course got a fresh, new look.
"I have played the golf course many times since it first opened in 2003 and always enjoyed the layout," says Traveling Golfer host Tony Leodora. "But the new course has a bold excitement about it. And, of course, the hotel at Rosen Shingle Creek is absolutely breathtaking. There is no higher level of comfort, convenience or service in the entire Orlando area."
The December episode runs throughout the month on the Traveling Golfer network of websites ... including The Golf Director Network (see full list of sites on travelinggolfervideo.com). It also will air on Monday, December 11 as part of the Press Box television show in Myrtle Beach, 5 to 7 p.m. on HTC Ch. 4. The Traveling Golfer also airs as a scheduled weekly feature show on NBC Sports and NBC Sports + throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. NBC Sports airings are 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 4:30 p.m. Thursdays. NBC Sports + airs the show at 6 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.
As part of every Traveling Golfer show there is the additional feature, "Tech Talk", hosted by Tour Edge Golf experts, such as President Dave Glod. With years of experience as a club maker, Glod presents an inside look at the research and development of high-quality golf equipment.
Responding to golfers' never-ending demands to learn more about interesting golf courses and golf resorts across the country and around the world, well-traveled host Tony Leodora created the Traveling Golfer so he could take viewers on video trips to some of the most exciting golf locations. The show repeated for the second straight year as the No. 1 Golf Television Show in America in the prestigious International Network of Golf Awards, presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.
The Traveling Golfer is a series of monthly shows hosted by Leodora, who has 16 years of experience in televised golf. The featured destination stays on the website for one month, before being replaced by a new show. The old shows are archived for continued viewing on the YouTube Network and on the home website, www.travelinggolfervideo.com.
www.rosenshinglecreek.com
www.arnoldpalmerdesign.com
www.travelinggolfervideo.com
Topgolf Names Troy Warfield as President to Oversee International Expansion and Toptracer Range
Warfield will grow the brand’s licensing business for international partners and driving ranges worldwide
(DALLAS) – Topgolf Entertainment Group (TEG) has hired Troy Warfield of British Airways to expand its global footprint of Topgolf venues as well as driving ranges that license its Toptracer Range technology. Warfield replaces former Topgolf International President Neil Allen, who is stepping into a new role as strategic adviser. The Topgolf International division is based in London and overseen by TEG Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson.
Topgolf will open its first venues in Australia and Mexico next year, followed by Canada in 2019. Anderson said the company has been eyeing dozens of potential locations across the globe, and Warfield will identify the strategic partners to help accelerate Topgolf’s expansion and ensure the guest experience aligns to local culture.
Toptracer is transforming the game of golf on the range, on the course, on television and even in major sports stadiums. This dynamic technology tracks the flight of a golf ball, displays its path in video and analyzes every shot hit. Topgolf has leveraged the technology for Topgolf Crush, its social experience on tour, game play integration at Topgolf Orlando, and is licensing Toptracer Range to driving ranges and tournament directors for a more interactive golf experience. Additionally, Toptracer continues to enrich the experience of watching golf on TV during some of the biggest tournaments in the world, including The Open Championship and Ryder Cup.
Prior to Topgolf, Warfield served as Executive Director of Board and the Director of Customer Experience at British Airways, leading more than 16,000 employees. He brings decades of experience in sales, marketing and management for brands such as Kimberly-Clark, Avis and Unilever. Throughout his career, Warfield has led international teams in Europe, Australia, Asia and, most recently, globally. He has managed both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned businesses. Warfield earned his undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of New South Wales and his MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Australia.
“Topgolf is among the most innovative and admired brands in the sports and entertainment industries,” Warfield said. “I was especially attracted to its tagline ‘Everyone’s Game,’ as I will get to help introduce the Topgolf experience to millions of new fans around the world.”
To learn more and view exclusive digital content, follow @Topgolf or visit www.topgolf.com.
Precise Golf Unveils Its New Ladies M5 High Performance Complete Set of Golf Clubs
The M5 Ladies High Performance Complete Set of clubs w/ Bag includes:
- An oversized 460cc High MOI Driver which promotes increased forgiveness on off-center hits for Longer, Straighter Drives.
- An oversized #3 Low Profile Fairway Wood that features a Low CG to get the ball quickly into the air.
- An Easy-to-Hit Hybrid with a Deep CG and a Low Profile for Maximum Carry and a soft landing.
- #5 thru PW Oversized Stainless Steel Irons with Extreme Heel Toe Weighting that provide a larger sweet spot and deliver straighter more forgiving shots.
- Lightweight modulus graphite shafts for increased swing speed and distance.
- High MOI Mallet Style Putter with an Easy Alignment System for more accurate putts.
- Premium multi-compound grips are comfortable and also provide firm, all-weather control
- A deluxe stand bag with a molded handle for easy lifting, graphite friendly divider top and spacious pockets for plenty of storage.
- Available in Purple or Pink in Regular, Tall and Petite length.
"At just $299.00, our new M5 Ladies Complete is an incredible value," said Julie Wang, CEO of Precise Golf. "I'd put this set up against any of our competitor's sets that retail for hundreds of dollars more. Don't be fooled by the affordable price. These are high quality golf clubs and women of all skill levels can benefit from how well they perform!"
The Ladies M5 complete set of golf clubs w/ Bag retails for $299.99 and is available online at http://precisegolf.com/club-sets/ladies-clubs/Ladies-Full-Golf-Club-Set-1.
For more information on Precise Golf, visit www.PreciseGolf.com.
63 Holes of Championship Match Play in Exclusive Golf Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain introduces first-ever resort golf package
(TUCSON, ARIZ.) – The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has introduced an unprecedented new package for golfers in search of stellar terrain – and the package includes unlimited rounds on 63 holes of world championship match play golf. The resort’s World Match Play Golf Package features exclusive play for two at the prestigious and private Gallery Golf Club and at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, both located north of Tucson and both home in recent years to pro golf’s World Match Play Championship.
The new dream package is available through June 25, 2018 and features the following:
- Overnight luxury accommodations
- Unlimited rounds of golf for two players at both The Golf Club at Dove Mountain and at The Gallery Golf Club
- Daily American breakfast for two at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar
- 10 percent savings offered at both club Golf Shops
Equally lauded for its competitive terrain, the nearby Golf Club at Dove Mountain features 27 holes of award-winning, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf, along with a 45,000- square-foot luxury clubhouse which blends naturally into the majestic saguaro-covered foothills of the surrounding Tortolita Mountains.
Facilities and services include professional instruction, junior golf programs, and popular restaurant and bar offerings. Additionally, and new for 2017 -- renowned golfer and former European tour competitor Adrian Davies has been named Head Golf Professional for The Gallery Golf Club.
Reservations for the Forbes Five Star/AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton may be made online at www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain, toll-free at 1-800-241-3333 or through a travel professional. To engage directly with the property, go to www.Facebook.com/ritzcarltondovemountain. For social sharing, the resort hashtag is #RCMemories #DoveMountain.
Los Cabos a Major Presence on Golfweek's Top 50 Roster
Nine Cabo facilities are ranked among the ‘Top 50 Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico’
(Los Cabos, Mexico) – Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes 2018 has been released, and once again Los Cabos shines on the publication’s list of the ‘Top 50 Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico.’ Nine golf facilities in Los Cabos, the alluring ‘Great Golf – Perfect Weather’ destination situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, appear on the list, with six courses in the top 20.
Golfweek’s updated Best Courses list is clear indication that Los Cabos has established itself as the undisputed Capital of Latin American golf. No other destination in Mexico boasts as many courses on the elite roster.
Ranked at No. 2, the Dunes Course at Diamante is the centerpiece of a 1,500-acre private resort community on the destination’s west coast. Opened in 2010, the Dunes Course is a 7,300-yard behemoth carved by Davis Love III into massive rolling dunes set back from the Pacific Ocean. This windswept, topsy-turvy links, which offers great diversity and spectacular views, rambles past huge blowout bunkers and tufted sand hills on its journey to and from the sea.
Chileno Bay (No. 8), a Tom Fazio-designed golf course characterized by graceful, flowing landforms intended to simulate rolling ocean waves, reopened last year with a new landscape scheme and bright white sand in its formal bunkers. The immaculately-groomed course, framed by desert foothills and sandy arroyos, features a sea view from every hole. The back nine builds to a crescendo at the long par-4 18th, which tumbles downhill to a well-defended, infinity-edge green. The otherwise-private club is accessible to guests of Chileno Bay Resort.
Querencia (No. 11), another brilliant Tom Fazio creation, is the centerpiece of a private 1,800-acre golf community set in rugged desert foothills high above the Sea of Cortes. Loosely translated as “sanctuary,” Querencia, known for its slick, multi-tiered greens, takes players on a roller-coaster ride across steep hills and bluffs, with several holes skirting the edges of deep canyons and rocky arroyos.
Cabo del Sol (Ocean), ranked No. 15 on Golfweek’s roster, is the course that put Los Cabos on the international golf map when it opened in 1994. Intent on producing the ‘Pebble Beach of the Baja’ on what he described as “the best piece of golf property I’ve ever seen,” designer Jack Nicklaus charted grand-scale holes across gently sloping terrain creased by sandy arroyos and backdropped by rugged mountains. Seven holes on this scintillating 7,111-yard layout skirt the Sea of Cortes. The Ocean Course was treated to a major bunker restoration last year.
Nicklaus also built Quivira (No. 17), which opened to acclaim in 2014 and boasts more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. Grafted onto a jaw-dropping site at Land’s End marked by huge dunes, sheer cliffs and rolling foothills, this majestic layout, arguably the most daring, eclectic course Jack has ever designed, is an aesthetic tour de force and an unforgettable test from any set of tees.
Originally built as a resort course in 1999, El Dorado Golf & Beach Club (No. 18) is now a private resort community under the aegis of Discovery Land Co. The Nicklaus-designed layout, featuring rolling saddled fairways, huge bunker complexes and picturesque green sites, meanders through a pair of stark canyons divided by a huge rocky hill. Four interior lakes and dramatic rock formations frame the holes.
El Cardonal at Diamante (No. 23), an inland layout with an “Old California” design motif, marked the architectural debut of Tiger Woods when it opened in 2014. The brawny 7,363-yard course meanders through sand dunes on the outgoing holes. The back nine ascends to higher ground and skirts a series of arroyos. Bold, flashed-face bunkers, reminiscent of the ones built by George C. Thomas at Riviera and Bel-Air in Los Angeles, create strategic options at each hole.
Listed at No. 34 on Golfweek’s Top 50 roster, Puerto Los Cabos will likely get a second look by the magazine’s raters next year. The club currently offers two distinctive nines designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. Both layouts are etched into foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and are perched high above the Sea of Cortes. However, a second nine by Nicklaus, slated to open in December, will result in a core 18 of new and reconfigured holes. A second nine by Norman is planned at the 2,000-acre resort community on the East Cape.
Perhaps the most underrated venue in Los Cabos is Cabo del Sol (Desert), which is ranked No. 35 on the list. Routed in mountain foothills high above the Ocean Course, the layout, Tom Weiskopf’s first design effort in Mexico, appears airlifted into rugged desert terrain crisscrossed by canyon-like arroyos. All 18 holes serve up panoramic views of the glittering Sea of Cortes. With its enticing blend of long and short holes as well as strategic risk-reward options, the Desert Course, marked by big sloping greens and large sculpted bunkers, presents a classic test and ranks among Weiskopf’s finest designs.
For more information, images and videos from Los Cabos, visit www.visitloscabos.travel.
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