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GOLF RESORT NEWS |
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Rockies Grande Dame
Wide, forgiving fairways and large, well-protected greens are among the Nicklaus Design reconfigurations on the historic Mountain Course at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Considerable distance was added, to a
whopping total of 7,700 yards. Reopened after the extensive redesign,
the super-scenic track is a nice addition to the West course and the
East, where the 2008 Senior Open will take place. A recent $160 million
revamp and expansion of the sprawling resort, in a stunning valley
setting at 6,400 feet in elevation, included the renovation of South
Tower rooms and suites (how about a flat-screen TV in the bath, a
fireplace and a balcony); a new Tennis Club with covered and heated
courts; and the Summit, a free-standing American Brasserie already
loaded with top reviews. (http://www.broadmoor.com)
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New Caddies at TPC
Now, you can walk or ride with a Pinehurst-trained caddie during the
high season, November through April, on the TPC Stadium Course in
Scottsdale, one of the most demanding PGA-level tracks in the
southwest. The new full caddies carry bags, give club selection advice,
rake bunkers, find lost balls, read greens, clean balls and figure
yardage, and most fun of all, they spin tales of the legendary FBR
Open; fee $75-$100. The Fore Caddy program for cart riders is
complimentary, providing the same services except the bag carry. This
year, more than 500,000 fans showed up for the Open to watch Aaron
Baddeley win. More news: the Desert Course here is closed for a
complete renovation, and will reopen in November, retaining the same
incredibly low green fees. Stay-and-play packages
at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, adjacent to the TPC courses. (http://www.tpc.com, http://www.fairmont.com)
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Ross Redux in PA
Part of a top-to-bottom, $108 million renovation and expansion of
Bedford Springs Resort near Pittsburg, the historic Donald Ross/Tillinghast-designed course is being completely upgraded to 21st
century standards, with the natural stream channels and floodplains
integrated into this scenic layout in the Cumberland Valley.
Reopening in June of this year, the Bedford will be a 216-room luxury
hotel complex of 19th century and new buildings, including a large
full-service spa with natural mineral springs and spa garden
suites. With on-property trout
fishing and miles of biking and hiking trails in pristine woodlands,
this is one of the most beautiful destination resorts in the Midwest. (http://www.bedfordspringsresort.com)
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South Florida Dazzler
Part of the $100 million re-do of the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club in South Florida, the South and North courses have just
reopened after a major rejuvenation by Raymond Floyd. Acres of tropical
landscaping, added water features and elevation changes, and routing
around some dramatic wildlife habitat, including a flamingo island, are
backdrops for Floyd's fabulous redesign. Helping to take this Fairmont
from 4- to 5-star status were the dramatic facelifts of the Willow
Stream Spa and the private Ocean Club at the beach. Some of the largest
of all Florida resorts, the 407 rooms and suites are freshly
redecorated and outfitted with state-of-the-art electronics and
sumptuous amenities. (http://www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle)
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Royal Style
The original Baskerville Hall in the 1939 movie, "Hound of the
Baskervilles", Bovey Castle in Devon, England, is a smashingly
beautiful country hotel with a 1930s-era golf course that has been
recently renovated by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie. The River Bovey
comes into play on most holes, along with a creek and dense woods.
Owned by British sportsman, Peter de Savary, 5-star-rated Bovey has
been transformed into a world-class destination resort complete with
falconry, shooting, riding, and fishing on 24 private miles of river
and in three trout lakes. The entire estate
is set within Dartmoor National Park. Land Rovers are on hand to
transport guests to Castle Drogo, the city of Bristol and into the
countryside. When you fall in love with Bovey, consider joining the
private club with access to the very private, 3-bedroom stone lodges. (http://www.boveycastle.com)
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Affaire de Golf
On the banks of the river Gironde in the Medoc vineyard region, nearby
the city of Bordeaux, a new golf course has opened at Relais de
Margaux, a 90-acre historic estate, once the home of a prominent
wine-producing family. Meandering through elms and ash trees along the
breezy estuary, the new facility includes a 21-bay driving range, and
practice greens and bunkers; other notable courses are less than an hour
away. Heli-tours are available, as are guided tours of the city and
winery châteaux. The charming, 4-star, 100-room country hotel is
anchored by the 19th-century château; rooms and suites have lovely
period interiors and 21st century amenities. The estate has a private
heli-pad and private harbor, and an elaborate, full-service spa with 17
treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a Turkish
bath. (http://www.relais-margaux.fr)
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