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GOLF RESORT NEWS |
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South Carolina: Oak Point at Kiawah
Since the mid-'90s, Cougar Point, Osprey Point, the Ocean Course and Turtle Point at Kiawah Island have been renovated and upgraded, and massive new clubhouses and the beachfront Sanctuary Hotel were built (http://www.kiawahresort.com). Now, the gorgeous "Scottish-American-style" Oak Point course has reopened after a serious, $125 million renovation and lengthening. Bordering historic Haulover Creek and the Kiawah River, breezy fairways are menaced by salt marshlands and a dense live oak forest. |
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Scotland: Ailsa at Turnberry
Above the Irish Sea and the Firth of Clyde on Scotland's southwest coast, the Alisa Course at Turnberry is said to be the most beautiful of all British Open Courses (Golf World calls it the #1 links course in the UK and Ireland). In preparation for the Senior British Open this year, Ailsa got a complete revamp, 16 new fairway bunkers and added length. Guests at the imposing, country estate-style Westin Turnberry Golf and Leisure Resort relax in oak paneled, antiques-filled reading rooms and lounges with dazzling sea views. The 2009 British Open will take place here. |
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Mexico: Norman on Riviera Maya
On a natural lagoon on the Yucatan coastline 40 miles south of Cancun, Greg Norman has laid out his first Mexican course, El Camaleón, which will be the site of a PGA Tour event in 2007. In a lush, tropical setting, it's part of the new Fairmont Mayakoba resort (http://www.fairmont.com). Besides guest rooms and suites at the hotel, two-story casitas on the lagoon have skylights, cathedral ceilings, living rooms, soaker tubs and private garden terraces or balconies. Guests navigate the jungly grounds and the labyrinth of deep lagoons by way of "lanchas"—canal boats—golf carts, bicycles and on footpaths. |
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Maine: ESPN at Samoset
Samoset Resort in Camden, Maine, is now the Northern New England home of ESPN Golf Schools, sponsored by Lexus, with curriculum developed by Hank Haney, Tiger Woods' renowned teacher (Golf Digest says Haney is #4 of America's 50 Greatest Teachers). Year-round, you can sign on for one-on-one instruction with Haney, and/or 1-day and 3-day resort schools, incorporating Nike equipment and the latest technology. The landmark Samoset Resort Hotel has recently been renovated to the tune of $3 million. On-site are a high-tech health club, an indoor pool, tennis and recreation on Penobscot Bay (http://www.samosetresort.com).
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Arizona: Segways and Cool Carts
A Troon managed club, the Kierland Golf Club at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale keeps golfers comfy year round with G2 blowers on the carts (http://www.kierlandresort.com). Cool, dry air caresses your head and neck in the summertime, while heat is blasted to your hands and ears when it's cold out (not that often in Scottsdale). The G2 even has an aromatherapy feature to reduce your stress when the putts don't fall. As an alternative to the unique climate-controlled carts, Kierland offers Segway Golf Transporters, which are gyroscope balanced, electric, two-wheeled people movers set up with your clubs, score cards, tees, balls and drinks. G2s are found at a few other resorts, including the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix. |
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Ireland: Norman at Doonbeg
Looking as if it has stood for centuries, yet opened just this year, The Lodge at Doonbeg is a massive granite edifice above Greg Norman's glorious new links course in County Clare, less than an hour from Shannon airport (http://www.doonbeggolfclub.com). Done up in Irish country manor style, swanky suites and cottages, each one entirely unique, have 1- to 4-bedrooms, living rooms with fireplaces, and kitchens. Accommodations are available to purchase by invited membership, with guest access to golf and accommodation upon availability. Draped along a crescent-shaped beach on Doughmore Bay, the Norman course features ocean views (and ocean breezes) from nearly every hole. |
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Nevada: Tahoe Rebirth
On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the 22-mile-long, sparkling alpine lake that straddles the California/Nevada border, the Championship Course at Incline Village Lake Tahoe has reopened after a $13 million redesign. Robert Trent Jones, Sr.'s original bunkers were restored, and modern turf and native flora planted. Golfers enjoy better visibility tee to green, an expanded driving range and a new clubhouse, and the same old stunning views of the lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks (http://www.golfincline.com). Nearby are newly renovated, mountain lodge-style cottages on the lakefront at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (http://www. laketahoe.hyatt.com). |
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