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Oakwoods Country Club – Pure Golf in the Western Carolina Foothills

By
David Theoret
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Like many North Carolina country clubs I have written about, Oakwoods Country Club in Wilkesboro has a rather unique story. It’s about how a group of people who all shared the same passion for golf came together to create a country club that they could all be proud of. It’s also a story about how to take a brand-new club and make it debt-free within five years.

Oakwood’s story begins in the fall of 1952 when several prominent country club-minded citizens in Wilkes County met in the Forest Hills home of Pat M. Williams, Jr. and his wife Dottie. Approximately $100,000 was pledged toward the construction of a new golf course to be designed by soon-to-be-legendary golf architects Robert Trent Jones and J.B. McGovern. in December of 1952, the Wilkes Country Club was organized at a public meeting at the North Wilkesboro Town Hall.

Through the purchase and the execution of options, the group was able to acquire 148 acres of land at the base of the Brushy Mountains and Jones and McGovern got to work. Construction of the original nine-hole course and clubhouse began in early spring 1953 with Arthur Ham, a venerable Scot architect, serving as the course designer. What Mother Nature didn’t provide, Arthur Ham did.

In January of 1954 Wilkes Country Club was renamed Oakwoods Country Club and opened for play during that month. It seems that a lot of what went into the clubhouse was donated or done in barter for memberships. This included the clubhouse which was built on a “cost-plus” basis. Eventually, the contractor agreed to cut his fee in half and take stock in exchange. Several local manufacturers donated furniture and a local appliance dealer outfitted the kitchen free of charge. Lockers were bought and donated to the club by members who received five years of free locker rent in payment. Hence, the original clubhouse was built for around $30,000.

Oakwood continued as a 9-hole course until 1962 when then head PGA Professional Bill Greene, age 29, was asked to supervise the construction of 9 additional holes. Just before Greene was hired by Oakwoods, noted course designer Ellis Maples had been retained to stake out a potential new nine holes of golf on property adjacent to the club. Green got to work with several other hard-working members and began the arduous process of land clearing, grading, cultivation, and planting needed to bring the new nine to fruition for OCC’s avid golfer members. These additional 9 holes were built with nothing more than two 1950’s model Ford tractors, a tractor-pulled five-reel fairway mower, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The new 9 featured Bermuda grass fairways and greens and opened for play in May of 1963.

With nine new holes, it was time to reroute the golf course. Holes numbers 1 and 2 of the existing nine became holes 10 and 11 of what is now the back nine and the just-completed nine holes became the front nine. This routing still exists today at Oakwood Country Club. Membership – which was around 125 when Bill Greene arrived, soon swelled to over 500.

Bill Greene retired from Oakwood Country Club in 1994 after serving the club faithfully for 32 years. He passed away in 2009. Bill and his long-time assistant Billy Hayes oversaw many of the club’s amenities and improvements over the years including the building of the tennis courts and driving range (1966), the installation of an irrigation system (1969), the paving of the parking lot (1972), a much larger swimming complex (1977), the hiring of the club’s first Green’s Superintendent (1980), and the cart shed (1992).

Dramatic elevation changes, challenging tee shots, and large undulating greens highlight your round at Oakwood Country Club. It’s a well-known fact that Oakwood has long been celebrated for the quality of its greens. You’ll encounter several water hazards and strategically placed, well-manicured bunkers

The first hole at Oakwoods Country Club is a 162-yard par 3 that plays straight downhill and showcases the club’s elevation changes and according to Guy Carroll, Director of Golf & Clubhouse Operations, big numbers are every bit as prevalent as low numbers. It plays around 150 yards downhill and maybe the toughest 150-yard shot you’ll ever face on a starting hole! It’s not noticeable until you get to the green but there is a creek that runs along the left side.

Number 4 is a short par 5 with a hidden agenda. At only 443 yards, you’re thinking about making up a shot or two on the competition, but not so fast. It’s a dogleg left with another blind tee shot and a small fairway bunker on the right side that catches errant layup shots. A small lake guards the right side of the green and makes you think about your second shot. Two small bunkers guard the left side of this wide, shallow green.

Ten, 11, and 12 are a good trio of holes. Number 10 is a 388-yard par 4, which is handicapped as the second hardest hole on the course. If I were naming holes, this one would be called “Avoid the Creek,” because of the creek that bisects the fairway. Off the tee you’re faced with a choice: play left of the creek to the wider part of the fairway and have a little longer approach shot or play down the sliver of fairway on the right with a large hill and trees framing the right boundary. Or do what I do, take dead aim at the creek knowing I can’t possibly hit it straight and deal with the results. My ball chose the right side and I was left with an approach shot into a green that slopes right to left and is surrounded by four bunkers.

Number 11, (par 4, 336 yards) feature a blind tee shot, and if you hit it left into the valley, you’ll be faced with a long, incredibly uphill approach shot into a small green. Number 12 is a challenging par 3 that plays downhill and slightly less than the 144 yards stated on the scorecard. The green sits out on a peninsula so choose your club carefully and make a good swing. There’s a steep hill on the left side and the ball doesn’t always roll down to the bottom. Hit your tee shot over there and you’ll be faced with a tough downhill pitch shot over a bunker onto a green with water behind it. Keep it right!

Your final hole of the day ends as it started, with a challenging 174-yard par 3 that plays uphill over water and is all carry. A single bunker guards the front left of the green and the woods to the right have collected their fair share of golf balls. Par is a great way to end.

Oakwoods features a full-length driving range located across the street from the clubhouse and a large practice green behind the clubhouse so there’s no reason not to be ready when you hit the first tee. After your round, stop by the Oakwoods Grille for your favorite adult beverage and typical clubhouse fare. I can personally vouch for the grilled chicken sandwich!

Last Word. Oakwoods offers a challenging golf course that is a lot of fun to play and will keep you coming back again and again. The par 3 holes at Oakwoods Country Club can make or break a great round. On the scorecard, they are handicapped 4, 5, 7, and 14 which only proves they are not pushovers.

Oakwoods Country Club is all about golf. Period. You won’t find a pristine dining room, spa, or fancy locker room. What you will find is a swimming pool and a challenging, well-maintained golf course that is affordable for any budget. There are no initiation fees and membership categories are broken down by age. A full membership won’t run you more than $195/month no matter how old you are or how much you play. Play just twice a week and you’re averaging around $25 bucks a round. If you’re an avid golfer in the area, you can’t afford not to join.

For more information, give them a call at (336) 838-3011 or visit them online at www.oakwoodscc.com and fill out a membership application.

Sun Mountain PX4 Pushcart: Easy to Open. Easy to Close, Easy to Use.

By
David Theoret
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When I opened the door and saw the size of the small box that held my new Pathfinder PX4 Pushcart from Sun Mountain, I immediately started wondering what tools I would need to assemble it. Pliers, an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, and a variety of sockets were surely needed to get this piece of equipment functional.

I opened the box and immediately started searching for an instruction booklet. To my surprise all I could find was a postcard with less than basic instructions; one side in English, the other side in French. Apologies to my Latino friends. I kept looking and inside the clear plastic-covered compartment was a folded up 8” x 11” piece of paper with instructions on how to attach your bag for first use. Still nothing on how to get this lightweight little rascal open.

I went on the Sun Mountain website and found a video – albeit silent (other than the elevator music playing in the background as this photogenic couple opened their golf carts and proceeded to tee it up. After rewinding the video several times, I finally figured it out. It turned out to be very simple however given my proclivity to use brawn over brains, I had erred on the side of caution (and not having to make up some lame excuse and return it).

Opening the new Pathfinder PX4 Pushcart was as simple as holding down a front wheel and pulling up the handle until it clicked/locked into place. Then, just extend the handle to the desired angle, and voila, you’re good to go. To close it up when you’re ready to go, simply unlock and fold the handle and then press on the locking mechanism to unlock and push down. Throw it in the trunk and you’re off.

I must admit, I was skeptical about how maneuverable a 4-wheeled pushcart would be, but it’s so light that turning it is as easy as lifting the front wheels off the ground and repositioning it. The hand brake is conveniently located near the end of the handle and is easy to set and release. I found it came in especially handy on the hills around the green.

As pushcarts go, the Pathfinder PX4 is loaded with features. Besides the easy 2-step opening and closing process, it will accommodate just about any size golf bag. Bags attach easily with the adjustable length bungee cords. The continuous handle on the PX4 allows the cart to be pushed with one hand and the updated console tray has dual-umbrella attachments which allow an umbrella to be placed on either side of the console. The accessory console has been redesigned and easily holds a few balls, tees, gloves, and cell phones. Need more storage space? The PX4 has a mesh basket and a velour-lined valuables pouch. It also includes a drink holder. It’s available in several colors including Black, White, Atomic Yellow, Magnetic Grey/Red, Cement/Grey,  and Big Sky Blue.

The new PX4 is available through the Sun Mountain website (www.sunmountain.com) and several major golf retailers.

Clicgear 4.0 Pushcart – Simply the Best

By
David Theoret
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Ever since they entered the market about 14 years ago, Clicgear has been the best pushcart money can buy.  The 4.0 is the first model I’ve owned and it’s everything you could ask for in a golf pushcart and has received several upgrades over previous models. Perhaps the biggest changes are to the upper and lower saddles. The upper saddle is adjustable and can accommodate just about any size golf bag, including stand bags. With the new design, the bag seems to sit at an angle that makes it easier to slide the clubs in and out of the bag. The lower saddle has been raised slightly off the front wheel which makes it sit a little higher off the ground, a huge plus when you go looking for your ball in the long grass.

The 4.0 also has a new silicone bag strap system that makes strapping your bag on easy and painless. The straps are tacky and grip the bag, so you don’t have to torque them down and possibly crush something inside the bag.

The console for the new 4.0 may look the same as previous versions, but there are several upgrades including the silicone card holder and the lid lock strap on the console which keeps things from falling out.  Between that and the storage net underneath, you should have all the space you’ll need.

When folded up, the Clicgear 4.0 has a very small, 13″ x 15″ x 24″ footprint, making it easy to transport and easy to store. It weighs in at slightly more than 20 pounds and comes with an umbrella holder that needs to be attached to the cart. There are several accessories available as well including a cup holder, cooler bag that attaches neatly underneath, a set – for those long waits in the fairway, and a shoe brush to keep your cleats clean so you can play your best.

Although the Clicgear 4.0 only has 3 wheels, it’s still the best in the business.  It rolls effortlessly down the fairway and is hard to tip over. The handlebars adjust independently of each other, and the handbrake is easy to set and comes in handy, even on the slightest of hills. Once you get the handlebars set in place and to your liking, you’ll find this to be the easiest and best pushcart available on the market. The new 4.0 is available in several colors including white, black, green, pink, army-brown, silver, teal, yellow, and army-khaki. Clicgear guarantees their carts to be free of any defects for parts up to 1 year and for the cart frame up to 3 years. For more information on the new Clicgear 4.0, visit their website at www.clicgearusa.com.

 

The Valley at Eastport Golf Club – Don’t Let the Length Fool You.

By
David Theoret
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The Valley at Eastport Golf Club sits on a piece of land nestled along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, just off Highway 17 between North Myrtle Beach and Little River, SC. The course originally opened in 1988 and was designed by Dennis Griffiths. At only 6,200 yards from the back tees, The Valley at Eastport is a course that isn’t going to overpower many golfers, however, it’s not your typical Grand Strand layout. It has always been a favorite of locals and snowbirds in North Myrtle Beach and Little River and is especially popular for couples.

It’s more of a finesse course with lush tree-lined fairways and naturally undulating terrain that doesn’t permit you to spray the ball all over. The cleverly contoured Mini-Verde Bermuda greens will test any golfer no matter how good they are. Each hole presents a fresh, new look, and many demand skillful shot-making into and around meticulously manicured greens.

The Valley at Eastport Golf Course plays 6,232 yards from the Blue Tees with a 68.6 course rating and a slope of 134. There are a total of 4 tee boxes:  White (5,545/66.9/125), Gold (5,016/64.5/119), and Red Tees (4,698 yards, 64.5/118). There is only one par 5 on each side, hence the par of 70. Arguably, Number 18 at 468 yards plays like a par 5 for most golfers.

Number 1 is a 359-yard, straightaway par 4 with a lone pine tree on the right side of the fairway. It’s just far enough for most players that, if you push your tee shot right, it’s going to come into play. There’s a lot of mounding in the fairways that can lead to the dreaded uneven lie. Two bunkers protect the front.

At 366 yards from the Blue tee, Number 2 is another medium length par 4. It’s another relatively straight hole with a lot of mounding. The long, narrow green is slightly elevated and fronted with a cluster of bunkers.

Number 3 is a short, 338-yard par 4 that requires accuracy rather than length of the tee. The pin is barely visible off the tee because of the island of bushes and shrubbery, which makes it feel like a slight dogleg right. There’s water all down the right side but if you play your tee shot down the tree line on the left side with a slight fade, you’ll leave a short pitch shot into an elevated green that is wider than it is deep. Par is a good score on this tricky little hole.

The par 3 holes at the Valley at Eastport Golf Club are challenging and all involve water. All four par-3s features greens that are set at the same angle, front left to back right.

Number 7 is the longest at 190 yards from the Blue tees and although the water shouldn’t come into play, for many it does. Sand guards the right side in the form of two separate bunkers.

Number 4 is a challenging 160-yard par 3. The green is angled and surrounded by water. Finding the green off the tee can be a challenge, especially if the wind is blowing.

Although it’s the shortest hole on the course at 137 yards from the Blue Tees, Number 13 is by no means the easiest. That tribute belongs to the 15th hole. It’s all carry over water and if you miss the green left, you’re most likely wet. Miss it long or short and you could easily find a bunker. Find the green off the tee and you just might make par!

Number 15 is another challenging par 3. The green sits at about the same angle as the 4th hole. It plays 175 yards from the Blue tees and requires a carry of about 125 yards over water.

Holes 17 and 18 are two finishing holes that can make or break a great round; they are incredibly long and challenging. Number 17 is a par 4 dogleg left that plays 434 yards from the Blue tees.  It requires a long drive down the right side that opens up the hole and leaves a long but unobstructed shot into the green. Anything left of the middle of the fairway will require a long approach shot over trees. Either way, you’ll need to carry the large pond that fronts the green. Hit it right of the green and you’ll most likely find the bunker.

In my mind, Number 18 should be a par 5. As it is, it’s a 468-yard par 4 (I’ve played par 5s that are shorter). A great drive is still going to leave at least 225 yards, most of which is over water. The way I played it was driver, 9-iron short of the water, and pitching wedge over the water to the green. Pull your tee shot left and you could easily find one of the three bunkers. Par – or even bogey – is a good way to end your round.

Last Word: For the most part, the greens are small and require accurately hit approach shots. Before your round, warm up on Valley at Eastport’s chipping and putting green. If you’re not hitting your short irons and you have trouble with your short game, you may have some problems. The speed of the practice putting green mirrors what you’ll experience on the course.  If you need to hit a few balls to loosen up, there’s a driving range just across the street at Harbour View. There are several blind shots, so take a moment to drive ahead and see exactly what’s in store.

The 6th tee box offers a great view of the historical Governor’s Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1984 by Governor Richard Riley to honor all of South Carolina’s past and present governors and stands at the end of Coquina Harbor. The Valley at Eastport is the only golf course in the area with such a view.

They are also only one of a handful of courses with live oaks throughout the golf course and sycamore tree between the 15th and 16th holes that are probably a couple of hundred years old. These Sycamore trees are featured in the club’s logo.

The Valley at Eastport’s goal is to provide you with a quality experience, exceptional service, and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Inside the clubhouse, the Valley at Eastport has a well-stocked pro shop that features some of the best equipment and apparel available. The Valley at Eastport offers several membership plans including one designed specifically for non-residents. Other memberships include golf and social memberships, single and family memberships, and junior membership. Call General Manager Bill Jones for more information or visit their website at www.valleyateastport.com.

True Spec Golf – A Club Fitting Experience Like No Other

By
David Theoret
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I used to think that club fitting was only for the touring pros, or for golfers who took the game way too seriously and had more dollars than sense. It was the last step in the process. First, you take lessons until you perfect your swing. Then hit a lot of balls until you find the perfect set of clubs. Then you have them fit so you can make that perfect swing every time. Then you play them until your swing changes and you start the process all over again. Boy, was I way off base.

Regardless of whether or not my feelings were correct – odds are they weren’t – the entire golf equipment industry has come a long way. I always thought that when drivers hit their maximum allowable size (460 ccs) that would be the end of it. But actually, that was just the beginning!

Nowadays we can change the loft, change the lie and in some cases, change the length of our golf equipment with just the turn of a screw. It seems the only thing constant anymore is change.

Much like a tailormade suit makes you look and feel your best, the same is true for golf equipment that is custom fit. A few years ago, I was approached about having a set of woods and irons custom fit and I jumped at the chance. In fact, over the years I have been fit for everything but wedges, which are perhaps the most important scoring clubs in the bag. So, when the folks at True Spec Golf offered to fit me for wedges, I jumped at the opportunity.

True Spec Golf has been around since 2014 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the past couple of years, the company has grown significantly and now has nearly 30 studios around the world. They offer just about every golf club head, shaft, and grip available. With more than 35,000 combinations of shafts and heads from more than 30 of the industry’s top brands and manufacturers, if they don’t have it, you probably couldn’t hit it well anyway!

Something else you should know, the people that are fitting you are most likely PGA professionals who know a thing or two about the game. This proved invaluable when trying to figure out the right bounce on a sand wedge to improve my bunker play.

I arrived at the David Ledbetter Academy at ChampionsGate in Orlando, FL to meet with my club fitter Ryne. We reviewed my pre-fitting survey and discussed what I expected to get out of our fitting session. We talked about my wedge play, how I liked to flight the ball, spin (or lack thereof), etc., and then started talking about club heads and shafts. Ryne took my wedges back into the shop to get some measurements while I went to the range to hit some balls and get loose.

Ryne returned to the range loaded with data and what he thought were some better wedge options than what I currently had. I hit some more balls with him and the TrackMan unit with my clubs and then started hitting the wedges he had put together: Vokey 52, 56, and 60 degrees with Nippon Modus shafts. We changed the heads a few times, Cobra Snakebite and Edison, and tried some different shafts – Project X, True Temper, and KBS – but in the end, the Vokey/Nippon combination was the combination that felt the best, sounded the best, and had the tightest shot dispersion. We moved over to the green area and hit some short chip shots, working on spin control and then over to the bunker to see what performed best out of the sand. In the end, the Vokey wedges with Nippon Modus shafts performed best in all three areas making the choice easy.

Once this process was completed, my “specs” were sent to the home office in Scottsdale where all of the clubs are assembled. They go through a pre-build phase where all of the components are inspected by a master club builder. Each club is then “dry built” to ensure proper CPM and swing weighting, among other details based on Ryne’s recommendation. Because no golf shaft is perfectly straight or perfectly round, all new orders are put through the SST PUREing process which analyzes the structure and identifies the shafts most stable bending plane or neutral axis. This process is typically used by touring professionals and low handicappers. Then each club is carefully assembled and is once again tested and measured for CPMs and swing weighting. The whole fitting/building/shipping process usually takes 4 – 5 weeks.

Once my new Vokey wedges arrived, I immediately headed to my local club to try them out and put them through their paces. I hit several buckets of balls working on distance control, ball flight, and spin and they were everything I expected. I see lower scores in my immediate future!

If you want to take your golf game to the next level and be custom-fitted for golf clubs, give True Spec a call. They have locations across the USA and around the world. Visit them online at www.truespecgolf.com.

MCC PLUS 4 Align Golf Grips – The Best of Both Worlds!

By
David Theoret
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Golf Pride is probably the best-known grip in golf. The company has been around for over 70 years and is considered by many to be the global leader in golf grip innovation. After all, they invented of the slip-on grip and introduced groundbreaking advancements in cord technology with their new Brushed Cotton Technology (BCT®) and the introduction of the hybrid category of grips.

Today, more than 80% of Tour professionals choose to play Golf Pride grips and no one is paid to do endorse them.

A few years ago, Golf Pride introduced the MCC Plus4 grip, which was a “hybrid” of their popular Multi-Compound grip, with 4 extra wraps on the lower part of the grip. The MCC PLUS4 was the first new grip model to win a Major. I believe Phil Mickelson was involved in the design, the premise being that these extra layers of tape allow for lighter grip pressure and more power. I played them on my irons for a couple of years, until the ALIGN grips.

A few years later, Golf Pride introduced their new ALIGN technology, a thin raised strip on the underside of the grip. This strip aids in more consistent hand placement to square the clubface and improve your swing consistency, every time. It’s a brilliant innovation – as long as your grips are put on straight, you should have the clubface in the right position. I played them until last weekend.

This year, Golf Pride did me a huge favor; they incorporated the ALIG technology into the MCC PLUS4. It’s the best of both worlds. This new grip also has Golf Pride’s exclusive Brushed Cotton Cord, which fuses moisture-wicking cotton fibers into a new soft rubber material for added stability in all kinds of weather conditions. I cut off brand new grips because I couldn’t wait to put them on. I’ve played with them several times and love the feel and different textures. I can’t see ever playing with another grip.

Golf Prides MCC PLUS4 ALIGN grips are available in standard and oversize as well as a variety of team colors. See them all at www.golfpride.com.

Lake Tansi Golf Course – Arguably Cumberland County’s Best Collection of Par 3s

By
David Theoret
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I have been blessed to play a lot of golf around the country. Our travels include playing at daily fee courses, private clubs, and resorts. Without naming names, we have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly and there have been a handful of courses I would consider joining if I lived in the area. Given all of our travels, I would have to say that the best-conditioned and best-maintained daily fee course I have played just so happens to be my home course: Lake Tansi Golf Course in Crossville, TN.

Crossville is considered the “Golf Capital of Tennessee,” but I’m guessing they were given that moniker because of the five courses at Fairfield Glade. I don’t get out to play them much. Not to mention, I live 3 minutes from the Lake Tansi clubhouse so to me there’s no reason to go anywhere else.

The Lake Tansi Golf Course is always in outstanding condition and the course is green year-round. According to Course Superintendent Todd Matthews, the grasses at Lake Tansi are a mixture of Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue, although the exact percentages of each are as closely a guarded secret as the Colonel’s secret recipe. “Lake Tansi lies at an elevation of 1,900 feet, making the daytime temperatures considerably cooler than other areas of the state. The grasses don’t lose a lot of their color when they go dormant in cooler weather.”

That’s just one of the positives about the course. Another would be that the course is very playable, regardless of your ability. If you’re new to the game, play from the White or Green tees, you won’t be over-powered, and you’ll have a good time. From the back tees, there are a couple of holes that will challenge the best of players. Most notably Number 13, which plays over 100 yards longer from the Blue tees than from the Green; the same is true on the 18th hole as well.

To me, the holes that set this course apart from other area golf facilities are the par 3s. They may not have the pizazz or elevation changes that some other area par 3s have but believe me, they can make or break a great round. Number 3 is the first par 3 and plays 151 yards from the White tees. A back pin placement can have the hole playing anywhere from 165 – 170 yards. It’s handicapped #11. The green slopes pretty severely from left to right with bunkers on either side. Find the bunker on the left off the tee and par just got that much tougher, especially if the pin is on the left. In the event you fly the left-side bunker, the long grass behind it will have you wishing you were in the sand. I learned from one of the guys in the league I play in that your best bet with a back pin is to hit a low shot and let it run to the back of the green. It worked well for him and won him a closest to the pin that day!

Number 6 is a 172-yard par 3 and your first real encounter with water, although for most players it shouldn’t come into play. It plays over a pond and uphill and seems to play about a club longer. Out of bounds can come up quickly out to the right. Once again, there are sand traps on either side of the green which slopes back left to front right. Regardless of pin placement, up and down from either bunker can be a daunting task. Playing from the grass mounds around the bunkers is no easy task either. You’re best to just find the green off the tee and two-putt. It’s rated the toughest par 3 on the course and is handicapped #5.

Number 12 is the (supposedly) easiest par 3 on the course, coming in with a handicap of #16. From the White Tees, the hole plays 150 yards. It’s all carry over a deep valley; you can’t see the bottom of it from the tee. Out of bounds lurks on either side and the road behind the green is out of bounds as well. There’s a sand trap in the front right and a large oak tree back left that has blocked out many shots from that side. The green slopes severely from back to front so anything over the green is a tough up and down. It’s hard to stop the ball once it starts rolling. Because of the size and slope of the green, three-putts are fairly common.

Although it’s not reflected on the scorecard a lot of the golfers I play with feel that Number 15 is the toughest par 3 out here. From the White Tees, the hole plays 160 yards with a deep bunker short right and another back left. Out of bounds comes up quickly on the left; anything that side of the cart path spells trouble. The green has two distinct tiers so if you have to chip onto the green, it’s important to be on the right level.

If you find yourself in the area and are looking for a great, well-conditioned golf course that will challenge you and not empty your wallet, be sure to consider playing a round at the Lake Tansi Golf Course. Better yet, book one of their fantastic stay and play packages and make a weekend out of it. You can get more information or even book your round online at www.laketansigolf.com.

PUMA – Apparel for Everyone

By
David Theoret
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PUMA has recently added a number of pieces to their Volition Collection which pays tribute to America and supports the Folds of Honor Foundation. This patriotic organization provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members. The new MATTR Volition Flanked Golf Polo features PUMA’s new MATTR Fabric. MATTR stands for Materials, Technology and Research and is a performance fabric designed for the highest level of comfort no matter what the weather has to offer. It’s feature-rich with moisture-wicking, fast-drying, breathable, lightweight, and has four-way stretch. What else could you want in s golf apparel fabric? The Volition Flanked Polo also features UPF 50 sun protection woven into the fabric. The all-over camo print is sure to turn some heads. On the back of the neck there’s PUMA’s iconic CAT logo, the Volition logo and the word “America” running down the middle. This could quickly move up the ranks of becoming your favorite golf polo. The MATTR Volition Flanked Polo is available in sizes s – 3XL and in three colorways: High Risk Red, Navy Blazer, or PUMA Black.

Continuing within the Volition line, the MATTR Volition Banner Golf Polo pays homage to this great country with a Red, White, and Blue color scheme and patriotic stars and stripes. It has all of the performance features you’d expect from the MATTR fabric and the flag graphic on the chest may just have your playing partners standing at attention and saluting. Purchasing any Volition America apparel honors and supports the families of our military heroes through the Folds of Honor Foundation. This great looking polo is available in Bright White (Red/White/Blue) and Quiet Shade Gray/Black. It’s available in sizes S – 2XL.

What is more patriotic than a golf polo that pays tribute to Betsy Ross? The MATTR Volition Betsy Ross Pocket Golf Polo features all of the great technology of the MATTR fabric and adds a very subtle feature, a pocket with an American Flag on it. It’s available in sizes S – 3XL and in either Bright White or Quiet Shade. There’s a Volition Lockup logo on the back of the neck.

For those looking for something less patriotic, PUMA’s MATTR Fine Stripe Golf Polo features the ultimate in fabric technology. The stripe pattern is available in 6 different stripe color combinations and in sizes 3 – 3XL. There’s a CAT logo on the left sleeve to identify the brand.

If you want to add something a little more daring to your golf wardrobe, the Sabbatical Golf Shorts may be just the thing! They feature a bold, all-over leafy print, making them the perfect choice for everything from vacations to golf to just hanging around out on the patio. For golf, the four-way stretch fabric moves with you through every phase of your golf swing and the moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry. They are very lightweight and the elastic waistband is quite comfortable. The zippered stash pockets are big enough to hide your golf necessities and the zipper ensures you won’t lose your stuff. These great looking shorts are available in sizes S – 3XL and if you want to complete the look, there’s a matching Sabbatical Polo.

To many, Arnold Palmer was a symbol of golf. His umbrella logo is iconic. PUMA’s Arnold Palmer Collection pays tribute to the King and their AP Full Circle Short features a stretch waistband with an all-over circle print and the iconic AP Umbrella logo. These shorts are sewn from PUMA’s 73% Cotton-Woven/23% Nylon/4% Spandex fabric with plenty of stretch and good moisture-wicking properties. The color palette is nostalgic with colors of Khaki, Legion Blue, and Future Blue. Whether you’re playing a round at Bay Hill or your home course, your playing partners and those around you will get the picture. They are available in waist sizes 28-42, and 33.

PUMA has given the ladies a number of options for this upcoming golf season. PUMA’s Pounce Shorts have been around a while, which proves the point if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! These must-have Bermuda shorts are packed with style and will go perfectly with just about any top you have hanging in your closet. They have a 9.25″ inseam for extra sun protection and a half elastic waistband for added stretch, comfort and unrestricted range of motion. PUMA’s DRYCELL Technology helps wick moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. The Women’s Pounce Bermuda Shorts are available in sizes XXS – XXL and in 8 vibrant solid colors.

The CLOUDSPUN Colorblock Golf Crew delivers an ultra-soft feel with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking and all the performance needed to play 18. And it will keep you warm on those cool mornings. It’s sewn from a Jersey material with added sun protection woven into the fabric. The Cat logo on the left hip lets your playing partners know your favorite brand. The Colorblock Crew is available in sizes XS – 2XL and in 4 color combinations: White/Navy, Blue Spruce/ Cloud Pink, Navy Blazer/Scuba Blue, and Lavender/Navy. It’s also available in solid colors. The Women’s CLOUDSPUN Golf Crewneck is also available in sizes XS – 2XL and in Bright White, Navy Blazer, PUMA Black or Light Gray Heather. Same great look. Same great feel. Cat logo on the left hem.

The Juniors Volition Camo Golf Polo is not your average camo. For starters, it’s sewn from a high-performance fabric that will keep you dry, comfortable, and protected from the sun. Secondly, the camo pattern will easily make you the best dressed in your group. Thirdly, the support you are giving the Folds of Honor cannot be beaten. Proceeds from this purchase will support the families of our American military heroes. This snazzy camo polo is available in sizes XS – XL and in a Blue/Gray camo design.

Gull Lakeview Golf Resort – Six Courses That Offer a Little Bit of Everything

By
David Theoret
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When golfers think of Augusta, their first thought in all likelihood is The Masters and Augusta National on a bright sunny day in April. I doubt it’s that small town in Michigan, midway between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. But maybe it should be because Augusta, Michigan is home to one of the largest golf resorts in the country: Gull Lake View Golf Resort. There are 108 holes within a 12-mile radius of Augusta, Mich., and offers more holes than Bandon Dunes, PGA National, or Pebble Beach Resorts. It is among the five largest golf resorts in the country. Five of the six courses have been certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries since 1995.

Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort has been owned and operated by the Scott family for over 50 years. Every day, four generations of Scotts go to work at the resort in one capacity or another. There were no big-name golf course architects called in to build the golf courses; no Tom Fazio, no Pete Dye, no Ron Garl. Gull Lake View is a did-it-themselves golf resort. Except for Bedford Valley – which was purchased by the Scott family in 1988 and with a little help from Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design on Stoatin Brae – the golf courses were designed and built by the Scotts. Renaissance helped out with the bunkering and greens on Stoating Brae, as well as doing some of the labor. The shaping and contouring of the golf course were done by the Scotts.

Darl and Letha are the matriarch and patriarch of the Scott family and were the first generation of Scotts to be involved with the property. Darl used to be the superintendent at nearby Gull Lake Country Club and the couple also owned the Gull Lake Motel. The Scotts sold the motel to get the funds to build their first course, Gull Lake View West, which opened in 1965.

Darl and Letha began work on the first of Gull Lake View’s golf courses in 1962 and three years later, Gull Lake View West was opened for public play. Gull Lake View West plays through fields and valleys, up and down hills, and around woods and ponds. You’ll encounter several blind tee shots, so course knowledge is at a premium. The back nine plays much harder than the front with considerably more elevation changes. It’s not often that a par 3 is the #1 handicapped hole on a golf course but that’s the case with Number 6. From the Back Tees, the hole plays 192 yards. The small green is protected by bunkers on either side. Your best bet is to hit your tee shot short and right of the pin as balls tend to bounce hard left. Gull Lake view will have you hitting every club in your bag at least once.

The success of their first course gave the Scotts a vision of how lucrative a Michigan golf resort could be. Knowing that they need more than one golf course to be a successful golf resort, they purchased the land across the street, and Darl and his son Charles started on their second course. Ten years later Gull Lake View East opened and has consistently earned high praise from golfers and raters alike; it has been ranked as high as Michigan’s 10th best course. At only 6,032 yards (68.9/124) from the back tees, Gull Lake View East isn’t going to overwhelm many players. Length isn’t the big factor out here, in fact, on at least 5 or 6 holes you’ll likely hit something less than driver off the tee. It’s all about playing for position and leaving yourself a clear shot and a manageable distance into the green. Number 8 is a good example. From an elevated tee box, you’re playing downhill to a small landing area. The water on the left comes into play at about 235 yards with trees on the right. Water comes into play again, guarding the front of the green. It may be one of the shortest par 4s out here but it’s also a good test of golf. Director of Golf, Dean Kolstad feels that number 18 is the toughest finishing hole of any of the Gull Lake Resort courses. It’s a dogleg right that plays slightly downhill off the tee then at least one club extra into the green, which is protected on the left side by a bunker. There’s nothing wrong with a par to end your round.

With two courses under their belt, the Scotts believed that their dream of a fabulous Michigan golf resort was well within reach. Now they needed a place for golfers to stay so Darl and Letha designed and constructed the Fairway Villas, located across the street from the East and West courses. These 2-bedroom, 2 bath villas boast fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and patios overlooking the golf course. They are the perfect accommodations for groups of four to relax and enjoy everything Southwest Michigan’s finest golf resort has to offer. Since then, about 24 2-bedroom, 2-bath villas have been added which has increased the number of lodging options to 67 units.

At this point, there is no stopping the Scotts! Their next course would be located about three miles down the highway from the original two courses. Stonehedge South was built by Darl’s son Charles and opened in 1988. Stonehedge South has been included in Golf Digest’s list of the top 75 most affordable courses in the United States. There are several tight tree-lined holes to keep you honest off the tee and thinking about your next shot. The greens are well-undulated and worthy of a look from more than one angle. Although it’s ranked as one of the easier holes on the course, Number 17 has a lot of character. It’s a 478-yard par 5 double dogleg right with a fairway bunker on the left side off the tee. Woods and out of bounds on the right. A good drive down the left side past the bunker will give you the green light to go for the green in two. You’ll need to hit it high as a large tree sits about 100 yards from the green. There’s a very deep bunker that guards the front of the green, which is long and well sloped. Hit it over the green and par becomes difficult. Like all the courses at the resort, the South is well-maintained and staffed by truly friendly people. It’s part of what makes this family-owned resort so popular.

Bedford Valley was the fourth Gull Lake View course and is the only course not on the Augusta property. It’s located about 20 minutes away in Battle Creek and was designed in 1965 by William Mitchell. Bedford Valley was purchased by the Scott Family in 1988 and is known for its fairways lined with majestic oak trees, oversized bunkers, and large, sweeping greens. Since purchasing the property, the Scott family has added a complete practice facility with a full-length driving range and large putting green.

I’ve spoken with several golf pros who are familiar with Bedford Valley, and they all seem to agree that Number 13 is the hole that can make or break a round. In most cases, at least for them, it was break! From the back tees, the hole plays 496 yards; 456 from the White Tees. With water on the left and a large tree on the right, most players will not be able to hit a driver. Longball hitters may have a chance but it’s about a 275 carry over the water from the White tees. To complicate matters, the fairway is only about 10 yards wide where the trees meet the water in the landing area. A “safe” tee shot will leave about 250 yards to the green, which is guarded by a large, deep bunker about 30 tards short of the green as well as another trap front left and a third trap back right. The green slopes left to right so play your approach shot accordingly. Play smart and par or better is a possibility.

Gull Lake View’s fifth course, Stonehedge North, was designed by Charles and Jon Scott and opened in 1995. If you like golf courses with a lot of trees and dramatic elevation changes, you will fall in love with Stonehedge North. The course is made up of six par threes, six par fours, and six par fives and is wide open compared to the South Course. The front nine is relatively open and flat, while the back nine is wooded with significant elevation changes. The greens tend to be on the large side and can leave some long putts on poorly hit approach shots. The course ends with an interesting par 5; a 527-yard dogleg left. Calling it a dogleg is an understatement; the hole turns 90 degrees to the left at the top of the hill. The fairway bunker on the left side is about 200 yards off the tee, so if you can carry it off the tee, you can shave some yardage off. Fairway bunkers also come into play on your layup shot on either side of the fairway. Navigate them successfully and you’ll leave a short pitch into a green. A back-left pin position may pose a problem as you’ll have a large tree and bunker to contend with. Par is a great way to end your round.

Stoatin Brae is not only the newest course at Gull Lake View but also their crowning jewel. The course was built by the Scott family with a little input and help from Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Company. Translated from Gaelic, Stoatin Brae means Grand Hill and since the course sits on the highest point in Kalamazoo County, it just makes sense! The course can be described in 4 words: fast, firm, and wide open (and doesn’t count)! When the wind is up, you’ll have a good idea of what it’s like to play golf in Scotland. The course plays 6,667 yards from the tips with a course rating of 71.5 and a slope of 122. You’ll have to shoot a 71 if you want to play par golf here. And it’s priced right too. It’s probably one of the best golf values in the country. There are no water hazards at Stoatin’ Brae. But what it lacks in water, it makes up for in strategically placed bunkers and challenging green complexes. And if the wind’s blowing, you’ll forget all about the lack of water. At 336 yards, the 10th hole is relatively short however as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where is the best place to hit your tee shot? As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green.

Although the majority of Gull Lake View’s guests come from Detroit, Chicago, and Toledo, it’s not uncommon to meet golfers from Cincinnati, and Wisconsin, and Canada while you’re there. Golfers may come out to just play Stoatin Brae but once they get a feel for one of the other courses, they’re hooked! And at Gull Lake View, there is something for everyone. For more information or to book your next golf outing or vacation at Gull Lake View Golf Resort, visit them online at www.gulllakeview.com.

Tee It Up in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area With Plenty of Options for Daily Fee Golfers

By
David Theoret
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0

For many, the mere mention of Greater Fort Lauderdale conjures up images of the beach, sandy shores, and spring break. And rightfully so; after all, there are 24 miles of beach with sparkling turquoise water, sun-kissed white sand, and tall palm trees waving gently in the ocean breeze.

Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that the Greater Fort Lauderdale area is also packed with a plethora of golf courses that are accessible to the public. Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield Beach is one such course. Deer Creek is an upscale public golf facility with an 18-hole championship course designed by Arthur Hills. Deer Creek is known for its undulation and rolling landscape and the consistently fast and smooth TifEagle putting surfaces. The course opened in 1971 and has hosted many prestigious professional and amateur golf tournaments including the 2003 USGA Senior Open Championship, 2002 USGA Amateur Championship, and the LPGA Tour’s Mazda Classic from 1979-1984. Other accolades include “Best Golf Course in Broward” (South Florida Sun Sentinel), “Four Stars” (Golf Digest Magazine), “Top Two Golf Courses in South Florida” (Golf Magazine), and “Top 100 Courses for Women” by Golf for Women Magazine.

In addition to a challenging golf course, Deer Creek has one of the best practice facilities in the area with a full-length driving range, putting green, sand traps, and chipping areas. Deer Creek offers several challenging holes, but nothing can make or break a round quicker than the last two. Number 17 is a short par 4 that plays 335 yards from the White tees and features a large pot bunker in the middle of the landing area off the tee. If you can fly it, by all means do so but don’t push your tee shot right, or you’ll be faced with a small cluster of palm trees about 120 yards out. Your approach shot is to a small angled and elevated green guarded in front by a bunker. A back-left pin position can be tricky because the green is tough to hold and slopes to the back left. Anything long will be a tough up and down.

Number 18 is a great finishing hole and if you can hit a draw off the tee, now’s a good time to do it. From the White tees, the hole plays 388 yards. There’s a lake that guards the front of the green about 85 yards out, so choose your approach club wisely. There’s a couple of sand traps left of the green as well as water and more sand right and long. Par is a great way to finish your round.

Ever since its opening in 1971, Colony West in Tamarachas been one of the most popular public access golf facilities in South Florida. Originally designed by Devlin and Von Hagge, the Championship Course opened for the Jackie Gleason Classic – since renamed the Honda Classic – as a monstrous 7,553-yard, par-72 track. Colony West has been rated by Golf Digest to be among the 50 top courses in the United States. Shortly after the tournament’s completion, Jack Nicklaus and the Tournament Committee said the course was too tough, so the maintenance crew set about removing 52 of the 137 bunkers. The course was shortened, the nines were flipped, and the Championship Course became a 6,648-yard, par 70. In 2018, Colony West underwent some big changes including renovation of all 18 greens on the Championship Course and the practice green, as well as the renovation of all greenside bunkers.

Strategically placed bunkers protect small, well-manicured greens, requiring players to think their way around the course to take advantage of scoring opportunities. The difference between the Blue Tees and Gold Tees is almost 1,000 yards but even from the shorter distance (5,462 yards) you just can’t bomb away. Water and sand hazards force you to think about your shot or pay the penalty.

Off course renovations continue. The Clubhouse has been torn down and replaced with a 107 room Fairfield Inn and Suites that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021. The old cart barn has been replaced with an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art clubhouse with banquet and meeting facilities for 250 people. The new restaurant – The View at Colony West – is open to the public, golfers, and hotel guests alike. The new pro shop recently opened and has all of your favorite logoed apparel and everything else you need for a great round of golf.

In 2013, the city of Pompano Beach brought in renowned PGA TOUR superstar turned golf course architect Greg Norman to do a renovation of the Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course. The Greg Norman Signature Pines Course – which borders the Pompano Beach Air Park – was originally a Bruce Devlin/Robert von Hagge design. Norman did a great job and made the course very playable and enjoyable. The course currently features Celebration Bermuda grass fairways and Platinum Paspalum putting greens. The city has been grappling with the prospects of re-grassing the Pines course and has been experimenting with several types of Paspalum turf. So far, the leader is Platinum Paspalum which can be seen on the greens and the 18th fairway from about 100 yards into the green. Look closely and you can see where the Bermuda ends and the Paspalum begins. The city is also involved with The Capillary Concrete Company in the development of a sub-surface irrigation system for greens. The city has already utilized this company’s technology in other areas of the golf course and has been pleasantly surprised. If everything goes according to schedule the city plans on using the Capillary Concrete program for the Pines bunkers during the re-grassing project. Once the city completes the re-grassing project for the Pines, they will turn their attention to the Palms course.

Galuppi’s Restaurant – located at the clubhouse of the Pompano Beach Golf Club – is destined to become not only one of the area’s best eateries but also one of the most popular entertainment venues. The vision of proprietor Grant Galuppi is to create a space where visitors and people within the community can eat, meet, and mingle and enjoy some live entertainment. There’s live music just about every night and everything we ordered off the menu was delicious. Once everything is completed – sometime in probably 2025 – the Pompano Beach Golf complex will rival any other public golf facility in the state. Get out early and do a before and after and see for yourself!

Oceanic at Pompano Beach Pier is dedicated to capturing the energy of the Pompano Beach revitalization. Oceanic is owned by LM Restaurants who also own the Beach House next door. Oceanic offers indoor and outdoor seating and the ocean liner-inspired design provides an open interior with expansive and uninterrupted ocean views. Oceanic offers superior steak and seafood dishes. Their Brussels Sprouts appetizer with a horseradish and maple sauce is a must-try. After your main course, be sure to try one of Oceanic’s fabulous desserts including Key Lime Crème Brulee or Fat Elvis Pie, an interesting selection that combines all of the King’s favorites: peanut butter (ganache), banana (cream filling), and chocolate, all on a graham cracker crust.

Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani now has his own restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Riviera by Fabio Viviani is located in Hotel Maren on A1A and is part of Hilton’s Curio Hotel Collection. The food is considered coastal Italian cuisine; to me, it was simply delicious, probably the best meal I have ever had in almost 20 years of writing about golf travel. The signature meatball appetizer (Polpetti Di Fabio) was incredible, the Salt Spring Mussels were plump and delectable and my wife’s Mishima Reserve Wagyu Steak was the best I’ve ever tasted. I’m surprised she let me have a bite! If you’re there for Sunday brunch be sure to try their new Tootsie Roll drink. It’s the perfect breakfast drink.

While in the area, you’ll need a place to lay your head at night. I strongly suggest Cottages By The Ocean on SE 3rd St. in Pompano Beach. Not only are they centrally located to several public-accessible golf courses, but they’re also a block and a half from the beach and all kinds of restaurants and nightlife. These 1940s-era cottages and one-bedroom bungalows offer full kitchens with range, refrigerator, and microwave, a complete living room, and a king-size bed. They’ve also got you covered if you’re headed to the beach with beach chairs, wakeboards, and beach toys. Owner Elaine Fitzgerald likes to greet each guest personally and when you see her ask her for some restaurant recommendations. She’s been in the area a long time and is well-connected. She has several similar properties in the area so if the Cottages By The Ocean are booked, check out her other locations.

For more information on golf in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, go to www.visitlauderdale.com. You’ll find enough courses to keep you busy for your entire vacation and well into the next!

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