golf vacations magazine january 2010

PLUS:Casino Golf Links: Cha-Ching! I Mexico’s Paraiso Del MarPLUS:Casino Golf Links: Cha-Ching! I Mexico’s Paraiso Del Mar

GOLF VACATIONSGOLF VACATIONSwwwGVLINKScom

FLORIDA’S MUST SEE ATTRACTIONWORLD GOLF VILLAGE AND HALL OF FAME

FLORIDA’S MUST SEE ATTRACTIONWORLD GOLF VILLAGE AND HALL OF FAME

ASPEN APPEAL AT SNOWMASSFAMILY FUN AT RICH & FAMOUS PLAYGROUND

ASPEN APPEAL AT SNOWMASSFAMILY FUN AT RICH & FAMOUS PLAYGROUND

WINTER 2010

HIT THE SLOPES AND FAIRWAYS I “GOLF MY WAY” AT HAWAII’S KA’ANAPALI

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contents I winter 2010

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Casino Links: Cha-Ching!by Jen Voss

Like peanut butter and jelly, “Golf” and “Casinos” have entered thelexicon as an ideal combination. Las Vegas excluded, below are thefive best casino golf course destinations we’ve played in the USA.

World Golf Village and Hall Of Fameby Tom LaMarre

For vacationers headed to Florida, the venues on the must-see listare too numerous to list. But No. 1 on the agenda has to be theWorld Golf Village and Hall of Fame near St. Augustine.

SnowMass Appealby Larry Feldman

For years, my best friend in the world has been telling me thatSnowmass not only was the best mountain he ever skied, but alsohad some of the best golf around. Well, he just may be right!

Hitting The Fairways and The Slopesby Shane Sharp

Temperatures are dropping, snow is falling and ski season is here.But before the slope-hugging set can say “Black Diamond,” it will betime to trade in the skis and poles for drivers and putters.

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on the cover: World Golf Village and Hall Of Fame, St. Augustine, FL

8 ChipShot by Brandon Tucker

“Golf My Way” in Ka’anapali

9 DestinationsYour Link To Great Resort Golf Locales

22 Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross and Tom LaMarre

TaylorMade, Bushnell, SunMountain and more!

24 My Turn by James McAfee

Paraiso Del Mar: Leading the Charge to Baja Sur

d e p a r t m e n t s

GOL F VA C AT IO N S • WI N T E R 2010 5www.gvlinks.com

destinationYou know what will make your wedding day perfect. Weknow where you’ll find it. DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT

866-621-9461www.desertwillow.com

Located at Desert Willow Drive off Country Club between Cook Street & Portola Avenue in Palm Desert.

Executive EditorJeffrey Diaz

Associate EditorTerry Ross

Online Content EditorBruce Binder

Features EditorLarry Feldman

For Editorial:call: (760) 774-2655 • e-mail: [email protected]

Regional Advertising

New York • 518-789-3005Jon Meigs - [email protected]

Chicago • 630-871-9417Patrick Keane - [email protected]

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San Diego • 619-889-7706Bob Black - [email protected]

San Diego • 619-709-4425Wayne McCollum - [email protected]

Online Directory Advertising

Palm Springs • 760-774-1752Bruce Binder - [email protected]

Published by

President Jeffrey Diaz

100 S. Sunrise Way., Suite 257Palm Springs, California 92262

1-800-940-7816 • fax 214-889-3667

and

Destiny Media, LLC

President/CEOJames A. Diaz

Golf Vacations Magazine is published in digital format monthly and distributed online to over 1,000,000 golfer’s email inboxes each issue.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2010 SportsMedia Publications, all rights reserved and

may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

Terry Ross has covered sports as both a print and radio journalist for more than 35years, and also has served as a consultant to the golf industry in a variety of capac-ities. He has been a regular columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal and isbased in Orange County, California.

Tom LaMarre has been a sportswriter for some 40 years, including long stints with theOakland Tribune and the Los Angeles Times. He was the Tribune’s beat writer with theOakland Raider for seven seasons in the 1970’s and has written two books, “WinningOffensive Football” with quarterback Kenny Stabler and “Stadium Stories: TheOakland Raiders.” Tom makes his home in Orlando

James McAfee is a freelance golf and travel writer based in Wylie, TX, who has extensive expe-rience as a writer, editor and golf administrator. He was executive director of the Northern TexasPGA for 27 years and executive director of the Dallas District Golf Association for eight years.With editor stints at Golf Shop Operations, Golf Digest and Texas Golfer Magzaine he is current-ly the director of communications for GolfDFW.com. He has been a member of the Golf Writersof America for 37 years and was one of the founders for the Texas Golf Writers Association.Playing the game for 56 years he was recently named to the U.S. Amateur Golf Hall of Fame.


Palm Springs ResortsGolf Package SpecialsCimarron Golf Resort – 1 round incl. cartWoodhaven Country Club – 1 round incl. cart1 nights accommodationsHomewood Suites – Palm Desert or Holiday Inn Express – Palm Desert

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For reservations or inquires contact Bill CannedyGolf Vacations Magazine Travel Concierge

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Larry Feldman is a nationally published freelance golf journalist of more than17 years. Based in Park City, Utah, his writing has appeared in such high-pro-file publications as Southern California Golf News, Palm Springs Life, Golf Tips,Sports Profiles and Men’s Look.

GOL F VA C AT IO N S • WI N T E R 2010 7www.gvlinks.com

Like peanut butter and jelly, ham and eggs, tea and crumpets, Sonnyand Cher, Lennon and McCarthy, Brooks and Dunn, Tarzan andJane, Donald and Daisy, David and Goliath, “Golf” and “Casinos”

have entered the lexicon as ideal combinations. Las Vegas excluded, beloware the five best casino golf course destinations we’ve played in the USA.

1. Turning Stone (Verona, NY,www.turningstone.com, 800.771.7711) –The site of a PGA Tour event (TurningStone Resort Championship) so thiscourse has to be good! Located inCentral New York, it’s a quick trip fromall major Upstate cities (Albany, Utica,Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo andWatertown) and minutes from the NewYork State Thruway.

Turning Stone boasts three 18-hole courses over its 1200-acreproperty including designs by Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones Jr.Beginner golfers have the option of two nine-hole courses. 21 restau-rants dot the premises but out-of-towners can visit one of the severalWegmans’ grocery stores in the area. The famed grocery store chainbegan in Rochester and locals know it’s one of the tastiest and moreaffordable places (think – you can spend more money on the casinofloor) in Central New York!

2. Sweetgrass Island Resort (Harris,MI, www.islandresortandcasino.com, 800-682-6040) – If awards equated rankings onthis list, then the Sweetgrass Golf Course –part of the Island Resort & Casino – wouldsurely be higher. In just more than a year ofexistence, the course placed on Golfweek’s“Best to Play in State,” “Best New Courses”and “Best Casino Courses” lists. 24/7 Vegasstyle gaming – including tables games, apoker room and more than 1,400 slot machines – abounds on the propertywith its brand-new Island Resort Showroom that welcomes musical guests likeForeigner, Rick Springfield and Huey Lewis and the News.

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it’s worth making atrip to play this brand-new Paul Albanese designed course which sub-tly incorporates the area’s Native American heritage.

3. Circling Raven (Worley, ID,www.cdcasino.com, 800-523-2464) –This Gene Bates design in the Idahopanhandle has garnered scores ofawards since its first full season (2004).At the top are two prestigious, biennialawards – Golf Digest’s “America’s 100Greatest Public Courses 2009-10” andGOLF Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses

You Can Play 2008-09.” The western-themed Coeur d’Alene CasinoResort Hotel abuts the course and both are tribally owned by theCoeur d’Alenes.

The casino offers 1,800 slot machines for play, computer tablegames like Blackjack, off-track betting for horse and dog races, high-stakes bingo, and name entertainment and sporting events. The resortis regularly voted the most popular casino in the Inland Northwest.Throw in the glorious beauty of the Pacific Northwest and you’ve hitthe golf-and-gaming jackpot.

4. Mississippi (www.visitmississip-pi.org, 866-801-8551) – The third-largest gaming destination in the U.S. –thanks to many casino resorts and cours-es in Tunica (up north), Biloxi on theGulf Coast, and various points inbetween. Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, anamenity of the Pearl River Resort inCentral Mississippi, has 36 holesdesigned by Tom Fazio-Jerry Pate, two

casinos, three hotels, and a slew of other resort amenities. On the Gulf Coast, The Preserve (Jerry Pate, Palace Casino

Resort), Grand Bear (Jack Nicklaus, Harrah’s Grand Casino Biloxi),Windance (Mark McCumber, Island View Casino), and majesticFallen Oak (Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Fazio) are excellentoptions. Tunica, in the northern part of the state, is home to an arrayof fine casinos and courses, including the Links at Cottonwoods (HaleIrwin), an amenity of Harrah’s Grand Casino Tunica; Tunica NationalGolf & Tennis Club (Mark McCumber), and River Bend Links arelocated near 10 Vegas style casino hotels.

5. Mount Airy (Mount Pocono, PA,w w w . m o u n t a i r y c a s i n o . c o m ,877.MTAIRY1) – Just 90 miles fromManhattan but a world away in thisresort nestled in the lush, tranquilPocono Mountains. Why fight the NewJersey traffic to Atlantic City when youcan play the challenging yet fair champi-onship course at Mount Airy and stillenjoy the high-rolling lifestyle withmore than 2,500 slots, poker,

Blackjack and roulette? Live it up at the one of the four bars /lounges on-site or relax in the indulgent spa. If you prefer to play – golfthat is – more than 30 additional courses proliferate the four-countyregion of the Pocono Mountains. A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross andRobert Trent Jones designed gems are all within an hour’s drive.

CASINOS LINKS: CHA-CHING!Bet On These Top Five Golf/Gaming Combos

by Jen Voss • Special to Golf Vacations Magazine


One of golf's greatest barriers toplay is the time it takes to play 18holes. In Hawaii, where the pace

of life is decidedly slower to begin with,one resort on Maui is offering an innova-tive alternative: Stretch your 18-holeround of golf for days.

The Ka'anapali Golf Resort, home to two18-hole golf courses, has introduced the"Golf My Way" program for 2010, whichallows golfers to book an 18-hole roundbut play at their own leisure, whetherthat's over the course of a day orthroughout their stay.

While serious sticks are going to be play-ing 18 holes (or even a second twilightround) in one day, casual golfers who just

want a taste of Maui resort golf can spreadout their round over the course of theirstay. This means you could play six holesone day, resume on the seventh the fol-lowing day and finish up - or stretch it outeven further.

Hawaii may be one of the world's great golfdestinations, but it's under a lot of competi-tion from the islands' other attractions.Ka'anapali sees its share of family vacation-ers, and when you've got family in tow, afour-hour round of golf might not edge outthe resort's other options.

Ed Kageyama, PGA General Manager atKa'anapali says its family-friendly resortmeans that sometimes golf isn't always pri-ority No. 1, when there's beach activities

such as parasailing, scuba diving, snorkelingand surfing.

"Parents can play a few holes in the morn-ing, spend the rest of the day doing familyactivities and come back later during theirvacation to finish the round," Kageyamasaid.

Royal Ka'anapali and Ka'anapali KaiThe Golf My Way package is availableon both of Ka'anapali's golf courses.Royal Ka'anapali is the championshipcourse of the two, playing 6,700 yardsand has hosted the Champions TourKa'anapali Classic for 14 years. ARobert Trent Jones Sr. design built in1962, the course underwent a $13 mil-lion renovation between 2005-2006 andhas since been rated a 4.5-star golf facil-ity by Golf Digest.

Ka'anapali Kai, while still an 18-hole, full-length play at 6,400 yards, will play a biteasier for the casual player, but is every bitas scenic, with expansive views of thePacific Ocean, as seen on Golf Channel's"Big Break Ka'anapali."

The Ka'anapali Kai course is especiallyfamily friendly with its "kids play free"program and junior set of tees availablein the afternoon during the summermonths. Each summer, 1,500 juniors teeit up at Ka'anapali.

"Our goal at the resort is to provide activi-ties to keep families together during theirvacation," said Kageyama.

For more information, see www.kaana-paliresort.com.

“GOLF MY WAY” IN KA’ANAPALIGOLF COURSES INTRODUCE PACKAGEDEAL FOR THE CASUAL HAWAII GOLFER

CHIPSHOT HAWAII

By BrandonTuckercourtesy TravelGolf.com

www.gvlinks.com GOL F VA C AT IO N S • WI N T E R 2010 9

DESTINATIONS WHERE TO STAY • WHERE TO PLAY

Southern California


Story byTom LaMarre

WORLD GOLF VILLAGEand HALL OF FAME

WORLD GOLF VILLAGEand HALL OF FAME


For vacationers headed to Florida, among the venues onthe must-see list are Walt Disney World, Kennedy SpaceCenter, Everglades National Park, Key West and MiamiBeach.

There also are plenty of options for golfers, but No. 1 on theagenda has to be the World Golf Village and Hall of Fame near St.Augustine, which holds its own claim to fame as the oldest city inthe United States.

"If you love golf, you've got to go," is the motto of the WorldGolf Hall of Fame, a line uttered by legends Gary Player, ArnoldPalmer and Ben Crenshaw in television spots since the home ofgolf history was moved from Pinehurst, N.C., in 1998.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 250,000 people enjoy theWorld Golf Hall of Fame experience every year, according to JaneFader, communications direction for the World Golf Hall of Fameand the First Tee, which is based in the World Golf Village.

The highlight of 2009, not counting the additions of PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower, Lanny Wadkins, Jose Maria Olazabal ofSpain and Christy O'Connor of Ireland at the annual inductionceremony in November, was "Shanks for the Memories," an exhib-it dedicated to comedian Bob Hope's love of golf.

Originally scheduled to run through December, the popularexhibit now will be on display throughout 2010. It features notonly artifacts from Hope's involvement with the PGA Tour as hostof the Bob Hope Desert Classic dating to 1965, but items from hislong career in show business.

"We were excited to get an extension from the Hope familyin the Fall," Fader said. "That was great new because so muchwork goes into an exhibit of that magnitude. We want as manypeople to see it as possible, and having it run for another yearwill do exactly that."

The World Golf Village and Hall of Fame is more than simplya beautiful place where golfers and fans can enjoy a nostalgic tripback through the annals of the game to its roots in Scotland.

It is the venue for a complete stay-and-play weekend or full-fledged vacation, which includes golf on two world-class courses,the King and the Bear designed by Arnold Palmer and JackNicklaus, and the Slammer and the Squire, named for Sam Sneadand Gene Sarazen.

"For the avid golfer, I would think it would almost be arequirement to visit the World Golf Village and Hall of Fame,"said Clare Simpson of Reno, Nev. "Our visit to the World GolfVillage was a great experience, from the hospitality at theRenaissance Resort, to the history at the Hall of Fame, to thegreat golf on two courses.

"For me, it was especially interesting to see Patty Sheehan'slocker in the Hall of Fame, because she is a friend of mine and amember at my club in Reno. That made it a little extra special,but for any golfer, a trip to the World Golf Village is a chance to

experience some of your best golf memories all over again, andmake some new ones with your friends."

Some of the artifacts on exhibition at the World Golf Hall ofFame are:

• An R-30 Gene Sarzaen sand wedge, designed by Sarazen,who invented and used the first sand wedge. The wedge is on dis-play in an exhibit honoring Sarazen and Snead at the Slammer andSquire clubhouse.

• Charlie Sifford's first PGA Tour card, issued for 1959-60,when he broke golf's color barrier.

• Teaching pro Harvey Penick's briefcase full of handwrittennotes that eventually became the "Little Red Book," which is con-sidered perhaps the best teaching manual ever written.

• Annika Sorenstam's scorecard from the day she became thefirst and still the only player in LPGA Tour history to shoot 59 inthe second round of the 2001 Standard Register Ping at MoonValley Country Club in Phoenix.

• Johnny Miller's MacGregor bag and the clubs that he usedto shoot eight-under par 63 in the final round to win the 1973U.S. Open at Oakmont.

• Payne Stewart's first endorsement bag and clubs as a pro.• The shirt that captain Ben Crenshaw of the United States

wore during the final day of the Ryder Cup matches in 1999 atBrookline, when the Americans staged an unlikely rally to stun theEuropeans.

• Byron Nelson's driver from the 1945 season, when hewon 11 consecutive tournaments and 18 overall, both PGATour records.

• Lloyd Mangrum's purple heart, dog tags and half of a dollarbill he carried with him in the Invasion of Normandy in 1944.Mangrum and a friend tore the bill in half before leaving Englandand vowed to reunite later, but his pal sadly did not make it.Mangrum captured the 1946 U.S. Open, the first one contestedafter it was not held during U.S. involvement in World War II.

• Jack Nicklaus' MacGregor bag and clubs from a round heplayed with President Gerald R. Ford, Player and Palmer on theoccasion of the inductions of the Big Three to the Hall of Fame in1974 at Pinehurst.

• Babe Zaharias' harmonica and a 1953 vinyl record releasedon the Mercury label, which features the LPGA Tour great play-ing as Betty Dodd sings "I Felt a Little Teardrop." On the flip sideis Zaharias' harmonica solo of "Detour."


Among the items in a display in ShellHall honoring the four newest members ofthe Hall of Fame include:

• The TaylorMade driver and spoonused by Olazabal when he captured 1994Masters, becoming the first player to winat Augusta using metal woods.

• All nine of Lanny Wadkins' golf bagsfrom the Ryder Cup matches and a $4check from Ben Hogan, Wadkins' winningsfrom a friendly match with one of golf'sgreatest champions.

• President Eisenhower's Green Jacketfrom Augusta National Golf Club, wherehe was a member from 1948 until hisdeath in 1969.

• Dozens of clubs and trophies, includ-ing the 1962 Harry Vardon Trophy, thatO'Connor earned during a career thatspanned four decades, and included 24victories on the European Tour and 10Ryder Cup appearances.

"There are 130 lockers full of artifacts,one for almost every player in the Hall of

Fame except Willie Anderson and AlanRobertson," said Mark Cubbege, managerof collections and research, noting thatthere is not much available from those twoearly champions.

And don't miss the chance to haveyour picture taken on a replica of theSwilcan Bridge, with the Royal & AncientGolf Club of St. Andrews in the back-ground behind the 18th green on thefamed Old Course.

Before and/or after visiting the Hall of


Fame, golfers can try to make a little per-sonal history of their own on the WorldGolf Village's two outstanding courses.

Built in 2000, the King and the Bearcourse is the only layout on which Palmerand Nicklaus have collaborated. The par-72 course plays to a distance of 7,279 yardsfrom the back tees, with a course rating of75.2 and a slope of 141.

"Both courses are very good and inexcellent condition," said Simpson, the vis-itor from Nevada. "I thought the King andthe Bear was a little better because it is alittle more challenging.

"But the Slammer and the Squire isperfect for the high handicapper and thebeginning golfer."

The King and the Bear hosted theChampions Tour for the Liberty MutualLegends of Golf in 2001 and 2002, and amatch between Palmer and Nicklaus thatwas televised on Shell's Wonderful Worldof Golf match in May of 2000 to mark theopening of the course.

The King and the Bear is a parklandcourse, with wide fairways on the frontnine lined by lolly pines, and 200-year-oldlive oaks along the winding fairways on theback nine. The course features sparklinglakes lined with coquina rocks.

"After competing with Arnold for somany years in different areas, it's a lot offun to collaborate with him on this proj-ect," Nicklaus said. "Because it is the Hallof Fame and for the game of golf, we arehere. Under different circumstances, Idon't think we would have necessarilybeen interested in this project.

"Arnold and I have varying styles onhow we do golf courses. The coursereflects both of our styles."

The par-72 Slammer and Squirecourse, opened in 1998, measures 6,939yards from the tips, with a with a rating of73.8 and a slope of 135.

The layout, which was designed by

Bobby Weed with Snead ("The Slammer")and Sarazen ("The Squire") acting as con-sultants, is set among native wetlands,hardwood hammocks and old-growth pinetrees.

The Slammer and the Squire has host-ed the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf,the PGA Tour Qualifying School andChampions Tour Qualifying School.

"I’ve been involved in many golf courseprojects but nothing to the magnitude ofthis project," said Sarazen, who passedaway in 1999. "Giving my input on theSlammer and Squire, and being associatedwith the World Golf Hall of Fame, hasbeen a real thrill."

There's plenty more to do after puttingout on No. 18.

Also on the property at the World GolfVillage are the PGA Tour Golf Academy,the PGA Tour retail center, an IMAX the-ater, and plenty of other shops.

Walk down the street to the MurrayBros. Caddyshack Restaurant, themedafter what is considered to be the best golfmovie ever made. Instead of baseball andfootball jerseys that line the walls of mostsports bars, Caddyshack displays the caddybibs of famous golfers.

Or simply relax and enjoy the ameni-ties of the Renaissance Resort, the LateraResort and Spa, or the Grand Villas at theWorld Golf Village.

All three properties offer excursionpackages for attractions along Florida's"First Coast," including Jacksonville andhistoric St. Augustine, which was visited bySpanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513as he searched for the Fountain of Youth.

Visit early in May and witness historyin the making in the PlayersChampionship at nearby TPC Sawgrass,with its notorious island green on the 17thhole.

There you will see players on their wayto the World Golf Hall of Fame.

SNOWMASS AppealSNOWMASS Appeal

MASS AppealMASS Appeal

Story byLarry Feldman


So, I was wrong!For years, my best friend in the world has been telling me thatSnowmass not only was the best mountain he ever skied, but alsohad some of the best golf around. As a resident of Park City,which boasts three of the nation’s Top 15 ski resorts and fiveworld-class golf course communities, I was flat-out skeptical.

Well, he may be right.

After years of urging, I finally paid a visit to Aspen/Snowmass andfound the best of both worlds. In one corner, you have the fast-paced lifestyle of Aspen, full with ritzy shops on every corner andsome of the finest dining this side of Manhattan. In fact, takeManhattan and pop it smack into a mountain range and you basi-cally have Aspen.

In the other corner, you have this charming, little ski town calledSnowmass with one of the biggest mountains you’ll ever ski andone of the nicest, most-picturesque golf courses you’ll ever play inSnowmass Village Country Club.

The winner? You.

That’s because Aspen and Snowmass are just 15 minutes apart, soif you want fast-paced, stay in Aspen. If you need to get away andchill, stay in Snowmass.

Personally, with the recent fact that I’ve hit the ripe age of 50, Igive the nod to Snowmass.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s something about Aspen and all itsglory. To be able to walk the streets of Aspen, take in the plethoraof top-notch shops and restaurants and glance at the “beautiful”people who can appear on any street corner, Aspen is truly special.In fact, I rubbed elbows with Megan Fox at a local bar onenight…thought I was going to die and go to heaven!

But, in the end, dying and going to heaven means skiing long runsof deep powder and hitting 300 yard drives and Snowmass has itall. Sorry, Megan.

For starters, Snowmass Village has gone through millions of dol-lars of building and re-building over the past five years. What wasonce really just a sleepy, little ski town now pops with high-endresorts, condos and first-class restaurants, just on a much smallerscale than Aspen. Oh yeah, and one big mountain.

As a lifelong skier who has schussed down most of the nation’s topslopes, Snowmass might have them all beat. With runs that cantake 20-30 minutes in some spots and a bigness that spreadseveryone out on the mountain, Snowmass is a skier’s dream-come-true. While my three resorts in Park City should never feel anyshame, if you gave me one day to float through powder-coveredruns, Snowmass would get my vote.

Walking through downtown Aspen

The pinnacle of living starts with the Snowmass Club. Membersare rewarded with an exclusive lifestyle and a private playgroundin the mountains. While it is private by most standards, public playopportunities allow the visiting guest the chance to conquer theIrish links golf course after 12:30 p.m. on most days.

A $1 million renovation now invites members and their guests thechance to unwind with a variety of relaxing spa services, includingsalt scrubs, facials, body peels and massages to help increase ener-gy flow and loosen those exhausted muscles, whether it was makingturns on the slopes, cross-country skiing on Snowmass’ 70 kilome-ters of trails or from the 72 swings (we’re assuming you’re shootingpar) on the magnificent Jim Engh-designed layout. Three outdoorhot tubs, a four-lane, 25-yard lap pool and several family pools helpcomplete the perfect day. A 19,000-square-foot state-of-the-art ath-letic club where floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking viewsof Mt. Daly, is also available if you still have the energy.

Of course, these demanding fitness routines call for a more-than-sat-isfying meal. Refuel and excite the palate at Sage Restaurant andBar, Snowmass' mainstay dining spot. Serving up classic and creativedishes like the Colorado Mixed Grill staging Venison Sausage,Buffalo Tenderloins, Lamb T-Bone with Mashed Potatoes, ChefRandall Baldwin incorporates Colorado's finest organic and localingredients in an elegant, yet cozy dining experience.

A decadent finish to a delicious meal is in order, but it's hard tochoose between treats such as Croissant Bread Pudding with DateIce Cream and Nougatine or the Chocolate Sampler with DarkChocolate Mousse, Pot du Crème and Chocolate Ganache Cake. Orsimply unwind at Sage Bar with a refreshing Colorado microbrew,

glass of wine or one of Sage's signature specialty winter drinks whilesitting by the fire.

As you can imagine, it was only a matter of time before a high-end resort moved in and that distinction belongs to ViceroySnowmass. Unveiled on opening day of the 2009-10 ski season,Viceroy Snowmass if the first mountain resort operated by theprestigious Viceroy Hotels & Resorts line of five-star hotels.

Bringing the Viceroy brand’s signature fusion of glamorous style,provocative design and innovative culinary experiences to themountains, Viceroy Snowmass features the prime ski-in, ski-outlocation at Snowmass’ new Base Village, location of the TreehouseKids’ Adventure Center and the home of Ski & SnowboardSchools of Aspen/Snowmass.

Viceroy Snowmass, designed to achieve LEED Silver certifica-tion, offers 173 residences ranging from stylish studios to expan-sive four-bedroom units with galley or full kitchens, stunningmountain views and Jean-Michel Gathy’s contemporary, alpinedécor. The hotel’s amenities include Eight K, a dramaticallydesigned fine-dining restaurant with a glimmering displaykitchen, private dining rooms, and an 87-foot-long glass-toppedaprès-ski bar; a plush lounge designed around a double-sidedfireplace; slopeside ski valet services operated by Four MountainSports offering complimentary ski and snowboard transfer to anyof the area’s four ski mountains; a full-service spa; fitness room;Nest, the Kelly Wearstler-designed pool café and bar; the slope-side pool terrace with permanent cabanas integrating fire designelements; a stylish boutique; and 9,000 square feet of flexible andstylish conference and event space.


Viceroy Lounge

The new Snowmass Base Village also features new diningand entertainment venues, including, Sneaky’s Tavern, TheSweet Life ice cream emporium and diner and a modernJapanese tavern Buchi from Jeffrey Klein, the founding part-ner of Matsuhisa (Aspen’s outpost of Nobu). Base Villageshopping is highlighted by Aspen’s renowned PerformanceSki as well as Aspen Sports, a North Face Concept store,Generation Snowmass and more. Detailed informationregarding all of the new openings and real estate sales oppor-tunities within the new development are available atwww.SnowmassLiving.com

If you do want to stay and play in Aspen, Hotel Jerome not onlyoffers up sheer elegance for the most discriminating taste, butshould you traveling with your favorite four-legged companion bea must ala Paris Hilton, then they’re invited too.

Hotel Jerome has been Aspen's crown jewel since 1889, providingguests a timeless blend of luxury and casual sophistication.

Spacious, elegant accommodations http://hoteljerome.rockre-sorts.com/guest-rooms/descriptions.asp welcome guests themoment they step into the grand lobby.

The hotel has a longstanding tradition of culinary excellence andit’s showcased in its variety of dining options—from its GardenTerrace http://hoteljerome.rockresorts.com/dining/garden-terrace.asp, to the ever-popular J-Bar http://hoteljerome.rock-resorts.com/dining/j-bar.asp, to the relaxed Libraryhttp://hoteljerome.rockresorts.com/dining/library.asp - all ofwhich, in the tradition of RockResorts, reflect a deep and abidingrespect for the environment through their innovative, locallyinspired menus, sustainable cuisine, and use of the freshest organ-ic, natural and seasonal ingredients.

Hotel Jerome is in the heart of downtown Aspen, so it’s just foot-steps from the many world-class galleries, boutiques, restaurants,cafes and the mountain gondola that have made Aspen one of themost celebrated mountain resort destinations in the world.

Snowmass Village Country Club

Hotel Jerome


But, this is a golf magazine, so let’s talk golf. Snowmass VillageCountry Club is a gem of a course, plain and simple. Jim Engh,who is the only man to win the prestigious Best New CourseAward from Golf Digest four times, has created a truly spectacularlayout with views that rival anything from Pebble Beach to thecoast of Ireland.

And, it’s that Irish influence that dominates this links-style course.At just over 7,000 yards, Snowmass Village twists around its RockyMountain landscape and the result is a tract that possesses majes-tic views, challenging landscape, all the while being sensitive tothe precious land it sits on. With five sets of tee boxes, novices andpros will find a challenge ahead of them.

On the front side, the fun starts on No. 1 with a Par 5 that is theperfect risk-reward way to begin. At 595 yards, this magnificenthook-shaped dogleg right offers water up the entire right side andbunkers left as you tee off with the mountains staring you down.With a good drive, you’re still facing 225 yards home over thewater…make it and you may make your round…miss it and youmay want to double-back to the bar.

No. 11 frames Mt. Daly and is the course’s most scenic hole. At564, this Par 5 is a bomber’s delight. But, with an extremely longgreen from front to back, you could be facing a putt of over 100feet. So, birdie is not guaranteed by any means, especially if youputt like me.

Snowmass finishes with a bang on its closing three holes. The16th hole is a great, drivable Par 4 that measures 353 yards (306

from the white with elevation). But, the hole features waterright and a nasty bunker front-left that almost ensures bogey ifyou get caught in it.

The 17th is a tremendous hole. Measuring 211 yards, this Par 3consists of nine pot bunkers that will catch any shot hit a little fat.The long, undulating green invites three putts all day long if youdon’t put the tee shot on the correct level.

The old adage of “Tee it high and let it fly” really depicts the fin-ishing hole at Snowmass Village. The 18th, a 581-yard, Par 5,offers sweeping 360 degree views of Snowmass. But, if you getcaught up in the scenery, this dogleg right might ruin your roundif you don’t keep all three shots left. With trouble down the righton the tee shot and water front and right on the approach, takeyour par and run to the clubhouse.

The experience you’ll get from Aspen/Snowmass is certainlyunique. Summer. Winter. Spring. Fall. In short, it has it all. And,you can hit ‘em both on one trip.

So, while Park City is home to me and my family, I know exactlywhere I’m going next!

Visit These Links For More Informationwww.aspensnowmass.com www.hjerome.com www.viceroysnowmass.com


Temperatures are dropping, snow isfalling and ski season is here. Butbefore the slope-hugging set can say

“Black Diamond,” it will be time to trade inthe skis and poles for drivers and putters. Theresorts and locations below – noted for skiing,snowboarding and winter sports – might pleas-antly surprise golf-and-ski aficionados withworld-class golf courses design by legendaryarchitects. All five boast amazing naturalscenery, standout accommodations and areeasily accessible from major cities and airports.

Canadian Rockies golf-and-lifestyleconsortium (www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca,877.323.3633) – A country with skiing facil-ities and winter sports so spectacular that ithas hosted two Winter Olympics (1988Calgary, 2010 Vancouver), the CanadianRockies boast six world-class Alberta prop-erties with more than 135 holes of spell-binding mountain golf.

The Canadian Rockies consortium(CRG) includes The Fairmont BanffSprings, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge,Silvertip Resort, Stewart Creek Golf &Country Club, Kananaskis Country GolfCourse and Canmore Golf & Curling Club.

The collection of highly-acclaimedcourses features a mix of traditional,Stanley Thompson and Robert Trent JonesSenior-designed layouts, and contemporaryand modern landscapes from regionalarchitects like Les Furber.

With daylight extending to 11 p.m. in thesummer, visitors have plenty of time to heli-

hiking, raft, explore the mountains and nation-al parks, horseback ride, watch the abundantwildlife, take in the stunning scenery or pam-per themselves at internationally-renownedspas, restaurants and wine bars.

Sun Valley Resort (www.sunvalley.com,800-786-8259) – The “American Original”has been home to literary greats (ErnestHemmingway) and playground forHollywood legends and political royalty.

Opened in 1937, Sun Valley has beendubbed “the nation’s first ski resort.” Themoniker doesn’t overshadow White Cloudsand Trail Creek golf courses, 27 holes ofchampionship golf stationed in one of themost dramatic settings in the U.S.

Designed by Donald Knott – RobertTrent Jones Jr.’s lead-architect during the1970s – White Clouds offers dramatic ele-vation changes and panoramic views of thebreathtaking countryside. Dubbed “AlpineLinks” for its wide open and rolling terrain,Trail Creek weaves its way through matureforest and crosses its namesake creek onnearly every hole.

Off the course, Sun Valley offers out-door ice skating with world-renowned starsperforming throughout the summer, gunclub, horseback riding, award-winning ten-nis and much more.

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks(www.ravenatthreepeaks.com,970.262.3636) – Time was, Silverthorne,Colorado was ground zero for Colorado’s

largest collection of ski bums. And why not?

The cozy little burg located just off of I-70 on the west side of the EisenhowerTunnel, is just 30 minutes from Vail,Breckenridge, Copper Mountain andKeystone. As of 2001, Silverthorne andSummit County also lay claim to one of thehighest-ranked golf courses in the state,Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks.

Designed by Michael Hurdzan, DanaFry and Tom Lehman, Raven Three Peaksis a true destination golf facility easily worththe trek from points east and west. Oncethere, golfers can soak up its 9,000-foot-plusperch in the Front Range of the Rockies.

The golf course serves up scenery, strat-egy and 18 positively unforgettable holes,all in climate that is up to 20 degrees cool-er than Denver (70 miles east) and its envi-rons during the summer months. That’sright, sweater golf in the summer is a truepossibility at Raven Three Peaks.

Pocono Mountains(www.800poconos.com, 800.POCONOS) –Less than 90 miles from Manhattan, youcan find celebrities hitting the slopes andlinks all year long. Nestled in the pictur-esque Pocono Mountains, this four-county

Hitting The Fairways And The Slopes


Shawnee Islands - Poconos

Raven Three Peaks

Arnold Schwarzenegger at Sun Valley Resort

TorreTHE CUISINE OF ITALY“Combining Old-World Italian comfort food with personalized service,a congenial atmosphere and an extensive wine list, La Torretta excelsas one of Arizona’s most impressive restaurants” — Dining Out

With a menu that utilizes the freshest and most authentic ingredientsand pasta made fresh in-house daily, the restaurant’s culinary fare isconsistently delicious and refreshing.Their Osso Buco,Taglio del VitelloFarcito con Quattro Farmagio and Veal Piccata have become locallegends and inspired positive reviews from the Scottsdale Republic,the New Times, Guest Informant, TravelHost, and Scottsdale Magazine.

The combination of La Torretta’s sophisticated interior and authenticfood make it a prime candidate for intimate dinners to groupcelebrations of special occasions.

LIVE WELL • LOVE MUCH • LAUGH OFTEN

LA TORRETTARistorante & Italian Steakhouse

16640 N. Scottsdale Rd • SW corner Frank Lloyd Wright/Scottsdale RdScottsdale • 480.991.2000 • www.latorrettaaz.com

Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm • Dinner Daily 4:30-9:30pm

destination finds itself in close proximity tomany major East Coast hubs, but a worldaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

For those in search of a family getaway,romantic couples’ weekend, or a girls’ orguys’ night out, the Pocono Mountains fea-ture more than 30 courses and numerousaccommodation options for vacation cus-tomization. Golf courses range from earlyDonald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast designsto nine-hole options where beginners canplay with confidence.

Championship-caliber golf is only aportion of the offering in the PoconoMountains. There is a little bit of every-thing for everyone: antique shopping, old-time theater, Vegas-style gambling, thePocono Raceway, fine dining, water andmountain sports and plenty more.

Blue Ridge Mountains / Olde Mill(www.oldemill.net, 800.753.5005) - The

iconic Blue Ridge Parkway is the most vis-ited part of America’s national park system.Located just minutes away, Olde Mill -- amagnificent master planned resort, cluband residential community -- is undergoinga multi-million dollar renovation.

With its lush, old growth forests anddramatic elevation changes, visitors willhave trouble focusing on the golf ball whenplaying Olde Mill’s 18-hole, par 72 layout.An Ellis Maples original that was recently-remodeled by son Dan and grandson,Bradley, the course features design ele-ments inspired by legendary golf coursearchitect Donald Ross.

The course, which bobs and weavesaround a 54-acre lake, is the centerpiece ofthe 850-acre resort. Guests also have access totennis, a fitness club, swimming, fishing, bik-ing, hiking, a brand-new restaurant menu andelegant mountain-craftsman style housing; allcloaked in peaceful mountain serenity.

by Shane Sharp • Special to Golf Vacations Magazine

A REALITY AT THESE DREAM DESTINATIONS

Banff Springs Devil’s Cauldron


If anything in golf has undergone a rev-olution over the past decade or so, ithas been the golf ball. With the

improvement in clubs and shafts and thepremium put on spin and how it can impactdistance, the old balata balls of yesteryearhave given way to lower spinning but hard-er balls to increase distance for better play-

ers.Even

t h o u g hmost oft o d a y ’ sl o w e rspinningballs ares o f t e rthan theo l d“ r o c k s ”

that many of today’s players grew up withand allow more feel, they still haven’t beenable to match the soft touch of balata andthe spin around the greens that those ballsoffered—until now.

TaylorMade Golf has just introduced thefirst five layer golf ball designed to give a bal-ance of performance in the five key areas ofshot-making—driver, long irons, middle irons,short irons and around the greens. The newly-released Penta TP (Tour Preferred) wasdesigned by the engineers at TaylorMade fol-lowing three years of research primarily withtour players, but it is a ball that will fit thegame of all levels of players.

Penta TP is the first tour ball with fivesolid-layers, according to TaylorMade, witheach layer engineered to optimize per-formance in the five key shot categoriesthat skilled players need.

The five layers include the core, innermantle, middle mantle, outer mantle andcover, and each one plays a critical role inoptimizing the performance of each of thefive key shots.

The extremely soft, low-compressioncore is the most critical layer to promotinghigh launch and low spin off the driver, whichare well known to be the launch conditionsthat promote maximum carry and distance.

Visit www.taylormadegolf.com.

Ever since the USGA opened up theuse of distance-reading devices fortournament play three years ago,

manufacturers of laser rangefinders andGPS yardage instruments have ramped uptheir efforts to entice golfers to invest inone methodology or another to get theiryardages and distances while on the course.

Bushnell, which has been a pioneer inthe golf industry for more than a dozen yearswith its laser rangefinders after decades asone of the leading manufacturers of binocu-lars and other optical products, has two of itsnewest and most accurate distance-findingdevices on the market with the Pro 1600Tournament and the 1600 Slope Edition.

According to USGA rules, rangefinderscan be allowed in tournaments if theymeasure only distance to the pin or otherobjects, such as with the Pro 1600

Tournament Edition that was developedfor both recreational and professionalgolfers as Bushnell’s top of the line rangefinder with its state of the art optics.

For those that aren’t concerned withusing the rangefinder in tournament playbut want additional information for casualrounds that can still be recorded for handi-cap purposes, the 1600 Slope Edition isexactly like the tournament edition butadds a built-in inclinometer to provide thegolfer with a compensated distance basedupon the degree of incline or decline.

This means when you are aiming at anup-hill or down-hill target, the Pro 1600with Slope +/- will adjust the yardage read-ing for the angle and distance to helpgolfers with accurate club selection.

Visit www.bushnellgolf.com.

The enormous popularity of the R9driver by TaylorMade Golf with itsFlight Control Technology (FCT) that

allows players to adjust the head characteris-tics – face angle, loft and lie—has carried oversuccessfully to two other types of clubs.

The company has expanded the R9franchise into the fairway wood and Rescuehybrid categories that have proven to bejust as popular both with professional tourplayers and recreational golfers alike.Adjustable drivers and woods have provento be one of the more beneficial game-improvement options for the average play-er who doesn’t have the luxury in mostcases of customisizing the loft and faceangle like the pros, who have Tour vansthat come to tournament sites to work onplayer’s equipment.

How does FCT work? It starts with asmall metallic sleeve positioned over the tipof the shaft. The shaft is secured to theclubhead with a specially made bolt in thebottom of the clubhead. The sleeve, madeof high-strength 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, isr i n g e daround thebottom withsmall teeth,which tight-ly meshwith a sec-ond ring ofm a t c h i n gteeth withinthe hosel.You canchange theclubhead'scharacteris-tics (faceangle, loft,lie) by loos-ening theFCT bolt,r e m o v i n gthe shaftfrom thehead, rotat-ing thesleeve and

SWEETSTUFF

SWEETSTUFF


shaft into a specified position, and thenlocking them into that position within thehead with the FCT bolt.

The R9 fairway wood offers eight club-head positions. Changing from one positionto another is easy and takes only a matter ofseconds. It's important to recognize that asthe face angle closes, the loft increases; andas the face angle opens, the loft decreases.Thus R9 fairway woods are engineered topromote trajectories that are 1) increasing-ly higher, long-carrying and which movefrom right-to-left; 2) increasingly lower,more controllable and which move fromleft-to-right; or 3) neutral, relativelystraight ball flight of a mid-level height.

The design of the R9 fairway woodfeatures TaylorMade's "new classic"shape, which combines traditional andcontemporary lines to create a clubheadthat's particularly easy to aim and whichsets up cleanly and beautifully behindthe ball at address. The Center ofGravity location (CG), meanwhile, ismore than 50 percent lower than thesimilarly sized r7 fairway woods. That's adramatic difference that helps make R9fairways easier to launch.

The new Rescue is a perfect comple-ment to the R9 series of fairways and alsoincorporates the FCT technology in theTP version with the ability to dial in oneof eight different club head positions andcustomize the club for the first time in ahybrid. This club is the perfect marriageof long irons and fairway woods becauseof its versatility in many different condi-tions and the ease of hitting compared toa long iron.

Visit www.taylormadegolf.com

Terry Ross

With college football heading intothe bowl season and collegebasketball heating up, Sun

Mountain Sports is giving golfers a chanceto display their school colors on the course.

The outdoor sports equipment andapparel company based in Missoula, Mont.,

has forged licensing agreements with 53major universities -- from Alabama throughWisconsin -- around the United States and isoffering two of its quality golf bags adornedwith the colors and logo of your school ofchoice. And more schools are expected to beadded to the list.

Sun Mountain's Superlight 3.5 bag,which weighs under four pounds, is themodel for the college logo lightweightstand bag, which includes its patented 9.5-inch six-way top and seven pockets, includ-ing water bottle pouch.

The popular Superlight 3.5 bag, whichfeatures wider shoulder straps which makeit easier to carry clubs around the course,also is available in nine color combinationswith the Sun Mountain logo.

Also available with any of the collegelogos is the Sun Mountain C-130 cart bag,one of the most popular in the company'sdiverse line. The C-130 boasts a 14-way,individual club divider system and 10 pock-ets, including an insulated beverage com-partment and two velour-lined pouches,plus two full-length clothing pockets.

The C-130, a Hot List selection by GolfDigest the last three years, is the Cadillac

of the Sun Mountain line. It comes in eightcolor combinations when purchased withthe Sun Mountain logo.

The stand bag with college logo sells fora suggested retail price of $239 and the cartbag with college logo retails for $269.

"In the past, golfers had to pickbetween a top quality golf bag and a golfbag in their college colors," said EdKowachek, president of Sun Mountain."Now, folks can have it all -- quality,performance, cutting-edge design andcollege colors."

Sun Mountain has long been commit-ted to supporting high school and collegegolf teams through its School Program,which offers quality and affordable equip-ment to programs around the country.

To learn more about Sun Mountain'sSchool Program, college coaches may call1-800-457-6306 and high school coachescan phone 1-800-227-9224, or visitwww.sunmountain.com/information/programs.asp.

More than 600 coaches purchase SunMountain products with embroideredschool logos for their golf programs every

For the entire line of Sun Mountainproducts, visit the company's website atwww.sunmountain.com.

Tom LaMarre


MYTURN

La Paz, the 471-year old capital of Baja CaliforniaSur, is truly a rare pearl in this fast paced world .It's a place where vacationers come for an easy-

going lifestyle that soothes the soul as you might expectsince “paz” translates into peace in English. It doesn'tfeel touristy as its neighbor, Los Cabos, just over twohours away. It's home to more than 200,000 residentswith all the amenities needed for a happy life.

Situated at the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, called“the world's aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, it offersspectacular sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling andother water sports on beautiful beaches that are greatplaces to swim unlike most at the tip of the peninsula.The malecon (boardwalk) offers a great place to view thebeautiful sunsets. It's sunny more than 340 days a yearwith temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees—yes,it's hot in the summer.

What was missing? Golf resorts and communitieswith world class courses like in Los Cabos. Grass just did-n't seem to grow here and water was in short supply,reportedly because the water wells were poorly managed.The region also gets only about four inches of rain annu-ally. However, developers found the answer thanks todesalinization and the introduction of a less water-hungryturf called paspalum that also was tolerant to salt water.

Paraiso del Mar, an ambitious real estate and resortdevelopment on 1,700 acres of unspoiled sandy land ona peninsula called “El Magote” across the Bay of La Paz,became the first to open a golf course in the spring of2009. Unlike some golf communities, there's no need fora gate. The best way to get there is by a five-minutewater taxi ride, although there is a long land route overthe desert that can take up to an hour from the airport asthree other writers and I found out when our driver didnot get the right information.

On a site that Arthur Hills and design partner BrianYoder called one of the most natural that they had everseen, a links style course emerged that will remind someof the ones in Scotland and Ireland, especially when thepaspalum turf has a chance to mature and golfers willhave to resort to keeping the ball on the ground more.

“Creating a course here was like throwing down atablecloth in one sense,” said Yoder, “We employed avery light touch (only 70,000 cubic yards of earth were

moved) as they did when creating the classic links ofScotland. We did it this way to preserve the existing nat-ural beauty and, from a golfing perspective, we did itbecause so much of the existing terrain was dramaticenough the way we found it.”

Fitting for a links course, most of the greens arelarge with bold contours. This is especially true on thepar 3 No. 6 where a natural bowl has been incorporatedinto the green itself that bumps right up against the foredunes that separates the course from the beach. I had tosink a five-foot putt to avoid four-putting. Putting thecup at the bottom of the bowl makes things easier as allballs roll down there. In another nod to St. Andrews,there is a double green shared by Nos. 4 and 7.

More than 70 bunkers, most of them pot like theones in Scotland and Ireland, add to the challenge, leav-ing golfers with little chance to do more than just get theball out of them.

There's really no rough to speak of as the wide fair-ways end where the sandy dunes and desert await errantshots. If you can not find your ball, these desert areas areplayed as lateral hazards, allowing golfers to drop a ballwhere it entered and take a one-stroke penalty. This willspend up play.

However, we didn't have to worry about the pace ofplay the day we played as there was only a father and twoof his sons playing. We got around 18 holes twice in lessthan three hours each time, but I evidently did not get

PARAISO DEL MAR:


LEADING CHARGE TO BAJA SUR by JamesMcAfee

La Paz, Mexico

enough liquids as I got dehydrated and had to spend thenight in the hospital, as nice as any back in Texas.

While the homeowners will enjoy golf memberships,other visitors may opt to rent one of the condos and playthe golf course or just take the water taxi ride over to getin a round. The green fees are about half what they are inLos Cabos.

The first phase of the Paraiso del Mar (“Paradise of theSea”) resort community consists of 294 luxurious Mexican-style two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes and more than400 condominiums with prices ranging from the $200,000s tomore than $1 million. Additional high-rise condo buildingsstand ready to be added when the need arises.

More than 800 acres on the secluded peninsula havebeen set aside for wildlife sanctuaries, mangrove preservesand a biological corridor.

It will not be long until La Paz is considered a true golf

destination as two other courses are scheduled to openwithin the next year.

Costa Baja, a master planned resort community on 550acres, will open a Gary Player design, featuring a desert-by-the-sea landscape, in the summer of 2010. Beach frontresidences, condominiums and hillside homes will beoffered. Costa Baja also has a state-of-the-art 250-slip dou-ble-basin marina. The Costa Baja Beach Club will serve asthe community's social hub, but I missed out seeing itbecause of my stay in the hospital.

Architect Tom Doak's first design in Mexico is sched-uled to open soon at Bahia de los Sunes (The Bay ofDreams) about 45 minutes southeast of La Paz.

Americans, who missed out on opportunities at moremature developments such as the ones in Los Cabos, def-initely should consider looking into investing in one of theLa Paz golfing communities before less savvy travelers findout about them.

golf vacations magazine january 2010

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