Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Home Blog Page 84

Beau Chêne Country Club – A Club That Has It All

The community of Beau Chêne in St. Tammany Parish was the dream of successful New Orleans-based developers Morgan Earnest and Lester Kabacoff. Their goal was to offer residents a wide variety of recreational activities within the gated walls of the community. Beau Chêne is home to about 1,550 single family homes and condominiums, spread over 1100 acres.

The Inman Family acquired The Earnest Corporation in July 2016 from The Earnest Family, in an effort to ensure the long-term success of the Club and the wonderful experience it offers its members.  Under the leadership of the Inman Family the Club continues to make improvements to the facility, which enhances the membership experience. In fact, many of the members at Beau Chêne Country Club are members for life.

Beau Chêne Country Club is the centerpiece of the community and features 36 spectacular holes of Joe Lee golf on the Oak Course and the Magnolia Course.

The Oak Course was the first course built and opened for play in 1975. From the back tees, the Oak Course stretches out to 6,598 yards with a course rating of 72.2 and a slope of 131. Both the White tees (6,268/70.5/128) and the Green tees (6,003/69.3/122) will also provide a fitting challenge. Ladies find the Oak Course enjoyable from the Red tees (4,755/68.1/115). In all, there are 5 sets of tees. In case you can’t decide which set of tees to play from, there’s a handy reference at the bottom of the scorecard which suggest which tees to play based on your handicap.

Several holes will leave lasting memories including the par 3, 5th. This is considered by many to be the Oak Course’s signature hole. From the back tees, it plays 162 yards, but don’t let the length fool you. This hole is loaded with trouble. For starters, a large bunker fronts the green while a second bunker awaits anything hit long. Club selection is the key to number 5 as the winds that swirl off the Tchefuncta River on the right can wreak havoc.

The Oak Course ends with a difficult finishing hole. Fairway bunkers frame both sides of the landing area off the tee and a water hazard winds its way down the entire left side. Aim your tee shot down the middle and fire away. If you succeed in avoiding the fairway bunkers, you’ll be left with a mid-iron shot into the green and a good chance at par or better.

The second Joe Lee course, the Magnolia, is located in the newer, eastern section of the property, formerly known as the Pailet Estate.  The initial 9 holes (which are now 1-5 and 15-18) were completed in early 1982 while the second nine (6-14) were completed in 1985 as part of a final phase of the Beau Chêne subdivision.  Magnolia’s difficulty is characterized with more bunkers and water hazards than the Oak Course.  And just like the Oak Course, there is out of bounds on every hole.

Magnolia plays a little longer than the Oak, at 6,613 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 72.1 and a slope of 133. Move up to the White (6,351/70.9/129) or the Green (6,061/69.8/122) and you’re still going to be challenged no matter your skill level. Ladies will find the Red tees at 4,902 (69.4/116) to be an enjoyable and challenging distance.

The par 4, 5th hole on the Magnolia Course is one of the most challenging holes in the area and this layout’s #1 handicapped hole. It’s a long dogleg left that plays 430 yards from the back tees and requires a long drive to make it to the dogleg and have a clear look into the green. Success off the tee will leave a mid to long iron shot into a green protected on the left side by a large oak tree and a greenside bunker on the right. Make a par and consider the day a success.

Regardless of which course you play, you’re bound to be astounded by the scenic views as you make your way around. You’ll be treated to an abundance of area wildlife, massive cypress trees, ancient live oaks, freshwater lakes and lush vegetation. Players of all skill levels will find both courses challenging while at the same time relaxing. In addition to these two outstanding golf courses, Beau Chêne offers an extensive, well-groomed practice area. Inside the clubhouse you’ll find a well-stocked pro shop with logoed apparel from all of your favorite designers and a nice selection of clubs, bags and accessories.

For members, Beau Chêne has active Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations and numerous informal groups and an active junior program. If you’re game’s not up to par, the Club offers golf lessons and regular clinics for adults and children. The Club also holds numerous Club tournaments with a variety of formats. The golf program is led by PGA professional Fred Schroeder.

There’s a lot more to do than play golf at Beau Chêne.  The Fitness Center at Beau Chêne provides members the opportunity to work out on top quality equipment in a comfortable and quiet environment. You’ll find the Fitness Center conveniently located on the second floor of the Tennis Center and is open from 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily with access controlled by electronic keycard.

Within the Fitness Center you’ll find a good selection of cardio equipment including treadmills, stationary and recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers and stair steppers. All cardio equipment has individual televisions equipped with remotes and headphone receptacles. The strength training equipment consists of various resistance training and weight stack equipment designed for a complete body workout. The Fitness Center and Fitness Director Mary Piper offer an array of group fitness classes ranging from Cardio Kickboxing to Yoga that will challenge everyone from novice to the fitness guru. These classes are complimentary to Fitness Members. In case you have any questions, certified personal trainers are available to help with every facet of your workout.

The Aquatics Center at Beau Chêne offers members Aqua-Fit Classes including water aerobics during the summer months These classes are held every Monday at 9:15 a.m. and Fridays at 8:30 a.m. and are free to Beau Chêne Fitness Members. Members and their guests can dine poolside at The Pool Cabana Grill which offers service from the Oak Grill Menu.

Tennis is alive and kicking at Beau Chêne as well and is one of the most active programs in the area. The tennis complex features 8 outdoor lighted courts – two of which are clay – and 2 indoor air-conditioned courts, the only two indoor courts on the Northshore.  Whether you’re young or old, new to the game or have a wealth of experience, Head Tennis Professional John Ballard can help you get the most out of your game and help you meet others that enjoy the sport as much as you do. Youth and adult clinics are held regularly and the professionals at the tennis center can help get you involved with local USTA events.

With two Joe Lee-designed golf courses and some of the best country club dining in New Orleans area, Beau Chêne is the perfect venue for your next outing or event. Beau Chêne also specializes in weddings and rehearsal dinners. Guests will enjoy ample paved parking and the ambience of their newly remodeled clubhouse and recently constructed lakefront Pavilion will only add to their experience. Beau Chêne features two spacious dining rooms and can easily accommodate 300 guests for receptions and 180 for seated events. The large windows in each room provide incredible views of the Club’s beautifully landscaped gardens and golf course.

Many country clubs are judged by their culinary offerings and if that’s high on your criteria for joining a club you’ll be amazed at what Beau Chêne has to offer. In fact, Beau Chêne has two dining rooms and offer everything from casual clubhouse food to fine dining. The Oak Grill features large panoramic windows for a magnificent view of the golf course as well as several flat-screen televisions perfect for watching the big game.  The Oak Grill offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed casual atmosphere that can be enjoyed in just about any attire. The Oak Grill Bar offers all of your favorite post-golf libations including a number of local beers on tap. On weekends, the Oak Grill opens early with an a la carte breakfast menu on Saturday and the ever-popular Sunday Breakfast Buffet, featuring made-to-order omelets and bottomless mimosas. Friday afternoons in the Oak Bar are always lively with Happy Hour drinks from 4 – 7 PM.

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale Morgan’s offers fine dining cuisine that can be enjoyed in business casual attire. Grab a mixed drink or a glass of wine at Morgan’s Bar before sitting down at your table.  Beau Chêne offers a wide selection of mixed drinks, bottled beers and wine. Executive Chef David Ramey brings his expertise and culinary artistry to deliver a menu that is always fresh and exciting. The menu changes as the season does and Chef Ramey’s creativity shines through year-round. Morgan’s is open nightly for a la carte dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

You don’t have to live within the gates of Beau Chêne to be a member and enjoy everything this fine country club has to offer. Beau Chêne offers several membership plans. The Eagle Golf Membership entitles immediate family members including your spouse and any children under 25, to unlimited use of the golf courses, clubhouse, tennis facilities and pool complex.  For an additional small monthly payment you can add a fitness membership.

The Club’s Medalist Golf Membership offers everything above and provides a lower initiation fee with higher monthly dues. It’s the perfect membership for part-time residents. There’s also a Birdie Golf Membership which is offered to new members under the age of 40 years of age and carries the same benefits as an Eagle Membership. Sports and Social Memberships are also available with limited golf course access.

If you’re looking for a great club to join, with friendly members, an active social calendar and some of the best golf in the area, then arrange to take a tour of Beau Chêne Country Club. You can get a lot of information on the Beau Chêne website at www.beauchenecc.com.

Mizuno’s Latest ST Drivers

Carving a bigger slice out of the metal wood market is clearly Mizuno’s intent with introduction of the new ST190 series drivers and fairway woods. The company has a fervent following for its irons, especially ones targeted for better amateurs and pros like the MP-18s or JPX919 Tour, but they haven’t been able to translate that popularity into sales of their metalwoods.

The new ST190 and ST190G drivers follow the 2018 ST180 series which didn’t set any sales records, but the company does have a history in this end of the business going back to the first mass produced driver with a titanium clubhead, the Ti100. They also pioneered other design technologies now used by many of not most of the other driver manufacturers. A carbon fiber crown was first seen in the MP-001 model back in 2005 while sliding weights on the sole were introduced in 2007’s MP-600. Add to that placing the head’s center of gravity so the ball has less spin for more yardage was started with the first T-Zoid driver almost 20 years ago.

We have written before it seems in 2019 every maker is promoting what they describe as “higher ball speed” models which of course is the primary way to have the ball go farther. Later we will have more information on the ST190s after range and on course testing.

Brand & Model:
Mizuno ST190 & ST 190G drivers
Key Features:
High Strength SP700 titanium face
Amplified Wave sole
Carbon Composite Crown
Loft adjustable hosel
ST190 Fixed sole weight
ST190G Two Fast Track sliding weights
Price & Availability:
ST190 $400 & ST190G $500 – scheduled to be in stores Feb.15

Brand & Model:
Mizuno ST190 fairway wood
Key Features:
Carbon composite crown
Amplified Wave Sole
Maraging Steel Face
ST190 TS model is adjustable
Price & Availability:
ST190 $250 & ST190 TS $300 – at retail Feb. 15
Need to Know:
As is virtually every other driver maker Mizuno is stressing ball speed to give users the maximum distance off the tee. The use of a high strength titanium face, a carbon composite crown and a sole design with waves that compress at impact are Mizuno’s answer. The face is 10% stronger than that used in last year’s driver and have ribbing inside to help performance rebound and give a solid impact sound. Weight of the carbon composite crown is just 12 grams, 7 grams less than the 2018 ST180 driver. The ST190G has two tracks for sliding weights of seven grams split between the sole area near the toe and heel. The ST190 has a 6-gram sole weight that is not changeable. Both models have +/- 2° loft adjustable hosels.

ST190 fairway woods come in two versions, a fixed hosel 15° 3-wood or 18° 5-wood and the TS-Tour Spoon which does have hosel adjustability from 13ׄ° to 17°.

Wyndemere Country Club – Life, Golf and Friendships

When it comes to choosing a place to live in Naples Florida, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Choosing to live in a golf community doesn’t narrow it down much, Naples has plenty of those too. So how do you choose, and what do you base your choice on?

All offer superior, well maintained golf facilities and a myriad of other activities – recreational and non – but what sets Wyndemere apart are the people. Everyone in the community, from the Members to the clubhouse staff to the maintenance crew, all greet you with a warm friendly smile and kind words. It’s the people that set Wyndemere apart.

Wyndemere Country Club is the dream and vision of Gerald Livingston, who purchased a 450-acre tract of land on which to build a country club, with the hope that it would someday become a beehive of social activity, providing a sanctuary where Members could enjoy recreational activities and create everlasting friendships. Mr. Livingston’s vision was realized when Wyndemere Country Club opened its gates in 1981.

Over the years, Wyndemere has been both home and host to some pretty well-known folks. Some of the Club’s more famous residents include Chi Chi Rodriguez and legendary football coach, Mike Ditka. Golf greats such as Fuzzy Zoeller, Gary Player and Lee Trevino have graced the fairways at Wyndemere Country Club.

The goals of Wyndemere are clear and simple: to provide Members, their families and guests with an exceptional experience and to preserve and strengthen Wyndemere as a premier, private country club community in the Naples, Florida area.

The golf at Wyndemere Country Club is incredible and features 27-holes of Arthur Hills-designed golf, making for three distinctively different 18-hole layouts. Delicately sloping, tree-lined fairways intertwine with intriguing water features and beautiful coquina waste areas to create a course that will challenge golfers of all skill levels and abilities. You don’t need to be able to hit 300-yard drives to score well and have a good time. Each golf course at Wyndemere has been redesigned and renovated within the last 5 years and has never been in better condition than it is these days. Seven sets of tee boxes ensure that a playable distance is available to every level of golfer.

All serious golfers know that practice is the sure way to get better and Wyndemere has the golf practice facilities and professional staff that can help take your game to the next level. Their practice area features a double-ended driving range as well as a short game practice area complete with chipping green, bunker, and oversized putting green. Need some help with your game? The Professional Golf Staff at Wyndemere Country Club is dedicated to helping you improve your game and maximize your enjoyment of the sport. Their player development program offers Individual golf lessons, complimentary golf clinics and demonstrations with golf schools for Members.

In the event golf isn’t your game, Wyndemere has one of the most active tennis and pickleball programs in the state of Florida. The Tennis Facilities recently underwent a $1.6 million renovation. The 10 state-of-the-art Har-Tru courts – 4 of which are LED lighted for night play – are frequented by over 200 active tennis players and play host to leagues for every skill level from 2.5 and above. There’s also a robust inter-club tournament schedule. Wyndemere hosts local professional exhibitions on their stadium court. Tennis lessons and group clinics are available from Wyndemere’s talented staff along with a Racquet Sports Shop that is stocked with the latest brands in tennis, pickleball and fitness.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in Southwest Florida and the Wyndemere community takes the sport to a whole new level. You’ll find numerous pickleball leagues and opportunities to play throughout the year; there’s never an off-season for this incredibly popular sport.

Wyndemere has one of the most active bocce programs in Naples with hundreds of players. The two lighted courts are centrally-located with access to both their world-class outdoor dining and bar service. You just might find it’s the hub of Club and inter-club activity on any given evening.

Physical fitness is at the top of the list at Wyndemere and they are proud to be one of America’s Healthiest Clubs! They are dedicated to providing best-in-class facilities and their individual and group classes will keep you healthy and active. The fitness center is a state-of-the-art facility complete with the latest Precor® cardio equipment. Bluetooth connectivity, TV viewing screens complete with Netflix, Hulu and Spotify ensure your workout is as entertaining as it is satisfying. Wyndemere offers a full complement of personal trainers and fitness professionals certified in various modalities. For golfers, they feature the Titleist Performance Institute, which can help improve your mobility and flexibility as it relates to the golf swing. After your workout, check out the Club’s spa facilities and enjoy massage services, facials, acupressure, cupping and other breakthrough treatments to keep you looking and feeling your best. The Wyndemere community and workplace are also committed to a clean and healthy living, becoming one of the first country clubs in Southwest Florida to be certified as an official Blue Zone site.

When you’re ready to relax poolside, Wyndemere has a couple of options. The resort-style infinity pool is the ideal setting to relax and enjoy chairside service. A unique array of Aqua Aerobics programs are available for Members who enjoy low-impact water-based workouts. These programs will help improve flexibility, cardio, and muscular conditioning. There’s also a lap area as well as a shallow area to just relax and cool off. You’ll find an ample supple of chairs and umbrellas and food and beverage service is also available.

Life is better when you’re surrounded by friends and at Wyndemere Country Club, you’ll find friends relaxing over cocktails near the outdoor fireplace, tossing a bocce ball on one of their courts, hitting balls back and forth on the tennis and pickleball courts and enjoying each other’s company poolside. The Club’s event calendar is packed with entertainment and social activities for those who enjoy an active lifestyle with friends. In addition to activities already mentioned, Members create lifelong friendships at social events such as wines tastings, card games, biking clubs and themed parties.

Wyndemere Members are also very passionate about creating a better Naples community, and regularly contribute to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Drug Free Collier, St. Matthew’s House and Bosom Buddies.

Wyndemere is a mandatory membership community with two membership categories currently offered, Golf and Sports. A limited offering of Non-Resident and Preview Memberships are also available. Club improvements are funded through a one-time capital assessment fee at joining along with annual capital dues. This ensures the Club will continue to innovate and elevate the Member experience for years to come. In 2015, Wyndemere was honored as a Distinguished Club of the World, a mark of excellence reserved only for the best private clubs committed to improving the member experience in every facet of Club Membership. As the new year dawns, Wyndemere was further honored by becoming a Platinum Club of America, a revered status reserved only for the best 5-star clubs in the country. Having completed $20 million of major renovations over the last five years to their clubhouse, golf courses, and campus grounds, Wyndemere’s facilities are at their peak and poised for the future.

Whether you’re in the market for a condominium, vacation villa or even a dream estate – you’ll find that Wyndemere has everything you’re looking for. More importantly, you can feel confident in your home purchase at Wyndemere has a proven record of investment value. Since each homeowner is required to maintain Club Membership, the financial stability of the community is ensured for generations to come.

For more information or to arrange a visit of the Wyndemere community, visit their website at www.Wyndemere.com.

SanSoleil for Fall 2018 – Keeping The Sun’s Rays at Bay

SanSoleil is at it again; producing stylish men’s and women’s golf apparel with one thing in mind: sun protection.

Actually, make that two things. This new collection sees an emphasis on style and fashion, creating timeless garments that ladies want to wear on the golf course, all the while keeping the sun’s rays at bay.

This SolStyle® Ice Sport Skort was inspired by some tennis apparel. This pleated skort is sure to add a stylish touch to any gal’s golf wardrobe. The pleats give this garment a fun, sophisticated finish for either the tennis court or golf course. The ICE Sport Skort is lightweight and breathable and the fabric helps keep you cool when things heat up on the course. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection. The pull-on style features a comfort waistband and built-in shorties with plenty of stretch. The ICE Sport Skort has plenty of storage too: two deep zippered front pockets and one back zippered pocket. This skort is available in sizes XS – XXL and in either the Barcelona or Lido print. Retail price is $104.

SanSoleil also makes an awesome pair of ankle pants for ladies. The SolStyle ICE Ankle Length Pant has three desirable features when it comes to golf apparel: stretch, comfort and cool. Plus it looks great too. The wide pull-on waistband sits comfortably on your natural waist and makes getting them on and off a breeze. These pants are fitted through the thigh with a slim leg and the side slits on the hem create added fit and comfort. Zippered front and rear pockets provide ample storage space. UPF 50+ sun protection keeps the sun’s harmful rays at bay. The SolStyle ICE Ankle Length Pant is available in sizes XS – XXL and in solid Black or your choice of two prints: Honeycomb Black or Oasis Border. Retail price is $120.

For ladies who prefer golf dresses – and the numbers are growing – the SolStyle ICE Long Sleeve Zip Mock Dress makes a statement. This dress is shape-fitted with princess seams from bust to hem and features long sleeves feature mesh venting to help keep you cool, while keeping the sun off your skin. There’s two front zippered pockets for all of your golf essentials and the connected athletic shorts have plenty of stretch as well as one added pocket. The SolStyle ICE Long Sleeve Zip Mock Dress is available in sizes XS – XXL and in several prints including Oasis, Barcelona, Lido, Deauville Navy, Honeycomb Black and Honeycomb Capri Blue. Retail price is $130.

Performance polos are where SanSoleil has made its mark and the 2018 fall collection doesn’t disappoint. The ZIP Polo features SanSoleil’s SolCool Nano Fiber Technology which provides permanent cooling and can reduce your body temperature by 5%. Super Cool Nylon is combined with SanSoleil’s mesh inserts to create quick cool technology in the world’s most comfortable fabric This technology also wicks moisture away from the body for quick drying and will never wash out of the fabric.  The fabric itself is very lightweight and easy to care for and with UV 50 protection, you won’t have to worry about too much sun. The Swarovski® Zipper Puller adds an element of glam to an already good-looking garment. The SolCool ZIP Polo is available in sizes XS – XXL and in several colors and prints including: Honeycomb Black, Piper Pink, Last Call Blue, Wildcat Brown, Poppies, and Westport Pink. Retail price is $96.

SanSoleil’s SunGlow Zip Polo offers up permanent UPF 50 sun protection which will never fade away or wash out. SunGlow’s moisture wicking and quick drying helps to create a cooling effect that provides both perfect comfort and protection from the sun. The mesh inserts that are sewn into the long sleeves create a billowing effect while you walk, providing added cool and comfort. The high neck stand on the polo collar provides added coverage and a traditional golf polo look. At first feel, the SunGlow Zip polo is silky soft to the touch yet can be washed and dried on the regular cycle. A Swarovski® Zipper Puller offers the final touch of elegance. The SunGlow Zip Polo is available in sizes XS – XXL and in several colors: Cornflower Blue, Red, Navy, Blush, White, or Capri Blue. Retail price is $91.

The SolCool Print Zip Mock polo is lightweight with added stretch to get through every phase of your golf swing. The long sleeve design features SanSoleil’s SolCool technology with excellent moisture wicking capabilities and has mesh vent inserts sewn into the sleeves to create that billowing effect. The mock neck is extra tall for added sun protection and the UPF 50 finish keeps you well protected from the sun. Like all SanSoleil polos, the Swarovski Zipper Puller adds a nice touch. The SolCool Print Zip Mock polo is available in sizes XS – XXL and in several colors and prints: Tee Time Pink, Blitz Cornflower, Match Play Navy, Honeycomb Red, and Deauville Green. Retail price is $96.

Even when you’re not on the course, you still want to be well protected from the sun and SanSoleil’s SolTek Cropped Fitness Tee is the perfect tee. SolTek technology combines an easy care, soft and lightweight fabric with the company’s cooling technology for round-the-clock comfort. What’s more, this garment is incredibly versatile and can be worn under or over short sleeve or sleeveless polos for an extra level of protection. Or, you can be daring, and wear it all by itself. The SolTek Cropped Fitness Tee is available in sizes XS – XXL and in either Black or White. Retail price is $74.

These are just a few of the pieces offered by SanSoleil in their Fall 2018 collection. To see the rest of what’s available from this leader in sun protection technology, visit their website at www.sansoleil.com.  For some additional images of this and other amazing collections click here:  https://www.pinterest.com/thegolfinguy/sansoliel-golf-apparel/

Another Unique Design—M5 & M6 Irons from TaylorMade

After TaylorMade Golf made the announcement of a pair of drivers with a feature not seen since the days of persimmon woods and balata-cover balls, namely face screws in the M5 and M6 models, its not too surprising they would come up with another example of uniqueness and innovation in the new M5 and M6 irons.

The fourth generation of TaylorMade Golf’s M series irons includes the players-distance category iron M5 for low to mid handicaps and the M6 for mid to high handicaps. With the M6 firmly in the game-improvement category the M5 is aimed at those wanting more of a players-iron look but not ready to go all the way the recently introduced and well-received P760s.

The uniqueness of the M design starts with a Speed Bridge, a robust metal piece tying the topline to the lower part of the iron below the cavity back. TMaG says it is the result of “extensive use of computational modeling and optimization” and in effect stabilizes the head at impact without adding a lot of weight where it shouldn’t be. The Speed Bridge also has helps with the sound and vibration dampening but importantly works together with the sole slot (Speed Pocket) to produce more ball speed.

The Speed Pocket itself has been redesigned for more spin especially for hits low on the face and their testing shows it the M5 and M6 have higher ball speed than the 2017 M3 and M4. The design includes multi-material badges called Hybrar that are part of the iron’s back since the top of the head is stiffer due to the Speed Bridge the point where the face flexes the most is lower. Hybrar provides more efficient dampening.

Matt Bovee, Senior Manager, Product Creation talking about the M6 model was quoted saying, “At TaylorMade, we have always strived to push the performance envelope to give players maximum distance and forgiveness in our game improvement irons. Our new Speed Bridge technology allows us to do exactly that while improving sound and feel at the same time. “

The interior of the M5 and M6 haven’t been overlooked either. To help maintain ball speed across the face and making a larger sweet spot there is TaylorMade’s proven Inverted Cone Technology a configuration sometimes compared to an upside-down volcano.

Brand & Model:
TaylorMade Golf M5 and M6 irons
Key Features:
Speed Bridge from topline to below cavity
Hybrar Compression Damper
New Speed Pocket design
Inverted Cone Technology
Retail Price & Availability:
M5 $999 steel shafts and $1,199 graphite shafts
M6 $899 steel shafts and $999 graphite shafts
At retail Feb.1
Need to Know:
M5 and M6 have a structural metal bar stiffening the top line and a sole slot to give more ball speed with a thin face using TMaG’s Inverted Cone design. Additional vibration dampening and improved feel come from multi-material badges in the back cavity. Hosel is fluted to reduce weight and cavity is undercut to lower center of gravity. M5 is a players-distance iron (45° pitching wedge) with a more traditional looking head and tungsten toe weighting in the long and mid irons 4-7. M6 (43.5° pitching wedge) is a game-improvement iron with a wider sole and more offset.

The Original Penguin Fall 2018 Collection – Take a Look at Pete

Take a look at what The Original Penguin has to offer golfers this fall and you’ll realize this isn’t the same Penguin grandpa used to wear. The new designs and styles that The Original Penguin has put together will tell you things have changed since the brand was first introduced in 1955.

The Original Penguin’s Conversational Print Golf Polo is sure to have your fellow golfers talking. It’s crafted from their Jersey fabric, meaning it’s lightweight and ultra-breathable and the moisture wicking finish draws perspiration away from your body. It’s a Heritage Slim Fit, meaning it’s slimmer through the chest and waist and features a ribbed color and 2-button placket. I usually wear an XL but found Penguins XXL to be the perfect fit for this brand. The Conversational Print Golf Polo is available in sizes S – XXL and in Black Iris. Retail price is $89.

The Geo Oxford Stripe Golf Polo is made from a primarily cotton fabric (93% Pima Cotton/7% Spandex) giving it added stretch and the Pique fabrication incorporates an added texture by weaving raised parallel cords into the garment. It too features a ribbed collar and 2-button placket with piping on the collar and stripes on the sleeves and a Heritage Slim fit. The three colored chest stripe gives way to a diamond pattern on the upper chest, presenting a very unique look. The moisture wicking finish on the fabric keeps you dry and comfortable during play. The Geo Oxford Stripe Golf Polo is available in sizes S – XXL and in Black Iris with a retail price of $89.

Another garment that uses Penguin’s Pique fabrication is the Roadmap Stripe Polo. This polo is an interesting mix of stripes and colors, using rather subdues color combinations to produce a good-looking garment that isn’t over the top. The fabric is a blend of Polyester, Pima Cotton and Elastane and is soft to the touch and very stretchy. It features a 3-button placket and self-collar with snaps to keep it anchored in place. Moisture wicking draws sweat away from your body to keep you dry. This Roadmap Stripe Golf Polo is available in sizes S – XXL and in Turkish Sea or Black Irish. Retail price is $89.

Penguin’s Mini Feral Print Polo has a classic golfer’s look, with a 2-button placket, trimmed collar and sleeves and an allover print. The Mini Feral Polo is made from Penguin’s Polyester blended fabric which is 14% Elastane, giving you plenty of stretch without any pinching or binding. The Heritage Slim fit is geared towards the younger more physically fit crowd, letting you know that this ain’t your grandfather’s Penguin polo! The Jersey fabric is light and breathable and the moisture wicking finish keeps you dry throughout the day. The Mini Feral Polo is available in sizes S – XXL and in either Turkish Sea or Grape Wine. Retail price is $89.

Now you can show off your bold side and make a statement in the Tartan Plaid Golf Pant from the Original Penguin. At first the slim fit makes these pants feel a little snug in the legs and thighs, but the stretchy 95% Polyester/5% Spandex fabric moves with you and the active waistband makes these pants incredibly comfortable. The Black Iris Tartan design lends itself to the way golfers dressed in the Old Country. They are available in waist sizes 28 – 38 and retail for $99.

You need something to warm you up on those cold mornings on the course and Penguin’s Color Block Golf Pullover is up to the task. This long sleeve fleece jacket features a mock collar and quarter-zip pullover design and is crafted from high gauge microfleece to keep you extra warm and toasty. The stretch design of the fabric means no pinching as you power through your golf swing. The design is one-of-a-kind and features bold striping across the chest with thinner stripes running down the insides of the arms. With Penguin Pete adorning the chest, there will be no doubt as to whose brand your sporting. The Color Block Pullover from The Original Penguin is available in sizes S – XXL and in Black Iris. Retail price is $109.

Penguin also makes some great shoes for men. The Dan shoe is an Oxford-style sneaker with breathable perforated suede uppers and a lightly padded footbed to keep your feet looking and feeling cool, even on those hot summer days. A rubber outsole and rounded toe creates a stylish look that pairs well with your favorite Original Penguin shorts, khakis or jeans. Pete the Penguin adorns the trim of the sneaker. The Dan Shoe is available in Gray. Retail price is $130.

Another good looking sneaker from The Original Penguin is the Braiden. It is a full grain leather upper with a Nubuck underlay which creates a two-tone effect. The Braiden is available in sizes 7.5 – 13 and comes in Black/Grey. Retail price is $100.

All of the Penguin garments we looked at are easy to care for and machine washable. For more information on these or to see the complete line of golf and lifestyle clothing available from Penguin, visit their website at www.originalpenguin.com.

Apex 19 Hybrids & Irons

Callaway Golf’s announcement of the Epic Flash driver and fairway woods was accompanied by the introduction of new hybrids and irons under the Apex 19 name. Though most of the media attention will be aimed at the Flash driver those savvy in the sometimes-complicated world of golf gear are paying lots of attention to Apex 19 family members.

Starting with Apex 19 Hybrids, for the first time Callaway has been able to design in Jailbreak rods. The rods, first seen in the Epic driver two years ago and in last year’s best-selling Rogue driver, are steel rather than titanium as in the drivers but serve the same purpose. Running from crown to sole just behind the face they tie the crown and sole together which concentrates more energy in the face by not allowing the crown to have as much flex at impact. The Apex 19 Hybrids with the most iron-like trajectory and a modified head shape will appeal to better players—pros and low handicaps.

Apex 19 irons come in two types, one a players-distance category design and the other called Apex Pro 19 Callaway classifies as Tour-performance distance iron. Both are forged from 1025 mild carbon steel and use the air-filled urethane microspheres originally developed for the Rogue irons to improve impact sound and dampen vibration. The microspheres surround a MIM’d tungsten weight which was first seen in Epic and then Rogue irons. It is made of a mixture of steel and tungsten injection molded into shape with various ratios of the two metals specific to each iron loft. This gives a lower placement of the center of gravity in the longer clubs and a higher placement in the scoring clubs.

The well-regarded 360 Face Cup construction that helped the company take the top spot in irons sales is used in Apex 19s with modified thicknesses across the face to actually add spin back to the ball since the design inherently produces too little spin at certain points of impact. This Variable Face Thickness controls spin for accurate distances.

The Apex 19 short irons have been made with a more compact head and different offsets than the previous generation Apex 16 of three years ago.

The Apex Pro 19 is being touted as occupying a completely new iron category of Forged Tour Performance. Starting with input from Callaway’s endorsement staff engineers paid attention to the iron’s shape as they created the 1025 mild carbon steel heads. They came up with a straighter leading edge with a higher toe and thin top line complementing the smooth hosel transition to give a “Tour-look” at address. Then to tune in the proper ball launch and impact feel they worked to exactly place a 50-gram tungsten weight in each.

A combo set of Apex 19 and Apex Pro 19 is available with the sole shape camber of the Pros matched to that of the regular model as well as having lofts better matched to those of the regular.

Brand & Model:
Callaway Golf Apex 19 Hybrids
Key Features:
Jailbreak Technology
Face Cup
Retail Price & Availability:
$269.99 each. At retail Jan. 25
Need to Know:
For better players and Tour pros with a flatter face and flatter lie angles than Callaway’s game-improvement category hybrids. Jailbreak rods for the first time in a reshaped neutral bias head. Forged face cup of Carpenter 455 steel and heads have dark PVD finish. A different approach than the Rogue hybrids, these are true long iron replacements with mid launch and mid spin.

Brand & Model:
Callaway Golf Apex 19 Irons
Key Features:
Mild carbon steel forged head
360 Face Cup in low and medium lofts
VFT in higher lofts
Metal Injection Modeled (MIM’d) weight
Retail Price & Availability:
$1,399 with Elevate 95 steel shafts & $1,499 with graphite shafts. In shops Jan. 25
Need to Know:
Forged players distance iron design. First time urethane microspheres for vibration dampening and improved feel used in forged iron. MIM’d tungsten/steel weight suspended in urethane moves center of gravity deeper to help launch and increase forgiveness without hindering face flex. Both chrome and Smoke finishes available.

Brand & Model:
Callaway Golf Apex Pro 19 Irons
Key Features:
Mild carbon steel forged head
360 Face Cup in low and medium lofts
VFT in higher lofts
Metal Injection Modeled (MIM’d) weight
Retail Price & Availability:
$1,399 with steel shafts. Available at retail Jan.25
Need to Know:
Callaway calls it a Forged Tour Performance iron with Advanced Distance Technologies. Low and mid lofts use 360 Face Cup, the first in a Callaway Tour iron. Variable face thickness in higher lofts. Urethane microspheres in hollow head and MIM’d tungsten/steel weigh. Both chrome and Smoke finishes available.

Images courtesy of Callaway Golf

Callaway Gets Flash

Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) is the largest seller of golf clubs with a dominant position in drivers going back to the Great Big Bertha Epic in 2017 and extended with the Rogue model of last year. Golfers demand distance from a driver and to accomplish that designers need to make one that provides lots of ball speed with low backspin and minimum side spin.

Epic introduced Callaway’s Jailbreak Technology, two titanium rods running from the crown to the sole behind the face that serve to reduce flex of the crown at impact allowing more energy to be transferred to the face and thus to the ball. More energy, more ball speed, more distance. In 2018 Rogue used a modified Jailbreak making it the driver that for many produced the most yardage and made it tops in the marketplace.

For 2019 Callaway has rethought the basic design for the third iteration and come up with the Epic Flash tagged with the slogan, “Faster Than Humanly Possible.” The Flash still uses Jailbreak rods, but the inside of the face has a unique wavelike pattern that looks like the ripples on a pond that Callaway says increases the rebound in the center of the face.

Its creation came from what is believed to be the first use of artificial intelligence or A.I. for the design of a golf club. This of course gave rise to the “Faster Than Humanly Possible” line. But let Dr Alan Hocknell, senior vice president of R&D, explain.

“We couldn’t have come up with Flash Face using conventional engineering principles,” said Hocknell. “We wouldn’t have gone in this direction without A.I. because it’s non-intuitive compared to previous face technologies, including our own VFT and X-Face. The wave configuration isn’t symmetrical, nor does the pattern seem logical. Yet the ripples work together in a complex manner to maximize ball speed. There’s never been anything like Flash Face before in golf equipment, and the effect on performance is intense.”

The interior surface of the Flash Face came from A.I. and “Machine Learning” that used statistical techniques, so the computer could “learn” from the results without being explicitly programmed. A driver face usually takes eight to ten versions to settle on the final design but Callaway’s computer with Machine Learning went through 15,000 face architecture iterations, learning from each one, before arriving at Flash Face.

“Flash Face isn’t something a human would have arrived at any time soon,” said Hocknell. “Without the help of A.I. and machine learning we couldn’t have come up with this design.”

The other obvious feature in Epic Flash also different than Rogue is the return of a sliding weight in the rear of the sole similar to the original Epic. The 16-gram weight may be positioned to adjust left to right ball flight tendency.

The Epic Flash has a low-spin version named Sub Zero with the Flash Face and sliding sole weight plus a permanent weight near the front of the sole. The family includes Epic Flash fairway woods also with regular and Sub Zero versions.

Of note is the price of the Epic Flash driver. At $530 the cost is more than either the Great Big Bertha Epic or the Rogue which both sold for $500.

Brand & Model:
Callaway Golf Epic Flash Driver
Key Features:
Flash Face design using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Jailbreak rods link crown and sole
Crown is lighter weight T2C Triaxial Carbon
Sliding weighting in sole
Retail Cost & Availability:
$530 with choice of Project X EvenFlow, Project X HZRDUS Smoke or Mitsubishi Tensei AV shafts. At retail Feb. 1, 2019
Need to Know:
Wave topography of inner face to increase ball speed designed using A.I. Use of T2C carbon fiber in crown saved grams that were moved to the body for increased MOI and forgiveness. Jailbreak internal rods limit crown flexing at impact to increase distance. Sliding 16-gram weight to help correct ball flight curvature. Sub Zero model has an added sole weight near the face to lower spin. Hosel is loft adjustable. Price is $30 higher than last year’s Rogue.

Brand & Model:
Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Woods
Key Features:
Flash Face technology
Jailbreak Technology rods
OptiFit Hosel
Cup Face
Retail Cost & Availability:
$300 with Project X EvenFlow, Project X HZRDUS Smoke and Mitsubishi Tensei AV shaft options. At retail Feb. 1, 2019
Need to Know:
Using what was found out making Flash Face for the driver the forged 455 Carpenter steel cup face was redesigned to increase ball speed and improve performance on off-center impacts. Jailbreak rods from crown to sole add impact energy to face to increase ball speed. OptiFit Hosel made shorter and lighter with saved weight used to lower the center of gravity for higher launch. Pricing is the same as Callaway Rogue fairway woods.

Images courtesy of Callaway Golf

TMaG M5 & M6 Drivers

As TaylorMade Golf fights to regain the top spot in driver sales it’s sometimes overlooked that their drivers by a huge margin are the most played on the PGA TOUR. Last season they could point to players using them for 21 wins compared with 10 for Titleist and just four for Callaway.

That being said they still have a tough job in the marketplace catching Callaway and the M5 and M6 just announced may just have the innovative uniqueness to give the performance that made TMaG the dominant driver brand until two years ago.

The new drivers are interesting for a couple of reasons. They both make use of screws in the face, a feature not seen since the days of persimmon clubheads, which allow resin to be injected into the head for support of the face at impact. This means the face could be made 20% thinner for more rebound or COR and a 66% larger sweet spot compared with last year’s M3 and double the M1 from 2017.

Each head is individually tested to determine its Characteristic Time (CT) used by the USGA to measure face rebound compliance and then the exact amount of resin is injected through the face screws to achieve a CT in conformance with the Rules. Interesting and obviously it works since both the M5 and M6 are on the USGA list of conforming clubheads.

As we expected the Twist Face to help straighten out hooks and slices from last year was retained on all models. The M5 and M5 Tour use a T-shaped sliding weight track in the sole that was first used in the 2017 M1 which morphed into a Y-track of last year is now again a T-shape but larger. There are two 10-gram weights to slide front to back and side to side with TMaG saying there are 1,770 settings possible.

Pricing for the M5 and M5 Tour is $550 versus $500 last year for the M3 and the M6 and M6D models are $500 while the M4 (2018) was $430.

Brand & Model:
TaylorMade Golf M5, M5 Tour, M6 and M6 D Type drivers
Key Features:
Twist Face with Speed Injected resin
M5 T-Track – two 10-gram sliding sole weights
460cc head except for M5 Tour is 435cc
Carbon composite sole and crown areas enlarged 10%
Pricing & Availability:
M5 & M5 Tour $550 in shops Feb. 1
M6 & M6 D-Type $500 at retail Feb. 1
Need to Know:
TaylorMade is making use of new technology in its M5 and M6 drivers for the battle against Callaway with a precisely measured, for each clubhead, injection of resin to achieve the maximum CT for better ball speed. The Twist Face design, a proven aid to straighter tee shots, is thinner while the adjustable sole weights in the M5 models give more help to recreational golfers to limit excessive side spin and produce better launch trajectory. Composite carbon panels in the crown and sole are larger saving weight that was moved to the sole for added forgiveness. The sole slot behind the clubface called Hammerhead 2.0 is bigger and all models have a loft adjustable hosel.

Club Champion: Have Your Golf Clubs Fit Your Swing

The last time I had a golf lesson, I told the instructor – who shall remain nameless – that I was looking to be able to better shape my iron shots. The first thing he did was have me hit a few balls and then proceeded to change my grip, my stance and ball position, pretty much dismantling my swing. Then he had me do it “his way;” we never did get around to trying to conquer my objective.

Club Champion has a different approach. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian.” Well their approach is to make the “arrow” fit the Indian better and use today’s equipment technology to get the most out of your existing swing. After all, if you’ve been doing things wrong all these years, odds are you’re not going to change, so why not find the equipment that maximizes YOUR game? Although the skilled professionals at Club Champion may offer swing a tip or two, they are not in the swing fixing business!

Club fitting is a lot more than just finding the right combination of clubheads and shafts that will help you hit the ball farther, although that’s a big part of it. Equally, and in some case more important, is shot dispersion, a tight group of shots with the same club.  After all, knowing that your seven-iron is going to fly the same distance with every swing will go a long way in lowering your scores. I should note that Club Champion has every clubhead and shaft you could imagine, after all their goal is to find the perfect set up for your game. That’s means more than 35,000 hittable shaft and head combinations.

I had the opportunity to visit the Club Champion location in Orlando, FL for a complete bag fitting. My fitter, Doug Guido had me fill out a brief questionnaire, basically asking me what I was hoping to accomplish with my club fitting. I scribbled down a few generic answers: lower ball flight, shaping shots and of course more distance. We went over the information and then it was off to the hitting bays.

My session started off by hitting a few balls to get loosened up. From there it was on to the irons and finding the right clubhead. Club Champion’s club of choice in evaluating irons is the 6-iron and they have a clubhead from just about every reputable club manufacturer on the planet. I had recently purchased a new set of Titleist AP1 irons and preferred to keep them but tested the Callaway Apex CF16. Since the results were similar, we decided to keep the AP1 irons. The club fitters at Club Champion are very thorough; at one point, Doug put me on a lie board just to make sure the lie of my current clubs was best for me; it was. Because I had such impressive results with the Apex clubheads, Doug suggested bending the AP1s to the Apex lofts, which he did while I was hitting a few balls. The recommended iron make-up was 4 – PW and GW.

The next step was the shafts and Doug had a couple of shafts in mind that he thought would work well for me based on what he saw in the previous session. We tried several, including the Aerotech Steelfiber, Project X LZ and the Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3. We found that both my shot dispersion and distance were best with the Project X LZ in a 6.0 flex. I gained about 12 yards in distance; not too shabby!

Next up was the driver and we went through the same process: find the right head and pair it with the best shaft. For me, it turned out to be the new Callaway Rogue in a 9° loft. We went through a number of shafts including Fujikura, Aldila, Project X and the new VA Composites SLAY shaft. As it turned out, the SLAY shaft outperformed every other shaft in distance, shot dispersion, spin rate and smash factor. It ended up being the best performing shaft in not only my driver but the 3-wood and hybrid as well.

We did the same thing with wedges and chose the new Cleveland RTX-3 Satin wedges. In order to maintain proper gapping, Doug suggested a 55° and 60°.

Last but certainly not least was the putter, arguably the most important club in the bag. I don’t think players put enough emphasis on putting. When golfers look to improve their game with new equipment, the majority will gravitate to the driver, hoping to squeeze out a few more yards off the tee. What they don’t seem to realize is that at least 40% of your strokes are taken on the green, and that a properly fit putter will go a long way in helping you shoot lower scores.

Club Champion uses the SAM PuttLab technology; the same system used by PGA Tour instructors and touring professionals. Stroke seven putts with SAM and you’ll soon have invaluable data such as the path and length of your putting stroke, the face angle at address and at impact, the impact location when your putter strikes the ball and the consistency of each stroke. From this data, your Club Champion fitter can tell you the perfect length putter you need as well as the proper loft and lie angle, whether a mallet style or blade putter would work best for you as well as the head and shaft weight and the optimal grip size. For me, it was the exact opposite of what I’ve been using for years. For sale: Scotty Cameron Futura 5MB. Hardly used!

Perhaps the most important fact I learned during this entire process was that the shafts that come stock in the driver you buy at major golf retailers are vastly different from the shafts stamped with the same name directly from the manufacturer. These stock OEM shafts are typically made from lower grade materials and manufactured in large quantities in places like Mexico and Vietnam. This often leads to watered down tolerances. Companies such as VA Composites use exotic materials from Japan that maintain very tight tolerances as they relate to flex, weight, roundness and straightness. The result is more consistency in the overall performance of the shaft.

One aspect of the club fitting process that Club Champion advocates is shaft “PUREing”, which analyzes the structure of each individual shaft and identifies the most stable bending plane. Then Club Champion installs the shafts so that they perform the most consistent on every shot.

The day after my fitting, I received a couple of emails from Doug. The first one showed my Trackman results, showing how my current gamer irons faired against the new set up. There were some impressive numbers here. The second was the Build Sheet, showing the recommendations for my new clubs and all the specs including lie, loft, tip trim and swing weight.

Club Champion provides an unbiased service designed to put you in the best golf equipment based on your golf swing. Club Champion’s prices are quite reasonable; they range from $80 for a 1 wedge fitting to $350 for a 3 ½ hour full bag fitting. If you are serious about the game and are going to invest in a set of new irons or woods, going through a Club Champion fitting will improve your game immediately.

You are not obligated to buy your new set of clubs from Club Champion but if you do, they will be custom built for you at their club building center in Willowbrook, IL and sent to your local location. This process usually takes about 10 business days. Their club pricing may be a little higher than a major golf retailer but with all the work you’ve put into this, why trust anyone else?

I recommend a complete bag fitting for anyone who is serious about the game. Club Champion will fit you for a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, putter and balls. They’ll find your perfect clubhead for each of these groups of clubs along with the shafts that work best for you. They’ll even go so far as to recommend grips and the best golf ball for your game. They use some of the best analyzing equipment on the market, including the Trackman Launch Monitor and SAM PuttLab Technology. Since receiving my new irons, I’ve shot two of the lowest rounds of my life. I attribute a lot of that to having the right equipment for my game.

For more information on all that Club Champion has to offer, visit their website at www.clubchampiongolf.com.

Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club – Great Golf and Great Views

Like most of the golf courses with “Plantation” in their name, Brick Landing Plantation in Ocean Isles, NC has a story behind it.

Prior to 1729, much of Brunswick County was part of South Carolina with a southern border of what is today known as the Little River. In the early 18th Century, the world around the Ocean Isle Beach area was undergoing drastic change. English settlers were beginning to inhabit the area and develop what would soon become one of the largest industries in America: plantations.

One of the wealthier families to move into the area was the Gause family; they played an integral role in developing the land that would ultimately become Brick Landing Plantation. The Gause family built a two-story manor atop a high hill overlooking a channel which is known today as Ocean Isle Beach and developed the manor into a large plantation, producing turpentine and more specifically tar, which was sold primarily to the shipping industry.

The Plantation did quite well and had a thriving monopoly on the local tar and turpentine industry. No one knows for sure whatever happened to Gause Manor but Brick Landing Plantation strives to honor the Gause’s memory and ensure their rich legacy lives on.

The centerpiece of Brick Landing Plantation is the 18-hole championship golf course known by locals as “The Brick”. The Brick is considered by many to be one of the area’s finest layouts and is a challenge for players of all levels of ability. The layout of the golf course takes full advantage of the terrain’s natural beauty as it weaves throughout the marshes and Intracoastal waterway. You’ll encounter a wide variety of wildlife, natural vegetation, saltwater marshes and hardwood forests which are home to historic oak trees as you play your way around the course, which itself winds through the plantation golf community.

The two things that many golfers remember most about their round at Brick Landing Plantation are the fairways and the greens. The fairways have a lot of roll to them and the occasional uneven lie is not an odd occurrence. They are well maintained and manicured and lead to Sunday Bermuda grass greens that produce consistently true rolls. The breeze that drifts in off the ocean is quite refreshing on those hot, summer days and can sometimes wreak havoc with your game.

Memorable Holes: (All Yardages are from the White Tees)

Number 2: Par 3, 90 yards. Although it’s an ultra-short hole, you’re tee shot’s either on the green or in the sand, especially if it’s hit short, long or left. The green is large and a lot wider than it is deep; three-putts are not uncommon and the sand can make for some big numbers on such a small hole!

Number 4: Par 4, 289 yards. If I were naming holes, this one would be called “Shotmaker.”  A long iron or hybrid is all you need off the tee. Just be sure to hit it straight; there’s water on either side of the fairway. A good tee shot will leave a short iron or wedge back over water to a green protected by water in front and on the right. You’ll need two well-placed shots to have a chance at par or better.

Number 17: Par 4, 444 yards. The last two holes will test you physically and mentally. At 444 yards and slightly uphill, Number 17 will require a long approach shot regardless of how far you hit your tee shot. The green is long and narrow and is guarded in front with bunkers on either side. The tree between the fairway bunker and the green adds extra peril to shots down the right side. Par is a good score here.

Number 18: Par 4, 365 yards. This is another thinking man’s hole at Brick Landing Plantation. The goal off the tee is to find the fairway; if you don’t, you probably won’t find your ball at all! Success here will leave you a mid or short iron approach shot into a long, narrow green fronted by a pond. Another hole where par – or better – is good!

Before your round (or after if you had a rough day) be sure to hit some balls on the driving range. Brick Landing Plantation has an outstanding practice facility located across the street from the pro shop. In addition to a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag, there’s a short game area as well as a large practice green. Like most sports, practice is the key to improvement and there’s no nicer place in the area to work out all of the bug then at Brick Landing Plantation. And, if you can’t solve your swing problems on your own, their staff of golf professionals can help get you on the right track.

The Pro Shop at Brick Landing Plantation offers golfers some of the best equipment and apparel choices in the area, all designed to complement your game. Golf apparel from names such as Adidas, AHEAD, Kate Lord and Bermuda Sands and equipment from Bridgestone, Cleveland and Srixon, is restocked on a regular basis. They also have a wide selection of golf balls from all of your favorite manufacturers.

Outside of golf, Brick Landing is known as an outstanding wedding venue. The event staff will take care of all of the elements on your dream day and let you focus on your guests. The Intracoastal Waterway offers a beautiful view while Ocean Isle Beach serves as a stunning backdrop; it’s a view unrivaled on the Carolina coast. All weddings are catered by ART Catering & Events.

Believe it or not, some golfers base their decision on what club to join based on the dining opportunities and the menu. While Brick Landing is by no means an upscale golf and country club, The View Restaurant stands in a league of its own. Locals and visitors alike routinely visit The View to enjoy fresh seafood and exciting American traditional dishes with a focus on fresh and local cuisine. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the Carolina coast from one of Brick Landing’s luxurious dining rooms or patios. The menus are seasonal and there’s live entertainment and handcrafted cocktails designed to make your stay longer and more enjoyable. Be sure to check out their famous Sunday Brunch too.

If you live in the area and are considering joining a club or you visit the area on a regular basis, Brick Landing Plantation offers a membership plan that will fit both your needs and your budget. These memberships offer such privileges as preferential tee times, member only events and discounts in the pro shop as well as the locally famous The View Restaurant. Brick Landing offers Full, Social, Seasonal and Pay as You Play memberships. Full memberships offer the best value and include no daily golf fees, free range balls, a $30 guest rate, a Platinum Card and discounts in both the restaurant and pro shop. You’ll also get a personalized locker (based on availability). A Membership brochure is available on their website.

Last Word: At 6,576 yards, Brick Landing Plantation isn’t going to overwhelm a long ball hitter, but, at the same time, it’s not going to play to their strengths either. Several par 4s measure less than 350 yards, which will probably take driver out of their hands. On several of these holes, water dictates the shot and shape you need to hit off the tee; it’s more about shot placement and distance control than brute strength. There are a few holes where hitting the ball a long way off the tee can help, most notably on Number 17. At 444 yards from the White Tees, most double-digit handicappers will consider a bogey a good score.

Selecting the best set of tees to match your skill set will go a long way in determining how much fun you have at Brick Landing Plantation. It’s well worth checking out and I highly advise either getting there early or staying late and having a meal at The View Restaurant. It’s unbelievably good food served by a friendly and professional staff. For more information on Brick Landing Plantation, whether for golf or for an event, visit their website at www.bricklandingcc.com.

Castle Bay Golf Club – A True Scottish Links Experience

Castle Bay Golf Club located just off coastal highway, US-17 in Hampstead, NC. is a challenging, Scottish links style 18-hole championship course. Although there are a minimal number of trees on the course, it is not without its share of hazards. And in some cases the trouble is magnified in the form of bunkers with steep faces and water and waste bunkers that seem to come out of nowhere. Because of this, Castle Bay requires you’re “A” game on almost every hole. And like all links courses, don’t forget about the wind.

Castle Bay was designed by Randy Blanton and is managed by Mike Watson, who has been a staple there for many years. The course plays 6,698 yards from the longest tees to a par of 72; the course rating is 71.3 with a slope rating of 130 on Bermuda grass. Most men can move up to the Blue (6,328/69.2/125) or White (5,793/67.4/117) tees and still be challenged. Ladies typically play the Red tees at 4,717 yards with a course rating of 66.6 and a slope of 110. Pick the yardage that best suits your game and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Looking at an aerial view of Castle Bay, you’d think you were in a remote part of Scotland – if it weren’t for the houses. Although there are no trees on the course, there are the typical links hazards of tall and strategically placed bunkers, water, waste areas and of course, the wind. The golf course weaves through protected wetlands and features rolling dunes and demand excellent shot placement on almost every hole.

Before your round, be sure to warm up at Castle Bay’s extensive practice facility. There’s a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag as well as a good-sized short game area that includes chipping and pitching area that allows you to practice wedge shots to 80 yards with three target greens and a practice bunker. To get the flat stick ready there’s a large bent grass practice green.

Memorable Holes:

Number 4 is the longest hole on the entire course. This lengthy par 5 plays 563 yards from the Blue tees and is the course’s #1 handicapped hole. Not only is it long, but most of the time it plays into a pretty good headwind, so for the majority of players it will take three well played shots to get there. From the tee, it’s best to play down the right side to take the heavy mounding on the left out of play. Keep your layup shot in the middle of the fairway to avoid the wetlands on the right. You’ll need pinpoint precision with your approach shot to avoid the bunkers and leave your putt on the level of this two-tiered green. Par is an excellent score on this hole!

At 536 yards from the Blue tees, Number 8 is another long par 5, however it’s also a great birdie opportunity. Water can come into play off the tee on the left, so the best tee shot is down the right side, avoiding the fairway bunkers. Watch out for the pond that comes into play on the left side on your layup shot; most players should have no problem carrying it. A good layup shot will leave a wedge in to a long, receptive green. Miss the putting surface on approach and up and down can be difficult from any of the two greenside pot bunkers.

Number 16 is a good length par 3 at 179 yards from the Blue tees. Short and right will most likely find the water; if so, contact General Manager Mike Watson about some lessons. Bunkers guard both sides as well as the back of the green so finding and holding the green of the tee is essential.

Number 18 is a short par 4 that plays 257 yards from the Blue tees. If I were naming holes, this would be The Equalizer because it offers a good opportunity to get even on any bets you may be down on. The green sits at a perpendicular angle to the fairway, is fairly elevated and protected in front by three pot bunkers. Because of the angle of the green, it’s a lot wider than it is deep. Even if you don’t go for the green off the tee, it’s still possible to put up a low number and end on a positive note.

Last Word: You don’t need a passport to play Castle Bay, although you may thing you’ve been transported to the other side of the pond. It’s the best of Coastal Carolina meets Scottish links golf. Blanton has done a great job of mixing the water hazards with the bunkers, creating areas that need to be avoided at all costs if you want to score well. Bunkers seemed to be strategically placed in landing areas off the tee and around the green. And, just like in Scotland, the wind is usually a factor.

This is just a brief synopsis of what Castle Bay has to offer golfers. In addition to a great and challenging golf course, the pro shop is stocked with apparel and equipment from such names as Titleist, Bridgestone, FootJoy and Callaway. Lessons are available from certified PGA professionals and are available by the hour, half hour or as a package. For more information or to arrange your next tee time, give them a call at (910) 270-1978 or visit them online at www.castlebaycc.com.

New Rules with New Terms

When the calendar changes years we often have the urge to make promises of improved behavior sometimes called turning over a new leaf or as it is also known the often-ironic New Year’s Resolution. Unfortunately, success is frequently illusive and many of us, me included, rarely make it past January 3rd with our new behavior intact.

This however is not a rant targeting behavioral modification but a segue to talk about the changes in the Rules of Golf taking effect January 1 and for those of us living in a warm climate our first 2019 round before New Year’s Day football.

By now you have seen summaries of the significant differences in the Rules 2019 and here is a link to refresh your memory New Year – New Rules.

Though there have been some questions as to the application of the modified rules that’s always the case. Rules such as a two-stroke penalty for a lost ball or an out of bounds when, rather than returning to where the offending shot was hit, the player opts to drop in the newly defined relief area which includes the nearest point in the fairway. This local rule is sure to be misinterpreted so that after taking the drop (now from knee height) players will probably believe they are hitting their third. The two strokes assessed by the new rule however means he or she is in fact hitting their fourth, just as though a provisional ball had been hit to the spot of the drop.

What everyone is agreed upon is the more understandable language with less jargon in the 2019 Rules of Golf will be of continued benefit but that doesn’t mean everything is crystal clear since some of the basic terms and descriptions have changed.

There are no lateral hazards any more. They are now “red-marked penalty areas” and “yellow-marked penalty areas” and most significantly by local rule all penalty areas may be marked red so lateral relief may be taken with a one stroke penalty.

Ground under repair or an immovable obstruction or animal diggings are no longer abnormal ground conditions but an “abnormal course condition” which only makes sense.

Casual water is now “temporary water,” a more apt description of the puddles or even ponds on the course after a heavy rain and formerly if someone moved your ball it was an outside agency, now the wording is an “outside influence.”

“Nearest point of complete relief” replaces nearest point of relief and though less confusing still doesn’t guarantee a good lie. The nearest point of complete relief is where you can drop the ball outside temporary water or off the wrong green or away from an abnormal course condition no nearer the hole.

There always have been parts of the course you should not play. Nature preserves, or historical ruins have been designated as play prohibited but now are renamed “no play zones.” The change in nomenclature may not prevent guys from hacking their way out of a wild flower sanctuary or nesting whooping cranes but at least there’s no doubt of their boorishness.

Through the green has always been a question for even some experienced players who couldn’t seem to get that if it wasn’t a hazard (the old name), a bunker, the tee or the putting green it was through the green. Now the Rules simply call it “general area” which is much less elegant but unfortunately no more descriptive.

Teeing ground changed to “teeing area” and still defined as two club lengths deep between the tee makers. Note this says nothing about the teeing area being level and, on some courses, this can be an issue either from the contour or maintenance.

The USGA has done a good job providing helpful descriptions and illustrations to get us up to speed with the Rules of Golf. Consultant USGA.org for full rules and interpretations.

Image Courtesy of the USGA

 

Albemarle Plantation – The Perfect Combination of Land and Sea

Living in the southeast, in fairly close proximity to the water and surrounded by world class golf courses, there has always been a debate when it comes to how one should spend their leisure time: on the links or on the water. Albemarle Plantation, a community located on Albemarle Sound in Northeastern North Carolina poses the question: why choose?

Albemarle Plantation is an exceptional golf and waterfront community that features both a Dan Maples Signature Golf Course and a full-service marina. The 1,300-acre development offers homeowners a selection of styles including single family homes, townhomes and condos. Want to design something yourself? Albemarle Plantation also has a number of undeveloped lots available, with fairway, waterfront and wooded lots to choose from. The community is named after Albemarle Sound, giving the community a strong focus on the water. The Dan Maples Signature golf course is named The Sound Golf Links; see how it all comes together?

In addition to the golf course and marina, Albemarle Plantation is home to a collection of four-star amenities, including a charming Clubhouse, a resort-style, 25-meter swimming pool, a new community center, tennis courts, a fitness facility, and much more.

Unlike many other gated golf communities, Albemarle Plantation is owned and managed by its own residents. As a result, it’s a community where your interests come first, your money stretches farther, and the level of your serenity remains at the high end of the spectrum. As a resident, you’ll enjoy a variety of community meetings, social activities and special events that take place in the Community Center facility, a modern multi-purpose center. The Community Center features a 1200-square foot main room for POA meetings, parties, dances, celebrations and large aerobic/exercise classes. There’s a state-of-the-art surround sound audio-visual system in house. The center is also home to a 900-square foot fitness center, which is equipped with the latest cardio and strength training equipment. You’ll also find two card and game rooms, an arts and craft room and a kitchenette.

The marina and golf course are the centerpieces of daily life at Albemarle Plantation. The Albemarle Sound is the second largest coastal estuary in America, second only to Chesapeake Bay. Residents here enjoy a variety of marina activities, from sailing to swimming, water-skiing, paddling by kayak or canoe, fishing and crabbing.  Albemarle Plantation offers a full-service, deep-water 166-slip marina, which is one of the largest private boat basins on the Eastern Seaboard.

The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation is the only golf course in the area to earn four-and-a-half stars from Golf Digest Magazine. This Dan Maples masterpiece flows gracefully through the coastal terrain, making its way past towering pines and moss-draped cypress trees and across gently waving marshes and lush wetlands. All of this builds its way up to a crescendo, with the last three dramatic finishing holes along the Albemarle Sound; it’s the best of land and sea.

The 8th hole is all about risk vs reward. From the White tees, the hole measure 256 yards and screams “Go for it!” Brains is better than brawn here as a go for the green requires pinpoint accuracy. The marsh pinches in on both the right and the left; anything but straight and you can just head for the drop area. The wise player will hit much less than driver and leave a manageable shot into the green.

Number 16 (par 4, 253 yards) is the first of three holes that features a stunning view of the Sound. It’s a short dogleg left par 4 that requires a well-placed tee shot. Try and cut the corner and you are flirting with trees and OB. Make a good second shot and birdie is a definite possibility. The par 5, 17th hole is actually shaped by Albemarle sound. From the White Tees, the hole plays 468 yards and a long drive is essential if you want to put up a good score. Should you decide to go for the green in two, you’ll need tremendous accuracy as the green is guarded on all four sides by bunkers and marshlands. Number 18 is a powerful finishing hole. Although it’s not the longest, it has proven for many to be the difference between victory and defeat. Albemarle Sound runs down the entire right side of this dogleg right par 4, with a 150-yard sand bunker situated between the fairway and the Sound. Hit anything through the left side of the fairway off the tee and you’ll most likely find it in a bunker. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll be looking at a short chip shot into an uphill green. Don’t be surprised if you here some cheers and jeers from the clubhouse verandah is you finish up. Even if you’re not at the top of your game, the unrelenting beauty of the natural surroundings will keep you coming back round after round.

Being member-owned the people here take pride in the course. Residents that live on the course take it upon themselves to fill in divots, repair ball marks and keep each hole in pristine condition. Their passion is evident and their efforts shine through to keep this an incredibly well-maintained facility.

The newly renovated Clubhouse Restaurant overlooks the Albemarle Sound and features a full-service bar in the Grille Room, a formal dining room and an outside terrace. It’s open Sunday – Tuesday 7:30am until 2:00pm and Wednesday – Saturday 7:30am to 8:00pm. The menus currently feature Morning Station items, appetizers, lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. A special TGIF menu is available on Friday.

Another dining venue at Albemarle Plantation is the Dockside Café.  It’s situated adjacent to the Marina and is easily accessible by boat or car. The Dockside Café serves wood fired pizzas along with a variety of specialty sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. At the Dockside Café, you can relax inside or dine outdoors on their 1,700 square foot wraparound deck and enjoy a glass of wine from the Albemarle Plantation Retail Wine Store. They’re open Sunday – Tuesday from 2:00pm until 9:00pm.

For more information on becoming a member or resident of Albemarle Plantation, give them a call at (800)523-5958.

Diamondhead Country Club – The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Best Kept Secret

When people think of Diamond Head, inevitably they think of Hawaii, and rightfully so. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago and is visited by over 3,000 people daily. It is Hawaii’s most recognized landmark.

The State of Mississippi also lays claim to a Diamondhead; it’s a city located in an area bordering the Pearl River in Hancock County. Diamondhead is located about 35 miles from Biloxi and 50 miles from New Orleans and is easily accessible from either city. While Diamondhead makes for a nice daytrip from either of these cities, it’s also an area that attracts “snowbirds.” Diamondhead is serious about their golf, as proven by their recently completed 5-year course renovation program.  In fact, the entire area would like to become better known to golfers up north as a great Southern alternative for their winter golf getaways.

In the 1970’s Diamondhead was slated to be a resort community along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Since the name lent itself to that of a Hawaiian volcano, the plans for this new resort community called for Hawaiian-style architecture, landscape, and road names. This is plainly evident when you look at the design of the main community pool. Guests are always welcome to enjoy Diamondhead’s golf courses, tennis courts, country club, and marina.

Although it’s located on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Diamondhead has some interesting topography, with elevations that rise up to over 100 feet. This makes it the perfect location for a world class golf facility. The Diamondhead Country Club and the Golf Academy of Diamondhead are located in the center of town. The club boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses as well as 10 lighted, state of the art hydra clay tennis courts located down the road at Diamondhead Tennis World. There’s also a marina, 5,400 square feet of meeting and banquet space, a full-service restaurant and the only indoor/outdoor Golf Academy along the MS Gulf Coast run by the state’s top golf instructor.

Within the clubhouse there are two dining venues: the 19th Hole Bar & Grill and the main dining room. The 19th Hole has become the prime gathering place within the community, and features karaoke on Thursday nights as well live entertainment and dancing on Friday nights. The dining room features an excellent a la carte menu, Chef Specials, Friday Steak Night is one of the most popular nights; you’ll find Diamondhead’s Chef outside preparing Certified Angus Beef filet, ribeyes and seafood on a charcoal grill, cooked to your exact specifications.

The menu at Diamondhead Country Club is anything but your typical clubhouse fare. Start with the Crawfish Spring Roll appetizers, loaded with crawfish, trinity cabbage and pepper jack cheese. It’s a savory combination of flavors. From there, choose an entrée from a wide variety of fresh fish and steaks available with different toppings such as Dianne, Amandine or Marsala. A number of seafood platters are also available: shrimp, catfish or fried oysters with French fries and hushpuppies. Or choose from a number of Diner Favorites such as Paneed Veal or Chicken. In the mood for Italian? Try their Shrimp and Scallop Scampi, Parma Rosa Fettuccine or Veal Parmesan. All of these dishes are prepared with the freshest of ingredients and made to order in their kitchen.

When it comes to practice facilities, Diamondhead offers some of the area’s best, and practice is something serious golfers need if they want to get the most out of their game. There’s a full-length driving range which allows you to hit every club in your bag. Something many golfers overlook is the short game, but not Diamondhead. You’ll find putting, pitching and chipping areas as well as practice bunkers. In the event your game’s not up to par or you’re a beginner looking to take up the game, pay a visit to the Golf Academy of Diamondhead. Their focus is to provide quality instruction to golfers of all ages and abilities. The Academy uses some of the latest high tech equipment including the Flightscope Launch Monitor to analyze your swing and put together a program to improve your game. The Junior Golf Academy of Diamondhead is an elite junior program for kids ages 5 – 12 based on U.S. Kids Golf Three Level Instruction Program.

The Pine Course was the first course built and opened for play in 1971. The course was designed by Earl Stone and measures 6,769 yards from the longest tees with a course rating of 73.4 and a slope rating of 134. Four sets of tees make the Pines course playable for golfers of all skill levels. The Pine course layout is pretty much a figure eight pattern. Both nines move in a clockwise circle and no two holes play parallel to each other, giving you the feeling the course is at your beck and call. Pine will test your shot shaping ability, requiring you to move the ball both right to left and left to right. Depending on where your tee shot lands, the heavily wooded area may require you to keep the ball under a tree limb or two. The par 4 4th hole provides the course’s sternest test. This demanding hole requires a tee shot that narrowly avoids the oak trees on the right side. The creek that crosses the fairway about 125 yards from the green shouldn’t come into play for the majority of players. The approach shot plays uphill to a fairly deep green guarded by a large bunker on the right side. A back right pin placement can be especially tricky.

Another notable par 4 is number 12, a short par 4 (292 White tees) that is best played with a tee shot down the left side. This hole is all about pin placement. A front pin is going to require a very accurate approach; it’s very narrow and protected by bunkers on either side. A back right pin is tricky too because of all the slope in the green. As you walk off the green, look back towards the tee and take in the Bay of St. Louis in the background.

The second course to be built at Diamondhead Country Club was the Cardinal Course which opened for play in 1979. The course was designed by John LaFoy and plays 6,729 yards from the longest (Blue) tees with a course rating a 73.1 and has a slope of 131. Most golfers will find that the White tees (6,128/71.0/128) are a challenging test. For ladies, the Red Tees (4,950/69.2/118) will prove to be a sturdy test. Five sets of tees provide a comfortable length for golfers of all skill levels.

Like its sister the Pine, the Cardinal’s major challenge is the tree-lined fairways. The Cardinal Course also features gently rolling terrain, extra-long sand bunkers and no parallel fairways. Number 5 is Cardinal’s toughest hole and exhibits each of these traits. At 371 yards from the White tees, it requires an accurate drive down a narrow corridor framed with trees. Your best bet is to favor the right side of the fairway off the tee, which will take the stately magnolia tree guarding the left side out of play. The green is narrow and deep, with bunkers on each side. Check your yardage to the pin before hitting your approach and take dead aim at the pin.

For me, the most memorable hole on either course is the par 4, 12th on the Cardinal Course. It’s a fairly short (330 yards from the White tees) par 4 with a slight dogleg right. From the tees, the creek that crosses the fairway looks innocent enough and easy to carry, however if I were naming holes, this one would be called “It Ain’t a Creek!” It’s actually a lake that requires a carry of about 300 yards. Hit less than driver off the tee, short of the lake, and you’ll have a nice, easy approach shot that plays slightly uphill.

Diamondhead Country Club has partnered with the nearby Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS to offer some pretty impressive golf packages, which can be found on the Silver Slipper website. These packages include a one-night stay at Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, one free buffet at the Jubilee Buffet which has the widest variety of foods I have seen outside of a supermarket and one round of golf on one of the two championship golf courses at Diamondhead Country Club. Packages start at $99. Golf packages can also be booked through the Gulf Coast CVB website.

Memberships to Diamondhead Country Club are available to both residents and non-residents. There are several membership classifications including Individual Golf, Family Golf, Associate Individual Golf and Corporate Golf memberships. Residents can choose to use their own, private cart or pay a cart fee each round. For more information on becoming a Diamondhead Country Club golf member, call (228) 255-3910.