Up the Road, Williamsburg Golf

Set amid the historical backdrop of Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage Club offers visitors and residents an inviting location for championship golf, fine dining and entertaining as well as an unparalleled site for hosting weddings and special events.
Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature designed golf course in Williamsburg, the Colonial Heritage Club offers golfers pristine playing conditions on an exceptionally crafted course that infuses the natural topography of the region. Complimentary to the surrounding course, the magnificent Clubhouse which emulates the classic British-Colonial style that Williamsburg is renowned for provides its guests with unsurpassed hospitality and service when dining or entertaining family, friends and clients.
When planning your next golf vacation or special event, choose the Colonial Heritage Club in Williamsburg. Our staff of hospitality professionals will go beyond your expectations to ensure your time with us is unforgettable.

Serving both Williamsburg and Tidewater, this artfully crafted Arthur Hills masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain and landscape of its southern Virginia surroundings. Meandering through 175 acres of densely wooded grounds, the 6,889 yard, par 72 championship golf course offers five sets of tees and immaculate playing conditions creating a truly distinctive experience with every round. Strategically placed bunkers, undulating fairways and carefully planned water features create as an enjoyable golfing experience for all playing abilities from novice to expert. Make the Colonial Heritage Club your destination for your next Williamsburg golf vacation.

April - October

Weekend

Weekday

	Non-Resident	Resident	Non-Resident	Resident
Open – 10AM	$60	$50	$55	$50
10AM – 12PM	$55	$45	$50	$45
12PM – 2PM	$50	$40	$45	$40
2PM – 5PM	$45	$35	$40	$35
5PM - Close	$30	$25	$30	$25

The 2010 Hot List: Driver

Thank you Golf Digest for this review:

ADAMS SPEEDLINE FAST 10

STREET PRICE: $300
WEBSITE: adamsgolf.com
LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12.5;
Draw: 9.5, 10.5

TECH TALK: Making a driver aerodynamically efficient and forgiving would seem like a difficult challenge. But that's the intent of the Fast 10. Adams engineers studied computational fluid dynamics and used wind-tunnel testing to reshape the curves along the undercarriage for improved airflow. They also pushed the center of gravity (CG) low and deep to improve forgiveness and to help average golfers launch the ball higher.

PLAYER COMMENTS:
(H) "Easy to swing, and the ball took off with an aggressive sound."
(M) "The trajectory might be a little higher than some people want, but it's a high-launching bomber."
(L) "Traditional round, deep face. The top is very classic, but the bottom is not. Looks like a 9-wood going out there; it's that high. Feels solid with just enough noise."

HOT: Adams improved aerodynamics before anyone, and the company continues to innovate in this area.
NOT: Adams still trails others in terms of maximizing a driver's moment of inertia (MOI).

Golf Tips: You Need a Pre-Shot Routine

What's one of the things all professional golfers have in common?  Yeah, you guessed it, they all have a pre-shot routine they they follow almost to the letter.  Now why is it that so many amateur / recreational golfers don't follow this cue from the pro's?  We're all wishing that we had the same game as the guys on Tour.  Trying to hit the ball as far and score as low as we can, but I'll estimate that 99% of amateur golfers don't even have a consistent pre-shot routine.  If you want to play more consistent golf, you need a consistent swing.  But to swing the club consistently, you need to do everything the same every time you set up to the ball.  That's a fair assumption right?

I'm guessing that most amateurs were just never taught the importance of having some kind of routine that they do EVERY TIME before you hit the shot., or they're so caught up with just trying to hit the ball that it never crosses their mind. A good PSR doesn't  have to be something fancy or overly complicated.  And no, gripping and re-gripping 62 times a la Sergio Garcia back in the day does not count as a good pre-shot routine.  I'm talking about finding something that's comfortable, and repeatable.   Walk behind the ball, pick out a target, walk up to the ball, take your stance, grip ect., waggle once, twice or what feels good, then go.  The key is to do this every single time you hit a shot, whether it be from the tee, fairway, wherever.  Obviously some situations will require you to maybe take some extra practice swings in the rough or from a bad lie, but once you're committed to the shot, the rest of your routine should be automatic.  Putting will have it's own PSR, and you should find one that suits you on the greens as well.

I've recently made a few changes to my own routine and it's feels more comfortable for starters, but it's helping my alignment as well.

1. I stand next to the ball and just take a couple of practice swings to get the feel of the lie, stance etc.  Only takes a few seconds.
2. Walk behind the ball a few feet and look down the line.  First pick out a target in the distance to aim for, and then pick a small object 5-10 feet in front of the ball, on the ground,  that's in line with my target in the distance. This helps me align my body and club properly at set up, and it's much easier to do on an object that's just a few feet away, as opposed to 300 yards away.  Once again, this only takes a few seconds.
3. Approach the ball, set the club face down aligned with my small target on the ground.  Set my feet for whatever type of shot I'm going to hit.  Open for a little fade, closed for more of a draw. 
4. Get comfortable and planted to the ground with good balance.  Check my near ground target.  Check my far target.  Deep breath.  Pull the trigger.

Total, this probably takes 10-12 seconds max.  Now what does this do exactly?  A couple of things.  First, it helps you relax before your shot.  Second, it helps you focus on something other than "is my grip ok, am I going to slice it OB, look that water on the right, are they other guys going to laugh at me", and all the other BS that's probably running through your head when you just walk up to the ball and get ready to swing away.  A solid pre-shot routine will help calm you prior to even addressing the ball.  It will also give you consistency which will should  flow over into your actual golf swing.  Start consistent, end consistent.

Just look at the pros...no two of them have the same PSR.  Some may take 30+ seconds before they even hit the ball, which probably annoys the hell out of their playing partners, but it works for them so they do it. every time.  Watch guys like Mike Weir.  After he address' the ball, he always take the club back half way 2 times to see the path he wants the club to start on.  Some guys don't do any quirky little moves that stand out like Weir, but if you pay attention, they all do a consistent routine before they hit the shot.

If you don't have your own pre-shot routine, try to find something that feels right and that you can repeat every time.  I think you'll find that it will help your confidence as well as help make you a more consistent player.

Myrtle Beach's Master's Collection Goes Nuts

Look at this new line up for the Master's Collection (the package we went on last year)

They have been steady adding courses to the management company that runs this collection, and make no mistake about it, they are out to book the most rounds in Myrtle Beach.

The new line up includes The TPC

The Tradition Club

 Wachesaw East

Wild Wing Avocet

Our best selling package. Choose between perennial top 10 Myrtle Beach courses, TPC or Kings North,  Long Bay, plus any other three great courses above. Book the Master's Collection and receive a FREE ADDITIONAL AFTERNOON ROUND at any Master's Collection course except TPC, King's North or Long Bay!

Aberdeen Country Club  Blackmoor  Kings North at MB Nat.  Litchfield Country Club  Long Bay  River Club  Southcreek at MB Nat  Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach  Tradition Club  Wachesaw East  Waterway Hills  West Course at MB Nat  Wild Wing Avocet  Willbrook Plantation 
Select from any of the above courses.

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses of the Year

2009 Shaftsbury Glenn

The 2009 Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of The Year
Architect Clyde Johnston brings the same traditional look to his 18-hole championship course - elevated greens, picture-perfect traps, wide-flowing fairways, demanding doglegs, tantalizing Par 3s, and long Par 5's. From stone-gated entrance to Olde English clubhouse, all evokes the spirit of Shaftesbury, England - the project's namesake . . . just 15 minutes from the heart of Restaurant Row off Hwy 22.

		2008 Grande Dunes The Grande Dunes golf course is a spectacular design by The Roger Rulewich Group, which is comprised of former key members of the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design staff. Grande Dunes features dramatic holes that play along the bluff adjacent to the Intercoastal Waterway. Exclusive and upscale, golf at Grande Dunes offers one of the finest playing experiences in the world. This design was built upon a grand tradition of golf, while setting a new standard for world-class play. The inherently challenging and supremely scenic design for Grande Dunes will offer players unparalleled golf in an incomparable location, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. Amenities: Restaurant Driving Range Putting Green Location: In 2002 voted as top 10 new courses to play by Golf Magazine. Located at 82nd Ave North (by Dixie Stampede) Hwy 17 Bypass. Go over bridge (east of waterway) to course.    2007 Wachesaw Plantation East A former rice plantation provides the setting for this championship layout by Clyde Johnston. Carved out of gently rolling terrain, the heavily wooded course offers five sets of tees to challenge golfers of all abilities. A hint of Scottish design, accented with fresh-water wetlands and lakes, makes this distinctive course a unique and enjoyable experience. Wachesaw East received ****'s in Golf Digest's Places to Play - 2000 and was the former site of the Kathy Ireland Greens.com LPGA Classic. *Non-metal spikes required. Amenities/Facilities Clubhouse, locker rooms, driving range, putting green, beverage cart on course, no coolers allowed. Location 17 South to Wachesaw Plantation East entrance to River Wood Dr. 2006 Burning Ridge Extensive renovations have produced amazing rewards! Not only was it voted 2006 Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year, but also honored as the South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. As you maneuver through the elegantly mounded fairways, large yawning bunkers, and velvet smooth putting surfaces you will understand why the course has received these lofty awards. After your round enjoy the country club atmosphere with a drink and meal on the outside deck. 2005 TPC of Myrtle Beach Walk in the footsteps of the PGA TOUR legends. Experience the crack of a well-struck tee shot as it echoes through the century old trees. Match your best shot against those of the players on the SENIOR PGA TOUR. Play tournament quality conditions year round. These are just a few of the many reasons you'll want to visit the Grand Strand's ultimate golf destination - the Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach. Designed by Tom Fazio, America's premier golf course architect, in concert with Larry Wadkins, PGA TOUR player consultant and 1995 Ryder Cup Captain, the TPC of Myrtle Beach offers one of the most extraordinary golfing experiences on the East Coast. Noted for taking full advantage of nature's offerings, Fazio has utilized water features, environmental grasses, and rolling terrain to give the TPC of Myrtle Beach its one-of-a-kind look. Strategically designed viewed areas provide spectators excellent vantage points from which to watch the play of golf's top professionals when they visit the TPC, beginning with the SENIOR PGA TOUR Championship in November. Location Located in Murrells Inlet, SC. From Myrtle Beach take Highway 17 south to Highway 707, turn right. Go approx. 3 miles to entrance on left. 2004 Indian Wells View more images Course Description This Gene Hamm course includes the incredible 410 yard Par 4 ninth hole that is part of the Grand Strand's "Dream 18". Water on 15 of the 18 holes. An unusual blend of sand, water and trees combine to make this a "Must Play" course. Bermuda greens. Amenities/Facilities Pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar, rental equipment Location On Highway 17 South approximately 9 miles south of Highway 501  2003 International World Tour World Tour is the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand's most unusual and unique golf complex with 27 holes that read like a golfer's fantasy list. In fact, a tee time at World Tour is the equivalent of a golfing passport to some of golf's most exclusive golf courses - many of which aren't available for play at any price. Creator Mel Graham, who also headed the design team, spent years researching and studying the courses that are paid homage at World Tour. Then he made sure each hole fits its natural surroundings in Myrtle Beach. The immaculate conditioning of all 27-holes, featuring L93 Bentgrass greens and 419 Bermuda tees, fairways and rough is overwhelming as our guests prepare for their tour on the practice facility using Titleist practice balls. First impressions are accented with expressions such Awesome and Incredible as they approach their first tee. Throughout the day the quality of the golf experience is present at every turn. Memories of legendary shots are ignited as the golfer at World Tour experiences playing those same championship holes. 2002 Wild Wing Plantation WILD WING PLANTATION encompasses 1,050 acres of natural beauty and splendor rarely found. A feeling of serenity exists where nature is seemingly undisturbed by the masterfully sculpted fairways which gently blend with the trees, waterways, and wildlife. This reserve is dedicated to the game of golf. Location On 501 West, approximately 7 miles west of 17 Bypass. 2001 Blackmoor Opened in 1991, Blackmoor was built on the historic Longwood plantation. Blackmoor is Gary Players only signature course along the Grand Strand. You'll enjoy the challenge and incredible beauty he has built into this 18-hole masterpiece. Wondrous wildlife, unparalleled fairways, exceptional tifdwarf greens, outstanding staff and comfortable clubhouse all await you at Blackmoor truly beautiful and challenging course for any level of golfer. Amenities/Facilities Pro shop, driving range, putting green, snack bar, equipment rental, lessons. Location From Myrtle Beach take Highway 17 south to Murrels Inlet, turn right on Highway 707, then 3.5 miles on the left. 2000 Tradition Club Set among the rolling terrain of a 16th century plantation, is a Ron Garl course designed in the tradition of the great courses from around the world. Test your power on large landing areas that allow for big swings off the tee and your accuracy against well-guarded greens that require precise shot making. Combined with exceptional beauty, it's a course that is as enjoyable to play as it is challenging. The Tradition Golf Club was Ranked 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest in 2008, voted South Carolina s Golf Course of the Year by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owner s Association for 2001, Top Fairways for 1998 by Golf for Women, and nominated Best New Public Course by Golf Digest in 1996. The Tradition Club continues to garnet rave reviews! Located adjacent to the Willbrook community in Litchfield Beach, the Tradition Golf Club brings to the low-country a championship course that boasts the proud traditions of the great courses that stood the test of time. Amenities abound at the Tradition, from comfortable dining-indoors and out-to our elaborate practice facility unequaled anywhere. Come experience the serenity of the game amid unsurpassed natural beauty. Amenities/Facilities Pro shop, snack bar, lessons, large practice area with a 43,000 square foot putting green. Location To get there from Myrtle Beach go South on Highway 17 to Litchfield Resort, approximately 20 miles. Turn right at the signal. 1999 Bay Tree Plantation (now closed) 1998 Arrowhead Country Club With a canvas of Bermuda Fairways and new Mini-Verde bermuda greens, the team of Ray Floyd and Tom Jackson have created a 27-hole masterpiece along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach. Each nine-hole layout is unique, featuring uncommon elevations, hardwood wetlands and the most impeccable manicured holes in the area. Arrowhead was recently awarded SC's Golf Course of the Year (1998). Ask about our special programs for Juniors. *Non-metal spikes required. Amenities/Facilities Pro shop, Driving Range, Putting Green, Snack Bar, Cocktails, Coolers Allowed, Non-Metal Spikes Required Location Arrowhead is conveniently located five minutes from the Myrtle Beach International Airport. On Burcale Rd. by Freestyle Music Park off Hwy. 501.  1996 MBN King's North

The King is back! The sensational King's North course at Myrtle Beach National has already been crowned "South Carolina's Course of the Year for 1996" and ranked among the "Top 10 New Upscale Public Courses in America" by Golf Digest for 1997. The famous island green possesses an inspiring new look with an elevated sculptured bulk-head. Forty-two bunkers line the 464-yard par-4 18th fairway... already nicknamed the "Bulls-eye" by Golf Magazine. But the most memorable hole may be Arnie's creation of "The Gambler," a par-5 reachable in two with a courageous tee shot, 220 yards over water to an island fairway.
Amenities/Facilities
Snack Bar, Lounge, Putting Green, Driving Range, Beverage Cart, Lessons, Club Fitting, no personal coolers.
Location
Seven miles west of Myrtle Beach on Highway 501.


Five of the Myrtle Beach regional winners also captured the state award; Burning Ridge, TPC, Wild Wing, Tradition, Arrowhead and King’s North. World Tour was named as the national “Golf Course of the Year.”

Another City Gets Direct Flights to Myrtle Beach

Jeff Sweet has been asking for it for months, now his dreams have come true with direct, non-stop flights from Dallas/Forth Worth to Myrtle Beach. Now, no matter what city he is in for business, he can get to Myrtle!!

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin nonstop seasonal jet service between Myrtle Beach (S.C.) International Airport (MYR) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), beginning April 6. Eagle will operate the service through October 31, with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.


“We’re delighted to introduce seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, one of the premier recreational destinations in the Southeast,” said Gary Foss, Vice President – Planning and Marketing for the AMR Regional Network. “Not only will visitors enjoy the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, but avid golfers can take advantage of the more than 100 golf courses in the Grand Strand area. Dallas/Fort Worth is not only home to American’s largest hub – offering convenient connections to destinations throughout AA’s global network – but it’s also one of the largest cities in the country for golf enthusiasts.”



“This new service from a worldwide carrier will enhance connectivity between Myrtle Beach and many key markets throughout the United States – especially the Midwest and Western U.S.,” said Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The direct flights will provide access to millions of travelers who are looking for an affordable family vacation but may not have considered the Myrtle Beach area in the past.”


“This new non-stop flight allows us the opportunity to reach Dallas/Fort Worth area golfers, and also provides more convenient access from all the markets in American's network,” said Bill Golden, President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “We look forward to the success of this route, and growing our relationship with American Eagle in the future.”


The schedule for the flights between Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth (all times local) is:

Myrtle Beach to Dallas/Fort Worth (MYR-DFW)
FLIGHT DEPARTS ARRIVES DAYS
3306 4:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Daily

Dallas/Fort Worth to Myrtle Beach (DFW-MYR)
FLIGHT DEPARTS ARRIVES DAYS
3311 12:15 p.m. 3:55 p.m. Daily

From DFW, American and American Eagle operate approximately 745 daily departures to nearly 160 nonstop destinations, including 34 international destinations.

About American Eagle
American Eagle operates over 1,500 daily flights to nearly 160 cities throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean on behalf of American Airlines. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

SubSeventy's Outfit of the Week

 SubSeventy, a company you are going to be hearing a lot about in the future, is based in the UK. They are known for their aggressive stlying of golf outfits and European styles. Now, I love Loud Mouth Golf, but I find this to be a nice alternative to them.

 This is the outfit/deal of the month for them. Remember when ordering, the price is listed in Pounds, not US dollars. Most of their clothes are custom made for you.

http://www.subseventy.co.uk/

Looking for a New Set of Irons?

 Thanks to Golf Digest's hot list, I have spotted a great value to be had in a new Iron set. Please read below, and notice the price, especially when you compare it to other 700.00+ irons.

ADAMS IDEA A7

STREET PRICE: $500 (set of eight, steel)
WEBSITE: adamsgolf.com
LOFTS: 6-iron: 29 degrees, PW: 45 degrees

TECH TALK: The set starts with a pair of hybrids in the 3- and 4-iron slots, followed by a hollow, flat-faced 5-iron and cavity-back middle and short irons. Designers increased the sole camber on the hybrids from front to back and heel to toe to enhance playability from various lies.

PLAYER COMMENTS:
(L) "A crisp sound. The thin topline makes you feel as if you're looking at a players club."
(M) "I was shocked to see they were game-improvement clubs. Everything is hidden. There aren't any wild angles."

HOT: When it comes to the integrated iron set, few companies do it better than Adams. The sole camber on the hybrids shows that the designers understand hybrids were meant to be easy-to-hit iron replacements. And a movement away from the box shape demonstrates that they "get" what resonates with golfers.
NOT: The company has been around since 1987 yet hasn't implemented a serious fitting program.

The King of Myrtle Beach

  This year, I am both proud, and ashamed to announce, the golf trip will include the newly added, King of Myrtle Beach trophy and title. Everyone going on the trip will be automaticly entered into this contest judged by myself, and 1 other secret person (to make it fair). There will be 5 categories everyone will be judged on, it it will not just include golf, so everyone, and I mean everyone, on this trip will have a great shot at this coveted title.

  ALL CATEGORIES WILL BE JUDGED ON A SCALE OF 1-5, WITH 5 BEING THE BEST. BEST TOTAL SCORE FOR THE TRIP WILL WIN THE TROPHY AND TITLE FOR THE YEAR.

Categories:

Golf: Not just your score, but you over all play and improvement

Poker: Your poker play in the games through out the trip.

Drinking: Your over all consumption of adult beverages through the entire trip.

Over All Partying Skills: What you bring to the table, or the runway, when we are out on the town, or partying in the room.

Last Category is a personal favorite, and I have seen and heard about this on various trips:

Worst Golf Outfit on Friday's Round: Bring out your worst, conforming to golf standards (no denim outfits), golf outfit for Fridays round. Plaids, bright colors, dark socks, and horrible hats are encouraged!


The Trophy is be assembled by Kevin Nicholson, and of course will represent what we like best about golf trips! We will "compete" for this trophy and honor every year on the Myrtle Beach Trip!

New Driver Helps a Regular Golfer, Rather than a Pro

Get On The Inside Track
A club that tells you how to swing? Genius.

Arriving January 22, 2010

What does every golfer expect when they put a shiny new driver in play? More distance! But the USGA has been putting all sorts of rules and restrictions on club head designs to prevent that very situation from occurring. This is why designers have to be more creative in designing clubs to that will truly enhance their customers’ game. One method is to design clubs around the way average golfers swing, rather than creating perfect clubs and expecting golfers to swing that way. In that respect, there is still quite a bit room for improvement.

One of the most common tendencies is when a golfer comes over the top and makes an outside-in move. This is evident by most shots off the tee resulting into a push, fade or the dreaded slice. A Golf Digest article “Add 42 Yards Now” explained that if you were able to change to more of an inside-out

Visual Cues to Help Guide YouThe crown on the Acer XDS Insider is designed as a reminder to swing inside-out to create the most powerful and effective swings.

movement a golfer who swung 95 mph could gain as much as 42 yards. Of course, this would require a huge change in how the person swings the club and let’s face it most golfers are not going to be able to put in that time and effort. But through creating design features in the club head, the golfer can be encouraged to make more of an inside path.

This is how the Acer XDS Insider got its name. The profile of the head as well as the contour on the crown was specifically designed to create a mental picture of swinging from the inside. This will encourage one to swing the driver on an inside-out swing path instead of that dreaded distance robbing over-the-top move.

The XDS Insider also helps you in two other ways. By adding internal weighting within the head in the heel area, this creates draw spin on center shots. The other method in creating a “draw bias” is the unique

Goal: Get Into the SlotAn inside-out swing is the most effective swing you canmake. The majority of very good players employ an insideout downswing, or what is commonly called “getting into the slot.” On the contrary, a high percentage of mid and highhandicappers use an outside-in swing, which leads to slicesand loss of power.

asymmetrical sole. More weight is shifted toward the heel in order to assist in rotating the head and squaring the face at impact.

The face angle is a little more closed than normal to provide some additional corrective measures. In many cases when a golfer sees a closed club face they are not even aware they are manipulating the club face or their stance open and essentially negating the potential benefit of the clubface being closed. The Acer XDS Insider’s addressed this problem as the face angle is cleverly disguised by the masking on the crown to provide a “square” appearance so they can just trust their natural swing.

Lastly, the Acer XDS Insider also boasts a variable face thickness, cup face design to make the entire club face become one gigantic sweet spot and ensure that you get all the distance possible.

Acer XDS Insider Titanium Driver
Available RH: #10.5°, 12°
Available LH: #10.5°
#TCM-1235

Assembled Price (comes with Free! Headcover!) $99.95

The Sound Golf Links

Not far from us in Virginia Beach, is an undiscovered 4 star golf course, called the Sound Golf Links. Always specials on their web site, it's in Hertford, NC, about 1/2 to Elizabeth City.

Discover The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation, a waterfront community located on the beautiful Albemarle Sound, just minutes from Elizabeth City and historic Edenton, NC. As the jewel of this gated, residential golf community The Sound Golf Links is a Dan Maples-designed championship golf course, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the "201 Best Places to Play." If you're a golf enthusiast, then you owe it to yourself to play our golf course, the fine example of quintessential Carolina golf.

Course Details

The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation is a Low Country beauty designed by two of the best names in golf, Dan Maples and Mother Nature. This masterpiece on the shores of Albemarle Sound in historic Hertford, North Carolina features plush fairways and immaculate greens that run along age-old marshes and through cypress groves draped in Spanish Moss. Every hole is distinctly different, particularly the three finishing holes which border miles of blue water. There is no finer way to end the day than sinking a masterful putt as the sun sets, lighting up the broad waters of Albemarle Sound.

Contest: Win a Pair of Brand New FootJoys

Your chance to win a pair of brand new Footjoy shoes, and glove. Free, no spam contest, so enter away!

http://www.footjoy.com/contest/fjwinsyouwin/entry.asp

Group Golf Lessons

As many of you know Ed Collins was offering a $10 workshop every Saturday morning at 10am (Bow Creek Golf Course). I will be conducting the first of the year on the 23rd of January. If you plan to show, please let me know so I can plan for size of group.

If there are any special request's of what to work on, let me know.

Jamie Smith Golf Instruction

Jamie Smith's Special Offer!

Hello all,

I have had some request's to offer the special I did last year. Many of you used this to a great advantage.

This offer starts from February 1 2010 to January 31 2011. Clinics and workshops excluded. It can be used at all three of my locations, Bow Creek, Lynnhaven Golf Park and Ocean View Golf Course.

This offer is for UNLIMITED LESSONS FOR THE YEAR, (on available schedule).

Last year we did real good at $1000, but with the economy the way it is, I have decided to lower it to $850.

Contact me if you are interested or have any questions.

I know it doesn't feel like it now, but it will warm up so lets get ready soon.

Spring Golf Lessons

Just wanted to start to get the word out about Spring Golf Lessons. We have an official PGA Pro for the VB Golf Club, Jamie Smith. Not only is Jamie a Class A PGA Pro, but he also works for Taylor Made and Adams golf, and can fit you for a club or a set of clubs. He can order factory direct your set, saving you a bunch of money!

His web site is :
http://www.jamiesmithgolfinstruction.com/Home_Page.html

Jamie will be running for us, a couple group lessons for the VB Golf Crew, a great way to shake the rust off once we get a little warmer temps!

Jamie is also going on our golf trip to Myrtle to hang out and relax with us, but I am sure he will throw a pointer or two out for us!

Traveling Joe on Myrtle Beach

A great read from Joe Passov, Senior Editor (Courses/Rankings) at golf.com. He really hits the nail on the head. Even with courses closing, the market is growing stronger, with better service, renovations, and great package play. Myrtle Beach seems poised for another big year. In the end, 2010, in my humble opinion, will be a huge year for Golfer's Heaven!

I call Myrtle Beach the supermarket of golf, simply because there's something for everybody. True, there's not much snob appeal, but that may be the only thing missing among the 90 or so courses that dot the Grand Strand. Don't get me wrong — there's plenty of "upscale" to be found along the 60-mile stretch of coastline that runs from Southport, N.C. to Georgetown, S.C. — but the pampering here is more laid-back and down-home. What you'll also find in abundance is a fistful of unambitious-yet-handsome, playable and fun layouts where you'll get change back from your Franklin even in high season. That's the real beauty of Myrtle Beach golf: It's all about unparalleled variety for every budget.

What's New in Town

Myrtle Beach is in lock-step with the rest of the nation, where one can only daydream about new course construction. And in a reflection of the times, no fewer than 20 area courses have been shuttered within the past five years. That said, what's new is old — at least in the case of two venerable venues that are sporting dramatic changes.

Highly anticipated is the March 14, 2009, reopening of Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach. A.K.A. "the Granddaddy," Pine Lakes was the very first course in Myrtle Beach, dating to 1927, when it debuted under the name Ocean Forest. Robert White, a Scotsman who was also the first president of the PGA, first crafted nine holes, and it's that original nine that architect Craig Schreiner elected to preserve as the back nine for the revised layout.

The result is a throwback design that conjures up classic strategic shot values thanks to enhanced contouring and thoughtful hazard placement. Yardage from the tips will top out at 6,700 yards, and par has been shaved from 71 to 70. Returnees will immediately notice the lush, vibrant green Seashore Paspalum grass that now covers the entire course. "It's like taking the varnish off an old piece of furniture," says Schreiner. "If you paint something seven or eight times, all the detail gets lost. All you had to do was drop the low points of the property and raise the highs, and the golf course just jumps out at you." Check out the renovated clubhouse as well. We're certainly partial to the Snug Pub, where legend has it that the idea for a magazine called Sports Illustrated was born.

A more extreme makeover took place in low-key Pawleys Island at the south end of the Strand when the Founders Club opened in February 2008. Formerly a pleasant (if non-descript) 1966 Gene Hamm track, the layout was turned upside down by architect Thomas Walker, who utilized the existing corridors, routing and mature trees but reworked everything else. Vast, sandy waste areas, bunker-etched mounds and tremendous variety in the green shaping are among the highlights of the new spread.

Things are still percolating at Ocean Ridge Plantation, just across the state line in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. Its new Leopard's Chase course debuted in 2007 and stalks you with a brutal but beautiful back nine and a set of gigantic greens that will test your flatstick from start to finish. The par-3, island-green 4th might be the showcase hole on this Tim Cate design, but the 439-yard, par-4 closer, complete with flanking ponds, a waste bunker and a waterfall, earns its stripes as the best. If the economy cooperates, a fifth Big Cat course, Jaguar's Lair, will come on board in 2010.

The Trophy Collection

A consensus for Best of the Beach is tenuous for sure, but I think we can all agree on a few "must-plays." Since it's my two cents, based on many trips there since the early 1990s, I'll stick to my guns. To me, there are two quintessential Myrtle Beach golf experiences — one ancient and one modern.

On the classic front, you've got to sample the Dunes Golf & Beach Club. The ambiance is definitely private club, but cooperative arrangements with several area hotels allow for unaccompanied guest play. It's worth the effort. An early (1948) Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, the Dunes features all of the master's hallmarks, from its fiercely trapped, elevated greens to its collection of scorecard-wrecking water holes, spearheaded by "Waterloo," the 590-yard, par-5 13th that doglegs 110 degrees to the right around Singleton Lake. Back in the 1960s, Dan Jenkins wrote in Sports Illustrated: "It has long been agreed among knowledgeable golfers along the Atlantic Coast that if a man plays the 13th hole at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club often enough he will eventually lose every ball he owns and perhaps perish by alligator bite." More than 40 years later, Jenkins remains right on target.

Situated on a former rice plantation and drenched in Lowcountry charm, Caledonia is a 15-year-old Mike Strantz design that looks like it's decades older. Strantz was an artist with a bulldozer, and here he created a layout worthy of a museum exhibit. Gnarled live oaks festooned with Spanish moss line the fairways, and the course winds along the Waccamaw River for much of its journey. Caledonia's 6,526 yards are crammed into 125 acres, which may explain the par of 70, but waste bunkers, wetlands and undulating greens keep big hitters honest. Sitting in a rocking chair on the clubhouse porch, watching play on the 383-yard, par-4 18th unfold, is one of the true treats on the Grand Strand.

Best of the Rest

Tidewater Golf Club dishes out low-profile fairways that ease past forested bluffs and along marsh-edged flatlands, with photo-ops galore.

Rivers Edge Golf Club is too tough for me — but there's nary a weak hole on this Arnold Palmer-designed risk/reward thrill ride on the North Carolina side. It features skinny targets hemmed in by bunkers, tidal marshes and the Shallotte River.

You could three-putt every one of the wildly undulating greens at The Heritage Club, but you'll wear an ear-to-ear grin from the moment you drive down the avenue of oaks entryway to your post-round cocktail in the Southern Colonial clubhouse.

Barefoot Resort's all-star constellation of architects includes Tom Fazio, Pete Dye and Greg Norman, but it's the layout designed by Davis Love that might be the most fun of all. Love's Donald Ross-flavored turtleback greens and chipping areas, along with re-created plantation house ruins, make for a memorable day, whether or not you're wearing shoes.

My favorite bargain at the Beach is Oyster Bay, in Sunset Beach, N.C. This 1983 Dan Maples design smacks you down early, with rugged back-to-back two-shotters at 2 and 3, then soothes with strategy and scenery, notably at the short par-4 13th that doglegs right toward the bay and features a slightly elevated green shored with a wall of oyster shells.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/courses_travel/article/0,28136,1882297,00.html#ixzz0bw0YzRRW

Leopard's Chase Fact Sheet

Leopard’s Chase Golf Club


• Leopard’s Chase Golf Club is the newest ferocious “Top Cat” at Ocean
Ridge Plantation®, joining the award winning Tiger’s Eye®, Panther’s Run®
and Lion’s Paw®.

• This breathtaking par 72 championship layout was designed by renowned
golf course architect and land planner Tim Cate.

• Labeled “a masterpiece” by those fortunate enough to have played Leopard’s
Chase since its opening in February 2007, the course features mature
TifSport Bermudagrass fairways and immaculately manicured L-93
bentgrass greens.

• Traversing more than 220 acres of natural coastal terrain, Leopard’s Chase
is graced with scenic landscapes, scattered with native grasses and plantings,
including preserved wetlands, creating a series of picturesque vistas.

• The level of detail -from landscaping to extensive drainage- in unison with
the time Tim Cate spent crafting Leopard’s ChaseSM, gives the course a mature
look uncommon to most new courses.

• Highlighting the front 9 is the par 4 fifth hole, with its “island” green awash
in a sea of pearl-white sand created by a large waste bunker that stretches 90
yards into the fairway.

• The biggest architectural splash on the course occurs at the par four 18th hole
which moves slightly leftward to an elevated green guarded by an elegant
man-made waterfall. Sixteen hundred gallons of water per minute cascade
down a wall of coquina boulders, the same type of rocks that made Tiger’s
Eye® famous.

• Leopard’s Chase features 5 sets of tees to offer a challenge suitable to all
levels of golfers with the championship tees stretching to a formidable 7155
yards and carrying a slope of 140 and a course rating of 74.3.

Panther's Run Fact Sheet

FACT SHEET

Panther's RunGolf Links

Panther's Run is the second addition to the Ocean Ridge Plantation golf complex.
Panther's Run is designed to test golfer's skills, but not break their game. With generous
landing areas and large greens, this course is designed in the traditional style using the
natural terrain of the land.

 Panther's Run was designed by Tim Cate. Cate worked with the Willard Byrd
organization for seven years before going out on his own. Panther's Run is Cate's
first solo project.

 Cate put his own design theories to work at Panther's Run which is reflected in the
wide, open fairways with little mounding. Most courses today have fairways
defined by mounding, but at Panther's Run, golfers will find many fairways lined
with grassy, depressed areas or water.

 The front nine of the Panther's Run course opened for play in the spring of 1994. The
back nine opened October 1, 1995.

 With Panther's Run, Cate carved a beautiful golf course from the natural terrain of
the land, moving little dirt. Environmentally sensitive areas have been preserved
and made a part of the course.

 The 18-hole layout features rolling, wooded land with rambling brooks and ponds.
Water comes into play throughout the course, testing the golfer's ability to stay out
of or hit over the water.

 Panther's Run features large, multiple tee areas giving golfers of all skill levels a fair
shot at making par. For the ladies, the course offers two sets of tees, a choice not
often available at other courses.

 From the back tees, Panther's Run measures 7,086 yards with a slope of 140 and a
74.8 rating.

 Other yardages, slopes and ratings are as follows: blue tees — 6,706/134/73.6; white
tees — 6,267/128/70.8; gold tees — 5,546/118/68; and red tees — 5,023/116/68.8.

 Panther's Run features beautiful wooded landscape. Cart paths border a spectacular
and pristine nature preserve that is home to a wide variety of wildlife including
owls, deer, osprey, fox squirrels and wood ducks.

 The thirteenth hole, a monster par four, is an example of the beauty of the course. A
lake threads across in front of the tees then runs up the right side of the fairway
crossing in front of the green.

 The course is characterized by generous landing areas and large greens with subtle
undulations.

 Traps are strategically placed and contoured in a natural way — not severe and not
difficult to get up and down from.

 The finishing hole at Panther's Run is truly a great one. Designed with the clubhouse
in the background, this par four has mounding on both sides of the fairway. This is
one of the toughest and most visually intimidating holes on the course.

 Panther's Run is destined to remain one of the great courses in the Grand Strand
area.