Complete Course Listings • Member Giveaway

OFFICIAL MEMBER MAGAZINE OF GOLF CARD INTERNATIONAL • WWW.GOLFCARD.COM • WINTER 2006 • VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 1

• Complete Course Listings

• Member Giveaway

• 2006 Tournament Schedule

• Grasshopper Clubs GOLF CARD More for Your Membership President • Bruce Hoster More for Your Membership National/Eastern Sales Manager Doug Woods Central Sales Manager • Sean Corrigan Marketing Manager • Kerri Luther You probably joined Golf Card for the great savings on golf at over 3,600 golf courses nationwide. But since we are a member- COURSE OPERATIONS ship club, there is so much more to Golf Card than just saving Eastern Coordinator • Johanna Oland money on golf. We provide many services to support and Central/Western Coordinator • Glenda Henson 800-522-9232 enhance the golf lifestyle of our avid golfer members. Here’s a quick list to give you some ideas on how to get more from your MEMBERSHIP SERVICES membership in 2006. Golf Card ❍ Enjoy some fun tournament golf! 64 Inverness Drive E. Englewood, Colorado 80112 We have nine different Golf Card tournaments scheduled for 800-321-8269 2006. Check the complete list on page 10 of this issue and www.golfcard.com then make your plans to play. Golf Card tournaments are fun, friendly competitions where you can win some great prizes GOLF TRAVELER and meet new people. Publishing/Editorial Director • Valerie Law ❍ Make new friends in a Golf Card Grasshopper Club! Editor • Ken Cohen Golf Card Grasshopper Clubs are a terrific way to enjoy fun tournament golf and meet new Art Director • David Walker

friends – all in your own backyard! There are 110 Grasshopper Clubs located across the country, EDITORIAL OFFICES and if you can’t find one in your area, we can help you start one. See page 30 for all the details. 2575 Vista del Mar Drive ❍ Get a dozen golf balls FREE! Ventura, California 93001 805-667-4100 Introduce a new member to Golf Card and we’ll send you a dozen golf balls absolutely free! And better yet, you will automatically be entered into our yearlong Refer-A-Friend Sweep- ADVERTISING OFFICES stakes with a chance to win one of our monthly drawings for $500 cash! See the inside back 64 Inverness Drive E. Englewood, Colorado 80112 cover of this issue for all the details, including some handy tear-out cards you can give to 800-522-9232 friends to make it easy for them to join. Make 2006 the year you refer a friend – or friends – to Fax 877-439-1586 Golf Card. And collect your dozen golf balls free of charge. ❍ Win a golf vacation or some great golf gear! Golf Traveler (ISSN 0191-717X) is published quarter- We will have a new Member Giveaway in each quarterly issue of Golf Traveler this year. Prizes ly by Golf Card International Corporation, 64 Inver- include golf vacations, golf equipment, books, DVD’s and more. To enter all you have to do is ness Drive E., Englewood, Colorado 80112. Editor- visit our web site and register each quarter for the new giveaway. Get all the details on how you ial offices are at 2575 Vista del Mar, Ventura, can win on page 14. California 93001. Subscriptions are $12 for members, included as part of annual membership fees. Cover ❍ Earn an easy $50! rate is $3. Annual fee is $75 for a single membership and $120 for a twosome. Periodical postage is paid Want to earn an easy $50? Just send us your favorite golf story, instruction tip, course, hotel or at Englewood, Colorado, and additional mailing dining recommendation, or your favorite experience using Golf Card. Maybe a great out-of- offices. Canadian Publication Sales Agreement No. the-way course you discovered. Write us with your tip or tale that we can share with fellow 1960466. Golf Card members, and when we publish your story in Golf Traveler, we’ll send you $50. See how to earn your $50 on page 16. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Golf Trav- ❍ Save 10% to 20% on pro shop purchases! eler, attn: Golf Card Membership Services, P.O. Box 7022, Englewood, Colorado 80155-7022. Golf Trav- This may be Golf Card’s best kept secret. You can save 10% to 20% on any pro shop purchase eler assumes no responsibility for unsolicited man- at nearly 1,000 Golf Card affiliates. To find a participating pro shop, just check the affiliate uscripts or artwork. ©2006 by Golf Traveler. All rights listings in this directory and look for those courses that have “(GS 10%)” or “(GS 20%)” as reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or other- the last item (in red) in their listing. Next time you visit that shop, go ahead and buy that shirt wise reproduced without written consent of the pub- or maybe that putter you’ve been wanting, and claim your Golf Card member savings. lisher. Your Golf Card membership can provide you with much more than just savings on golf. Make 2006 the year you get the maximum benefit from your membership in Golf Card. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Bruce Hoster President, Golf Card International 4 GOLF TRAVELER 4. Resorts on the Stay & Play 5. There is no limitation on the Program honor the Golf Card only number of Stay & Play packages Golf Card Rules on golf packages. Unless they also members may purchase for their participate in the Affiliated Course individual use at affiliated Program, they will not honor Golf resorts—contingent on space Card members with daily availability. AFFILIATED COURSE PROGRAM complimentary green fees or 6. Golf Card savings cannot be used player’s fees. (Resorts on both in combination with other offers. 1. The affiliated golf property will offer programs will be listed in both reduced player’s fees or complimentary directory sections of the annual green fees, when you, the Golf Card Course & Resort Directory.) member: a. Call in advance for a starting For your convenience, our direct customer service number is time, b. Identify yourself as a Golf Card 1-800-321-8269 member, and The Golf Card is nontransferable c. Ask what your cost will be. 2. Use the annual Course & Resort Directory, New Affiliates update in Golf Traveler, or the Golf Card web site directory (www.golfcard.com) to locate participating courses. 3. Members receive a minimum of two rounds annually at each course listed during a participating course’s annual season. 4. During peak seasons, some courses may have limited availability of starting times. 5. Occasionally, affiliated golf courses may offer rates not applicable to Golf Card use. 6. Each Golf Card member is required to pay the rental of a powered golf cart at all courses where the Golf Card is honored. 7. Golf Card savings cannot be used in combination with other offers. 8. Consecutive starting times for multiple groups of Golf Card members are not to be requested of the course, unless for sanctioned Golf Card tournaments and outings. 9. The Golf Card shall not be honored in tournaments or travel-package plans not approved by the Golf Card. 10. Abide by the rules. Preserve your membership and the privileges offered. Violation of these rules may jeopardize golf courses honoring Golf Card. 11. And, most importantly, thank the golf course and leave a positive Golf Card impression! STAY & PLAY PROGRAM 1. Members must make their own reservations and contact resorts directly without going through any other agency. 2. Members must indicate that they carry a valid Golf Card at the time they make reservations. 3. When staying at an affiliated resort, the specific benefits offered in the resort golf package are the only benefits a member may receive. (These benefits should not be confused with the operation of the Affiliated Course Program.)

6 GOLF TRAVELER Guarantee! You’ll Never Play with a Wood Again! The new, patented Controller®II driving iron hits straighter than a driver… farther than a 3-wood… automatically corrects hooks and slices… must cut five stokes or money back! Comments from test moderator. TRIPLE WINNER! TWICE “Tom is a very high handicap, 30+, AS and this is the only club he has ever hit • Proven superior on Asian HARD over 210 yards.” Tour (25 pros) AS “Bill is a 19 handicap who tees off with STEEL a Titleist DCI 3-iron and hits a good one • Tested and recommended 215 yards and straight when there is no by PGA TOUR Partners wind in his face. His driver goes 250 and is generally 50 to 60 yards to the right. • Cut 4 strokes and outhit The Controller®II went 241 yards 3-wood by 20 to 30 yards straight and into a slight wind.” in independent test “Joe uses Cobra King Cobra irons and Cobra offset woods. On a good hit the Controller®II went 35 yards farther It wasn’t easy to improve the original than his 3-iron.” Controller® driving iron. The club sold ORDER THE more units off TV than any other club in 17° AND 21°-NOW! history. A pro set a World Distance Record from the grass with it that was so Put your woods in the attic. The 17° accurate it just missed hitting a small tar- Controller®II will hit as long as a driver get 335 yards away. and keep you out of the The new Controller®II is even more trees. The 21° takes over powerful and just as accurate. when the 17° might hit too TWICE AS HARD AS STEEL far. On par 3’s the 21°’s automatic hook and slice Our exclusive M-70 coating makes the correction is priceless. clubface twice as hard as other steel heads, Performance will vary, 70% harder than titanium heads. The coat- but if you don't cut five stokes off your ing comes from aerospace, where its dia- accuracy and you can gain 20 to 30 yards score, you may return them for a mond-like hardness protects critical parts in distance over a 3-wood.” prompt refund. Call or click now! of spacecraft. On a clubface it hits like an …F. B., PGA TOUR Club test participant iron fist. No other iron has it. No other iron has this either. A patent- “This club is a great way to hit a long, ed roll and bulge face that keeps hooks consistent, low shot. It has the feel of a fairway wood but with the accuracy of Patented and slices on the fairway! Ordinary Club ® And on the fairway, the Controller®II an iron.” …M. C., PGA TOUR Club test Controller II is much deadlier than a wood from tight participant Roll & and buried lies, fairway bunkers, hardpan “I always had to choose between a 3- Bulge and light rough. iron that I liked but didn’t hit far enough and a 3-wood that I could hit far, but only TESTED! PROVEN! 10% of the time. This Controller®II is First, the Controller®II was tested on just what I need. I love to hit it and it Tested and recommended by members of the Asian Tour among 25 professionals, goes a lot farther than my trusty 3 iron.” the PGA TOUR Partners Club. including one of the TOUR’S longest hit- …J.A., Southbury, CT ters. It got such raving reviews, twenty “I hit my driver with a success rate of 1-800-285-3900 more pros wanted one! about 1 in 5 or 1 in 7. I generally tee off www.ngcgolf.com. Then PGA TOUR Partners’ tested and with a 3 or 2-iron. This will be my new recommended it. Then another U. S. firm Or mail your name, address and a club off the tee. I hit it as consistent as check (or cc number and exp. date) to tested it. Here are actual quotes from my irons and it goes farther, a lot farther.” golfers who participated in the tests. NGC Golf (Dept. DTW-13), 60 Church …W.R., New Haven, CT St., Yalesville CT 06492. S/h is $14.95 “The Controller®II is better than the “This is the answer for me. It must be for one or two clubs. CT add sales tax. Rescue. I hit it straighter and longer. I why they call this kind of club a rescue. have more confidence with it and I can It rescues my work the ball both ways.” …K. W., Pro on game. To me, it 17° 21° Both Save $29.00! Asian Tour looks like an iron Steel $99.00 $89.00 $159.00 “My score lowered by four shots. I plan that I can hit and Graphite $119.00 $109.00 $199.00 to use it more often and for different goes as far as any TurboTip graphite $139.00 $129.00 $239.00 shots.” …C. R., PGA TOUR Club test par- wood I have hit.” TurboTip has big-butt grip for better control and 8 more grams in the tip ticipant …T.V., North for faster clubhead speed. N. A. in Ladies’. Select right, left; regular, stiff; “I recommend this club because of its Branford, CT men’s, ladies’. DTW-2 © NGC Worldwide, Inc. 2006 Dept DTW-13 2006 Golf Card Member Benefits

Golf Card is more than just a card offering savings on golf courses nationwide. It is a membership club with numerous benefits, including hotel discounts, member’s-only publications and websites, exclusive tournaments and outings, product testing and more. If you ever have any questions about your Golf Card membership and its benefits, please contact Membership Services at 800-321-8269. Also, The Golf Card website at www.golfcard.com provides a complete list of benefits as well as any updates to your membership package.

• Free or discounted green fees at more than 3,600 quality golf • Ace Place – Member recognition for hole-in-one in magazine courses nationwide and online • Year round savings with no seasonal restrictions • Member to Member – Special insider information shared by members — recommended courses, places to eat, sites to see and • Largest network — all 50 states, all Canadian provinces other helpful tips when using your Golf Card membership • Stay & Play savings on golf packages at nearly • Subscription to Golf Traveler, our quarterly member publica- 200 quality resorts tion that includes an Annual Directory of Courses and Resorts • Golf Card Giveaway – All members can enter to win free prizes • Member monthly eNewsletter includes new course updates, in random drawings. Prizes include golf vacations, golf equipment, golf tips, reviews and late breaking news on special deals and books and DVDs, and more. discounts, golf rules, and course features. • Travel discounts including car rental discounts • Members-Only website includes the latest course updates, (National and Alamo) handicap tracking, searchable directory, trip routing showing • Member Tournaments — National tournaments at major resorts, courses along the way, course reviews and ratings plus local tournaments run by 110 Grasshopper Clubs • Product testing opportunities — Test golf products, and keep • Member’s Tee – Free interactive golf lessons for select members what you test for free featured in Golf Traveler • Pro shop discounts at select Golf Card courses

8 GOLF TRAVELER 2006 Golf Card Tournaments

ith full fields of more than 140 golfers at our Catskill and Poconos events, Golf Card member-guest tournaments reached new participation levels in 2005. First-class facilities such as Villa Roma, Pocono Manor and High Hampton Inn and Country Club provided Wchallenging, enjoyable layouts as well as excellent service and food. In 2006, we’ve added more tournaments and spread them nationwide so members everywhere can benefit from these popular outings. Among the tournament sites are four-star courses Shawnee Inn and Resort in the Poconos – the only A.W. Tillinghast designed-course in the Golf Card network; the Nevele Grande Resort in the Catskills, site of the 2006 New York State Women’s Amateur and The Rail Golf Club in Springfield, Illinois, host to the LPGA’s State Farm Classic. There are nine tournaments scheduled in 2006 kicking off with the Snowbird Reunion, Jan. 25 at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. Here are some things you should know about the Golf Card member tournaments: ❖ All tournaments are scramble format ❖ All tournaments are open to Golf Card members and their guests ❖ Tournaments are fun competitions and a great way to meet fellow Golf Card members and make new friends ❖ All tournaments include tee gift bags for everyone as well as tournament prizes, hole contest prizes, and door prizes ❖ Register early as these events usually sell out in advance

For more specific information on any of these events, visit www.golfcard.com/calendar or call the Golf Card Tournament Hotline at 877-288-4802 To register call the Golf Card Tournament Hotline at 877-288-4802 or send an email to [email protected]

Golf Card members will have a lot to smile about this June at the four-star Nevele Grande Resort, site of the Catskill Member Guest tournament.

10 GOLF TRAVELER 2006 MEMBER TOURNAMENTS January 25 SNOWBIRD REUNION June 11-16 15TH ANNUAL SPRING SENIOR GOLF CLASSIC Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, Plant City, FL High Hampton Inn & Country Club, Cashiers, NC February 6-7 ARIZONA INVITATIONAL July 25-27 CHARLIE ROGERS NORTHERN MICHIGAN TOURNAMENT Arizona City Golf Course, Arizona City, AZ Otsego Club & Resort, Gaylord, MI May 17 ILLINOIS MEMBER-GUEST September 17-22 20TH ANNUAL FALL SENIOR GOLF CLASSIC Rail Golf Club, Springfield, IL High Hampton Inn & Country Club, Cashiers, NC June 1 CATSKILL MEMBER/GUEST October 3 POCONOS MEMBER/GUEST Nevele Grande Resort & Country Club, Ellenville, NY Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, PA June 11-13 6TH ANNUAL NEVADA REUNION MEMBER/GUEST Silver Oaks GC/Empire Ranch GC, Carson City, NV To register for any of these tournaments, please contact Golf Card at 877-288-4802 or visit our Web site, www.golfcard.com/calendar.

The Poconos Member-Guest is set for October 3 at beautiful Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, the only Tillinghast-designed course in the Golf Card network.

Rail Golf Club, site of the LPGA State Farm Classic, will host the Illinois Member-Guest on May 17.

Always popular with Golf Card members, the 20th Annual Fall Senior Classic at High Hampton Inn will be held September 17-22.

GOLF TRAVELER 11 Member’sMember’s TeeTee

Member on the Tee: Larry Thompson Handicap: 8.3 Instructor: Cara Swinden, PGA Location: Cypress Point Country Club (Virginia Beach, VA) Lesson: Short game skills (pitching, chipping and putting) Larry is a good golfer who took up golf after turning 40 — he really had no choice — the athletic director at the high school where he teaches and coaches football and baseball told him he was the new golf coach. The lesson was given in three parts: pitching, chipping and putting.

About Cara Swinden: • Graduated with honors from the University of Richmond • Played golf professionally on the Futures Tour • Has worked in the golf business in Myrtle Beach, Lancaster and now Virginia Beach Teaching Philosophy: Keep it simple. Everyone has their own swing, no two are alike. I work with each individual to help solve their problems. I like to work with one piece at a time to avoid overloading the student.

Pitch Shots

Larry has trouble hitting pitch shots with his lob wedge over hazards (traps, ponds, etc.) when close to the green. He either hits it too far and has to chip back or hits it fat and ends up in the hazard. Watching him warm up, he usually set up to hit this shot like he would hit any other shot. Cara made 3 suggestions, all to take some of the power out of his swing: 1. put his feet closer together 2. open his stance slightly 3. choke down slightly on the club

She stressed that he should take his normal swing and when he did, he began to hit the shot the correct distance. On very short shots, she suggested he could add loft and decrease the distance the shot would go by slightly opening the face. She reminded Larry of three keys to hitting the shot: have confidence, be Before After aggressive and commit to the shot.

To help Larry with pitch shots over hazards or traps, Cara worked on his address position, narrowing and opening his stance, choking down on the club and moving his hands forward.

12 GOLF TRAVELER Chipping Larry has difficulty chipping around the greens, hitting it too far or leaving it short. He generally chips with his pitching wedge. Prior to the lesson, Larry had the ball placed in the middle of his stance, chipping and swinging his club back almost to parallel, breaking his wrist on his backswing. Cara made the following suggestions: 1. put the ball back in his stance, closer to the right big toe. 2. put his hands forward in front of the ball position 3. put feet together A big question most amateurs have when chipping is how far to take the club back. Of course, that depends on the distance of the shot. But Cara’s general rule for Larry when hitting any of his three wedges was 50 percent back, 50 percent forward. She also stressed that he should not break his wrist, making a putting stroke. She also showed Larry how to use his hybrid 4- iron and his 5-wood when faced with tough lies, like grass behind the ball or little grass Ball Back in Stance 50-50 Swing Hybrid Club under the ball. Her tip here was to put the ball in the middle of his stance and swing the club Cara addressed three issues with Larry’s chipping: moving his feet together; positioning back to 7 o’clock and through to 4 o’clock, 33 the ball back in his stance and working on taking the club back 50 percent and going percent back, 66 percent forward – creating a through 50 percent. She also suggested Larry use a utility wood from bare or difficult lies. little more acceleration. The key here is to get the feel for the distance the ball travels, which she emphasized only comes through practice. Putting Larry has a tendency to miss shorter putts and three-putt from longer distances. When practicing before the lesson, Cara noticed that Larry was picking up his putter on the backswing, breaking his wrist and at times, decelerating on his forward stroke. Cara suggested the following: Keep the putter low to low, back and forward, and don't break the wrist. When he tried this, he began hitting more putts on the sweet spot, improving his direction and distance control. She suggested a few drills to help him improve his putting. 1. practice putting with a line of 10 balls at different distances from the hole: 5 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet. 2. for long putts, put tees in the ground about 3 feet from the hole at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock Address Before Address After Backswing and practice putting long putts Larry’s tendency to miss short putts was a by-product of his address position and backstroke. within the tees. He needed to let his hands extend down more which in turn would help him take the putter back 3. place balls at increasing dis- more with his shoulders instead of his wrists. Cara also advised Larry to practice long putts. tances from the hole in a swirling circle and start with the shorter putts, working up to the longer ones. Cara suggested that Larry spend at least 60-70% of his practice time on his short game, where he could pick up two to four shots per round and lower his handicap by a couple of shots. If you would like a private lesson arranged through Member’s Tee, please e-mail us at [email protected] with the swing problems you’re experiencing. We will review all submissions and choose one to be addressed in each issue of Golf Traveler.

GOLF TRAVELER 13 TheThe GreatGreat GolfGolf CardCard MemberMember GiveawayGiveaway

SPRING DRAWING — Deadline: March 1, 2006 ❍ Poland Spring golf vacation ❍ 9 dozen Precept golf balls ❍ 20 The Story of Golf by George Peper (coffee table book) ❍ 20 Golf Dominoes games ❍ 20 Golf Card hats Winter Winners Grand Prize William Butkey Coal Township, PA Augusta National and the Masters books Golf Card hats (36 winners) 2-night, all-inclusive golf vacation at Warren Wittman Sterling Heights, MI (18 winners) Carl Profozich Evans City, PA Inn at Poland Spring John Lopez East Boston, MA Robert Januszko Wilkes Barre, PA Grant White Forest Lake, MN Ken Bosch (Hudsonville, MI) Leo Rolfes Harrison, OH Gilbert Fuld Keene, NH Jeff Wolk Glenwood, NJ Kim Hulse La Grand, OR Lawrence Sciancalepore Hoboken, NJ Bernadine Nelson Coos Bay, OR Dozen Nike Mojo golf balls (9 winners) Wink Carlson Lake Ariel, PA Andrew Cavallero Wilmington, NY Donald Debaltzo Mansfield, OH Dennis Sikora Lorain, OH William Mcgowan Wilson, NC John Volinsky Dunmore, PA D. Arden Conley Summerville, SC H M Justus Oro Valley, AZ Lyle Howard Ovid, MI Thomas Barreca Bellport, NY Robert Borowski Roselle, NJ J. Chapman Marion, IL Robert Shinabery Hillsdale, MI Charles Romano Ramsey, NJ James Craig Lumberton, NJ Tom McFarland Beaverton, MI Dezso Csizmadia Butler, PA Robert Mclaughlin Aliquippa, PA Steven Sturm Le Roy, IL Clifton Fry Fairfax, VA Stan Charbono Sun City, AZ Richard Wolf Richmond Hill, NY Jan Anthony Saint Marys, PA Edward Sandt Jr. Bangor, PA Duane Wilmes Bella Vista, AR George Apessos Sellersville, PA Stephen Taylor Coraopolis, PA Howard Leight Churchville, PA Mike Kazynski Evansdale, IA David Boyer Champaign, IL Richard Freiberg Roscoe, IL Edmund Wasmanski Plains, PA Helen Hunter Cedar Rapids, IA Jay Harmon Port Matilda, PA James Roy Amherst, NY Joseph Dickey North Lima, OH Bryan Stanfill Mooresville, NC Richard Augustine Washington, IL William Groft Butler, PA 2006 Great Golf By Design Art Engelbrecht Chillicothe, IL Joe Rose Overbrook, KS wall calendars (24 winners) Craig Catton Washington, IL David Stone Boise, ID John Krewsky Guilford, CT Lorenzo Archuleta El Paso, TX Karen Jennings Prescott, AZ Richard Harvey Hobbs, NM Lawrence Burr Norfolk, MA Stanley Birch Greentown, PA Howard Clifford Littleton, CO Michael Schimelpfenig Vancouver, WA Jack Harshbarger Greenville, OH John Ainsworth Port Coquitlam, BC Sandra Bloom Hyde Park, NY Fran Chupp Denton, TX Otto Szentesi Hickory, NC Brian Buck Branchville, NJ ONLY GOLF CARD MEMBERS MAY ENTER at www.golfcard.com/membergiveaway. Just fill out the online form and you have a chance to win. You must be logged in as a member to enter. Winners will be announced in the 2006 Spring issue of Golf Traveler. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries from eligible Golf Card members. Limit one entry per member. Limit one prize per member. Winners agree to the use of their name in Golf Traveler magazine. This Giveaway is open only to Gold Card members. Golf Card employees and their immediate family are ineligible. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash substitution is offered. Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law.

14 GOLF TRAVELER :c_dn

9OULL LOVE OUR GOLF COURSE AN HOLE $ONALD 2OSS CHAMPIONSHIP BEAUTY OUR VIEWS OF THE 7HITE -OUNTAINS AND 0RESIDENTIAL 2ANGE OUR LARGE OUTDOOR POOL WITH OVERSIZE SUN DECK OUR GRASS TENNIS COURTS OUR ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETS AND MOST OF ALL YOULL DElNITELY LOVE THE VALUEx HiVn VcY eaVn dkZg V , YVn lZZ` [dg *'*#%%! V * YVn lZZ` [dg ()*#%%! dg V lZZ`ZcY [dg '%.#%% l]^X] ^cXajYZh YVân \gZZch [ZZh lî] XVgi! ild Vaa"ndj"XVc"ZVi bZVah YVân ! YZajmZ dg hZaZXi gddb! VcY c^\]ian ZciZgiV^cbZci# 7HAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR 'ET THE PHONE AND CALL FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE 0OLAND 3PRING IS !MERICAS OLDEST RESORT GOLF COURSE AND RATED h0LACES TO 0LAYv BY 'OLF $IGEST /NLY HOURS NORTH OF "OSTON JUST OFF THE -AINE 4URNPIKE

-"/%413*/(3&40 10 ;ij$ '-/* 35 3JDLFS 3E 1PMBOE 4QSJOH .BJOF XXXQPMBOETQSJOHSFTPSUDPN 0RICES SHOWN ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY !DD TAX AND SERVICE CHARGE .O TIPPING Member to Member

By sharing tips, trips and tidbits, these members will earn $50 from Member to Member. We encourage all members to write us at [email protected] with their golf experiences. If we publish your submission, you'll receive $50. A Rare Pair of Aces This is the first year as a Golf Card member and we (my wife and I) have loved using the card. My wife, another couple (Barb and Bill Lockwood of Lake Placid, FL) and myself were playing golf last Mother's Day at Highland Ridge North in Avon Park, FL (a Golf Card affiliate). On the sixth hole I hit first and made a hole-in-one with a six iron — 161yds. Bill hit next and missed the green. My wife then hit from the ladies tee 117 yards with a 7-wood and also made a hole in one. The club pro was playing behind us and Shots witnessed the celebration on the green. n-to-1 Charles Peckham llio Somerset, PA 17 Mi Editor’s Note — Golf Digest calculated the odds of the Peckham’s husband/wife double aces on the same hole in the same group as 17 million-to-1.

We (Jim and Pat Healey), husband and wife septuagenarians (ages 74 & 72) reached the end of our 61- CanAmAthon day golf odyssey on Wednesday, October 19, 2005. We played a regulation 18-hole golf course in all 50 states, Washington DC, and all 10 Canadian provinces (61 total) in 61 days. We started in Anchorage, Alaska (Anchorage Golf Course) on August 20, 2005 and finished on October 19, 2005 in Hawaii 61 days later at Pearl Country Club (Honolulu). Of the 61 golf courses we played, 25 are Golf Card affiliates. We are both Golf Card members. This helped us considerably in mapping and organizing our trip. We flew to Alaska and Hawaii and drove our mini-van to all the mainland states/provinces covering 13,500 miles by auto and 20,000 miles by air. The trip also included a 6-hour ferry boat ride from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland (and back). In the 61 days we were very lucky. We never lost a day due to illness, weather, or transportation problems. This feat (to our knowl- edge) has never been done before by anybody at any age. Our trip description and daily journals can be viewed on our website: www.handi.com/JimPatCanAmAthon Jim and Pat Healey Hudsonville, Michigan RV and Tee, Anyone? ing a round, spending the night, golf RVing golf nuts who would like to meet This letter is addressed to all full-time [or again the next morning then moving on. somewhere to partake in our common most time] RV’ers who love to golf. We We also like to find golf courses that also interests or travel together for a week or are in our 9th year of exploring our beau- have RV parks adjoining the property or two, give us a call at 941-416-0918 or tiful country and are avid golfers. We close by, where we can settle down for a email us at [email protected]. have been members of Golf Card since week or so [sometimes even a month]. David & Diana Irrgang 1996 and this sure has been an advan- We belong to Escapees, Boondocker Livingston, Texas tage to us. We have played well over 200 BOF, Golf Card, The Elks and Coast to courses in that time and many more than Coast. We don’t make many plans too once. We have golfed in all 49 conti- far in advance, as we just love to ‘hang a nental states and have enjoyed meeting left’ at the spur of the moment and see fellow RVer’s/golfers. We would love to what’s around the next bend. hook up with more RVer’s who can trav- We enjoy card games, Mexican Train el and golf as we do. After living and and hiking. We have also been known to working on the east coast and Florida, we boondock out in the desert, circle the now find ourselves spending more and ‘wagons’ sit around the fire and as they more time in the west. say, drink & tell lies! We enjoy stopping at a golf course, play- If you are full-timing [or most timing] Diana and David atop Pikes Peak

16 GOLF TRAVELER Seaview Bay Course

With that in mind, we have structured our affiliate network so you can travel to any Courthouse, also a 30-minute drive from number of destinations and play five, six, even 10 courses within a 60-mile radius. Not Atlantic City, is a well-maintained and fun just the popular spots like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Orlando, The Catskills, The course at a great Golf Card value. Located very near the Jersey shore, wind and water Poconos, southern California, Phoenix/Tucson, but some other places which offer are prominent features of this inviting course. great golf, affordable accommodations and local flavor. That’s the Golf Card difference — it can take you places. MAKING CONTACT ❍ Cape May National GC (Cape May) Here are some “places” you might want to check out: 609-884-1563; www.cmngc.com. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ ❍ Avalon GC (Cape May Courthouse) Member Reviews 609-465-4389; www.avalongolfclub.net It’s not much of a gamble when it comes to MARRIOTT SEAVIEW RESORT ❍ McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links using your Golf Card in the Atlantic City, “It is a friendly course with many deep rough areas to (Egg Harbor Township) 609-926-3900; New Jersey area. The Marriott Seaview’s two www.mcculloughsgolf.com four-star layouts – the Bay and Pine – carry. It is beautiful and enjoyable just to be on. The highlight an excellent roster of affiliates greens are readable and roll true. The price is worth it. ❍ Seaview Marriott Resort (Galloway Township) which cater to out-of-town visitors and I would recommend it to a friend.” — Matt 609-748-7680; www.seaviewmarriott.com vacationers. “A must play Golf Card track.” ❍ Mays Landing Golf & CC (Mays Landing) At Seaview’s Bay Course, home to the 609-641-4411; www.mayslandinggolf.com LPGA ShopRite Classic, you’ll find a tidy, Tony Lema. Sand, water, trees, reeds all come twisting, testing Donald Ross layout. Not into play here. AREA INFO overly long, but with fairways pinching in McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links is one of www.atlanticcitynj.com southern New Jersey’s newest public courses and greens squeezing approach shots, scoring www.acdining.com can be a crap shoot. Always an enjoyable and already rated by Golf Magazine as one of round, especially on clear days when the the Top 35 Courses You Can Play. The open www.iloveac.com Atlantic City skyline is dramatically in view. fairways, tricky winds, mounds and www.acinside.com The Pines is longer and heavily wooded, undulating greens all deliver a true Scottish www.atlanticcitysbest.com sporting more of a Carolinas feel than feel and a memorable experience. southern New Jersey. The ideal scenario is to About 35 miles south of Atlantic City is spend a night at the beautiful Marriott resort, Cape May National, called by play both courses, check out the splendid one regional golf publication A Jersey jewel — Cape May National. health spa, enjoy a delicious meal in the “South Jersey’s jewel…the veranda dining room and possibly head to the course flows through the superb boardwalk for some evening entertainment. mix of wetlands, natural grasses, Just west of Atlantic City are a pair of mounding and ponds.” It also popular courses, Mays Landing Golf and boasts three of the toughest Country Club and McCullough’s Emerald holes anywhere in New Jersey, Golf Links. Mays Landing is a traditional according to Jersey Golfer, three-star layout opened in 1962 with an including the heroic 18th. exhibition match between Sam Snead and Avalon Golf Club in Cape May

GOLF TRAVELER 17 1 You’'ll want more of The Moors, a 4 ⁄2 star Panhandle Picasso.

FLORIDA PANHANDLE reseeding the course with Salam paspalum, a Member Reviews revolutionary grass that maintains lush Perhaps one of the fastest growing golf conditions despite intense sunshine and destinations in the country is the Florida SCENIC HILLS CC seashore conditions. Panhandle region. The open spaces, “Greens have been replaced and are rounding into good Another Pensacola standout is Scenic Hills beachfront property, moderate pricing, easy- shape. Staff is most courteous and helpful.” — Bill Country Club, a Jerry Pate design that lives going pace and hotel development are all SHALIMAR POINTE CC up to its name with creative mounding, contributing to an influx of golf travelers. “We play this course every winter, but the fall is great wetlands and natural surroundings. More than 1,000 holes can be played in the there – not as many people and everything in the area About 20 minutes north of Pensacola in Panhandle region is beautiful. The staff is wonderful. We sure hope they Gonzalez, new affiliate Solutia Golf Club is a The Golf Card is well-represented in this survived the hurricanes.” — Roy scenic course cut through pine, oak and region with several highly-rated courses, magnolia trees. In addition, more than 300 including new affiliates The Moors, Marcus Perdido Bay in Pensacola is the former host Crape myrtles and 500 azaleas explode with Pointe and Perdido Bay. to the PGA Tour’s Pensacola Open. A links- color during the spring. One of the best links-style courses in Florida, style layout that recently benefited from a In Panama City, the recently-renovated 1 multi-million dollar renovation, including The Moors Golf Club is a 4 ⁄2 star Meadows course at Bay Point Resort Golf masterpiece cleverly mixing Club is ideal for the resort the open, treeless expanses of golfer who likes more open Scotland with the abundant spaces and larger greens. This water and sand hazards of “thinker’s” course is one of the Florida. Fair for the mid-to- more popular courses in the high handicapper and Panhandle region because challenging enough to host the accuracy and strategy are just Champions Tour Blue Angel as important as power. Rated Classic. three stars by Golf Digest, The Marcus Pointe Golf Club in Meadows is also recognized for Pensacola and Tiger Point its excellent customer service. West (in Gulf Breeze) were While you’re at Bay Point and recognized by Golf Magazine as if you’re feeling daring, try the offering the best deals in the remodeled Nicklaus course region according to its Bang (not a Golf Card affiliate). for the Buck value-rating Also in Panama City, system. They were singled out Hombre Golf Club is home to for their combination of the PGA Tour’s second phase moderate green fees, slope The solution to good, affordable golf in qualifying. Three nine-hole rating, “Wow” factor, northwest Florida is Solutia Golf Club. courses – The Good, The Bad conditioning, pace and service. and The Ugly – comprise the

18 GOLF TRAVELER Perdido Bay is looking pretty after a million-dollar renovation. Make it a point to play Tiger Point West when visiting the Pensacola area.

❍ Scenic Hills CC (Pensacola) 850-476-0611 ❍ Shalimar Pointe CC (Shalimar) 850-651-1416; www.shalimarpointe.com Hombre facility, featuring plenty of water and hour southeast from Panama City on wetlands. Lodging is available at the nearby Interstate 98. ❍ Solutia Golf Club (Gonzalez) Lodge. MAKING CONTACT 850-968-8129; www.solutiagolf.com Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club in ❍ St. Joseph’s Bay CC (Port St. Joe) ❍ Bay Point Resort Golf Club (Panama City) Shalimar was designed by Ken Dye, a son of 850-227-1751; www.sjbcc.com Pete, and Joe Finger, who did the original 850-235-6950; www.baypointgolf.com ❍ Tiger Point CC West (Gulf Breeze) Champions course in Houston as well as ❍ Hombre GC (Panama City Beach) 850-932-1333; www.tigerpointclub.com Grossinger’s and the Concord in the 850-234-3673; www.hombregolfclub.com Catskills. Shalimar is a throwback course – ❍ Marcus Pointe GC (Pensacola) where every hole is its own design. Players AREA INFO have to navigate subtle twists and turns, 800-362-7287; www.marcuspointe.com www.visitpensacola.com mounding, flash bunkers, and tiered, ❍ The Moors Golf & Lodging (Milton) www.pensacola.com undulating greens. 850-994-7040; www.moors.com www.visitpensacolabeach.com Mature trees, lush fairways, sloping greens, 14 ❍ Perdido Bay GC (Pensacola) www.downtownpensacola.com water hazards and abundant wildlife highlight 850-492-1223; www.perdidobaygolf.com St. Joseph’s Bay CC in Port St. Joe, about an

Tucked away in Port St. Joe, St. Joseph’s Bay is one of the Sunshine State’s special secrets.

GOLF TRAVELER 19 MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Though relatively sparsely populated, the Maryland Eastern Shore is a thriving golf destination, home to some of the best public courses in the Middle Atlantic region. Golfers from up and down the east coast visit this area year-round, taking advantage of its central location and traditional hospitality. The Golf Card is well-represented on the Maryland Eastern Shore with several highly- rated and popular courses. Close to the Atlantic Ocean and not far from the Delaware border in Berlin are four excellent courses among the best in the area. River Run Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, sports a front side with a Scottish It won’t be hard to find your comfort zone at player-friendly Deer Run Golf Club. links flavor and a back nine with a Pinehurst feel, cut out of rolling terrain and west of Ocean City, Maryland. A classic magnificent pines. Lodging is available Member Reviews colonial clubhouse and old-fashioned through on-site golf packages. southern hospitality. Though on the short 1 Deer Run Golf Club is a player-friendly UPLAND GC side, this 3 ⁄2 star layout is plenty challenging course with huge greens and six scenic lakes. “I had left my card on the desk the night before and with 12 water hazards. The front nine is open The signature 12th hole features an island forgot to put it back in my bag. NO PROBLEM! People while the back winds through woodlands and green. Rated 3-stars by Golf Digest’s Places to were very nice and except for the height of the thistle a maze of 50 bunkers. Play, Deer Run is called a “good course for grass in the rough, the course was great.” — Robert Conveniently located off Route 404 in the average or beginning player.” Denton, Maryland, the Upland Golf Club Rounding out the Berlin quartet are The Bay with bi-polar nines. The front nine comes out incorporates lakes, tree-lined fairways, 1 of the woods and wind immediately becomes undulating greens, even waterfalls into its Club courses, East and West, two 3 ⁄2 star layouts which offer Golf Card members a $20 a factor in the open expanses dotted by sand classic design. rate from November through March. The traps, fairway bunkers and water hazards. The Another night and day design awaits at East Course is home to the famous “Paradise back nine heads back into the woods with Harbourtowne Golf Resort and Country Island” 15th green while the West caters to a confining, narrow holes defined by well- Club located in St. Michaels, about 75 miles more traditional taste. bunkered greens. from Baltimore. The front nine is more open Less than 50 miles from Baltimore is Hog Nutters Crossing Golf Club in Salisbury is but requires some forced carries over water Neck Golf Course in Easton, a 4-star course strategically located off Rt. 50, just 25 miles hazards while the back nine is tree-lined and well-bunkered. MAKING CONTACT ❍ Bay Club East & West (Berlin) 410-641-4081; www.thebayclub.com ❍ Deer Run GC (Berlin) 410-629-0060; www.golfdeerrun.com ❍ Harbourtowne Resort & CC (St. Michaels) 410-745-5183; www.harbourtowne.com ❍ Hog Neck GC (Easton) 800-280-1790: www.hogneck.com ❍ Nutters Crossing (Salisbury) 410-860-4653; www.nutterscrossing.com ❍ River Run GC (Berlin) (800-733-7786); www.riverrungolf.com ❍ Upland GC (Denton) 410-634-1200; www.uplandgolfclub.com AREA INFO www.easternshore.com www.easternshore.maryland.com East or West, you’re headed in the right direction playing www.midisfun.org either of The Bay Club’s two popular courses.

20 GOLF TRAVELER LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MISSOURI

One of the midwest’s most scenic and enjoyable golf destinations is the Lake of the Ozarks region in Missouri – a beautiful area defined by the Ozark Hills and the actual serpentine Lake of the Ozark which twists and turns through the scenic hills. A strong roster of Golf Card courses are located along and overlooking the 1,150 miles of shoreline. Osage National Golf Club in Lake Ozark is a 4-star, 27-hole facility designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Palmer certainly made his only course design in Missouri memorable, routing holes on beautifully forested, rolling terrain surrounded by lakes, The name might be hard to pronounce, but the beauty of Tan-Tar-A Resort and Golf Club speaks creeks and the imposing bluffs of the Osage for itself. River. The views of the Osage River Valley perfectly complement the laid-back, tranquil course was carved out of farmland in 1934 ❍ Eldon CC (Eldon) setting. and had sand greens! In 1960 the greens were 573-392-4172; www.eldoncc.com Just down the road in Osage Beach, is the converted to bent grass, and later a sprinkler ❍ Indian Rock GC (Laurie) Tan-Tar-A Resort and Golf Club, a 4-star system was installed. Recently, all the Bruce Devlin/Robert von Hagge design that fairways were strip sodded with zoysia grass to 573-372-3023; www.indianrockgolf.com is always ranked among the top public courses improve year-round conditions and ❍ Osage National GC (Lake Ozark) in Missouri. Gnarled cedars, stately oaks, playability. 573-365-1100; www.osagenational.com dogwoods and redbuds cover the rolling hills Rolling Hills Country Club in Versailles which offer some of the best views of the ❍ Rolling Hills CC (Versailles) boasts some of the Lake area’s best bent grass 573-378-5109; www.golfrollinghillcc.com Lake anywhere in the region. Ideal resort greens. Established in 1957, this semi-private course to challenge both recreational and course features a park-like setting with ❍ Tan-Tar-A Resort (Osage Beach) serious players. The Tan-Tar-A Resort is a mature Ozarks woodlands lining bermuda 800-826-8272; www.tan-tar-a.com wonderland for all seasons, including a new fairways. Hills and strategically-placed indoor water park. bunkers provide a varied and fun-to-play AREA INFO Also in Osage Beach is local favorite setting for all golfers. The member-owned www.golfingmissouri.com Dogwood Hills, a generous, well-maintained course is conveniently close to the Lake, yet www.missouritourism.com course nestled in the hills adjacent to the removed enough to ensure a tranquil golf www.lakeozark.com lake. The oldest course in the Lake area, experience. Dogwood is also known as the friendliest www.livelakeozarks.ocm with a courteous staff and a general approach MAKING CONTACT www.lakeoftheozarks.net to make the guest as comfortable as possible. ❍ Dogwood Hills (Osage Beach) There are no cart restrictions at Dogwood 573-348-3153; www.dogwoodhillsresort.com Hills – just drive right to your ball (assuming there are no Osage National Golf Club is Arnold Palmer’s only Missouri design abnormal ground conditions.) and the King delivered a showstopper in the Show-Me state. Just to the west of the main lake area is Indian Rock Golf Club in Laurie, an eye-opening layout named for its magnificent limestone rock formations behind the 17th green. Indian Rock Golf Club is gaining notoriety as one of the finest courses at the Lake of the Ozarks. It has been owned and operated by the Irwin family since 1992. About 12 miles from the Lake area, Eldon Country Club sits amid wooded, gently rolling hill country just off of U.S. Highway 54. The original nine-hole

GOLF TRAVELER 21 HARRISBURG/GETTYSBURG, four-star rating by Golf Digest. As its name of South Mountain and makes a single loop implies, with the mountains and valleys, the home, passing though a variety of terrain that PENNSYLVANIA scenery is beautiful. The pro shop is also an offers exciting golf and breathtaking views of attraction – a pre-Civil War farmhouse. the surrounding mountains and the rich, Golf Card members have always enjoyed a About 20 miles west of Gettysburg and 40 open farmland. In contrast to its sister course, strong network of affiliates in Pennsylvania, miles south of Harrisburg is the Penn designer Bill Love created a nearly treeless especially the popular Poconos region. But course...a tribute to the Scottish links. just a couple hours southwest of the Poconos To the north near Harrisburg is Harrisburg is the Harrisburg/Gettysburg area, a longtime Member Reviews North Golf Club, a three-star treat built on vacation attraction because of its historical Dauphin County’s oldest founded property. significance, but now a growing golf CARROLL VALLEY RESORT Built in 1960 by Harlan Willis, Harrisburg destination. And the Golf Card has “This is the best course in the area for the $. Staff is North has made many wonderful changes assembled a solid group of courses in this competent, polite and friendly. Play this course first if over the years to improve the course. Watch region making it worth an extended trip. you are in the area.” — Dennis out for the sloping greens – they can inflict The Links of Gettysburg is a memorable THE LINKS AT GETTYSBURG some true “capitol” punishment if you end up four-star gem carved out of indigenous red “One of the nicest courses I have ever played. Scenery on the wrong side of the hole. rock formations just six miles from the is awesome, conditions were great.” — Jake A short ride south from Harrisburg is Gettysburg battlefields. Steep 35-foot-high PENN NATIONAL GC Mayapple Golf Links in Carlisle, a three-star rock cliffs, 10 lakes, meandering streams and “Two 18 hole courses — one traditional, one links. Both Scottish links design which opened for play hardwood forests. great layouts. Excellent Golf Card values.” — Scott in 1991. The par 70, 6,400-yard course was Just down the road from Gettysburg in purchased by current owner Jim Froelich in Fairfield is the Carroll Valley Resort, home RANGE END CC “The course is maintained very well. A refreshing 1995 who has made significant improvements to two four-star courses. If you want big, fast and upgrades. Recognized as the best public course to play when you are constantly hoping for the greens, then you will love the Carroll Valley course in Carlisle by the local Sentinel best out of local courses like Silver Springs.” — Michael course. Designer Ed Ault put this 6,600 yard newspaper. track together in 1965 and it’s only getting Also in the Harrisburg vicinity is Range End better. You can stay in the resort hotel and National Golf Club and Inn, also home to Country Club, a well-kept, well-run course walk right to the first tee. The scenic course two four-star courses. The Founders Course, that is popular with local golfers. A babbling winds its way over rolling hills and around designed by Ed Ault in 1966, is a traditional brook and three small ponds come into play giant trees, lake and bunkers. tree-lined parkland layout with large on nine holes, but the friendly, mature layout contoured greens and water hazards on five Just minutes from the Carroll Valley Course is relatively open. is the resort’s Mountain View course. holes. The par 3, 17th is the signature hole Between Gettysburg and Harrisburg to the Designed by Ault & Clark in 1979 and with a 184-yard tee shot over water. east is York, a Golf Card-rich area including nestled in the valley, this track plays shorter The Iron Forge course built in 1997 starts three courses rated three-and-a-half stars by (6,300 yards) than its sister, but also carries a near the Michaux State Forest in the foothills

It’s ironic that Carroll Valley Resort, one of Pennsylvania’s most tranquil and scenic public courses, is located just a few miles from the deadliest battlefield in United States history.

22 GOLF TRAVELER Golf Digest. Briarwood Golf Club is home to two of those courses, the mature East course with its spacious, well-manicured fairways and fast putting surfaces and the more defined West course which is framed by subtle mounding. Heritage Hills Golf Resort and Conference Center in York is considered the “best and prettiest” course in York County by Golf Digest. It’s a true resort course that is 100 percent committed to customer satisfaction. Several unique holes as well as rolling hills, numerous bunkers, large undulating greens and a great finishing stretch define the layout. About a 30-minute drive from York is Crossgates Golf Club, a short, tight, scenic course nestled along the Conestoga River in the Lancaster County countryside. Set on gently rolling terrain with a variety of water hazards and high bluffs. Golf Digest calls the Picturesque Crossgates Golf Club in York is defined by finishing hole one of the best in a variety of water hazards and high bluffs. Pennsylvania. MAKING CONTACT 717-359-8000; www.thelinksatgettysburg.com ❍ Range End CC (Dillsburg) ❍ Briarwood GC (York) ❍ Harrisburg North (Millersburg) 717-432-4114; www.rangeendgolfclub.com 717-792-9776; www.briarwoodgolfclubs.com 717-692-3664; www.harrisburgnorth.com AREA INFO Carroll Valley Resort (Fairfield) ❍ ❍ Heritage Hills Golf Resort (York) www.pacapitalregions.com 717-642-8211; www.carrollvalley.com 717-755-4653; www.hhgr.com www.gettysburgcvb.org ❍ Crossgates GC (Millersville) ❍ Mayapple GL (Carlisle) www.harrisburgworldweb.com 717-872-4500; www.crossgatesgolf.com 717-258-4088; www.mayapplegolflinks.com www.mainstreetgettysburg.org ❍ Penn National GC (Gettysburg) www.yorklinks.net ❍ The Links at Gettysburg (Gettysburg) 717-352-3000; www.penngolf.com

GOLF TRAVELER 23 among the top 10 public courses SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Consistently ranked among the top 10 public courses in Texas. The front nine weaves in Texas, The Quarry takes golfers Deep in the heart of Texas in San Antonio is through prairie grasses, while the from the prairie to the pit. a heck of a professional basketball team, a back nine nestles in a 100-year-old beautiful city riverwalk and some of the best quarry pit. Golf Card courses anywhere in the network. Just 12 miles outside of San Visitors to San Antonio can enjoy its western Antonio is Silverhorn Golf Club roots as well as today’s modern influences – of Texas, a relatively new course everything from dude ranches and rodeos to already regarded as one of the top- sidewalk cafes and quaint antique shops. And five courses in the area. Although the golf features a little bit of the old and built on flat terrain, the narrow, new as well. The rolling terrain, elevation tree-lined fairways, dry creek beds changes and other natural elements afforded and water present a formidable designers such as Arthur Hills, Desmond test. Fun par-fives require Muirhead and Arnold Palmer with a variety thoughtful course management. of architectural options. Players rave about the course Hill Country Golf Course is an Arthur Hills conditions, excellent service design rated one of the “Top 10 Courses You and value. Can Play” by Golf Magazine. A four-star About 30 miles northeast of San course with five-star service, it’s part of the Antonio, Plum Creek Golf must-stay Hyatt Hill Country Resort, where Course winds through 203 acres pampering guests is mandatory. of Hill Country. But the real ❍ Plum Creek GC (Kyle) The Dallas Morning News and Golf Digest beauty of the course is no adjacent fairways – 512-268-2926; www.plumcreekgolf.com consistently rank The Quarry Golf Course every hole is secluded from another. Expect numerous water holes, grassy mounds and ❍ Silverhorn GC of Texas (San Antonio) well-guarded greens. 210-545-5300: www.silverhorngolfclub.com The San Antonio skyline is the backdrop for Northern Hills CC, a generous 6,627-yard AREA INFO golf course situated on 130 acres. First time www.sanantoniocvb.com visitors or repeat guests will enjoy new greens www.sanantonioriverwalk.com and new water control systems. www.sachamber.org MAKING CONTACT www.riverwalkguide.com ❍ Hyatt Country GC (San Antonio) 210-520-4040; www.hillcountry.hyatt.com ❍ Northern Hills CC (San Antonio) Member Reviews 210-655-8026; www.northernhillsgolfclub.com THE QUARRY GC When playing in San Antonio, set your ❍ The Quarry GC (San Antonio) sights on Northern Hills Country Club. 210-824-4500: www.quarrygolf.com “Great course – had a great time.” — William

Though opened just 10 years ago, Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas is vintage Hill Country golf with overhanging oaks, dry creek beds and subtle elevation changes.

24 GOLF TRAVELER FT. WAYNE, INDIANA About 20 miles to the north of Ft. Wayne in Auburn is Deer Track Golf Course, a player- Member Reviews When you think of good “tracks” in Indiana, friendly 6,500 layout with bent grass from tee of course the Indianapolis Speedway to green. Casual, relaxed setting for a public AUTUMN RIDGE GC immediately comes to mind. But don’t course. “I played this course in wet conditions but it was overlook the excellent public golf courses in Located just five miles to the northeast of Ft. obvious that it is a special place. It requires shot the Hoosier state. Blessed with topography Wayne, Maumee Valley Golf Club is a making, the greens were nice and rolled true and that includes rolling meadows, prairie grasses, relatively flat course dotted with ponds and there were a couple of opportunities for risk/reward.” natural streams and creeks, and open spaces, sand bunkers. The signature hole is the 17th, — Blair Indiana golf “tracks” certainly get the green a 590-yard, par 5, requiring an approach shot GREY GOOSE GC light. over water to a green surrounded by railroad “Nice course — my husband and I really enjoyed it.” For Golf Card members, if you want to hit ties. Golf Card members enjoy complimentary — Peggy three or four courses in a two-day or three greens fees at Maumee Valley! day trip, head for the Ft. Wayne area in In Decatur, 15 miles southeast of Ft. Wayne, Founded in 1915, Garrett Country Club in northeast Indiana. There you will find no less Grey Goose Golf Club is carved from 240 Garrett is one of the oldest courses in the than 10 solid courses within a 50 mile radius. acres of woods and wetlands. Golf Digest state. A 15-mile ride north of Ft. Wayne, Within the Ft. Wayne city limits, Cherry describes Grey Goose as “target golf with a Garrett is typically kept in immaculate Hill Golf Club is a four-star course nice mix of trees, sand and water. This course condition, especially since coming under new highlighted by the only true island green in is open enough to score and tight enough to ownership in 2004. Golfers will enjoy a mix the state. Excellent playing conditions and get in trouble.” of traditional parkland and open links-style courteous staff provide a country club setting. holes. Autumn Ridge Golf Club is another well- The 6th hole at Cherry Hill Golf Club, Indiana’s only true island green. MAKING CONTACT managed, well-maintained course located in ❍ Autumn Ridge GC (Ft. Wayne) one of Ft. Wayne’s more exclusive areas. This 1 260-637-8727; www.autumnridgegc.com 3 ⁄2-star Ernie Schrock design features 17 lakes and rolling terrain. ❍ Cherry Hill GC (Ft. Wayne) The pride of the Fort Wayne Parks Department 260-485-8727; www.cherryhillgc.com is Foster Park Golf Course. The surrounding ❍ Deer Track GC (Auburn) park and woods provide a scenic backdrop to 260-627-2121; www.deertrackgolf.com a challenging, par-71 course. For a public park course, conditions are excellent. The ❍ Garrett Country Club (Garrett) greens are very approachable and the rough is 260-357-5165; www.garrettcc.com player friendly, but Foster Park can challenge ❍ Grey Goose GC (Decatur) all levels with its length. 260-724-4512; www.greygoosegolfclub.com Riverbend Golf Course is a popular 3-star Ft. ❍ Foster Park GC (Ft. Wayne) Wayne course known for its large, undulating 260-427-6735; www.fostergolfcourse.com greens and excellent conditions. Winding holes require some ball maneuvering and shot ❍ Maumee Valley (New Haven) 219-749-5025 control. ❍ Riverbend GC (Ft. Wayne) 260-485-2732 AREA INFO www.ftwayne.com www.ft-wayne.in.us www.visitfortwayne.com www.grandwayne.org

Low-key Deer Track Golf Course in Auburn draws high praise.

One of 17 lakes at Autumn Ridge Golf Club, a Ft. Wayne favorite.

GOLF TRAVELER 25 1 It doesn't get much better than Hawks Landing Golf Club just outside of Madison, rated a stellar 4 ⁄2 stars by Golf Digest.

MADISON, WISCONSIN University Ridge Golf Club is in a class of its own — What makes golf in Wisconsin so popular is an eclectic mix of links and traditional holes. that there is literally a course for everyone. From the grandeur of Whistling Straits to the unbeatable value of top public facilities, you can easily find a course that fits both your game and your budget. With nearly 500 courses around the state, you can play traditional woodlands courses built at the turn of the century or try modern courses designed by players like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, or Wisconsin’s own 2-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North. Madison, Wisconsin is a microcosm of golf throughout the state. The area’s dozens of courses, many of which are Golf Card affiliates, offer variety and value. That’s why three Madison-area courses — Hawks Landing, University Ridge and Trappers Turn 1 — are rated 4 ⁄2 stars by Golf Digest, among a small group of courses nationwide to earn such exalted status. Hawks Landing Golf Club in Verona is the Madison area’s newest course, an eye- catching mix of open, rolling meadows, prairie grasses, mounding, lakes, tree-lined fairways and large, undulating greens. Watch out when the wind blows! University Ridge Golf Course, also in Verona on the outskirts of Madison is a well- run, well maintained course in a spirited

26 GOLF TRAVELER college environment. A wonderful MAKING CONTACT collaboration of links-style and parkland Member Reviews design. ❍ The Bridges GC (Madison) 608-244-1822; www.golfthebridges.com A third Golf Card course in Verona is CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Tumbledown Trails, a family-owned, “Played the course several times, good challenging ❍ Christmas Mountain Village (Wisconsin Dells) affordable course that was built as an course.” — William 608-254-3971; www.resortgetaway.net alternative to the nearby high-end public fee fun to visit with 77 attractions including ❍ Hawks Landing GC (Verona) courses. The late owner and developer of the 608-848-4295; www.hawkslandinggolfclub.com course Jim Watts wanted a simple place away water parks and candlelit tours of the from the Capitol district. Wollersheim Winery. ❍ Lake Windsor GC (Windsor) Just 10 minutes or so from Madison in With hazards on every hole and a tight back 608-846-4711; www.lakewindsor.com Windsor is Lake Windsor Golf Club, a 27- nine, The Bridges Golf Course in Madison ❍ Trappers Turn GC (Wisconsin Dells) hole facility with water on 20 of the 27 holes. can play tough. But it always plays 608-253-7000; www.trappersturn.com Rated three stars by Golf Digest. economically for Golf Card members who enjoy a 2 for 1 rate. With a regular fee of $35, ❍ Tumbledown Trails GC (Verona) About 40 miles from Madison in Wisconsin that’s just $17.50 per golfer. 608-833-2301; www.tumbledowntrails.com Dells, Trappers Turn Golf Club is an Andy North-Roger Packard collaboration with a ❍ University Ridge GC (Verona) Andy North’s Trapper’s Turn has turned out 608-845-7700; www.universityridge.com Scottish flair. Built atop land that was formed to be among the best in Wisconsin. from a melting glacier, rolling fairways are ringed by a mass of moguls and work around a AREA INFO natural spring lake. At every turn, Trappers www.visitmadison.com Turn is “heaven on earth.” www.madison.com Also in Wisconsin Dells, Christmas www.madisondining.com Mountain Village Golf Club lives up to its www.cheesestate.com name with elevated tees, lots of trees and spectacular scenery. This four-star course is www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36726.asp fun to play and the Wisconsin Dells area is

The Bridges Golf Course is a new affiliate that features water hazards on every hole.

GOLF TRAVELER 27 The Montana landscape and the Rockies Golf Digest calls Buffalo Hill a “must play” course in Montana. come into view at Larchmont Golf Course. WESTERN MONTANA/ petunias, 25,000 junipers and 30,000 geraniums. Perhaps the best part of Coeur Member Reviews NORTHERN IDAHO d’Alene for Golf Card members is the 25% discount offered anytime, a savings worth COEUR D’ALENE RESORT Though not easy to get to, the western more than $125 to a pair of Golf Card “A fantastic course and the best Golf Card value of Montana and northern Idaho region are members during peak season. any I have seen!” — Dave worth finding your way – even if you don’t A short ride up Route 95 in Sandpoint is golf! Blessed with spectacular natural Hidden Lakes Golf Resort, another 4-star a “must play” course in the state. Golfers use landscape and scenery, all visitors are treated gem with outrageous scenery. There is an elevator on the last two holes to navigate to a memorable experience. But don’t leave nothing hidden about the views here – set the steep climb. Located in Kalispell, the clubs home, the golf in these parts is just against the backdrop of the Selkirk Montana, Buffalo Hill is about forty-five as captivating as the surroundings and the Mountains and sculpted from the forests, minutes from Glacier National Park and less Golf Card discounts make it even more water comes into play on 17 of the 18 holes. than a half hour from Flathead Lake. inviting. And the 17,000 square-foot log cabin About 50 miles south of Kalispell in Missoula The crown jewel of the region is Coeur clubhouse is incredible. Recent is Larchmont Golf Course, a Scottish-style 1 d’Alene Resort in northern Idaho, a 4 ⁄2 star improvements have lengthened the course layout with treeless, open spaces, tall grass paradise best known for its floating green on and raised the course and slope rating to rank rough, pot bunkers and views of The the 14th hole. But Coeur d’Alene is more among the most challenging courses in Idaho. Bitterroots and Rockies. Since 1984, than just one memorable hole. The entire Across the border in western Montana, Larchmont has hosted the Montana Open. property will mesmerize you – all 18 holes Buffalo Hill Golf Course offers 27 holes of provide views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the South of Missoula in Ronan, new affiliate panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and 1 surrounding Bitterroot Mountains. In Mission Mountain Country Club is a 3 ⁄2 star northwest Rocky Mountains. Golf Digest addition, the modest 6,757-yard course is course with wide fairways and interesting consistently ranks The Championship course adorned with 1,500 wildflowers, 4,000 holes. Down-home hospitality awaits golfers at this remote outpost. Idaho’s best, Coeur d’Alene is also one of the Golf Card’s best — MAKING CONTACT savings of more than $60 per player. IDAHO ❍ Coeur d’Alene Resort (Coeur d’Alene) 208-667-4653; www.cdaresort.com ❍ Hidden Lakes Golf Resort (Sandpoint) 208-263-1642; www.hiddenlakesgolf.com MONTANA ❍ Buffalo Hill GC (Kalispell) 406-756-4545; www.golfbuffalohill.com ❍ Larchmont GC (Missoula): 406-721-4416 ❍ Mission Mountain CC (Ronan) 406-676-4653; www.golfmissionmountain.com AREA INFO www.nwmontana.com www.visitmt.com www.bigskyfishing.com www.visitid.com www.gonorthwest.com www.coeurdalene.org

28 GOLF TRAVELER 2006 Grasshopper Club Directory

GEORGIA IOWA Marietta Grasshopper Club The Dirt Diggers Larry & BJ Toney, Douglasville Jim Fails, Shell Rock 770-920-7708; [email protected] 319-885-6127; [email protected] Hawkeye Grasshoppers ILLINOIS Jim & Lynn Hynes, Cedar Rapids Arrowhead Monday Travelers GH Club 319-362-1894; [email protected] Mary Peters, Peoria 309-691-4063 LOUISIANA Arthur Grasshoppers Cenla Grasshoppers ne of the special benefits of your Janece Dicks & Sharon Daily, Arthur Graham & Bobbie Hendricks, Boyce Golf Card membership is the 217-543-2432 318-793-5412; [email protected] Birdie Shooters Grasshopper Club Oopportunity to join a Grasshopper Marie & Ignatius Valle, Tinley Park MARYLAND Club. The clubs are a great way for 708-532-0469; [email protected] Gun Powder Grasshoppers individual members and couples to Central Illinois Grasshoppers Melvin Flora, Beltsville William & Sandra Meyer, Springfield 301-937-7915 meet other golfers, have fun, enjoy a 217-529-2663; [email protected] Peoples Grasshopper Club little competition and socialize in a Crossroads Grasshopper Club John Anderson, Silver Spring group setting. To join call a Joe Mc Daniel, Champaign 301-681-5527 [email protected] Grasshopper Director listed below. 217-762-2080; [email protected] Danville Travelers Grasshopper Club Western Maryland Grasshopper Club Earl Kerr, Danville Edward F. Shepherd, Ridgeley GRASSHOPPER DIRECTORS 217-446-4771; [email protected] 304-738-1559 Golden Glove Grasshoppers ARIZONA Gery Maury, Urbana MICHIGAN Arizona North/Central Grasshoppers 217-694-4161; [email protected] The Gang Grasshopper Club Arthur Levin, Sun City West Illini Grasshopper Club Jim and Sherry Farah, Flint 623-584-9410; [email protected] Tom & Connie Doubet, Eurkea 248-634-0746 Southern Arizona Grasshoppers 309-467-2677 Grasshoppers By The Bay Laura Levin, Sun City West Illowa Grasshoppers Richard Sonefeld, Saginaw 623-584-9410; [email protected] Floyd & Vivian Schlickman, Freeport 989-781-2318 815-233-2342; [email protected] CALIFORNIA [email protected] Southwest Michigan Grasshopper Club Foothills Grasshoppers Mid-State Grasshoppers John Kelemen, Benton Harbor Bob & Maria Persinger, Valley Springs Frank Beeve, Springfield 269-927-3922; [email protected] 209-772-9184; [email protected] 217-529-9133 Western Michigan Grasshoppers Rockford Area Grasshoppers Sandra & John Siewert, Stanwood FLORIDA Robert McPhee, Rockford 231-972-3282; [email protected] Country Meadows Grasshoppers 815-227-5597; [email protected] MINNESOTA Ron & Barb Tigue, Plant City Twin Cities Grasshoppers 813-752-1862; Mr Kam Wong, Champaign High Flyers Grasshopper Club [email protected] 217-359-0877; [email protected] Earl Mergens, Staples 218-894-2665; [email protected] Fort Myers Grasshoppers Wednesday Morning Swingers GH Club Carl Conner, North Ft. Myers Alyne Galloway, Mattoon 10,000 Lakes Grasshopper Club 941-731-2246 217-258-8410 Bob & Renee Fischer, Prior Lake Golden Glove Grasshoppers 952-447-6523; [email protected] Jeff Link, Ft Myers INDIANA MISSISSIPPI 239-275-0913; [email protected] Merry Mints Grasshopper Club Highland Lake Grasshoppers Eleanor & Carl Harness, Grovertown Southern Mississippi Grasshoppers Harold & Judy Jablonski, Palm Harbor 219-867-8636; [email protected] Ralph & Vivian Strader, Diamondhead 228-255-3524 727-781-9665; [email protected] Midstate Grasshoppers Highlands County Grasshopper Club Bob & Nancy Bourne, Indianapolis NEW HAMPSHIRE Red & Geneva Shaw, Sebring 317-291-3923; nbourne_msdwc@hot- 863-385-5272 mail.com Granite State Grasshoppers John & Terry Smith, Bedford Lehigh Acres Grasshoppers Nativity Grasshoppers 603-622-1876; [email protected] Ralph & Barbara Freathy, Leesburg Judith La Rocca, Evansville 239-369-8006; [email protected] 812-429-7167; [email protected] NEW JERSEY St. Pete Grasshoppers Northern Indiana Grasshoppers Delaware Valley Grasshopper Club Ernest Enax, St. Petersburg Don & Judy Ausderan, Columbia City Richard & Pat Kiefer, Trenton 727-526-6745 260-691-3224; [email protected] 609-586-3345; [email protected] Sun City Grasshoppers Plymouth Grasshoppers Fountain of Youth Grasshoppers James & Alice Cronn, Sun City Center Bogie Boguslawski, Plymouth Robert Fountain, Carneys Point 813-634-9735 574-936-7332; [email protected] 856-299-3007; [email protected] West Orange Grasshoppers Rivercrest Grasshoppers North Jersey Grasshoppers Alwood & Betty Brown, Windemere Larry Sare, Covington Gerry Renke, Vernon 407-876-2540; [email protected] 765-793-3789 973-764-4760; [email protected]

30 GOLF TRAVELER Par + Grasshopper Club The Honey Bunch Grasshoppers Sodbuster Grasshopper Club Robert Transue, Newton Ray & Delores Resh, Massillon Terry Rugg, Confluence 973-786-4653; [email protected] 330-832-2929; [email protected] 814-395-3889 Travelers Grasshopper Club Mouse’s Mices Grasshopper Club Southeastern PA Grasshopper Club Aiden Kenny, Mahwah Butch & Jackie Boekel, North Lawrence Bill McMenamin, Croydon 201-327-6755; [email protected] 330-833-9665; [email protected] 215-288-3810; [email protected] Northwest Ohio Grasshoppers Wednesday Wanderers Grasshoppers NEW MEXICO Terry Callahan, Columbus Grove Paul Stambaugh, Chambersburg Las Cruces-El Paso Grasshoppers 419-659-5901; [email protected] 717-261-1210 Roy Moore, III, Las Cruces Ohio Grasshoppers 505-526-2864; [email protected] Marilyn & Robert Wenz, N Royalton SOUTH CAROLINA 440-237-5837; [email protected] NEW YORK Low Country Grasshopper Club ORF Grasshoppers John & Dolores Donat, Beaufort Finger Lakes Grasshoppers Richard Collins, Millersport 843-521-1066; [email protected] Carroll & Barbara Mack, Sterling 740-467-2176; [email protected] Santee Grasshopper Club 315-254-3541; [email protected] Sam Miller Memorial GH Club Don & Lois Fluharty, Santee Glasco Travelers Grasshopper Club Larry Yeary, Uniontown 803-854-3766; [email protected] Neale Tracy, Saugerties 330-699-2491; [email protected] 845-247-0094; [email protected] TENNESSEE Toledo 12 Grasshopper Club Greene County Grasshopper Club Robert Gladieux, Toledo Town & Country Grasshoppers of TN Richard & Nancy Torres, Freehold 419-531-5080; [email protected] Barbara & Phillip Ward, Sweetwater 518-622-2257; [email protected] Travel-L-Links 423-337-7107 Hudson Valley Grasshopper Club John Joseph, Grafton Robert Spinillo, Wappingers Falls 440-458-6989; [email protected] TEXAS 845-297-6561; [email protected] Vermillion Grasshoppers Cen-Tex Grasshopper Club Lobos Grasshoppers Joseph & Carol Harrold, Vermillion Roland & Genny Richardson, Huntsville Mel Brand, Brooklyn 440-967-5847; [email protected] 936-438-8339; [email protected] 718-645-6659; [email protected] The Niners Grasshoppers Club OREGON UTAH Ari Brand, Brooklyn Oregon Grasshoppers Utah Fairway Hunters Grasshopper Club 718-645-6659 Tom & Naomi Owens, Gaston Tom & Nancy Shaffer, St George Orange County Grasshopper Club 253-875-0961; 435-634-0330; [email protected] Edward Baker, Goshen [email protected] 845-294-7838; [email protected] VIRGINIA Rockland City Grasshopper Club PENNSYLVANIA Virginia Blueridge Grasshoppers Hugh Delargy, New City Bessemer Grasshoppers Howard & Lib Cline, Ridgweay 845-634-9196; [email protected] Tom Kirol, New Castle 276-956-3614; [email protected] NORTH CAROLINA 724-667-8348 WEST VIRGINIA Charles McQuaid Grasshoppers Cape Fear Grasshopper Club Robert Hartmann, Phoenixville Fritz Williams Grasshopper Club John & Judy Vick, Hampstead 610-933-7353 Bill Zimmerman, Jr., Weirton 910-270-0621 Draggons Grasshopper Club 740-284-1821; [email protected] Central Carolina Grasshoppers Joe Janczak, Pittsburgh Mountaineers Grasshoppers Christine BonDurant, Greensboro 412-847-0813 Tom & Phyllis Sawyer, Hurricane 336-299-0683 Fairless Hills Grasshoppers 304-757-3398; [email protected] Easternaires Grasshopper Club Chester Pasek, Levittown WISCONSIN Lee & Ola Horne, New Bern 215-295-3288; [email protected] 252-447-1930; [email protected] Lehigh Valley Grasshoppers Wisconsin Grasshopper Club Land Harbor Grasshopper Club John Schlegel, Bath Dale & Gerry Lachacz, New Berlin Gordon & Judy Litt, Newland 610-837-1632 262-786-3815; [email protected] 828-737-9270 The Monday Golf Gang Grasshoppers Best Ball Grasshoppers Western North Carolina Grasshoppers Richard Reitz, Williamsport Richard Edman, Sheboygan Joe & Sandy Jardot, Etowah 570-327-5231; [email protected] 920-458-5104 828-890-2613; [email protected] Monroeville Area Grasshoppers OHIO Everett Brake, Penn Hills CANADA 412-798-9090; [email protected] Akron Senior Travelers Grasshoppers Muligans Butler County GH Club Mel Hynde, Akron Mary Schultheis, West Sunbury ONTARIO 330-867-1805; [email protected] 724-637-2712 Rose City Grasshopper Club Central Ohio Grasshopper Over The Hill Gang Casey Cats, Windsor Phyllis & Dave Hess, Lewis Center Jack Weber, Hawley 519-979-3725; [email protected] ì 614-882-5720; [email protected] 570-775-6001; [email protected] Cleveland Grasshoppers Penn Boys Grasshopper Club Jenny & James Dregalla, Olmsted Falls Merle McWilliams, Gibsonia 216-252-1669; [email protected] 724-444-4890; [email protected] Clipper Grasshopper Club Pittsburgh Grasshopper Club Lee & Judy Faller, Brookfield Don & Joan Glavin, Wexford 330-448-8402; [email protected] 724-935-1545; [email protected] East Side Grasshoppers Pocono ‘Old Codgers’ Alfred Sanders, Cleveland Joseph Curtis, Jim Thorpe 216-271-7592; [email protected] For More Information 570-325-5535 Grasshobblers Club PTA Grasshopper Club Dale & Alyce Sheely, Sr., North Lima Tom & Shirley Martwinski, New Call 800-522-9201 330-549-3030 Wilmington Greater Miami Valley Grasshoppers 724-946-8758 or visit our web site at Richard Price, New Castle SAL Grasshopper Club 937-845-4235; [email protected] www.golfcard.com/grasshopper Edward Heinl, Pittsburgh 412-231-7910; [email protected]

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