By Dan Vukelich

To my way of thinking, it’s unfathomable someone would pay hundreds of dollars to fly to the Mainland to play golf, then stay in a budget motel to save a few bucks. Come on, live a little. Life’s too short for tiny soap or surly desk clerks.

If you subscribe to that philosophy, then you’re a candidate for The Grand Del Mar  and The Grand Golf Club, components of an elegant AAA five-diamond hotel and  resort near La Jolla and just 20 minutes north of San Diego.

The Grand Del Mar’s Mediterranean-style construction with its red-tile roofs, arches, rotundas and wood-beamed ceilings, would be equally at home in Boca Raton, Lisbon or Casablanca.

The Grand Golf Club’s Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course is just plain gorgeous. Torrey Pines, plus other great courses and the beaches of La Jolla are just minutes away.

Hiking trails offer sweeping views across the surrounding hills. An equestrian center offers horseback riding for adults and ponies for kids. They have four heated swimming pools. And if you like facials, massages and mud wraps, a 21,000-square-foot Italian white marble spa awaits.

The Grand Del Mar pledges to “provide luxury and beauty – safety, peace and privacy.” Its ability to deliver on that promise earned it three 5-star awards from Forbes – one each for hotel, restaurant and spa excellence. TripAdvisor ranks it the No. 1 luxury hotel in the U.S.

You’d think that any place that spreads fresh rose petals on your bed would be out of sight, but through June 28, the Grand Del Mar  (855-314-2030) offers a $425 per-night weekday stay-play package for two people ($478.13 with tax, excluding tips), based on availability.

That room rate includes unlimited golf with tee times after 2 p.m. on check-in day through noon of your checkout day for both guests – as many as four rounds of golf – a smoking deal considering the rack rate for a single round is upwards of $215.

How’s the golf? What started as a par 71 layout in 1999 has been lengthened by Fazio to Par 72 and 7,160 yards. The 380 acres of turf are rolling but not crazy steep. Sight lines are deceptive, which makes hiring a forecaddie prudent. After giving you a club selection and showing you the line, your forecaddie runs forward to follow the flight of your ball. No one should try to read the Grand Golf Club’s diabolical greens without help.

The Grand Del Mar has a decidedly anti-Trump ambience – meaning its 249 rooms and suites whisper rather than shout luxury. Its low-rise construction tucked into the folds of the hills above La Jolla heightens the sense of exclusivity.

That understated style means there are no large gold-gilded signs to guide you in your drive to the resort. But trust me: Once you’re there, you know you’ve arrived.

Dan Vukelich is a freelance journalist in Albuquerque N.M., and a member of the Golf Travel Writers of America. He edits NewMexicoGolfNews.com

The Grand Del Mar: Golf in Quiet Luxury is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

The HSJGA will host this workshop in conjunction with the University of Hawaii Women’s Golf Anuenue Spring Break Classic at Kapalua Bay Course.

The details:
Date: Saturday, March 24

Time: 9 a.m.–noon.

Where: Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium

Cost: Free

Who: ANYONE interested in going to college to play ANY sport, the rules are all the same for all sports with the NCAA. Be prepared. It is “Never Too Early” to start planning for college.

Ages 10-18 welcome. Please register and bring your parents.

Panelists:

• Roxanne DePalma – Mother of UH Women’s Golf Team Sophomore Anna DePalma; Monica Keo, HSJGA and Punahou Alumnus and currently a Freshman playing on the Women’s Golf Team at Seattle University
• Anne Kelly, LPGA, entering her 15th season as head coach of the University of Colorado Women’s Golf Team; Don Rasmussen, PGA, entering his fourth season as the Head Coach of the Seattle University Men’s and Women’s Golf Program
• Chad Spencer, in his second year as the Head Coach of the Nevada Women’s Golf Program
• Miki Ueoka, HSJGA Alumna, Santa Clara University graduate and first-ever Women’s SCU player to play in the NCAA Championship and four-time ALL-WCC Honoree and winner of three collegiate tournaments
• Moderator: Cathy Torchiana, LPGA, HSJGA Vice President, a Hall of Fame member of the National Golf Coach Association.

Special Offer: All juniors attending will receive a special HSJGA discount of $20 for the PING COLLEGE GOLF GUIDE, regular price – $79.99.

Refreshments: Snacks and refreshments provided by KRAFT FOODS and the HSJGA.

How to register: Visit the HSJCA website.

– Norm Guenther

HSJGA Offers Free College Workshop is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

By popular demand, Saddle Creek is extending its “Gold County Golf Package” with nearby Greenhorn Creek through April 30, starting at $176 per person, per night. In addition, between now and Nov. 30 they are offering a stay-and-play package of two days and one night for $219 per person for $219 per person per night Sunday through Thursday. That price, which includes a one-bedroom suite,  goes to $309 per person on weekends and holidays.

Guests at Saddle Creek Resort in California’s “Gold Country” reside in course-side cabins, located along the 1st and 9th holes and steps away from the clubhouse. These bungalows include one or two-bedrooms with a full kitchen, dining area, and a living room with a cozy fireplace.

For more information or to make reservations,contactSaddle Creek (209) 785- 7415 or visit Saddle Creek online or Greenhorn Creek online or call (888) 736-5900.

– Norm Guenther

Saddle Creek Offers New Deals is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Offers Golf Packages is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Nineteen teams are scheduled to participate in the Amer Ari this year, including seven of the top 15-ranked teams in the U.S.

Golf fans will get a chance to see the No. 1-ranked Longhorns of the University of Texas and young standout Jordan Spieth, who impressed PGA Tour pros and the golf world alike with his strong showings in the Valero Texas Open over the past several season, when he was still in high school.

“The Amer Ari at Waikoloa Beach Resort is one of the most important collegiate tournaments of the year,” says Earl Tamiya, Men’s Head Golf Coach at the University of Hawaii Hilo, which is the tournament host.

“Past winners have gone on to realize great success on the professional tours and in golf. We are proud to have it played on the Big Island.”

Past medalists in the tourney include some of today’s best-known PGA Tour stars, including Notah Begay III (Stanford, 1994), Matt Kuchar (Georgia Tech, 1999 and 2000) and Anthony Kim (Oklahoma, 2004).

“The public is welcome to come watch these young stars,” says Kevin Ginoza, Head Golf Professional at Waikoloa Beach Resort. “It will be interesting to see how they handle the challenges of the Kings’ Course, particularly if we get some wind.”

There is no admission charge.

– Norm Guenther

Amer Ari at Waikoloa Tees Up Tuesday is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Just two hours from the Bay Area and 1.5 hours from Sacramento, Saddle Creek Resort is home to 18 holes of championship golf with several tee boxes offering vistas of nearby Yosemite National Park.

The package includes two nights accommodations (double occupancy) in their bungalows; two rounds of golf; complimentary breakfast and cart fees; unlimited range balls; and access to the resort’s Sports Club, which houses a junior Olympic-size lap pool, workout equipment, tennis and bocce ball courts and a horse shoe pit.

Situated along the first and ninth holes, the bungalows are equipped with a full kitchen and dining area, complimentary Wi-Fi and a living room with cozy fireplace and satellite TV.

Packages are exclusive of taxes, gratuities, and other charges unless otherwise noted, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations required. Offer valid for groups of eight or fewer.   For more information visit Saddle Creek or call (209) 785.7415.

– Norm Guenther

Play Saddle Creek, See Yosemite is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Our newspaper, Hawaii Golf News & Travel, has the complete schedule of January-February 2012 golf events in the current printed edition, and we have it here online as well. Visitors interested in playing or lining up travel or accommodations, should contact us. We know Hawaii golf.

– Norm Guenther

January, February Hawaii Golf Events is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Thursday’s 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions pro-am round will be free to all spectators. The tournament will allow all youth  18 years-old and under accompanied by a ticketed adult into the tournament free of charge all week long.

Military (active duty, retired and reserve) and their dependents will also be permitted onsite for free for the entire week. Military members should bring their military ID to the gate for admission.

“The Hyundai Tournament of Champions has a world-class field with 28 champions from the 2011 PGA Tour season. The field includes an interesting continuation of what happened on Tour in 2011, with established veteran players like Steve Stricker, The Players champion K.J. Choi and David Toms playing at Kapalua. The Hyundai Tournament of Champions will also host a number of players who emerged in 2011 and captured the imagination of our fans with compelling performances on big stages,” said Tournament Director Nancy Cross.

Young stars in the Hyundai field include FedEx Cup champion Bill Haas, PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and major champion (PGA Championship) Keegan Bradley, and multiple 2011 tournament winners Webb Simpson and Nick Watney. Of the players in the field, 13 won events in 2011 while they were still in their 20s accounting for 15 victories.

Five of the record six rookies who accounted for seven victories in 2011 will tee it up at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions: Jhonattan Vegas (Bob Hope Classic); Brendan Steele (Valero Texas Open); Chris Kirk (Viking Classic); Scott Stallings (The Greenbrier Classic); and Keegan Bradley (HP Byron Nelson Championship and PGA Championship). Twelve of the 14 first-time winners on the PGA TOUR in 2011 are in the field.

Veterans include Steve Stricker, Bubba Watson, K.J. Choi, David Toms and Mark Wilson are among the veteran contingent. They combined for a total of 39 Tour wins and all but Wilson were members of their respective Presidents Cup teams in November.

Here is the full field: Aaron Baddeley, Keegan Bradley, Michael Bradley, Jonathan Byrd, K.J. Choi, Ben Crane, Harrison Frazar, Lucas Glover, Bill Haas, Chris Kirk, Martin Laird, Bryce Molder, Kevin Na, Sean O’Hair, Scott Piercy, D.A. Points, Rory Sabbatini, Webb Simpson, Scott Stallings, Brendan Steele, Steve Stricker, David Toms, Jhonattan Vegas, Johnson Wagner, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Mark Wilson and Gary Woodland.

Here’s the tournament’s Facebook page. Here is the tournament’s official website. Spots in the Thursday pro-am are still available by calling (888) 665-9160.

Kapalua Event Wraps Up on a Monday is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

Last year Tadd Fujikawa shot 12-under-par, 68-65-71—204, to win by one stroke over Ben Sauls from Scottsdale, Ariz., who carded 69-69-67—205. Tony Finau, who represents Turtle Bay Resort when he competes, shot 70-67-69—206 to claim third place in 2010.

Sam Cyr, who grew up on Maui and went to college in California, shot 8-under  69-67-72—208 to tie for fourth place with Big Island amateur Sean Maekawa, who claimed low-amateur honors with his 70-69-69—208 showing over the 54 holes of play. Nick Mason, who graduated from Leilehua High School on O`ahu and from the University of Hawaii-Hilo, where he was a member of the Vulcans men’s golf team, finished in sixth place in last year’s State Open with a 7-under-par 71-70-68—209 and earned $2,250.

Dean Wilson, from Kaneohe, plays on the PGA Tour and has won the State Open in the past. Last year he finished in seventh place with a 5-under-par 71-73-67—211, good enough for $2,000. Andy Connell from Denver shot four-under-par 70-67-75—212 last year to claim eighth place, while Eric Dugas, who has been winning most Hawaii events this year, finished ninth in last year’s State Open by shooting 2-under-par 70-71-73—214.

In addition to Maekawa, Alex Chiarella from Maui was second-low amateur last year, carding a one-under-par 72-71-72—215, while Zak Griffiths and David Fink tied for third place with even-par 216 totals. Rayray Gorman (225) took A Flight last year, and Eric Sonnenberg shot two-over-par 73-68-77—218 to defeat Phil Anamizu (226) for the senior-amateur crown. Gary Kong and Maui’s Clive Kegel (via South Africa) tied for third in the senior-amateur division with 228 totals last year.

In the senior professional division, Pearl Country Club’s David Ishii picked up his $5,500 annuity check when he again won the over-50 competition with a 10-under-par 68-66-72—206, three strokes better than Casey Nakama in second place, who shot seven-under-par 67-69-73—209 and pocketed a check for $2,750.Lance Suzuki (212) was third, followed by Dave Eichelberger and Colorado’s Rick DeWit tied at 213, Lance Taketa (214), Leland Lindsay (216) and Kirk Nelson (217).

Who will win in 2011? Should Fujikawa return from his play in the eGolf Tour, he will be a contender, as will Ben Sauls, Tony Finau, Sam Cyr and Dean Wilson, who all carded at least one 67 last year, showing they have the capability to score low.

David Ishii should win the senior-pro division again; however, I would like to see Leland Lindsay play to his potential and challenge Ishii’s claim to the crown.

– Norm Guenther

Stage Set for Hawaii State Open Dec. 16-18 is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News

The best-ball morning round had the amateurs up a point, 3-1/2-to-2-1/2, as amateurs Todd Rego/Matt Ma, Skye Inakoshi/Isaac Jaffurs and Loren Chans/ John Oda each won, while Kalena Preus/ Donny Hopoi halved with Larry Stubblefield/Ron Castillo, Jr. The two pro points came from wins by Beau Yokomoto/ Regan Lee and Shane Abe/Damien Jamila.

In the afternoon matches the pros came alive, winning four matches, with Abe/Jamila fighting to a halve. That left the score at 7-to-5 for the singles on Tuesday.

Phil Anamizu, captain of the Amateur team, told Hawaii Golf he felt his team could make a comeback: “I had about 75% high-school students, so I encouraged those young people to just go out and have fun… to attack the golf course!! I’m very proud of the way they all gave it their best efforts, coming back by winning nine matches.”

Actually, only pros Damien Jamilla and Ron Castillo, Jr. were able to win their singles matches, and Matt Pakkala halved with amateur Kalena Preus. The nine amateur wins were decisive, except for Jaffurs’ 1-up win over Kevin Shimomura. The singles totals were 9-1/2 for the Amateurs and 2-1/2 for the pros.

The final tally: Amateurs – 14-1/2 and pros – 9-1/2. The important number is five wins in a row for the Amateurs. There’s still a gap in the scores over the entire history of the Challenge Cup, as the Amateurs are still trailing the pros, 25-to-14; however, you must realize that five years ago, it was 25-to-9!!

– Norm Guenther

Amateurs Win Fivepeat is a post from: Hawaii Golf Travel News