OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION UNVEILS THE IMPROVED OAK MARSH GOLF COURSE

Northeast Florida Coastal Island Resort Renovates Golf Course

AMELIA ISLAND, FL – The Omni Amelia Island Plantation proudly announces the $3.8 million “Re-Imagination” to Omni Amelia Island Plantation’s Golf facility. Preceding numerous improvements to the course, the greens are now re-surfaced with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass on all 18 holes of the Florida golf resort course. More than 150  trees were pruned to increase the sunlight and airflow around the greens, creating a sustainable growing environment for the new putting surfaces.

As one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World, with 54 holes of championship golf, the resort’s three courses – Ocean Links, Oak Marsh and Long Point – boast seven seaside holes, the most in Florida. Designed by Pete Dye, Bobby Weed and Tom Fazio, the course greens and fairways are carefully placed along Spanish moss-covered oaks, lush marshes and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Along with key greens initiatives, the driving range has been lengthened by nearly 40 yards, adding length to the renowned Florida golf course. The resort has spent $1.2 million dollars on irrigation improvements to the back nine of the Oak Marsh Golf Course that will provide 100 percent coverage of all turfgrass while using 20 percent less water. Golfers will experience much firmer and faster greens, which will certainly challenge every level of golfer.

Additional funds were dedicated to enhancing the Oak Marsh pro-shop experience, along with the remodel of the Golf Shop Restaurant, which is now named Marsh View Bar & Grill. With a new 5,000 square-foot deck overlooking the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway, the Marsh View Bar & Grill offers a menu of southern-inspired, casual fare. As the sun sets over the marsh, guests can share an unforgettable experience around the new fire pit set under a stunning canopy of Live Oaks. The redesigned Oak Marsh pro-shop sells brands such as Nike, Cutter & Buck, Peter Millar, Kate Lord and TaylorMade.

Nestled between the dune-swept beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and natural salt marshlands, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers 249 oceanfront guest rooms, with multi-bedroom villas tucked among the 1,350-acres of Amelia Island Plantation. Developed by Charles Fraser in 1971, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is beginning a new chapter in its 40-year history, undergoing an extensive $85 million re-imagination project. The renovations include 30,000 additional square feet of conference center space; 155 new guest rooms and suites; an expanded beach club and new two-tiered pool; new lobby and arrival experience; more variety of food and beverage options and improved resort connectivity and parking.

For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.

About the Omni Amelia Island Plantation 

Beginning a new chapter in its nearly 40-year heritage, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is undergoing an extensive re-imagination project. As Florida’s award-winning island destination, the resort is recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, rich in recreational activities. The certified Green Lodging Destination is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway, located just north of Jacksonville, Fla. Situated on the 1,350-acres of the Amelia Island Plantation, the property offers three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beaches; 49,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; 54 holes of championship golf; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; award-winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and gift shops as well as the nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including water sports, horseback riding, walking, hiking and Segway tours.  With 249 guest rooms in the oceanfront resort, The Villas of Amelia Island Plantation Resort offer 300 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views. 

For more information, please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit omniameliaislandplantation.com.

PGA National Resort & Spa Reveals Stunning Revitalization

 
Legendary South Florida Destination’s Comprehensive $100 Million Renovation Complete
 

PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR Honda Classic, five outstanding golf courses and world-class amenities – announces the reveal of its $100 million comprehensive revitalization.

The stunning unveiling features myriad enhancements to the legendary South Florida destination:

• A floor-to-ceiling makeover of its 379 guest rooms featuring stylish bedding, headboards, wall coverings and carpet; spacious, modern work desks with multiple plug-in options; atmospheric lighting; and elegant furnishings. Suite bathrooms have walk-in showers. State-of-the-art, high-definition, 42-inch flat-panel televisions have been installed.
   
• Guest room corridors showcase eye-catching carpeting; tastefully subdued lighting; and distinctive artwork and wall treatments.
   
• The Lakeside Lawn – a new permanent venue created due to increased popularity of its outdoor wedding settings. It offers a stunning vista of the tranquil lake and panoramic view of PGA National’s golf courses.  
   
• “Bar 91”  – a complete renovation of its 19^th hole bar and grill – presents the latest in clubhouse furnishings, high-definition televisions and expanded outdoor dining surveying one of the great vistas in golf. The new kitchen offers a redesigned menu ideal for après golf and casual dining.
   
• “The Fazio Course” – a complete Tom Fazio II remodel of “The Haig” – PGA National’s original 18-hole course designed by his father and uncle has its grand opening on Nov. 1.
   
• “Palm Terrace” – a full remake of its Citrus Tree Café – continues the renowned breakfast buffet of its predecessor and is now additionally available as a poolside location for evening events.
   
• The refreshed 40,000 square-foot European Spa with 32 treatment areas and the exclusive "Waters of the World" outdoor mineral pools now fully complements the motif of the resort’s fashionably cool, hip décor.

These renovations follow previous substantial revitalization to PGA National’s member / guest clubhouse, golf courses, spa, health and racquet club, conference and meeting space, striking zero-entry pool, chef-driven Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant and chic iBAR in its glamorous lobby.

“The unveiling of our $100 million investment showcases our total commitment to sit at the pinnacle of the world’s elite golf, resort and meeting destinations,” says Joel Paige, vice president and managing director. “Whether seeking an idyllic wedding, successful conference, supreme golf experience or a getaway to long savor we have all the ingredients needed and more.”

“Few destinations in the world offer as wide a range of incomparable amenities as PGA National,” says Frank Calaguire, principal of SCS Advisors – owner / operating partners of PGA National Resort & Spa. “Through our timely investment, we’re now fully poised to continue offering an unparalleled South Florida experience for our guests and members.”

For more information about PGA National visit www.pgaresort.com or call (800) 533.9386.

About PGA National Resort & Spa

PGA National Resort & Spa is a premier golf, vacation and meeting destination. The South Florida locale offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses, including the famed Champion course, home to the PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and a litany of other prized professional golf tournaments.

Other distinguishing features include a world-class 33,000 square-foot health-and-racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts, 40,000 square feet of self-contained conference space and nine on-site restaurants and lounges.

PGA National Resort & Spa’s myriad accolades include:

• AAA--Four Diamond Resort (2011)
• Golfweek -- Best You Can Play State by State (No. 5, 2012)
• Golfweek -- Best Tour Courses You Can Play (No. 28, 2011)
• Golfing Magazine – “World’s Top 5 Multi-Course Venues” (2011)
• About.com -- “No. 1 Golf Resort in Florida” (2011)
• GOLF Magazine -- Top 100 Premier Resorts -- Silver Award Winner (2011)
• GOLF Magazine -- Premier Resorts Green Award Winner (2011)
• Golf World -- Top 50 Resorts (2010)
• Successful Meetings -- Pinnacle Award Winner (2011)
• The Knot -- Best of Weddings  (2012)

Conveniently located within easy driving distances of major Florida population centers, the AAA Four Diamond resort is a 15-minute drive from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), one hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 90 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Grand Golf Resorts of Florida’s Classic Golf Package rates start at $149

Central Florida – For only $149 per night this fall, golfers can challenge the designs of the game’s legendary figures.

 

Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, which includes Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, Reunion Resort in Orlando and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, is offering a Classic Golf Package beginning at $149 per night. The Salamander Hotels & Resorts collection also features the Legends of Golf Trail, which traverses from the Gulf to the Atlantic and features nine courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Larry Packard.

 

Recently renovated, Innisbrook Resort includes four championship layouts designed by Packard, including the famed Copperhead Course – home to home to an annual PGA TOUR event. Reunion Resort is the only resort in the United States to boast courses designed by all three golf greats: Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson, and also features the Annika Sorenstam Academy. Located along two miles of the Atlantic Ocean, Hammock Beach Resort features the shore-hugging Ocean Course designed by Nicklaus and the lengthy Conservatory Course, designed by Watson.

 

Package rates start at $149 per night, per golfer, and include nightly villa accommodations, a daily round of golf and a $10 retail credit per golfer, per stay. Guests also enjoy unlimited use of the practice facilities, club storage and fitness center access.

 

Rates are valid until January 16, 2013. Pricing is based on double occupancy and a two-night minimum stay is required. Taxes are not included while additional restrictions may apply.

 

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.grandgolfresorts.com or call (888) 770-6501.

 

About Grand Golf Resorts of Florida

Three of Florida’s grandest golf resorts have united under the management of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Grand Golf Resorts of Florida features Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Reunion Resort in Orlando, and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast. The collection includes 1200 luxurious villa-style accommodations, and 162 holes of golf designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Larry Packard that form the Legends of Golf Trail, which traverses 200 miles between the resorts and across the Sunshine State. All three properties are members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit www.grandgolfresorts.com or call (888) 770-6501.

 

About Salamander Hotels & Resorts

Salamander Hotels & Resorts is a privately owned and operated company based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila C. Johnson in 2005, the company has a portfolio that features the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, a collection of three stellar golf resorts including the recently renovated Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Reunion Resort in Orlando and the oceanfront Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast; Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, a collection of luxurious properties in the Dominican Republic including the oceanfront Sanctuary Cap Cana; and the eagerly anticipated  Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, a 340-acre equestrian-themed, ultra-luxury resort opening in 2013 and located near Washington, D.C. For additional information, call (540) 687-3710 or visit www.salamanderhotels.com.

$59 Midweek Rooms @ Shawnee

Stay midweek at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort from now through 9/30/2012 for $59++ per night!  Reserve two midweek nights and receive an additional $25 Shawnee Gift Card.  Must reserve by 9/24/2012 to be eligible for promotion.  
Click below or call 800-SHAWNEE (742-9633) to make your reservations today!  Be sure to write "$59 Midweek" in the special requests section of the online reservation form in order to qualify for the promotion.    

*Last Minute Deals only valid for new reservations.  May not be combined with other discounts or promotions.  Not valid on group rates.  Additional fees apply to 3rd and 4th adults in rooms.  Offer valid from now until 9/24/2012.  

Serendipitously located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, Reynolds Plantation is a meticulously planned, 8,000-acre residential and resort community. The property includes 55 miles of shoreline along Lake Oconee, at 19,000 acres the second largest lake in the state. There are also six golf courses, designed by a Who’s Who of golf architecture including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Bob Cupp, and Jim Engh. Plus a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, home rentals, lake and land activities, and a relaxed yet refined lifestyle in the majestic Georgia woods. For more information go to www.reynoldsplantation.com

It's a Great Time of Year to Visit Turning Stone Resort & Casino

I've been there. I've played there. And I'm telling you the place is fabulous. And I LOVE the Lodge.

A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations, and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four-Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information go to www.turningstone.com Turning Stone Resort & Casino is one of my FAVORITE places to stay and play. The hotel is fabulous and the golf courses are fabulous -- check it out.

The restoration of the golf course at Paramount Country Club—a jewel of golf’s “Golden Age”—is just about done.

NEW CITY, NY -- Originally laid out in 1920 by A.W. Tillinghast, one of the game’s most famous course designers, Paramount is nearing the end of an 18-month-long project to return it to its roots. Under the leadership of architect Jim Urbina, nearly every one of the 18 holes was tweaked, from minor cosmetic work to the reintroduction of bunkers, shifting of fairways, and the altering and adding of angles of approach.
“We’re finishing up on the back nine,” reports Urbina, who has made regular visits to the club since spring 2011, and has worked closely with course superintendent Brian Chapin and his crew. “Generally the big stuff is done. For example, the ‘Reef Hole,’ the par-three 18th, is finished. We’re all very excited as it is now the only existing ‘reef-type’ hole in existence, a true Tillinghast original.”
Among the holes awaiting their moment are the short par-four 11th (called “The Oblique”) and the long par-four 15th (which Tillinghast explained as having many different lines of attack). Original Tillinghast bunkers, which disappeared over the years, will be reinstated, while fairway lines will be shifted slightly.

“What remains are some of the most interesting holes Tillinghast did,” according to Urbina, who has restored a number of archetypal courses, including San Francisco Golf Club (originally laid out by Tillinghast), Pasatiempo (Alister MacKenzie), Yeamans Hall Club (Seth Raynor), and Garden City (Devereux Emmet and Walter Travis) to name a few.
“I’m also putting back bunkers on the 250-yard, par-three 13th hole,” says Urbina, who noted that, “When the hole was 240 yards, Tillie talked about a one-shot hole where you had to use a wood driver that required the player to execute a long shot. He said that was a true test of golf, and that was way back in 1921! A hole with that length was unheard of but Tillinghast knew the game was changing and even in that era, the ball and clubs were traveling farther.”
Urbina—who was recently in town to showcase the changes to members of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association—expects the work to be completed soon.
“The plan is to start October 8 and be done by Thanksgiving. Then we’ll all have something to be thankful for. Absolutely!”
For further information about Paramount Country Club, access the web site at www.paramountcountryclub.com or call at 845/634-4626.