Ponte Vedra Inn & Club- The Ocean Course

October 8, 2013 By admin

Excerpt from The Golf Course Guide, a book published in 1950 by Anthony F. Merrill;

Every championship course has its famous hole and at Ponte Vedra it is the Island Ninth. Whether it is a good golf hole or not is a question, bit it is one of America’s most interesting. The green lies at the far end of a little island in a big lagoon, reached by bridges. The tee is on the mainland and the carry over water is not more than about 40 yards. In fact, the whole hole is only 150 yards, and the island is a decent-sized target. But the par is 3, the water magnetic, the green heavily trapped, and the hole itself is a scenic gem, most artfully designed to please the eye of a golfer and layman alike. Who cares how many of your best balls go into the lagoon? You do.

Brendan Punty writing for NJ.com,True New Jersey claims Baltusrol in Springfield, N.J. had the first island green, but it was a par-4 hole.

“When Baltusrol’s first 18-hole course was laid out near the turn of last century, the 10th hole was surrounded by a shallow moat — making it the first hole of its kind in the sport. The par-4, 330-yard downhill hole was one of the most photographed holes of the day…”

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Filed Under: "Play-Write" Golf Courses, East Coast Golf Journey

Huntsville Golf Club in Dallas, PA

October 8, 2013 By admin

Wow, Huntsville Golf Club in Dallas, PA is a spectacular golf course and club.

Huntsville Golf Club in Dallas, PA

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Filed Under: "Play-Write" Golf Courses, East Coast Golf Journey

Brentwood Golf Course: Home of The First Tee of North Florida

September 22, 2013 By admin

I had a great time at The First Tee of North Florida yesterday… great facility, great program and support team and most importantly great kids. Played 9 holes with Coach Tony, Blair, Charles & Chase. This is a good golf course that is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC with a great practice facility and inexpensive darn right cheap greens fees, walk for $10! Hope to see you Wednesday night at The Clubhouse At Tpc Sawgrass for the Taste of Golf benefiting The First Tee of North Florida! (-: (Facebook Post with 3 Pics, Andy Reistetter, 9/22/13)

CLICK HERE for link to Brentwood Golf Course

Filed Under: "Play-Write" Golf Courses, East Coast Golf Journey

Discover Florida at The Plantation on Crystal River!

June 24, 2013 By admin

Your Florida yet to be Discovered…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjxhjCkZt7A

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter has been a Florida resident now for six years but only recently discovered a true Florida keepsake resort—the Plantation on Crystal River. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere on Florida’s West Coast it is conveniently accessible from everywhere. “Off the beaten path but true Southern Hospitality with Florida Charm,” this is a place you want to experience in all seasons. Join Reistetter as he shares his lifetime experience of swimming with the Manatees and relives his visit to the Plantation on Crystal River.

Pounce de Leon discovered Florida 500 years ago and it seems like it took me longer than that to find the Plantation on Crystal River. I wasn’t lost I just didn’t know it was there. Don’t make the same mistake!

I found it quite by accident, lured to the area seeking to golf at World Woods Golf Club. You know, the Florida Gem with the two golf courses that are like Pine Valley and Augusta National. Now there are two reasons to venture to what I call Golf Area 51 of the State of Florida— great golf and a great resort. But don’t worry about UFOs, those are only off track golf balls whizzing through the air.

_2 Diary Andy Plantation on Crystal River Front

In front of the main building.

The Plantation on Crystal River is located exactly 98 miles from the Orlando airport to the east, 73 miles from the Tampa airport to the south and 63 miles from Gator Stadium on the University of Florida to the north. Either way you come it is some of the most scenic land in Florida. If you come from the west, you will need a boat but that is alright as the Gulf of Mexico leads to Crystal Bay which leads to Crystal River which leads you right up to the dock at the resort.If you are looking for gators you can probably find them but don’t miss the manatees! While they are also found throughout the Gulf and Caribbean Sea, in the Amazon in South America and along the coast of West Africa, Crystal River is the largest concentration of manatees in the world.

It was an amazing experience to put on a wet suit, take a short boat ride literally around the corner to the National Wildlife Refuge and swim with the manatees. One of the aquatic amiable mammals hooked its flippers around my leg and nestled with me as I floated on my back for 20 minutes. It was as if I was burping a baby after mealtime, as it raised its snout above the waterline to breathe every three or four minutes. I thought she (hopefully) was going to kiss me. What a beautiful encounter with nature!

I missed the big boat so had to captain my own to get to the manatees!

While manatees seek warm water and migrate into the sanctuary for the winter November through March months, the scalloping season runs during the summer July through September months. There are other water activities to partake year round at the Plantation on Crystal River including canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.

Coming off a $3 million upgrade to the rooms, common areas and restaurant, everything looks and feels brand new at the Plantation. While swimming with the manatees was the aquatic apex of my visit, everything else on land at the resort was A-Plus. In fact you can haul in your fishing successes and they will “cook your catch” in the West 82º Bar and Grill. Since I just hugged the manatee and didn’t catch anything I enjoyed Executive Chef Eric Smith’s grilled medley of fresh shrimp, snow crab legs, and mussels. It was delicious!

I think the name of the resort comes from the size of the guest rooms. They are huge, comfortable and well appointed. With nearly 200 rooms, over 13,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and plenty of fun team-building recreation options the Plantation on Crystal River is an ideal location for corporate meetings and retreats.

Par 3 17th on the Championship Course…. great hole!

Although World Woods is close-by, the Plantation has 27 holes of its own right across the street. The Championship Course was designed by Mark Mahannah in 1958 and is Florida style all the way- narrow fairways guarded by palm trees, sand and water and fairly flat though pleasing to the eye. It was frequented by the likes of Tommy Bolt who used it as a warm up to the Masters back in his day. The Lagoons is a short nine-hole course featuring five par-3s and four par-4s which translates to lots of family fun or a quick tune-up for your short game.

Once a small family fish camp, the Plantation has blossomed into a complete eco-friendly resort with an unparalleled level of service due to long service employees. Everyone feels like family and at home while they are on vacation. Be sure to say hello to Starla Hayes for me when you visit. She has been there for 31 years and doesn’t look a day over 40. Tell me if you can figure out that one.

Remember, it’s okay to snuggle with the manatees if they initiate the contact. There is a five-gallon bucket limit per person per day when you are harvesting those scallops from the marsh grasses. However, there is no limit to the fun times you can have at the Plantation on Crystal River.

For more information visit this link:

http://www.plantationoncrystalriver.com/

Can’t make it to Florida this summer? Check out their sister property on Martha’s Vineyard—Harbor View Hotel & Resort:

http://www.harbor-view.co

This is the manatee that came over to me and was so friendly!

Everything is right there for you at Plantation on Crystal River. The DIVE Shop is next to the resort.

There are gators too.. saw this one on the golf course… took the stroke penalty and safely went on my way golfing…

Beautiful Place!

"Southern Hospitality with the personal touch of Florida Charm... This is a place you want to expereince in all seasons..."

The Plantation at Crystal River… “Southern Hospitality with the personal touch of Florida Charm…” This is a place you want to expereince in all seasons…

Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer and a broadcast assistant for the various golf networks. He spends time on all four major American golf tours- the PGA TOUR, Champions, Web.com and LPGA.

Reistetter resides within two miles of the PGA TOUR headquarters and the home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it.

Embark on a “Journey to Olympic Golf” with Reistetter in the Fall of 2013 as he travels from St. Louis, Missouri where golf was played in the 1904 Olympics to Rio de Janiero where it will be played again in the 2016 Olympics.

http://www.journeytoolympicgolf.com/

Friend Andy Reistetter on Facebook or touch base with him by e-mail at AndyReistetter@gmail.com

Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Lodge & Club

May 19, 2013 By admin

Bay Hill Lodge & Club, America’s Golfing Treasure

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter started his “Play-Write” series in 2009 playing the course the Monday after tournaments. In this the 46^th and expanded “Stay-Play-Write” article, Andy happily returned to Bay Hill after covering his sixth Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Although he missed Mr. Palmer who headed up to Latrobe, Pennsylvania earlier in the month, he felt his presence and the sense of what the game of golf and golfing fellowship is all about. The best part is that this experience is available to everyone through a reasonably priced Bucket-List-Dreams-Come-True-Package by calling (888) 422-9445 or visiting www.BayHill.com. Come and experience Bay Hill for yourself with family and friends or come alone and meet new ones. If not, enjoy as Reistetter shares the tales and tributes of his recent visit.

On the practice putting green near the Rolex clock in front of the Lodge, the warn andf friendly confines of Mr. Palmer’s Bay Hill!

Bobby Jones, golf’s most famous amateur, once said “There is golf and there is tournament golf, and they are not the same.” The Bay Hill Lodge and Club are and has been a host to a PGA Tour tournament for the last 35 years. One of a select number of “Invitational’s” on tour, it is distinctly Arnold Palmer’s, whether you look at the golf course, the field or how the tournament is conducted. When I drove to the club to play golf (I am not a professional golfer so it was not championship week) it looked different. If you have played a golf course before or after seeing a golf tournament you know what I mean. It is different without the grandstands, galleries and ropes.

Bay Hill looked more alive than ever to me with her open vistas and magnolia trees in blossom. She was beautiful in her nakedness. Although the Bay Hill tournament welcome is as warm as anywhere on tour, the smile and greeting of Khadijah and Ginny at the front desk made me feel like family, I felt as invited as the golf pros in Arnie’s tournament. My room overlooked the putting green and the Rolex Clock it envelops. Looking past the green to the practice tee I did what I always wanted to do- hit some balls, work on my game in the evening, sleep and then again when I woke up in the morning. There is something special about staying on the grounds of a golf course.

I took a walk down the corridors of what is the nicest lodge I have ever seen. I went past a steward as he ran a rag along the top to dust a chair rail. The place was spotless. The accommodations so clean and maintained that one could eat off the light wood floors or sleep comfortable on the rugs of the long corridors. The pictures and artwork were so unique, so Palmer-esque that I knew there was no other place like this in the world.

I enjoyed a great foursome at Bay Hill- two Canadians, me and a muffin!

Heading towards the pro shop I saw plaque of the Past Invitational Champions. I reminisced about coming here for the tournament since 2008. How could Tiger make a 25-foot birdie putt to win by one? Then do it again the following year? That year though a man, I was a kid and hung around the 18^th green a long time after the excitement dissipated. A real kid ran home and came back with a putter and a few golf balls. We tried that same putt 50 times and could not make it even once like Tiger did.

The plaque had more recent Tiger plates; for 2012 when Tiger broke his winless streak on tour dating back to September 2009 and only a few weeks ago when he ascended back to the World No. 1 Golfer. There were his four-in-a-row from 2000 to 2003 making eight the number of times Woods has won a tournament at Bay Hill tying Sam Snead’s eight Greater Greensboro Opens. Of course, if you ask Tiger, this is old news as he won seven times on tour at Torrey Pines, eight if you count his last major won, the U.S. Open in 2008.

The hallways of the Lodge is like a museum with all sorts on interesting golf history.

A trip down the corridors, into the locker room and around the grounds rates right up there with a visit to the USGA Golf House, the PGA Village and the World Golf Hall of Fame. The picture of Arnie in Church- Oakmont’s Famous Church Pews, the cover of the September 1954 Golf World magazine proclaiming “The New Amateur King” and having a quiet reflective moment in Winnie’s Hummingbird Garden were tops on my list of touch points. I wish my dad was alive. I would bring him here in a heartbeat.

Though they did not put it in the name of the Bay Hill Lodge and Club, remember there is a vintage 1961- Dick Wilson designed golf course that was modernized by a hands-on Arnold Palmer renovation in time for the 2010 tournament. Though I did not climb a tree like Sergio did on the tenth hole, I did take a ground level double bogey there on my way to a memorable back nine 39. After hitting some balls on the range I met a new friend and enjoyed an Arnold Palmer (the beverage) and dinner in The Bay Window Room. Though I missed the tennis, spa, salon, pool and fitness center, I can personally certify that the lodge, club, golf course and restaurant are all A-Plus.

Bay Hill opened 10 years before Walt Disney World. Dreams do come true in Orlando, whether at the Magic Kingdom or a few miles away at the King’s magical Bay Hill Lodge and Club.

More visuals from my visit:

Morning view at Bay Hill Lodge and Club from Room 205.

In Winnie Palmer’s Hummingbird Garden.

Played the Yellow Umbrella Tees (6,437 yards), Green Umbrella Tees available if you like at 7,381 yards!

Robert Gamez “walk-In” eagle plaque in 18th fairway from 1990 when he beat Greg Norman by one stroke.

My new friend Chad from Baltimore at dinner in The Bay Window Room.

Tasty hamburger with homemade chips with blue cheese.

Healthy “double-greens” at Bay Hill- broccoli and asparagus!

Reistetter resides within two miles of the PGA TOUR headquarters and the home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it.

Friend Andy Reistetter on Facebook or touch base with him by e-mail at AndyReistetter@gmail.com

Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

Innisbrook Resort, Florida Fantastic… Much More than a PGA TOUR Stop!!!

April 17, 2013 By admin

Innisbrook, Much More than a PGA TOUR Stop…

Ever wonder what is it like to experience a championship course right after witnessing an exciting breakthrough victory by a PGA TOUR professional? Golf Writer Andy Reistetter, along with Merri Daniel, played the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook right after Kevin Streelman’s meaningful victory at the Tampa Bay Championship presented by Everbank. With some time to reflect on their golfing experience, Streelman’s victory and their exploration of the resort, join Merri & Andy as they survive the Snake Pit and live to tell their tales and share a few “WOW” moments at Innisbrook.

Photographs courtesy of Salamander Hospitality.

Click for VIDEO of Andy at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course

With a Duke degree in sociology in his mind, Streelman had been close to winning before with twenty Top 10s in 152 starts on the PGA TOUR. Remember Streelman was the strongman from the mini tours who rocketed to the PGA TOUR in 2008 via Q-School bypassing the proving grounds of the Web.com Tour. To date his claim to fame, in the minds of many, was capturing a season-long mishmash of the most photogenic holes on the PGA TOUR. Holes like the par-3 13^th on Copperhead, beautiful to the eye, yet challenging and dangerous to the golfer.

With five solid seasons on tour, but without what Tiger Woods calls the “W,” Streelman came to the 13^th tee on Sunday afternoon not knowing for sure if this would be his day. Seeing the hole located in the far right portion of the green and well protected by water, he knew this was no ordinary test of mind or golf. Taking his 200-yard club, a 5-iron, hitting into a slightly hurting wind, he hit a cut shot that was nearly perfect. With that birdie and another at the par-3 17^th Streelman strolled to a two-stroke victory in his first PGA TOUR win.

Some say us amateur golfers can never duplicate the experience of a professional golfer winning a tournament down the stretch. Having played many other host courses, I would say Innisbrook and the 1974 Larry Packard designed Copperhead Course comes pretty darn close. The golf course is there for all to see and to play. But what makes it memorable and special is the way Packard routes you along the nontraditional Florida hilly terrain. In an almost swirl-like motion, circling outside to inside the course climaxes at the uphill par-4 18^th after many favorite interludes along the way.

One begins with a scenic view off the first tee with a gentle downhill par-5. Then we go left, then right, before we encounter the first straight hole, the par-3 4th. Be careful, as Merri found out with your play, and that of others, in your “fore-some” on this hole. The par-5 fifth is a little more difficult than the first, going up-and-over a hill but no less scenic with a lake to carry and a bunker framing the tee shot. The blind second shot hides the impact of a lone tree in the fairway on the third shot and makes reaching the well bunkered green difficult for the long bombers or quinquagenarians playing it forward like me.

The intervening holes to Streelman’s heroic 13^th with names like Hidden Gem, Hide Away and O’s Alley bring more excitement and fun in the course of playing at Innisbrook. The 12^th has lots of water and a bridge that is impassable for your golf ball so toughen up, play smart and take enough club to carry the green. Don’t miss the view of the signature 17^th from the 12^th fairway with the shrubbed “Copperhead” encompassing the tee.

Packard’s double dogleg par-5 14^th is my favorite. Once conquered in as few of strokes as possible, the green feels like a mountaintop refuge and the view back of the shrubbed “Innisbrook” brings a sense of achievement. The round ends in a flurry with a mix of par-3s, the 15^th downhill and the 17^thuphill amidst two solid par-4s. The Snake Pit begins with the 16^th, with water right and a narrowing fairway, it is one of the toughest holes on the golf course. The 18^th is a majestic uphill hole that between the wind and the sand can bring a terminating tear to yours or Merri’s eyes.

Enough of one golf course, there are three others- the North, the South and the Island; all Packard designs. The Island which we enjoyed playing, hosts the Legends Tour, the official Senior Tour of the LPGA. While couples golf was fun there are many more activities to enjoy at Innisbrook whether you have a day, week or even years to explore and enjoy. Maybe that is why Larry Packard lives on site, enjoys life and recently celebrated his 100^th birthday!

Innisbrook is part of a Floridian diamond necklace assembled by Shelia Johnson, founder of Salamader Hospitality. Like her amphibian namesake, she possesses strength, courage and fortitude bringing Hammock Beach, an oceanfront resort on the east coast, Reunion in Orlando, home to Annika’s Academy and Innisbrook together during challenging economic times. Affectionately becoming known as the “Lady Trump of Golf” she is opening up a new resort in August in the equestrian and wine country of Virginia.

As an amateur golfer, don’t let it take 153 tour events to experience the magic of Packard’s Copperhead and the Innisbrook Resort. Bring along non-golfer friends and lovers as they will surely have an enchanted time too.

Merri’s Marvelous Moments

1. I loved the accommodations. Innisbrook is unique with 28 lodge buildings interspersed among the 800-acre resort. They are named after other famous golf courses and arranged alphabetically from Augusta to Turnberry. We stayed in Baltusrol on the east side of the property. Recently updated, one feels at home, secluded in a natural way, amongst the trees and hills.

2. Okay, so here is what Andy alluded to with our “fore-some” on the 4^th hole. As I waited to hit on the forward tee I leaned back on the windshield of our golf cart to bask in the sun for a moment. Our playing partner Joe hit an errant shot that awoke me from my sunny slumber and struck me in the chest. Thankfully, only a glancing blow and a reminder as to where to position yourself early in the round when unsure of the abilities of new playing partner.

3. While Packard’s steakhouse is great, don’t miss a casual dinner at Market Salamander Grille. We shared a delicious strawberry, arugula and goat cheese salad. Andy had the Pressed Tampa Cuban and I had the Ahi Tuna. Of course we shared that too and savored not only the food eaten but the friendly dining experience.

4. Well this moment is not so marvelous either. A reminder to check the wind direction prior to playing a bunker shot. Greenside, on the last hole, I did not and got a mouth and eye full. It was a tearful end to a great round.

5. To end on a good note- the spa, the spa, the spa is named Indaba which translates to a gathering or meeting place. Where else can one have an outdoor massage in the center of a meditation labyrinth? Perhaps that is what I liked most about Innisbrook- I felt a strong connection with myself, others and nature during our visit.

Reistetter resides within two miles of the PGA TOUR headquarters and the home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it.

Friend Andy Reistetter on Facebook or touch base with him by e-mail at AndyReistetter@gmail.com

Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

The PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach, Home of the Honda Classic

March 1, 2013 By admin

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter and Merri Daniel accepted an invitation to visit PGA National Resort & Spa as a prelude to this year’s Honda Classic. At the time the Champion Course was a freshly over-seeded Irish sea of green so a round of golf on the newly renovated FAZIO course was in order. So what is classic about the Honda Classic? Surely the splendid resort itself is part of the answer. Join Reistetter as he recalls the Rory-Tiger showdown in 2012 and enjoy Merri’s Magnificent Moments of their visit to one of America’s premier resorts.

My first Honda Classic was five years ago. Like the cars of its sponsor, the first tournament of the Florida Swing is one of the highest quality and classiest tournaments on the PGA TOUR. The golf course, the tradition and heritage of the event, the competitive field and of course a fabulous resort open to all tournament patrons, combine to make being at the Honda Classic something special. Don’t miss the concert and fireworks on both Friday and Saturday nights, they are truly spectacular!

While seeing Ernie Els reemerge as a champion in 2008 after three seasons without a win, the Sunday showdown between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods was even more memorable. Woods was at his best shooting the lowest final round score of his career- an 8-under par 62. After eagling the 18^th and posting a 10-under tournament score, the spotlight was on Rory to see how he would handle the pressure, especially playing the famed “Bear Trap” holes Nos. 15-16.

The youngster from Northern Ireland did just fine posting a 1-under par 69. With the victory he surpassed Luke Donald as the No. 1 player in the Official World Golf Ranking. Though Rory has slipped to as low as No. 3 after winning the Honda, he regained and has held the No. 1 slot since his PGA Championship at Kiawah island last August. From Ernie to Rory with Y.E. Yang, Camilo Villegas, and Rory Sabbatini in between there have been five consecutive international champions. The first eight tournaments on the PGA TOUR this year have been won by Americans. There are two interesting trends colliding at the Honda Classic this week.

Uncle George and nephew Tom Fazio designed three of the four golf courses at PGA National in the early 1980s- The Champion, the Haig (originally named after Walter Hagen) and The Squire (for Gene Sarazen). Arnold Palmer designed the last course on site, his namesake The Palmer in1984. Jack Nicklaus has redesigned The Champion twice, once in 1990 and again in 2002.

A third generation Fazio recently redesigned the Haig- Tom Fazio II, son of designer Jim (brother of Tom) is known as Tommy and is a model Fabio look-a-like. The Haig was renamed the FAZIO. We may be getting into a whole new era in golf where golf course architects replace prominent legends of golf with respect to the naming rights of golf courses.

The FAZIO is fun to play. The most significant changes in the modernization occurred on the 15^th and 17^th holes, with the contouring of the greens and the bunkering. Interestingly, the par-3 5^th hole and the caped 6^th hole swing close by the PGA of America Headquarters. There is a long standing relationship and tradition between the resort and the club professional organization. This is evidenced by the playing of the 1983 Ryder Cup, 1987 PGA Championship and 19 years (ending in 2000) of the Senior PGA Championship on The Champion Course.

While I have played the golf courses and experienced the professional competition of the Honda Classic it wasn’t until I stayed at the PGA National Resort & Spa that I truly understood that classic meant first and highest quality. The freshness from a recent $100 million revitalization can easily be seen by tournament spectators in terms of the pool area, lobby bar and restaurants. Resort guests experience the magic in the floor-to-ceiling makeover of each of its 379 guest rooms.

There are several questions to ask at this week’s Honda Classic. Will there be another Rory-Tiger showdown? Will an American or the 6^th consecutive international player win? If so, who will that be? When will you make a reservation to experience all there is to experience at the PGA National Resort & Spa?

Merri’s Magnificent Moments

1. I loved the individually-themed “specialty” accommodations that are unique, trend-setting and superb! Andy wants to come back with his guy friends and stay in the “Man Cave,” a sophisticated media room with large screen HD TVs to watch sporting events. I wonder who has that room for the Honda Classic. Please invite us!

2. There are two “Spa Suites” with a private spa area complete with a comfortable professional table for in-room massages and facials. Large soaking tubs and walk-in showers complete the experience with luxurious king-size beds and comfortable sofas and chairs in a spacious living area. The “Bridal Spa” for an extraordinary romantic retreat.

3. Our round included playing with Jim King, a former professional golfer who at age 78 was still a scratch golfer and a unique golfing personality. He entertained us with so many stories from his years on tour.

4. The pool area is extraordinary and we enjoyed soaking in the hot tub after our round of golf. Andy tells me it is an awesome place to watch the fireworks and I can’t wait to see them.

5. Our host Karen Cantor, Public Relations Manager, gave a wonderful tour of the property and showed us all the recent renovations that have been done inside and outside. Her spirited conversation over breakfast well represented the attitude and perspective of this classic resort. There is so much more to experience we can’t wait to return for another visit!

Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer as well as a Spotter, Research and Broadcast Assistant for The Golf Channel, NBC and CBS Sports. A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it.

Residing within two miles of the PGA TOUR headquarters and the home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, this golfing couple is focused on a number of entrepreneurial golf pursuits within the realm of “Outside the Ropes Entertainment.”

Friend Andy Reistetter on Facebook to enjoy daily updates, go to OutsideTheRopesEntertainment.com or contact Reistetter by e-mail at AndyReistetter@gmail.com

Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

Golf is Mystical in Myrtle Beach!

November 29, 2012 By admin

_640 Man O'War Consecutive Island Greens par 4 14th par 3 15th

Man O’War is the only golf course in the world with back-to-back island greens. Photo Credit: Mystical Golf

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “Play-Write” series in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with a mystical trifecta of golf courses- The Witch, The Wizard and The Man O’ War. Returning to the “Golf Capital of the World” to celebrate a birthday with friends, some new and some old, was a memorable experience. How did the selection of these courses, played days before Halloween make the golf even more exhilarating? Join Reistetter as he reminisces on a not so frightful experience and discover mystical golf for yourself in Myrtle Beach.

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Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

Wild Dunes- Charleston’s Resort

October 30, 2012 By admin

By Merri Daniel and Andy Reistetter

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “Play-Write” series with a seaside round of golf on the Links Course at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Joined by Merri Daniel, golf’s new and emerging voice for women, the twosome walked the fairways together and toured the resort for this article. Join Merri and Andy as they golf and share Fazio’s original Masterpiece.

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Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf

PGA of America, More than a Village

September 19, 2012 By admin

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter continues his exclusive “Play-Write” series this time with a visit to the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Masters has Augusta National, the U.S.G.A. has Golf House, the R&A has St. Andrews and the PGA of America has its Village and a whole lot more. In celebration of the upcoming Ryder Cup at Medinah, join Reistetter as he discovers the extent of the PGA Village and just how much the PGA of America influences the game of golf for this generation and beyond.

PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida features four golf courses and a 35-acre practice facility plus a lot more!

If you are a golfer and your bucket list does not include a visit to the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida then it needs to be updated. The good news is Port St. Lucie is “below the frost line” in Florida and essentially a year-round golf destination. Whoever thought there was a “frost line” in Florida? Nobody probably did, including me until I moved to “frosty at times” Northeast Florida. I also never took the time to educate myself about the PGA of America. Having made the visit I now feel like I am a “Village Sage” and recognize the vast influence they have on our golfing life and that of our children for many years to come.

The PGA of America is the personal face of golf, the golf professional at your daily fee golf course or private country club. Someone you have likely interacted with in a meaningful way either to improve your golf game or on a social basis. On the professional golf stage you know the PGA of America as the host of the PGA Championship- one of golf’s four major competitions won this year by Rory McIlroy at Kiawah Island. You probably know that they are the organization behind the upcoming Ryder Cup competition at Medinah CC in Chicago.

“The Village, The Village,” my fellow golfers is the ultimate golfing destination. Why? Because it goes to the heart of the game, the essence of the game and will not only revive your interest and dedication but help you become a more proficient player of the game of golf. Improving your game with a PGA Professional whether at the Village or your home course makes playing golf a lot more fun and rewarding especially when the bets are settled with your friends after the round.

One of nine practice bunkers- this one has a flat bottom and very course sand.

Gosh, they have 9 bunkers with different sands from around the world. So not only are you practicing or learning how to play a bunker shot you do so under various conditions. Please don’t discount this learning experience thinking you will never play 9 different types of sand. The sand at your golf course changes as conditions change- before/after a rainstorm, early/late in the day and early/late in the season. The PGA Village is like the Disneyland of golf- one doesn’t know what they are missing until they hop on the Monorail or I-95 to see for themselves. Okay so I-95 is no monorail!

If 9 different types of sand are mindboggling, attending a Golf School at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance will really blow your mind. I consider myself knowledgeable in the mechanics of the game since I have read and studied most instruction books ever published. Having said that I now realize that after two days at the Village School I knew less than I thought I did especially in terms of dynamically applying knowledge to my swing and quickly seeing results.

Mark Drenga was my instructor. He fitted me with a K-Vest, I hit a few balls and now I know more about my body movement during the golf swing then Houdini did when he escaped from a straitjacket. I still needed help getting out of the K-Vest.

My “athletic motion” was completely broken down into three pages of color coated graphs. The position and movement of the pelvis, upper body and spine are illustrated in a kinematic sequence. Sound complicated? It is easily understood when Mark explains it. Plus he incorporated Trackman data of the movement of my club and golf ball. You know Trackman as the glitzy ball flight tracker on television. Club speed, attack angle and dynamic loft. Ball speed, spin rate and smash factor. Wow, quite revealing…

My flexibility is being assessed by Performance Specialist Adam Dunham.

In addition Performance Specialist Adam Dunham assessed my flexibility in a number of positions and prescribed 10 specific exercises for me to do to improve in key areas. With the combination of knowledge learned from the K-Vest and Trackman along with improved flexibility I am destined to be a better golfer.

In addition to the 35-acre, 100 practice stations and 3-hole PGA Discover Golf Course facility in the Village there are four golf courses to choose from- the Jim Fazio designed PGA Golf Club, Tom Fazio’s Ryder and Wannamaker Courses and the Dye Course named after legendary designer Pete Dye.

All four golf courses are special but let me tell you that the most special part of the PGA Village is the PGA Museum of Golf. With pictures, words and interactive exhibits you can trace the history of golf like nowhere else due to the extensive archives of the PGA of America.

I was fortunate to attend a special Ryder Cup presentation by Jim Ward of Premier Travel. Jim has been attending Ryder Cups and handling the travel arrangements for the PGA leadership team and the American players since 1991. While Jim thinks travel golf writers are “living the dream” it is really he that is doing so. Onboard the Concorde in 1997 on the way to Valderama he witnessed Brad Faxon stroke the longest putt in history down the aisle a distance of 7 miles while traveling across the pond. In 1993 as he was perfecting how to watch a Ryder Cup (get ahead every three holes and let the players come to you) he turned around to some European fans and said “watch Pavin stiff it here.” Corey Pavin did better holing out a 9-iron at the 5^th hole at the Belfry for eagle and then tossing the ball to Ward.

I was fitted in a K-Vest and wired up by Instructor Mark Drenga.

The travel czar of the PGA noted an exchange that is all so relevant this year as Davis Love III captains the American team and Jose Marie Olazabal heads the Europeans. At Brookline in 1999 as Captain Crenshaw’s “good feeling” the night before was going wild, Love won early and sought out Justin Leonard coming off the 10^th tee four down to Olazabal. Davis grabbed him, shook him and gave him a little pep talk. Leonard never lost another hole and made that memorable 45-footer on No. 17 to set up the American come-from-behind win. All Olazabal could do was watch, wait and then stroke a putt that did not go in the hole.

The Americans, having lost four of five since then need another inspirational leader like Crenshaw and Paul Azinger at Valhalla in 2008. Mr. Love is likely to fill that role.

The address of the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Florida?

1916 Perfect Drive…

The PGA of America has been around for a long time. Here’s hoping every drive of yours in perfect and you get the chance to visit the PGA Village sometime soon.

The pro shop at the PGA Village, note the American flag.

Filed Under: East Coast Golf Journey, Travel Golf