It was a scene that even Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II couldn’t have envisioned when they designed Peninsula de Cortez Golf Club in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Standing on the 14th tee on a late September day, Shelly Haywood, an LPGA pro, was having a hard time keeping her mind on her next shot. To her immediate left, two dolphins splashed about in the Sea of Cortez’s tranquil and deep blue waters, just a lob wedge away.

Here at PGA.com, the crew has been traveling quite a bit lately. With travel comes a lot of down time on airplanes and plenty of time to think… sometimes too much thinking, to be honest.

LAS VEGAS, NV - Canyon Gate Country Club announced today that it will, on September 30, participate in the 2011 ClubCorp Charity Classic, ClubCorp's major annual philanthropic open-house event.  In 2010, the popular ClubCorp Charity Classic raised $1.5 million nationwide for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Augie's Quest and other deserving charities. Canyon Gate Country Club cordially invites the public to attend the 2011 Charity Classic.

Branson, Missouri is renowned for its Ozark Mountain beauty and live entertainment where 50 theaters and daily shows abound. It’s also an underrated golf getaway with eight good to great courses near one another and many complementary lodging options of all styles and price points.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2011 – Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management have signed a 20-year strategic alliance to create even more magic for Disney golfers. Beginning Sept. 25, Arnold Palmer Golf Management will operate, manage, maintain and help promote all five Disney courses including Disney’s Palm and Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge and Oak Trail golf courses.

By Chuck Miller, “The Traveling Guy”

Whenever I leave sun drenched Southern California to play golf in other areas of the county I am always thrilled with the lush greenery and beautiful courses that are so prevalent in areas where rain is more plentiful. Such was the case recently on a visit to the Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington, 80 miles east of Seattle.

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB SET TO OPEN IN FALL
As the “world’s finest golf destination,” Scottsdale boasts more than 1,200 holes and 51 courses within the city limits and those who want to play them all, now have something new to add to their list. Sanctuary Golf Club at Westworld closed in June 2011 for a $1.2 million renovation to add length to and reposition the course. Set to reopen in October 2011 under a new name, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, the course will showcase its location at the base of the mighty McDowell Mountains. The 18-hole, par 71 course will boast more than 7,000 yards upon completion. Course improvements will be paid for out of a city-managed fund and by White Buffalo LLC, a Scottsdale-based company that has the management agreement for the course.

By Larry Feldman

What do you get when you take the 1994 PGA National Teacher of the Year, one of the most dynamic tennis players the world has ever seen and golf’s greatest legend (no, it’s not Tiger) and combine them in one of the world’s most picturesque settings?

HARDYSTON, N.J. — If your idea of a great round of golf includes playing 18 holes in less than four hours, no waiting for the group in front of you and finishing before noon then the new “Fast Track Golf” program at Crystal Springs Resort is your dream come true.

POIPU, KAUAI, HAWAII - Kauai's Poipu Bay Golf Course, located on the island's sunny south shore, has introduced a new reduced rate for players who want to experience the renowned course twice within a ten-day period. From July 1 through December 31, the "Second Round Rate" is offered at $115 if played within ten days after the first round. The new Second Round Rate is non-transferrable and is subject to applicable taxes.

POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) – Pound Ridge Golf Club – the nationally-ranked, Pete Dye-designed destination course 40 miles north of New York City – today announces a hotel partnership with Delamar Greenwich Harbor in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

SYLACAUGA, AL – FarmLinks Golf Club at Pursell Farms – featuring the world’s only agronomic research and demonstration golf course – has teamed up with barbecue enthusiast, Scott Jones, nationally recognized food and wine expert and former executive food editor of Southern Living, to offer an appetizing, new educational program that’s sure to be savored: “Barbecue Rubs & Clubs at The Farm.”

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – SouthWood Golf Club – the award-winning Fred Couples and Gene Bates designed course owned by The St. Joe Company and managed by Billy Casper Golf – is ranked No. 16 on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Top 50 Courses for Women.”

Welcome to the July issue of Golf Package Press

Welcome to the July issue of Golf Package Press, designed as a one-stop news and information resource for golf and travel media looking to provide readers with special packages from Marriott Golf's expansive International portfolio. This month, check out great deals from St. Kitts to Arizona

By Chuck Miller, "The Traveling Guy"

Tiger Woods, Corey Pavin and Craig Stadler, along with many Hollywood celebrities, sports figures and regular week day and weekend golfers have golfed there.  Where is there…it's the Catalina Island Golf Course just "Twenty Six Miles Across the Sea".  Actually the course, which is located in Avalon, Catalina's main port, is only 22 miles from the Southern California mainland.  However, since The Four Preps and Tennessee Ernie Ford made the island famous by singing that Santa Catalina was "Twenty Six Miles Across the Sea", that's good enough for me.