Golf Blog by The Orlando Golf Blogger

Orlando Sentinel reported Monday that a source who works for the Woods family stated that Tiger Woods is making plans to participate in the 2010 Tavistock Cup, which is being held on March 22nd & 23rd out at Isleworth Golf & Country Club.

Tiger Woods may return to golf at Orlando’s Tavistock Cup

Being the ultra competitor that he is, it’s going to be pretty difficult for Tiger Woods to stay away from the 2010 Tavistock Cup after the thrashing Isleworth took last year by Lake Nona.

The Tavistock Cup began in 2004 and is a two day limited access event where 20 of the top professional golfers from Isleworth & Lake Nona go head to head in a fourball two-man and singles matches.

It began in 2004 and to date, Isleworth has won four times and Lake Nona two. An officially sanctioned PGA Tour event, the Tavistock Cup features ten hours of live coverage on the Golf Channel with distribution to over 100 different countries through international affiliates.

The golf professional members at Isleworth and Lake Nona have racked up more than 700 worldwide victories and 53 Major Championships. The Tavistock Cup is one of the most sought after tickets in sports as the invitation-only gallery is limited to approximately 4,000 invited guests. The Tavistock Cup’s no ropes structure provides unparalleled access to watch the best players in the world compete.

Tiger Woods or not, this is still an event that I’d strongly consider trading one of the rugrats for tickets to!

Photo by Nile Young Jr.

On October 1st, 2009, Orlando’s newest luxury resort, Bonnet Creek will be opening it’s doors. The property will be featuring two new hotels,  the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. The property will be just a stones throw away from Downtown Disney, Epcot and the Walk Disney World Resort. This is some very exciting news since this is the first newly built Waldorf Astoria since the original was built in New York.

Bonnet Creek is set on 482 beautiful, wooded acres and boasts plenty of amenities to keep you and/or your family occupied for days.  There’s a spa, jogging trails, restaurants, four swimming pools, bicycles, fitness centers, personal fitness trainers, shopping centers and most important of all (and the reason for this article ) a Rees Jones designed championship 18-hole golf course & clubhouse!

For the entire month of September, To celebrate it’s grand opening, they’re doing nightly drawings for a free night stay at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. All you have to do to enter is become a fan of their Bonnet Creek Facebook Fan page.

Photo by Nile Young Jr.

Back to the golf course, through some awesome twist of fate, I’ve been given the opportunity to attending the grand opening ceremony on October 1st and be one of the first people to play the new course!

Not too much is known about the course, but knowing it’s a Rees Jones design leaves me with little doubt that it’ll not only be challenging but will blend nicely with the natural contours of surrounding landscape. He’s designed over 100 golf courses, many of which have hosted golf’s Majors.

There’s a couple other Rees Jones courses in the area, Falcon’s Fire Golf Course and LPGA International.

Photo by Nile Young Jr.

Designed with a five-tee system for all playing abilities, yet quite challenging, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship course winds through a large wetland preserve and measures 7113 yards with a Par 72, Slope 130, and 72.5 Rating from its Professional Tees. Holes are visually arresting from tee to green and require intelligent management of the game. Bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed on courses a century ago. Majestic stands of pine and cypress trees line the fairways. The style was dictated by the land’s existing contours, which Jones then enhanced, always mindful of the natural elements and environmental issues.

In addition to playing the new golf course on October 1st, I’ve also been given the privilege of the opportunity to interview Mr. Rees Jones regarding his latest and potentially greatest golf creation!

I’d like to share this opportunity with you, my most awesome readers, so if you’re interested, leave a comment on this post with any questions you might have for Mr. Jones regarding the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. I’ll pick the best and most relevant ones and ask those questions during the interview. I’m planning on video taping the interview so I’ll have some awesome footage to post up.

Please spread the word and as always, thanks for reading!

-Dave

Book Your Next Discounted Tee Time on GolfNow.com

CELEBRATION, FL (August 10, 2009) – Mystic Dunes would like to invite golfers to kickoff the football season at the “Kickoff Golf Classic” on August 29th, 2009. This fun, two-man team scramble golf tournament is sure to offer some exciting plays. Bring your clubs, teammate, and favorite team gear while Mystic Dunes supplies all the football fun!

Registration for the two-man scramble will begin at 7:00 a.m. followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Price includes an awards banquet and tailgate party with all your favorites!

A portion of the tournament’s proceeds will benefit United Way, the nation’s largest nonprofit. Since 1973, the National Football League (NFL) has partnered with United Way, and today it is the most visible and longest running charitable collaboration of its kind.

Tournament fees are $55 per player (if paying individually) or $100 per two-some (if one joint payment) plus tax. The deadline for entry is Thursday, August 27, 2009. For more information or to register for the tournament, please contact Keith Bielski at 407-787-5639 or visit the Mystic Dunes Web site at http://www.mysticdunesgolf.com/email/kickoff_09/.

Here’s the review I wrote about Mystic Dunes.

Orlando Golf Course Review – Mystic Dunes

If you are planning on attending, don’t forget to tell them Orlando Golf Blogger sent ya! Also, shoot me an email or post a comment.

Kitson & Partners Clubs and the Orlando Magic have partnered to bring you the 2nd annual

“FREE”
GOLF DAY!

MONDAY
July 27th
6:45 am – 6:00 pm

The participating Orlando Golf Clubs are:

Highlands Reserve Golf Club
(863) 420 – 1724

Stoneybrook East Golf Club
(407) 384 – 6888

Stoneybrook West Golf Club
(407) 877 – 8533

Timacuan Golf Club
(407) 321 – 0010

ALL FOUR CLUBS WILL OFFER FREE GOLF AND WILL ACCEPT DONATIONS TO THE:

The Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF) is committed to helping every child in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting programs and partnerships that empower families and change lives.

COME OUT AND MEET THE “MAGIC DANCERS” AND TAKE PART IN THIS COMMUNITY WIDE OUTREACH PROGRAM.

Call now and reserve a tee time!

Beverage carts will be available

Each course will be supported by local businesses offering
give-aways.

Holy busy Friday!

I’m going to change the format a bit today and instead of a long post on a single topic, I’m going to a long post a couple of different topics.

First things first. Everyone’s Favorite Golf Ball, the Top Flight Gamer Ball is on sale at GolfSmith. They’re running a special 2 for $35! Not a bad deal at all! You can pick em up in the store or online. If you’re looking to buy, click the image below so I’ll make like $.20 cents from it

If you haven’t heard about this ball, it’s a super sweet, relatively inexpensive Golf Ball. It received a gold rating on the Golf Digest 2009 Golf Ball Hotlist. Click the link below to read about it.

Golf Digest Golf Ball Hotlist 2009 – Top Flite Gamer

and here’s a slightly dated, yet still relevant review of the ball.

Top-Flite Gamer Golf Ball

If you play or if you’ve played this ball, I’d like to hear what you think about it.

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I’ve just started reading Carl Hiaasen’s newest book called “The Downhill Lie.” I’m not very far into it, but I can tell already it’s going to be an interesting read. Within the first couple pages, there comes a scene where two guys are using golf clubs to hit toads off their front porch!

Stay tuned for a full review!

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Golf Tip of the Day – Be mindful of the leading shoulder

Recently, I’ve been hitting an unusually high number of fat shots. The divot was starting about two inches behind the ball instead of infront of it. With a little help from the world famouns Brendon Elliott, I soon realized that I was dipping my lead shoulder during my back swing.

This bad habit started when I was attempting to hone my weight shift. By emphasizing my weight shift to my back foot on my back swing I was inadvertantly dipping my lead shoulder which lead to some seriously screwed up shots. I’ve thus begun correcting this oversight but it did cost me some strokes.

So, if you’re experiencing some fat shots and can’t figure out why, you might be dropping that lead shoulder on your backswing. When you’re on the range, concentrate on keeping the shoulder up and twist more with your upper body.

Just my two cents.

Happy Friday!

-Dave

Here’s the clip of my two minutes of fame (technically about 10 seconds, but hey.. who’s complaining?)

I was given the awesome opportunity to partner up with David Martin, special projects reporter with Fox News Orlando and sniff out the greatest Father’s Day golf deals.

Here’s the link to the original post. The Best Deals on Golf in Orlando on Father’s Day

For those who are interested, I’m planning on playing out at Harmony Golf Preserve on Sunday, that course is totally amazing. Saturday, I’m playing in the 2nd Annual Winter Park Country Club Father & Son Scramble with my four year old, Aiden.

Hopefully I’ll see you guys out there!

Happy Fathers Day!

-Dave

For more great Orlando golf deals sent to your mobile phone, simply text orlandogolf to 69302. There is no charge to use this service, but standard text rates apply. Please contact your cellular provider for details on these rates.

If the dad in your life is a golfer, then there’s no better gift this father’s day than a round of golf. Many might say that dad would rather spend the day with the family and while that may be true, he would also love to be out on the golf course first thing in the morning, doing what he is most passionate about.

Father’s day is one of the only days of the year when dad can get out for a “guilt-free” round. For those who don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, we golfers understand how demanding our sport can be on our time and the time spent with the family, but it’s one of those demands that we simply cannot ignore. So, while satisfying this dark mistress on an early Saturday or Sunday morning, we encounter what is known as “guilt” golf. We know that the loving father we all strive to be “should” be at home spending the morning with the family, yet, there we are, on the first tee box, drinking in the sights and sounds of the golf course just waking up, visualizing that perfect 1st drive and the amazing round that is sure to follow.

In an effort to support my fellow dad golfers, I’ve come up with a list of the best deals on golf in Orlando for father’s day.

Harmony Golf Preserve has put together two great packages that are good June 19th, 2009 – June 21st, 2009

Package 1 – $70.15

• Round of Golf
• Range Balls
• Logo Hat
• Dozen Nike Golf Balls
• Logo Towel
• Yardage Guide
• Golf Glove
• Divot Tool
• Bag Tag

Package 2 – $28.03

• Round of Golf
• Range Balls
• Divot Tool
• Bag Tag

You can contact the Harmony Golf Preserve pro shop by calling (407) 891-8525.

Victoria Hills Golf Club has three different packages for you to choose from. They can be purchased anytime and there’s no restrictions on when they can be used.

Package 1 – $99

• Round of Golf
• Lunch
• Logo Hat
• Divot Tool
• Sleeve of Balls
• Logo Towel
• Poker Chip

Package 2 – $99

• 3 Private Golf Lessons

Package 3 – $99

• Round of Golf
• Summer Club Card (which entitles you to unlimited discounted rates on golf until September 30th, 2009)

You can contact the Victoria Hills Golf Club pro shop by calling (386) 738-6000.

Celebration Golf Club and Legends Golf & Country Club have two really good promotions going.

The first is their “Buy in Bulk” Promo. This promotion expires November 22nd, 2009 and tee times cannot be booked before 10 a.m.

• Five rounds for $150
  • Four at Celebration
  • One at Legends

• 10 rounds $225
  • Eight at Celebration
  • Two at Legends

• 15 rounds $300
  • 12 at Celebration
  • Three at Legends

The second promo has to be purchased at Legends Golf & Country Club between now and Father’s Day (June 21st, 2009).

• You spend $59 dollars and you receive two all you can play days, one at Legends and one at Celebration. Only blackout day is Labor Day and Celebration is after 11:00am on the weekends.

You can contact the Celebration Golf Club pro shop by dialing (407) 566-4653 and Legends Golf & Country Club pro shop by dialing (352) 243-1118. Here’s a link to the Orlando golf course review I wrote about Celebration Golf Club

Shingle Creek Golf Club

• Five Rounds for $199.99

You can contact the Shingle Creek Golf Club pro shop by calling (407) 996-9933. Here’s a link to the Orlando golf course review I wrote about Shingle Creek Golf Club.

Timacuan Golf Club is running three different Father’s Day promotions that can be purchased online or in the pro shop.

• Par Package $49
  • One round of golf
  • One lunch

• Birdie Package $69
  • One round of golf
  • One Lunch
  • One Nike golf shirt

• Eagle Package $89
  • Two rounds of golf
  • Two lunches

You can contact the Timacuan Golf Club pro shop by calling (407) 321-0010

Champion’s Gate

• Play all day for $59 per person. Valid on both the National and International Course.

You can contact the Champion’s Gate pro shop by calling (407) 787-4653.

Mystic Dunes Golf Club has a couple of offers.

• Play all day for $59 per person.
• Dad’s eat (at Kenzie’s)and play for free with a paying adult.
• Spectacular Summer of Golf membership. You purchase a membership pass for $200 and receive $15 daily green fees from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Membership and offer valid June 1st, 2009 – September 30th, 2009.

Contact the Mystic Dunes Golf Club pro shop by calling (407) 787-5678. Here’s a link to the Orlando golf course review I wrote about Mystic Dunes Golf Club.

Diamondback Golf Club

• Dad plays free with a paying adult ($35).

Contact the Diamond Back Golf Club pro shop by calling (800) 222-5629.

Hunter’s Creek Golf Club

• Dad’s play free with a paying adult.

Contact the Hunter’s Creek Golf Club pro shop by calling (407) 240-4653.  Here’s a link to the Orlando golf course review I wrote about Hunters Creek.

Sugarloaf Mountain

• Play for $37 per player.

Contact the Sugarloaf Mountain Golf Club pro shop by calling (407) 544-1104. Here’s a link to the Orlando golf course review I wrote about Sugarloaf Mountain.

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida’s Doug Spencer 13th Annual Golf Challenge

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida’s Doug Spencer 13th Annual Golf Challenge will tee off on Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge. Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. and includes a box lunch, a wonderful dinner at the end of the day and the chance to win amazing prizes.

Golfers of all ability levels can enjoy this unique event as they race around a championship golf course in individual carts competing to see who can play the most holes in 6 hours! (Can you top 117 holes?) Golfers solicit pledges from friends, family and business associates for each hole they play and are asked to raise a minimum of $1,500. All funds raised benefit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

Becoming a Golf Challenge participant is easy! The Coalition provides each participant with an electronic pledge sheet, sample form letters, emails, a personalized pledge webpage and helpful tips on fundraising. Visit CFLHomeless.org, call 407-426-1265, or email Debbie.Leon@cflhomeless.org.

We’re looking for event sponsors, hole sponsors and a hearty group of golfers. Your participation will help bring the nearly 650 men, women and children we serve each day back to a life of self-sufficiency…..and you’ll have fun doing it! Are YOU up to the challenge?

Here’s a link to their blog post. Not your regular golf tournament.

Images from last years event. Doug Spencer 12th Annual Golf Challenge

Sounds like a pretty awesome gig, there’s tons of really good prizes and it’s a great cause.

Huge news for all you Orlando based folks!  Brendon Elliott who is the head golf professional out at Winter Park has been working very hard to put this together and I for one can’t wait to check it out.

WINTER PARK COUNTRY CLUB
TO HOLD MONTHLY
GOLF LECTURE SERIES

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner (February 26, 2009) – The Winter Park Country Club (WPCC) located at 761 Old England Avenue will present the inaugural session of their lecture Series presented by Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. Space is limited and tickets for the first lecture are on sale now for just $10 at the Winter Park Country Club. The lecture series will be held on the second Tuesday of each month through December 2009. Scheduled speakers will include some of golf’s greatest PGA and LPGA TOUR® players, experts in areas such as fitness, mental coaching, golf history, golf media and more.

Veteran PGA TOUR® professional and Orlando native Cliff Kresge will be the first speaker at the kick-off session on March 16. Kresge began playing golf at age eight when his family moved to the 13th hole of Dubsdread Golf Club in Orlando. After learning to play the game on his own, his self-made swing led him to the University of Central Florida where he won three collegiate events and earned All-American status in 1990. After notching three victories, Kresge has solidified his status on the PGA TOUR®, most notably posting a third-place finish in the 2008 Arnold Palmer® Invitational presented by MasterCard®.

As a special bonus to those attending the March 16 lecture, a representative from the Arnold Palmer® Invitational presented by MasterCard® will give away two Palmer Pavilion Badges for the 2009 tournament to be held at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club on March 23 through March 29.

For more information on the Lecture Series, please call 407-599-3339 or
e-mail winterparkgolf@cityofwinterpark.org.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official Web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the emcee for the event is Golf Central Anchor, Todd Lewis.

I’m going to be there so let me know if you are planning on attending, we can meet up.

-Dave

Golfnow – Discount Online Tee Times

Hey Everyone!  Belated Merry Christmas!  Hope you had a wonderful one and got everything you wanted!   I know I did!

Check out the article below!  If you live in the Orlando area and you have some kids, consider checking this out.  My three year old son Aiden will be in attendance.

-Dave