USA Best In State Golf Course Rankings Launched

‘Build It And They Will Come’ Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Celebrates 25 Years of Perfection By Dave Finn Kevin Costner’s iconic 1989 movie Field of Dreams may not have won an Oscar, but it sparked a winner. Let me take you behind the scenes, and tell you about another man’s vision. A golfer’s dream may be to have 18 of their favorite holes, featured on a single course. Dr. David Bronner, the CEO of Retirement Systems of Alabama, had a dream to invest his organization’s pension funds and build 26 world-class golf courses that would challenge people enough that “they will want to come back and try again.” Bronner may not have heard the voices Ray Kinsella heard but he listened to the call and tapped into his creativity and courage to do what no one could imagine. Once he lured the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. out of semi-retirement, there was no looking back. With Jones as his co-director, the result is an extraordinary golf trail that meanders across Alabama, from the Appalachians in the north all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Golf Digest declared the RJT Trail as “the number one value in the country for golf!” “The very best courses are those where nature provides the canvas,” Jones said and, ”my job is to discover her secrets and reveal them.” Bronner was also convinced that the trail would attract tourism and industry to Alabama. He was right. A golfer gets a feeling for a course based on what makes it a great experience. Here is what left a memorable impression on me after visiting the RTJ Trail during its 25th anniversary. Scenery The Judge course at Capitol Hill has one of the most incredible opening holes in golf. As you stare down a 200-foot bluff to a sliver of a fairway with a well-protected peninsula green that juts out into the Alabama River, it will take your breath away. The layout traverses 200 acres of river backwaters with 14 holes that feature water hazards, making accuracy more important than distance. Here, you can also play the Legislator, a more traditional parkland course framed by tall pines and built along a large bluff, or the Senator, a Scottish links-style design with more than 150 sod-faced pot bunkers and mounds that stretch 40 feet towards the sky. Challenge Ross Bridge in Hooveris the fourth longest golf course in the world. From the very back tees, it plays all of 8,191 yards. Surrounded by the foothills, it features lots of elevation changes and forced carries that provide drama and danger. Ten holes play along the shoreline, and the waterfall that spills into the central lake is best viewed from the 9th and 18th tee blocks. Linger until dusk to hear the soulful sounds of a bagpiper as he makes his way to the putting green. You’ll be transported ‘across the pond’ at this challenging course that once played host to the Regions Charity Classic on the Champions Tour. Personality Grand National near Auburn/Opelika offers three 18-hole layouts. The Lake Course is the home of the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship that runs the same week as the British Open. Built around 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, twelve holes nudge the shoreline and will test your skills against the pros. The Links Course reportedly has the strongest finishing hole on the Trail, but the Short Course was my favorite. With a good combination of short and long holes, some uphill, some downhill and more than half touching the lake, every hole is unique and what I’d consider a signature hole anywhere else. Design Personally, I’m a big fan of huge elevation changes, and in this category, I’m torn between two contenders. Oxmoor Valley near Birminghamliterally rocks. The Ridge, built on the site of a former mine once owned by U.S. Steel takes full advantage of the peaks and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range. It showcases towering shale formations, more than 150 feet in height and rich, dense forests. Cambrian Ridgeboasts three nine-hole layouts. The Canyon was carved out of a former hunting ground, and the first hole will both inspire and intimidate you, a par-5 that drops 200 feet from the tee to the fairway. And that’s only the beginning of the adventure. With 11 sites, 26 courses and 468 holes of golf, the Robert Trent Jones Trail is varied, fun, challenging and affordable. Often imitated but never replicated, it’s no wonder the New York Times has declared the RJT Trail, “the best public golf on earth.” Dave Finn is our Canadian Correspondent. To read more about golf in Alabama visit his website at: http://golftravelandleisure.com/category/united-states/alabama-united-states/

Promoted article in association with Bird Golf Academy Golf instruction can often be viewed as being intimidating and restrictive, but the innovative Bird Golf Academy in the United States is altering that perception with a rewarding and personalised approach to helping golfers improve and fulfil their potential. Founded in 1999 by former touring professional Jay Ewing, and following what is described as the “Ultimate Golf Learning Experience”, with 21 locations throughout 11 states in America, Bird Golf Schools are providing their students with the finest professional teachers amongst luxurious surroundings, ensuring that all who take up the opportunity are honoured with the best service. The Philosophy Recognising that no two students are the same, Bird Golf School does not subscribe to a specific method or system, because each golfer is different with a variety of skills and requirements. It’s their belief that there are many ways to successfully swing a golf club, dependent on the player. With a vastly experienced staff of teaching professionals available, students can have their individual strengths and weaknesses diagnosed. This personalised service has helped to set Bird Golf apart from the rest, and ensures that all golfers will be placed on a permanent path to improvement, with these newly implemented lessons and thoughts being taken from practice onto the golf course. The Professionals For all that facilities and principles are important, the vital ingredient of what makes Bird Golf special are the superb teaching staff based across all sites in the United States. These professionals have all been PGA or LPGA members for a minimum of 20 years, with that remarkable experience ensuring that they’re ideally placed to effectively work with all potential students. These world-class professional golf instructors include an LPGA National Teacher of the Year, PGA Master Professionals, multiple award-winning PGA Professionals and winners of the U.S. Open, the LPGA Championship and various LPGA Tour events, as well as six members of various Golf Halls of Fame. Some of the most notable names on staff include Bird Golf’s founder and former tournament professional, Jay Ewing, 1963 U.S. Open winner Mary Mills, and LPGA tour legend Sandra Palmer, whose status adds a touch of sparkle to a remarkably tenured and knowledge group of instructors, which the School has described as being “the finest staff of golf teaching professionals in the world.” The Locations With 21 venues throughout 11 states, Bird Golf can call some of the world’s finest and most highly regarded resorts as home. Several of the affiliated courses have been host to many significant events, including the LPGA’s Samsung World Championship, Champions Tour tournaments, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, and the LPGA Tour. Arizona Bird Golf offers three stunning locations throughout the Grand Canyon State. The Phoenix school is situated within the beautiful Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. With stunning restaurants and spa, it’s one of the most highly regarded golf destinations in the south west of the United States, and the on-site 36-hole Whirlwind Golf Club is equally respected having accumulated prestigious awards. Whirlwind Golf Club - Bird Golf Academy Flagship Location Elsewhere, and tucked within the beautiful Sedona mountain range, is the second Arizona Bird Golf school. USA Today memorably declared Sedona the most beautiful city in the country, and it’s easy to see why with the breathtaking backdrop of the red rock aligned with the best instruction ensuring for an experience that would be difficult to match anywhere else. Situated in Prescott, Stoneridge is the third golf school in the Copper State, and the course has been widely acclaimed by Golf Magazine as being among the best recently opened layouts to play. Like Sedona, this venue offers majestic views and excellent holes, and is conveniently only 90 minutes from Phoenix, which makes for ideal accessibility. California Bird Golf can call upon four golf schools based in the Golden State, with the first of them being situated just inland from the central coast. The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in Santa Barbara offers a scenic and rustic setting that features two championship courses designed by Billy Bell, Jr. For those who enjoy wildlife, the resort was originally a cattle ranch, and has maintained stables with more than 100 horses and riding programmes for visitors to enjoy. American bald eagles and other notable animals can also be spotted alongside the Alisal Lake, which makes it a special place. Elsewhere, The Classic Club in Palm Springs is more of a desert oasis, situated only two hours from Los Angeles. Having been a host course of the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic, the venue consists of more than 30 acres of water features, bridges, and incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Golfweek and Zagat have both identified The Classic Club as being among American’s best courses, with the luxury Hyatt Grand Champions also recognised as one of California’s leading premier hotels. Golf at Palm Springs Designed by the late great Arnold Palmer, Hiddenbrooke Golf Club is sat alongside the Napa Valley and features both striking views and dramatic elevation changes over Wine County. Following the golf, relaxing at the Tuscan-inspired Meritage Resort and Spa is a delight, with the venue offering excellent spa treatments in addition to a 20,000-square foot wine cave and tasting bar. Finally, the San Diego School is based at Rams Hill Golf Club, which is regarded as being one of the most spectacular in America, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Within a short journey of San Diego and Palm Springs, the accommodation partner is the luxury La Cassa del Zorro, which is rich in history and offers some mouth-watering dining options. North and South Carolina On the East Coast of the United States, Bird Golf has two distinct sites for their Carolinas schools, with the North Carolina venue based at the historic Pinehurst, which is considered the home of American golf, while the southern location at Myrtle Beach breathes tradition and the game’s heritage. There are two facilities in the north, with Foxfire Golf Resort and Club being designed by revered architect Gene Hamm, with 36-holes being sure to test even the most accomplished of games. The two courses vary in terms of difficult, with The Grey Fox being considered as one of the most challenging in the area, while The Red Fox is less punishing off the tee, but remains a strategic test with stunning backdrops on many of the holes adding to the sense of ambience. Elsewhere, the Country Club of Whispering Pines also provides two contrasting layouts, with both courses being created by Ellis Maples, who was a student of the great Donald Ross. The Pines is the longer of the tracks, featuring wide fairways and many of the classic Pinehurst characteristics, while the beautiful River Course offers a somewhat different, but equally satisfying experience. The Myrtle Beach golf schools are based at the stunning Wachesaw Plantation East, which is in the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet that is situated alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the great links course of Scotland, the 18-holes have been designed in that manner, harkening back to the historic origins of the game. Having been the recipient of several awards and accolades, the most recent being declared Myrtle Beach, “Golf Course of the Year” in 2007, Wachesaw Plantation East was granted Golf Digest’s prestigious, four-star award in their “Places to Play” list and has been the host to the LPGA Tour on four occasions. Legendary golfer, Karrie Webb won both the 1987 and 1998 tournaments, the City of Hope Myrtle Beach Classics, ensuring that it’s a tremendous experience for Golf Bird students. Colorado Recognised for its famous mountains and elevations, Golf Bird reaches even greater heights with its two schools based in the Centennial State of Colorado. The most spectacular of which is Crested Butte, designed by Robert Trent Jones II and surrounded by peaks and striking pine and aspen forests. Acclaimed by Mountain Golf Magazine as “one of the finest golf courses in the mountains, if not the entire country,” it’s a truly magnificent setting to improve your game. With other amenities including tennis, aerobics and fitness centre, indoor pool, full service Spa and the popular Remi’s restaurant, there is much to offer Golf Bird students, who will be staying at The Grand Lodge. Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is the spectacular venue of the Denver Golf School, and is rated at a more than credible four stars by Golf Digest. Students will enjoy both courses, the 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole par-three course, to work on their games, with the stunning setting blending into the Rocky Mountains, but crucially still being within proximity of the city. Taking advantage of the excellent state-of-the-art practice facility, which features a panoramic range area and extensive chipping and putting greens, students could also use the official Titleist Regional Fitting Centre on-site at Green Valley, with welcoming accommodation to be found at nearby Hyatt Place, which offers immaculate rooms and a fine quality of service. Florida Bird Golf has five affiliated facilities in one of America’s most notable golf states, which provide a subtropical climate enhanced by beaches, bays, and the unique Bermuda grass. The most recent addition to the portfolio of the Academy, Turnberry Isle Miami and Autograph Collection property, is a local landmark, which boasts two Championship courses, an array of amenities and a lush tropical setting make this the perfect place for your Florida golf school. Also, situated in the southern half of the state, the Jack Nicklaus designed Club at Boca Pointe is one of the more exclusive schools, offering a stunning championship standard golf course, with accommodation and relaxation provided by the widely-regarded Waldorf Astoria Boca Resort, which combines to ensure for a stunning experience for those fortunate students. Boca Pointe, designed by Jack Nicklaus Further west, Golf Bird can share a beautiful academy at the Old Corkscrew Golf Club, which was able created by the legendary 18-time major champion, and it’s held to be one of his finest courses. Surrounded by towering oak, pine and cypress trees, the breathtaking layout opened for play in 2007 and quickly began to accrue many accolades. With accommodation provided at the luxurious Hyatt Coconut Point, this is what the Golf Bird Academy is all about. Situated just a little north of Orlando you will find the wonderfully historic property at the Mission Inn Resort and Spa. This is home of two award-winning championship golf courses, with the scenic countryside providing a wonderful backdrop. Featuring a backdrop of the scenic countryside and as the recipient of numerous honours, Mission Inn is an ideal setting, with students also having the chance to enjoy the tennis facilities and to enjoy accommodation in the luxurious club suites. Finally, Daytona Beach at The Shores Resort and Spa is the choice for any lover of the sand and sea, with the venue offering beautiful ocean views from the balcony after a brilliant day of golf at Pelican Bay, which has previously been a host of The Greater Daytona Beach PGA Senior Golf Classic. Pelican Bay is a 36-hole championship complex, with the North and South Courses providing students with the ideal canvas to go about their teaching, with multiple practice greens and chipping greens on site. Evenings spent within the AAA 4-Diamond hotel will be fondly remembered, with a host of premier facilities and amenities ranking it among the finest you could hope to experience. Georgia When it comes to golf, Georgia is unquestionably known as being the host state of the Masters Tournament from Augusta, but it’s also home to a Golf Bird School. Jekyll Island has been named as one of Travel and Leisure’s Best Hotels in the World, featuring 240 acres of riverfront grounds filled with lush gardens and breathtaking vistas, with luxury accommodation and dining options. For prospective students, there are 63 holes of championship standard golf to choose from, with the Grand Dunes, the Oleander, Indian Mound and Pine Lakes courses combining to create a varied and idyllic setting to play and improve your game. Situated adjacent to Sea Island and St. Simons Islands, it’s a wonderful area to explore and experience, with Jekyll Island at the centre. Minnesota The Bird Golf Academy has a base in the Midwest of the United States, and it is Minnesota’s stunning Grand View Lodge Resort & Spa. This is not only the premier venue in the state, but among the finest to be found anywhere in the country, where visitors can sample the immaculate facilities in addition to the Glacial Waters Spa, which is a spiritually relaxing setting to sample. In terms of the golf, students have unlimited access to The Pines and The Preserve golf courses. The Pines has received significant recognition through the years, having been the recipient of Golf Magazine’s Silver Medal in addition to being rated by Golf Digest as Minnesota’s only five-star course in 2002. What’s more, those with Bird Golf can practice in the private range area and take advantage of three separate putting greens with a complete short game practice area, which is all set among softly rolling hills amid the splendour of birch, maple and ash trees. It’s a beautiful place. Nevada Las Vegas is one of the most famous and iconic cities in the United States, and it’s therefore fitting that Golf Bird has a presence in Nevada, based at the Paiute Golf Resort and its three Pete Dye courses, which are just a few miles from the legendary Strip. The Wolf, which is the longest course in town, and is most celebrated for a stunning island green on the fifteenth hole, witnessed Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam marking the official opening some years ago, on Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, and shot 64 and 65 respectively in a classic match. Sun Mountain, which is the more playable and friendly layout, features sweeping slope changes, idyllic desert landscape and monstrous mountain backdrops. Snow Mountain, the oldest of the three boasts traditional Dye railroad-tie bunkers and water hazards, with four sets of tees ensuring for an enjoyable experience to all standards of golfers. There are also state of the art practice facilities. After the golf, the luxurious JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa is an ideal venue to unwind and relax, providing a choice of six restaurants in addition to all the amenities you could hope for. New Jersey America’s northeast also features a Golf Bird affiliated venue, with the historic Seaview Resort and Spa being the perfect location for a school. Resting amid 670 acres of pineland on the New Jersey Shore, Reed’s Bay, and provides those lucky guests with spectacular views of the ocean. Situated just outside Atlantic City, it’s an ideal spot for golfers travelling from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC, with the resort, a favourite of politicians and statesmen, having received several prestigious accolades, including being ranked third on Travel and Leisure’s Golf Magazines’ list of “World’s Best Golf Resorts in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The two championship golf courses are steeped in tradition, with The Bay having been designed by the legendary Donald Ross. It’s a classic links-style course that meanders around Reed’s Bay, with the ocean as a backdrop on many of its holes. This masterpiece is complemented by The Pines, which unsurprisingly, is heavily framed by impressive trees, contrasting with the more open layout. Walking in the footsteps of champions like Sam Snead and Juli Inkster, Seaview is an incredible setting to experience, and idea for a Golf Bird School. Tennessee Home to Elvis Presley and much of the cultural identity of the past century, Tennessee is another state that features a Golf Bird Academy. Based at the superb Bear Trace Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, the facility is among the most highly regarded to recently emerge in the south, and its excellent practice areas are the ideal setting for golfers to hone their game. Visiting students will enjoy the comfort of a suite at the Crossville Holiday Inn, conveniently located minutes from the course. The Holiday Inn is within minutes of Cumberland County Playhouse, Catoosa Wildlife Reserve, and several of Tennessee’s other finest golf courses, not to mention being accessible from Nashville or Knoxville airport. The Services Bird Golf School offers three all-inclusive packages to prospective students, The Eagle (One Student/One Pro), The Champion (Two Students/One Pro) and The Buddy (Two Students/OnePro. Each of them provides private, individualised instruction from a PGA/LPGA Professional, resort accommodation, and unlimited use of the golf and practice facilities over a three, four or five-day period. The Eagle This is an individual format, where the student receives one on one tuition from their professional over each day, which will include a playing lesson over nine or eighteen holes, with access to the golf courses and practice facilities upon completion of the day’s instruction. Inclusions: Lodging. Unlimited practice and play at the courses. Player evaluation. Lunch with your professional each day. The ultimate golf learning experience, with 18, 24, or 30 hours’ instruction with your Bird Schools Professional. All taxes are included. The Champion This is for those enrolling as a twosome, and the pair will work alongside a Bird Golf Professional and share lodging. Each student will two hours of personal analysis and instruction each day, and then join their partner and coach for a full 18-hole playing lesson. Eight hours of tuition each day. Inclusions: Lodging. Unlimited practice and play at the courses. Player evaluation. Lunch with your professional each day. The ultimate golf learning experience, with 24, 32, or 40 hours’ instruction with your Bird Schools Professional. All taxes are included. The Buddy Like the Champion package, this is for those enrolling as a twosome, and the pair will work alongside a Bird Golf Professional and share lodging. Each student will enjoy personal analysis and instruction each day, and then join their partner and coach for a playing lesson over nine or eighteen holes. Overall, this accounts for six hours of tuition each day. Inclusions: Lodging. Unlimited practice and play at the courses. Player evaluation. Lunch with your professional each day. The ultimate golf learning experience ®, with 18, 24, or 30 hours’ instruction with your Bird Schools Professional. All taxes are included. For more information on how you can attend a Bird Golf Academy, you can request a brochure via their website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. You can also read testimonials from golfers who have attended a Bird Golf Academy by - Clicking here

West Region US Best In State Rankings 2014 The final phase of our revised and updated US Best In State rankings for 2014 is complete 27th March 2014 We are pleased to announce that the fourth and final phase of four Regional updates is now complete detailing our latest biennial US Best in State rankings. The West Region of the USA, as defined by the US Census Bureau, comprises of thirteen states; the Mountain states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, alongside the Pacific sates of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. For the purpose of grouping our Best in State updates, we have decided to implement the rollout in four regional phases (Northeast, Midwest, South and West). The famous 19th century quote: “Go West, Young Man!” may well have promoted the expansion westward at an exciting time in US history, but statistically the Western United States is still one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country. Of the thirteen Western states, only California and Washington exceed the national average of inhabitants per square mile. The eight states that make up the West’s Mountain Division cover an enormous and incredibly diverse geographical area. Despite these inherent challenges, the Mountain West currently has six golf courses in America’s Top 100 and the most highly ranked is the inland links of Ballyneal at Holyoke in Colorado – Colorado, incidentally, currently boasts three layouts in the national hundred. Most courses in the Mountain region are modern designs and two notable layouts with a farming theme can be found at Gozzer Ranch in Idaho and at the Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana – both of which were fashioned in the new millennium. Only the Mid-Atlantic States boast more golf courses in the national Top 100 than the West’s Pacific States. With eighteen layouts in the US hundred, the Pacific States are well endowed with top-flight courses and California (with eleven American Top 100 tracks) is the second most prolific behind only New York State. Cypress Point is the Pacific Division’s standard-bearer and those golfers lucky enough to tee it up at “The Point” consider it a seminal experience. Next door to the ultra-private Cypress Point is Pebble Beach, which is simply Mecca for many golfers. Host to five U.S. Open Championships and numerous other important events, Pebble may be expensive, but it’s a course that many golfers consider to be the best you can play in the entire USA. Further up the Pacific Coast in Oregon you’ll find the only property in America where you can play four world-class courses. Bandon Dunes is an extraordinary property but it would be remiss not to savour Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s 13-hole par three course, Bandon Preserve, while visiting Bandon. We’ve extended most of our Best in State ranking lists since our first iteration some two years ago. California now features a Top 50 for the first time and Arizona and Colorado now profile Top 30s. Washington now features a Top 25 and Nevada, Hawaii and Oregon now display Top 20s. The latest revision of our Best In State rankings is simply work in progress, as we know there are many unheralded golf courses that we still need to feature. If you’re passionate about your home state’s golf courses and would like to help us further develop our Best In State initiative by shining a light on a hidden gem, then please send an email to info@top100golfcourses.com. We’d love to hear from you. To learn more about our revised Best in State rankings for the West Region, please navigate to the dedicated US state pages by clicking on any one of the following links: Alaska Best In State Golf Courses (Top 5) Arizona Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) California Best In State Golf Courses (Top 50) Colorado Best In State Golf Courses (Top 30) Hawaii Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) Idaho Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Montana Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Nevada Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) New Mexico Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Oregon Best In State Golf Courses (Top 20) Utah Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) Washington Best In State Golf Courses (Top 25) Wyoming Best In State Golf Courses (Top 10) The Top 100 Team