14 “Most Memorable” Holes in the SierraThe theme kicks in again! Take a personal test drive and rate the most memorable, toughest, best shots of the week. Is 14 the number? We bet there’s a lot more! Golf Travel Round-upThis is the 5-W’s special with the latest news and all the information your audience would need to decide on where to play, dine, stay – along with insider tips. With the area’s top 12 courses within 90 minutes, Golf the High Sierra represents seriously good golf, challenging layouts by top name designers, and a pleasing setting without crowds and noise that sets the tone for a relaxing visit. The combination of mountain, valley and desert layouts means multiple golf destinations in one. New Model in Today’s EconomyWe’ve all adjusted, so has the state of golf. Here, it’s beyond a previous model with gaming as the centerpiece, from “Gamblers who golf to golfer who gamble – and recreate outdoors and enjoy the lake.” Today, it’s a combination. In addition to packages and deals, it’s about value, memorable trips that combine all the elements available only here. Group bookings are increasing from previous years and more advanced tee times are being booked. Some private courses have established public play availability expanding the golf horizon. Talk to the golf pros about their particular efforts to fill the tee sheets, and visitors bureau representatives to see what golf plans are in place to keep the tourism needle moving. Area Golf ExplorersWho are the area’s golf leaders and personalities? Bob Hickam, General Manager at Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing was at Pebble Beach for years. Lou Eiguren, a Nevada native and Director of Golf at Genoa Lakes, was at Olympic Club and Edgewood Tahoe before moving back to his home state. Van Batchelder at Grizzly Ranch, is all cowboy along with the hat. He wears the same one playing on the course that he does on his 20-horse ranch. Every course has its own stories. T.J. Duncan owns three golf courses in the area and sees room for more growth. Feel free to explore. “I Didn’t Come to Tahoe to Lay Up”
The common thread: what are we thinking and why?! Why lay up and make par? Who cares? A birdie or eagle is memorable! Area VibeQuite frankly, it’s just a bit different here. Maybe it’s the mountain air, the scenery, the elevation. It has more to do with the people. From golf pros to locals, there’s a low key, casual vibe that reflects the area’s personality. While hospitality on the course and off is seriously good, the attitude is seriously fun. There’s camaraderie, a local chutzpah – maybe the result of most everyone being a transplant, an independent maverick who left the big city for the mountains, then banded together here. (The psychologists among you should love this one!) Cross Roads – Two Major Golf EventsReno/Tahoe hosts a national showcase for golf. The American Century Championship, July 17-22, is the country’s leading celebrity tournament. The 23rd annual celebrity event on NBC Sports will feature Jordan, Barkley, Romo, Romano, and 80 other top name sports and entertainment stars, vying for $600,000 in prize money (well, not Barkley), in a 54-hole, modified Stableford format at Edgewood Tahoe. The Reno Tahoe Open hosts PGA Tour stars as the pros try to tame Montreux Country Club in Reno, July 30 – August 5. What do these tournaments mean for the destination: do they attract more golfers to area courses, do they “legitimatize” the area as a golf haven and increase the cachet, how does the media attention benefit the overall golf offerings? You’ll be able to see what it’s like to play the course like the celebrities and pros at both venues with an option to play the tournament tees. And get the inside scoop of what it’s like to compete at Edgewood against the field and in front of a large gallery by playing a few holes with one of the celebrities (TBD). Visit Like a Local: Off the Beaten TrackWhat discoveries can you find on your own? Talk to the locals who run the B&Bs, catch the local skinny: best burger joints, sushi bars, lake view restaurants, venue to catch a sunset, small local’s hangouts that have visitors clamoring for more, what waiter pours a serious Happy Hour special. Find the real Carson City one block off the main drag; world-class dining in Truckee; small cabin shops lining the main drag in Graeagle. Do you know how the town of Clio (near Graeagle) got its name? Golf the High Sierra’s best then explore on your own and live like a local. Guys’ GetawaysPlay all day, party all night; swing proud and stay up way past moon shine. Why not? You’re golfing in the High Sierra. Great places to golf with the boys by day and cut loose with the 24-hour lifestyle we have to offer all day long. It’s the perfect place for guys’ getaways: complete with championship courses by top designers: Nicklaus, Palmer, Miller, Trent Jones, Sr. and Jr., reign. 22 of the area’s 40+ golf courses are part of Golf the High Sierra. Let it fly at the famous Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course (home of the annual American Century Championship), Coyote Moon, Old Greenwood, Whitehawk Ranch, Incline Championship, Genoa Lakes, D’Andrea, LakeRidge and more. Play a new course each day from Reno to Graeagle: 18 or 36 holes then bed down at the height of luxury with panoramic mountain views that stretch for miles accompanying lush and plush accommodations. After a day on the course, find the very best in pubs, clubs, bars, cigars and fine-dining demonstrating what gets our bass on the dance floors banging with priority access and bottle service for the team. Take new stories away at the end of the day that exude power, money and mutual man respect. Bottom line – it’s the High Sierra and it’s a golfer’s Mecca. Whether you’re dying to get a few minutes of silence away from the family, want a break from the daily grind or want to let loose and go crazy on (and off) the links, it can happen here. See the area on your own for a tailored story angle to appeal to your readers. We’ll also put you in touch with some of the area’s mover and shakers, on and off the course, to capture the true flavor and attitude of the area – the vibe that makes sets it apart. Girls’ Escapades and EscapesOK, the golf is there with abundant choices, and now it’s fine dining that runs the gamut of cuisines, pampering spas, casino headliners, night clubs and dancing, shopping with quaint and distinct stores, outdoor recreation from mountain biking, hiking, boating or just sunning on the beach enjoying the scenery; time for rejuvenation and relaxation. It’s time for the girls to re-connect and an escape from the guys, the job and home life for a brief respite from reality. Which are the Most Ladies Friendly Courses: layout, hospitality, anticipating the wants/needs? Who does the best job marketing to women golfers? What are the top 5 golf shops catering to Ladies fashions, whims, etc.? Who has the best dining options? Where to go post-round for spas, entertainment, recreational options? Golf Course Real EstateWhat’s happening in the current market and is it a national reflection? How is the area dealing with the economy? A number of private courses have made the transition to include resort play to complement their offerings and meet market needs. The fact that the Lake Tahoe area is one of the top three most popular second home destinations in the country continues to attract. Talk to some of the area’s experts for a long term forecast and see why Tahoe‘s golf and seasonal offerings keep buyers interested. What’s the immediate and long range impacts of major new developments like The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe and One Village Place at Northstar, and Tahoe Mountain Resorts with three courses and five residential neighborhoods under their umbrella. |
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