So much to do!!

March 29, 2012 – 3:22 pm

Spring has definitely sprung on Florida’s First Coast of Golf and it’s tough to keep up with all the activities that are being planned.  In just a little over a month THE PLAYERS Championship will return to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at the TPC at Sawgrass.  During that beginning of THE PLAYERS week, May 6 and 7, there are number of events focused on the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The 2012 Induction class includes Peter Alliss, Dan Jenkins, Sandy Lyle, Phil Mickelson, and Hollis Stacy.  British Commentator Peter Allis, legenday golf writer Dan Jenkins, Masters Champion Sandy Lyle and LPGA star Hollis Stacy will appear at a moderated panel discussion on Sunday, May 6 from 4:30 to 6p.m. at the Hall of Fame.  Tickets for the event are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event.  This will be a great opportunity to learn all the back stories behind those amazing golf careers.

Monday, May 7th at 8:30a.m. is the tee off for the 2012 Induction Golf Tournament.  Tickets to the evenet include a VIP ticket to the Induction Ceremony and Gala that evening.  Cost is $350 per person and $1200 per foursome.

The Induction Ceremony and Gala will be Monday, May 7 at 6p.m.  There are a limited number of tickets for sale for this celebratory evening.  The cost is $150 per person.  The gala is held in the World Golf Hall of Fame immediately following the Induction Ceremony.

For more information on all these events, call 904-940-4063 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

May 7th is proving to be a big day on the First Coast with the Shrimpfest Golf Classic scheduled to be played at the Oak Marsh course at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation.   Participants will be competing for grand prize packages valued in excess of $35,000.  There’s the Atlanta Golf Package including private aircraft transportation to Atlanta and a founr at the Atlantic Athletic Club and The Golf Club of Georgia, there’s a Panama City Package with golf at Camp Creek Golf Club and Sharkstooth Golf Club, and the Sawgrass Golf Package including rounds at the Dye Valley Course and THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.  Call 904-277-5907 to register.  Cost is $1,200 per foursome and space is limited.

 

 

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Mary Hafeman Honored With Two Teaching Awards

March 21, 2012 – 10:43 am

Yes, she’s done it again.  Mary Hafeman was named PGA Northern Chapter, North Florida Section Teacher of the Year for the second year in a row.  This year, she added an additional honor, winning the 2012 President’s Plaque Award.  The President’s Plaque recognizes a PGA professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions in the area of player development.  Anyone who has ever had a lesson with Mary will second that honor.

Mary offers her Mary Hafeman Experience at both Windsor Parke Golf Club and the Champion’s Club at Julington Creek.  Improve your game and have fun doing it with Mary!

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Spring Break Means Golf, Golf, Golf

March 19, 2012 – 11:23 am

It’s spring break here in North Florida and the weather has been just perfect.  Can you say 80 degrees and sunny every day for the past week?  While a good portion of the United States has been enjoying warmer weather (and yes, even 80 degrees in Chicago), I don’t think very many places can boast about lush green fairways and azaleas in bloom.

Though my children are grown, spring break always reminds me of the time that my son and his buddies would live for golf.  A friend was a member at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club so off he’d go with his friend to sample their ocean links.  He would come back with a tan after hours in the son and glorious stories about shots made or muffed.

So if your part of the country is basking in glorious weather, think about golf, golf and more golf.  And if you are living someplace where it’s still cold and damp, remember it will be 80 degrees on Florida’s First Coast of Golf today.

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Travel to THE PLAYERS Championship Just Got Easier

January 31, 2012 – 12:44 pm

                Northeast Florida’s signature golf event, THE PLAYERS Championship held at the iconic PLAYERS Stadium Course at the TPC at Sawgrass, is scheduled for the week of May 7 – 13, 2012.  This year, tourism entities Florida’s First Coast of Golf, Visit Jacksonville, and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau are joining forces to promote the event by offering special packages that include the purchase of tickets to the event. 

                Visitors can log on to www.theplayerschampionshiptravel.com to view the various offerings. Package prices range from bargain based $99 per person a night at the Courtyard Marriott St. Augustine which includes two tickets to the tournament to luxurious two night stays that include access to the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Renaissance World Golf Village that start at $349 per person.  Phil Mickelson, Sandy Lyle, Peter Alliss, Hollis Stacy and Dan Jenkins are this year’s honorees.  For those who want to stay in Jacksonville, the Hyatt Regency Riverfront is offering a package that includes accommodations, breakfast, two tickets to THE PLAYERS and parking at the tournament starting at $229 plus tax.

                “We’re excited to be able to provide visitors with a one-stop shopping experience for their visit to our region and to attend THE PLAYERS Championship,” said David Reese, President of Florida’s First Coast of Golf.  “THE PLAYERS Championship is considered to be one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR and draws visitors from around the globe.”

                May is the perfect time to visit Northeast Florida with the average high temperature at 85 degrees and minimal chance for rain.  In addition to great tournament golf, the area features spectacular golf courses that range from true ocean links to fairways dotted with live oaks.  Course designers include Gary Players, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Weed.  And if you need a break from the game, the area’s white sand beaches stretch for miles.

                Access to Florida’s First Coast of Golf is through the Jacksonville (FL) International Airport or by land via Interstate 95 (north-south) and Interstate 10 (east-west). 

                 There’s never been a better time to book a vacation through Florida’s First Coast of Golf.  The website lists special offers, unique packages and provides a toll-free number (1-800-530-5248) to talk to a travel agent.  There are plans that fit all types of budgets and levels of golf playing ability.  �

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Super Bowl Sunday Perfect for Golf

January 23, 2012 – 10:29 am

So the big game is set - New England Patriots vs. New York Giants.  There will be lots of hype about quarterbacks, Super Bowl parties, and the television commercials.  To me Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect day to round up friends and hit the links.  he game is always later in the day and that gives me plenty of time to play. 

Many of the Florida’s First Coast of Golf course members are offering special events for the day.  The Golf Club of Fleming Island is offering the Super Bowl Scamble with a 9a.m. shotgun start.  It’s a two person scramble with a football twist.  Each team will be given a fotoball they will throw as a “free” shot once each nine.  It’s $55 for the public with special rates for members.

I’m sure there will be more offers out there and with out winter weather shaping up to be warm (I’ve seen the jasmine in bloom in my neighborhood!) now is the perfect time to visit.

So combine a little football with a lot of golf on February 5, Super Bowl Sunday.

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Danny Denison Channels Ben Hogan

November 9, 2011 – 11:33 am

     The European Tour’s Danny Denison seems to be channeling Ben Hogan.  Like the all-time great, Denison suffered a career-threatening injury in 2007 when he broke both his legs in a car crash shortly after competing in The 2007 Open Championship.  He spent nearly two years on the sidelines and after rehabilitation returned to competitive golf in 2009.  He has continued his improvement and this year won the ECCO Tour Championship on the European Tour.

     Denison is visting Florida’s First Coast of Golf’s territory this November when he will play in the Second Annual Sam Mills Invitation on Monday, November 14 at the River Ben Golf Links in Green Cove Springs.  Its a two-man scramble with an entry fee of $40 per person. 

   

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Florida’s First Coast of Golf Begins 20th Year of Operation

October 31, 2011 – 4:16 pm

     Jacksonville, FL (October 31, 2011) — Florida’s First Coast of Golf is celebrating its 20th year in business promoting Northeast Florida’s golf offerings.  The nonprofit travel destination marketing company recently named a new Executive Committee and Board Members for its anniversary year of 2011-2012 along with the award winners for the 2010-2011 year.

     Honored were Jim Lear of Champions Club as Golf Course Member of the Year; Selva Marina Country Club as New Member of the year; Homewood Suites at Baymeadows as Lodging Member of the Year; and Cathy Harbin, Director of Golf 20/20 at World Golf Village as Hall of Fame Award Winner.

     Outgoing Chairperson Richard Goldman, Executive Director of the St. Augustine Ponte Vedra Visitors and Convention Bureau, welcomed Dan Zimmer, General Manager of St. John’s Golf & Country Club as the new Chair.  Vice Chair is Jeff Truhlar, General Manager of Courtyard Marriott Oceanfront in Jacksonville Beach; Secretary Jackie Wilson, General Manager of The Palencia Club; and Treasurer Jason Kern, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hammock Beach Resort.

     “We couldn’t have achieved our 20th year without the support and assistance of so many people in Northeast Florida,” said Dave Reese, President of Florida’s First Coast of Golf.

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New Golf Partners Join the Family

October 12, 2011 – 3:37 pm

For Immediate Release

 

Florida’s First Coast of Golf Adds New Partners;
  Offers Visitors One-Stop Shopping for Golf Vacations
 

                Jacksonville, FL (October 12, 2011) — Florida’s First Coast of Golf, the nonprofit travel destination marketing company that serves Northeast Florida, has added several business partners to make vacation planning even more complete.  Joining the FFCG family is the Anne Cain Golf Academy on Amelia Island, FL; One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach, FL; and Palm Harbor Golf Club at Palm Coast, FL.  There are now a total of four golf schools, 18 accommodations and 27 golf courses that are part of the association said David Reese, President of Florida’s First Coast of Golf.

                “We’re pleased to add these members to our team,” said Reese.  “Florida’s First Coast of Golf is the one-stop destination for vacationers looking for any type of golf experience.  We have everything from luxury resorts and condominiums to budget hotels, PGA Tour caliber courses to courses for beginners, and golf schools to help anyone become a better player.”

                The Anne Cain Golf Academy is located at the Golf Club of Amelia Island near the Summer Beach Resort and Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.  Anne began playing golf competitively at age 13, was one of the top three female juniors in the U.S., earned All-American honors at the University of Georgia and turned pro in 1991, winning twice. Her programs are based on golfing fundamentals combined with the instant feedback of unique video technology. 

                Anne Cain has been named one of the Top 20 Teachers under 40 by Golf Digest and one of the Top 100 Teachers in America by Golf Magazine.  She has also been nominated by her peers as LPGA Teacher of the Year three times.

                The One Ocean Resort & Spa on the ocean in Atlantic Beach, FL combines luxury with the unique.  Its 193 rooms and stylish suites feature floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean.  All guestrooms are outfitted with personalized refreshment cabinets, iPod docking station and 42-inch LCD TVs.

                A personal Docent will greet you by name and escort you to your room.  The Docents can take care of every need from packing to providing insider tips on restaurants and shopping to enrolling children in Sea Turtle Kids Club.

                On-site is Azurea, the One Ocean Resort & Spa signature restaurant.  Located on the beach, it provides an elegant, artfully inspired atmosphere with an ocean view from any seat.

                Finally, after a tough day on the golf course, a visit to the Spa at One Ocean can make your day complete.  The spa offers more than 40 marine-inspired rituals including unique massages styles, body wraps, peels, facials and more.

                Palm Harbor Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course located in Palm Coast, FL.  It offers the player sloped fairways, strategic bunkering, natural water features, and generous greens.  The course was completely renovated in 2009 by the Clifton Ezell Clifton Design team.  Beautiful oak trees grace the property and have been preserved to provide natural beauty and charm to the setting.  Palm Harbor is the perfect course for a challenging experience in a lush Florida setting.

                There’s never been a better time to book a vacation through Florida’s First Coast of Golf.  The website lists special offers, unique packages and provides a toll-free number (1-800-530-5248) to talk to a travel agent.  There are plans that fit all types of budgets and levels of golf playing ability.

                To learn more about all the options at Florida’s First Coast of Golf, visit www.florida-golf.org , find us on Facebook (Florida’s First Coast of Golf) or Twitter (fl1stcoastgolf).

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Media Contact:

Amy Rankin

904-380-4292 or 904-334-6574

arankin@smag.com

               

 

 

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Family Golf Vacations - Double the Value

July 19, 2011 – 9:37 am

In the midst of great summer weather here on the First Coast, I’m struck by the double value of family golf vacations.  On one hand, it’s a great opportunity for parents to have quality time with their children.  Children can learn a lot from golf - patience, sportsmanship, and the value of hard work. 

On the other hand, Florida’s First Coast of Golf members provide special family golf rates during the summer.  It’s these great values - or perhaps you can call them double values - that make it a summer vacation you will never forget.

Check out World Golf Village’s Junior Golfer Special, Family Twilight Golf, Play All Day Golf and Summer Double Play for their King & Bear and Slammer & Squire Courses.  The Champions Club at Julington Creek and its sister course Windsor Park also have special programs.  And don’t miss out on getting a family lesson from Mary Hafeman, a former LPGA touring pro and PGA  Teacher of the Year.

Most of all, don’t miss out the opportunity to have fun with your children.  They do grow up so quickly!

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Fore Our Students

June 21, 2011 – 8:34 am

Young Rory McIlroy certainly wowed the golf world with his record-breaking U.S. Open victory on Sunday.  He’s been playing golf since he was a very young child and certainly had the benefit of good instruction.  There are a lot of “young guns” out on the PGA Tour now - Jason Day and Rickie Fowler - certainly fill that category. 

Youth instruction and competition are important to the game of golf.  Many of our communities are struggling with dollars for sports education and the home of Florida’s First Coast of Golf, Jacksonville, is among them.  This year, because of budget cuts by the state, the Duval County Public Schools are cutting several sports from their high school programs.  Golf is among the ones facing the cut. 

The golf world is a generous one, though, and the North Florida Junior Golf Foundation has promised to raise $70,000 by August 1st to keep golf in the schools.  The North Florida Junior Golf Foundation is hosting the “Fore Our Students” golf tournament at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club on July 18 to help raise some of the funds.

So if you love the game, want to help some young Rory McIlroy reach his potential, and want to play some golf, this is the deal for you.

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