GolfCarolina.com Notebook for September 2001

By Shane Sharp, TravelGolf.com Senior Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - At the time of this writing, it is 94 degrees in the Carolinas largest city. It is 94 degrees in the Carolinas smallest city. As Robin Williams said in "Good Morning Vietnam," the forecast is "hot, hot, hot."

If not for the onset of college and pro football, one would have a hard time believing that fall is just around the corner. If not for the mild second half comeback against the defending champion Oklahoma Sooners, one would have trouble believing that the Tar Heels of North Carolina actually field a football team.

But the weather will change, and the Tar Heels will eventually win, and golf as we know it will carry on at its usual idyllic pace in both the Old North and Sandlapper states.

As colder weather approaches, so does winter. As winter approaches, so does Christmas. We mention this because Christmas often means bonuses, and bonuses are good.

What to do with that new found coin? If by chance you are on the verge of retirement, or are for some reason contemplating a move to the Sand Hills of North Carolina, the National Golf Club in Southern Pines has a deal for you this autumn.

National Golf Club, one of the most upscale and exclusive golf clubs in North Carolina, will showcase its facilities and real estate offerings during a special couples event this November.

"Picture Yourself at National" is a two-night, three-day couples event that takes place Nov. 7-9. The goal is to introduce this gated community and signature Jack Nicklaus golf course to future members and residents.

"National is more than just a golf course, it's a lifestyle," said Robin McClellan, membership director. "We want people to take advantage of that lifestyle, and once people see our community, they love it."

National's amenities include a par-72 championship golf course designed by Nicklaus, an elegant and recently renovated 32,000-square-foot clubhouse, a junior Olympic-sized pool, and a well-appointed tennis and swim facility.

On the real estate side, Northgate Homes recently purchased 126 homesites for development and has two completed models to tour, with three more under construction. A wide range of social and golf memberships are also available at the club.

The couples event includes two nights in on-site cottages and villas, a welcome reception hosted by Northgate Homes, one round of golf, a gourmet dinner, continental breakfast, a tour of the golfing-rich village and Sandhills area, and a special real estate presentation.

Total cost for the event is $499 per couple, and space is limited. For information on this couples gathering, contact Robin McClellan at (800) 471-4339, extension 256.

And speaking of National …

The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at National Golf Club has received the honor to host the first qualifying stage of the 2001 PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.

National is one of only 12 first-round sites selected, and will roll out the red carpet for approximately 80 players hoping to advance through qualifying and earn their PGA Tour card. The 72-hole event is set for Oct. 23-26 on National's 7,122-yard layout, which is considered among the toughest courses in North Carolina.

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Director of golf Tom Parsons has worked with the PGA for the last three years to bring Tour qualifying to National, and he said the challenge provided by Nicklaus' rolling fairways and undulating greens was a key factor in landing the event.

"They were looking for a site where there wouldn't be an abundance of under-par scores, a course that was difficult and demanding," Parsons said. "I think they're going to get it."

Parsons said the PGA Tour was also looking for a well-maintained course that provides a "fair test of golf."

"The way the course will be set up, it will be pretty straightforward," Parsons said. "But this course lends itself to par being a good score from the back tees. Everybody here, including the membership, is excited. We all are curious to see how they're going to play it."

It's yet to be determined how many will advance from National to the second qualifying stage, which is followed by a final qualifying stage. However, Parsons said it's likely that a few of those that converge on National will end up among the 35 that earn exempt status on the PGA Tour next year.

Seabrook Island Offers Fall Golf Packages

With Hilton Head flanking its south side, and the Grand Strand to the north, Charleston is often discarded as a golfing destination. Big mistake. Not only are some of South Carolinas premier low country tracks located in and around this historic gem, the city offers far more non-golf deviations than its golf only cousins.

Seabrook Island Resort is making it hard for Carolina bound duffers not to consider the Charleston area as an autumn golf destination.

Seabrook is offering "The Ultimate Golf Package" for the fall and winter seasons. The Ultimate Golf Package allows golfers to experience Seabrook's premier accommodations and also play their two championship golf courses, Crooked Oaks or Ocean Winds. The courses were named South Carolina's first "Fully Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" and Crooked Oaks is the Charleston area's only course to feature bentgrass greens.

Seabrook Island's Ultimate Golf Package is available from September 9 through February 16, 2002 and includes spacious villa accommodations, daily greens fee with a cart for 18 holes, arrival day golf at half price, club storage and a full breakfast each morning at the Resort's Island House Restaurant.

The package also allows golfers to replay rounds on either course from $15-$20 per person depending on the rate season and availability or $30-$40 per person depending on rate season with a guaranteed availability. The Ultimate Golf Package rates start at $96 per person per night from September 9 through November 3 and $84 per person per night from November 4 through February 16, 2002 with four people in a two bedroom Racquet Club or scenic villa.

"We are pleased to offer fall and winter golfers The Ultimate Golf Package," said Barry Poupore, Managing Director of Seabrook Island Resort. "We are proud to be the only private resort in the area that offers such a tremendous package for our golfing guests and the only Charleston area course to feature bentgrass greens."

Crooked Oaks, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. is a par 72 course. This recently renovated course winds around marshes, forests and moss-hung live oaks. The course measures 6,754 yards from gold tees; 6,337 yards from blue tees; 6,003 yards from white tees; 5,662 yards from green tees; and 5,137 yards from red tees.

Ocean Winds, designed by Willard Byrd, is a par 72 course that takes golfers to the Atlantic Ocean where the stiff ocean breezes challenge low handicappers. The course measures 6,761 yards from gold tees; 6,476 yards from blue tees; 6,125 yards from white tees; and 5,572 yards from red tees.

For more information about The Ultimate Golf Package, call 1-800-845-2475, and be sure to check out TravelGolf.com's upcoming feature article on Seabrook Island at www.golfcarolina.com.

Blackmoor Receives Honors

Blackmoor Golf Club received the "Golf Course of the Year Award" for 2001 from the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association (MBAGCOA). In the past, the award recipient has been selected from the MBAGCOA. This year, a nominating committee selected the top three courses from the nominations received and presented them to the local association members for a final selection. Upon receiving this award, Blackmoor becomes eligible for "Golf Course of the Year" on a state and national level.

Blackmoor Golf Club, the only Myrtle Beach area Gary Player course, was built along the banks of the Waccamaw River on the grounds of Longwood, an antebellum, rice plantation. The course sports TifDwarf Bermuda greens and 419 Bermuda fairways amid lakes, moss-draped oaks, lofty pines, and native cypress.

It has been ranked among the Myrtle Beach Golf Association's "Top 20 Player's Choice." The course has been rated by Golf Digest and included in Golf for Women's "Top 100 Women Friendly Public Golf Facilities." Be sure to check out TravelGolf.com's September course review of Blackmoor at MyrtlebeachGolf.com.