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| · June 9, 2003 · |
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· Swing Into Summer In Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - With more than 1,370 golf courses Florida is abundant with dynamic golf packages and world-renown golf events. A recent University of Florida study revealed golf to be a multibillion-dollar industry for Florida, having generated US$4.44 billion in revenue for golf courses in 2000. The related economic impact was estimated to be nearly US$1 billion in lodging, food and beverage. The study also found that Florida's golf industry directly employs 72,000 people.
Setting up a tee time at one of Florida's golf courses is easier than ever with the new 2003 edition of Play FLA Golf, Florida's official golf guide. The guide is a one-stop source for visitor information about golfing in the Sunshine State. Play FLA Golf includes a comprehensive list of Florida golf courses by region, golf editorial and golf vacation information. Order PLAY FLA Golf by calling toll-free 1-877-PLAY FLA or visiting Florida's Official Golf Web site, www.playfla.com. For Florida Vacation information, visit www.flausa.com. Following is a sampling of the latest Florida golf news, packages and events. Also, attached for your convenience are golf facts for the State of Florida. Golf Packages ORLANDO - For the golfer needing a "pick-me-up" on or off the course, Grand Cypress Resort - renowned for its Academy of Golf and pristine courses - has introduced a golf make-over that is sure to have them swinging in style. The package includes: a comprehensive full-swing analysis on the Model Golf program, a total of eight hours of instruction over two days, two days of unlimited golf on Grand Cypress, award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, 500-series TaylorMade driver and fairway woods, TaylorMade irons, Rossa putter and golf bag, a dozen golf balls, Grand Cypress golf towel, massage/facial, and a luxurious one bedroom villa. The Grand Cypress golf make over packages are priced at US$5,200 per person based on single occupancy, and include all room taxes and resort fees. (800) 835-7377 or (407) 239-4700. www.grandcypress.com BOCA RATON - Golf enthusiasts who wish to experience the Boca Raton Resort & Club's golf program may want to choose the value-added two-night golf package. The Boca Golf Package is available year-round and features one night deluxe accommodations; unlimited golf with shared cart on either the Resort, Country Club or Grande Oaks courses (advanced starting time reservations are recommended, cart included for one round per day, transportation not included to Grande Oaks); golf clinic (one per person); daily breakfast; unlimited range tokens; daily bag storage and club cleaning; and complimentary use of the fitness centres. Package rates start at US$351 in the summer (May 23-Sept. 30, 2003) and US$535 in the fall (Oct. 1-Dec.18, 2003). Rates are per room, based on double occupancy and do not include tax and service charge. (561) 447-3000. www.bocaresort.com PALM BEACH - The Chesterfield Hotel a historic landmark and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, currently has a Golf Getaway package that includes luxurious accommodations, continental breakfast, dinner for two with selected wines in the world-famous Leopard Lounge and Restaurant, tee times for two at Emerald Dunes Golf Course and complimentary golf favors including golf video, a book on golf and Red Carnation Hotel golf balls. Through Sept. 30, 2003 the Golf Getaway is US$439, and from Oct. 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004, it is US$679. Prices are subject to availability and exclude taxes and gratuities. (800) 243-7871. www.chesterfieldpb.com NAPLES - The Inn at Pelican Bay, located in prestigious Pelican Bay in Naples, is offering the Tee for Two Golf Package. With prices starting at US$234, this package includes two nights/three days accommodations, a deluxe continental breakfast and newspaper each morning, and one round of golf on two world-class courses including Tiburon Golf Club, The Colony Golf Club, Grandezza, or Raptor Bay Golf Club. (239) 597-8777. www.naplesinn.com NAPLES - The Inn on Fifth, situated in renaissance Old Naples, is offering the Champions Golf Package. The package includes one round of championship golf on the Flamingo Island (Robert Trent Jones Sr.) or Mustang (Lee Trevino) courses at Lely Golf Resort, cart fee, green fee, complimentary range balls, tee packet, bag tag, one night/two day accommodations in an elegant room with balcony, a deluxe continental breakfast and daily newspaper. The package starts at US$138 for one golfer in one room and US$173 for two golfers in one room. Rates fluctuate depending on time of year; the package is available through Dec. 18, 2003. (941) 403-8777. www.naplesinn.com NAPLES - For affordable, value-added golf packages, look no further than the Quality Inn & Suites Golf Resort in Naples. The "Come Play In Our Yard" golf package includes three days/two nights accommodations, three days of unlimited golf with a shared riding cart (guaranteed tee-times at the time of reservation), free range balls and bag storage, breakfast for two each morning, one dinner for two at T.A. Fitzgerald's Restaurant & Lounge, two cocktail coupons, taxes and gratuities. The complete golf package is available for US$359 Oct. 1-Nov. 30, 2003. This package is reduced to US$319 per couple May 1-Sept. 30, 2003 and Dec. 1-Dec. 24, 2003. (239) 455-1010. www.naplesgolfresort.com Fort Walton Beach - The Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront Hotel is offering a special golf package for US$103 per golfer, per night, double occupancy. The package includes accommodations, 18 holes of golf, cart usage, deluxe breakfast, complimentary welcome cocktail coupons and all applicable taxes. Some holiday weekends are excluded and additional charges will apply for triple and quadruple occupancy. (877) 243-9444. www.bestwestern.com/ftwaltonbeachfront GOLF NEWS PALM BEACH GARDENS - The Champion golf course at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens recently completed a US$4.1-million renovation. Nicklaus Design Company and PGA National Golf Club General Manager of Golf Operations Scott Clark oversaw the course renovations and design alterations. Course renovations included the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system, which will provide maintenance staff with the ability to irrigate at 96-percent efficiency while conserving water. The course also has a new cart path system, renovated bunkers, redesigned drainage system and redesigned putting greens. The first tee and cart staging areas have been redesigned to better accommodate traffic flow and practice needs. The final stage of the Champion redesign and renovation program was the new grassing of the entire course. The Champion course reopened in December 2002, providing players with the finest playing services available worldwide and the challenge of a course ranked in the top five percent of the most challenging courses in Florida and the top 10 per cent in the United States. (561) 627-2000. www.pga-resorts.com GOLF EVENTS & TOURNAMENTS (http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments) Oct. 20-26, 2003 (LAKE BUENA VISTA) - The FUNAI Classic at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort will take place at Walt Disney World's Magnolia and Palm courses. Heart of Florida United Way (http://www.hfuw.org) is the official beneficiary of the Disney Golf Classic. Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2003 (PALM HARBOR) - The Chrysler Championship to be held at the Westin Innisbrook Resort and The Academy Prep School has been chosen as the charity to benefit from the 2003 tournament. Birdies for Charity will also give other local charities the chance to receive funds from the general public, based on the number of "birdies" made by the players in the tournament. (727) 942-5566. www.pgatour.com/tournaments. Media Contact: Laura Johnston PR/Promotions Representative - VISIT FLORIDA (Canada) The RMR Group 416-485-8724 ext 231 / 800-267-7600 ljohnston@thermrgroup.ca |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |