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The Legends Golf and Resort

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Great golf by design is what The Legends Golf and Resort is all about. Being home to award-winning layouts, The Legends has been catering to all sorts of golf enthusiasts who want to test their skills among South Carolina’s finest holes that were built to perfection. Three of the famous golf courses include the Heathland Course, the Moorland Course, and the Parkland Course.

The Heathland Course has been shaped like that of the links courses of the British Isles. The featured holes were also patterned to familiar links like the St. Andrew’s and the less branded Cruden Bay and Lahinch. Designed by the famed Tom Doak, this layout features the strategically placed bunkers, the lush deep rough, and the greenside bunkers, that blend well with the unobstructed breeze to create the perfect golf challenge. Among the numerous citations that the layout boasts about include “America’s Top Golf Courses”, “Best Public Access Courses You Can Play in South Carolina”, and the “Top 10 New Resort Courses in the World” given by GOLF Magazine.

The Moorland Course on the other hand has been cited by Golf Digest as one of the “Top 50 Toughest Courses in America”. This layout was designed by P.B. Dye, a noted golf course architect and was opened for play in 1990. In order to make challenging golf rounds, Dye placed the exceptional undulations and bulkheads to the large expanses of water, sand, and waste areas. On the par-4 16th, golfers will encounter the large bunker that was named “Hell’s Half Acre.” In 1990, the course was cited by Golf Digest as among the “Top 10 New Courses of 1990.”

And in 1992, the Parkland Course had its debut. Being the last among the three, this layout offers the distinct contrasts to Heathland and Moorland. The layout features the tree-lined fairways, deep-faced bunkers, vast natural areas, the massive and multi-level greens perfectly blended to the course’s natural terrain. In 2009, Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play rated the Parkland Course with 4 stars.

Getting in Tough Shape for Golf

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It is every budding golfers dream to play like that of the professionals. From the swinging skills all to the way to earning golf titles and endorsing top caliber sports brands, everyone is just dying to be in their place. But before you get hold of these things, there are certain pointers that you must bear in mind in order to climb up the ladder of the golf industry. It is not much of what you know, but how willing you are to improve each day.

The very first thing that you must consider is about the regular workouts. You can do cardio workouts like running or biking first day in the morning. This will help you burn all the fat reserves in your body and use it to fuel for the morning’s workout. As much as possible, try various morning workouts. Do not stick to just one daily workout routine because there is a tendency that you will get bored or tired in the long run. In order to succeed with your strength training, flexibility training, or cardio workout, look for means on how to make it an exciting one. Make each day different from the rest.

The next thing that you must consider is taking the proper diet. Workouts and training can be further enhanced when paired with the right kind of food intake. Usually, in order to stay fit, golfers are required to have the high protein and low carbohydrates diet. That would mean vegetables, fruits, seafood, and lean meats.

And lastly, the game of golf is not much of the muscle-building but rather the weight training. The lifting routine can be done using the light weights but with higher reps in order to strengthen your endurance. Remember, golfers must have the strong lower body power in order to have the mighty swings.

Sea Trail Plantation and Golf

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The Sea Trail Plantation and Golf features some of the finest golf layouts that South Carolina takes pride on. These championship courses were already recipients of prestigious awards including the “Best Resort Courses of Distinction” as cited by Golfweek Magazine and “Reader’s Choice Best Golf Course in Brunswick Country for 2008-2009” given by the Brunswick Beacon readers. With the numerous accolades, these signature golf courses have become a golf haven for golfers with various ability levels.

One of Sea Trail’s finest layouts is the Maples Course which opened in 1986. Designed by the famed Dan Maples, the course is set along the tall Carolina Pines and twisted ancient oaks and is being highlighted by the Tifdwarf Bermuda greens. This par-72 golf layout also features five golf holes that wind along the Calabash Creek, numerous waste bunkers, undulating greens, and a full-length fairway. Regarded as the nation’s “Best New Courses in 1986” and one of Maple’s finest, this layout provides every golfer a true test of skills that demands accuracy. While on play, golfers will have the clear view of the nesting pairs of osprey.

The Willard Byrd Golf Course on the other hand was opened during the fall of 1990. What makes this layout unique from the Maples is that it was built around man-made lakes ranging from 14 to 20 acres. Aside from the water hazards, golfers will also encounter the challenging greenside bunkering system, the newly renovated undulating Champions Bermuda greens, the strategically placed tee shots, and the scenic 18th hole that is perfectly set between two majestic ponds. Each hole of this layout would require a distinctive and different approach in order to go through the course’s various challenges and end up with exciting and rewarding golf rounds.

The Rees Jones Course is the resort’s third layout that has become among the locals as well as the foreign guests’ all-time favorite. In 1999, the course underwent renovations in order to come up with the naturalized look where the wildflower plantings and native grasses thrive. While on play, golfers of all ability levels will come face to face with the layout’s large mounds, wide fairways, elevated greens, and the large expanse bunkers.

Aside from the well-designed golf holes, the resort also offers guests with additional golf amenities including the two clubhouses that have golf shops, dining, lounges, a driving range, putting greens, and a Golf Learning Center that is PGA-sanctioned. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or have the exciting golf rounds, the Sea Trail escape is surely worth another try.

Cougar Point Golf Course

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The Cougar Point Golf Course in Kiawah Island has been considered as one of the island’s most dramatic vistas. The course was originally named Marsh Point but was later changed. In 1996, the golf course was completely redesigned by Gary Player and now features the perfect blend of long and short par-4s, challenging par-3s, and the risk/reward par-5s in the 6,875-yard layout. The new par-72 Cougar Point is now 600 yards longer than the first Gary Player masterpiece that opened in 1976. Just recently, the golf course was cited as “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest reader’s poll and the “Golf Course of The Year” as cited by the Golf Course Owners Association of South Carolina.

While on play, golfers of all ability levels can find the course’s new design a bit challenging. The short par-4 holes now offer the open-run-up areas at the front of the green as well as the wide landing areas giving each golfer the array of options to avoid the obstacles and take the best angles towards the target. On the 5th hole, in order to avoid hitting around and over the trees, golfers must opt for the right. The opposite is required when dealing with the 7th and 8th hole in order to avoid the trees that guard the approach shots. In order to have the relaxing feel while on the greens, hole #6 provides a spectacular view of the Kiawah River and on almost every hole is the sight of the countless wading birds including the pelicans and osprey eyeing for a meal.

To culminate an exciting golf round, players must go through the magnificent finishing holes from the 15th all the way to the par-4 18th hole. Cougar Point has the course rating of 73.0 and 134 slope rating on Bermuda grass.

Making Your Pitch Shot Work

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Pitch shots are usually the kind of shots that most of the amateur golfers fear about while the professionals do whatever it takes to steer clear of them. First let me discuss to you what a golf pitch shot is all about. This kind of shot is generally hitting the ball and sending it into the air prior to its landing on the green. The thing here is that a golfer must be able to hit the golf ball at a high point and let it settle softly on the green with a quick stop. Now what makes this kind of shot quite difficult is that pitch shots lack the subtlety of a strong drive and that getting the right distance of the shot is not easy.

Here are some guidelines on how to end up with successful pitch shots:

  • In taking the pitch shot, make sure that your muscles are relaxed. Bodily tensions will create shots that will lead the ball far from the desired landing area.
  • Make sure that you are able to control the distance. Use the basics of golf swings. For the long pitches, use the longer back swing and for the short pitches, use the shorter shots.
  • Have the your regular and comfortable grip in handling the club. See to it that your hands are marginally ahead that of the ball at address.
  • Maintain a narrow stance. The ball must be located slightly back beyond the core of your stance.
  • When pitching, the follow-through must have the same length with your back swing and see to it that the lower portion of your body is stable throughout the swing.
  • In order to make the ball spin more and bring it to a complete stop quickly, accelerate through the ball.
  • Practice as often as possible. If there is a need to experiment as how to get the desired distance, do so.

There are still plenty of techniques on how to get successful pitch shots. The key here is to be able to familiarize your swings and get comfortable with it.

Woodlake Country Club

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The Woodlake Country Club boasts of its world class golf courses that have been attracting all sorts of golfers from the various parts of the globe. The Palmer Course and the Maples Course serve as the testimony for the area’s excellent condition as well as the ingenuity of Ed Seav, Arnold Palmer, and the late Ellis Maples. Set in the flat and rolling terrains of Sandhills, these layouts already served as the host for several golf competitions including the Carolina’s PGA Match Play Tournament as well as the North Carolina State High School Championship to name a few.

The Palmer Course offers the 18-hole championship golf with the medium-length layout. From the back tees, golfers will have the 6,882-yard par-72 play with the course rating of 72.9 and a slope rating of 133 that often tests the skills of the professionals. Considered as an Arnold Palmer masterpiece, this layout is full of surprises leaving some of the golfers unaware of the layout’s traps and obstacles. The Palmer also features the well-maintained heat-tolerant greens, the nine holes that are wooded, and the remaining nine holes that follow a link style.

The Maples Course on the other hand is another 18-hole layout that offers the 6,791-yard par-72 play. The layout was given a slope rating of 134 and a course rating of 73.2. The Maples’ #1 through #4 holes has been surrounded by water and the other five holes were incorporated with the sand bunkers. The #18 hole that plays the 523-yard, par-5 would require golfers a tee shot over the water all the way to the bunkered dogleg left fairway and another approach shot that crosses over the water that ends up to a small green.

So whether it’s for a round of golf or relaxing with nature, this golf oasis will surely give you the experience that is beyond imagination.

Quick Tips for the Left Handed Golfers

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It is every golfer’s aim to make long and straight shots whether they are right-handed or left-handed. However, focusing too much on distance often leaves accuracy the less regarded factor. Not known to some of the golfers is the idea that it is pointless to drive the ball further without hitting the right direction. However, accuracy is affected by the way the golfer handles the club and the way they swing them. And the right-handed golfer’s swing is somehow different from the left-handed golfer’s swing.

Since most of the golf instructions from various sources motivate the greater population of right-hand golfers, left-handed golfers often find the game of golf difficult to pursue. However, instructions do not differ that much. It is just basically the mirror image of everything.

Here are some quick tips that a left-handed golfer can consider:

  • Choose the right kind of equipment that is suited for a left-handed golfer since it is considered as an integral part of golf.
  • Have the comfortable club grip. Bear in mind that it must not be too tight or too loose.
  • Have the appropriate stance. Make sure that your foot is slightly angled towards the outside in order to give plenty of room for your hip rotation. Remember, the chief source of power is the hips. The energy that you will need to have the long shots.
  • The next thing that you must look into is your posture. Your knees must flex when addressing the ball. In doing such, there will be a smooth weight shift from left to right as you hit the ball.
  • When the club head is already near the ball, try to release with the left hand. After contact, your left hand must flick forward. In order to perfect this instruction, you must persevere in practicing.

All of these things are merely basic instructions. If you want to perfect you golfing, it may be best that you look for a left-handed coach or train with the left-handed golfers. Just like any other instructions, practice makes perfect.

Foxfire Golf and Country Club

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The Firefox Golf and Country Club is a premier North Carolina golf destination set in the vast lands of Sandhills. What was once a famous golf hunting area is now home to the traditional and award-winning 36 golf holes. The golf course was designed by the famed golf architect Gene Hamm that started its operations in 1968. Over the years, golfers coming from various locations including many famous names have graced the layout’s well designed fairways. The golf club now features two layouts: The Foxfire East Course and The Foxfire West Course that provide guests with a classic and unique golf experience. These two courses meander through North Carolina’s rolling terrains bordered by the tall pine trees and features the Bermuda fairways and tees as well as the Bent grass greens.

The Foxfire East Course is considered as Hamm’s flair for classic golf. The layout is perfectly nestled on the area’s natural contours and features the strategically placed bunkers, tree-lined fairways, and the generous greens. While on play, golfers will encounter the tough first hole that offers the par 5 play. All throughout the game, guests will be rewarded with the layout’s great conditions and natural beauty. In 1998, Foxfire underwent an incredible course improvement.

The Foxfire West Course on the other hand offers the traditional golfing at its best. After the major renovations, the layout featured the all new G-6 bent grass greens, new cart paths, new bunkers, and the new irrigation system. What makes this course unique is that it is being highlighted by the challenging par-3s. To provide the classic feel, the golf course is surrounded by the rolling hills and the tall pines.

The Links at Stono Ferry

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Golf at its finest is what The Links at Stono Ferry is all about. The layout is perfectly nestled amidst the low country breezes of South Carolina coming from the Intracoastal Waterway as well as the live oaks that are already centuries-old. If you are looking for a golf getaway that is close to nature, then this is where you would want to spend that perfect bonding moments with family and friends. Designed by the famous Ron Garl, the Links has been cited as the “Charleston Area Course of the Year” that features some of the most exciting tests of golf in the area.

The golf course grounds used to be the location of the Battle at Stono Ferry and that is why numerous relics of history can be found within the layout’s vicinity. While on play, golfers will have the fair share of the historical battle that happened in the late 1700s through one of South Carolina’s best golf holes. The layout’s putting surfaces that were installed in 2005 features the New Champion Bermuda grass. At the same time, the course’s heart-pounding 18th hole island-green was also created. The front nine runs through the waste area-lined fairways and the majestic pines while the back nine winds its way through the Intracoastal Waterway banks. Golfers of all ability levels will surely have the challenging rounds as well as the unique golf tests in all of Charleston.

The club’s landscape is also home to an expansive practice facility that features the complete target, putting, and chipping greens. The Links will not just be a sanctuary for the avid golfers but also for those who want to spend a quiet refuge with nature.

Austin/Barton Creek Golf

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Being dubbed as the “Live Musical Capital of the World”, Austin has been flocked by both the local and foreign guests over the years due to its gracious warmth and peaceful beauty. This Texas capital city is also considered as the center of alternative culture. Being tucked away from the busy cities of the American Coasts, Austin has become a haven for quiet refuge where guests can relax and rejuvenate. Aside from the vast outdoors, Austin’s acres of rolling hills are also home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Austin’s Barton Creek Resort boasts of four beautifully designed layouts namely: the Fazio Foothills Course, the Fazio Canyons Course, the Crenshaw Cliffside Course, and the Palmer Lakeside Course.

Barton Creek Golf Resort – Fazio Foothills Course

Texas GolfThe Fazio Foothills Course of Barton Creek Golf Resort has been ranked as Texas’ number 1 Golf Club. This 18-hole Tom Fazio signature golf course features the cliff-lined fairways, waterfalls, natural limestone caves, and the superb TiffEagle Bermuda greens. To add up to the challenge, the layout offers plenty of elevation changes, grass bunkers, undulating aprons, as well as the 5 various sets of tees that would appeal to an array of handicap levels. This stay and play course has also been considered by guests as every shot-maker’s paradise.

Barton Creek Golf Resort – Fazio Canyons Course

Currently ranked as Texas’ number 2 Golf Club, the Fazio Canyons Texas GolfCourse of Barton Creek Golf Resort is Tom Fazio’s second signature masterpiece. This par-72, 7,153-yard course offers the numerous scenic holes that are lined with Sycamore trees and Red Oaks. While on play, golfers can have majestic views of the beautiful limestone bed creek known as the Shorts Springs Branch. Aside From the well-designed 18 holes, golfers can also take advantage of the course’s extensive practice area and a pro shop. In order to have an exciting round-up at this amazing layout, golfers must be able to overcome the par-5, 516-yard finishing hold.

Barton Creek Golf Resort – Crenshaw Cliffside Course

Texas GolfThe Crenshaw Cliffside Course of Barton Creek Golf Resort has been the product of the joint effort of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, renowned golf course architects. The layout, which has been cited by Dallas Morning News as among the “50 Best Courses in Texas”, meanders through Austin’s rolling hills, soft contours, natural plateaus, and native vegetation. The layout was created using the “old-style philosophy” where the natural terrains played a great role on the layout’s routing.

Barton Creek Golf Resort – Palmer Lakeside Course

The Palmer Lakeside Course of the Barton Creek Golf Resort is Texas Golfperfectly nestled on a secluded hilltop that offers the best scenic views of the Lake Travis. This extraordinary championship golf course was designed by the famous Arnold Palmer that opened for play in the mid 1980s. Considered as a big-hitter’s delight, the layout was cited by the professional golfers as one of the “Top Ten Texas Courses”. Golfers of all ability levels can now have the exciting tee times and good rounds of golf with friends on one of the world’s finest golf courses.