By definition, a links-style golf course is one that is built on sandy soil along the coastline; there is very little elevation change other than the surrounding sand dunes. These courses are usually susceptible to strong winds, which is why you will find deep bunkers; digging them deep is the only way to keep sand in them. A true links course has little if any trees; in fact, other than tall sea grasses and gorse – a hearty low-growing evergreen plant – there is little vegetation at all! Mountain golf is the antithesis of links golf, plenty of rolling hills,…
Author: David Theoret
David Theoret
The Golfin’ Guy aka David (or Dave, but never Davey) Theoret grew up in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, where it was naturally assumed he would play hockey. Beginning at the age of 3 and continuing into his late 30's, he did just that. However, after one too many pucks to the head, he realized that golf was a lot easier on the body and took the game up. Whoever said hockey players were slow? Since that time, golf has become his passion – just ask Belinda. From 2003 until 2009, David ran the sales and marketing department of TravelGolf Media and took his team to over $1M in annual advertising revenue. While at TravelGolf, an editor told him he had a flair for writing and the lightbulb came on. He started writing articles about anything golf related: courses, destinations, resorts, shoes, apparel, equipment and training aids and sending them to websites and magazines. At first, his articles were picked up by a few golf websites and magazines, but the number steadily grew – enough that he could call it a career. Most days he’s on a course somewhere, either working or playing. Actually, to him playing IS work. Occasionally you’ll find him on the practice range reinforcing bad habits. David plays to a 12 handicap - unless there is money involved in which case it goes considerably higher. He currently resides in Lakeland, FL with his wife Belinda and their two "kids", Louie and Molly.
Bay Pointe Golf Club in Brandon, MS has been family owned and operated since 1992. Brent Belton and his family have over 90 years combined experience in golf. More than that, the Belton’s are a Godly family and use Bay Pointe as a way to bring people of all ages to Christ regardless of where they are in their spiritual walk. There’s a weekly prayer meeting around 6 a.m. on the first Monday of every month, however Brent’s door is always open . The monthly prayer meeting is attended by staff, regular golfers and businesspeople on their way to work.…
As I stood on the first tee at Tiger Point Golf Club in Gulf Breeze, FL, I couldn’t believe how much room there was off the tee. Nothing but open fairways – and what looked like little patches of rough: green everywhere as far as the eye could see. I had just come from a golf trip in the Georgia mountains and Augusta where trees – more specifically tall pine trees – are the order of the day. My hope was that Tiger Point would provide a little bit of a respite from my recent treks through the forests in…
Recently, my never-ending quest for fantastic golf in lesser known destinations took me to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Bella Vista is located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. The city was originally settled as a summer resort destination and officially became a retirement community in 1965 and ultimately an incorporated city in 2007. I spoke with several residents of this little town – none of whom were actually from the area – and everyone said pretty much the same thing: “Bella Vista is a great place to live, and with so much to do, it never gets…
As a Golf Writer, my travels recently took me to the town of Franklin, TN, just south of Nashville in Williamson County. After doing a little research, I discovered that the town gets its name from Benjamin Franklin, who was a close friend of Dr, Hugh Williamson (see the connection)? Prior to the Civil War, Franklin was one of the wealthiest towns in Tennessee. Even though the Civil War decimated the national economy, the area was able to regain its prowess; Williamson is now one of the wealthiest counties in the state and Franklin is one of the fastest growing…
Old Waverly is a very special country club. It’s steeped in Southern charm, after all, a Southern gentleman like founder George Bryan has a particular knack for making guests happy. Bryan is also the co-founder of the new Mossy Oak Golf Club, located across the street from Old Waverly in West Point, MS. Since 1988, Old Waverly has been serving up a daily dose of Southern hospitality every day to members and guests of the Old Waverly Golf Club. Old Waverly was developed on the site of the historic Waverly Mansion and is regarded by many as one of the…
The St. Ives Golf Club in Stanwood, MI is the sister course to Tullymore, and is part two in the one-two punch that is the Tullymore Golf Resort. St. Ives was designed by legendary Michigan golf course architect Jerry Matthews and is considered by some to be his best work. Jerry Matthews has more than 40 years of experience in designing and remodeling golf courses and more than 80 courses to his credit. Since opening in 1995, Golf World, Golf Magazine, Golf for Women and Golf Digest have all lauded Tullymore/St. Ives with numerous awards including Michigan’s # 1 Golf…
As I pulled into the parking lot at Wolf Laurel Country Club, I was met by Head Golf Professional/General Manager, Bobby Anglin. I introduced myself and we discussed the purpose of my visit and what to expect on the course. He smiled, handed me a scorecard and a booklet of local rules and Golf Pro tips. As I headed out the door, I could hear him snickering and as I headed to the first tee, I understood why! Bobby grew up in the area; even played for and captained the Mars Hill University golf team. He has been a Class…
Attention golf and wine aficionados: There’s a resort about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, GA that is a full production winery with 45 holes of resort-style golf. With 3,500 acres of wine and golf, it’s sure to keep enthusiasts of both busy. Chateau Elan is a both a luxurious golf resort and winery – the first winery of its kind in the region since Prohibition – a tennis center, equestrian show center, conference center, European-style health spa and residential community. Chateau Elan was founded by Don and Nancy Panoz. The couple met while Don was attending Greenbrier Military Academy. After…
Gleneagles Country Club is a private, residential country club community in Delray Beach, FL. It’s a community with everything you will ever need to live a physically fit and active lifestyle. Within the guarded gates of Gleneagles, you’ll find 1,082 homes and condominiums set amidst world-class social and sports amenities: two 18-hole championship golf courses, 20 Har-Tru night-lit courts, 4 Pickleball courts, a clubhouse with over 90,000 square foot and 3 restaurants and lounges. In March 2018, a new 15,000-sq. ft. Healthy Lifestyle Center was opened. The Center features a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, physical therapy services and resort-style pool…