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Slice Life January Newsletter

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Updated: 1 hour ago



Slice Life

Golf trip destinations for the month of April.


 

Happy New Year golf nuts! Hopefully you all have some new gear that you are itching to get out of the box and onto the course. We snagged a new putter a new driver, and have two new destinations for this month! So if you don't have a trip on the books, what better time than now.


What's up for this month

Thank you for the great feedback from our readers that are enjoying the spotlight on some new golf destinations. We pride ourselves on crafting the best travel experiences for our clients and we are always looking to improve our services. This is where your help is critical so we can better understand what is important to when it comes to your golf travel. Here is a ~3-4 minute survey that will help us, help you get the most out of your upcoming trips. Thank you!!

 

Now onto this month's issue. We will spotlight a surprising European bucket list destination and a U.S. destination that is host to the first stop of our 2025 event series. There are still a few spots available, click here for details and booking. Get a trip on the books - after all, we all need a little help getting through the cold weather and short days of winter!

 

Onto April we go... 

 

April Focus: Hilton Head, SC


An island of golf with a side of southern charm


With its distinctive mix of lowcountry golf and fairways that stretch out to the Atlantic ocean, Hilton Head, SC is a must-visit venue for golfers of all levels. Consistently ranked as a premier destination, Hilton Head has a wide range of courses, outdoor activities, and ocean front lodging that satisfy any wish list. Under an hour from the Savannah airport, Hilton Head offers stress free options to squeeze in travel day rounds or enjoy that last drink beach-side. It’s home to bucket list courses Harbor Town Golf Links (home of the RBC Heritage) and Pete Dye’s Heron Point, along with hidden gems like Old South Golf Links. For an all-inclusive Hilton Head experience, the resort style Palmetto Dunes offers three famed courses each by a renowned architect.


Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes
Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes

Early spring brings mild temperatures to Hilton Head, typically ranging from the mid-60s/70s without the heat and humidity of the summer months. There is generally lower rainfall providing plenty of dry, sunny days perfect for golfing or enjoying the various activities on the island. Courses are in excellent condition this time of year, with lush green fairways and full bloom azaleas enhancing the overall experience.  


The Golf

The island and neighboring Bluffton served as a proving ground for the who's who in the world of golf architecture, and we are all better for it. Famous names like Dye, Fazio, Jones, Nicklaus, Palmer and Player have all left their signatures across the island. Perhaps the most sought after hole on the island is a walk up the 18th towards the iconic red and white lighthouse at Harbour Town Golf Links. The Pete Dye gem demands accuracy with postage stamp greens and multiple water hazards. Heron Point, Dye's sister course at Sea Pines, is more playable but just as scenic. For a definitive low-country golf adventure, Rees Jones presents the Oyster Reef Golf Club. Marked by lush vegetation, lagoons that wind throughout the holes, and scenic views of the island, Oyster Reef is a true Hilton Head experience.


The 18th of Harbour Town
The 18th of Harbour Town
The Palmetto Dunes Trifecta

Along the Atlantic coast sits a collection of three courses each uniquely designed by a legend of golf architecture, with each aptly named for their makers.


Robert Trent Jones Course

RTJ abutting the Atlantic
RTJ abutting the Atlantic

Arguably the most iconic of the Palmetto trio, RTJ is known for its picturesque oceanfront views and strategic design elements. Among the first of the famous architects to lay their mark on Hilton Head, the course opened in 1967 and was later renovated in 2002. True to his design philosophy, strategy is rewarded and calculated risks offer ample rewards. Strategic bunkering, water hazards, wide fairways, and large greens are all showcased - creating forgiveness and challenges that will put all skills to the test.


George Fazio Course

One of the lagoon approach shots on Fazio's Palmetto Dunes Course
One of the lagoon approach shots on Fazio's Palmetto Dunes Course

Best known for its challenging layout, the Fazio course is regarded as the most difficult of the three courses at Palmetto Dunes. The course features a classic low-country design with tree-lined fairways, large bunkers, and strategically placed water hazards. It’s also the only par-70 course in Hilton Head and one of the youngest to be featured on Golf Digest’s 100 best in America. For those with the occasional slice, you'll find it forgiving with most of the trouble to the left off the tee.


Arthur Hills Course

2nd and 3rd at the Hills Course
2nd and 3rd at the Hills Course

Known for its classic rolling terrain and incorporation of Hilton Head’s natural beauty, Arthur Hills keeps each round exciting and golfers on their toes. Opened in the mid-80s, the course was protected by natural mounding and contours of the land. The rough is was added later, but the distinctive look and feel has been preserved. AH offers a good balance of challenge and playability, making it a favorite among a wide range of golfers. According to Arthur, the "fun" starts on the 12th hole, with water on the right lining the entire length of the hole.


A hidden gem

This one may become your most enjoyable round of the trip. Located in Bluffton along the picturesque marshes of the Intercoastal Waterway lies Old South Golf Links. Old South offers a scenic round with an comparably attractive price. The course features a unique blend of elevated greens, wide fairways, and holes that wind through towering live oaks and tidal marshlands. Several holes play directly along the marshes, showcasing some local wildlife - keep an eye for gators! The forced carries over marshes present some good challenges but the course is overall forgiving and memorable, especially the 17th's tee shot over a marsh framed by panoramic water views.


Old South 17th
Old South 17th
Accommodations

There are multiple options to enjoy Hilton Head that are great for a couples trip or a group golf trip. The Palmetto Dunes area is nicely situated in the central island area and it's proximity to golf, dining, shopping and grocery stores makes it an ideal location. The Omni Oceanfront and Hilton Beachfront resorts are the highlights of coastal resort options. There are also some fantastic private residences available if that is more your groups speed.


Balcony view from the Omni Oceanfront
Balcony view from the Omni Oceanfront

The Omni Oceanfront is perfectly located right on the beach and features private beach access, multiple pools, and a full service spa. On property there are two top restaurants and a BBQ spot. The property has shuttles to all the Palmetto Dunes courses.

Beachside at the Hilton
Beachside at the Hilton

The Hilton Beachfront has an abundance of ocean facing rooms for those moments to relax with a beverage on the balcony. The property features all one could need to enjoy their stay. Dining, Spa, and fitness facilities


Iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse
Iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse

Hilton Head isn't just for golf, it has a vibrant dining scene (Skull Creek for the win) along with plentiful outdoor adventures. With an abundance of beaches, dolphin tours, kayaking and fishing excursions available, the ocean is your playground.


How could this destination get any better? If someone had already planned it...well we have! Join us for the first stop of our 2025 event series and come play all three Palmetto Dunes courses and stay at the Omni this April. Trip details HERE.

 

April Bucket-list: Belek, Türkiye


Golf amongst roman ruins on the Mediterranean coast

Roman ruins, mountain views, the Mediterranean coast and golf? This surprising golf destination is making a name for itself as a premium yet still affordable hotpspot. Welcome to Belek, Türkiye. Tucked along Türkiye’s stunning Mediterranean coastline is an impressive stretch of golf. Known for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and over a dozen championship courses designed by legends like Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, Belek offers a golf experience that rivals the best in Europe.


I mean, check out this stretch of coastal golf!



While Türkiye (...fka Turkey) saw the first smattering of golf around the end of the Ottoman Empire in the 1890s, it was somewhat slow in developing a golf scene. Fast forward 100 years and the 1990's saw a commitment from the country focused on increasing economic tourism. Golf fit the bill, and the first resort, The National Golf Club, opened in Belek in 1994. Belek blossomed into the center of golf for the region and launched itself into the discussion as an international golf destination. Currently the Belek region in Antalya sits as top international destination with its range of courses, luxurious resorts, and hospitality.



Where to Stay and Play

 

All inclusive resort style is the way to go here. As golf found it's foothold in Belek, the development of beachfront resorts competing to out-do each other heated up. The result was dozens of 5 star hotels and the title of the Turkish Riviera. The winner (or loser, if choice isn't your thing) is you and your vacation options. Stay and play packages are abundant and there are a vast amount of itineraries to suite your needs. Most resorts have partner golf deals so you are not locked to a single resort and can experience the range of golf Belek has to offer.

 

The MAXX Royal | Montgomerie Maxx Royal Course

 

Tagged as the most ambitious of the golf resort projects in Belek, the MAXX Royal is peak luxury. This place is the ultimate high-end golf choice. The five-star resort features the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club, a championship course designed by Colin Montgomerie. The resort offers luxurious suites, villas, and even private pools. All inclusive amenities include fine dining, a water park, and a spa for relaxation after a round, MAXX is ideal for those seeking high-end accommodations combined with an exceptional golf experience. This resort particularly caters to the golf focused group with excellent group packages.


The Montgomerie course winds it's way through mature pine forests and features multiple lakes. The forests were previously harvested for timber but the sand base of the land was ideal for golf development. To keep with the natural landscape, waste areas and natural features became integral parts of the aesthetic. The course is one of the more challenging in the area and starts off relatively forgiving but tightens as you hit the back nine. The conditions and quality are top notch and the clubhouse is just as grand.


Sirene Belek Hotel | PGA Sultan and Pasha Courses

The Sirene Belek Hotel is a golfer’s haven with luxury accommodations and premier golf courses, befitting of an unmatched location in one of Europe’s top golf destinations. With a range of all-inclusive packages, Sirene Belek promises an unforgettable experience where you can tackle the Sultan Course’s challenges or enjoy a relaxing evening by the beach. The resort features two courses, the PGA Sultan which is formidable, and the more relaxed Pasha course.


PGA Sultan
PGA Sultan

Cullinan Resort and Golf Club | Olympos and Aspendos Course

Formerly known as Titanic golf resort, the property has been enhanced by the new owners and sits on a unique parcel of Belek that touches both the ocean and the Beşgöz River. Situated on the western end of the Belek golf coast, this resort feels comfortably isolated from the more central spots. The pine forest gives way to 36 holes that will make you feel great about your game. The course is open and features a number of short par 4s that are accessible with solid tee shots. This is a great spot to rack up those birdies and shoot your best round in Türkiye. With a water-park and kid's clubs this location fits the bill for golf accompanied by families.


Cullinan Golf Resort
Cullinan Golf Resort
Night Golf

 

To make choosing a resort slightly easier, opt for one that has night golf. A number of the resort courses installed massive floodlights that illuminate the course and allow play to extend well into the night. Grab some drinks and the crew and head out for an evening tee time. Nothing quite like blasting a drive into the night sky. The Regnum Carya and the Carya golf course was the pioneer of night golf in all of Europe and remains one of the best. Montgomerie MAXX, Cullinan links and Kaya Palazzo also offer night golf experiences.



 

Game of the month


Sometimes it’s fun to mix up the standard stroke play. Cash games are a staple, but if you are looking for some “friendly” competition that keeps everyone on their toes and adds a little strategy to the round, format games are a great alternative.


January's Game - Yellow Ball

If you're looking to spice up your regular golf game with a fun and competitive twist, Yellow Ball is the perfect option. It's a team-based format that adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to your round. Here’s everything you need to know about how to play and win!


Basics of the Game:

Yellow Ball is typically played with teams, often in a foursome format, though it can be adapted for more or fewer players. Each team is assigned a brightly colored ball (the “yellow ball”) that rotates between players throughout the round.


Team Setup:

The game starts by dividing players into teams of two or more. Each team receives one yellow ball, and the goal is to keep it in play for as long as possible.


Rotating the Ball:

On each hole, one player on the team will play the yellow ball. The ball must rotate between players, so each player will get their turn to play with it.


The Rules:

The yellow ball must be used on specific holes, and it’s the team’s responsibility to make sure it stays in play. If a player loses the yellow ball (for example, by hitting it out of bounds or into a water hazard), the team is penalized by adding 2 strokes to the teams best score for that hole.


Scoring:

Scoring in Yellow Ball is typically a combination of team scores on each hole and the fate of the yellow ball. Here's a breakdown for example, but don't be afraid to adjust as you want!


Individual Scores: Each player still records their individual score for every hole as they would in a regular round of golf.


Team Score: On holes where the yellow ball is in play, the team’s score for that hole will often include the score of the player who used the yellow ball. Some variations require you to count only the score of the yellow ball, while others use the best score between all players for that hole.


Penalties: If the yellow ball is lost or goes out of play, teams typically incur a 2 stroke penalty added to the best score of the team. Some variations make teams lose the ball for the remainder of the round, we don't recommend this. This is about fun, try again with a new yellow ball on the next hole.


How to Win:

The team with the lowest combined score at the end of the round wins. However, a team’s fate often hinges on how well they managed their yellow ball. Strategic use of the yellow ball and keeping it in play for as many holes as possible is key to a good score.


Why it's fun:

Overall, Yellow Ball brings an exciting challenge to the course with a blend of individual performance and team strategy. Whether you're playing with friends or in a competitive setting, it’s sure to shake up the standard golf routine and give you a fresh new way to enjoy the game!

thin driving distance of the best courses.


Your subscription means a ton - thank you!!


If you enjoyed please send to two of your golf friends!

 

Thank you for reading and see you next month! -Sean and Mike, the Golf Trip Guys.




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