Tiger Woods Doing Well

Tiger Woods is in the Mohawk Valley, playing for the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge at the Oneida Indian Nation’s golf course, Atunyote. He made a smooth $20,000 so far. I wish it was that easy for blogging!

Tiger wins first 2 skins of day at Atunyote

VERNON —Tiger Woods earned the first two skins of the day at Atunyote Golf Club, winning $20,000 at the second hole.

The world-famous golfer’s presence at the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge has drawn several thousand golf fans, many of whom are camped out several holes ahead of the event’s foursome to ensure they catch a good glimpse of Woods. Tickets for the event were $330, nearly 10 times the total last year, when Woods did not play.

The other golfers today are Begay, Camilo Villegas and Mike Weir.

A skins game is similar to match play, with the winner of a hole taking a “skin” and the accompanying money. If no one wins a hole, the skin carries over to the next hole.

They finally got a nice day today– a miracle, really– because we’ve had soaking wet heat and humidity for a few days, then soaking wet, 3-inches-of-rain-per-hour days. The crowds are thick, I gather. Nice day for golf!

Thracian Cliffs Golf Course

When I was asked by the people at Thracian Cliffs resort in Bulgaria to look at their website, I thought of the incredible scenery the Thracian landscape affords, and my mind started to blow! THIS, people, is top-notch luxury property. The website itself is incredibly beautiful. I love Greek culture, Greek food, Greek scenery– I’m going to see it all someday!

Thracian Cliffs is on the north coast of the Black Sea, in Bulgaria (north of Greece). The Thracian Cliffs project is new, begun in 2006 with final work slated for 2011. It’s absolutely gorgeous, words just cannot express the incredible splendor of the area and the luxurious Thracian golf property. Thracian Cliffs is expected to become one of the top international courses for golf, ever. I can certainly understand why. It’s just exquisite.

The spectacular Gary Player Golf Course is located here. The course is named after the incredible international golfer (aka the Black Knight) who personally designed the course. This classy course is surrounded by elegantly Bulgarian properties and resorts, a true golfer’s paradise. Really, even if you never expect to stay at the resort to play golf, you must see the website! The history of Bulgaria and the photos of the resorts are truly stunning. If you travel and play golf, make this a destination; it’s remarkable.

Payne Stewart Golf Course Officially Open

Golfing is BIG– just HUGE– here in Upstate New York. I’m actually a little surprised at how popular it is, especially when you consider that for half of the year we have snow on the ground! But within a 7 mile radius from where I live, I can instantly think of 6 golf courses!! And in nearby Vernon, NY, is the famous golf course at the Turning Stone Resort run by the Oneida Indian Nation (and where the PGA Championship has been held). That golf course has been called the Northeast’s premier golf course.

There’s a new golf course– a blossoming one– or all you golf fans. Perhaps you’ve heard of it: the Payne Stewart Golf Course. It’s located in the Midwest entertainment capital of the country, in Branson, Missouri. Payne Stewart was from Missouri. He was a rising star in the world of golf, but died tragically almost ten years ago when his jet plane crashed. Stewart was also well known for his stylish golf clothing when he played– he looks like a real Scotsman! The PGA Tour established the Payne Stewart Award in 2000, given to a player who shows respect for the game (as Stewart did) and who gives honor to the sport through professional conduct and dress. What a legacy!

The Payne Stewart Golf Course officially opened this month. It’s a beautiful 7,319 yard, 18-hole course, designed by Bobby Clampett and Chuck Smith. Each hole has a special name, named for some important event or aspect of Stewart’s life. I’ve seen photos and the course looks SUPERB. Of course, it’s so fitting to be located in Branson (Branson Hills, precisely, situated in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains), where you can find the best of the best in entertainment and vacation attractions. The famous Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is there, offering spectacular family-friendly prices and events. Ad there’s the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Did you know that Branson is the nation’s Live Entertainment Capital of the World?

So if you’ve got a hankering for some fine golf in a gorgeous location, and a desire to play in a part of history and legacy, check out the Payne Stewart Golf Course and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. You won’t be disappointed!