Marriott Golf Goes Green

Camelback Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. has been recognized by Audubon International as a "Certified Sanctuary." This honor means that all 25 Marriott golf courses in North America are now certified "green."

"Golf courses have always been a great site for wildlife," says Marriott's Senior Director of Golf Grounds Operations, Robert Waller. To help encourage an on-course relationship with nature, Waller says Marriott supplies caddies with handbooks that have detailed information about plants and wildlife. "It almost becomes a game to see how many things you spot," he says, noting that the interaction is a "value add" to the golf experience.

Here's a shot of the 5th hole on Camelback's Padre Course:

And the 15th at Royal St. Kitts, another Marriott property:

For more information about Audubon International's Golf Sanctuary program, click here.

Countdown to the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show

We're just three weeks away from the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Every year thousands of golf industry members come together in central Florida for the planet's largest product preview and this year Golf Tips will bring you daily blog updates on what's new for 2009.

Check back here starting January 29th to see video and photos of the event.

The year's coolest new sticks, only on golftipsmag.com.

Looking for a Last Minute Gift?

As we put the finishing touches on our 2009 Annual Equipment Buyer's Guide, we'd like to call your attention to a few products that we'll be featuring. Look for the Buyer's Guide on newsstands in early February. (Maybe some of the following images will trigger some last minute gift ideas too!)

Here's Ogio's new 3 in 1 Devolver golf bag. Note how it breaks down into three golf bags (cart, carry, "Sunday").

Sun Mountain's new Club Glider travel bag. Perfect for folks who are tired of bending over for their travel bag:

Kaenon's Spindle sunglasses. Sleek and protective without looking like a NASCAR driver:
HO HO HO!

Snaps of Legacy Golf Course at Roco Ki

Two photos of Nick Faldo's latest design at Roco Ki Golf Club in the Dominican Republic. Kinda makes you want to change those holiday plans, huh?

Here's the 17th:

And the 18th:

Both photos taken by the terrific Aidan Bradley.

Where Have We Been?

Loyal GT readers may have noticed a drop-off in blog postings of late. No, we're not on the golf course every day (okay, one day last week, but it was business, we swear).

We've been hard at work on two issues: our Annual Equipment Buyer's Guide (look for it on newsstands late January or early February) and our February/March issue. Writing about all that golf equipment has left us without much free time to update the blog, but you're better off for it, as two great new issues await you in the new year.

A couple new sections to look for in our first regular issue include a "We Tried It" section where we test out the new products (in Feb/Mar tell you what we think of Mizuno MX 200 irons, the Bridgestone e7+ ball, Cleveland XLi irons and Cobra L5V driver). We also tried out some new offerings from Tour Edge last week (the Exotics XCG V and XLD V drivers, Dave Glod putters, XCG V 3-wood and the non-Exotic line TCG sand wedge). That last wedge may be next year's best bargain, ringing up for a measly $40. Honestly I couldn't tell much of a difference between it and wedges that sell for three times that amount.

Keep your eyes on this blog for the latest in equipment, instruction and travel.

Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki Golf Club Opens Today

In today's gloomy economic climate it's hard to believe new golf courses are opening up, but that's just what happened today in the Dominican Republic when the tape was cut on Nick Faldo's latest design, the Legacy Course at Roco Ki. By the looks of things it promises to be pretty darn spectacular. A combination of Hawaii, Ireland and, well, other ridiculously picturesque Caribbean courses.

No Fossils to be found at Westin Le Paradis Resort

Word from the Westin Le Paradis Beach & Golf Resort in St. Lucia that it plans to be the Caribbean's first fossil free resort.

In addition to using the sun to heat the resort's agua, the resort will utilize a computerized irrigation system to water its signature Greg Norman golf course.

The 18-hole layout is perched 600 feet above sea level and promises to boast jaw-dropping views of the tranquil waters below.

Click here for a link to a (rather long) video about the course and resort's construction and intentions.

Bayonet and Black Horse to Reopen December 22nd

Two of Northern California's toughest public golf courses will reopen just in time for the holidays after a $13 million renovation. Bates Golf Design (Circling Raven) was tapped for the makeover.

Hole routings were altered and new tees, bunkers and green complexes were added.

Here's the view from Bayonet's 17th tee box:



And from Black Horse's 15th tee:


The two courses boast some pretty great views of Monterey Bay. For more information click here.

Swing like Tommy "Two Gloves"

Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey shot a nifty 8-under 64 yesterday to capture second place in the PGA Tour's season-ending Children's Miracle Network Classic. Watch it? I didn't think so.

Gainey's homegrown, unorthodox swing (not to mention grip, set up and choice of two, count 'em two gloves) should not be emulated. But there is one part of his swing that every golfer should seek to imitate: his confidence.

Notice how in this swing he leaves nothing in the bag? It ain't pretty, but it's the hallmark of someone who's really feelin' it.

A Day With Natalie Gulbis Winner Announced

In response to the "Who's Behind Your Success?" contest where the winner gets to spend with Natalie Gulbis, it's nice to know that there are worthy winners of contests theses days.

The winner and lucky guy who gets to spend all day with Natalie tells a story of how despite serious physical setbacks, his affection and support from his mother helped persuade him to do great things and like any great champion will tell you, how he continues to never, never give up.

His name is Taylor Anderson. To see and hear his very inspiring story, CLICK HERE.

And to you Taylor: You're a stud in our book. Congrats and enjoy your special day.