Legend of the Black Pearl, and IMG goes “Wieeeee”
TED BITS, Ted McIntyre - LEGEND OF THE BLACK PEARL, IMG GOES “WIEEEEE” AND GOLF TOWN GONE WILD
Just in case you thought YOUR golf community was pretty cool, allow me to crush your idea of luxury by introducing you to Pristine Bay Resort. Located on the island of Roatan, 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, and home of Perry and Pete Dye-designed Black Pearl Golf Course, the 400+ acre resort and master-planned community will include a five-star hotel, spa, deep-water marina, beach club and a variety of residential products to key markets in the U.S., Canada and around the world.
Knowing the remarkable course Perry Dye crafted on the tiny island of Canouan in the lower Grenadines, I can’t wait to check out the Dyes’ newest creation when it’s completed at the end of the year. The course, it’s reported, starts at the ocean’s doorstep, rises into the island’s rolling foothills, then takes golfers on a wild ride back to the seaside clubhouse. It will feature one of Pete Dye’s signature island greens, with 14 of the 18 holes offering stunning vistas of the ocean and the world’s second largest barrier reef. A state-of-the-art practice facility is also featured on site.
Dye Designs, pioneers of the use of Paspalum turf for tropics-based projects, is grassing The Black Pearl with this salt-water tolerant strand known for its environmental compatibility, ease of irrigation and maintenance, and translucent green hue. Its appearance, juxtaposed against the turquoise waters offshore, inspired the Black Pearl’s tagline: “The Best Greens and the Best Blues.”
Villas start at a reasonable $600,000 and range up to $1 million, with lots starting at $230,000 and ranging up to $460,000. Access to Roatan International Airport is served by nine weekly, non-stop flights from the U.S. (Houston, Atlanta, Miami and Newark) on Continental, Delta and TACA. Flights to the island through the Honduran cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are also available.
IMG GOES “WIEEEEEEEEE”
I see Michelle Wie has just signed up with management goliath IMG, which is a perfect fit since the spoiled little brat doesn’t like to talk to media and IMG likes to guard their players a little closer than Fort Knox.
GOLF TOWN GONE WILD
In honour of its 10th anniversary of devastating the independent golf retail market, Golf Town is launching its GT-10 campaign by offering some serious savings, highlighted by 10 items for $10 each through Sunday, March 22.
The company, which has grown from a one-shop operation in Scarborough in 1999 to its current roster of 41 stores, has listed its $10 items as including some of the following: Ben Hogan Sure Out Wedge (Reg. $78.88), Nancy Lopez Golf Cachet Polo (Reg. $59.99), all 2008 Nike Golf caps (Reg. $24.95), a dozen Nike Golf SFT2 Distance Balls, which I’ve never heard of before (Reg. $24.98), a TaylorMade r7 glove (Reg. $24.99) and a Muskoka region golf course (Reg. $11.5 million).
CLUBLINK OPENS 2009 SEASON AT ROLLING HILLS
Beginning this morning at 9 a.m., ClubLink is allowing players to start booking tee times for play this Saturday (weather permitting) at Rolling Hills GC’s Classic and Challenge courses in Stouffville (the Champion courses will open April 1). Call (905) 888-1955 to book times (ClubLink members can call Member Services at 1-800-273-5113.) (ClubLink members who want to pay for my round, call (905) 634-8003 ext. 327.)
