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Editorial: 25 Years

by Bob Koczor, Editor/Publisher, Golf Today Magazine

As one can tell by the Front Cover, this edition marks the start of the 25th year for Golf Today Magazine. Normally, this benchmark is ample cause to take the day off and celebrate, try and hit that elusive eagle... even if luck makes it possible.

Back in the ‘80s I took a day off to celebrate the sale of my three newspapers by skiing in the early morning, playing a round of golf mid-day, then sailing a catamaran in the late afternoon (I owned a boating magazine, also), ending the day with a wonderful sunset dinner. Where? –in Hawaii and, yes, enjoying all my favorite pastimes in one day!

Now, however, in striking contrast during these challenging economic times, to fete a milestone consists of putting an extra day in the office, plain and simple, and getting ‘caught up”.

Recessionary challenges are different than those before, especially in the publishing field where obituaries often precede anniversaries.

That’s why the focus and scope of Golf Today Magazine is noticeably evolving. There is no other golf publication covering as many golf products, and as thoroughly as this magazine in your hands right now.

There is no other golf magazine that also features several of its writers traveling afar to distant countries every month for golf experiences that they share with our many readers.

Print promotions precede digital promotions followed by Internet exposure through coverage on websites, blogs, FB, Twitter and by Social Networks like Google and Yahoo. Now we even have “Cloud” coverage, and I don’t mean the cumulus kind of cloud.

This is modern-day innovative publishing without losing the hard work part of our professional endeavors.

My thanks to all the readers of Golf Today Magazine, as well as thanks to its hardworking staff. If it wasn’t for all you, this quarter-century hallmark would not have been possible.

 Read more about it.

The Golf Explorer

By Hal Gevertz

Golf at Indian Valley Country Club in Novato

What is now Novato was originally the site of several Coast Miwok villages. One was Chokeche near downtown Novato, while another was Puyuku located near Ignacio, and Olompali which is found at the present Olompali State Historic Park. The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell. Several historic buildings are preserved within the park.

This all came about when the Mexican government in 1839 granted 8,876 acres (Rancho Novato) to Fernando Felix. The rancho was named after a local Miwok leader who had probably been given the name of Saint Novatus at his baptism.

Read more about it.

Golf

 
Sun Shines on Three Amigos in Paradise

A Trio of Luminous Mexican Golf and Beach Resorts Spa

by Bill Nestor

Punta Mita, in the Mexican state of Nayarit, occupies a lovely setting on Banderas Bay, 40 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

White sand beaches and ocean surround a gated 1,500-acre lush tropical peninsular property developed by DINE, Mexico’s premier real estate development company.

Traveling to Mexico’s west coast was a welcomed respite for this winter-weary Vermonter, and is a superb choice of destinations for anyone in search of an idyllic sun-drenched location, delicious culinary indulgence, exceptional hospitality and weather made for ultimate relaxation, rejuvenation and rapture.

St. Regis and Four Seasons five-star beach and spa resorts help, as do two world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature courses overlooking the Pacific.

Read more about it.

BC’s Kelowna Golf Mecca

by Bob Fagan

As an inveterate golf explorer, I live to discover great courses and exciting new golf destinations. While I still find many interesting golf courses, very seldom am I been surprised by finding a really “overlooked” worthwhile “golf destination.” Surprise! You must come to the Kelowna in British Columbia.

Kelowna (meaning "Grizzly Bear") is a beautiful modern lakeside city of 115,000 people that swells to 180,000 during the height of the vacation season. Golf is but one of many surprises to delight you in the Kelowna area. The region is largest settled area along the 68-mile Okanagan Lake. Just a 50-minute flight or 240-mile drive from Vancouver, the immediate area features 25 wineries together with a collection of galleries, museums, theaters, craft and farmer's markets, and restaurants making it a delight for families or couples, or for a dedicated golf getaway.

I recently had the good fortune to play twelve of the area's golf courses (there are 17 in all) and can state with complete confidence that even the most discriminating golfers along with casual players, together with those on a budget will find more than a few layouts to fit their bill in Kelowna. By my count, I played at least six “outstanding” courses and the remaining six were quite good - fun for anyone. The views are varied and wonderful, the conditioning very good, and the prices are quite reasonable. Most importantly the people are extremely hospitable. It's no wonder that once Americans and fellow Canadians visit the area, they fall in love with it and return often, sometimes to live!

Read more about it.

The Golf Explorer

By Hal Gevertz

Golf at Indian Valley Country Club in Novato

What is now Novato was originally the site of several Coast Miwok villages. One was Chokeche near downtown Novato, while another was Puyuku located near Ignacio, and Olompali which is found at the present Olompali State Historic Park. The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell. Several historic buildings are preserved within the park.

This all came about when the Mexican government in 1839 granted 8,876 acres (Rancho Novato) to Fernando Felix. The rancho was named after a local Miwok leader who had probably been given the name of Saint Novatus at his baptism.

Read more about it.