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Golf Courses Are Hot Spots For Golf Travel

Courses combine championship design with world-renowned natural beauty


BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 23, 2007) – Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts golf courses come in all shapes and sizes. From the Donald Ross-designed PANORAMA course at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel in New Hampshire to the nine-hole Wawona Golf Course in Yosemite National Park, Delaware North offers something for every golfer.

"Golf may not be the first thing people think of when they hear Delaware North Companies, but we definitely have some one-of-a-kind courses at our locations," stated Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. "Since our properties are some of the most extraordinary places in the world, it only makes sense that our golf courses are unique as well."

The BALSAMS boasts the Ross-designed PANORAMA course and a nine-hole course named COASHAUKEE. Golf Digest® has consistently ranked the PANORAMA course New Hampshire’s number-one public access course since 1997. While the PANORAMA can challenge even the best of golfers with its small greens and large bunkers, the COASHAUKEE (named for the Indians who used to inhabit the Great North Woods) is geared toward beginners and those with higher handicaps. Travelers interested in The BALSAMS’ golfing options can take advantage of the resort’s summer golf package, which starts at $99 per person and features lodging, breakfast and 18 holes of play.

In addition to the two courses, The BALSAMS offers a golf learning center where players can improve their game. Equipped with a PGA teaching staff headed by PGA professional Doug Ruttle, The BALSAMS golf learning center can help improve any type of swing. The school runs numerous three-day sessions throughout the season. These sessions are comprised of individualized analysis, instruction, drills and practice routines. For openings, call the golf director at (603) 255-3400.

"The great thing about The BALSAMS is we have courses that can really test you and we also have a phenomenal facility where our PGA teaching staff can get you prepared for your first or next round," Kelly added. "Stealing away to a place like this is a great chance to vacation, relax and work on your golf game."

On the other side of the country, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts can point to Wawona Golf Course as a one-of-a-kind place for golfers. Designed by architect Walter G. Favarque to blend seamlessly into the spectacular surroundings of Yosemite National Park, Wawona Golf Course is one of the few organic golf courses in the United States. It’s also the only golf course set in a national park. With numerous tee positions for each hole, the nine-hole course can easily be played as a par 70 18-hole test.

Wawona Golf Course fits right in with Delaware North as the company adheres to GreenPath®, a formal, documented and comprehensive environmental management system registered to the standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001).. The course is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and uses no pesticides. Only reclaimed gray water is used for watering the greens.

"Wawona Golf Course is a perfect example of how Delaware North gives customers what they want while maintaining the highest of environmental standards," Kelly commented. "The challenging layout of this course and the breathtaking views of Yosemite keep golfers coming back. The fact that it is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary is testament to our commitment to GreenPath and the creativity with which we approach the priority of protecting our natural resources."

Along with reasonable greens fees and cart rentals, Wawona Golf Course also has a golf professional available for lessons, a putting green and fully stocked pro shop.

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