McConnell Golf Trail offers entry to exclusive private golf courses of North Carolina The Montrealer March 5, 2010 6798 With the creation of McConnell’s new Golf Trail, there is now a premier addition to the serious golfer’s “bucket list.” The McConnell Golf Trail features five of the finest private golf courses in North and South Carolina. “This is the only golf trail that includes access to private golf courses in the Carolina’s,” says Ray McDonald, VP of Sales & Marketing for the McConnell Golf Trail. The collection includes two Fazio courses, plus designs by Ross, Dye and Palmer. Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open Champion, has recently added his endorsement to the Trail. In keeping with the stature of a private golf club experience, the package includes: ground transportation by private driver, meals with many prepared by private chef, seven nights accommodation with many at the private clubs, entrance fees and daily golf. The 7-Day Package is priced from US $2,105 per golfer, based on a minimum of four people per party. For more details, go to: www.mcconnellgolftrail.com. For bookings, contact Ray McDonald at 800-419-8613 or [email protected]. The courses include: Old North State Club – 7,102 yards, Par 72 In 1991 Tom Fazio ventured into the piedmont of North Carolina and created a masterpiece along a 2 1/2 mile peninsula in Badin Lake. Old North is ranked as the Number 2 course in the state by the North Carolina Golf Panel and the best par three and best finishing hole in North Carolina. Raleigh Country Club – 6,990 yards, Par 71 Raleigh Country Club boasts the last golf course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. The course has remained true to the original standards, with each hole presenting a different challenge, requiring golfers to use every club in their bag. Currently, the club is the Host Site of McConnell Challenge and NC OPEN, as well as the Host Site to many Amateur Qualifying Events and the Nike Tour. Cardinal Golf and Country Club – 7,002 yards, Par 70 Home to one of North Carolina’s finest golf courses, personally designed by master course designer, Pete Dye. Constructed in 1974 and restored in 2007 under the direction of Mr. Dye himself, the Cardinal course roams 140 acres of wooded countryside, over lakes and streams and through wooded glades. Treyburn Country Club – 7,070 yards, Par 72 Minutes from Duke University and Research Triangle Park, Treyburn Country Club boasts the Triangle’s original Fazio design. Named “Best New Course” by Golf Digest in 1988. Musgrove Mill Golf Club – 6,940 yards, Par 72 The changing elevations of this signature Arnold Palmer course in South Carolina add interest, different perspectives and importantly, variety to shot selection. Consistently ranked in Golfweek’s “100 Best Modern Courses in America.” North Carolina boasts more than 550 golf courses from fairways carved into the highest mountains east of the Mississippi to a breathtaking 300 miles of coastline. Travel Planner Information: For further information, go to North Carolina’s golf web site featuring a course finder, special golf travel packages and offers from across the state distinctive golf experiences and enhanced colourful maps to assist avid golf travelers in planning their trip to North Carolina. www.visitnc.com/golf