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VIRGINIA GOLF:

WHAT'S NEW IN

THE OLD DOMINION

From new courses to new amenities at some of America's finest golf resorts, Virginia is a golfing interliner's perfect destination. The brochure covering Virginia golf is a great way to begin research for a Virginia golf weekend. Interested golfers who call (800) 93 BACK 9 will receive the "Virginia Golf" guide, a "Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide," and a state highway map. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Virginia Division of Tourism at (804) 786-4484.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Colonial Williamsburg's legendary Golden Horseshoe Golf Courses and a wide variety of activities, lodging, dining, and service make it one of the nation's premier golf resorts. A GOLF Magazine Gold Medal recipient for the last 12 consecutive years, the Golden Horseshoe Gold Club at Colonial Williamsburg is rated among the 'best of the best' in 1999 for golf, service, dining, and non-golf related activities.

Colonial Williamsburg, known worldwide as the nation's largest outdoor living history museum, includes the 173-acre Historic Area--the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia--five hotels, 12 restaurants, and an entertaining array of resort amenities. The championship Gold and Green Courses and the executive-length Spotswood Course are the emeralds in the crown of this historic destination.

This year the Green Course and its rugged Rees Jones design will become the second golf course in the 102-year history of the USGA to host national championships in consecutive years. Last year, the Gold Course reopened to rave reviews after a major restoration and renovation by Green Course designer Jones, son of the original designer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The par-31 Spotswood Course was also designed by Trent Jones, Sr. Additional amenities include two clubhouses, practice ranges, putting greens, and golf shops, as well as an extensive instructional program.

Just 150 miles south of Washington D.C., Colonial Williamsburg and the Golden Horseshoe Golf Courses are easily accessible form I-64 and three major airports. They are also accessible on the internet (www.colonialwilliamsburg.org). For further information, call (800) HISTORY.

THE HOMESTEAD

There's no better time to visit The Homestead. With a long list of resort and spa renovations, The Homestead is better than ever. Along with great golf, the 521-room historic resort offers an array of year-round recreation, including sporting clays, shooting sports, horseback and carriage riding, swimming, the Homestead Spa, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fly fishing, and more.

Property-wide resort enhancements haven't been limited to golf. Other improvements and additions awaiting guests include the completely renovated Homestead Spa; refurbished guest rooms; an updated Dining Room; the addition of an historical library and reading room; a state-of-the-art children's playground and program; and added dining in the famed Casino Building.

A William S. Flynn design, The Cascades boasts a rich heritage of tournament tradition, including six U.S.G.A. Championships and two Senior PGA Tour Shoot-Out Championships. Other options include the stunning Lower Cascades, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and The Old Course, originally built in 1892.

Details about packages and all of The Homestead's offerings can be found on their website (www.thehomestead.com). For further information, call (800) 838-1766.

KINGSMILL RESORT

Nestled within 2,900 pristine wooded acres on the historic James River and conveniently situated just three miles from Colonial Williamsburg, legendary Kingsmill Resort is named for English colonist, Richard Kingsmill, who settled there in 1736.

Kingsmill Resort features a perfect combination of great golf, unspoiled wilderness, and a wide range of resort amenities. The resort offers 400 villas, three championship 18-hole golf courses, a Par 3 nine-hole course, The Spa at Kingsmill, 15 clay and Deco Turf tennis courts, a Sports Club, four restaurants, a marina, and much more.

Kingsmill guests enjoy luxury in tastefully furnished villas overlooking the James River, golf courses, the tennis complex, or the beautifully manicured grounds. Available in guestroom and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suite accommodations, each villa includes a complete kitchen and living room, many with fireplaces and outdoor decks.

The Woods Course is Kingsmill's newest addition, making the resort the largest golf facility in the state. The famed River Course, designed by Pete Dye, is home of the Michelob Championship at Kingsmill on the PGA Tour, and is named for its enviable location along the wide and winding James River. Next, the Arnold Palmer- and Ed Seay-designed Plantation Course is characterized by moderate length, undulating greens, and a number of water hazards. Finally, the Par 3 Bray Links course provides a nice 9-hole Scottish links-style diversion, with holes ranging from 58 to 109 yards. The Kingsmill Golf Academy offers one-, two-, and three-day instructional programs, as well as several mini-schools.

Kingsmill Resort is definitely fit for a golfing king and so is their website (www.kingsmill.com). For more information, call (800) 832-5665.

THE TIDES

Last year, a Northern Neck golf vacation became twice as good. After 30 years of friendly family competition, the Northern Neck's fabled Tides Inn merged with its neighboring resort, Tides Lodge.

Offering incredible views of the Chesapeake Bay, world-class American and European fare, unparalleled guest service, and great golf courses, the two resorts combined to make a very special golf vacation destination. The merger made the property the largest family-owned resort in the Mid-Atlantic.

The two properties, separated by 200 yards of Carters Creek, encompass more than 675 acres of land; 194 guest rooms; 64 marina slips; eight restaurants; 12 meeting rooms; 10 yachts and boats, including the 127-foot yacht, the Miss Ann; seven tennis courts; three swimming pools; two championship golf courses; a Par 3 course; and country club. Details of all amenities and packages are available on their helpful website (www.the-tides.com).

Quite simply, golf at the Inn's Golden Eagle is among the finest golf experiences in the region and is reason enough to visit The Tides. The Lodge's Tartan Course was designed by Sir Guy Campbell of Scotland's Royal and Ancient and was completed by George Cobb. There's also a complimentary Par 3 executive course at the inn, as well as driving ranges and putting greens at both courses.

Of course, golf is followed by one of the region's finest resort experiences. The Tides is a top choice for any vacationing golfer looking for the best of Virginia. For further information, call (800) 843-3746.

WILLIAMSBURG AREA GOLF ASSOCIATION

The Williamsburg area has quickly become one of the most popular golf destinations in the country and the Williamsburg Area Golf Association features some of the top picks of visiting golfers on and off the links. The popular organization now offers eight upscale daily fee and resort courses.

With an array of lodging alternatives and golf package price points, the history and charm of Williamsburg, the thrills of amusement parks and horseracing, and an assortment of restaurants and shopping--its easy to see why golfers are finding Williamsburg to be a great place for a golf vacation.

Williamsburg Golf's 10 participating are hotels work together to make it easy for golfers to book their golf package vacations. Thus, with one call you can book your hotel and all of your tee times. Williamsburg Golf's 1999 Golf Vacation Planner details the courses, hotels, and package plans available for 1999 and is always complimentary to callers. Golfers can also obtain information at the Williamsburg Golf website (www.williamsburggolf.com).

Of course, Colonial Williamsburg and other area attractions are always a draw off the links. For further information, call (800) FOR GOLF.

WINTERGREEN RESORT

The Wintergreen experience is almost like owning your own national park. Wintergreen's 11,000-acre mountain and valley setting is, in fact, larger than some national parks and the range of recreational options is staggering. From the mountaintop down into the valley, 45 holes of championship golf is just the start.

When golfers challenge the Devils Knob course, they face 6,500 yards of tight, but fair, mountaintop excitement. Down in the valley, Stoney Creek was designed by Rees Jones and is set against the dramatic background of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The new Tuckahoe Nine, which opened last spring, gives Stoney Creek 27 championship holes. Visiting golfers should also consider the Wintergreen Golf Academy.

Other recreational amenities include: 25 tennis courts; one indoor and five outdoor swimming pools; Lake Monocan for swimming, canoeing, and fishing; biking (including a popular mountain biking program); the Equestrian Center at Rodes Farm; a 30-mile network of hiking trails; the Wintergreen Nature Foundation's Nature Center; the recently refurbished Wintergarden Spa and Fitness Center, featuring massage, aerobics, cosmetology center, and state-of-the-art fitness equipment; Stoney Creek fly fishing; the Mountain Inn Conference Center; five full-service restaurants; and famed winter skiing on 19 slopes and trails.

The resort offers 340 rental homes and condominiums, ranging in size from studios to seven bedrooms. Most accommodations have fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and spectacular views.

Details about improvements and the resort as a whole are available on their helpful website (www.WintergreenResort.com). There are many value-packed 'Stay and Play' packages for couples and foursomes. For further information, call (800) 266-2444.

LET'S GO SURFING (OR DIALING):

With the following websites and toll-free numbers, you're bound to find a perfect Virginia golf vacation.

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG: www.colonialwilliamsburg.org; (800) HISTORY.

THE HOMESTEAD: www.thehomestead.com; (800) 838-1766.

KINGSMILL RESORT: www.kingsmill.com; (800) 832-5665.

THE TIDES: www.the-tides.com; (800) 843-3746.

WILLIAMSBURG AREA GOLF ASSOCIATION: www.williamsburggolf.com; (800) FOR GOLF.

WINTERGREEN RESORT: www.WintergreenResort.com; (800) 266-2444.

CONTACTS:

--Colonial Williamsburg--Carol Godwin, 757/220-7120

--The Homestead--Paula Lilly, 540/839-5500

--Kingsmill--Kevin Gaydosh, 757/340-7425, or Jennifer Hazelton, 843/849-6360

--The Tides--Charlie Domalik, 804/343-2300

--Williamsburg Golf--Jeff Fleishman, 757/229-0845

--Wintergreen--Dave Zunker, 804/325-8146