Doral Golf Resort - Turning 50 in 2012! - 19th Hole Golf Blog by Your Golf Travel

For some considerable time the Doral Golf Resort & Spa has been one of the front running golfing destinations in the USA and this year this amazing venue will turn 50!

Roll the clock back to 1959 and Doris and Alfred Kaskel had an idea to transform a vast area of swampland in West Miami into one of the leading golf resorts in the world. Fast forward to 1962 and Doral – named from a combination of the Kaskel’s names – was opened, boasting a clubhouse and three golf courses, the Blue, Red and a par 3 course. In the same year Doral hosted its first PGA event and has done so ever since. In fact, only Augusta National – host of the US Masters – and the Colonial Country Club in Texas have longer standing ties to the PGA.

The resort’s Blue Monster Course is now its main attraction and PGA tournaments played here are often one of the highlights of the golfing calendar. From Craig Parry’s playoff winning eagle at the monstrous 18^th in 2004 to Greg Norman’s chip-in in a playoff in 1990, the Blue Monster often serves up drama that few other courses can muster.

The Blue Monster Course at Doral – Challenging Amateurs and Pros alike for years!

At present the resort continues to operate in bankruptcy after its owner forfeited on a bond payment but Donald Trump – who recently finished construction on the magnificent Trump International Links – remains in negotiations to buy Doral, with the exception of the Great White Course. Amazingly though, even through this uncertain time, Doral looks better than it has in years following a recent $16 million renovation programme.

The Resort

Just a short drive from Miami International Airport and half an hour away from the bustling nightlife of Miami Beach, Doral boasts an additional four golf courses: The Great White Course, Golf Course, Red Course and Silver Course; not to mention the renowned Jim McLean Golf School which is one of the finest tuition facilities in the whole of the USA.

The recent renovation has not only improved the year round conditioning of all five golf courses but the resort’s dining scene as well. The Champions Bar & Grill remains a great place to enjoy a hearty meal after an afternoon tussling with one of the golf courses but it is hardly the place to enjoy a special evening meal! However the new Mesazul Steakhouse is such a place. Boasting a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, Mesazul offers diners a Latin inspired twist on the classic American steakhouse. Head here for prime cuts of meat, chimichurri sauces and boutique wines.

Bossa Nova

Alternatively guests can go for something a little more relaxed and dine at Bossa Nova. At Bossa Nova diners can enjoy Latin-inspired tapas, unique hand-crafted drinks, and an unrivalled selection of boutique sipping rums, all in a warm and relaxing space, enlivened by the charming sounds of live Latin music.

In addition to the championship golf and delectable meals on offer to holiday makers visiting Doral, the resort also boasts a lavish Spa where guests can escape to enjoy a day of supreme relaxation and pampering; perfect after a few days on the fairways! A selection of swimming pools, Jacuzzis and a sauna provide further opportunities for relaxation and for those with a sporty disposition the resort also boasts a tennis centre and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Golf at Doral

The Silver Course has recently been renamed the Jim McLean Signature Course following his sublte redesign.

Blue Monster Course

The Legendary ‘Blue Monster’ has previously been named the ‘Florida Golf Course Of The Year’, and is a famed layout full of drama and suspense. As its name suggests, the layout is characterised by enormous expanses of water, affecting almost every hole! Originally designed by Dick Wilson, and subsequently reworked by Raymond Floyd, the Blue Monster measures a healthy 7,125 yards and is one of the world’s great golfing experiences. Although the course won’t wow you aesthetically, the challenge of safely negotiating the water, devilish bunkers and thick, punishing Bermuda rough has been enough to keep golfers, celebrities and the stars of the PGA Tour coming back year after year. A round on the Blue Monster is worth the trip to Florida alone!

Silver Course

As with the other golf courses at Doral, The Silver Course features plenty of water. Considering Florida’s alligator population of over 1,000,000 we would recommend packing plenty of golf balls rather than your golf ball retriever!

The Silver Course, also known as the Jim McLean Course, while littered with the archetypal Doral water, is distinctly different to its neighbours. Designer Jerry Pate signalled a departure from the classic Florida style by devising narrow fairways, with holes of varied length to create an interesting and diverse challenge.

Great White Course

The Great White is a signature Greg Norman course and the legendary Australian has created yet another unique layout. Throughout the 7,171 yard layout, the architect has blended Florida’s inherent palm trees with elements of seaside golf which Norman is so fond of, making it a fascinating test. Since its redesign in 2006, the Great White is playing even better, and comes highly recommended…we wonder why Trump isn’t interested in purchasing this important part of the Doral package?

Gold Course

Doral’s Gold Course is used for the PGA Tour Qualifying School, and was recently reworked by PGA Tour legend Raymond Floyd. Water is prevalent throughout the Gold, with no less than 15 greens protected by the dreaded aqua. The signature hole is saved for last; the closing par 4 features an island green that demands steely nerves and pinpoint accuracy.

Red Course

The Red Course is the most amateur friendly course at Doral and will provide an entertaining challenge to golfers of all abilities.

The Red Course is seen as a course for the masses, but it should not be underestimated – the talented women of the LPGA Tour converged upon the Red for the 2001 Office Depot Championship. Water comes into play on 14 holes, most acutely around the island greens of the 6^th and 14^th, the most special holes on this thoroughly enjoyable test.

While Trump’s negotiations for the purchase of Doral roll on and improvements carry on taking place, Doral itself will celebrate its 50^th year in the same way it always does…by welcoming the world’s finest golfers for the Cadillac Championship in March. If the Blue Monster and co. are good enough for the PGA to visit year after year for 50 years then Doral should be at the top of your list when the time comes for your next USA golf holiday.

For information on Florida golf breaks and other USA golf holidays please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.