Talking GolfGetaways, Ep. 91: Circling the Globe with Troon Golf & Travel Senior Editor Tom Mackin
Talking GolfGetaways

Talking GolfGetaways 91: Circling the Globe with Troon Golf and Travel Senior Editor Tom Mackin

The unforgettable opening tee shot on the St. Laurent nine at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu.


Prolific golf writer Tom Mackin has covered the game and its worldwide destinations for virtually every respected golf publication on the planet. Currently the Senior Editor for Troon Golf & Travel Magazine, Tom joins hosts Mitch Laurance and Darin Bunch on Episode 91 of the “Talking GolfGetaways” podcast for a deep dive into a resort destination that is high on Tom’s list of great golf getaways — the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix, Canada, which he profiled on GolfNewsNet.com.

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After paying tribune to Tom for his introduction of Highland Park whiskey to both hosts, Tom begins by discussing his trip to Le Manoir Richelieu, located two hours north of Quebec City, and explains why Le Manoir and its 27 holes of golf far exceeded his expectations. Tom details the history of the original 18 holes (which date back to 1925) and talks about why he feels the steep, downhill par-5 opener on the St. Laurent Nine (2002) is one of the most beautiful opening holes anywhere in the world — most impressive given the extreme-terrain challenge faced by Canadian architect Darell Huxom in creating it. He describes the spectacular setting of the Fairmont Hotel and its relationship to the golf courses, and talks about the century-old resort, its casino and the first-class Charlevoix Restaurant. 

Tom then describes the cultural aspect of the region, including “The Flavor Trail” for food and drink tasting, the French vibe and other attractions for year-round enjoyment.

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The hosts then dive into a discussion about Tom’s work over the years for Pebble Beach Magazine, concentrating on a 2017 cover article he did determining the “Dream 18” of great holes among the Pebble Beach Resorts courses, plus an article on the Pebble 3-pars and other upcoming features leading toward Pebble Beach Golf Links’ 100th anniversary in 2019. 

The episode finishes up with details about Tom’s recent trip to New Zealand and why he adds that destination to his list of great escapes. The people, the food, bungee-jumping and a little-known golf course that surprised him, The Hills Golf Club near Queenstown (and its art collection on the course), make for an interesting listen.

It’s a “Talking GolfGetaways” episode chock-full of great golf and travel insights from one of the best sources (and all-around great guys) you’ll ever encounter, even if he does routinely beat Darin Bunch in multi-day matches around the world.

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“Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch Laurance & Darin Bunch” is sponsored by 2UNDR.com (#AssetManagement) and can be found on GolfNewsNet.com and across the Golf News Net platform. New episodes post semi-regularly (for the most part, except when we’re traveling or golfing or generally having other kinds of fun). “Talking GolfGetaways” is also available on audioBoom, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow us on Twitter @GetawaysGolf and @MitchLaurance, and use #TalkingGolfGetaways and #2HaggisBags to hit us with your favorite golf-travel stories and recommendations — you just might make it onto a future episode of “Talking GolfGetaways.”

About the author

GolfGetaways

The GolfGetaways crew of Darin Bunch and Mitch Lauarance have decades of golf travels and adventures to share, which they do here at GNN, on their "Talking GolfGetaways" podcast.

“Talking GolfGetaways with Mitch Laurance & Darin Bunch” is sponsored by 2UNDR.com (#AssetManagement) and can be found on GolfNewsNet.com and across the Golf News Net platform. New episodes post semi-regularly (for the most part, except when we’re traveling or golfing or generally having other kinds of fun). “Talking GolfGetaways” is also available on audioBoom, iTunes and Stitcher.

Follow us on Twitter @GetawaysGolf and @MitchLaurance, and use #TalkingGolfGetaways and #2HaggisBags to hit us with your favorite golf-travel stories and recommendations — you just might make it onto a future episode of “Talking GolfGetaways.”