Golf Escapes

photo credit: thienzieyung   For 2010, consider the following for your next golf vacation:  Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, www.rtjgolf.com (800 949-4444), Play three consecutive days of golf on Alabama’s RTJ Trail and add a fourth day free (must be Monday-Thursday).  Experience your choice of the Trail’s 26 courses.  The Greenbrier, www.greenbrier.com/golfmagazine (800 453-4858), Set in the Allegheny Mountains, gaming in the Tavern Casino and enjoy shooting at the Gun Club with this GOLF MAGAZINE subscriber offer.  GolfPac Travel, www.golfpactravel.com (800 981-5829), Hammock Beach Golfaway-play the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach!  Book two rounds of golf and receive your third round at half price REF CODE: R-HABCB332.  Traditional Golf Properties, www.TraditionalGolfTrail.com (888 825-3436 ext 4), stay 3 nights and play 4 rounds of golf in March $279, April and/or May $329.

Sweepstakes Opportunity

photo credit: New Jersey Birds   Embassy Suites Hotels is holding the Golf Hero Wanted Sweepstakes.  The Grand Prize includes:  4 Round-Trip flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a 4 Days/3 Nights of Accommodations at Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort, 4 Rounds of Golf at the Chi Chi Rodriquez – designed Dorado del Mar Golf Course.  Also included in the sweepstakes prize is  Head-to-Toe Gear for all:  custom – fit club sets, bags and apparel.

To book, go to www.embassysuites.com/golfhero or call 800-Embassy and reference promotion code VSW.  There is no purchase necessary to enter or win.  Enter by booking  a stay between Dec 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010 at any Embassy Suites Hotel with your Visa card, and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win the ultimate golf giveaway to Puerto Rico.

The 17 Mile Drive

photo credit: Ed Yourdon   The drive from Carmel to Pacific Grove is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the US.  Along with the $9.25 toll fee, you’ll receive a viewers guide to help you navigate some of the coastal views of what’s known as golf’s golden triangle.  The triangle consists of Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill and Cypress Point. 

The scenic drive offers close-ups of otters, seals and migrating whales, although at times the morning fog can limit visibility so it is advisable to do your sightseeing in the afternoon hours.  Make sure you bring your photographic gear since this is the most picturesque stretch of the California coastline.  Don’t forget to stop at Mission Ranch on Dolores Road where Clint Eastwood is the proprietor.

Summer Golf Vacations

photo credit: danperry.com   This year there are some great golf vacation bargains, here are just a few:  Perfect Drive Golf Villas, (866 859-2973 www.PgaVilliageGolf.com) in Port St. Lucie, Florida-3nights, 3 1/2 days of golf, 4th night free at the PGA Golf Club.  The Sea Pines Resort (800 732-7463 www.seapines.vacation-rentals.com), HIlton Head, SC., deluxe villa, 3 courses including Harbour Town, unlimited play on Pete Dye’s Heron Point Ocean Course.  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (800 622-7677 www.SandestinGolfonline.com) 3 courses by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Reese Jones and Tom Jackson-the resort won GOLF Magazine’s Silver Medal as a ”Premier Resort” in 2004, 2006 and 2008.  Hershey Hotels (800 437-4377 www.HersheyPA.com) deluxe accommodations, 4 distinct courses, Hersheypark, signature cuisine, The Chocolate Spa, and top name entertainment.

Orlando Hot Spots

photo credit: daryl_mitchell   Planning a Florida golf Vacation?  Check out the following:  UNDER $650.00 – Fairfield Inn & Suites ($114 nt) and play Black Bear G.C. $30-$55) www.Blackbeargolfclub.com, Remington G.C. ($75-$85) www.Remington-gc.com, Mystic Dunes G.C. ($80-$135) www.mysticdunesgolf.com.

UNDER $950.00 – Embassy Suites-Lake Buena Vista ($144.nt) and play ChampionsGate G.C. $105-$180) www.Championsgategolf.com, Walt Disney World Resort, Osprey Ridge ($135-$174) www.DisneyWorldgolf.com, Celebration G.C. ($139-$149) www.CelebrationGolf.com.

UNDER $1,500.00 – Ginn Reunion Resort ($280.nt) and play Ginn Reunion Resort G.C. ($165.nt) www.reunionresort.com, Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes ($205.nt) www.grandelakes.com, Grand Cypress Resort ($190-$250) www.GrandCypress.com.

The above are some of Orlando’s most popular golf courses.  Keep in mind that because of the changing economic conditions many of these resorts offer healthy discounts but you must ask for them.

The Boulders Resort & Spa

photo credit: danperry.com   Located on 1,300 acres of pristine Sonoran desert, The Boulders is ranked by Conde’Nast Traveler as one of America’s “Top 15 Golf Resorts.”  The Boulders also won GOLF MAGAZINE’S 2008 Platinum Medal award and was rated one of the “Top 100 Courses in the U.S.”

The resort is located in Carefree, Az., just 12 miles from the Scottsdale Airpark and only 33 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.  Shuttle service to both airports is offered daily.

The Boulders Resort and Spa offers several vacation packages which include golf, spa service and meals.  Rates begin at $149.00 per night.  Vacationing at The Boulders Resort offers a “once in a lifetime” experience for every guest.  For reservations call 866 397-6520 or visit www.TheBoulders.com.

Sunday Bag

photo credit: eMaringolo   There are three basic types of golf bags: (1) Cart Bags-full size.  (2) Stand Bags-usually carried.  (3) Sunday Bags-small and lightweight.  Most of the bags in use are cart bags because most players like the extra space provided for accessories.  Stand bags are also widely used especially by players that enjoy walking.  Sunday bags are relatively uncommon in general use.

Hauling a full set of clubs in a cart bag (along with two suitcases) through a busy airport can be a real challenge.  The easy solution is with a Sunday bag which are conveniently and easily transported.  Most players find that they really don’t need all of the extra’s that they ordinarilly carry in a cart bag such as extra golf shoes.  Sunday bags are reasonably priced and easy to store.

Travel Bargains Galore

photo credit: nattu   A major benefit of this severe economic slump, is the abundance of travel bargains.  Golf Resort destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Scottsdale and especially Las Vegas, are now offering reduced rate golf packages. 

Here are some suggestions:  Call the resort directly to make your inquiry.  If you are given the regular price simply ask for a reduction.  Done politely, in most cases, you may get as much as a 25% price reduction. 

To be sure, all resort locations are in an economic squeeze.  With high overhead, wages and a drop in vacationers, Resorts NEED your business, so try to remember this when making your phone call/s.  Although the internet can provide rates and some savings, making a direct call is the way to go.  Good Luck!

Golf Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona is on it’s way to becoming the golf capital of the U.S.  There are over 200 golf courses within an easy drive that can accomodate every taste.  With desert courses being the most popular, there are also many tradition layouts to choose from.

Arizona has two golf seasons, winter and summer.  In the winter months, expect to pay a 3 digit figure, however, if you can tolerate the heat, summer golf is a real bargain.  As an example; a typical green fee in winter may be $175.00, for the same course in summer, they may be $29.00!  For even lower green fees, there are several web-sites that offer deep golf discounts:  Check out www.ArizonaCentral.com or www.GolfNow.com  for more information.

Package Deals

photo credit: Paco EspinozaWinter months bring great golf opportunities in the balmy southwest, here are just a few: Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale Arizona 4 nights (4th night free), 3 rounds of golf w/cart from $865.00 per person.

In Las Vegas, stay 3 nights at the Embassy Suites La Quinta and enjoy 4 rounds of golf w/cart at the following golf courses: Classic Club, Desert Willow, Indian Wells Players, and PGA West at La Quinta. Rates are $839.00 per person.

Also in Vegas, spend 3 nights at Planet Hollywood Casino, play 3 rounds of golf w/cart at The Aliente, The Legacy and Angel Park Mountain. Prices start at $425.00 per person.

For more information contact GolfPac Travel at 800 514-5138 or visit www.golfpactravel.com.a>

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