Even top resorts like Kiawah Island are offering unlimited golf vacations.
“Unlimited golf” vacations are nothing new, but thanks in part to the weak economy, even some of America’s best courses and classiest resorts are offering golf’s version of the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Yes, even resort icons like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Kiawah Island, Sea Island, and the Greenbrier are offering unlimited golf vacation packages. In fact, I’ve wanted to publish a tip about this for several weeks now, but the list of deals kept getting bigger and the quality of the venues kept getting better. Some have expiration dates approaching, so I couldn’t hold off any longer.
My list is below. If you have any to add, feel free to post them as a comment. Sorry I couldn’t include all the terms and conditions (and prices) for each one, but just be aware that every resort is likely to have a its own definition of what an unlimited golf vacation package is.
For instance, you may see stipulations that “free,” replay rounds:
- Are only available on a space-permitting basis
- Are only valid on the course you paid to play
- Are not available on a resort’s marquee course
- Do not include mandatory cart fees
- Must be played on the same day as the paid round
- Must be played during certain times of day
Don’t let his scare you; many of these unlimited golf deals are still excellent values. Just be sure to read the fine print and ask lots of questions before you book anything. Here’s the list (and you can find more special offers in the current issue of Golf Odyssey, available instantly by taking a free trial):
20 Courses and Resorts Offering “Unlimited Golf” Vacations
Alabama
Courses: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Golf Package Name: Summer Unlimited Special
Details: Valid May 11, 2009 – August 31, 2009
Contact: 800-949-4444
Bahamas
Resort: Sheraton Nassau Cable Beach Resort
Course: Cable Beach Golf Course
Golf Package Name: 2009 Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid through December 23, 2009
Contact: 242-322-2606
California
Resort: La Quinta Resort
Courses: Dunes, Mountain, Nicklaus, Norman, TPC Stadium
Golf Package Name: Best of the West Unlimited Golf Special
Details: Available through December 31, 2009
Contact: 888-848-8941
Resort: Pebble Beach
Course: Links at Spanish Bay
Golf Package Name: “Unlimited Free Golf”
Details: Must book by April 30, 2009
Contact: 800-877-0279; use promo code: PGESP
Florida
Resort: Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate
Course: International and National courses
Golf Package Name: Championsgate Unlimited Golf Experience
Details: Based on availability
Contact: 407-390-6664
Resort: Amelia Island Plantation
Courses: Oak Marsh, Ocean Links, Amelia River
Golf Package Name: Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid through December 31, 2009
Contact: 888-261-6161
Georgia
Resort: Reynolds Landing
Course: Reynolds Landing Golf Course
Golf Package Name: Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Available through December 2009
Contact: 866-405-7400
Resort: Sea Island
Course: Seaside and Plantation Courses
Golf Package Name: Lodge Summer Golf Package
Details: Available April 26-28; May 14-16 and 25-26; June 14-16 and 21-24; June 28-August 31, 2009
Contact: 866-879-6238
Maryland
Resort: Rocky Gap Resort
Course: Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
Golf Package Name: Bear Essentials – Unlimited Golf
Details: Valid through October 31, 2009
Contact: 800-724-0828
Michigan
Resorts: Boyne Mountain and Highlands
Courses: Alpine, Monument, Crooked Tree, Moor, Heather, Arthur Hills, Donald Ross
Golf Package Name: GR8 Escape – 5-Day Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid Sunday-Friday from May 3-September 27, 2009
Contact: 800-462-6963
North Carolina
Resort: Pinehurst Resort
Courses: Nos. 1-8 (surcharge for No. 2)
Golf Package Name: Pinehurst Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid March 8 – May 30, 2009
Contact: 800-487-4653
Mexico
Resort: Grand Bay Hotel – Isla Navidad Resort
Courses: El Tamarindo and Isla Navidad GC
Golf Package Name: 2 Days of Unlimited Golf
Details: Valid until December 25, 2009
Contact: 877-999-3223
Pennsylvania
Resort: Omni Bedford Springs
Course: Old Course
Golf Package Name: Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Available Sunday-Thursday until November 14, 2009
Contact: 814-623-8100
Puerto Rico
Resort: Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Course: Ponce Golf Course
Deal: Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid until June 15, 2009
Contact: 787-259-7676; use plan code: P3
Rio Mar Beach Resort
Courses: Ocean and River
Golf Package Name: Create the Perfect Package
Details: Valid through December 19, 2009
Contact: 888-848-8941
South Carolina
Resort: Kiawah Island Resort
Courses: Ocean, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Oak Point, Cougar Point (surcharge for Ocean Course)
Golf Package Names: Sanctuary or Villa Spring Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid through May 31, 2009
Contact: 800-654-2924
Texas
Resort: Barton Creek Resort
Courses: Crenshaw Cliffside or Palmer Lakeside Courses
Golf Package Name: Unlimited Championship Golf Package
Details: Valid through October 31, 2009
Contact: 866-572-7369
Resort: Horseshoe Bay Resort
Courses: Slick Rock, Ram Rock, Apple Rock
Golf Package Name: Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Valid through November 7, 2009
Contact: 830-598-8600
Virginia
Resort: Colonial Williamsburg
Courses: Golden Horseshoe Gold, Green, Spotswood
Golf Package Name: Swing into Spring Unlimited Golf Package
Details: Available until June 11, 2009
Contact: 757-229-1000
West Virginia
Resort: The Greenbrier
Courses: Old White, Greenbrier, Meadows
Golf Package Name: Tee It Up
Details: Available year round but at different prices
Contact: 800-453-4858
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
#21: Bahamas. Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. Unlimited golf on Lucayan Course and Reef Course starting at $149 double occupancy. Valid through June 30, 2009. 800-937-8461. Use code: GOLF09
The Wailea Golf Club on the beautiful island of Maui offers the Seahorse Swing pass, 3 days of unlimited golf on the award winning Gold and Emerald Courses. Available now through October 31, 2009. Contact 808-875-7450 or http://www.waileagolf.com.
Destination Kohler is also offering an unlimited golf package – come stay and play and play. Website: http://www.destinationkohler.com/packages/tac/unlimited_golf_mvi.html Stay at The American Club or Inn on Woodlake for one night and golf at Blackwolf Run and Irish course at Whistling Straits as many times as you want. Destination KOHLER Unlimited Golf Package • One night at The American Club or Inn on Woodlake • Unlimited golf at the Meadow Valleys and Irish courses during your stay • Optional upgrade to include one round on the Straits for $140 (caddie fee not included) • Cart included • Starting at $310 per person The great offer is only available May 1 through June 16, so stop dreaming about it and book your reservation today. Call 800-344-2838.
Virginia Resort: Colonial Williamsburg Courses: Golden Horseshoe Gold, Green, Spotswood Golf Package Name: Swing into Spring Unlimited Golf Package Details: Available until June 11, 2009 Contact: 757-229-1000 Your link to the website doesn’t work. Folks… this is an awesome golf experience. I highly recommend that you play the Golf Course (designed by Robert Trent Jones). It’s truly one of the best in the country.
I am from australia and in the united states in the second half of october visiting friends in South carolina. Is it worth trying to get to play at bandon dunes on the way home? i understand its a bit out of the way but i was more interested in how easy or difficult it is being a single golfer at bandon dunes
Regards
Terry
If you’re flexible on when you want to play, it’s probably no more difficult than at any other popular resort. Plus, we’ve heard that it’s less crowded than usual at Bandon, no doubt due to the economy. Best to call and inquire. Good luck!