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Browse the Golf Vacation Insider Tip Archives Below
As you will see from our brief, easy-to-read articles below, Golf Vacation Insider is dedicated to providing you with expert, unbiased and trusted golf vacation advice. We publish recommendations on where to find the best golf courses, golf resorts, restaurants, golf vacation packages, and off-course activities, as well as how to avoid wasting time and money on mediocre experiences.
Please note that we make a clear distinction between advice and information. Here’s why.
Information is a commodity these days. It’s everywhere, especially on the Web, and it’s often unreliable. On the other hand, trustworthy advice, which cuts through the information overload and helps you make smart decisions, is rare.
Why are we in a position to provide golf vacation advice? Well, for starters, we’re completely unbiased. We are the only golf travel publication in the world that conducts its property inspections anonymously and does not accept advertising, discounts or free trips from the courses, resorts and restaurants it reviews. Any compliments we give out to golf courses and resorts happen because they deserve them, not because we “owe” it to them.
Second, we’re experts. And we don’t mean that in a tooting-our-own-horn kind of way. What else would you call a publication that has reviewed more than 1,500 golf courses and resorts in 30 countries for nearly 20 years?
Finally, we’re trusted…by many of the most discriminating golf travelers in the world. Our content comes directly from the editors of our sister publication, Golf Odyssey, which is read by members of 95 of the top-100 golf clubs in the United States; Fortune 500 CEOs; golf-crazy celebrities and athletes; and famous golf course architects. These people can arguably play golf wherever they want, yet they rely on our golf vacation advice and recommendations.
But enough about us. What golf vacation destinations are you interested in? You can browse our tips below, our topics at right, select a FREE special report, or enter specific words into the search box above.
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July 1, 2009 Hole Closures Will Affect American Club / Kohler Golf VacationsIf you're contemplating an American Club/Kohler golf vacation this year, be advised that you'll only be able to play 54 of the 72 holes at the Midwest's premier golf destination.
As the editors of Golf Odyssey reported in the recently published, July 2009 issue, Significant changes are afoot at Blackwolf Run as the American Club/Kohler begins preparing for the 2012 US Women's Open. |
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June 24, 2009 All-Inclusive Golf Courses Make for Convenient Golf VacationsToday, I want to tell you about a golf concept that few people know about, but it's one I hope catches on.
You've undoubtedly heard of all-inclusive golf vacations, whereby a resort bundles together golf, accommodations, meals, drinks, etc., for one price.
But did you know there are all-inclusive golf courses, those that cater to daily-fee play? It's true, and here's why you may want to seek them out on your next golf vacation. |
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June 18, 2009 How to Save 50 Percent (or More) on First Class Flights for Golf VacationsHow would you like to save more than 50 percent on first class flights from New York to Los Angeles and a wide variety of other golf vacation destinations?
As I learned in this month's issue of the First Class Flyer newsletter, it is shockingly easy. All you need to know is how to use frequent-flier miles to play the upgrade game, and that is where First Class Flyer comes in.
Here's the secret that First Class Flyer revealed: |
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June 9, 2009 Lake Tahoe Golf Courses Offering Discounts & Private AccessIf you have ever considered a Lake Tahoe golf vacation, now might be the time to take it.
Over the weekend, the San Francisco Chronicle ran an article online entitled, "Prices Discounted at Lake Tahoe Golf Courses," and it included a few good money-saving tidbits.
You can find the full article here, but below are the items that I found most interesting. |
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June 5, 2009 Rounds Played on Golf Vacations Can Predict Your AgeLet's have a little fun today.
I bet I can guess your exact age based solely on how much golf you like to play on your golf vacations.
Don't believe me? Try this and you'll be amazed:
How many rounds of golf would you like to play on a five-day golf vacation? (must be more than 1 but less than 10)
Multiply this number by 2.
Add 5.
Now multiply the result by 50 (I'll wait while you find the calculator on your computer). |
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June 2, 2009 Private Golf Courses You Can Play on a Vermont Golf Vacation Here's something shocking that I didn't know yesterday: Stowe, Vermont, one of the most popular ski destinations on the East Coast, actually receives three times more visitors in summer than in winter.
And with the news that the editors of Golf Odyssey recently revealed, you may want to join them this year.
While researching where to play on Stowe, Vermont golf vacations, the editors noted that you can play three private golf courses just by staying at certain hotels and resorts. |
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May 27, 2009 The Affordable Way to Get on Bethpage Black, Site of the '09 U.S. OpenI don't normally do this, but today I have to call out Golf World magazine for something it did (or didn't do, rather) in its latest (May 25) issue, which it billed as including a "special report" on how to get on Bethpage Black, site of the upcoming U.S. Open.
The cover reads: "So You Want to Play Bethpage Black? You can. But it's expensive and complicated. Why it is so hard to get on this public course." |
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May 21, 2009 How to Get in on the Golf Fitness Challenge Before it Goes PublicI just received a call from Susan Hill, the golf fitness guru mentioned in last week's post about "the best way to warm up when you're running late for a tee time."
Apparently, a lot of you were intrigued by her book, 101 Stretches for Golf, because she called to thank me for all the interest (and even a few sales) she received from Golf Vacation Insider readers.
I must admit, I was a little surprised (and impressed, frankly) that so many of you are interested in getting in better golf shape.
Susan was impressed, too, and that's why she asked me to extend a special invitation to you: |
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May 19, 2009 Mesquite Golf Courses: Still Worth a Side Trip During a Las Vegas Golf Vacation?Many of you have asked if I think it's still worth taking the 90-mile side trip to play Mesquite golf courses given that the prices of Las Vegas golf vacations have been dropping considerably in recent months.
Well, my colleagues at Golf Odyssey recently returned from an undercover inspection of Mesquite golf courses and they just filed their comprehensive report in their May 2009 issue.
Here are some of their comments: |
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May 14, 2009 The 5 Minutes That Could Make or Break Your Golf VacationToday, I thought I'd address a problem that we've all found ourselves in, whether it's at a local course or one being played on a golf vacation: how to properly warm up when you're running extremely late for a tee time.
Before you roll your eyes at what I admit isn't a super sexy topic, think about this: what you do during those harried five minutes before you pull out your driver can determine whether that $50-$150 you just plunked down buys you fun and satisfaction or a long day of frustration. |
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May 12, 2009 Pound Ridge Golf Club Lowering Rates for New York Golf VacationsI just heard that Pound Ridge Golf Club (poundridgegolf.com), the new public Pete Dye creation located an hour north of New York City, is discounting its peak green fee by nearly 20 percent.
This brings it down, yes, down, to $195 before 3 pm.
Owned by Ken Wang, Jr., the brother of famous fashion designer Vera Wang, the course is Dye's first in New York State and, mainly due to environmental constraints, it took more than a decade and $40 million to complete. |
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May 5, 2009 5 Tips for Playing TPC Sawgrass on Your Florida Golf VacationMost weeks, the courses you see during the PGA Tour telecast are private. But not this week. Anyone can play the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, host site of the Players Championship, and we just love that.
Many of you must love it, too, because, for the last few years on the Monday after the Players Championship, and for weeks thereafter, we get flooded with questions about playing TPC Sawgrass on a Florida golf vacation.
This year, I thought I'd try to answer some of your questions in advance given that the editors of Golf Odyssey played TPC Sawgrass just 90 days ago. |
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April 28, 2009 The New "Must-Play" Course for Scotland Golf VacationsIn just 75 days, those taking Scotland golf vacations will be able to play what the editors of Golf Odyssey recently called, "the most important golf course opening in Great Britain and Ireland — and arguably the world — during 2009."
Castle Stuart Links, named for the 17th-century castle that is only a 10-minute walk from the first tee, is the work of two Americans, Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, both of whom have notable courses in their design portfolios. |
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April 21, 2009 20 Places Where You Can Take "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. |
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April 8, 2009 How to Play the Real Caddyshack Movie Course on Your Florida Golf VacationPart of being a golfer is having the uncontrollable urge to recite lines from the Caddyshack movie whenever remotely relevant, but did you know you can play the real-life "Bushwood Country Club" on a Florida golf vacation, even though it's a private course?
It's true, and the proof is in these photos, taken by the editors of Golf Odyssey during one of the anonymous, "secret shopper" inspections they regularly make at golf courses and resorts worldwide. |
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March 31, 2009 Why Off-Resort Dining is Usually the Better Option for Golf Vacations Golf Odyssey readers know that my editors and I work hard to identify the best places to dine at each golf vacation destination we visit. Before you roll your eyes, know that we have to endure plenty of bad restaurants in order to find the standouts, and we have the Pepto supply to prove it.
What we've found is that, save for a few exceptions (the Tap Room at Pebble Beach immediately comes to mind), the best dining choices are almost always located off resort grounds. As I recently learned from the CEO of a major hospitality company, the reason for this is pretty simple. |
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March 24, 2009 How to Play Private Golf Courses on Your Upcoming Golf VacationsWant to play private golf courses on your next golf vacation?
Your chances of getting inside the gates at private golf courses across America — even the famous ones — has increased dramatically, so much so that you can almost factor them in to your golf vacation plans.
As I wrote in the current, March 2009 issue of Golf Odyssey:
"We are about to witness a dramatic shift in the ability of non-members to play golf at private golf courses in America. And this phenomenon will include many of the most exclusive and highly-rated venues — the very courses you regularly see on TV on Sunday; that fill "top-100" lists; even private golf courses that have even hosted major championships." |
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March 26, 2009 World's Oldest Golf Course Playable on a Scotland Golf Vacation According to a recent pronouncement by Guinness World Records, you can play the world's oldest golf course on a Scotland golf vacation, but you can't do it in St. Andrews.
No, the oldest golf course on earth (or at least the one that currently has the most convincing evidence of such) is located approximately 60 miles farther down Scotland's east coast, outside the capital city of Edinburgh, in the town of Musselburgh, easily reachable by bus and/or train. (Click "more" to see photos.) |
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March 20, 2009 Scotland Golf Vacation Alert: St. Andrews Golf Course Tee Times Up for Grabs on MondayThose planning Scotland golf vacations are often disappointed to learn that the world-famous Old Course in St. Andrews is often booked solid a year in advance, but this Monday, it and its sister St. Andrews golf courses are offering unsold tee times on a first-come, first served basis.
St. Andrews Links Trust, which manages the collection of seven St. Andrews golf courses, announced that it has tee times available for the following upcoming dates in 2009: |
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March 17, 2009 Ireland Golf Vacation Packages on Sale This Summer In the January 2009 issue, Golf Odyssey tipped readers off about one of the best bargain regions to visit when taking Ireland golf vacations.
This region boasts a trio of fantastic golf courses, and Golf Odyssey's editors proclaimed, "each is a jewel, more highly polished now than ever, and each can be played for an average weekday green fee of only $66."
Today, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, we're going to dive into our pot of gold once again and share even more deals for Ireland golf vacations, this time from some the best known courses to play. |
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March 12, 2009 Stay at the Best Hotel for Less on Your Hawaii Golf VacationToday's tip explains how to get a deep discount at the best place to stay on Big Island of Hawaii golf vacations.
You're probably already aware that the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the primo place to stay on the Big Island. In fact, it reportedly enjoys the highest occupancy rate of any Four Seasons hotel in the world. Its 243 rooms and suites start at $725 per night.
But, if you're traveling with a group of friends and/or family on a Hawaii golf vacation, you'll be interested to know that you can stay in elegant homes and villas within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai development, and the cost works out to be much less (assuming you're sharing it). |
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March 10, 2009 Deal or No Deal? Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation Package (Including Instruction) at Pawleys Plantation Like most golf websites, we get flooded with announcements about golf vacation packages from courses and resorts. Rather than just copy, paste, and post them, however, we actually take the time to do some research to determine which ones truly offer you significant values and which are just products of enthusiastic marketing managers.
Today, we're happy to present a Myrtle Beach golf vacation package that makes the cut by a long shot. If you're in the market for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation, and would like to combine it with top-notch instruction, you'll want to pay particular attention to this one.
It's called the "Best Ever Golf School Package," and it's being offered by Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club (pawleysplantation.com), located at the southern end of the 70-mile stretch of beach towns that make up greater Myrtle Beach or "the Grand Strand."
This Myrtle Beach golf vacation package includes: |
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March 5, 2009 Golf Packages Ensure You Never Have to Pay Published Green Fees at PGA National Resort & SpaThis week, the PGA Tour is playing the Honda Classic on the Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa, but the course's high profile doesn't mean you have to pay the high rack rate on your Florida golf vacation.
In fact, the editors of Golf Odyssey say that savvy golfers never pay the rack rates for any of the five courses at PGA National Resort & Spa.
That's because golf packages abound here (offered by the resort itself and third-party golf package companies) and because resort guests on golf packages only pay a surcharge to play the Champion Course, it usually works out in your favor to go the package route even if you're only playing one round. (And if you're only playing one round here, make sure it's on the Champion Course). |
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March 3, 2009 More First-look Photos (and Videos) of the Old Macdonald Course at Bandon Dunes Golf ResortThere were three main reactions to last week's post about Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's Old Macdonald course opening for 10-hole preview play.
One was frustration, because I left out the part about the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort being located in Oregon (sorry, I forget that not everyone knows this).
One was gratitude, for researching tee times, green/caddie fees, and which 10 holes (and their order) will make up the preview rounds (all largely left out of mainstream reportage). |
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February 27, 2009 Secrets to Getting the Most out of American Airlines' Frequent Flyer ProgramI don’t know about you, but I am never quite sure how to maximize the benefit of my hard-earned frequent flyer miles. It seems like the rules are always changing, and given the plethora of redemption options for tickets, upgrades, hotel rooms and merchandise, I am just never sure how to play the frequent flyer game. This is particularly true on American Airlines where I have racked up more than one million miles and have earned AAdvantage Gold Status — for life.
Well, I just finished reading the recently-published book, AAnomalies, which reveals 42 invaluable secrets for navigating the American Airlines AAdvantage Program. With just a few of the secrets I learned, I can now take advantage of AAdvantage, travel in maximum comfort, all while saving thousands of dollars in the process. |
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February 26, 2009 Old Macdonald Course Opening for Limited Play for Bandon Dunes Golf VacationsWe've always admired how the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon marches to its own beat, and its most recent announcement is just one more example of that.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort's fourth, 18-hole course, Old Macdonald, isn't scheduled to open fully until June 2010, but from April 1 through October 31 of this year, the resort is, on a limited basis, making 10-hole preview rounds available to resort guests.
Quick: name another major golf resort that would allow play on its brand new course — one of the most highly anticipated new layouts in the country — before all 18 holes were ready. Coming up blank? Me, too. |
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February 24, 2009 How to Tell if Your Golf Vacation Flights are Truly "On Time"You probably know I rarely have good things to say about the commercial airlines, but today's tip is an exception. It's a little discovery I made that has saved me countless hours of unnecessary waiting time at the airport and has transformed me into a superhero instead of a helpless victim of delayed and cancelled flights. Here's how it can do the same for you. |
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February 20, 2009 What Kind of Golf Vacation Advice are You Looking For?Isn't it great when you're on a golf vacation and the staff members, er, "guest ambassadors," at the courses and resorts make you feel like their only concern is how to help you enjoy yourself more?
Well, today, we're the smiling, name-tagged greeters, and we sincerely want to know what we can do for you. |
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February 19, 2009 Las Vegas Golf Courses: The Best Alternatives to "The Big Three" You probably know that some people pay upwards of $500 to play "The Big Three" Las Vegas golf courses at Shadow Creek, Cascata, and Wynn Golf Club.
What you might not know is that you can get a similar experience for a heck of a lot less.
According to the editors of Golf Odyssey, there are at least three facilities (a total of six Las Vegas golf courses) that offer an escapist vibe like the one enjoyed at the trio comprising "The Five Franklin Club." In the February 2009 issue of Golf Odyssey they wrote, "you'll not find a single house anywhere near these Las Vegas golf courses." |
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February 17, 2009 Puerto Rico Golf Vacations Offer the Most Convenience in the Caribbean Want to know the best island for Caribbean golf vacations? There are, of course, many factors to consider, but if convenience is of utmost importance to you, Puerto Rico golf vacations are the, ahem, easy winner.
Puerto Rico golf vacations offer the balmy weather, abundant golf courses, and very nice beaches like some other Caribbean options, but as the editors of Golf Odyssey point out in the February 2009 issue, one of its major advantages is sheer convenience — especially for U.S. travelers — a pretty important factor for time-starved people who need to unwind, but don’t want an added hassle of doing it. |
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February 12, 2009 How to Pay Less Than Published Green Fees and Create Discount Golf Vacations
Today’s tip falls under the category of, “Things Golf Courses Don’t Want You to Know.” It’s a little secret for how to turn your upcoming trips into discount golf vacations (and it'll explain why this video is relevant).
If you are one of my Golf Odyssey subscribers, you are already privy to many of my tricks of the trade and have access to a number of otherwise unadvertised golf vacation specials. Today’s tip about discount golf vacations is so valuable, I just couldn’t wait for the next issue of Golf Odyssey to be published to share it. |
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February 10, 2009 Goofiest Golf Gadget from the PGA Merchandise ShowWe couldn't let our recent visit to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando go by without engaging in the time-honored tradition of making fun of the goofiest products we saw.
You may recall one of our previous Show recaps, when we divided up our product picks into the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This year's sole "winner" is something called Tee-Up, and we found it while wandering one of our favorite areas of the show floor: the "New Product Center," a veritable treasure trove of useless crap. |
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February 5, 2009 The Easiest Way to Find Nonstop Flights for Caribbean Golf VacationsI just came across an amazingly fast and handy tool for planning Caribbean golf vacations. Within two clicks of your mouse, you can see which Caribbean islands offer non-stop flights from your home airport AND which airlines service the route.
The key words here, of course, are "non-stop flights." I don't know about you, but when I'm on a golf vacation, every hour is precious. So, until the airlines prove they can handle layovers or connections with a respectable degree of reliability, I prefer to wager my time on their not entirely stellar, but inherently simpler, non-stop flights. |
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February 3, 2009 Sales Manager, Golf Writer Win Golf Vacation Photo ContestAnd the correct identity of the golf course pictured in last week's photo contest is...
...Weihai Point, located in the northeast China province of Shandong (about 300 miles southeast of Beijing).
Congratulations to Steve Dollmeyer, a Vermont-based renewable energy sales manager, and to Jack Rosol, a California-based golf writer, whose names were picked out of (a very small) pool of correct answers.
Each of these guys has won a copy of the The Golf Odyssey 2008 Collection, a leather-bound coffee-table book containing amazing photos and in-depth reviews of the hundreds of golf courses, resorts and restaurants that the editors of Golf Odyssey inspected last year. |
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January 29, 2009 Luxury Golf Vacations for Less: Four Seasons Offering "Buy Two, Get One Free" How much pressure is the weak economy putting on the golf vacation and hospitality industries?
Well, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which often touts the fact that it doesn't engage in discounting its rooms, has announced a buy-two-nights, get-one-free "special" at nearly 35 of its properties worldwide (from now through April 1, 2009).
They can call it whatever they want. I call it a perfect opportunity for a little luxury golf vacation for less.
Here are the Four Seasons properties that are offering the discount special AND have golf on site or maintain special arrangements with courses nearby: |
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January 22, 2009 Sea Island Golf Club Extends Free, Unlimited Golf PackagesLast week, we told you how you can score a free round of golf at the Links at Spanish Bay while on a Pebble Beach golf vacation (see our Jan. 15 post). Today, we're going to tell you how to play free golf during your entire stay at the Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, the much acclaimed resort off the coast of Georgia.
The very comfortable Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club is offering "Lodge Winter Golf Packages" starting at $375 per night ($450 for double occupancy) that includes free, unlimited golf on its premier Seaside Course (a Colt/Alison design, Tom Fazio redesign) and Plantation Course (Walter Travis design, Rees Jones redesign). |
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January 27, 2009 Golf Vacation Photo Contest to Win $99 BookWe take a lot of pride in being your honest and objective source of golf vacation advice. And while most of our tips aim to give you the upper hand when it comes to planning your golf vacations, today we thought we'd just have a little fun by running a photo contest.
The rules are simple: If you can correctly identify the golf course pictured, we'll enter your name in a drawing to win a copy of The Golf Odyssey 2008 Collection, a leather-bound coffee-table book containing amazing photos and in-depth reviews of the hundreds of golf course, resorts and restaurants that the editors of Golf Odyssey inspected last year (a $99 value). |
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January 20, 2009 TPC Sawgrass: How to Play for Less on a Florida Golf VacationQ: Can you tell me an inexpensive way to play the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass?
A: World famous island green or not, $375 in high season (March 1st through June 8th) is a lot to spend to play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, so I'm not surprised you're looking for a less expensive option.
The twilight rate in low season (from now to February 28th) is $129, but you're not guaranteed to finish your round. And honestly, what's a round at the TPC Sawgrass without playing the famous 17th hole? |
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January 15, 2009 Pebble Beach Golf Courses Offering Sweeter Deals, Extending PackagesI know we've been sharing a lot of tips lately on how to play the Pebble Beach golf courses for less, but they keep coming up with new deals and specials (not available at the pebblebeach.com website) that we thought you'd want to know about.
The latest offer includes a free round of golf at Spanish Bay (a $260 value) and a free room upgrade (value varies) for Pebble Beach golf vacations taken through March 31, 2009. The only catch is that you have to make your reservations by January 31, which is quickly approaching. |
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January 13, 2009 Sandestin Golf Resort a Good (Not Great) Choice for Florida Golf VacationsOutside of Disney, the Sandestin Golf Resort is the largest one in Florida, and this panhandle player gets a lot of attention from the mainstream media, but as the editors of Golf Odyssey report in their January issue, bigger (and well publicized) doesn't necessarily mean better, at least with respect to the accommodations and service.
Traveling undercover as they always do, Golf Odyssey's editors arrived at the Sandestin Golf Resort well after the official check-in time, yet they were forced to wait an hour before their room was ready. Inexplicably, their request for a different room was denied. |
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January 8, 2009 New Non-Stop Flights for Myrtle Beach Golf VacationsGiven the small airport there, it's not always easy to fly non-stop when taking Myrtle Beach golf vacations, and based on the unreliable nature of air travel today, we always recommend the fewest number of stops possible.
That's why we were very interested to learn that there are plans for new, non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach from another major market: Chicago, Ill., via O'Hare International Airport (symbol: ORD) and Spirit Airlines. |
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December 30, 2008 Hawaii Golf Courses that Should Have Been Played on the Current Barack Obama Golf VacationI sure hope president-elect Barack Obama's future cabinet members advise him better than the person who recommended where he should tee it up on his current Oahu, Hawaii golf vacation.
On December 21, Obama played at Olomana Golf Links (olomanagolflinks.com), followed by two rounds at the private Mid Pacific Country Club (mpcchi.org); one on Christmas Eve and one yesterday. If you haven't seen the photos, you can view them
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December 24, 2008 See College Football Coaches Scramble at Reynolds Plantation Happy holidays from Golf Vacation Insider!
I'm visiting family down in Woodbridge, Va., this week, but I wanted to let you know about a made-for-TV event airing tomorrow (Christmas Day) combining two things that may be on your mind this time of year: golf and college football.
It's called the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation, and it airs on CBS at 2:30 pm (ET). I missed it last year, but apparently an NCAA Division I college football head coach and a famous athlete alum from the same school play against other coach/alum teams in a scramble format. The field is comprised of 13 teams, seven of whose coaches have played, or are scheduled to play, in bowl games over the next week or so. |
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December 18, 2008 Pebble Beach Golf Courses Offering 50 Percent Discounts; No Hotel Stays RequiredEven if you’re someone who could justify — or stomach — the $495 green fee at Pebble Beach Golf Course, the two-night-minimum hotel stay (which can run $700 per night) required to make advance tee times is often too much to bear.
Well, here’s a way to get around both, but you won’t find this unadvertised deal on the Pebble Beach Resorts website. It’s an offer to play its Spyglass Hill and Links at Spanish Bay courses at 50 percent discounts, and its Pebble Beach Golf Course for 30 percent off — all without required hotels stays.
Here's how you can do it:
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December 16, 2008 First Class Flights Secrets to Upgrade Your Golf Vacations If you think commercial air travel has improved over the last year, there is no need to read the rest of today's post.
However, if you find being packed into a coach middle seat in the back row of a 757 in full olfactory contact with the lavatory to be less than pleasant, then today's tip is for you.
I am one of those people commonly referred to as a road warrior. I know most airports like the back of my hand and I am quite adept at figuring out the best (and often cheapest) way to fly from point A to point B, ideally with a free upgrade to the first class flights. One of my tried and true secrets is following the advice of First Class Flyer, a newsletter published by Matthew Bennett, a/k/a Mr. Upgrade. |
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December 12, 2008 The Best Golf Gift for Creating Ultimate Golf Vacations Want to start the weekend off with one less gift purchase to worry about? Read on.
If you've been getting our handy tips and unbiased advice about golf travel, golf vacations, and golf packages, you're probably aware that we also publish a monthly, printed newsletter called Golf Odyssey: The Insider's Guide to Sophisticated Golf Travel. In fact, some of you may already subscribe to Golf Odyssey or have received sample issues in the mail as part of a free trial. |
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December 11, 2008 New Golf Course Opens Monday for Dominican Republic Golf VacationsUpon visiting the Punta Cana area on a Dominican Republic golf vacation last winter, we came back predicting that it, "is poised to become the golf mecca of the Caribbean," mainly on the strength of its beaches, fine hotels, and existing and future golf courses led by Jack Nicklaus' Punta Espada.
Perhaps it was validation that, months later, Golfweek magazine came out with its list of "Best Caribbean Courses," and Punta Espada was ranked No. 1. |
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December 9, 2008 Platinum Places: The World's Best Golf Vacation Destinations for 2008-2009If you're contemplating or actively planning golf vacations, you are about to read one of the most useful tips we'll publish all year.
That's because it explains how you can get a copy of Golf Odyssey's recently released list of Platinum Places: The World's Best Golf Destinations 2008-2009. Published each December, some Golf Odyssey readers subscribe to our flagship publication for this issue alone.
Why is it so coveted and useful for planning golf vacations? Well, in devising their list of 72 "Platinum Places," the editors of Golf Odyssey divided it into 18 sub-categories so it's more relevant to those with specific golf vacation interests and preferences, i.e. families, escapists, golf-aholics, food-lovers, gamblers, and value-seekers. |
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December 5, 2008 A Great Golf Gift for Less Than $20This week I received an email from world-renowned golf photographer Larry Lambrecht announcing that his 2009 calendar, "Emerald Gems, The Links of Ireland," is now available for only $13.95 plus $4.00 shipping.
I know many of you are looking for inexpensive, but still classy, golf gifts and this struck me as quite a good one. You may not know it, but in the past you have probably admired Larry's work, which can regularly be found in all sorts of golf books and magazines. In fact, Larry is one of our own go-to sources when we are seeking photography for our premium Golf Odyssey newsletter. And odds are, some of Larry's photographs are hanging in the halls of your home course or golf club. |
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December 4, 2008 Deal or No Deal?: Las Vegas Golf Courses at 30, 50, and 70 Percent DiscountsDo the stock market's wild swings of late have you wondering if gambling in Las Vegas is a more effective investment vehicle? Well, now might be good time to find out.
Not only are Las Vegas airfare prices down by as much as 10-20 percent in some cases (thanks to the drop in fuel costs), but certain Las Vegas golf courses are wheeling and dealing, too. Just be careful not to get sucked in by the hype. |
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December 2, 2008 Municipal Palm Beach Golf Course Bests Resort Options on Florida Golf VacationsIn a recent tip about the newly renovated PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, we praised the marquee Champion Course but advised that there are better, off-resort options compared to the four other Palm Beach golf courses there.
We mentioned that there is, "an intriguing, stunningly remade muni just five miles away," and that muni is North Palm Beach Country Club (village-npb.org). If you can put up with the sometimes heavy municipal crowds on your Florida golf vacation, we highly recommend it over the bland, "other" courses at PGA National Resort & Spa. |
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November 25, 2008 Top Value Course Reopens for Arizona Golf Vacations While we'll all have a lot to be thankful for on November 27th, those on, or planning, Arizona golf vacations will have a little extra about which to be grateful. That's when tee times will again be taken for Papago Golf Course, which, in the past, was one of the best bangs-for-the-buck for Arizona golf vacations.
Orginally designed by William F. Bell (of Torrey Pines Golf Course fame, among others) in 1963, the city of Phoenix-owned Papago has been closed since April to undergo massive renovations. |
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November 20, 2008 Finding the Best Golf Ball for Your Golf Vacations and Local PlayHave you ever wondered how to determine what is truly the best golf ball to buy for your next golf vacation or regular rounds at your home course?
I don't know about you, but I have always found golf ball reviews and golf ball ratings to be utterly confusing when trying to select the best golf ball for my game. Not only are there a dozen or so manufacturers, but each one has many different varieties. Titleist alone offers at least six different models. |
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November 11, 2008 Discount Golf Vacations: Pinehurst Golf Resort Brings Back "The 252" PackageIn a recent tip, we gave some specific examples of how the weak economy is making it easier to access top golf resorts and how discount golf vacations are becoming more plentiful. We also said we'd notify you of the best golf vacation packages we came across. Well, consider yourself notified.
Pinehurst Golf Resort had decided to bring back "the 252," a one-night, bed-and-breakfast package that includes a round on the famous No. 2 course, starting at $252 per golfer, based on double occupancy at the Manor or Holly inns. Add in 10 percent tax and the 9.75 percent service charge, and the per person total comes to about $300. |
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November 18, 2008 Discount Golf Vacations Now Possible with Hilton Honors RewardsWell, that didn't take long. About a month after we told you that it's possible to take discount golf vacations using Marriott Rewards points, Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced that members of its rewards program, HHonors, would be able redeem points for golf, too.
You may recall that, based on our calculations, points in Marriott's program seem to go farther when used for vacation rewards other than golf; such as for hotel stays. So, is Hilton's program any better for taking discount golf vacations? Let's take a look. |
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November 6, 2008 How to Get First Class Flights for the Price of CoachHow would you like to save up to 65 percent on first class flights to Hawaii (and other destinations)? As I learned in last month's issue of the First Class Flyer newsletter, it is shockingly easy. All you need to do is book your trip through your airline's vacation division (most major carries have them).
Sound too good to be true? It's not. I called NWA WorldVacations (the vacation division of Northwest Airlines) to check on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu. While Northwest's website was quoting first class flights at $2,348, they were available through the vacation division for $831 round-trip (65 percent less, and even less than the economy fare depending on the day). |
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November 4, 2008 PGA National Resort: Do Renovations Warrant a Florida Golf Vacation?Fresh off a $65 million makeover, the five-course PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has garnered a lot of favorable press in the mainstream media lately, but is it truly deserving of this praise and should you consider it for your next Florida golf vacation?
Golf Odyssey recently conducted one of its trademark, anonymous inspections at PGA National Resort & Spa to get the real story. Here's what we found out. |
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November 13, 2008 See Amazing Images of Two "Must Play" New Zealand Golf CoursesThe Tiger-less PGA Tour may have packed up its tent for the 2008 season, but there is a new televised golf tournament coming up that you don't want to miss.
It's called the Kiwi Challenge (thekiwichallenge.com), and it pits four of the world's best under-30 golfers — Ryder Cuppers Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan, Masters standout Brandt Snedeker, and Adam Scott — against each other in a two-day, stroke-play tournament across two of the best New Zealand golf courses: Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. |
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October 30, 2008 Ross Layout Gets Our Vote between the Balsams' Two New Hampshire Golf CoursesWhen the clock chimes midnight signaling the arrival of the presidential election next Tuesday, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire residents, most of whom are employees of the venerable Balsams Resort, will gather at the historic grande dame to cast their ballots and become the first counted precinct in the entire United States of America.
We are interested in the Balsams Resort not as much for this American civic lesson as for its New Hampshire golf courses and rich history as a special New England golf retreat. There's been a resort hotel at this remote spot in the Great North Woods (Canada is just 13 miles away as the crow flies) since the 1860s, and golf has been played here since 1897. |
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October 23, 2008 Weak Economy Making Top Golf Resorts Accessible, Discount Golf Vacations PlentifulIt's hard to find many silver linings in the economy these days, but if you are a glass-half-full kind of person, now might be one of the best times to take a golf vacation, especially if you've had your eye on a top golf venue that's usually booked solid. Here is my experience from two weekends ago.
Following the old motto, "when the going gets tough, the tough go play golf," I spent the Columbus Day weekend in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I wasn't planning on visiting the venerable Pinehurst Golf Resort, mind you, but my friends were interested in playing Pinehurst No. 2, so we thought we'd give it a shot. |
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October 21, 2008 Professor "Warns" that St. Andrews Golf Course Could Be DestroyedHave you seen the email going around claiming that the Old Course at St. Andrews is in danger of "crumbling into the sea?" Well, don't call off your Scotland golf vacation plans just yet.
The rumors are based on a recent speech made by the head of a St. Andrews environmental group. Specifically, the part about how the most famous St. Andrews golf course and "the Home of Golf" could be completely destroyed by 2050 if the effects of climate change continue or intensify.
From the UK's Daily Telegraph, about University of St. Andrews' Jan Bebbington, professor of accounting and director of the St. Andrews Sustainability Institute: |
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October 14, 2008 Deal or No Deal? 2-for-1 Green Fee Golf Packages at Top Punta Cana Golf Course If you've been reading our golf vacation advisories for awhile, you may recall us tipping you off about the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana region and how it is poised to become the next great Caribbean golf vacation destination.
Well, we recently came across a golf vacation package offering two-for-one green fees at Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that can currently lay claim to being the best Punta Cana golf course (there are several more under contract and construction). |
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October 28, 2008 How to Play Cypress Point Golf Club During a Pebble Beach Golf VacationQ: We are two Aussie golfers traveling to the Monterey Peninsula for a few days. Do you have any thoughts on how we can play Cypress Point Golf Club?
A: We know a lot of the secrets to getting on some of the best private golf courses in the world, but playing Cypress Point Golf Club is an extremely tough nut to crack. The club has a small membership (200-250) and even if you know a member, there is a relatively little amount of unaccompanied guest play allowed. |
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October 7, 2008 Make Erin Hills Golf Course Part of Your American Club Kohler Golf VacationCan you think of a newly constructed, public-access US golf course that has generated more buzz and endeared itself to the USGA prior to opening than Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin?
Chambers Bay Golf Course in Washington is certainly a contender, but it was awarded the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open seven months after opening. |
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October 2, 2008 A (New) and Improved Troon North for Your Scottsdale Golf VacationsTroon North Golf Club, one of the 36-hole facilities that has become a staple of Scottsdale golf vacations, has been touting its "two new golf courses" lately. Intrigued as to why the golf club would monkey with its acclaimed Monument Course, a Jay Moorish/Tom Weiskopf creation, and its Pinnacle Course (1996), a solo Weiskopf effort, we made one of our usual anonymous site inspections to find out.
Specifically, the Troon North Golf Club website declares that Tom Weiskopf recently returned to create, "two new layouts" and a "completely new playing experience." The truth is, while Weiskopf modified some bunkers, re-worked a few holes, and added a superior strain of bentgrass to the putting surfaces, his main change was transferring nines between the courses to create more cohesive routings. |
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September 30, 2008 Deal or No Deal? "Ultimate" Buddies Golf Packages at Pinehurst Golf ResortAny time I hear of a resort offering "unlimited golf" packages, my ears perk up. When it's the Pinehurst Golf Resort, they stand at full attention.
Such was the case when I came across Pinehurst's Golf Resort's three-day "Buddy Trip of a Lifetime," where, for $2,300 per person (based on groups of four or more), you can play as much golf as your body will allow on seven of the resort's golf courses, and one round on its famous, No. 2 course, which has hosted the US Open in 1999 and 2005. |
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September 25, 2008 Newspapers a Great Resource for Discount Golf VacationsWe receive phone calls and emails almost daily asking about discount golf vacations and where to find the best golf deals. Well, one of the best sources of such information can be found in a familiar but largely forgotten place: the newspaper.
That's right. The Web may be killing the circulation of newspapers all over the world, but for finding deals that make discount golf vacations possible, and coupons that only require tactful tearing as opposed to an Internet connection and a printer, newspapers more than hold their own. |
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September 23, 2008 Southeastern Alternatives to Myrtle Beach Golf VacationsQ: I've been taking Myrtle Beach golf vacations with my buddies for a long time. Is there another location in the Southeast we should consider that is equally easy to reach, offers multiple golf courses, dependable weather, and is not overly expensive?
A: The first alternative to a Myrtle Beach golf vacation that you might consider is a Hilton Head golf vacation. Hilton Head, just a little farther down the South Carolina coast, has a similarly high density of golf courses as Myrtle Beach (it doesn't call itself "The Golf Island" for nothing), but the overall look and feel is more upscale. Not snooty, just a bit nicer and definitely still "fun" enough for a buddies trip. Prices are slightly higher than what you'll find on Myrtle Beach golf vacations, but they're not insane. |
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September 18, 2008 Discount Golf Vacations Now Possible with Marriott RewardsThe Marriott Rewards hotel loyalty program recently made it possible to earn points by playing golf — and to redeem points for free rounds of golf — at its properties, but is it a truly a smart way to take discount golf vacations? Let's take a closer look.
The earning points part seems fine. Members of the new Marriott Golf Links program, (who must first be members of the main Marriott Rewards program) earn 10 points for every dollar they spend on golf and golf retail purchases at "participating" Marriott golf clubs and courses worldwide. So far, only about 35 of the company's 60 or so golf properties are participating (including Doral in Miami, Starr Pass in Tucson, Camelback in Scottsdale, Kauai Lagoons in Hawaii, and White Witch in Jamaica) but more are planned for 2009. |
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September 16, 2008 Beware of "Americanized" Golf Resorts on Your UK and Ireland Golf Vacations The tip you are about to read dispels one of the commonly held misconceptions about UK and Ireland golf vacations.
You see, in addition to the historic qualities and purity of UK and Ireland golf courses, we Americans are often lured across the pond by the romantic notion that overcrowded courses and slow play are never an issue over there.
While that's true, for the most part, at the UK and Ireland's "private" golf courses (where you get a member-for-a-day experience, much like our "semi-private" clubs), we often find that the experience at UK and Ireland golf resorts is often disappointingly similar to that of certain, popular public courses here in the States.
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September 11, 2008 One-Day Access to Private Golf Courses Across the CountryOur last tip about getting on private golf courses explained the concept of joining a private club network, whereby you pay a small membership fee to gain access to what can be hundreds of private golf courses.
Today, we're going to tell you how you can play dozens of private golf courses without joining anything. Actually, we're going to re-tell you, as this tip was first published around this time last year. |
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September 9, 2008 St. Andrews Golf Courses Not the Only Game in Town on Scotland Golf Vacations With the recent opening of the formidable Castle Course, taking a Scotland golf vacation to play St. Andrews golf courses might be in your sights now more than ever.
If so, don't feel like you have to stick to the collection of courses that compose the St. Andrews Links Trust (The Old Course, Castle Course, The New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Balgove Course, and Strathtyrum).
Particularly if you're interested in sea-side golf, there are three other worthy courses that are, like the Castle Course, routed over former pastures and croplands along the same stretch of coast on St. Andrews Bay. |
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September 10, 2008 Florida Golf Vacation at TPC Sawgrass with Jim Furyk Up for GrabsWe don't often alert readers to contests and sweepstakes, but when the prize is a Florida golf vacation to play TPC Sawgrass with one of the best players on the PGA Tour, we feel it's worth passing along.
One Key is the Mansfield, Mass.-based vacation club running the contest, the grand prize winner of which will be flown (with a companion) to Jacksonville, Fla, put up for two nights in a hotel, and treated to a round of golf with Jim Furyk on TPC Sawgrass, site of the world's most famous island green and the Tour's annual Players Championship. The approximate retail value of the trip is six thousand dollars. |
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September 4, 2008 Golf Course Reviews Not Always Reliable for Planning Golf VacationsWhat you are about to read underscores why it's so important to "consider the source" when researching your golf vacations.
On a recent trip to play several Maine golf courses, we were met with a few unpleasant surprises at the venerable Sugarloaf Resort and its Sugarloaf Golf Course, which some mainstream golf publications have placed on their top-100 lists. For one thing, we discovered that it's really only the back nine holes — not the entire 18 — that make this Maine golf course memorable.
More disturbing, however, was that its greens were in horrible condition, particularly on the front side. This, despite the fact that the "Course Report" on the Sugarloaf Golf Course website proudly proclaimed that, "the fairways are in the best shape of the year." It made no mention whatsoever of the damage to the greens caused by the harsh winter. |
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August 28, 2008 A New Lodging Option for Your Bandon Dunes Golf VacationIf the greatest challenge about taking a Bandon Dunes golf vacation is getting to this remote, Oregon outpost, the second greatest has to be securing a room there, particularly during the May-through-October high season. Happily, we have good news to report on that front.
On August 1, The Inn at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opened, adding 39 more rooms to what was an inventory of just 225 at this soon-to-be four-course property. |
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September 3, 2008 Another Way to Access Private Golf Courses at Home or on Golf VacationsOur regular readers know that we often provide insider tips on how to access private golf courses while taking golf vacations. Today, we'd like to let you in on another great one.
It's called TOUR GCX, and if you're someone who enjoys the private golf club experience at home or during your golf vacations — but you're not quite ready to join a country club — it may be a perfect solution for you. |
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September 2, 2008 The Best Vermont Golf Courses to Play in and Around BurlingtonQ: What are some of the better Vermont golf courses to play in the Burlington area?
A: If you’re looking for big-name Vermont golf courses near Burlington, the first place to consider is Vermont National Country Club (vnccgolf.com), just five miles south of the center of town. This Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II design combines a Scottish links-style front nine with a mountainous back nine that winds through rock outcroppings.
It’s a private course, yes, but you can gain access to it by staying at any one of a number of local area hotels such as the Inn at Essex, the Sheraton Burlington, the Hawthorne Suites, Courtyard Marriott Burlington, or the Smugglers Notch Resort. Hotel guests pay $120 for green fee and cart. If you’re a member of a club back home, Vermont National allows reciprocal play for $105. |
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August 21, 2008 TSA-Approved Laptop Bags Make "Wired" Golf Vacations Easier If your laptop computer is standard equipment on golf vacations, a new rule by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may make it faster and easier to get through those frustratingly slow airport security lines.
The TSA recently announced that, as of August 16, 2008, it will allow laptop computers to be X-rayed while still in their cases, provided the bags meet the TSA's newly formed requirements and that they are packed so that nothing obstructs the X-ray machine’s ability to capture a, “clear and distinct image of the laptop separate from the rest of the bag.”
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August 19, 2008 Best Budget Lodging for an American Club Kohler Golf Vacation Gets Even BetterTaking an American Club Kohler golf vacation to play Whistling Straits golf course and its other fine layouts is not an inexpensive proposition. However, there are less expensive options besides staying at the classy American Club Hotel and the little-known private mansion and sporting club called Riverbend, which we recently told you about.
Two years ago, we shared with you fact that the Inn on Woodlake was, "The Best Budget Hotel Option on Your American Club Kohler Golf Vacation." In light of its recently completed major renovation, we now view the Inn on Woodlake as an even more compelling, lower-priced lodging alternative, particularly for visitors more focused on golf than accommodations. |
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August 14, 2008 How to Avoid Fees When Traveling with Golf Travel Cases OverseasIn our last tip, we told you about a helpful website that lists nearly every airline's policies and fees with respect to transporting golf travel cases. Today, we're going to tell you how to avoid the extra fees that many people pay — unnecessarily — when taking golf travel cases overseas.
The problem can arise because different countries have different weight limits for what they'll accept as "free" checked luggage. U.S.-based airlines, for example, usually allow heavier bags than say, European airlines, before the "excess weight" fees kick in.
It's usually not an issue if, for example, you're flying from the USA to a single overseas golf vacation destination. But if you then need to take flights while you're there, it's common to be charged hefty, additional fees if your golf travel cases are heavier than the local limit. |
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August 12, 2008 Still Not Sold on Golf Club Shipping? This Website's for YouIn our previous tip about golf bag shipping , we explained the various options and costs involved in shipping golf clubs instead of traveling with them.
Despite the convenience and relative low cost of golf club shipping (especially if you plan ahead), we know some of you simply prefer the idea that your golf clubs are traveling on same airplane, at the same time, that you are.
Well, for those that aren't yet sold on golf club shipping, there's a website that will prove extremely useful. |
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August 26, 2008 Visiting Downtown Austin a Must on a Barton Creek Golf VacationThe Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas might not be on your short list of "golf vacations to take", but perhaps it should be. It has four worthy golf courses, golf-friendly and dependable weather, and it's nearby; Texas (by air) is about four hours or less from just about everywhere else in the United States. Another major draw is its proximity to downtown Austin.
Many folks from the metro area go to the four-course Barton Creek Resort to escape the city, but that’s not the mindset you should have on your Barton Creek golf vacation.
Texas’ capital city of Austin, just 20 minutes east of Barton Creek Resort, is a veritable cornucopia of culture for out-of-state travelers. For one thing, Austin shatters Texas’ conservative stereotypes, bringing a diverse mix of people together with festivals that celebrate art, music, movies…and even everyone’s favorite meat-like product, Spam.
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August 7, 2008 The "Other" Course to Play on a Mesquite Golf VacationMost people who are even vaguely familiar with the Mesquite, Nevada golf scene have heard of the beautiful Wolf Creek Golf Course, which offers target golf at its most extreme.
But while Wolf Creek Golf Course remains the “must-play” course in the Mesquite area, it’s not the only game in this dusty town about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. Next time you’re in the area, we recommend setting your sights on the Palmer Course at the Oasis Golf Club. |
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October 16, 2008 Mesquite Golf Vacations: Great Golf, But Lower-Level LodgingMany people ask us if we think it’s worth making the 80-mile drive from Las Vegas to play Mesquite golf courses. The answer is a resounding, “yes.” Several Mesquite golf courses are dramatic and unbelievably scenic. They offer unique layouts, challenging rounds, and should leave you plenty pleased with the value proposition they offer, especially when compared to many of the options on a Las Vegas golf vacation.
Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the lodging options available for Mesquite golf vacations. On our last visit, we stayed in several Mesquite hotels, and we were disappointed by what we found. |
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August 5, 2008 The Insider’s Guide to Taking a Dominican Republic Golf VacationToday, instead of one specific golf vacation tip, I want to let you know where you can find literally hundreds of them, on virtually any destination and golf vacation type you’re interested in.
You may already know this, but one of the benefits of being a Golf Vacation Insider subscriber is that you get instant access to our entire library of free golf vacation guides. These are generally five to eight-page intelligence reports containing our expert, unbiased recommendations on the best places to play, stay, and dine…all based on our trademark, undercover site inspections.
We have published about 75 of these golf vacation guides so far, and you can browse them by geographic location ( Las Vegas golf vacations, San Antonio golf vacations, etc.) or by golf course/resort name ( Pebble Beach Golf Course, Whistling Straits Golf Course, etc). |
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July 31, 2008 The Most Charming and Best-Weather Spot for Vancouver, BC Golf Vacations When the subject of British Columbia golf vacations arises, many people immediately think of Whistler, but insiders know that the city of Victoria is one of the prettiest and most charming spots in all of British Columbia, and it's our top pick for Vancouver, BC golf vacations.
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, the largest in North America. Not to be confused with Vancouver, which is on the British Columbia mainland, Vancouver Island is across the Strait of Georgia from that city and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Seattle. Thanks to some recent additions, Victoria has also become an excellent spot for Vancouver, BC golf vacations.
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July 29, 2008 How to Experience the Ultimate American Club Kohler Golf Vacation After taking American Club Kohler golf vacations nearly every other year since 1995, we've had the opportunity to inspect virtually every inch of this popular Wisconsin golf resort. And while we've known about the existence of Riverbend, the resort's marvelous, private club, since it opened in 2001, even we were surprised to learn that anyone can experience it...at least once.
Located about one mile from the American Club Kohler, Riverbend is a historic mansion house that serves as the centerpiece of a private, outdoor and sports retreat. Each of the 31 guest chambers is unique and beautifully appointed with comfortable beds, fireplaces, stocked refrigerators, LCD televisions, and of course, gorgeous bathrooms with oversized whirlpool tubs and showers. |
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July 25, 2008 Chambers Bay Golf Course: Where to Stay When Playing the U.S. Open-Worthy Course on a Washington Golf VacationIt's rare that we recommend taking a golf vacation to a given state for the sole purpose of playing one of its golf courses, but Chambers Bay Golf Course in Washington is good enough to justify such a trip.
Located 20 minutes from Tacoma and about an hour from Seattle, Chambers Bay Golf Course is the one you've undoubtedly been hearing about since it opened last June. You know that linksy municipal golf course that, after only seven months in existence, landed the 2015 U.S. Open (and the 2010 U.S. Amateur) and will bring America's championship to the Northwest for the first time ever? Yep, that's the one. |
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July 22, 2008 "Royal" Golf Clubs Can Make for Majestic Golf Vacations Did you happen to hear the British Open announcers say that Royal Birkdale Golf Club's championship course was completed in 1922 but it didn't become "royal" until 1951? Were you left wondering what that means and how certain layouts go from being mere golf courses to "royal golf clubs?"
The answer is that while anyone can slap the word "royal" on their golf course (i.e. Royal Links Golf Club in Las Vegas and Royal New Kent Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va.), true "royal" golf clubs, such as Northern Ireland's Royal County Down Golf Club and Scotland's Royal Troon Golf Club, are designated as such by the British Royal Family; specifically, the Queen, and previously, the King. |
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July 17, 2008 Golf Courses in England Can Offer British Open-Quality Golf VacationsWe Americans tend to gravitate to Scotland and Ireland when we cross the pond for golf vacations, but there are some equally great golf courses in England that deserve consideration. One of them is this year's British Open Championship site, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, which is not only the best golf course in England, but one of the top-five links in the entire UK and Ireland. When the Open Championship begins today, you'll be able to see it in all its glory.
A superlative course by any standard, Royal Birkdale's towering, tumbling sandhills frame virtually every hole. Its greens are either notched into the dunes or sit boldly on plateaus exposed to the wind, making only the most precisely struck iron shots capable of holding their lines and finding the putting surfaces. A quirky course this is not, which is why Birkdale is a strong favorite with professionals. |
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July 15, 2008 "Must Play" Panama City Golf Courses on a Florida Golf VacationI'm taking a short Panama City, Florida golf vacation and I only have time to play one round of golf. Is there a "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses near the airport that I should try?
The true "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses is Camp Creek Golf Club, which lies about 40 minutes away from the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, which has one of the longest airport names we've ever seen.
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July 10, 2008 Secrets to Playing and Staying at Westin Turnberry Resort on a Scotland Golf VacationThe 2008 British Open at Royal Birkdale is nearly upon us, and even though it will be Tiger-less, we are getting excited for what is considered the most important golf tournament in the world.
Today, however, we'd like to call your attention to next year's Open Championship site, the Ailsa course at the Westin Turnberry Resort, in case you're thinking about playing it on a Scotland golf vacation.
If you've been reading our golf vacation tips for awhile, you know we highly recommend playing the Ailsa Course on a Scotland golf vacation. It is scenic, offers hole after hole of fantastic golf, and brings with it a sense of history. Indeed, 2009 marks the fourth time Ailsa will host the Open Championship. |
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July 8, 2008 Park City, Utah Golf Courses Not Just For the Rich and Famous On the advice of his doctors, Tiger Woods skipped hosting duties at his PGA Tour event this past weekend following his knee surgery in Park City, Utah.
It was there that one of our editors bumped into, er, crossed paths with the Woods family, as both parties were staying at the swanky Stein Eriksen Lodge. Our correspondent was there to anonymously inspect and evaluate Park City, Utah golf courses and accommodations.
For those who don't know, Park City is a renowned alpine resort mecca that each January serves as the hub of the Sundance Film Festival. Its historic Main Street is lined with trendy galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants where $40 entrees are commonplace.
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July 3, 2008 Where to Stay on Your Williamsburg, Virginia Golf VacationGiven that America is celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, we thought we'd dedicate today's insider advice about taking a Williamsburg, Virginia golf vacation.
First off, Williamsburg's merit as a living history museum is unquestioned. But those who might like to ride in a golf cart in addition to the horse-drawn variety may wonder what the area has to offer. The answer is plenty, both in the heart of Williamsburg and the surrounding area.
The bigger question concerns where to stay. With two major resorts &mdash the Colonial Village's Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge, and the Kingsmill Resort &mdash how do you know which resort is right for you?
We recently returned from a Williamsburg, Virginia golf vacation and here's our take on it: |
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June 19, 2008 Record Downpours Flood Wisconsin Golf Courses and other Midwest LayoutsI hope you weren’t taking a golf vacation in the Midwest over the last two weeks. I recently spent four days in and around Milwaukee, Wisc., and I witnessed first hand the damage left by the record storms that ripped through the area.
While all golf courses were affected to some degree, those located in low lying areas or routed along the state’s many rivers were hardest hit. For example, during my midweek visit, The American Club Kohler’s two golf courses at Blackwolf Run (the River Course and the Meadows Valley course) were outright closed (nine holes on each have since reopened as of early this week), as was Milwaukee Country Club. Kohler’s golf courses at Whistling Straits (the Straits Course and The Irish Course) were open. |
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June 17, 2008 Torrey Pines Golf Course - North; One of the San Diego Golf Courses Most Loved by LocalsAfter watching that gripping U.S. Open finale, I suspect many of you are planning, or at least longing for, a San Diego golf vacation and the opportunity to play the South layout at Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Well, here's a little secret if you make it out there. While the trophy hunters, chest thumpers, and low handicappers prefer to do battle only on the South Course, one of the most beloved San Diego golf courses among locals is the North Course. |
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June 12, 2008 Torrey Pines Golf Course a Worthy Site for U.S. Open and Your San Diego Golf VacationOne of the reasons the 2002 U.S. Open was so popular was because it was contested on New York's Bethpage Black, not only a public course but a municipally owned and operated public course. Well, get ready for "The People's Open - West."
The U.S. Open begins today, and it's being played on the South eighteen at Torrey Pines Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of San Diego. Together with the North Course, Torrey Pines lays claim to America's only two municipally owned seaside layouts. |
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