Golf Vacation Insider - Ask Golf Vacation Insider

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: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

TPC Sawgrass: How to Play for Less on a Florida Golf Vacation

Q: 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? (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Play Cypress Point Golf Club During a Pebble Beach Golf Vacation

Q: 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. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Southeastern Alternatives to Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations

Q: 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. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Vermont Golf Courses to Play in and Around Burlington

Q: 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. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

"Must Play" Panama City Golf Courses on a Florida Golf Vacation

I'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. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Las Vegas Golf Courses to Play When You're on a Budget

I am taking a Las Vegas golf vacation in November with some frugal friends. We would like to find good Las Vegas Golf Courses to play with green fees between $100-$150 and lenient cancellation policies in case of bad weather. Any recommendations?If your friends were fanatically frugal, they would have urged you to take your Las Vegas golf vacation during the summer months of June-September, when green fees at some Las Vegas golf courses drop by as much as half. Of course, you give some of that back with all the bottled water you have to buy just to stay alive. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations Possible with New Jersey Golf Courses

Any thoughts on above average, budget, northern New Jersey golf courses for a June trip? We'll be based in Secaucus, and we'd love to avoid big crowds so it's no problem if we have to drive a bit.Wow, you're looking for the trifecta? A quality, crowdless, and discount golf vacation among jam-packed northern New Jersey golf courses? Brother, that's not going to be easy, especially in June. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Birmingham-to-the-Bay Stops on a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Vacation

I'm starting my Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail vacation in Birmingham at Ross Bridge Resort, then heading south to Lakewood Golf Club on Mobile Bay. Is it worth the price to play both courses at Lakewood or should I go to nearby Magnolia Grove to play its Crossings and Falls courses?Yes, we would recommend playing one of the courses at Magnolia Grove in lieu of playing both at Lakewood. Here's why:First, you'll get a nice change of scenery and topography. Second, you're going to Alabama to play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, right? Well, neither Robert Trent Jones nor any of his design associates did any of the work at Lakewood, as it wasn't originally part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Maui Golf Courses to Play on a Hawaii Golf Vacation

My wife and I are planning a Maui golf vacation. What are your picks for golf in the Makena and Wailea areas, and which other Maui golf courses are worth seeking out if we rent a car or taxi?If you have to choose between playing the Maui golf courses at Wailea or Makena, we recommend Wailea (waileagolf.com). And, of its three layouts, Gold, Emerald, and Old Blue, the Gold and Emerald courses are the best bets.As Golf Odyssey readers will be advised in the upcoming April issue: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Playing the Pebble Beach Golf Courses When You're Not a Resort Guest

Three friends and I are planning to take a Pebble Beach golf vacation in 2010 to celebrate my friend's 40th birthday. How can we reserve a tee time at the Pebble Beach Golf Course without staying at the exorbitantly priced resort itself?Unfortunately, if you're not a guest of Pebble Beach Resorts, you can only make tee times at Pebble Beach Golf Course one day in advance, and that hardly seems like it would work for the Pebble Beach golf vacation you're planning. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Getting on the Most Famous St. Andrews Golf Course as a Single

Any advice on getting a single tee time for the Old Course at St. Andrews? I know I can go to the starter first thing in the morning, but I don't know when to get there. Would I have to buy two tee times to get into the daily ballot?You are correct in theory, Joe; a daily ballot entry to play the Old Course requires a minimum of two players, but we wouldn't recommend trying to "game" the system as the starter probably wouldn't take kindly to it. And if you've spent the time, money, and effort to fly to Scotland to play the most famous St. Andrews golf course, the starter is the last person you want to mess with. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

All-inclusive Arizona Golf Packages for an Arizona Golf Vacation

I would like to surprise my husband with an all-inclusive Arizona golf vacation. I want him to arrive and not worry about anything except where his ball landed. What do your Arizona golf packages include? Sorry, Nicky, but we're a source of expert advice only. We often get mistaken for a golf travel provider, but we have no affiliation with golf courses, hotels, resorts, or restaurants. And I'd add that, unlike other golf publications, we do not accept advertising or free "site inspection" trips from them, either. It's all part of our commitment to providing you with unbiased reviews that you can trust. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Secure a Tee Time at St. Andrews' Old Course During a Scotland Golf Vacation

My son and I are taking our first Scotland golf vacation in June and attempting to get a tee time at St. Andrews' Old Course via early arrival or the ballot box. Any advice on which day(s) we might have the best chances? Also, are there any "sleeper" courses that we should play as we drive from the airport to our accommodations in Crail? Congratulations on your upcoming Scotland golf vacation. We wish we could say that you'll have no problem getting a tee time, but of all the St. Andrews golf courses, certainly the toughest tee time to secure is one at the Old Course. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Reasonably priced courses to play on a Marco Island golf vacation

We have plans for a Marco Island golf vacation in January 2008. Could you recommend reasonably priced golf courses that we might play while in this area of Florida?Marco Island is 15 miles south of tony Naples, Florida, but, unfortunately, private courses still dominate the scene in this area. This includes the two on-island courses, Island Country Club (18 holes) and Hideaway Beach Golf Club (9 holes). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

"Value" Sarasota Golf Courses on a Florida Golf Vacation

I'm going to Sarasota, Florida in January. Can you recommend some golf courses in the area that are a good value? Let me preface this by saying that everyone has their own definition of what "value" is. Without knowing yours, I'll assume you're looking for good, but no-frills, Sarasota golf courses that you can play at a low price. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Florida Golf Vacation Packages Available at the World Golf Village

Do you know of any good lodging and golf packages for the World Golf Village/Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida? The World Golf Village has its own online golf vacation package reservation system, but I can't recommend it. First, it's not a real-time booking engine; it simply collects information so a reservation agent can contact you. Worse, the few times I tested it, it was slow, error prone, and illogical. (Note to the WGV webmaster: you might want to let people see tee time availability before asking for their credit card number). Save yourself the time and frustration and just call the toll-free number (800-948-4653) to speak to their helpful reservationists. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Homes or Villas for a Group Golf Vacation to Kiawah Island Resort

Very good question, Adam. There are a few main things to consider:First, how important to you is camaraderie on a golf vacation? When everyone stays under the same roof, this generally leads to maximum bonding and fun. Of course, this assumes that everyone gets along well and is easygoing.If you have guys in your group (I'm assuming this is a buddies trip) who like having things "their own way," it might be best to divide them up into villas. Kiawah Island Resort has one- to four-bedroom villas available.Second, with respect to Kiawah in particular, if you're looking for the ultimate in luxury and amenities, you may want to stay in a home. Kiawah Island Resort has four- to eight-bedroom homes available. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Twilight Rates Available at "The Big 3" Pebble Beach Golf Courses

My brother-in-law and I recently returned from a weeklong golf tour (Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Pasatiempo, Half Moon, Presidio). We loved it, but we were amazed that nobody seemed to tee off on the "The Big 3" (Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay) after 2 or 3 pm. You can play a lot of golf from 2-6 pm, so, what gives? Do they offer twilight or replay rates?Yes, Scott, Pebble Beach resorts does offer twilight rates at its Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay golf courses, but not at Pebble Beach Golf Links. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Suggestions for playing at Reynolds Plantation in Lake Oconee, Georgia

Sounds like you're pretty well outfitted for a great trip, Jon. However, we'll say this: If we could only play two rounds of golf at Reynolds Plantation, they would be on the Oconee and Great Waters courses. The back nine of GW, in particular, is a gorgeous stretch of golf that runs entirely along the lake.We haven't yet played the Creek Club, as it only opened on June 1 of this year, but we are fans of Jim Engh's work and wouldn't be surprised in the least if he created another stellar layout there. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Recommendations for a Few Good Daytona Beach golf courses

Not sure what your budget is, Russ, but as far as Daytona Beach golf courses go, Riviera CC, Halifax Plantation, Cypress Head, and Spruce Creek are all good bets in the $50-$70 range (with cart).Another one, Victoria Hills (in DeLand, FL), would be a good choice if you're looking for a "special round." It's a little more pricey, but also more intriguing and challenging. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Airport Rental Cars Available to Drive to Bandon Dunes Resort

That's a great question, Norman, as most travelers who fly to their Bandon Dunes golf vacation use North Bend's Southern Oregon Regional Airport (airport code: OTH), which is quite small.However, two rental car companies have desks there: Enterprise (local telephone number: 541-266-7100) and Hertz (local telephone numer: 541-756-4416). As you would imagine, because of the demand, especially in summer, it's a good idea to reserve a car well in advance of your Bandon Dunes… (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Golf Carts at St. Andrews and Other Golf Courses in Scotland and Ireland

As you probably already know, golf carts (or buggies, as they are called in Europe) are not widely found or used in Scotland and Ireland like they are here in the United States (although they are widely available in other European countries such as Spain and Portugal).That being said, some golf courses in Scotland and Ireland have one or two carts available provided you have a doctor's note explaining your need for one. Such is… (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Best Place to Stay for a Group of Golfers in Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine, Florida

When it comes to a vacation rental for a medium-sized group of golfers, I have had a lot of luck using VRBO.com (which stands for Vacation Rental By Owner). It usually has a robust list of properties (houses, condos, cottages, etc.), you can search by city, and the listings range from budget to luxury (including 10-bedroom homes). Most include photos and detailed descriptions, too. … (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Pet or Dog-Friendly Golf Resorts in the Southeast

The words "golf resort" in your question make it a little tougher to answer. While there are plenty of pet and dog friendly hotels near golf courses, they are not true golf resorts, where the courses are right outside your door and everything else is contained within a convenient, campus-like setting. … (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)