Long Weekend Golf Holiday Planner: 3 Nights and Days in Pebble Beach

Jack Nicklaus has said that if he had only one more round of golf left to play, he would do it at Pebble Beach Golf Links, such is his love of the course. This location is one of the few in America with three five-star courses -- one of the only catches is that you must be a guest at one of the Pebble Beach Resorts to play at many of them. At least you won’t be stuck for choice in the accommodation arena! Pebble Beach is mostly known as a golf mecca, but there are plenty of things to do after you've had your fill of chasing a ball around a paddock! We check out the best courses and after golf activities in Pebble Beach for golf vacations.

Day 1: Pasatiempo Golf Course

You are probably itching to get to Pebble Beach Golf Links, Nicklaus's absolute favorite course … but hang onto your hats! Let yourself warm up at Pasatiempo, a four star rated course with a 136 slope. There are certain tee times for public play -- Tiger Woods, Bobby Jones and Ken Venturi have all been known to play here.

Afternoon 1: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Seahorses, jellyfish, ebra sharks and even acorn barnacles can be found here -- get out of the heat and the wind, and enjoy the coolness of undersea life.

Day 2: Spyglass Hill golf course

This Robert Trent Jones Sr golf course is a five star course with a slope of 148. It incorporates two distinctly different sorts of terrain -- a good way to get extra value out of your golf vacation, feeling that you’re playing on two different courses! Strategy is the name of the game here.

Afternoon 2: Big Sur Tours

Travel the local California coast in a luxury car, taking advantage of your host's local knowledge. You get to personalize your own tour, but have all the benefits of a guide.

Day 3: Pebble Beach Golf Links

If you've managed to contain your excitement and save the best for last, you'll be left with a lasting positive impression of Pebble Beach golf holidays from this course. This course regularly plays host to the world's biggest golf events, and is known for both its beauty and challenge. It opened in 1919.

Afternoon 3: Hearst Castle

From the world's best golf course to the world's most expensive house -- marvel at the excesses of William Randolph Hearst in person, touring what was once his castle. And then try to go back to your five star resort without resentment!

Long Weekend Golf Holiday Planner: 3 Nights and Days in Phoenix

Phoenix was recently named ''America's Best Place to Live for Golfers" in the Robb Report … and with the sunny days, fine weather and lack of wind around, we can understand why! It is also a great place to go to check out what the rest of America has to offer. Today we give you a suggested vacation plan for golf holidays to Phoenix, with a day-by-day guide.

Day 1: Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Course

Unpack those bags quickly, and get out to Arizona's number one rated public golf course -- just relax long enough to be sure you can take in the beauty at holes 4 and 5! This is a course with gorgeous views and steep elevation changes, a slope of 143 and rating of 4 stars.

Afternoon 1: Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is open every day and costs just a few dollars to get in -- it is home to more than 1,400 animals ffrom around the world. You'll want to brush up on the various species of birds and other wildlife you might see on the course!

Day 2: Kierland Golf Course

Rather than trying to transport a well-behaved tropical course into the unruly desert, this Scott Miller course appreciates the beauty of the desert, and thrives on its colors and flora. The hospitality is fantastic, and if you have chosen to stay in the Scottsdale resort corridor, it is only a short trip away.

Afternoon 2: Phoenix Art Museum

This is home to around 17,000 artworks from around the world, including artists in Asia, Europe,and Laitn America. There is an interactive gallery for children … but even the biggest, oldest and meanest kids have been known to enjoy it!

Day 3: Grayhawk -- Talons Course

Enjoyable and challenging are the keywords for the Grayhawk Talon course, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. This was in Golf Magazine's 'Top 10 you can play', and has breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert. Slope of 141, and rating of 4.5 stars.

Afternoon 3: Turf Paradise

If your golf holiday to Phoenix is during the traditional golf season, it is probably also during Turf Paradise's horse racing season. Nothing better than a sprt where you can dress up and not be active for a while … and drink a little champagne. This is a golf vacation, after all!