Sunday, September 26, 2010

San Diego: Unbeatable for Year-Round Golf and Fun


As the second largest city in California and fifth wealthiest in the U.S., nestled on the Pacific coast just north of Mexico, San Diego well deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful, livable cities in the world. The agreeable year-round temperate weather allows residents and visitors to live outdoors as much as they like. What could be more perfect for great golf vacations any time of year?
With a golf course directory of over 90 courses from which to choose, including the eastern desert courses and the coastal tree-lined and links courses, golfers can return again and again to San Diego for dramatic venues. 
 
For decades, the popular La Costa Golf Resort and Spa (photo at left) has drawn such celebrities and golf legend, including bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Lanny Wadkins, and Tiger Woods. It boats not just one but two stunning PGA championship 18-hole golf courses that will test your shot-making ability. You’ll traverse 400 acres of lush landscapes embroidered with beautiful streams and lakes, all with breath-taking panoramas.  Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have listed it among the best places to play. Putting and chipping greens, a state-of the art driving range, and award-winning caddies top make this a must-visit golf resort.
 
Finally, do you want to extend your golfing years? Then visit the La Costa’s Chopra Center for Well-Being, designed by world-renowned holistic physicians Deepak Chopra and David Simon. Guests discover how to heal their bodies, minds, and spirits while indulging in a soothing, luxurious atmosphere. While there are certainly other fabulous golf courses in the area, such as Torrey Pines in spectacular seaside La Jolla, there is no place quite like La Costa!
 
And there is no place quite like San Diego for golf trips with friends and family. The recreational and tourist activities are hard to beat, including the world famous Balboa Park. There you’ll find San Diego Zoo, which although almost a century old, is known for its progressive practices. Among the 4,000 animals you’ll find the rare giant panda. Meanwhile, its sister park, the San Diego Wild Animal Park (aka Safari Park) features a journey to Africa tram that passes free-range enclosures with cheetahs, antelopes, lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, okapis, and more.
 
Not far from La Costa Resort you’ll find Legoland California, for now the only such theme park outside Europe, based on those familiar primary colored toy bricks, complete with its newly opened water park. Of course for more water adventures, SeaWorld boasts whales and sharks—including a close-up-and-personal thrill ride through the latter.
 
When you can tear yourself away from the golfing fun and amusement opportunities, check out some of the historic sites, including Mission San Diego and the Serra Museum in Presidio Park for a look into early California history. With well planned golf packages, you might even squeeze in a day trip to Mexico!
 
When you want your golf vacations to include sea and sun, golf and fun, San Diego should be at the top of your list!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Golfing in the National Parks

Most people recognize America’s national parks as some of our most valuable national treasures. What might not be so well known is that some of them also offer exciting golf vacations  as well. Four national parks boast golf courses, each one a venue with a unique panorama and additional recreational opportunities. 
 
My own recommendation would be to combine a golf trip to these national park courses either with a family vacation centering on getting to know the park, or to plan a golf vacation in which you explore neighboring golf courses as well. Experienced golf vacations planners serve as a great resource in maximizing the golf experience as well other activities. They can also help you find lodging and transportation tailored to your particular needs.
 
Here are some of the options for combining golf with a national park experience:
 
Yosemite National Park, California

As a long time visitor to Yosemite, I have often admired the lush greens of the
that flanks the meadows as you enter from the South. Across from the historic Wawona Hotel, an impressive former stagecoach stop in early park days, this golf course is actually one of the few organic golf courses in the country. No pesticides are used and only gray water is used for keeping this 9-hole course as green as it was back in 1918 when it opened. 
 
Golfers of all levels will find some challenges in this tranquil setting as well as easy access to the wonders of the nearby sequoia grove and the magnificent Yosemite Valley. Lodging at the rambling Wawona Hotel or the more luxurious
will definitely add to the aura.
 
 
Anacostia National Park, District of Columbia

The
, located just five minutes from the Capitol, is an 18-hole course that includes a driving range. Langston bills itself as an inexpensive, accessible option for beginners and experts. After a pleasant round, you will still have plenty of time for the Smithsonian and other historic attractions of the U.S. nation’s capital.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The Glacier Park Lodge Golf, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1927, features the oldest grass greens in the Big Sky state. As it is located entirely within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, all 9 holes have been named after former tribal chiefs. With panoramic views, undulating greens, wide fairways, this course is only open from late May-September (weather permitting). The historic Glacier Park lodge offers all the modern amenities all year long.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Your drives will travel farther in the thin air of the three courses located in this national park. Golf while the deer and the elk roam through mountain landscapes over a mile high. At Estes Park, for example, you can choose from a 9-hole executive course or the 18-hole course designed by Dick Phelps (alt. 8420) surrounded by towering jagged peaks. 

Don’t worry if your car is stuffed with camping equipment instead of golf clubs. Just rent a set. A professional golf trip planner can help you with those details as well as any lodging or
golf travel needs so that you just focus on enjoying our natural heritage and your golf game!