California, Here I Come!

“I left my heart in San Francisco,” croons Tony Bennett. And indeed, nothing takes my breath away like view of the Golden Gate Bridge stretching from San Francisco to Sausalito over deep blue waters. 

 

The continuing lyrics, “High on a hill, it calls to me,” remind me not only of Twin Peaks, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill, with their legends, but also of the Presidio with its stunning view of the bay and ocean. . . and with the most gorgeous urban golf course I have had the pleasure to know. When you want to combine golf travel with an urban escape, you can’t beat San Francisco for elegance and drama!

 

Situated in the forested softly sloping hills of the former Spanish and later U.S. fort, the Presidio Golf Course might just be San Francisco’s best kept secret! While it is one of the three oldest continuously operating golf courses west of the Mississippi, it was only opened for public play in 1996 during downsizing operations. The public course is known for its challenging 18-hole, par 72 course as well as for its privileged location. Across the street from the course sits the 1897 Tudor-style clubhouse, definitely one of the most magnificent examples of early clubhouse architecture that I’ve visited in my golf travels. 

 

What makes San Francisco such an allure for golf vacations? Ask anyone who wants to combine golf while traveling with a non-golfing spouse. If you pick a great downtown hotel like the Grand Hyatt, you will be bombarded by shopping and attractions, for example:

·         Enjoy world-class shopping at Neiman Marcus, Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, William Sonoma, and more right outside the hotel door. 

·         Be transported a world away by entering the nearby gates of Chinatown.

·         Take a ride with a cable car to Ghiradelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Old Ferry Building for restaurants and unusual shops.

·         Relive history with a tour of Alcatraz or the Old Mission Dolores.

·         Stroll (or bike) through Golden Gate Park, and don’t miss the Victorian Conservatory or the De Young Museum (with collections of American, Asian, and African art)

·         Have tea at the historic Cliff House and watch the sunset over the Pacific

 

At night, San Francisco lights up, and romance is heavy as the fog that sometimes rolls in.  On a modest budget, consider an intimate romantic dinner just off Union Square at the Café Claude, a little bit of Paris with a little bit of jazz. If money is no object, and you want a truly memorable experience, head for Masa’s (but make your reservation early.)

 

With great golfing, city attractions, natural wonders, fantastic views, golf vacations to this beautiful peninsula offer memories of a lifetime. You’ll remember them every time you hear Tony Bennett sing his theme song!

The Ultimate in Golfing: Western Canada

One of the great things about golfing is being out in the open air in beautiful natural surroundings. Combining your golf travel with the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic natural panorama is easy when you head to Canada.

Imagine challenging championship courses combined with vistas of snow-capped mountains. Imagine picture-worthy hazards such as wild elk grazing on the putting green. You’ll find all this and more in British Columbia and Alberta golfing!

Golfing at Whistler, Home of 2010 Winter Olympics

The Whistler Golf Club boasts a course designed by none other than Arnold Palmer, as well as three others. One is right on the grounds of the fabulous Fairmont Chateau, a luxury all-season resort nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. In Whistler you can play on championship designed and award-winning courses while enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery.

There is something for everyone at Whistler, which is still basking in the afterglow of the 2010 Olympics. Off the course, you can hike, fish, canoe by day and enjoy fine dining by evening. Shop ‘til you drop and then indulge in a spa treatment and be ready to enjoy the rest of what this special resort has to offer. A golf vacations specialist can help you plan the trip that fits your budget.

Discover Alberta Golfing

For a breathtaking panorama, you can’t beat the Fairmont Banff Springs experience! Stanley Thompson, Canada’s premier golf course architect, designed the original 18 holes nearly a century ago, winding along the Bow River with a view of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. An additional 9 hopes were added 20 years ago by Cornish and Robinson for some of the most memorable golf you will ever enjoy.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, built in Scottish Baronial style, also knows how to create memorable family vacations, from Magic Castle holidays (with cookies-on-arrival and glow-in-the-dark bowling) to “Girls Just Wanna Golf” holidays. This legendary resort also caters to the romantics with a food and wine festival and more. And of course you’ll want to save some time to enjoy the Canadian Rockies and at the thermal spas in the surrounding Banff National Park.

Take It to the Max

When you want ultimate golfing, head for these great resorts in Alberta and British Columbia. There is a tremendous wealth of family activities, outdoor adventures, and more to compliment your golfing vacation.

To make the most of your time and money, get a professional golf vacations planner to map out your itinerary, complete with tee times and reservations for all the fun you can have while golfing in Canada!