The Perfect Golf Vacation Packages

Planning golf vacations are as time consuming and have as much to consider as any other vacation you plan, if not more. Not only do you need to research and reserve the usual formalities such as how you’re going to get there and where you’re going to stay, but you also have to think about where you’re going to play. Some popular companies offer golf packages that take care of everything for you at one low price.

Golf Travel Locations

The first decision that needs to be made when planning your next golf trips really should start with where you want to go or what course you want to play. Most major US cities have at least one championship golf course—Myrtle Beach, and several Arizona golf courses being among the most popular. However, many international courses are recognized as having some of the best courses to play on and amazing scenery, too. St. Andrews, a Scotland golf course is said to be the birthplace of golf and while you are thinking rolling green hills, Ireland golf courses are some of the most popular in all of Europe. From the crystal clear Caribbean waters to the majestic hills of Spain, choose the location you like best.

Services and Amenities

Once you have decided just where you would like to go, find the resort that offers everything you are looking for. From budget to luxury, included rounds or unlimited golfing, you can find golf packages to fit your desires. Whether you want every detail taken care of and planned before you arrive or you want to live it up a little and have some flexibility, they can create the prefect itinerary for you.

Budget

Most people think you can’t travel on a budget, but that’s simply not true. One of the greatest things about golf packages is there are no hidden fees. You can arrange everything from an arrival transfer from the airport, your tee times and what you’ll have for dinner, all for one low price with no surprises.

There are so many things to consider when getting ready to plan your next golf vacation. From where you want to go and what you’ll spend, to how far away you want to travel.  You can choose how long you’ll be away and which types of amenities you want to have when you arrive. The great thing is no matter what you are looking for in your perfect get away there is a package out there that is just right for you.

Dream Golf Vacations

If you are an old time golfer you remember what traditional golf trips used to be: 1 weekend, 8 guys, sunny spots and planned tee times. Well, there have been some major renovations in golf travel, and you can now get out and see the world, play on some on the best greens, be gone a week, and even bring they family if you want. Nowadays we are lucky to have endless choices in travel companies that cater for every standard of play, budget, location and trip duration.

Golf Packages

Many websites offer amazing golf packages with a wide range of amenities in destinations all over the world. Maybe you have a wish list of courses you want to play – it’s now possible to search the course and get detailed information about different packages available at that course. If destination is more important, then choose the place you want to visit or golf such as Myrtle Beach, and then see what’s available there. If amenities are important you, then you should search for five star accommodations or family friendly resorts. If you plan to bring your spouse, but she doesn’t golf then you’ll want to make sure the location has a spa on the grounds or some shopping close by. You can choose from all-inclusive packages with meals or just the basics, you personalize the package just the way you want it.

Popular Golf Destinations

Getting away from golfing in the sun or flying off to new golfing locations may not attract the golf traditionalist in many that prefer the well known Arizona golf course, but there are some new golf hotspots popping up all over the world. Europe has many popular spots to play like the birthplace and home of golf; Scotland. Golf packages are very popular there. Would you believe that hundreds of thousands of people every year flock to the Ireland golf course Emerald Isle? Other emerging golf destinations are Spain and Portugal, and there are always the famous Mexico and Hawaii courses.  Even many Caribbean islands have courses now.

If you love to golf, love to travel, and want to try a new course or even a new style of holiday, a golf vacation is the perfect getaway. From hot sunny beaches to breathtaking scenery you can find the perfect golf packages in destinations all over the globe. No matter what your style or budget is, it’s a great way for you to get the golf trip you have always wanted and take the family on a holiday they never forget.

Tips For Golf Vacations

As a golfer there is not much that is better than a quiet round with your friends on your favorite golf course on a beautiful morning, but if you live somewhere that gets very cold and wet in winter you might have to go months without a game. One solution to this is to book one or more golf trips somewhere warmer and drier and spend some quality time playing your favorite game. With a dedicated package, you can even book your tee-off times in advance and pay your green fees before you leave. All you need to do is turn up on the day and play.

It doesn’t matter where in the country you go to play golf, maybe you have a special course you have always wanted to play, or maybe you might like to explore this great country and visit somewhere different. You might even have a favorite course that you return to every year with your golf buddies for a game. It doesn’t matter If you are married or have a family, you could try and combine it with a location that they will enjoy visiting too – even if they don’t play golf.

Maybe this year you could play at the “Golf Capital of the World”, the famous Myrtle Beach, home of a number of tournaments including the PGA Tour Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship held at the National Golf Course every August. The warm winter climate and over 120 other courses in the surrounding South Carolina area are perfect for that golfing break. One year set the record with 4.2million rounds of golf played there in a single year. You could be easily be a part of that number.

You could also consider Arizona golf for your next trip. The climate is great all year round, and there are over 300 golf courses in Arizona just waiting for you to play. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has recently been named “America’s best place to live for golf”, and it is one of the best places in the country for the serious golfer to play. Just try to avoid hitting your ball too close to all those prickly cacti in the rough.

Wherever you decide you would like to play, there are a number of golf packages available that would suit your needs. When the weather interrupts your regular round of golf and you are miserable because you can’t play, why not have a look and see if there is a trip that would suit you?

The Ultimate Gift Choice for the Golfing Enthusiast

For the golfing enthusiast, there is no more appreciated birthday or festive season gift than one of the golf packages now available, which combine a holiday destination with the chance to pursue a golfer’s love of their sport. 

Golf Package Destinations

 Many golf resorts in both the USA and around the world offer packages that usually include accommodations and green fees.  Others may offer food and other activities in the total cost of the package.   Purchasers may be able to custom plan their package to suit their personal needs and preferences.

Myrtle Beach and Arizona Golf Courses

Typical of many packages available are the ones at Myrtle Beach and Arizona which offer a choice of packages.   Each package provides a variation of accommodation choices, choices of greens and the number of rounds of golf that may be played.   The cost of each package reflects the contents of the package.

Play Golf all Year

Golfers may be found on greens in deserts as well as freezing weather conditions.   The true enthusiast is not inhibited by weather conditions that are not always favorable.  With many living stressful busy lives, golf offers both exercise and stress relief for those who play it.  Greens all over the world cater to golfers and allow them play their sport all year round.  Golf may be one of only a small number of outdoor sports played internationally all year round throughout the world. Seasonal deals are offered by resorts to attract patrons during all seasons and weather conditions. 

International Visitors

Due to the increasing popularity of golf packages, many resorts are offering special deals that cater to international travelers and those who want to pursue their love of golf even during the coldest seasons of the year. Some packages provide the convenience of all travel details being arranged by the resort.  The purchaser need only to worry about packing their bags and all other details are taken care of by the resort staff.

Popularity of Golf Packages

As more and more people are learning to play golf, golfing packages are becoming a more popular choice for vacations.  Providing fun for the entire family, they are an economical choice for a holiday that combines relaxation with outdoor sporting pursuits.  Many packages, such as the ones offered by Arizona and Myrtle Beach golf courses may also be an opportunity for international travelers to visit popular tourist destinations while engaging in their favorite pastime.

How To Plan A Personal Golf Tour

If you’re a serious golfer, then you understand that combining your two favorite things, golf and vacations, is about as good as it gets.  And if you’re thinking about taking a golf holiday, then you should take all of the necessary precautions to insure that you have a fantastic tour.  There are so many great options to choose from that sometimes it’s tempting to try and squeeze every destination into one trip, but you might have a more successful outcome if you don’t.  If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your getaway, here are some tips that will help you plan one of the best golf vacations ever.

Consider The Courses

If you’re planning on taking a group along with you, you’ll need to know in advance everyone’s golf level.  It wouldn’t be fair to plan an advanced golf trip on advanced courses, like some of those in Myrtle Beach, if you have beginner or intermediate golfers on the trip.  Combat this by taking an inventory of the golfers who plan to accompany you, and then you’ll be able to plan to golf at courses that will fit everyone’s playing level.    

Plan For Extracurricular Activities

Even the most dedicated golfers need distractions sometimes.  Many people who plan for a golf trip forget the importance of other things, such as comfortable accommodations, nearby and good restaurants, interesting shopping, and the occasional event that doesn’t revolve around a golf club.  This is particularly important when non-golfing spouses are included in the trip.

Get Help Planning

With all of the course differences, it would be difficult to make the perfect golf travel plans on your own.  But the good news is that you don’t have to.  There are plenty of professionals who specialize in putting together ideal trips to Myrtle Beach and Arizona golf destinations as well as international destinations where you can play Scotland golf and Ireland golf.  The best part of a vacation is the opportunity to relax, right?  Why not start before the trip by letting the people with experience help you plan your perfect excursion? 

So you see, it is possible to plan the perfect golf trip with a little forethought and planning.  Not many people are lucky enough to get to combine their passion and vacation, so make sure that when you do, it’s the best that it can be.

From Winter Holidays to Golf Holidays with Arizona Magic

If you are a golfer, your favorite color is probably green.  So now is the time to plan some golf travel to places where the grass is always emerald, the sky always sunny.  As winter golfers know, there’s no place better than where the sun shines over 300 days per year—in Arizona.  Here are the three top Arizona golf travel destinations, each with its own distinctive attractions.

                                                

Scottsdale:  Where They Live to Golf

The Scottsdale area has been named “America’s Best Place to Live for Golf” by golf expert Robb Report.  The area boasts nearly 200 courses with layouts that range from traditional green fairways to the regional specialty, the cactus course.  Serious golfers know that Arizona courses offer the challenge and quality they expect on golf trips here.    Venues range from the Dinosaur Mountain course—the top-rated public facility in the whole country--to the show-stopping design of Superstition Springs. 

 Scottsdale, set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, offers indigo skies that will get you out on the course or exploring the pristine desert trails, rivers, and mountains.  Enjoy local spas that have incorporated traditional Native American healing rituals for the body and soul.

 Sedona:  Red Rock Splendor and New Age Mystique

 The magic of Sedona, in the above photo, has lured many who find its red mountains and history fascinating.  It also has great golf opportunities to match the spas, restaurants, and art galleries for which serve the New Age crowd who come for the healing and creative mystique that make Sedona famous.

For a memorable golf trip head for Sedona's premier golf course, the Oakcreek Country Club.  This 18-hole championship golf course, nestled in the majestic Sedona red rocks, was designed by none other than the father-son team of Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior.  Also top-rated is the Hilton Sedona Resort, with an unbeatable combination of jaw-dropping splendor and golfing challenge.

Tucson:  Snowbirds and Saguaros

As the second largest city in the state, Tucson is a hub of business and education as well as a resort for snowbirds who join the locals to enjoy the sunshine—which falls more than 340 days per year.  From museums to missions, bird watching to horseback riding, there is something for every taste.

The mild climate and outstanding courses make Tucson a favorite for golf vacations.  From traditional link courses to the unusual desert courses, you can play the same courses that the PGA pros do.  Not to be missed is the Conquistador Course in a park-like setting that surrounds you with natural mesquite and palo verde trees punctuated by desert flora.  Also among the many choices is Heritage Highlands, voted one of Golf Digest's Places to Play, with lush greens, varied playing environments, and a topography to challenge every level.

Wherever your golf trips may take you this winter, may you enjoy the greens and many blue skies!

10 Top Gifts for Golfers This Year

It’s never too early to start shopping for the best gifts for the golfers in your life!  Whether it is a friend, a regular member of your foursome, your boss, or your spouse, she or he will always appreciate your thoughtfulness.  From golf magnets to golf vacations, there is something for every budget and every taste.

 You might need to get very clever about getting preferences for such gifts as golf bags or club memberships, so use your best Sherlock Holmes skills.  Of course gift certificates for golf catalogues and golf shops are sure to please as well.  From least expensive to most memorable, here's the list for this year:

10.  Golf Magnets.  Choose from various scenes, $3, for the refrigerator or filing cabinet.  Great little stocking stuffers. 

9.  Funky or Pretty Head covers.  Golf club head cover (choose from rose, teddy bear, etc), starting at $15.  Consider the personal tastes here! 

8.    Monogrammed Golf Balls.  Starting at $20 a dozen.  Good idea to see what brand he or she already prefers. 

7.  Golf Coffee Table Book.  For example, World Atlas of Golf: the Greatest Courses and How They Are Played by Mark Rowlinson (Editor) Hardcover, $40.  Fabulous coffee table book to inspire golf travel fantasies! 

6. Designer Golf Bag.  Check out the lightweight designer bags for her, e.g., the Glove It Geo model, $170.  For the gal with good taste. 

5.  Golf GPS.  These devices provide key distances on course and helps lower score.  Prices start around $225, so check out the reviews.   For the golfer who already has everything. 

4.  Pro Lessons.  A certificate for 6 one-hour lessons with a pro.  Price at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, home of the 2008 US Open, $665.00.   Add lessons to any special golf trip for a real treat. 

3.  A Personal Caddy.  Give caddy services for one year.  Varies widely, but gets your golfer out of the cart.  Game will improve, and so will waistline. About $50 per round at Brandon Downs.   

2.  Golf Membership.  Imagine the thrill of getting to play all the time at a country or golf club.  Price and availability vary widely.  Check locally, or for more impact, choose a more exotic local and include travel expenses to enjoy it regularly.  If not a membership, how about certificates for rounds of play?

1.  Golf Trip to the U.S. Masters, President’s or Ryder Cup.  Tickets are scarce, so good luck!  Work out the details with an expert in planning golf packages to make it the most memorable golf experience ever.