Showing posts with label golf vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label golf vacation. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hilton Head Island Golf Vacation
Fabulous Golf is Only the Beginning of a Great Family Golf Getaway
The activities and beauty of Hilton Head should be considered when planning a family vacation. Great golf courses, fabulous beaches and fun abounds for the whole family.
Among the eastern United States’ great family vacation destinations is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Hilton Head is also known for its great golf. Home to the PGA TOUR’s Verizon Heritage, Harbor Town Golf Links leads a host of other great courses that are complemented by a wide variety of activities the whole family will enjoy.
When entering Hilton Head Island, which measures 12 miles from heel to toe, vacationers will be struck initially by the lack of visible commercialization. Although a family vacation and tourist destination full of every convenience imaginable, Hilton Head Island planners have succeeded in keeping the signs so plentiful and visible everywhere else from easy view. All business signs, such as restaurants and shopping centers, are kept at eye-level, which succeeds in making the island less commercial and more naturally beautiful.
Hilton Head Island Golf
On Hilton Head and in the surrounding area, there are literally dozens of great courses to play, which causes some difficulty in deciding where to tee it up. The most widely acclaimed is, of course, Harbor Town Golf Links. Located in the Sea Pines area of Hilton Head, this course provides spectacular views of Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as lots of the native flora. As it is a PGA TOUR venue, it is immaculately maintained and deserving of it’s high rating. If you plan to play, contact the course well in advance of your arrival to secure a tee time. Expect to pay upwards of $200 for the privilege.
The Palmetto Dunes area of Hilton Head is home to three courses by famous golf course designers; the Robert Trent Jones Course, the Arthur Hills Course; and the George Fazio Course. They are within a few minutes of each other and located approximately in mid-island. Palmetto Dunes has beachfront and beach view lodging and dining for any budget, as well as activities for the kids. The location and amenities makes Palmetto Dunes a great place to stay and play on the island.
Lodging and Activities
Few places so beautiful have as much to offer by way of golf and other activities as Hilton Head Island. When looking for places to stay on Hilton Head, expect to pay more than you would in the surrounding areas; however, it is worth the extra money to experience the island’s beauty and activities. Several rental companies can provide great lodging referrals and reservations to fit most budgets. Island Getaway, a vacation rental company, has access to numerous locations and the staff are friendly, courteous and willing to assist with any question or concern.
Everyone has different shopping tastes and Hilton Head Island has something for everyone. From the Shelter Cove Mall, which contains a Saks Off 5th Avenue and other national stores, to the outlet malls just off the island, to the numerous boutiques and shops throughout, no shopping taste will go unsatisfied.
For golfers, Golf Outfitters and Golf Headquarters are two popular Hilton Head Island golf shops. The two golf retailers have a full selection of golf equipment from Adams, to Callaway, to Taylor Made. Both also offer golf club rental and golf equipment rental in case you can't bring your clubs along.
In short, if anyone in your family loves golf, Hilton Head Island is a great choice for your next family vacation. The golfers and non-golfers alike will have a spectacular time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
How an iPhone App Can Save a Golf Vacation
Has this ever happened to you on vacation? You're in the middle of a golf round when a storm rolls in. After taking shelter, you wait and wait, then wait some more in hopes it will blow on through.
With the RadarScope iPhone application from Base Velocity, you no longer have to wait without knowing. You'll know whether to start getting warmed up for the remainder of your round, or pack it in and take the family on an unplanned adventure.
The RadarScope allows you to browse NOAA's public NEXRAD Level 3 data feed. It can display the latest base reflectivity, base velocity, and storm relative velocity data from any NEXRAD radar site in the lower 48 United States. As Base Velocity puts it, "These aren't smoothed PNG or GIF images, this is real Level 3 radar data rendered in its original radial format for a high level of detail."
You can zoom in or out, drag your finger around the screen to change your viewing area, look at the historical loop to determine where a storm is going, and see any of 25,000 cities and towns.
RadarScope is available from the iPhone App Store for $9.99. One of the coolest, most useful golf gadgets you can buy.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sea Island's World Class Golf
Once home to most of the world's wealth, Sea Island, Georgia is still rich in golf, lodging and style. A golf vacation to Sea Island Resort will be more than memorable.
Recently ranked number one in Golf Digest's Best Golf Resorts in North America, the Sea Island Resort, situated on both Sea Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia boasts three 18-hole golf courses: Seaside, Plantation and Retreat. As you will see, it will be a wonderful golf vacation.
The Seaside Course, built in 1929, is 7,005 yard and rated at 73.8. The course underwent an update in 1999, which was conducted by famed architect Tom Fazio. Situated at the southern tip of the island, it is a true seaside links course and is a must-play for your golf vacation. It places a premium on shot selection, ability to recover and putting. Among the several awards Seaside has received are listings in the Golf Digest Magazine's America's 100 Greatest Public-Access Golf Courses 2005-2006, number one in Golf for Women Magazine's Top 50 Golf Courses in America for Women 2004, and Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the U.S. 2005. Regular rates range from $230 to $260.
The Plantation Course is a 1928 Dick Wilson Design. The Plantation has also undergone a recent redesign, having been updated in 1998 by Rees Jones. The course measures 7,058 yards and has a rating of 74.7. The Plantation course has become renowned for it's expansive fairways and views of the Atlantic Ocean. It was named Golfweek Magazine's America's Top 100 Resort Courses 2005, and received honorable mention for Golf Magazine's Top 100 Public-Access Courses - 2000. Regular rates range from $180 to $210.
The Retreat Course is a 7,106 yard, 73.9 rated design of resident touring professional and former PGA Champion Davis Love, III. Davis has lent his own distinct architectural style to this delightful golf course. Generous fairways wind their way through the islands forest. Water is a well-known feature of the Retreat Course, coming into play on nine holes. Many Sea Island regulars consider the Retreat their favorite and recommend it during a golf vacation. Regular rates range from $180 to $210.
The golf at Sea Island Resort is only one part of a great golf vacation experience. The resort has four types of accommodation from which guests can choose. The Cloister, serving the most discerning guest since opening in 1928, features guest rooms in a main building and in the Ocean House. Beautiful views are a hallmark of The Cloister. The Cloister was listed as Condé Nast Traveler, 2006 Gold List World’s Best Places to Stay.
The Lodge is a classic retreat with 40 guest-rooms and suites, most of which have views of the Atlantic Ocean. Spacious rooms feature rich wood furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, overstuffed chairs, hardwood floors and a fantastic amenity, the butler service. Awards include T+L 500 World’s Best Hotels, Travel + Leisure 2006 and Condé Nast Traveler, 2006, Gold List Best by Rooms, United States.
The Cottages and Cabin Bluff are truly homes away from home. Both are as wonderfully appointed as The Cloister and The Lodge, but they also have the added feature of greater privacy. Cabin Bluff is intended for truly large parties, 20 to 40 persons. Although the resort accommodations are a bit expensive, $400 to $600 at The Cloister, a bit cheaper at The Lodge, the experience is well worth the money. A better, more memorable golf vacation will be hard to find.
Recently ranked number one in Golf Digest's Best Golf Resorts in North America, the Sea Island Resort, situated on both Sea Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia boasts three 18-hole golf courses: Seaside, Plantation and Retreat. As you will see, it will be a wonderful golf vacation.
The Seaside Course, built in 1929, is 7,005 yard and rated at 73.8. The course underwent an update in 1999, which was conducted by famed architect Tom Fazio. Situated at the southern tip of the island, it is a true seaside links course and is a must-play for your golf vacation. It places a premium on shot selection, ability to recover and putting. Among the several awards Seaside has received are listings in the Golf Digest Magazine's America's 100 Greatest Public-Access Golf Courses 2005-2006, number one in Golf for Women Magazine's Top 50 Golf Courses in America for Women 2004, and Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the U.S. 2005. Regular rates range from $230 to $260.
The Plantation Course is a 1928 Dick Wilson Design. The Plantation has also undergone a recent redesign, having been updated in 1998 by Rees Jones. The course measures 7,058 yards and has a rating of 74.7. The Plantation course has become renowned for it's expansive fairways and views of the Atlantic Ocean. It was named Golfweek Magazine's America's Top 100 Resort Courses 2005, and received honorable mention for Golf Magazine's Top 100 Public-Access Courses - 2000. Regular rates range from $180 to $210.
The Retreat Course is a 7,106 yard, 73.9 rated design of resident touring professional and former PGA Champion Davis Love, III. Davis has lent his own distinct architectural style to this delightful golf course. Generous fairways wind their way through the islands forest. Water is a well-known feature of the Retreat Course, coming into play on nine holes. Many Sea Island regulars consider the Retreat their favorite and recommend it during a golf vacation. Regular rates range from $180 to $210.
The golf at Sea Island Resort is only one part of a great golf vacation experience. The resort has four types of accommodation from which guests can choose. The Cloister, serving the most discerning guest since opening in 1928, features guest rooms in a main building and in the Ocean House. Beautiful views are a hallmark of The Cloister. The Cloister was listed as Condé Nast Traveler, 2006 Gold List World’s Best Places to Stay.
The Lodge is a classic retreat with 40 guest-rooms and suites, most of which have views of the Atlantic Ocean. Spacious rooms feature rich wood furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, overstuffed chairs, hardwood floors and a fantastic amenity, the butler service. Awards include T+L 500 World’s Best Hotels, Travel + Leisure 2006 and Condé Nast Traveler, 2006, Gold List Best by Rooms, United States.
The Cottages and Cabin Bluff are truly homes away from home. Both are as wonderfully appointed as The Cloister and The Lodge, but they also have the added feature of greater privacy. Cabin Bluff is intended for truly large parties, 20 to 40 persons. Although the resort accommodations are a bit expensive, $400 to $600 at The Cloister, a bit cheaper at The Lodge, the experience is well worth the money. A better, more memorable golf vacation will be hard to find.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Druids Glen Resort: The Augusta National of Europe
The beauty of Ireland is shown with splendor by Druids Glen golf course in full bloom. An Ireland golf vacation wouldn't be complete without a trip to this Irish gem.
It's widely believed that most golf courses in Ireland, Scotland and England are not as lavishly landscaped as many U.S. courses. There, hosts of seaside links courses draw their character and beauty from their setting and history. Druids Glen is not your traditional links course, in fact, it isn't a links course at all. When compared to other premier British Isles and Irish golf courses, it is a mere infant.
The golf course, an inland parkland course, opened to much acclaim in 1995. Often referred to as "The Augusta of Europe," the flora and fauna of the Glen provide a magnificent and colorful backdrop to a championship golf course. It's forests and streams produce a haven for wildlife in what was once a home to the Druids of pre-Christian Ireland.
Within a surprisingly short time after opening, Druids Glen began hosting the Murphys Irish Open. It held the tournament from 1996 to 1999, and was the host venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002. Golfers of worldwide renown such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia, who recorded his first professional victory there, have conquered their foes at Druids Glen.
In Druids Glen, course Designers Pat Ruddy, designer of The European Club, and Tom Craddock have provided golfers with a thrilling golf experience, set amidst a beautifully manicured landscape. Voted European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the par 71 course measures 7,046 yards.
The difficulty of the course is matched only by the difficulty in picking the best holes. Many players choose the 13th hole, a par four ranked as the toughest hole on the course. The 13th begins with an elevated tee to a fairway bounded by a stream on the right and forest on the left. Players with substantial fortitude can make a play for the green on the second shot, at great potential peril, as it must be played over water. Every hole at Druids Glen isn't as demanding as the 13th, but all are surely challenging and reflective of the Ireland in the minds eye of people who have never visited the isle.
Green fees at Druids Glen are typically the same for weekdays and weekends: €175 ($1US = € .54 IEP). With a member, the cost drops to €60. Visitors on their Ireland golf trip can also expect a great pro shop, great food, club rental and a driving range.
Combining golf at Druids Glen with a stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club can save money add five-star accommodations. Several Druids Glen Ireland golf packages are available for guests. For example, the Escape! Golf Package includes two rounds of golf and hotel stay for €243 per person, per night. Essentially, guests choosing that package get a five-star Irish hotel for around $100.
If time permits on your Ireland golf vacation, playing other courses may be the order of the day. Guests of the Druids Glen Marriot are within a short distance of Druids Heath (also part of the Druids Glen property), The European Club, Arklow Bay Golf Club, Wicklow Golf Club and Charlesland Golf Club.
An Ireland golf vacation doesn't get any better than the beauty and fantastic golf at Druids Glen.
It's widely believed that most golf courses in Ireland, Scotland and England are not as lavishly landscaped as many U.S. courses. There, hosts of seaside links courses draw their character and beauty from their setting and history. Druids Glen is not your traditional links course, in fact, it isn't a links course at all. When compared to other premier British Isles and Irish golf courses, it is a mere infant.
The golf course, an inland parkland course, opened to much acclaim in 1995. Often referred to as "The Augusta of Europe," the flora and fauna of the Glen provide a magnificent and colorful backdrop to a championship golf course. It's forests and streams produce a haven for wildlife in what was once a home to the Druids of pre-Christian Ireland.
Within a surprisingly short time after opening, Druids Glen began hosting the Murphys Irish Open. It held the tournament from 1996 to 1999, and was the host venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002. Golfers of worldwide renown such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia, who recorded his first professional victory there, have conquered their foes at Druids Glen.
In Druids Glen, course Designers Pat Ruddy, designer of The European Club, and Tom Craddock have provided golfers with a thrilling golf experience, set amidst a beautifully manicured landscape. Voted European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the par 71 course measures 7,046 yards.
The difficulty of the course is matched only by the difficulty in picking the best holes. Many players choose the 13th hole, a par four ranked as the toughest hole on the course. The 13th begins with an elevated tee to a fairway bounded by a stream on the right and forest on the left. Players with substantial fortitude can make a play for the green on the second shot, at great potential peril, as it must be played over water. Every hole at Druids Glen isn't as demanding as the 13th, but all are surely challenging and reflective of the Ireland in the minds eye of people who have never visited the isle.
Green fees at Druids Glen are typically the same for weekdays and weekends: €175 ($1US = € .54 IEP). With a member, the cost drops to €60. Visitors on their Ireland golf trip can also expect a great pro shop, great food, club rental and a driving range.
Combining golf at Druids Glen with a stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club can save money add five-star accommodations. Several Druids Glen Ireland golf packages are available for guests. For example, the Escape! Golf Package includes two rounds of golf and hotel stay for €243 per person, per night. Essentially, guests choosing that package get a five-star Irish hotel for around $100.
If time permits on your Ireland golf vacation, playing other courses may be the order of the day. Guests of the Druids Glen Marriot are within a short distance of Druids Heath (also part of the Druids Glen property), The European Club, Arklow Bay Golf Club, Wicklow Golf Club and Charlesland Golf Club.
An Ireland golf vacation doesn't get any better than the beauty and fantastic golf at Druids Glen.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Ireland Golf at Druids Glen Golf Resort
Everyone interested in Ireland travel has that perfect picture of the Emerald Isle in their minds eye. Ireland golf at Druids Glen Golf Resort will meet most every person's expectations
Set amid Ireland's gorgeous parklands, the resort has two great courses: Druids Glen, widely known as the "Augusta of Europe"; and Druids Heath.
The Druids Glen course has been home to great tournaments and great champions, such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia. Garcia won his first professional tournament at Druids Glen.
Visitors to this spectacular Irish Golf Resort can stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club. Give Druids Glen a look when planning your Ireland golf vacation. It's truly something to see.
Set amid Ireland's gorgeous parklands, the resort has two great courses: Druids Glen, widely known as the "Augusta of Europe"; and Druids Heath.
The Druids Glen course has been home to great tournaments and great champions, such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia. Garcia won his first professional tournament at Druids Glen.
Visitors to this spectacular Irish Golf Resort can stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club. Give Druids Glen a look when planning your Ireland golf vacation. It's truly something to see.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Jekyll Island Kid’s Golf Tournament
In the 1980’s, the classic television program YOU ASKED FOR IT aired a unique feature on kid’s golf that still sticks in my mind, 25 years after first seeing it. What was striking about this episode was that it pointed out the fact that there is an unfortunate stereotype that golf is strictly an adult game. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth!
In reality, golf can be greatly enjoyed by kids and it can instill in a child all the benefits and positives that a hobby requiring skill and strategy possesses. Those attributes can carry over into many areas in adulthood.
Probably the best way of bringing out the best in a junior golfer would be entering the youngster in a prestigious golf tournament such as the 2008 U.S. Kid's Golf Jekyll Island Cup, which will be held in February in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Not only is this a prestigious and fun tournament, it is also located in one of the best vacation areas in all of Georgia! Jekyll Island boasts a ton of vacationing attributes, such as being a beautiful resort area that provides a host of beautiful beaches and other activities for the whole family to enjoy when not golfing.
This is a wonderful vacation destination that deserves a closer look.
In reality, golf can be greatly enjoyed by kids and it can instill in a child all the benefits and positives that a hobby requiring skill and strategy possesses. Those attributes can carry over into many areas in adulthood.
Probably the best way of bringing out the best in a junior golfer would be entering the youngster in a prestigious golf tournament such as the 2008 U.S. Kid's Golf Jekyll Island Cup, which will be held in February in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Not only is this a prestigious and fun tournament, it is also located in one of the best vacation areas in all of Georgia! Jekyll Island boasts a ton of vacationing attributes, such as being a beautiful resort area that provides a host of beautiful beaches and other activities for the whole family to enjoy when not golfing.
This is a wonderful vacation destination that deserves a closer look.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Pinehurst Golf Resort, Great for Families
The Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina is home to one of golf's most famous courses and the fantastic resort that is it's home, Pinehurst Golf Resort.
In addition to the golf, the resort is a fantastic family destination. According to Pinehurst's Resort Services staff, they offer babysitting for the youngest, "The cost for 1 or 2 children is $20 per hour and increases with the number of children. There is a 4-hour minimum charge and the fee is billed to your room. The babysitters are certified and quite wonderful...We also have a KidsClub between Memorial Day and Labor Day (every day except Sunday) for children ages 3 - 12. The daily hours are 9am-4pm."
Family-friendly golf, called Family Fairways, a 200-acre lake for boating, Teen Adventure Camp, beach club, KidSpa, junior tennis and much more highlight a great time for the kids. Visit their website for the complete list of kids activities, as well as the tons of things mom and dad can do.
In addition to the golf, the resort is a fantastic family destination. According to Pinehurst's Resort Services staff, they offer babysitting for the youngest, "The cost for 1 or 2 children is $20 per hour and increases with the number of children. There is a 4-hour minimum charge and the fee is billed to your room. The babysitters are certified and quite wonderful...We also have a KidsClub between Memorial Day and Labor Day (every day except Sunday) for children ages 3 - 12. The daily hours are 9am-4pm."
Family-friendly golf, called Family Fairways, a 200-acre lake for boating, Teen Adventure Camp, beach club, KidSpa, junior tennis and much more highlight a great time for the kids. Visit their website for the complete list of kids activities, as well as the tons of things mom and dad can do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
