Pinehurst's Carolina Hotel

Certainly, there's great golf to be played in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The Pinehurst Resort is just as fabulous. But a golf trip to one of the top places to play in the USA can, and possibly should, include The Carolina Hotel.

As this article by GolfBrief.com writer Stuart Hall proves, The Carolina Hotel is A Modern Step Back in Time. In a good way, of course.

New England Golf at Mt. Washington Golf Course

New Hampshire is a truly underrated destination for golf travel, but those familiar with this state’s golfing culture will probably point out the grandeur of the Mount Washington Golf Course, a course that first opened its doors way back in 1915 and has kept visitors happy ever since. Located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, this is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States as it rests among a landscape of colossal boulders and incredible flower gardens. Fall golf doesn't get much more breathtaking that in New England and Mt. Washington G.C.

There is also a fun miniature golf course in proximity to the “full sized” golf range so if you are bringing your family along this may prove to be a really fun destination. As such, if you are planning a fall golf excursion to New England this is definitely a spot to consider.

Celebrity Golf in Lake Tahoe

If you are a sports fan then have probably seen Chris Chandler perform at his bets of the gridiron and you have probably also seen Charles Barkley dazzle people on the basketball court. But have you ever seen them on the green?

If not, you may wish to consider a golf trip to see the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship that will be held in Lake Tahoe, NV in July of 2008. Sponsored by NBC this is one of the most celebrated celebrity golf tournaments in the United States and Lake Tahoe boasts a number of tourist attractions that the whole family will enjoy. So, if you make one golf vacation in ’08, this is definitely the one!

Glacier National Park Golf Trip

When it comes to states that are best known for golfing, most people think of California and Florida, but one of the most underrated locations for a golfing vacation is Glacier National Park in Montana.

Yes, Montana has gained quite a bit of exposure lately due to the fact that many movie stars have moved there and this has also had the ancillary effect of spotlighting other areas of popularity in the state – golf courses being major attractions. Glacier National Park also has a number of activities for the whole family such as hiking, bird watching, rafting, etc., so a trip to Montana for a golf excursion can be a truly well rounded affair.

TPC Boston for the Deutsche Bank Championship

Continuing the tour of the PGA TOUR's Fedex Cup Playoffs venues is the third of four tournament stops, TPC Boston.

The Deutsche Bank Championship takes place next week, August 31-September 3. Although this wouldn't be the time of year to try and play the course, it should be considered one of the "places to play before you die."

A beautiful setting and tour-caliber course is all the avid golfer can ask. TPC Boston has those things, as well as a wide variety of family activities, from historic places to kid friendly activities.

Have a look at TPC Boston.

The Definitive Packing List for a Guys Golf Trip

How about taking a golf trip, for two days or 10 days, and being certain you have everything you need. Everything is packed for the course, for dinner, for everything. Well, keep this checklist and you'll be set.

• Money - Cash, credit/ATM cards, and checks (just in case they don't take cards)

• Plenty of golf balls - Don't wait until you get to the course, or you'll have to empty your wallet and bank account.

• Plenty of tees - No one likes to get to the 1st tee box and realize they don't have tees.

• Cool divot tool - Just makes you look like you can play, even when you maybe can't.

• Sunscreen - No matter who you are, for or five hours in the sun is bad without protection.

• Power/protein bars - Pack them in your golf bag and forget about it. You're stomach will remind you when it's time.

• Two bottles of water (at least) - Again, you will be reminded at the right time.

• Golf towel and one extra - If it's hot, that bottled water and an extra towel will come in handy to keep grips and hands sweat-free.

• Rain gear - If you pack rain gear, you can be assured it won't rain.

• Golf shoes

• Golf clubs - Don't forget those.

Take clothes for the course and a change for afterwards, for each day of the trip. Remember, weather appropriate.

Now for the things we always forget one or more of:

• Underwear for each day, maybe some extras
• Socks (for golf and otherwise)
• Belts
• Shoes (casual and event-appropriate)
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Toothbrush
• Tootpaste
• Hair brush/comb
• Tylenol/Aspirin/Excedrin, etc.
• Shampoo/soap (travel size)

Pretty comprehensive list. Minimal baggage required and you're prepared for California or Maine or anywhere in between. If you think of anything else, post a comment.

Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Packages

Save some money at one of Orlando's and Florida's top, new destination hotels with one of two golf packages: Deluxe Golf; and Golfer's Retreat.

Available August through December 2007, The "Deluxe Golf" package offer golfers the best of Central Florida golf experiences and starts at $181 per night, single occupancy and $240 per night, double occupancy (inclusive of tax and subject to availability) and includes: Luxury accommodations (among the largest guestrooms in Central Florida at 436 gross sq. ft.) One round of golf per person at Shingle Creek Golf Club, golf cart, range balls, GPS, club cleaning, locker and storage Breakfast buffet per person at Café Osceola Complimentary scheduled shuttle based on availability and discounted tickets to Sea World and Universal Orlando Optional one-hour lesson at the onsite Brad Brewer Golf Academy for an additional $130 per person.

The "Golfer's Retreat" package offers world-class golf followed by a relaxing respite at the hotel's 13,000 square foot spa and an evening of culinary delights at Cala Bella. This package is based on a two-night minimum and starts at $606 single occupancy and $968 double occupancy (inclusive of tax and subject to availability) and includes:

Luxury accommodations (among the largest guestrooms in Central Florida) One round of golf per person at Shingle Creek Golf Club, golf cart, range balls, GPS, club cleaning, locker and storage, breakfast buffet each day per person at Café Osceola, lunch one day per person, dinner one evening per person at Cala Bella, the hotel's Italian fine dining bistro, one Shingle Creek Golfer's Delight per person, a massage created specifically for golfers, in which heated golf balls are used to relieve any discomfort and to restore proper balance and flexibility, special golf amenity per person, complimentary shuttle based on availability and discounted tickets to Sea World and Universal Orlando, optional one-hour lesson at the onsite Brad Brewer Golf Academy for an additional $130 per person.

Wow!

The course, which opened in December 2003, features undulating fairways and interconnecting waterways bordered by the natural backdrop of dense oaks and pines along historic Shingle Creek. The club has received numerous awards including "Top 100 Golf Shop" designation from Golf World magazine and the "Greens of Distinction" from Corporate Incentive & Travel magazine. Most recently Brad Brewer, who heads Shingle Creek's renowned Brad Brewer Golf Academy offering first-rate golf instruction including computerized swing analysis, was named one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers for 2007-2008.

Wow!

The 1,500-room resort is conveniently located at 9939 Universal Blvd., just off the International Drive tourist district and ten minutes from the Orlando International Airport.

A golfer's dream.

Golfers Take Note, American Vacation Planning Habits

This article, "Travel: Vacations--Why We Go Where We Go", published today in The Wire, a Golf Press Association publication, explains the result of a recent survey of 1,000 vacationers.

One of the most interesting stats was that 66% of respondents said that place was the determining factor when deciding on a vacation. Interestingly, vacation packages were most popular among the 18-34 age range.

The article contains a number of other statistics that would be of use to vacation planners. Give the article a look. It should be useful in planning the next golf or family vacation. At least see the things other people find important.

Sea Island, Georgia's Fabulous Golf

Sea Island and St. Simon's Island, Georgia was once the playground of the world's richest people. It has been said that at one time, early last century, one-sixth of the world's wealth was centered on those islands. Although it has become disbursed, they have retained the beaty and allure that brought people there in the first place. The golf is just as spectacular.

According to Suite101.com Golf, "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." These courses each provide their own beauty and challenges and there's something for every golfer, including gators.

Yet, the golf is only the beginning. The Sea Island Resort will make you feel as though you are one of thewealthy people from long ago. You can choose as your lodging either The Cloister, The Lodge, The Cottages or Cabin Bluff, each with their own special feel and each fitting different needs.

Follow this link to the resort website and find out for yourselves how beautiful coastal Georgia can be.

Golf at Kings Island

One of the most entertaining family getaways is a visit to Paramount's Kings Island, a theme park near Cincinnati, Ohio. But, the park is only the beginning of the fun.

Recently voted the best theme park in the Midwest for families, Kings Island has something for the whole family. Nickelodeon Universe is for the wee ones and has 18 rides, a Dora the Explorer live show, and a great place to cool off in Sponge Bob's Bikini Bottom Bash. a

There are other live shows, tons of rides and great food, but the roller coasters are unequalled. From the new Firehawk to the old standard that many call the best coaster in the world, The Beast, which is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world.

For the golfers, there's the Golf Center at Kings Island. Featuring two Jack Nicklaus designed courses (the championship Grizzly and the family oriented Bruin), and a state of the art practice facility. The center is open to the public, but has all the feel and amenities of a country club: pro shop, locker room, restaurant, grille, sports bar, as well as meeting and banquet rooms.

A great place to stay near the park and the golf center is the Marriot Cincinnati Northeast. The hotel is well appointed. The rooms have brand new, large flat-screen TV's, and the beds are the most comfortable ever. The hotel's restaurant staff are also very much in tune to guest needs. Two pools and a fitness room add to the allure of the hotel. The Marriot Northeast is less than five miles from the park. It's also near all the shopping anyone could ever want to do.

Even though they're having a bad season, but coming on strong lately, taking in a Cincinnati Reds game is essential. The park is only about 20 miles from Great American Ballpark, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Reds. Great American is something to behold.

Cincinnati has it all. The best part? It's close to Kentucky.

Golf in Alaska? Now's the Time!

Don't be so surprised. Summer is a great time of year in Alaska. Beautiful weather, long days and great golf.

Ranked as Golf Digest's Top-Rated Golf Course for Alaska for 2005-2006 was Eagleglen Golf Course in Elmendorf Afb, Alaska, near Anchorage. The course is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design an opened in 1971. According to player reviews, the scenery of the course is virtually unmatched and it is a course every level of player would enjoy.

Wouldn't some great golf go well with a memorable summer Alaskan cruise? Sure, it would. Pack the family and the sticks and head north!

Three Best Locations for an Autumn Golf Vacation

It seems like summer has just started, but fall is just a few weeks away. If you're planning a fall vacation, you'll find the best weather in these locations:

1. Northern Ohio, United States - Although not typically a vacation hot-spot, the Cleveland area has a great golfing tradition. There are several courses to play and tons of other activities. The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper lists 117 golf courses in Northern Ohio. The weather will be turning a bit cooler, but that is always a good time to play.
2. November is the rainy season for San Diego, California; however, the average one-inch of November rain typically comes mostly during only one or two days. As a result, chances for a rain-free golf outing are very good. The lack of rain and temperatures around 70°F will give the golf traveler the chance to play Torrey Pines Country Club, site of memorable PGA Tour events, or many other clubs and courses in the area.
3. December weather in Sydney, Australia is spectacular. The beginning of the Australian summer sees daytime temperatures averaging 77°F/25°C. With more than 340 days per year without rain, you'll probably not see a single drop.

Of course, great golf can be found anywhere. If you're taking the family, just make sure there's lots of fun stuff to do.

Ryder Cup Golf Packages

It is never too early to plan the family golf trip of a lifetime. As we mentioned in an earlier post, the Ryder Cup Matches return to the United States next year. They'll take place at Louisville, Kentucky's Valhalla Golf Club.

Suite Golf Travel has discovered a travel company, Premier Golf Classic Destinations, that has been the official travel company of the Ryder Cup. They offer tons of information and packages for a weekend or longer trip to the Ryder Cup next September.

Take a look at their website, get their brochure and give them a call to receive information about where to stay and what to do while in Louisville.

More as the matches get closer.

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.

Hilton Head Golf Vacation

Sitting in the condo in Hilton Head, South Carolina's Palmetto Dunes area during a breezy mid-June evening gives the golf traveler the sensation that there aren't too many better places in the South.

Palmetto Dunes has a Robert Trent Jones Course, an Arthur Hills Course and a George Fazio Course; all beautiful and fabulous tracks in their own rights. They are all also within just a few minutes of one another, and the beach.

The weather in Hilton Head this June, as during most years, is not too hot, nor is it too cold. The water is perfect and the kids are having a blast at the beach and pool. Hilton Head being a relatively small island, all the activities are well within driving, or biking, distance. Shelter Cove, which is only across the street, has fireworks on Tuesday evenings and lots of other activities for the kids.

Bring the family. It's worth the trip, no matter where you are.

Go Ahead, Rent Golf Clubs When You Get There

When you’re on a family vacation, it’s not always prudent to pack your big ole golf bag. The kids have their stuff, the spouse has his/her stuff, and they’re the priority. Right? Right.

Not to worry. You can rent great clubs when you arrive at your destination. Just don’t look in the traditional places, the resort or golf club. If you do, you’ll be paying more than you should.

A Hilton Head Island vacation will provide plenty of opportunity for golf. Many of the courses provide rental clubs at upwards of $25 to $50 per round; however, if you look to some of the areas golf equipment retail stores or sporting goods stores, you can get a much better deal.

Golf Outfitters, a Hilton Head golf store, offers complete golf club set rental for $25 per day or $100 per week. With Golf Outfitters, you can choose from a variety of new, used and demo sets. Golf Headquarters rents generic club sets for $20 per day and $10 for each day thereafter. (Source: WorldGolf.com)

So, don’t let the golf courses you play hit you for more money than they already get. Spend the money you save on a new boogie board for the kids.

Family Golf Getaway to Florida's Gulf Coast

How about a Florida golf getaway with more activities for the kids than you can imagine?

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, on northwest Florida's Gulf Coast near Destin, is possibly the best choice you can make year round.

First, the golf. The resort, which has been listed in Golf Magazine’s Top 75 Golf Resorts in America, has four courses; Raven Golf Club (home to the Champions Tour Boeing Championship), Burnt Pine Golf Club; Baytowne Golf Club and The Links Course. The courses were designed by some of the foremost golf architects and present a challenge to any golfer.

For the kids, there’s any number of activities that will keep them entertained for several days. The younger kids and teens will enjoy Euro Bungy, the rock wall, Jolee Island (a pirate ship playground, junior tennis, junior golf and much more. The teens will find the weekly free concerts are a happening place to meet friends and listen to great tunes. With different hangouts and a numerous scheduled activities, all of your kids will be glad you decided on the Sandestin Resort.

If shopping is the thing, there are tons of specialty boutiques and shops nearby the resort. There’s also the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the Southeast’s largest outlet center. Silver Sands has over 100 specialty designer shops and name brand factory stores. If you can’t find in Destin, it can’t be found.

If you want to find other things to do in the area, assuming you have time, here are some pre-planned ideas.

Believe us, you can’t go wrong with the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The kids will love you for it, and you’ll love the golf.

Family, Fun and Golf in Hershey, PA

The whole family will have some great memories of your golf trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania's Hershey Lodge.

The Hershey Lodge offers something for everyone in the family. First, the golf.

Guests have access to Hershey Country Club. Golf enthusiasts may recall that Ben Hogan was the head professional at Hershey C.C. from '41 to '50. The club has three courses of varying design and character.

If more of a family golf setting is what you need, there is also a local nine-hole course perfect for mom, dad and the kids.

The Lodge, and Hershey itself, has lots for the kids to do. At the Lodge, kids can enjoy the pool, gameroom, playground and a "Dive-In" Movie during the summer months. Guests of the hotel also receive special deals on tickets to Hersheypark, the area's main attraction.



Guests also have access to The Spa at the Hotel Hershey, a full-service spa that allows guests to be pampered with every modern luxury. From a variety of spa treatments to fitness activities, the list of possibilities is almost endless.

Rates at the Hershey Lodge start around $279 and can go to around $550 during the peak summer season. There are also several golf, golf and spa and spa getaway packages.

This is simply a can't loose golf and spa vacation.

In the alternative, here is a great Hershey family fun trip that includes a little golf and a lot of fun. Tripwiser.com offers multiple ideas for trips to the Hershey area.

Kid Friendly Lodging Near the U.S. Open!

Even at this late date, with the U.S. Open starting on next Thursday, family-friendly lodging can still be found in the Pittsburgh/Oakmont area.

If you are looking for facilities with child care, your choices are limited. Extremely limited. Don't fret, because Suite Golf Travel has located at least one great hotel with what you need.

Pittsburgh's Wyndham Garden Hotel-University Place, offers a great place to stay for the traveling family. If the children are too small to spend a day or multiple days at the U.S. Open, the Wyndham Garden Hotel offers child care services. Rates run from $269 per night during the week of June 11-17.

It is located near the center of Pittsburgh, only a short distance from the U.S. Open location in Oakmont, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

It would be a good idea to contact the hotel a soon as possible if you want to make the Open and take the family. There are a few other reputable places to stay in Pittsburgh during U.S. Open week, but not with everything the family needs.

If the spouse and children don't particularly like golf, Tripwiser.com has some fantastic ideas for things to do in the Pittsburgh area. While you're at the Open, you'll know they're having fun!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Golf Travel

If you know where to look, a golf getaway or golf vacation can include the whole family. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a fabulous place for everyone, including the golfer.

If your spouse doesn’t play and doesn’t understand why anyone would want to chase a little ball around a big field, Myrtle Beach offers more fabulous accommodations, spas, resorts, beaches and shopping in one geographic location than anywhere on the United States’ Eastern Seaboard.
The kids won’t be able to decide what to do next! There are so many activities that they couldn’t possibly do everything in a month.

The golf? Dozens of championship courses dot the Grand Strand. Courses designed by every big name in the course design hall of fame can be found in the Myrtle Beach area. The hardest thing will be deciding which to play.

Take a look at what Myrtle Beach has to offer at Tripwiser.com.